First test and tune of 2023 - 1968 Torino GT

[@danklim1037]

Really moves for just a simple 302 in a big car. Love them Torinos!

[@mikeymac9]

That’s exactly what I wanted. Having fun with a simple bolt on 302.

[@biscuitboy3617]

I'm also a Torino racer....68 GT fastback. Big block 488 cubic inch with C6 and almost as nice looking as your's! Great job you're doing..

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks!

[@Comet-hn3gm]

I love the excitement, I know how that feels. Very nice looking car, and great runs, amazing times for such a basic engine !

[@bobbycuesroadhouse2204]

That 302 sounds great, very impressive

[@selfcorrectingunit8671]

When somebody knows exactly what they want and knows how to get there. Very inspiring vid!

[@jimolson8424]

You cut some great reaction times... I really like your Torino. I have owned mine for 32years. Gold with black stripes. I enjoy watching you run....

[@mikeymac9]

Very cool. My lights were just dumb luck lol but 8 of the 9 were .0xx so that was cool!

[@GearheadRob319]

Thats a heck of a good runner for such a large car.

[@greazedlightninggarage6768]

I'm not a Ford guy, but I love the car, combo, and performance! I couldn't believe it weighs 3260 with driver! My shop teacher in high school had a car almost identical with a 390 and 3x2 carbs. Great content had to sub!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks!

[@pauledward7023]

I would marry this car

[@brandonwestfall8596]

Those 11r heads are about the best head you can buy for a sbe 302 deal. My best running car had those and the second best had the vic Jr heads.

[@mikeblankenship7930]

I had a blue 68 fastback with a 302 in the early 70s. Car was like new with low miles. Really like your car.

[@tomstrum6259]

Great video !! .....Put a Heavier flywheel in & watch the off line bog dissappear.......

[@vincentenk4449]

That's a really light weight car for being that big! Beautiful car too! Stout little 302 also. Man-Pedal puts the cherry on top of the sundae!

[@kennyleejohnson5253]

Beautiful car !! I have a 68 Convertible GT. Keep posting your season see we can see the progress.

[@vrm86gt]

Congratulations! That was a great first outing for the season!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks man!

[@fordfairlane662dr]

Torino club member checking in here..nice car..that only looks fast ..but is fast!

[@hetzlerracing5490]

I love that body style of Torino. And that thing sounds awesome rowing thru the gears.

[@arkhsm]

That's real quick for that big body !!

[@thomassojka2704]

I'm like everyone else commenting...... Holy smokes! You are bad to the bone. Pass after pass absolutely running the crap out of it with no issues is awesome. Super job. Thanks for posting video

[@r.b.phillips1282]

Mike, I found this video last night. Love how you have it ripping! Let everyone know you are over a SECOND faster than when we were running together in 12.50 index, and are a much beloved and admired car and driver at NED!!!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks RB you are the man! Appreciate the kind words. Hope to see you up there this year!

[@Flat-Kat]

Sweet! Love to see it man! 11.50’s is respectable, especially with that size car on a 302. Looks good, and sounds AMAZING going down the track!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks!

[@FordMaverickFanatic]

How have I never seen you post on 8.2 Deck Mafia before? This car is awesome! Really moving for a midsize with a SBE 302 too! I love it. Awesome job.

[@mikeymac9]

I’m a fan of all the fast guys on 8.2 deck mafia lol. I’m just a slow dude having fun.

[@pauledward7023]

Had one with 289. Nice car

[@billgarbutt7844]

I just love it when the other guys get on a video,and comment,"Im not a Ford guy",but.🤣.

[@mikeymac9]

We will convert them one at a time 😂

[@bod7468]

That's a bad ass car.

[@kentmagruder390]

Very nice! Car sounds great. I love 68 Torinos, but I am a bit biased!😊

[@danhealyeverythingoutdoors7105]

That is one fine running Ford !

