TR Last Drive of 2003

Well it is a happy/sad day as I took my Tetarossa out for it's last drive of the year. A friend asked for me to work on his '68 Dodge Charger (440 six pack / Auto ). He lives about 10 miles out in the country so it was a nice drive. The weather is so "iffy" this time of year I was in constant fear of rain or drizzle, but it held off. Since I worked on his car he rewarded me by letting me drive the Charger. All I can say is...it's been so long since I've had a muscle car I've forgot how it feels to have serious torque under foot. Whew...that thing has some low end like nobody's business. The steering was very vague and the brakes inadequate...just like it's supposed to be. I really enjoyed it. I then took my friend Phil for his first ever ride in a Ferrari. He's a big guy and wasn't too comfortable but seemed to like it, especially "tightness" and road holding. As I was leaving he was taking his Charger for a drive, so there we are on this country road with no other cars in sight....and well....boys will be boys. We did a quick acceleration test from a 5mph roll. I expected to be eaten alive....but the ol'e Testarossa held it's own and was just getting her wind as we backed off. I was starting to pull away on the Charger...much to my, Phil's, and the gearhead-crowds amazement!! I think in a quarter mile race I could take him...I'm so proud of the ol'e girl!! It's wierd cuz the Charger "feels" so much quicker, but the TRs wide torque is what did the trick...it's so smooth and long that you don't really realize how quick the car is going. The grin on my face lasted for hours, and I can't wait to tell the boys at work that my little 301 cubes outran the big 440 cubes in the Charger. What a hoot! The fellow car nuts in attendance have a new found respect for the prancing horse now. I couldn't have asked any more from the ol'e girl...she is so fine!

Jefff: It won't be long, before you and I both see SNOW on the ground.

I am glad that you have done the major, with still some time left to enjoy the car.

NICE job!!!!!

Wow Jeff what a cool story!!!!

That photo of your engine looks awesome !!!! Bet the muscle car guys were in awe!!!

Thanks for sharing that cool story with us!

Best Regards, JRV

Jeff,
I love the suttle but very cool detailing you have done to the engine.

Thank You Henry, JRV, and John!

I drove the car today too....we had another rare spell of nice weather...and I'm taking advantage of it. I have never been so happy with any vehicle I've ever owned before...she runs so good! I feel so fortunate. I still haven't figured out why, but after the car is warmed up and I stop and shut if off...say to pump some gas...and then hit the road again...for about a minute this car just runs like stink. It's wierd and amazing at the same time. I wish it would do this all the time! The acceleration is really impressive, close to my old ZR-1 that easily ran low 12 second quarter mile times. After the magic 1 minute window it still pulls hard but not brutally so.

John...the engine is actually totally detailed with all new nuts and bolts, etc. My gripe was that most of the work is hidden, and your observation supports this fact. I'll post a pic of the completed engine so you can judge for yourself. The motor looked better out of the car! Oh well...what ya gonna do? It does seem to impress people when I open the bonnet.