New Engine on the horizon

Time for some real world driving impressions of the major changes I've made. I did a good variable speed 300 mile break in, then had the valves adjusted, changed oil, etc. Continued break in getting a bit more aggressive as the miles ticked on. Now nearly 1000 miles, including a 500 mile round trip highway run and I should be getting a realistic picture.

I couldn't be more pleased with the drivetrain. The 2275 has substantially more power in the band where I drive. Much has been said on here about the cam choice, heads, etc... I didn't want a 6000rpm+ screamer. This engine sounds sweet, pulls strong to 5k and I haven't pushed beyond that point. Doubt I ever would in normal driving. 65mph at around 3000rpm in 4th and it will instantly respond to throttle to pass. Accelerates very quickly through the gears. Not much more I can ask of it! Bottom line is that the new engine is strong enough to put a big grin on my face, but her limits seem to be within my driving skill level. Perfect match! There is much to be said for having your car's 10/10ths performance match your own skill/comfort level! I know with a cam and head swap it could be more, but my days of hanging on and hoping my car goes where I point it are behind me :)

I do think I went a little overboard on my suspension upgrades. I put KYB Gas in the front and KYB Gas-A-Just in the rear, upgraded the torsion bars to 26mm, added 3/4" Sway-a-way bars at both ends, and had a good dialed in alignment done. It corners like a slot car, but I think if I ran over a dime I could tell you if it was heads or tails. Just a BIT tight! Maybe some more miles in warmer weather will loosen it up a little, else I may swap my Monroe's back to the front.

My money, I'm happy with the way I spent it, 'bout all I can say :)

Good on you Chuck! Here's wishing you clear skies and miles of open road!

I noticed a big stiffness difference when I added the rear sway bar. Not bone-jarring, but you could feel the pavement cracks more than before. The other side of the equation is that I have not yet been able to break the rear end loose on the track (225/16's rear) and it handles VERY well 8>) I'm running stock rear torsion bars.

I think between the thicker/stiffer rear torsion bars, the rear gas shocks and the added 3/4" rear sway bar, you've probably crossed the line from an aggressive street machine to an aggressive track machine and your butt feels the difference.

Chuck, glad to hear that you have it on the road and that you are enjoying the modifications. I was wondering what had happened. What was the verdict on your trans problem? Enjoy!

Will, I was hearing a LOT of differential noise and we pulled the transaxle and sent it back to KCR. Kevin was great to work with! He tore it down completely and said he examined everything closely without finding any problem whatsoever. Just to be certain, he essentially replaced everything! I'm not sure what the problem was, but when reinstalled, it worked perfectly without any undue noise. Whatever the issue, it was taken care of. I couldn't recommend KCR more highly!

Further on the ride quality... It is a blast to run through the corners now, but certainly less refined a ride than original. I'm happy, but if my wife gets her way I may try a bit softer shocks in the future. I'm running 30psi in the tires, it might do some good to let off a little pressure as well...

Thought I'd post a pic as well... Note the Halon fire suppression unit. It automatically dumps at 240 degrees. I like my "Phoenix" just the way it is :)

I have a similar fire suppression unit. Well worth the money.

Chuck or Ron: Where did the suppresion units come from and price? I think they're a good investment. Thanks

Henry at Intermeccanica uses units from Safecraft. You won't find them on their site though, but contact Don directly... I think mine was around $400, but well worth the price if it ever has to go off!

Donald E.Warren, VP Engineering
Safecraft, Inc,
5165-C Commercial Circle
Concord, CA 94520, USA
T 925/405-0308
F 925/405-0311
dwarren@safecraft.com

Thanks Chuck it is greatly appreciated. A VERY worthwhile investment.
Thanks for the contact info.