Tes Barnett
Mitsu booster

About Tes Barnett

Biography:

I was introduced to these cars over 20 yrs ago when I became a semi retired race driver. I thought the cars was very unique in a special kind of way. I stated out with a 1985 rally version (non turbo) and it perform like it was bullet proof. Then on the track, I was beaten by a turbo version of the Omni and I became very determined to own and build one of my own. I bought a second Omni and it was the official 1986 Shelby design GLHS in black.. The experience became an obsession to get it track worthy. I had the hellafied experience of messing with the wrong mechanic and was played by their inexperience and amateur behavior which cause that car to be totally destroyed and robbed of all its good essential parts. But then I had learned a lot from my bad experiences and took total charge of getting it right. I bought a third Omni 1985 and it was very clean but only a GLH T version. I made the best of it from the left over parts and put everything into it less the kitchen sink, and it has become the monster build. "OMNOUS"
I am very impressed with the end results after seeing it run and create over 400 hp on the dyno. Strong, sounds mean and very clean looking car. Sadly again the tech-mechanic push it to far stating the motor could handle 600 hp easily (even though he didn't build the engine from scratch) and blow out the piston rings.. Blow- by.. it broke my heart and I just garaged the car for years.
Presently I am ready to get back into the project and get it right this time no matter what! New rings and crank bearings and back together again. 400 hp is good enough for me anyway.. I'm not a drag racer, I'm a road and track driver (auto cross) and that's the set up it comfortable with.. drag racing brakes part all the time..
There are a few major items I do not like about the car and the main thing is the fwd business end of the car.. it sucks. Not fun with all the under steering and all over the place front end. Awd is the greatest design for most cars, and that my biggest dream for this project.. to make it better. Lastly the Omni has this love it or hate it look. I need to create the love it all day look. A better body kit , wheel fender flair , ect.. what ever it takes to get it right. That's my story and I happy to share it with true car guys who take the time to read this story..
In Honor of Carlos Martinez I am full inspired and recharged to work with his design concept AWD set up for the GLHS. I think he nailed it and re-engineered the GLHS the way it should have been from the factory. I bet Carol Shelby would have applauded this design upgrade.

Thanks "Carlos Martinez"

Lets make the Omni great again!

Next I will share with you the build sheet.

Stay tuned;

I am the Driver! Grand Turismo my Therapy...

Location:

New York, Queens

Interests:

Auto racing - Auto cross - Auto conversions - Auto upgrading.

Occupation:

Publisher / world traveler