IH2LOSE said:
I was thinking about you last night wonering what your thought are of the completed car,and does it life up to all of your exspectations. Then lastley What are you doing with all of your extra time since the car is done.
Larry,
I've fallen back in love with the car. It's like finding and marrying your high-school sweetheart after 20 years.
I can't believe that I let it sit for so long, but in some ways that's a good thing. I got life's priorities out of the way, and was finally able to spend the money to do what I wanted with the car.
Does it live up to my expectations? Probably 90% at this point. There are several things on my mind to help it nudge closer to 100%.
1. Fix the angle on the rear bumpers -- it goes back into the shop on Wednesday morning.
2. Lower the spring-rate settings on the VB&P suspension - I'm headed out to the garage to do that after this post. There are just too many badly repaired roads and uneven potholes around here to continue at the current settings. It's like riding a bucking bronco around town.
3. If I had it to do again, I'd chose a rear gear ratio in the 2's rather than the 3.08:1. In first gear, the Richmond 5-speed causes me to hit 3,500 rpm at 20mph. And, even lower rpms at 85mph on the freeway would be nice -- approximately 3,000rpm right now. By the way, 85 is not fast around here. If you're not driving 85, the trucks are running you off the road. :crazy
4. A complete run-through, detailed tune-up of the engine to maximize everything -- carb, timing, IR Temp readings, etc. It's just been too damn hot to bother lately. After Carlisle, come September, I'll do it.
5. It's been a bit more skittish and following road ruts lately - I had the four wheel alignment checked on Wednesday and the right rear camber was out by 5 thou. I still think the main problem is the old steering design combined with the massive tire change. Looks like steeriods as a winter project.
6. A bit more lope in the cam. Although the ZZ-502 comes with a very responsive cam, I come from the old school. I like rock n' roll out of a cam. Remember, I'm used to the "180" ZL-1 cam that I used for track and street. That one would sure rattle your teeth.
In my advanced years, I rarely worry about instant response away from the stoplights anymore. In fact, no one.......and I mean no one.....has even hinted at a challenge yet, and I have 4,000 miles on this summer. The typical reaction at the lights is, "Holy F..." followed by...
What have I been doing with my spare time? D-r-i-v-i-n-g, spending more time with my wife, and getting ready for some real estate projects.
well, just a thought....... :L See you in Carlisle.
