Maier Racing Mustang: More grip than a GT3? - /BIG MUSCLE
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Owner:
• Mike Maier
If you've ever driven a bone-stock mid-1960's Ford Mustang, then you know that these little cars make wonderful cruisers. They possess movie-star good looks and turn heads everywhere. Drive them hard though and you'll soon realize that what lies beneath that sheet metal is usually in need of some serious improvement . Mike Maier of Maier Racing is the owner of this stunning blue 1966 coupe, a car that was supposed to have been bought as a play toy for him and his wife. However when you grow up in a racing family, leaving things alone is generally not an option. Little by little the Mustang evolved away from the family hot-rod and into a test bed for new parts. More importantly than that though, it's now one of the baddest street 'Stangs on the planet. Most people will tell you that "Bigger is always better"... one drive in the Maier Racing '66 coupe however may make you rethink that statement entirely.
![[HOONIGAN] DT 085: 8700 RPM '66 Mustang Donuts](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ktIp78ImPRI/mqdefault.jpg)
This Maier, he is a definition of a happy man.
You guys should add a portion at the end of each video of just 3-5 minute worth of driving, no talking, no editing.
I agree, just the sound of the motor, tires, screeching brakes, and other mechanical pure sounds like the gearshifts and whining tranny boxes and so on. Still don't get me wrong, you have a great show
I Love that car and story!
So much shit talking in these comments it's hilarious. You should go race him around the track and let me know how that goes for you.
By far the best car displayed on this show.... ever
This is like my favourite episode of big muscle, the way he talks about the car and racing you can feel that it is his life and he fucking loves it.
More like this pls
tjykuy, vuyr76 true indeed
Thanks Mike and crew for continuing to make one of the best car shows in any media. Smart, funny and on point about what we love about cars. Keep it coming!!
Dear Lord has this car transformed over the years...even more of a beast now and still shreds. 👌
An amazing looking and built car! Huge respect to Mr Maier, in what he does, and the kind of person that he is.
Excellent episode - and good for Mr Maier for doing what he loves, very inspirational.
I met this guy at a goodguy's show. Real chill guy. Amazing car. A buddy of mine actually got to ride shotgun with him while he autocrossed. My god was that car cool!
i'm a camaro guy, but this mustang is so nice, this gen of mustang is the only one i ever liked
great video Mike
Finally someone who has kept the wooden steering wheel. Love those!
Agreed. I have one on my fastback but it doesnt like Arizona weather much..haha..I daily drive it.
this guy made this car sound so awesome I wanted to see him take to the track
beautiful machine : ) makes me smile . American cars have a special aura that gives them character and makes you want to name them . not the same with foreign ones .
Some foreign ones have it too TBH, not all but a notable few...
Even every rattle and squeak is perfect! Love this car. Also damn their glass work is good. The fact you just look at it like a stock panel is proof.
Great episode of Big Muscle, really want to own/drive that car. Can't wait for next week's episode!
you are getting better and better every episode!
Me and this guy are totally on the same page about cars and racing.
likewise... so true my friend
One of your best episodes. Well done Mikes!
I used to buy parts for my 70 mustang fastback in the 80's from them when they were in Hayward Ca.
I ran my shop with a similar philosophy. I stayed busy for 12 years without doing any marketing.
This guy is life goals
I wish my Maverick was this cool, I wish I had fabricating skills.... Yep, time to start doing stuff.
Awesome video!!! Thanks
This is possibly my favorite episode.
WOW That rear suspension is wild. What a change from the 180lb rears 620lb fronts 1"sway bar and relocated upper arms from the mid 70`s. I used to have that set up from Maier in the mid 70`s on my 65 notch back,maier flares ,racing apron.Brings back a lot of Good memories from my high school days.Say hi to your dad Bill.
We were on the same page in the 70's! I still have my 65 coupe with all the same stuff, but it needs a complete rehash at this point. Nowadays the "widebody" thing is the cool setup, and I laugh because I had that 40 years ago - along with blacked out trim too.
That is one amazing 60`s Mustang, I really like the suspension in the trunk arrangement that is very unique and I haven't seen that design before in any car.
These grass roots Mustang guys do some really neat stuff. Griggs and Maximum Motorsports make a lot similar stuff too. I didn't know about the Optima challenge, now I've got something to gear towards when I get some time to put my 5.0 back on the road!
You had me at "everything in house"
Totally inspired by this guy.
