1985 Gt

Well my 1987 GT is sold(It was pretty messed up, someone hit my door no longer opened, then the reverse gear went by bye) so now I recieved a 1985 GT hatch 5 speed. It has flows and a KN on top of teh carb, does anyoen else know anythign about these years? I am an EFI guy so any help with where I shoudl start would be awesome, I read that gears and a new rear are a good start cause apparently the 85 has a 7.5 rear with 2.73 or 3.08 and my 87 had an 8.8 with 3.73? Thanks for any help guys, I am looking to push this car into the high 12's at least. My 87 ran about 14.1, thanks again guys, late.

-Drew

First, I would address longevity...a broken car is no fun. The 7.5" won't last long at the strip..8.8" fixes that. Shifter: get a good one with stops, or you will bend shift forks. (Save up for a better trans too...the stock one is a bit weak.) A better clutch cable and quadrant are recommended. Next, you need to get the power to the ground before adding any power. South-side bars or similar are needed (lowers). The instant center is too far forward with stock lower bars. Frame connectors are a good idea also. Don't spend a fortune on this stuff, just buy good quality. i.e Carbon fiber is wasted on a 3500 lb car. Safety stuff like a roll bar or cage and a scattershield are recommended or required if your track says so. If the engine is strong (good compression and low leak down), put in a good cam and a better intake (call the cam company for a recommendation). Headers and true duals should also go on. The heads are good, but pocket work & big valves help a lot. Throw on some sticky tires and you're set.