[@RaceRedFairmont]

Awesome man , that thing sounds awesome . Hope to see you Saturday

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks! Do I run 11.50 and try to get lucky or slow down for 12.50? lol. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

[@RaceRedFairmont]

@mikeymac well in your video I noticed the da was real good . So it's going to run slower in heat . 12.50 prob going to be the ticket . Highest we see is 2500 ish in dead humid days . If your not racing every event in outlaw based on weather you prob can run 11.50 on Saturday as it looked to be cooler

[@mikeymac9]

@@RaceRedFairmont Yeah I can’t make most of the schedule so I might just go mess around in 11.50 and head to test and tune after an early exit lol

[@RaceRedFairmont]

@mikeymac how did you run today ? Im sorry this morning I was busy trying to get my wife's car situated I didn't get to to talk . I fought struggles with my car as the fuel system or carb something is off .my fuel hose is coming apart and went through the system

[@mikeymac9]

@@RaceRedFairmont All good man. Congrats on her win. I struggled with the .500 tree and red lit all 3 runs but did see an 11.58 in Q2. I wanted test and tune but they were charging another $50 for it and at 2pm didn’t think it was worth it.

[@tomcronininc]

So much awesome. Sounds mean I can’t believe you got those numbers out of a little 302!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks man.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

IMHO, I would've used a 351w HO engine instead of the 302. Also, a bit more air in the rear tires would eliminate that slight bog at the launch.

[@161Sheriff]

I’m impressed!!!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks!

[@russellbroadwell]

Very impressive! Your HCI car is way faster than my stock engine turbo car. I am going to have to add more boost!

[@67marlins]

Beautiful car - thanks for posting!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks. It’s been broke for a couple months. Hope to be back at the track soon.

[@jimolson8424]

I am subscribed. Can't wait to see racing action. Your Torino is a HOT ROD...

[@mikeymac9]

Awesome man thanks!

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Thanks to a great video I love Torino's my neighbor bought a brand new 67 when I was a kid he had it about a year and then he pulled the motor and put a427 side oil in it with a homemade tin tunnel ram it was crazy4:30gerrs top loader best pass that ever made was a 1096 streetcar completely full interior they told him to get a cage he never did he drove it for about five or six years and he bought a brand new Mercury cyclone GT that was another cool car have a great day I'll keep watching I can't build cars anymore but I can enjoy this compression on the side earlier was 14 to 1 the car was cool have a great day

[@mikeymac9]

Id love to have a Cyclone to go with the Torino.

[@markreisen7038]

My first car was a 69 Fairlane with a stock 302 and C4 auto that went pretty good too. My neighbor had a 68 Cyclone with a 390 C6 that was pretty quick back in the 70's. Thanks ...

[@kcav5374]

Love the car! Love that it's Ford Powered and makes me wish I hadn't sold my 64 Fairlane 500 2 door long ago. Especially after I started working at race engine shops as a machinist. I'd swapped in a 68 302'2V C4 combo in mine as it was a fun quick street car and I wanted go further with it .

[@NH1969GOAT]

Beautiful car on my home track :--)

[@darrylcavanaugh9465]

Huge props on that first clean pass. Outstanding reaction time, and very smooth shifts. Car is a GEM, and I am amazed at the vehicle weight at 3200, for a BIG bodied Ford. Enjoy her- She’s special….

[@markreisen7038]

The Torino Gt's are a 3200 pound intermediate and are NOT a big body car as are the XL's and Galaxie 500's which weigh around 300-400 pounds more...

[@jdrods1519]

Awesome job Brother!!!! 🇺🇸💪🏼 she’s rollin!!!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks dude!

[@josephtravers777]

11.5s aren't bad for 302 packing that much weight. Love your car. Fell in love with a yellow '68 GT back around '78. 👍

[@Diondo26]

wow.... that thing runs great ....nice Torino

[@eddiejohnson349]

Looks great 🇺🇸💪🏻

[@paulcondie2520]

Badass yet gorgeous car! 🔥💯🇺🇲

[@cacosme14]

hell yeah mike looking really good

[@mikeymac9]

You’re the best man!

[@Chopski64]

Definitely gets with the program. Sweet ride. She screams nicely.

[@C.S.Sensei]

A 302 Rev beast, 6600+, I wonder if the specs are similar in the 69 DZ 302?

