86 GT Wondering good performance?

Back Seat Driver · 11-02-2001, 04:37 PM

All right . Fist off , If you came to help me out thanx.

My question. How good of performance will you get off a 86GT. I like the ShovelNose style ( i know they are slower than the 1987-1993 GT) But will they be a good performing car for, Street driving , Strip Racing, and just all around driving. And will it be to much power for a NEW driver?

Thanx for all your help

Mr 5 0 · 11-02-2001, 09:23 PM

The 1986 Mustang GT delivered quarter-mile performance in the high 15-second range with 0-60 mph at around 7.5 seconds when it was new.

You'll be lucky to find a totally stock '86 GT now as they are almost 16 years old.

The 1986 GT was a great Mustang but the heads were restrictive and cost HP, which is why Ford dumped them for the E7 'truck' heads in '87, when 1/4 mile performance dipped to the mid-14's.

As a first car, any V-8 Mustang is risky because the power - combined with the tendency of any powerful RWD car to fishtail - makes a Mustang 5.0 a poor choice for a totally inexperienced driver to start out with. In my opinion, not recommended.

Vector · 11-03-2001, 02:14 AM

For a person to start out with, yes. But if that person has been through drivers ed or has been driving another vehicle for a couple months, then a Mustang is no problem. Believe me, I know from personal experience

Mr 5 0 · 11-03-2001, 11:40 AM

Vector

It's just an opinion but I have to disagree with you based on real-life observation of drivers with a few months experience and no clue as to what happens when you floor the gas pedal on a V-8 Mustang on a damp road or try to enter a 40 mph turn at 70 and hit the brake in the middle of it as the car begins to slide. I've seen the wrecks.

I've also read many posts right here on this forum where guys related stories about wiping out perfectly good 'Stangs due to driving mistakes made in ignorance or just screwing around and finding out the hard way that a Mustang isn't a toy to play with and can 'get away from you' very easily.

Everybody - including me - thinks they're a great driver. I thought so when I had three months experience behind the wheel and I think so now, some years (and accidents) later. I've never seen or heard anyone claim they were a lousy driver, especially Mustang owners. That doesn't mean a thing.

My opinion is that a V-8 Mustang is too much power for an inexperienced driver, especially if you're used to FWD 4-cylinder cars and jump to a V-8 powered, RWD car. My suggestion is that you buy and drive a slower RWD vehicle for awile (T-Bird, pickup truck, etc) then 'graduate' to a Mustang.

Of course, anybody can do as they please. I'm simply offering my opnion - which was asked for - based on my observations and experience. I realize that many of our members have driven a Mustang as a first car without incident; I just can't recommend it.

RAGE_5.0 · 11-03-2001, 04:46 PM

well back seat driver is my brother.....he knows that they are not to good in rain because i tell him that it slides the *** end...i think mostly do to the bald tires that wore since i got my license oct 11...i don't drive careless or to fast but i just like spinning them.....i have had it sideways in the rain not on purpose and it isn't fun......IMO if u hgo from a slow rwd car then try and do wut u used to do in ur tbird or truck then u can get in just as much trouble.....it all depends on the person though imo
i am not a daredevil and never have been....i don't do anything stupid
if i scare myself doing something i don't do it again

JAMES

------------------
Black 1990 gt cobra bonestock
not for long

Unit 5302 · 11-03-2001, 04:57 PM

I agree with the idea that it's all about the driver, and everybody is different. The general rule is, like Mr 5.0 was trying to relay is, it's not a good idea. Some people can handle it better than others, but you won't know until you put yourself into the bind.

I have to disagree with the stock performance capabilities of the 86GT. With a real good driver I've seen people posting ultra high 14's to low 15's. The deal with the 86's is that's where they stay. There are so many more mods that need to be made on those cars as they are already maxxed combos. Good heads cannot be placed on without new pistons. You'll need an intake, throttle body, heads, and pistons to do a cam. A weak intake and throttle body limit any modifications. Basically, for later performance, it's probably better to change the entire engine and sell the one you have.

tireburner163 · 11-04-2001, 04:10 PM

beginer driver + a decent amount of torque + a posi = trouble

I had to learn from experience about this. I nearly wiped out my brother's GT the first time he let me drive it. I didn't make the same mistake twice.