Awesome mustang, I wish we could have seen it on the track.
I have to agree with chewbaccha regarding the euro comment. Just because something is efficient and well thought out doesn't mean it automatically gets labelled 'euro'. This guy is as American as they come.
Love the Stance! This thing looks beautiful! Just hate the suspension noise
Mr Maier, to say that I have a deep respect for you, your approach to car building and your demeanour would be an understatement. It's people like you that make being a car enthusiast a lifestyle and not just a passion. Thank you and please keep doing what you do :) Thumbs up from Canada
I love BIG MUSCLE !!! great creators are out there !
The suspension this guy makes and runs in his cars prove that it works. Watched the videos of the car doing auto cross and ripping the roads up. Fantastic build quality.
i love this show
I keep coming back to this video so awesome!
Yeah, I returned this point again as of today.
sweet ride
I'm loving that inboard suspension. Lovely ingenuity!
I think it's just more than loose,looks like the sway bar is missing
for the curvy roads it must be too much.
So sick!!!
Ppl do have a talent to build stuff for themselves but it's easier and faster to just order a part that's been properly tested and built. It's just easier, sometimes it's also cheaper than making it yourself.
But it's good to see shops like this that do stuff on their own. It's definately a great thing that ppl still do that.
Yes, that was what I was talking about. It's quite a nice endlink too, adjustable with Heim joints. :)
European attitude has nothing to do with it. Mike is an unbelievably talented innovator with a "I WANT TO WIN" mindset. He sees a problem, addresses it and comes up with solutions that are tailored to making his cars better.
My gosh you come across a lot of really cool car guys in your work, im glad to see there is still some heart in this hobby and way of life:)
@1:52 left rear suspension. is that a dangling turn buckle?
Perhaps you can find the answer here mikemaierinc.com/product/mustang/mod2-rear-suspension/ , but judging by the way the turn buckle was moving smoothly, and not bouncing with the road bumps, I think it may be an actual part of the set up that may be custom to Mike's car. Since that video, it would seem that Mike has split with his brother who has Maier Racing, and started a new company with a partner called Mike Maier Inc. The kits that Maier racing sells never did sell the set up from Mikes blue mustang, but the new company Mike Maier Inc does. Both companies have UA-cam channels. Heres the new video for the complete Mike Maier rear suspension ua-cam.com/video/Td5fLaoWpXg/v-deo.html
A lot of the time you disconnect a swaybar endlink. While driving on the street. Easier to unbolt one side. Than to take iy all the way out of the car.
This show is so well produced is insane. Everything about this episode was great. The car, Mike Maier, his company, everything. AND there are some excellent life lessons/wisdom in this video that more people should listen to and take to heart (like Mike said).
Why have you not been bought by velocity? >.< Your episodes are awesomesauce
great video Mike!
I was fortunate enough to meet Mike and see his car at a local Good Guys show. I was able to talk to him for about 15 minutes or so and all I've got to say is that he is such a cool guy. So glad to see him and his incredible car on Big Muscle!
sweet car dude
Probably the best build I've seen on a classic car. So impressed with the suspension setup.
Driving it hard - 10/10ths...
What's wrong with being 6'5 and 300lbs??
Hey Mike love the show! Who do you think would win in an Auto X battle if put up against each other - MAIER Racing: 1966 Mustang Coupe OR JCG Restorations 1968 Camaro
Be honest now, who has a better built car (suspension wise)
i love that yellow fox!
I emailed Maier Racing years ago about fox suspension parts but that was a no.
i dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot the password. I love any tips you can offer me!
@Desmond Samuel instablaster =)
I been watching this dude at all the auto cross events because I have family who has always spoke highly of their family. The dude really is the quiet killer, and it's a trip to watch folks of that caliber drive their cars. On the track it happens so fast it looks impossible.
I have been watching Mike Maier autox C Prepared Mustangs for many, many years at the SCCA Solo Nationals. He has just won yet again at the Lincoln Solo Nationals a couple of weeks ago. For the first time ever I was fortunate to be sitting in a grid spot right behind him. While we were using ice and water sprayer to cool down our Avon A15's, Mike was using cold wet towels out of an ice chest and left them on the tires until it was time to run again - great idea. I am glad that Mike is getting the attention that he deserves.
Jim
E Mod Yellow Jeep
Did you not see the Rat Rod with the straight-6 and 1,640 lb. ft. of torque?
