[V8Vairs] (no subject)

[paulsiano@aol.com]

What follows is the email I got from Don Sherman, technical editor, "Automobile" magazine, after testing my Crown conversion at Chrysler Proving Grounds yesterday.  Don is a very busy and competent guy who has been around the world driving and testing just about anything with wheels.  His was a race car driver which, coupled with his engineering background, gave me a feeling that he would report the facts, be they good news or bad.  My car came back with its tongue hanging out but...it stayed together after being pushed to its limits!  The sound of my car going by at 120 mph (rev limited) at 7,500 rpms will be in my head forever.  (I've never been to Bonneville but that's what it sounded like to me.)   
 
He gave me a ride in another car that hit 130 mph which is faster than the cruising speeds of the small airplanes I used to fly.
 
He calculated the 283 cu. in. engine produced about 300 hp.
 
Sadly, cameras were not permitted inside the gate.
 
His email with the specs: 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Could be small changes but this will likely be it:

0-60  6.2 seconds
  -100  14.1
  -120  24.4
1/4mile  14.3 at 102mph
30-70mph passing, 3rd gear    5.8

top speed 120mph

70-0 braking   219 feet

L/R cornering gs    0.89/0.86

thanks for making this interesting car available to us.  I enjoyed the
experience.  sincerely, don sherman
___________________________________________________________________________
 
He made some recommendations for changes:
 
3:08 ring and pinion   (anybody have for sale?)
 
Current tires, BFG Radial TAs M&S, should be changed for better cornering numbers.
 
 
We had lunch and dinner together.  He is a true car guy with experiences galore and has a very sharp mind.  
 
I'll attach pictures I took or the photographers doing their thing in another email.
 
I didn't ask when the article will appear.
 
It was a great day.
 
Paul