------------------
THE SLO PONY
1992 Ford Mustand LX. 2.3 liter four-banger, auto. Future mods: V-8 swap.

Fly it loud, Fly it proud!!!

If it ain't broke, you ain't tryin hard enough

Vector · 11-04-2001, 10:01 PM

I guess you are right Mr 5 0, a lot of young kids these days are not very good drivers. I have seen my friends fail the test 2 or 3 times in a row, and that worries me a little when I drive with them

. Maybe they should introduce an affordable performance driving course? I passed on my first try easily, so I do consider myself to be a better driver than most. Also I currently drive a RWD V-8 pickup, and have frequently driven our '92 Mustang as well. I feel more confident in the Mustang actually, because I have understeered badly a couple times in the pickup, where I almost whent into a fence or something :O. I like the oversteer handling of the mustang better, as it seems like you can actually do something about it when the tail kicks out, through corrective steering.

I do know one thing, however. I'm buying a 'stang, no if ands or buts about it!

Stang Runner · 11-04-2001, 10:34 PM

Ever since I was 14 I have been around fast cars older friends and I know it shounds dumb but I think many hours of Racing Games I think help. Got the stang after I was 17. And I drove alot of miles before I took my drivers test well over 3,000miles the tester said I was the best person she had drove with in 2 years, perfect score.

------------------
Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, Home ported Lower Intake, No power steering, No A/C
Drive Train: 3.55, T-5z,

Real power STUFF I Have and will put some time: Mac cold intake, 70MM TB, Valve covers (COOL ONES)255 Fuel pump NOS Dry 75HP, AFR 165 58cc, GT-40 Intake.
Next to get: Rocker Arms,Cam,Injectors 24, What might I need???See It at www.computerconquest.com

Back Seat Driver · 11-05-2001, 06:24 PM

I think all of your answer are great .. But i have driven with my bro RAGE_5.0 i nthe rain and when he steps it up 10 mph you feel it spin.
so from drving with him and hearing him tell all the stuff he learnt from magz and this site. I think it educated me A LOT.
and when i spin er around i will S*it my pants and not do it again.

anyways thnk you for all your answers and thanx for your time.

NIK

1BAD89 · 11-05-2001, 09:06 PM

***and when i spin er around i will S*it my pants and not do it again.

or...when you spin er around you will crash and get decapatated and then sh*t your pants uncontrolably. Why not just learn how to drive correctly and not spin "er" around and take a chance. My first vehicle was a S-10 4-cylinder, heh..not anymore. But it was a good 1st vehichle. Ok anyway, if your set on one, and your brother has one, then you are not going to listen to what we are saying anyway. If you get one, just use common sense, because nowadays, many people on the streets are lacking that.

------------------
-1989 GT, not stock.
-2000 Camaro SS-A4,
-1989 Chevy S-10, EX. Cab-383, RPM air-gap intake, demon carb., tubbed, trick flow TW heads, trick flow pistons, 6" rod's, etc... autometer phantom gauges, "built" 700R4, roll cage, lexan back window, corbeau seats, R.H.S. 5 harnesses, Fuel cell, convo pro wheels, 15x14's with 29x18.5 M/T'S on back, 15x4's on front, nitrous, 4 inch cowl hood, Ford 9", auburn Pro-series Posi, Pro-billet distributor, Sanderson Jet-hot coated headers, Custom radiator,

86GT · 11-05-2001, 11:35 PM

Well most 86s stock went anywhere from 15.5 to 14.8, and can be troublesome to any inexperieced driver. But with proper respect they can be a lot of fun too.

They can be built up the same as any 87+ fox body, so if you want to mod the car, and like the look of them, then why not get one. Stock for stock tho, the 87+ are faster.