Man no matter what other car companies build u just have to respect American muscle they just look mean and Brutal and no other car look mean like them they all other cars looks same and They might be light and aero dynamics but muscle cars look awesome and this is coming from guy who just love Porsche and I love American muscle and sports cars and look at new camaro 1le it put shame on m3 and look at viper ACR just insane track monster
They should do an update. This car has even more stuff done to it. Mike opened up his own shop seperate from the fiberglass side of the company. Mike Maier Inc
1:57 that looks disconnected.
Matias Gipler yes it moves out towards the wheel and all
Matias Gipler its the rear sway bar link...it looks like they adapted a thicker front sway bar for the rear and to keep it from being way to stiff for the street they just disconnected it
phil tripe I doubt that the disconnected anti-roll bar was a mistake of any kind ,,, with the pushrod rear suspension the anti-roll bar would be a bit much on anything less than dry race tires... you'd want some understeer for the street ,, just a bit...
This car is autocrossed, and disconnecting the rear sway bar on an FR is pretty common practice to help put power down mid corner and on exit.
"It's the quiet ones you should watch"......Soo true, great show Mike. You can really see the passion being put to work here. Thanks for all the great vids thus far!! -your UAE audience :)
I am about to start work on my 66, It will need everything and this is my inspiration!
why is this guy not a co host on top gear us??? him and matt Farrah would be perfect!
Do you have anything for the Mustang II in 1978?
I'm from Germany and I am just rebuilding a Mustang II 1978 Coupe, with an improved chassis, I would be very happy.
with friendly greetings from Germany
damn. great car
These Mustangs are great cars , Lightweight the Coupe or hardtop is 50 pounds less than the sport roof or fastback. With the right engine it is a rocket , It costs less than the fastback too yet guys want the fastback. Same car except the roof line . The Movie Bullitt they used the sound of a 289 V-8 for the movie not a 390 V-8 because these high rev small block V-8s have a great sound . I own a Mustang 1966 Hardtop 289 V-8, I love it great car sounds great runs great with the original 289 . I added a 4 barrel and edelbrock aluminum intake and hedman headders it sounds and runs great it is all the power I need even though I can make it a rocket if I wanted to with a crate motor over 500 Hp. Though I want the original 289 engine , I do not care for max speed or to race a hellcat I do not care good power and classic style beats any new car today.
I love the videos from this presenter, but man, the audio is always messed up....
wish my 66 Couple was like this one..
no offense to mike maire. but as the other mike is driving this mustang, dont we hear a lot of noises and squeaks?? compared to the camaro blu balz?? blu balz is amazing, fast, corners and sticks, but NO NOISE FROM SUSPENSION!!
I walked into their shop in N. California, Bay Area in the late 1980's! I purchased the 'R' model Shelby Front apron for my 66' coupe. I still have it on there too! 'R' is for Race son.😎
Agree with Mike on racing/cars today, they lack something, not drawn to them at all. I used to really be into IMSA, but don't even watch their races today because they are basically rigged. The cars seem to be generic to a degree, seen one seen them all. BoP, what the heck is that! No, thanks. I watch some off road stuff and Nascar, yes, Nascar, as generic as they get, but you never who's going to win.
Did all kinds of mods to my built 347 Stroker on my 66 Mustang. I did not enjoy driving it until Maiers Suspension Mods we installed in my car. Imagine driving a race car. Love driving it on the street. It is ready for the track.
Maier racing is top notch. I have a coupe of their parts on my car. But, you could have gone much further in detail especially with the rear suspension. Something tells me even though this guy does all these videos he knows nothing about the mechanic's of a car. Which is perfectly find but, dont act like you do when you obviously dont. Otherwise great video. Take it how you like.
I was one of those who purchased the "Eleanor" body kit from Maier Racing. Hard to believe that was 20 years ago! You can check out the car here on this channel. Thanks Maier Racing!
I called Maier today to see if they thought they had any parts I could use on my '70 Maverick. They were not sure because nobody had ever asked them before. So I did some research. The Mav's leaf springs are 2 inches longer than the '70 Mustangs'. Need to do more research.
I remember a Maier, Mustang in Hayward, California on Meekland Ave this must be them, but back in the 70s they hadn't yet built up much of a reputation.
