Can This ’67 Pontiac GTO and John Ostmeyer Survive Their First Drag-and-Drive at the Edelbrock Sick 66 Event?
As most classic car owners would likely admit, cruising, car shows or racing are almost a guaranteed pastime when it comes to owning one. John Ostmeyer had been dreaming of a Pontiac GTO in his driveway, and in December of 2022, he was able to acquire this clean blue 1967 model.
“Since I was 10 years old, I’ve wanted a ‘67 GTO,” he said. With a 400 cubic inch engine from the factory, along with a 4-speed transmission, John would certainly have some spirited fun with this muscle car.
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John was able to check off cruising and car shows within the first five months of ownership. By September of 2023, John had a vision of his next step with the GTO: pull the original 400 cubic inch Pontiac engine and manual transmission out for safe keeping.
In its place? John started to put together a mildly modified 455 cubic inch powerplant for a little more fun. “I bought a standard bore block, crank and 6X-4 heads from a buddy,” said John. “I’m looking for a pump gas friendly 450-plus horsepower motor. This is going to be fun!”
Just a couple months later, John decided to round out the trio of fun things to do with a class car: take it racing. He visited Mo-Kan Dragway in Missouri in November to make his first ever track passes.
“Having never drag raced before on a track, there was a steep learning curve,” said John. After clocking a first pass of 16.7-seconds, John was able to improve by over a second by his third and final pass. “Best of 15.5 isn’t bad for a 60-year-old bone stock car that is turned way down to run on pump gas. A better driver would have gone faster though. It’s amazing how much fun it is though!”
With the fire lit, now John could focus a little more on the new engine build. The 455 Pontiac will have a Sniper 2 fuel injection unit, along with a TKX 5-speed manual transmission, and a 12-bolt rear end.
John also decided to enter his first drag-and-drive, signing up for Edelbrock Sick 66. “It sounds like an epic experience,” said John. “I have a couple friends that are going to follow along in Sick Ward, so it’ll be a great time.
The people seem like they seem really fun, the cars are cool and the adventure,” John continued on why he decided to jump into the drag-and-drive world. “Just learning the ropes will be a big enough challenge, but I’m excited to try my first one.” John hopes to take one of two college buddies along with him for the epic Route 66 adventure.
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of John Ostmeyer.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com