Coupe5oh · 11-06-2001, 04:51 AM

hmm, i want an 86 for a project car myself.

about the first car thing, i had a 78 t/a 4sd, i was careful, and had it sideways a little, but basically blew it up before i could get serious, then sold it to a friend.

we put another potent motor in it, then he under estimated the speed capabilities, and over estimated the braking, and slid past a stop sign and totaled it, we were young then, but even not to long ago, i went to 4th gear, nice and easy in the stang in the rain, and almost gave myself a heart attack, i barely missed that concrete barrier

good luck

......yes 4th gear??? i need more tire i guess.

------------------
formerly known "90dpscoupe"
5spd 90lx, 3.27grs, BM fan, alum divesahaft, ADS chip, 160 stat, mac coldair fender, mac h-pipe.
Best e.t-13.91
60'-1.9 (on 225/60/15 firehawks)
mph- 98.70

blue00gt · 11-06-2001, 01:15 PM

If you have been around V8 Stangs and ridden in them alot, you may have gained the respect that you need to drive one safely. My first car was an 84 LX 5.0 (which ran 15.7@87 in the 1/4 bone stock with an AOD, so I would say high-14s is definitely possible with an 86 5 speed). I never wrecked it from driving too fast, but I did loop it once in the rain...

Crazy Horse GT · 11-06-2001, 01:59 PM

everyone is telling you the truth im 43 one day going to work in my 69 coupe i made a right turn at a redlight, wasnt even on it did a 180 the light turned everyone was coming at me head on, i spun the wheel around kicked just a little did another 180 and was back in traffic flow, i was LUCKY when i got to work i had to smoke a cig just to get my nerve's calmed, just be careful sorry wasnt preaching at you good luck wiyh your stang

------------------
2000gt black,broke a$$ street racing!the last rebel!

11-02-2001, 04:37 PM	#1
Back Seat Driver Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Leamington Ontario Canada Posts: 103	86 GT Wondering good performance? All right . Fist off , If you came to help me out thanx. My question. How good of performance will you get off a 86GT. I like the ShovelNose style ( i know they are slower than the 1987-1993 GT) But will they be a good performing car for, Street driving , Strip Racing, and just all around driving. And will it be to much power for a NEW driver? Thanx for all your help

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11-02-2001, 09:23 PM	#2
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	The 1986 Mustang GT delivered quarter-mile performance in the high 15-second range with 0-60 mph at around 7.5 seconds when it was new. You'll be lucky to find a totally stock '86 GT now as they are almost 16 years old. The 1986 GT was a great Mustang but the heads were restrictive and cost HP, which is why Ford dumped them for the E7 'truck' heads in '87, when 1/4 mile performance dipped to the mid-14's. As a first car, any V-8 Mustang is risky because the power - combined with the tendency of any powerful RWD car to fishtail - makes a Mustang 5.0 a poor choice for a totally inexperienced driver to start out with. In my opinion, not recommended.

11-03-2001, 02:14 AM	#3
Vector Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Comox, BC, Canada Posts: 119	For a person to start out with, yes. But if that person has been through drivers ed or has been driving another vehicle for a couple months, then a Mustang is no problem. Believe me, I know from personal experience

11-03-2001, 11:40 AM	#4
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Vector It's just an opinion but I have to disagree with you based on real-life observation of drivers with a few months experience and no clue as to what happens when you floor the gas pedal on a V-8 Mustang on a damp road or try to enter a 40 mph turn at 70 and hit the brake in the middle of it as the car begins to slide. I've seen the wrecks. I've also read many posts right here on this forum where guys related stories about wiping out perfectly good 'Stangs due to driving mistakes made in ignorance or just screwing around and finding out the hard way that a Mustang isn't a toy to play with and can 'get away from you' very easily. Everybody - including me - thinks they're a great driver. I thought so when I had three months experience behind the wheel and I think so now, some years (and accidents) later. I've never seen or heard anyone claim they were a lousy driver, especially Mustang owners. That doesn't mean a thing. My opinion is that a V-8 Mustang is too much power for an inexperienced driver, especially if you're used to FWD 4-cylinder cars and jump to a V-8 powered, RWD car. My suggestion is that you buy and drive a slower RWD vehicle for awile (T-Bird, pickup truck, etc) then 'graduate' to a Mustang. Of course, anybody can do as they please. I'm simply offering my opnion - which was asked for - based on my observations and experience. I realize that many of our members have driven a Mustang as a first car without incident; I just can't recommend it.

