I am 18 years old restoring/tuning my 1986 mustnag.  Right now the mods i have arent to importnant because i have a question about the interior.  I am looking for the entire center console assembly for my car.  I went to a pick-n-pull and they didnt have any 1986 ford mustangs there.  And i tried 50resto.com but they said that they are extremly hard to find.  So i figured i would go to the guys who know best, you.  While i was at the scrape yard the people were also telling me that the 86 mustangs are extremly rare and i heard from another individual that they are monsters for nitrouse because they suppobly came stock with forged steal crank rods and pistons.  If you could tell me whether or not those statements are true or not then i would greatly appreciate that advice.  Also i would like to know where and how much i could get that center console for.  Thank you. 

Rob

Yes...everything you have heard is true. I have owned my 86 GT for 8 years now, and parts, ESPCIALLY interior items..are extremely hard to find. I have found a few center consoles, but none in my color. Luckily, I really dont need one and my interior is in fairly decent shape. If you have tan interior like me, you will be hurting the worst...Tan was the rarest color (and I have it, go figure.) Just keep hunting Ebay and the yards, some items are out there. If its any consolation..MOST of the time...90% of the interior stuff will fit from 1979-1986...and some items even up to 1993 depending on what it is.

As for your pistons..yes..correct again. Ford was experimenting with dome pistons and "swirl" heads in 1986, but quickly figured out that this combo did not work as they had planned...they quickly stopped production in 1986 and reverted back to the old design again in 1987. Beware that you CANNOT install any aftermarket heads on a 1986 engine without either changing pistons, or getting yours flycut. Luckily my engine came from a 1991 convertible, so I am able to modify mine like usual. Keep this in mind when you modify the car....it will get it your way if you have a TRUE 1986 engine/heads in your car.

Mr86GT