Re: V8 or not to V8

[brooks@fortnet.org (Brooks Ellis)]

>> Upgraded V8 tranny - Is this a quick thing that the dealer can do - ie, hook up 
>> computer and in five minutes have the new software? Or do I need them to
>> replace a chip?
>
>it is conceivable that the only thing that needs to be changed is an eprom
>but you won't find the dealer carrying that.  the smallest unit that you
>can get is the entire control unit.. about $900.

Oh no?! Did the factory recall the old chips/control unit and install new ones, or was it a switch in the middle of the model yeah

>i think the control unit between the ears is a lot cheaper.. learn to
>use the zig zag gate and you are just as well off.  :)

I'm sure that's what I would do, rather than drop $900 dollas that could be used for things like fixing the sunroof, new radio, shocks, tires, future repairs..

>if the tranny fails you are out $6000 for a rebuilt one plus another
>$600 to $800 for labor.  timing belt replacement is 5 or 6 hours.

Whats the word... Ouch! I assume that having to rebuild your transmission is not a common thing! Am I correct? If so, there is _no_ way I would buy one.. I can understand rebuilding synchros on a manual if you abuse them... a new clutch due to wear, and too many 5k RPM drops, but really $6k+.. Ouch!

>and the UFO brakes... what is the latest verdict on them?  

I'm not sure, I still need to look at it in more detail.. Would having the UFO brakes kill me? Are they almost certain to warp? Or just under ' spirited driving ' conditions - would they warp if I stood on the brakes at 80mph? How about some fast canyon driving - not too hard, but a lot of it? Hmmm.. I mean, if they only warp when abused, I really don't abuse my brakes.. Usially downshift.. But if a deer or something is in the road around a corner 80...<BRAKES>..<ABS>..<chatter>..0 ( in a couple of seconds.. my 100 really suprised me the other day.. There was a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep in the road, and I stood on them at about 70, and I stopped QUICK... It was pretty crazy, I hit them so hard the ABS came on.. Wow! )

>
>or you can rob a bank...  :)

hehe yeah.. I uhh uhm would never do a thing hahha like ahh that. Especially not if there was a '91 5-spd V8 for sale in town. Yeah. No way would I do that. 

>me?  i bought a 100K ext. warranty so my a** is covered.

pppppphhhhhhbbbbt!    ( well, it wouldn't help me - the car is at ~120kmi )

Brooks