11-03-2001, 04:46 PM	#5
RAGE_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Leamington, Ontario, Canada Posts: 767	well back seat driver is my brother.....he knows that they are not to good in rain because i tell him that it slides the *** end...i think mostly do to the bald tires that wore since i got my license oct 11...i don't drive careless or to fast but i just like spinning them.....i have had it sideways in the rain not on purpose and it isn't fun......IMO if u hgo from a slow rwd car then try and do wut u used to do in ur tbird or truck then u can get in just as much trouble.....it all depends on the person though imo i am not a daredevil and never have been....i don't do anything stupid if i scare myself doing something i don't do it again JAMES ------------------ Black 1990 gt cobra bonestock not for long

11-03-2001, 04:57 PM	#6
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	I agree with the idea that it's all about the driver, and everybody is different. The general rule is, like Mr 5.0 was trying to relay is, it's not a good idea. Some people can handle it better than others, but you won't know until you put yourself into the bind. I have to disagree with the stock performance capabilities of the 86GT. With a real good driver I've seen people posting ultra high 14's to low 15's. The deal with the 86's is that's where they stay. There are so many more mods that need to be made on those cars as they are already maxxed combos. Good heads cannot be placed on without new pistons. You'll need an intake, throttle body, heads, and pistons to do a cam. A weak intake and throttle body limit any modifications. Basically, for later performance, it's probably better to change the entire engine and sell the one you have.

11-04-2001, 04:10 PM	#7
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	beginer driver + a decent amount of torque + a posi = trouble I had to learn from experience about this. I nearly wiped out my brother's GT the first time he let me drive it. I didn't make the same mistake twice. ------------------ THE SLO PONY 1992 Ford Mustand LX. 2.3 liter four-banger, auto. Future mods: V-8 swap. Fly it loud, Fly it proud!!! If it ain't broke, you ain't tryin hard enough

11-04-2001, 10:01 PM	#8
Vector Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Comox, BC, Canada Posts: 119	I guess you are right Mr 5 0, a lot of young kids these days are not very good drivers. I have seen my friends fail the test 2 or 3 times in a row, and that worries me a little when I drive with them . Maybe they should introduce an affordable performance driving course? I passed on my first try easily, so I do consider myself to be a better driver than most. Also I currently drive a RWD V-8 pickup, and have frequently driven our '92 Mustang as well. I feel more confident in the Mustang actually, because I have understeered badly a couple times in the pickup, where I almost whent into a fence or something :O. I like the oversteer handling of the mustang better, as it seems like you can actually do something about it when the tail kicks out, through corrective steering. I do know one thing, however. I'm buying a 'stang, no if ands or buts about it!

11-04-2001, 10:34 PM	#9
Stang Runner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Walker, MI, USA Posts: 1,202	Ever since I was 14 I have been around fast cars older friends and I know it shounds dumb but I think many hours of Racing Games I think help. Got the stang after I was 17. And I drove alot of miles before I took my drivers test well over 3,000miles the tester said I was the best person she had drove with in 2 years, perfect score. ------------------ Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, Home ported Lower Intake, No power steering, No A/C Drive Train: 3.55, T-5z, Real power STUFF I Have and will put some time: Mac cold intake, 70MM TB, Valve covers (COOL ONES)255 Fuel pump NOS Dry 75HP, AFR 165 58cc, GT-40 Intake. Next to get: Rocker Arms,Cam,Injectors 24, What might I need???See It at www.computerconquest.com