[@diez0305]

Wow that thing moves! That 302 really pushes it well. And that g-force t5 takes it like a champ. That's making me rethink putting an AOD in my 72 torino sport. Great driving!

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks man. Stick cars are more fun 😁

[@markreisen7038]

That's Gran Torino Sport..

[@kepjames333]

Love your video's

[@mikeymac9]

Thank you. And no it’s not for sale. This one is with me forever.

[@HotRodDave]

I am Digging the Torino. I didn't know they where that light. I would have thought 4k +lbs. Gotta watch those time slip Tornados they will get ya.

[@mikeymac9]

😂 I was like wtf is happening. lol. I think most people think they are heavy because the big block cars get all the love. Little 302 T5 and a bunch of aluminum parts help. I’d still like to lose a few 100 pounds without gutting it.

[@HotRodDave]

@@mikeymac9 Don't gut it. I love the full Interior. May need a cage soon.

[@mikeymac9]

@@HotRodDave Totally agreed on the interior. A 6 point bar will probably make its way in there this summer.

[@duncanmacrae6384]

She's getting faster! Did you have the track all to yourself? Here is Southern Nevada you're luck to get two runs all day because of so many cars.

[@mikeymac9]

There was a chance of rain and it scared everyone away. Only a handful of cars and that never happens. They only ran 1 lane and closed early. I probably usually get 3-4 passes on average.

[@iggyfritz7150]

As a blue blood myself WoW💥 That is a gem you have my friend. I can't recall anyone getting 11 sec times from a carb fed 302 in a big booty Torino to boot 👢 Amazinly light in weight. hooking up at launch Like a scalded dog 😂 Once rid of that bog you might just start breaking records. Thanks for flying the blue oval banner. She's a beautiful car too. You just created the perfect street machine. I always said I would love to build a small block Ford street car I can drive without breaking stuff all the time And take it to the track when I feel like it. Even Carrol Shelby himself Said the 289 was his favorite. Whatever you're doing your doing it right! Awesome car God Bless

[@mikeymac9]

Hell yeah man. Thanks!

[@carmiethompson2676]

I don't see enough '68-'69 Torino's racing or otherwise, good for you. My first car was a '66 Fairlane w/ a 289 & 4-sp. I loved the car w/ the Dark Ivy Green paint. Prefer the '66-'67 Fairlane but no matter, go big Ford's! Best wishes for the season!

[@robdog5.0w]

I have the same 302 ED Curtis cam execpt AFR enforcers, 231/239@.050 .610, c4 5600 converter. love the torino

[@mikeymac9]

Awesome! What ET’s are you turning?

[@treyrags]

Nicely done. Strong 302 to go that fast at that weight .

[@hereshowididthis]

at 9:48 when you lean into the finish ... love it 🙂

[@hotshothogger]

Sounds awesome! Trying to pick a cam for my stock rotator explorer with TFS twisted wedge heads. Victor Jr and 650 as well. What gets me, is how well your old combo worked with the summit cam. I'm honestly really leaning towards that cam because of how well it performed for you. AFM is out of stock on everything I would really like.

[@mikeymac9]

The F303+ did great and was cheap when I bought. And was at my house in 2 days. Couldn’t go wrong.

[@hotshothogger]

@@mikeymac9 Did you use stock lifters for the 303+ and then upgrade for the FTI? How much is an FTI custom these days?

[@mikeymac9]

@@hotshothogger I used the stock roller lifters. Too much bad press with the after market lifers that I didn’t want to introduce any issues. The was $400 something.

[@MattC-ly9lr]

Awesome car. I know you think the car is heavy but I would have guessed 3800 without driver because those cars are big.

[@mikeymac9]

It is surprising light for a big car.

[@SifsSwag]

Wow….awesome var/performance!👍🍻

[@OGC1970]

Just found a driver in a country garage. Can’t wait to bring it home

[@mikeymac9]

Good luck with it!

[@mechanknuckle]

LOVE IT! That 302 is a screamer! I put a 460 in mine which is great until I need to change plugs.

[@mikeymac9]

I always like the steel wheel look on your car. Someday I’ll put steelies on mine.

[@MalachiConstant2]

Really enjoyed this!

