Conversion - First Driving Impressions
The engine starts flawlessly and idles smoothly around 600 RPM. It likes to maintain around 190 degrees. WOW-- Does this car accelerate! Since I bought the transmission used, I didn’t know everything about its history, but the previous owner must have put in a shift kit—it really kicks from 1st to 2nd. With the weight of the front sheet metal, bumper, and hardware the 5576 spring rate is much tamer than I originally thought and the ride height is very balanced front and rear. With polyurethane bushings on the front and rear control arms, the torque arm, and the front sway bar, it’s a little squeaky but the car feels tight and handling is excellent. The 4-wheel power disk brakes are incredible—it stops quickly, straight, with no skidding or diving. The proportioning is perfect; the rear has never locked up before the front brakes grab. Willie, the White Wonder Wagon, has been transformed into Willie, the LT1-der.