[keith k]

Nice looking radiator-

[SD455DJ]

We had beautiful weather today (sunny in the upper 70's) and got the chance to test drive the Formula with the new Cold Case aluminum radiator. If you buy one for an F-body with automatic trans, be aware that the tranny cooler connections in the tank are 5/16" threads, too small to receive the factory 3/8" threaded flared ends and you need to get the 5/16" to 3/8" adapters...then you'll discover they are just deep enough to barely tighten and seal into the radiator connections. Dan got some soft copper washers to allow the adapters to seal more tightly against the seats and after a modest 10 mile test drive they didn't leak. The connector threads are also aluminum so you can't reef on the line nuts. Also, you need to retighten all the connections, gingerly, after a couple of heat cycles. According to the new temp gauge the radiator kept the engine temps to 190 degrees no matter the driving conditions with a 180 degree thermostat, so a 30 degree improvement (the 190 degree temps were confirmed with an infrared temp gun).

I also wanted to get taller tires on the car, so I installed my 225R70/15 Eagle ST's on 15x7 HW Rally II's to lower the cruising rpm's a bit. We seldom drive on the expressways by trying to stick to country roads & highways (more scenic and fun). It did knock down the rpm's at 70 mph to 3000, so a little better. I'm sure it won't get any worse gas mileage than the '71 455HO Formula with 3.42 gears (15 mpg) with the smaller and more efficient 400 (hopefully 17-17 mpg).

I think the Formula is finally ready (enough) for some summer driving and will be at the TA Nationals this summer.

Dennis