[@buff6637]

Beautiful Car n set up!

[@davidkeeton6716]

That bog off the line tells you one thing, loud and clear, you need a lot heavier flywheel. Maybe between 30 and 40 lbs. You need that to keep the inertia and the rpms up on launch. Watch some videos of stock, super stock and modified production cars in the 80s. Believe me, your 60ft will be down in the low 1.50s to 1.40s and the et will drop by .75 at least. No it won't sit there and Rev up like it does, but that doesn't make it go quicker or faster.

[@Frank289100]

YOU HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD. INERTIA = STORED ENERGY THAT CAN WORK FOR YOU. IT CAN BENEFIT YOU IN MANY WAYS. A LIGHTER ALUMINUM FLYWHEEL ASSEMBLY IS BENEFICIAL IN ROAD RACING WHERE YOU NEED TO GET THE RPM'S UP QUICK, WHEN YOU COME OUT OF TURNS. IN DRAG RACING THE HEAVIER STEEL FLYWHEEL WORKS FOR YOU.

[@Stucifer]

Surprised you can get a small block to go that fast in such a large car. Back in my street racing days, there was a fellow that had a 68 Torino/4 speed/302 and he was stupidly fast. I had a 69 Cobra. The 428 was worn out when I got it. I had plans for it, but someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse for it, and I bailed on the project. Great seeing your car in action and representing the Ford camp admirably

[@patrickwendling6759]

Very very cool 😎

[@johnmick9457]

11.59 is pretty stout for a little 302

[@jerryburks2755]

runs great i have a 71 Torino with a 398w c6 haven't ran with the c6 but it ran 887 in 1/8 mile first pass it will do better the power it there still not bad

[@charleslum2438]

C6 cost 60hp to operate. C4 will get you @ least .5

[@briancanada4850]

I had a 68 torino that I did a fuel injection 5.0 HO from a wrecked mustang back in 1996 ..wish I kept the car..it was fast..but I used a FMX trans..ran 11.90s in the 1/4

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

Back in 1982 I had a 1962 Falcon Ranchero with a little 289/C4 that clicked off 11.80’s @116 mph. This was before the 5.0 and all the technology existed....289 heads, small valves, 1 angle valve job or no valve job at all you could say. I often wonder what it would have run with good heads...10.50’s

[@caseym3118]

It hooks up! There a little bog out of the hole . Have you thought of a different clutch or heavier flywheel? To keep the momentum of the engine rpm’s from dropping off so drastically? I’m thoroughly impressed regardless.

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks man. If I was serious an adjustable clutch would be the way to go. I can add shims to the pressure plate or keep working on the tire psi and shock settings… I actually 60’ better with the lighter flywheel and it’s what Cale at Black Magic clutches recommended. I think the heavy flywheel thing is a bit of a myth from back in the day. I think getting as much weight off the crank helps when you make no torque 😂

[@caseym3118]

@@mikeymac9 nope not true it’s not a myth by any means. When your dropping the clutch that high and it’s actually bogged down for brief second . Guess what it just lost it’s momentum. Heavier flywheel you wouldn’t have to rev it as high on the launch and every gear change would pull harder. It only revs faster with a lighter flywheel that’s it . There absolutely no hp difference

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Is NE Dragway, in NH, your home track? Mine also.

[@mikeymac9]

NED usually or LVD.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@mikeymac9 Several years ago, I won the Grand American race at NED and set a NHRA record, for my E/G class car in the process. I still have the car and won with it at 2022 NE Nationals last summer. 9.86 ET on a 9.5 bracket. '57 Ford Custom 2 dr sedan with a de-stroked Ford 427 high-riser engine and top-loader 4 speed with 6:12 Detroit Locker rear gears.

[@mikeymac9]

@@sergeantmasson3669 very cool!

[@mr2gordons940]

What did the car weigh before the diet started, and what did all that aluminum cost? Under 3100lbs for any intermediate is impressive!!

[@mikeymac9]

I think the heaviest it weighed with me was 3400 something. Total cost if you include heads, intake, water pump, crank pulley, flywheel, drive shaft, and exhaust… probably getting close to $4000.

