On overdrives, I have a 3:89 with OD and love it - and have a properly
calibrated speedo - so I do know my speed and distance. I had the speedo
shop put in new gears so both speed and odometer are correct. If those are
not available, they can also make a simple converter box which will get it
right too. I will point out that there are some that believe the lower
rpms can cause lugging and damage the engine. When the rpms get too low,
this is true. So, keep in mind that you might want to be more sensative to
downshifting to accelerate or to climb big hills. Also, as pointed out,
the 3.89 rear end will cause slower acceleration than the 4:22. Since most
of my driving it on the freeway in Los Angeles where the speeds *can be*
high (when there is no traffic), and I have the Holbay engine set up, the
high speed/lower rpm was more important to me than the gearing for
quickness. If I was not on the freeway so much, I just very well might opt
for the 4:22. It does make sense; Rootes was not off its rocker. The 4:22
will be quicker than the 3:89 and the high speed RPM will still be a bit
lower than the 3:89 without OD.
On removing paint, there is an alternative to dipping and blasting. It's
chipping. Apparently this is the favored alternative in the Porsche 356
world. They just sit down with a razor blade and start chipping the paint
off. When I first heard this, I assumed it was a joke. But, no, once it
gets going, the paint really comes off. It's certainly not done in a day,
and for the smaller areas, chemicals or some blasting may be required.
But, for the vast majority of the metal surfaces, the paint comes off
without either thinning the metal or using a chemical that might remain
under the new paint and damage it. It's also supposed to be a relaxing
process (assuming of course that you are not in a rush and don't have three
kids, a wife, assorted pet animals, and a house that need attention).
Jay
|