My name is Tim Meyer. I purchase this car in 1987, at Lauderbach's in Newton, Iowa. I saw it in the show room as I drove by and the color (midnight blue metallic) caught my eye. I was not looking for a new car at the time, but they gave me a good deal, $13,500 and took my '73 T/A and '85 Topaz as trades.

The car had a 2.8 TPI V6 (173 ci), automatic, power brakes, windows and steering as well as A/C. It had an AM/FM with cassette, tilt wheel, remote mirrors and a gray/black interior.

In 2001, I had the car painted to see if I wanted to keep it. I was thinking about a '72 Vette, but the paint job came out nice. I decided to keep the car.

I replaced the stock computer PROM with a chip from HyperTech. Minor improvement in horse power, great improvements in transmission shift points. Also installed a K&N air filter and modified the air box to get rid of restrictions.

I had a new stereo installed, Sony head unit with AM/FM and CD. Also replaced the speakers with Boston Acoustics and added a 100 watt sub woofer amp and a 12" Fosgate woofer. The system sounds great, with a total of 280 watts.

In the fall of 2002, at 176,000 miles, I garaged the car and started tearing it down. I bought a 3.4 stroker short block with a self balanced flex plate, Crane cam & lifters, roller rockers and a double roller chain. I also had the heads rebuilt at a machine shop and the intake manifolds cleaned. I installed a remote oil filter so it is easier to change oil and I can use a bigger filter. I installed a pre-oiler/accumulator system that pressurizes the oil system before starting the engine.

Replaced the stock crank and alternator drive pulleys with a set of under driven pulleys to re-coup some of the horse power used to drive accessories. A new water pump, starter and high flow oil pump round out the motor upgrades.

I rebuilt the distributor with new electronic module and pick up coil. Also, new Accel wires and Bosch Platinum Plus 4 plugs.

The transmission got a B&M Shift Kit, tranny cooler and B&M fluid. I also had to install an Energy Suspensions tranny mount, as the first time I took the car for a drive I broke the old stock mount.

I installed an Edelbrok strut tower brace that really improved handling and keeps the front end level around corners. It also stops a lot of rattles when hitting pot holes.

I replaced the old halogen headlights with Sylvania SilverStar units, a much brighter, whiter light.

During the rebuild I cleaned and painted every component, so the engine compartment looks nice and detailed.

My wife and I have been working on the upholstery. We have replaced the center console cover, sun shades and speaker covers with a flag theme (red, white and blue) material. We also removed the rear seats, built a platform and covered with a foam cushion in the same material. That's where our dog (Jake, he's the "true" blond one) rides.

Since the rebuild, I have put 1500 miles on it. I cannot believe the torque and extra power this upgrade has given me, I love the second gear shifts that squeaks those big Goodyears. Power braking can melt them to the ground. While this car is not anything like my '73 T/A with the 455, it is running very respectable for a small V6 (210 ci).

I have built the car for weekend outings. Just a nice car to drive when the sun is shining. We have taken the car on 2 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tours and serveral local tours.