[@mr2gordons940]

@@mikeymac9 Wow, that's a light "big" car, great to see it running down the track! Good continuing luck with it, it's a pretty one.

[@bobbydsautorama2154]

Nice car.

[@adammiller6606]

Shift rod and ends exam maybe?

[@brandonknight7240]

Knew where a 68 green torino gt was in a garage growing up story was owner was killed in vietnam and parents kept the car, around 2005 that house and 2 beside it were the last houses not bought out from businesses springing up nearby then slowly it was the last house left then one day i come in from work and a big excavator had torn down the house so ill never know what happened to that car.

[@jeffmiller2158]

Beautiful car😮

[@markorr1874]

seems the shifter is loosening up and shifting right GOOD JOB

[@jamessharp9790]

Probably 26-28 degrees with those heads . Very impressive 302 and 4 speed- you’re driving very well . Who knows what a C4 with transbrake would do

[@mikeymac9]

Stick car for life 😁

[@jamessharp9790]

@@mikeymac9 total respect! You’ll be flat flooring it soon enough!

[@kennethbrown5784]

Awesome car where do I get the cam?

[@mikeymac9]

Flowtechinduction.com

[@HOMEWORK4.0]

Great video! I really like Torinos! If I were a Ford guy, I'd take one or a Fairlane 500 over a 'stang for sure.

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks! I love mustangs too, have one also, but Torinos are cool and different. Not many around.

[@HOMEWORK4.0]

@mikeymac For sure man! I've always been an against the grain guy to be a little different. When someone goes, Corvette, I go Camaro, or if someone goes Chevelle, I go Monte Carlo--a 1972 Monte actually! Maybe I'll see ya around the strip or PowerTour this year!

[@MainlyMuscleCars]

Since you have a stock short block did you have to cut the pistons with that camshaft?

[@mikeymac9]

No they are stock untouched. The TFS heads have more PTV clearance.

[@turbomike71]

Beautiful car! Always have to work out some bugs when you start out fresh. I think you could use a little more carb, like a 750.

[@jesseduke694]

That's a very nice car!! Im a ford guy but I don't get into cars much. I have sevral ford pickups, most 4x4. I'm shocked at how ur car jumps off the line! I have taken my old 71 f100 4x4 to the strip on a Friday fun night but otherwise I don't know alot about drag racing so maybey some stuff is normal? But ur car launches hard! It barely spins at all? But it kinda bogs after the initial launch? But it's faster than I would have guessed! 11.5 is fast to a guy like me!!? Also ur car is much lighter than I would have thought? Did u do some weight reducing? Them cars ain't that light in normal trim are they? I have a pretty much stock??...... .060 over 390 in my 71 f100 & that thing weighs about 4700 lbs with me & has a granny low 4sp & 4.11 gears. I ran it & I launched it very conservative! It has alot of possible breaking points if launched like I could! For one 28 spline axles. But anyway I basicly started in second (always) but basicly idling let the clutch out then rolled into it. Witch a launch like that it managed a 15.3 in the 1/4 at 95 mph. And with those gears at the end of the 1/4 it is screaming at 95!!!! I am looking for that line so I can lift out of it the moment I touch it couse I put that moter together so I know the corners I cut & just crossed my fingers, so let me tell ya, probably don't wanna push past 5500!!! But it's a blast though! For what that 390 is & the parts it has it runs amazing! It really shouldn't run that well!! But I have fun with it!

[@mikeymac9]

I think they are lighter than people think in general. Also the big block automatic cars weighed a ton more and the big block cars get all the attention.

[@sandraherdman3783]

HEY BUD HIW DO YOU GET AWAY WITH NO ROLL BARS GOING UNDER 12? excellent car I had a 70 Torino Cobra a great car

[@mikeymac9]

NHRA rule is 11.49 and faster for roll bar for this year of a car.

[@giuseppe841]

Car is making some power. The only question I have is what's up with the bog on the line. Q: what size carb, Q: what do you have for squirter's? That car is going to run, I had a similar problem was in the carburetor. Good luck, Giuseppe

[@mikeymac9]

Carb is a 650, no squirter involved since I leave off the 2 step. Bog is too much clutch but we’ll work on it.

