Posted by Jonas on Monday, December 22, 2003 at 5:34PM :
In Reply to: How does it run. posted by Howard in Newcastle CA on Monday, December 22, 2003 at 4:24PM :
She likes to spin the tires that's for sure! It's pretty quiet with dual exaust and big mufflers. I do think the carb needs to be re-jetted or the acclerator pump replaced as theres a little hicup when you put your foot in it.
The gears are the original 5.83's, so it's still only goes about 40-45 MPH before it wound up pretty good. Also it has the original non-syncro transmission so shifting through the gears is'nt a speedy process either. But, traveling up the hills to my house in a original 230 powered wagon I was in 3rd gear and the engine would lug. With this set up, I'm in top gear and can accelerate up the hill! It's a matter of 160 HP (Hemi) vs 89 HP (flathead).
I have a centered differential rear axle, and a set of 4.89's for it. Also a choice of transmissions: NP 420, NP 435, and a NP 540 here at the house. That should increase the top (safe) speed to 55mph, and quiet down the driveline whine.
I also have a original 1st series bed with fenders and a decent tailgate to put on it yet. The bed is on a fairly original WDX parts truck, and I thought about just trying my hand a making my own HD utiline bed with a dump mechanism to put on it as to not mess with a original WDX truck. We'll see.
And I intend to eventually replace the 276 with a rebuilt 291 Desoto.
That's down the road a bit though!