[SkipB]

Round Midnight,

About the engine. If I had to do it over again, I would probably still go with Smeding, but maybe a stroker and nearer 500hp and not 400hp like I have now (351w). 400 seemed like enough until I drove one at Armond's with about 500! More power please! The one good thing about the 351 at 400 hp is smooth power, a little "cammy", but it runs strong and cool. It starts and idles easily and well. I know some of the higher horsepower engines are a bit more tempermental. I've had mine in bad traffic jams and with the fans on ran nice and cool and didn't load up at all.

As for the transmission. The Tremec 3550 I have is a little stiff, but very positive in the action. I do have some problems getting it into reverse, especially when it is warm! Go figure! Other than that, it has been great. I believe the T5 is smoother, but several people have said it is not as durable as the 3550 and TKOs. I am not sure as I have no real experience with the T5s. I have the traditional forward facing shift lever that is I think by nature a little slower in shifting as it is more of an up and down motion and not a natural motion when shifting. If you want fast shifts move the shifter up front, I am sure this will make it faster. It just didn't look right to me.

I hope to meet you someday. Either on the road when you get it finished or at Armond's if you are there someday. My car is all black with no stripes. Maybe I'll see you soon. I am thinking about starting up a local Backdraft club in the San Diego area. Very low key and mainly for fun. Any interest to any of you reading this?

Let me know.

See ya!

The other Skip