I'm extremly happy to see Mike getting noticed by the new media. Thank you for taking notice. I've known Mike for well over 16 years, and he is truly a class act. And, you're right, it isn't the self promotion stuff that is his cup of tea, it's getting it done. big thumbs up. Added to my favorites. Thank you again for noticing a true local legend.
I have a 69 mach1 with a full manual reverse trans . c4 3 speed. have to shift it everytime you stop or you will burn it out.. so instead of just starting off in drive I have to go to number one then up to second and drive is the final gear.. 123 shift.. took a while to get used to.. few times I f ed up and started off in drive.. big no no.. lol
What's the rattling bag of nails noise when filming in the interior?
I really hate being this guy especially being a ford guy but the rear suspension looks at like the double wishbone pushrod front suspension Lamborghini came out with 2 or 3 years before this was posted. I think it was based off a F1 design. Its still bad ass none the less just pointing out to those who want to see a schematic of it broken apart to try and make their own.
Awesome I getting a 65 back on the road 💪🇺🇲🔧🚗🐎💯
@GazGirl Funny, that's one of the most in depth built cars I've ever seen, and you some random poser on the internet just disagreed with someone who has made a work of art of a vehicle.
One of the most professional and informative car videos I have seen. Outstanding. Has personally influenced me to seek out Maier Racing for projects. He is the man and so is this video.
One of the best shows... I don't even know how to describe my feeling... Just pure passion
Thanks Mike and the gang
@/drive at 3:40 there is a white 1970 coupe with a shelby rear trunk and side peices aka the rear spoiler on it. i need info on that car! my father has a 1970 coupe and its pretty nice and he always said he wanted that rear shelby duckbill on his car, but shelby never made coupes, i need to know if this is one of the parts they make in shop. or where I can purchase it for my father, any leads or links are very well appreciated
if you notice at 1:54 something on his suspension isn't connected on the bottom
Swaybar links. Not needed for street driving in a setup like this.
Gaz Girl Don't worry, I'm not going to keyboard bash anyone or talk shit. If you are indeed a mechanic and make a statement like that, I won't have to. You don't know me or anything about what I know and don't know. You obviously don't know why one would remove the links when running a setup like this on the street. I have two cars from thie era that I track btw. both rebuilt with independent suspension.
You resort to cheap name calling as well. How Pathetic.
Go away.
You know I've never heard an auto expert (sorry dnt knw the proper term for him) drive a car such as this and almost beg to drive it on a track. Maeir must really do some great work indeed.
that yellow stang looks rad
I have their old shop car, wide body 88 mustang hatch with f 40 wing lol ill probably call tuned when it'd done hah
Sorry guys, hate to say this but Big Muscle is getting very predictable. Everything has V8s, most everything is from the 60s, they all look and sound broadly similar... where's the variety, guys? Where are the fives, sixes, V12s and so on? Surely there must be some interesting muscle cars with those sorts of engines. I don't have anything against the good old OHV V8, but I'd like to see some more diversity here.
Ah the old can-am...the Bruce-n-Denny show...how I do miss that! I wonder,do you still have the molds for hot rod's Monroe Handler mustang kit? I got some remolding ideas in mind for that one...Monroe handler two. My CobraII kicketh much ass in it's day. Tore up 3 top loaders in that thing with 9" rear,with 3:73 gears,shelby cam,Isky rods.etc. With what I know now it'd be so much better. I like how you think!
Wow. I can't copy and paste for some weird reason. Wonder why.
I inherited a 17k original mile 66. Hasn't been touched since then too. I want to bring it back right.
impressive to hear the steering is tight. it's still the old drag link recirculating ball setup.
its either a torsion rod or a sway bar link just kinda dangling there.
Actually, I'd forgotten that one - partly because it was so horrible - lamp-post chassis and all-round air suspension... surely there must be some really cool E-type Jags or Lister XJSs or Bentley Turbos that you could get your hands on?
what would you think is better this or blue ballz? i will admit that blue ballz is probably a little more refined and has more horse power but as far as handling goes.
Honestly, this would wreck an M3 on the Auto-x. Remember, although a great car, the M3 is a production based vehicle made for the masses, this car was tailor made to be one of the baddest auto-x cars on the planet.
Mikey's an awesome guy! We used to race against one another ~15 years ago (I had a 3rd Gen F-Body at the time). I only beat that damn yellow car a handful of times! :) I know the clip is a couple years old now, but really glad y'all made it to Maier. Good people...