11-05-2001, 06:24 PM	#10
Back Seat Driver Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Leamington Ontario Canada Posts: 103	I think all of your answer are great .. But i have driven with my bro RAGE_5.0 i nthe rain and when he steps it up 10 mph you feel it spin. so from drving with him and hearing him tell all the stuff he learnt from magz and this site. I think it educated me A LOT. and when i spin er around i will S*it my pants and not do it again. anyways thnk you for all your answers and thanx for your time. NIK

11-05-2001, 09:06 PM	#11
1BAD89 Tubbed and Juiced Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,861	**and when i spin er around i will Sit my pants and not do it again. or...when you spin er around you will crash and get decapatated and then sh*t your pants uncontrolably. Why not just learn how to drive correctly and not spin "er" around and take a chance. My first vehicle was a S-10 4-cylinder, heh..not anymore. But it was a good 1st vehichle. Ok anyway, if your set on one, and your brother has one, then you are not going to listen to what we are saying anyway. If you get one, just use common sense, because nowadays, many people on the streets are lacking that. ------------------ -1989 GT, not stock. -2000 Camaro SS-A4, -1989 Chevy S-10, EX. Cab-383, RPM air-gap intake, demon carb., tubbed, trick flow TW heads, trick flow pistons, 6" rod's, etc... autometer phantom gauges, "built" 700R4, roll cage, lexan back window, corbeau seats, R.H.S. 5 harnesses, Fuel cell, convo pro wheels, 15x14's with 29x18.5 M/T'S on back, 15x4's on front, nitrous, 4 inch cowl hood, Ford 9", auburn Pro-series Posi, Pro-billet distributor, Sanderson Jet-hot coated headers, Custom radiator,

11-05-2001, 11:35 PM	#12
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	Well most 86s stock went anywhere from 15.5 to 14.8, and can be troublesome to any inexperieced driver. But with proper respect they can be a lot of fun too. They can be built up the same as any 87+ fox body, so if you want to mod the car, and like the look of them, then why not get one. Stock for stock tho, the 87+ are faster.

11-06-2001, 04:51 AM	#13
Coupe5oh Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SanAntonio, Tx Posts: 734	hmm, i want an 86 for a project car myself. about the first car thing, i had a 78 t/a 4sd, i was careful, and had it sideways a little, but basically blew it up before i could get serious, then sold it to a friend. we put another potent motor in it, then he under estimated the speed capabilities, and over estimated the braking, and slid past a stop sign and totaled it, we were young then, but even not to long ago, i went to 4th gear, nice and easy in the stang in the rain, and almost gave myself a heart attack, i barely missed that concrete barrier good luck ......yes 4th gear??? i need more tire i guess. ------------------ formerly known "90dpscoupe" 5spd 90lx, 3.27grs, BM fan, alum divesahaft, ADS chip, 160 stat, mac coldair fender, mac h-pipe. Best e.t-13.91 60'-1.9 (on 225/60/15 firehawks) mph- 98.70

11-06-2001, 01:15 PM	#14
blue00gt Mustang Addict Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 1,294	If you have been around V8 Stangs and ridden in them alot, you may have gained the respect that you need to drive one safely. My first car was an 84 LX 5.0 (which ran 15.7@87 in the 1/4 bone stock with an AOD, so I would say high-14s is definitely possible with an 86 5 speed). I never wrecked it from driving too fast, but I did loop it once in the rain...

11-06-2001, 01:59 PM	#15
Crazy Horse GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sale Creek, TN. C. S. A. Posts: 4,652	everyone is telling you the truth im 43 one day going to work in my 69 coupe i made a right turn at a redlight, wasnt even on it did a 180 the light turned everyone was coming at me head on, i spun the wheel around kicked just a little did another 180 and was back in traffic flow, i was LUCKY when i got to work i had to smoke a cig just to get my nerve's calmed, just be careful sorry wasnt preaching at you good luck wiyh your stang ------------------ 2000gt black,broke a$$ street racing!the last rebel!