Are you tired of seeing the same old muscle cars on the road? Look no further than Mike’s GTO, a unique and impressive custom Pro-Touring build. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Mike’s GTO, discussing everything from its powerful engine to its vintage-inspired exterior.
History of the GTO
The GTO has a rich history dating back to the mid-1960s. It was a muscle car produced by Pontiac from 1964 to 1974. Mike’s dad bought the car brand-new in Texas while he was in flight school for the Navy. His dad and his buddy purchased matching GTOs, except the other GTO was blue. Mike’s GTO is midnight green, although it looks black in many pictures.
Engine
Mike’s GTO features a powerful Butler Performance 467 engine. The original 400 block has been modernized with features such as aluminum heads, port and polish, roller cam, and a new intake manifold. The engine has been set up for autocross with Global West coil overs front and rear and huge Wilwood brakes. The car still has its original air conditioning but has been upgraded to vintage air. The engine produces 515 horsepower with 600-pound feet of torque.
Transmission
The GTO originally came with a 4-speed Monty, but Mike has recently put in a Tremec TKO transmission. He has even created a how-to playlist on his YouTube channel, Fast Monty’s Garage, to help others who want to install the same transmission. The car’s interior is bone stock gold.
Exterior
Mike has kept the exterior of his GTO as close to the original design intent of Pontiac as possible. The car features a unique gold theme, and the original gauges have been restored. The only additions to the interior are the steering wheel and kick panels with speakers. The car still has its Navy Wings license plate and insignia on the headrests. Mike removed the ugly-ass rectangular boss that is only present in 1969 models and made the sole center section one piece of metal. The car’s wheels look like the original rally wheel.
Driving Experience
Mike’s GTO is a perfect combination of old and new. It’s a unique blend of classic and modern features that make it perfect for cruising, on-ramps, and off-ramps. The car has MagnaFlow mufflers, giving it a fantastic sound that catches the ear. Garage-built cars can vary dramatically in quality, but Mike’s GTO is an example of a top-notch garage-built car. He loves garage-built cars and even started his YouTube channel, Fast Monty’s Garage, to share what he has learned.
Conclusion
Mike’s GTO is a fantastic example of a custom Pro-Touring build. Its unique features and blend of old and new make it a one-of-a-kind car. Mike’s love for garage-built cars shines through in every aspect of the car. The car is a testament to the fact that you can create something truly amazing with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of know-how.