Customer Spotlight Tag

When you read about a stick-shift car setting a new record in drag racing, it’s never a surprise that the car has a TREMEC transmission. Alan Morgan recently put his name in the record books with his Magnum 6-speed–equipped 2000 Chevy Camaro, running a 5.42 e.t. at 130 mph in the 1/8-mile on nitrous.

The Chevrolet Vega has a very colorful history. It was designed to replace the Corvair as the brand’s economy car. During its seven years of production, two million Vegas were built. Drag racers liked the Vega because it was lightweight and a small-block V8 fit easily, giving it a great power-to-weight ratio.

In the TREMEC Customer Spotlight series, this is probably the most unique vehicle to date – and the first from American Motors Company. Let’s face it: who builds a 1975 AMC Gremlin? But in the hands of young builder, Jacob Griffin, the plain and ordinary became unique and stunning.

How high can the bar be raised when it comes to building a custom car? One would think at some point a limit would be reached. But not when the builders are Ringbrothers. Their most recent project car has raised the bar again: the 1969 Chevy Camaro called Valkyrja (ancient Norse spelling of Valkyrie), unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show. It brought home the SEMA 2019 Battle of the Builders award in a field of stunningly crafted automotive creations. It’s no surprise that a frequent star attraction in many Ringbrothers builds is a TREMEC transmission.

Nineteen years ago, Mike Niehaus found his dream car sitting on the lot at a Pontiac dealership in Columbus, Ohio. It wasn’t a new Trans Am, but a nicely kept 1986 Ford Mustang GT. As Mustang enthusiasts know, 1986 was the last year for the “four-eyed” Fox-body and the first year for the enduring 5.0 H.O.

Despite the seemingly low rating of 200 horsepower, the 1986 GT had great potential. The roller-cam­–equipped 5.0-liter delivered nice torque, go-fast aftermarket parts were readily available and the Fox-body was also very light weight.