LOL, Yep. Snorkels are cooler!
Wll, I use to race auto cross and did rallies long, long ago. I drive the legal limit, sometimes fudge a little, about 72 on the interstate is fast enough for me. The question was really about power to pass, I do pass.
OK, good. I was a bit concerned about your question especially when you noted 90/95 being a speed you're seeing LOL.
I'm retired now, pushing 60, nothing wrong with my reaction time yet, but probably not what it was at 22-26 while racing. I am an aggresive driver and enjoy taking the curves but not beyond the limit of the vehicle. Saw a video of an 89 on a beach I think cutting donuts, looked like pretty sharp turns and was surprised he didn't roll it! Pavement would have been a different story.
60 and retired? Lucky you. I think most are hoping they can afford to retire at 65 and unsure how they'll make ends meet.
As for taking curves, I've found I prefer the handling after putting larger wider tires on her but then it's a compromise because you loose out from a gearing standpoint unless you can find 4.90's or better yet 5.29's to put under her. That said, I recommend running 30" or better yet 31x10.5 tires.
I'd like to build up a good car, reliable and with capabilities to do some off road travels. I'm considering going cross country and hitting all sorts of terrain. I'm not going to abuse the car or rock crawl.
Built up mildly with bigger tires a locker and armor it's actually a fairly capable rock crawler but for your needs, an LSD, bigger tires and better shocks (read KYB Gas-Adjust) are all you should need. For the engine, check the oil consumption, the radiator (rod it if necessary) and make sure the belts/water pump are replaced regularly and you should be all set.
I do storm chasing and spotting, so it needs to be reliable and quick enough to get out of the way.
I'm trying to figure out if the 89 Raider is a good starting point for a build and long term keeper. I am concerned with the electronics, computerized end, rather have an simple coil/plugs/distributor....I'm older, lol.
I saw where the Raider ran in the 11s on the 1/4 mile, not blazing speed but good enough, just wondered about kicking it in to pass and get out of the way. Thanks
With an automatic tranny, I simply use the Overdrive as necessary to pass but I also realize it won't win too many races. Simply too heavy/robust a rig. For the electronics, I'd check the local salvage yard for a spare ECU (Engine Control Unit aka computer) and ISC/IAC (idle speed controller/idle air controller) servo or find a bad ISC and have it rebuilt. Cost for a new ISC is ~$150. Haven't seen sources for a new ECU though.
HTH. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
