Mike is like the unofficial mechanic of EMC. He just about works on majority of the vehicles in the club at some point. Mike has been working on cars since he was 16 years old and was a regular on Francis Lewis Blvd. He has owned over 40 cars in his lifetime (we will spare you the long list but can assure you, he has had some sweet rides.) Most members may remember Mike's 1991 Ford Mustang when he joined. Which he sold for his now 1981 Pontiac Trans Am.
Mike bought the car because of the condition of the body, interior and under carriage. And Mike being Mike, it wasn't going to stay stock for long. The Trans Am originally started out being a 4.9 Turbo Trans Am. Mike started out removing and completing the drivetrain, rebuilding the turbo 400 with a shift kit, lower first gear set and a PTC 2500 stall converter 10 inch and trans cooler. The 12 bolt rear was completely rebuilt with larger axels and 3:73 gears. The new motor was done by Sandoval Racing in Brooklyn. Mike got a fresh big block Chevy 396, 10 to 1 compression, solid roller cam, Holley 750 carb and an Edelbrock intake. He also did a aluminum radiator and a big electric fan that pushes a lot of cfm. The Trans Am has a Holley fuel system with a stock gas tank and sumped.
As for looks Mike changed the wheels a few times from the reproduction Pontiac wheels to Weld Wheels and MT tires and drag radials and slapped on a fiberglass hood.
As for future modifications Mike plans to clean up the interior by getting a new carpet installed, body panels and seat covers. But, with NOS on his mind he is thinking of putting that in as well.
Mike is at every EMC track rental along with most cruise nights with the Club. He KNOWS his stuff. He is willing to give advice and work on your car if interested. Aside from being a great mechanic, he also runs cars at the track for anyone. Great, funny guy and a senior EMC Member. To speak to Mike today, go to our Members Section - ham.
