my "new" 4kq (long)

[Aaron Sherrick]

I got my car back this past weekend from my mechanic and it's like having a
brand new car!  After I get out of the car I just can't wait until I can get
back in it!  I had the following work done to the car: Stebro exhaust
installed, advanced the timing, new front control arm bushings, new power
steering fluid, and lubed the grease fitting on the center bearing on the
drive shaft.  Since Blau's shift knobs have been backordered for 5 months, I
stripped the worn leather off of mine, sanded it, stained it, and applied a
nice, thick layer of lacquer to it.  It's simply gorgeous (and looks like a
million $), though it doesn't exactly match the interior.  Perhaps a black
stain would have been a better choice than walnut, but I can always redo it.
Here's a breakdown of the mods and what I've noticed.

Stebro - Wow!  The dual tips are beautiful and very tasteful.  They hang a
little lower than I'd like, but not bad.  The sound is great!  Again,
tasteful.  It growls, especially from 2-3k, and it has a good sound at 1k as
well.  It makes you just want to rev it.  This thing puts the biggest grin
on my face.

Advanced timing - between this and the Stebro I definitely notice an
increase in HPs.  Acceleration between 1.5-3k is definitely more effortless;
I seem to press the accelerator down a lot less.  Also, there is certainly
more acceleration in 4th gear (3-4.5k range) where it was badly needed.
Gotta love free HPs.

Control arm bushings - Amazing what those little buggers can do!  The car
feels like it has a new suspension.  Steering is tighter.  Suspension feels
firmer (more solid when I hit bumps) and doesn't seem to have as much body
roll (which I didn't expect).

Power steering fluid - corrected the problem when I'd first start my car,
especially in the cold, the power steering would fail temporarily and then
return once I got out of my parking space and onto the road.  Very annoying
little problem.  I'm thrilled that it's fixed.

Center bearing lube - well, I haven't heard any howling noises, but it
really hasn't been cold enough for those to occur yet, so the jury's still
out.  I have high hopes, though.


In concluding, the car feels and sounds totally different.  What can I say,
I love my car!  Next up, a new stereo; stay "tuned."  :)

Aaron
'86 4kq w/Stebro