[@paulplack490]

@@mikeymac9 I'd almost be tempted to skip the burnout, and see if it helped the bog. You're hooking instantly

[@mustang1989]

wow!!! Very nice strong 302 what is the rpm range of the camshaft? . thank you

[@mikeymac9]

Thanks. Cam card says 2800-6600+

[@rodclouse6418]

Will you be participating in Drag Week again this year?

[@mikeymac9]

Hey Rod! I’m not doing Drag Week this year but I’m doing Summit Racing Midwest Drags in July in Virginia this year. How about you?

[@rodclouse6418]

@mikeymac we are doing Drag Week in Jeff's '64 Fairlane. I'll miss BSing with you at Drag Week. I enjoy your test and tune videos, and best of luck this summer!

[@mikeymac9]

@@rodclouse6418 Thanks man! Good luck to you as well. I’ll post up the Midwest drags videos too.

[@coleloganhd3735]

How do you run those heads with stock pistons? Piston to valve clearance?

[@mikeymac9]

No clearance issue. The 11R’s have a lot of room and a cam to go with them. .080” on the intake and a mile on the exhaust.

[@alltherpm]

Epping I see, that's my track also

[@MaxDeet7439]

Very nice car. Where did you get the air filter housing or did you make it? Thanks.

[@mikeymac9]

I purchased it from a company that is no longer making them. fastlaneinnovations.com/product/ram-air-intake/

[@MaxDeet7439]

@@mikeymac9 Thank you.

[@SaneCayne]

Holy cow! How is that big car that light?!? 😲 I can't see where it looks gutted, but surely you've "gutted" it in some fashion, right? (aside from obvious aluminum engine parts) My 68 Biscayne's not much bigger than your Torino and even though I've taken over 150lbs out of the car (still iron heads), it's still 3900 with me in it!

[@mikeymac9]

I took the heater box out since it was never hooked up. SBF, T5, and some aluminum bits help.

[@patrickwendling6759]

Need to power shift . You'll knock off another 2 to 3 tenths 😊

[@mikeymac9]

Yep we’ll get there.

[@thomasdenton5260]

I had a 68 Torino GT with 390 /4 speed miss it a lot

[@ebrowntaylor1]

Wow, your Torino runs great! How are you shifting?

[@mikeymac9]

I was just I guess call it speed shifting, wasn’t power shifting. Just getting the feel for it after a long winter and new set up.

[@ebrowntaylor1]

@@mikeymac9 are you lifting off the throttle? Just curious bc I have an Autogear four-speed I’m trying to get better with. Thanks!

[@mikeymac9]

@@ebrowntaylor1 In these passes I was lifting. After missing gears the first 2 passes I just wanted some clean runs lol

[@Mike-hj7kk]

Spray it into the 10's!!!!!

[@mikeymac9]

Gonna need a roll bar for that 😂

[@bigolow641]

And that’s why I don’t use a manual clutch, I stick with automatic, and yes I have a reverse manual valve body trans.😊

[@basilorloff1237]

Great job ,,, shows what you can do with a well tweaked small block,,, I've seen Torino 390 GTs that can't run that fast... when you try to explain to the owners about fine tuning they eyes go googly 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeymac9]

I put the 302 emblems on the hood scoop because everyone asked me if it was a big block 😂

[@basilorloff1237]

I was a proud owner of a 69 two door hardtop GT 390 Torino for about 2 years back in the late 80s I didn't have much loot at the time but I just tweaked it as much as I could by book and a little aftermarket I could afford and she would run high 12s pretty consistently

[@styldsteel1]

Fairlanes were born to be raced on the NASCAR superspeedways like the Talladega 500 or the Pocono 500 Speedways.. There weren't designed to do well with the gas mashed trying to prove themselves on the 1/4 track all the time .

[@jonathansouza6549]

Ed is the man / try a heavy flywheel could lower your 60 ‘

[@alltherpm]

I agree aluminum flywheel is 4 road racing, toss it for a medium weight

[@adammiller6606]

Rotational weight. Higher revs.

[@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961]

Quick