Latest drive

[Cmr446@cs.com (Cmr446@cs.com)]

  I must be getting closer to turning my 77 into a daily driver, in function 
and necessity at least. I took her out for a change Friday night. A short 
run, part test drive, part just getting out of the house, to UMBC. A few 
things came to mind as I drove around; 
  Shouldn't the wiper show a bit of difference in speed when switched from 
low to high? I'm guessing the motor is that worn out. 
  Couldn't hurt to replace the oil pump, especially if the original is still 
in there. Would the high volume pump bolt in? (1.6 motor) Also I'm thinking 
of upgrading the pan at least to the later, larger capacity one.  
  I picked up a 5-spd tranny for this thing, from an '84 cabby. After 
cleaning it up I find out it's a FN, which should have it's gears the same as 
my 4-spd with an overdrive (according to the .org charts). I have all the 
linkage from the cabriolet, so this one should bolt up to the motor, right 
(short shift kit to be ordered, as well as swapping all motor mounts when I 
do this) ?  
  I'm also looking into dropping the gear ratio a bit with the next set of 
tires I need to get. I'm planning on a set of 185/50-14's vs. the 60's as 
came factory (vs. the 195/60's the PO for the rims put on). I'm going for the 
difference the tires would make compared to cracking the tranny case and 
installing a lower R&P simply because the R&P swap would be a bit too 
permanent for my taste, cheaper in the long run maybe, but not easier for me 
if I decide to go back to the ratio with 185/60's. I remember an older post 
about different speedo gears being available, would I be able to get one that 
will keep my speedo accurate, or should I keep a small notebook with a chart 
telling me what speed I'm doing in which gear at a specific rpm?  
   When I was leaving UMBC, as I walked up to my car I couldn't help think 
about how tall it sits, almost like I should expect it to have AWD, can't 
wait for the H&R's and Bilstiens to come in! :) 

Rambly, I know. I just want to get this thing on the road full time now!

Carl
77rocco
89fox