Getting the Feel of My New 8.8 3.73's
Driving Wonderbird home from the body shop gave me a chance to get the feel of my new rear end and tire combo. It was totally different than what I expected.
The 3.73 gears did NOTHING to improve the anemic acceleration provided by the stock 86 5.0 EFI. I realized that the taller tires would cut the gear down a bit, but honestly, it accelerates no better than it did with the 3.08's although timing equipment would likely say otherwise. I have no doubt I could beat this car in the quarter mile with my 2014 Focus 5 speed stick. If there is any improvement, it is throttle response when in OD. So much for the bad.
The 17" wheels and tall 2006 Mustang GT tires gave the car an impressive ride. Much better than with the old 14's. I expected just the opposite. Perhaps the new rear springs and Sachs shocks helped somewhat, but this car rides very well. My new SN95 springs and Sachs struts just arrived today for the front end (hoping for a 1.0" or 1.5" drop). The car sits a bit high in the front with the new tire/wheel combo, but the rear didn't change at all with the new rear springs, which is good. It STILL has a bit of the dreaded Thunderbird/Cougar lean, but not so pr0nounced as before.
Next, the BBK shorty headers, off road H pipe and 2.5" duals will be installed.