a different car

[hertsbiker]

Well I know it isn't a TVR, or a Lotus, or infact anything British. And I know it's going to handle like a PIG !

But I have fallen in love with a 6.6 Litre Buick (V8 of course!), only 360bhp, but 475ft/lbs of torque at 3200 revs!!!!

Ok, without being rude, how can I get it to handle? also, howabout tuneups? 360 doesn't sound very much for such a big lump..? it struggles to do 8 second 0-60's, but is very fast after that.

Carl.

PS haven't bought it yet, the fuel consumption scares me a bit. Any thoughts?

[PetrolTed]

What's it look like? Picture?

[Fatboy]

What's the model/year etc?

[motorage]

I Think you'll have, with this car, the best opportunity of your life to exercice your driver capabilities.

Kyr Augusto Ostergrenn
New Motor@ge, Chief Editor, from Brasil

New Motor@ge E-zine

[JSG]

NEWSFLASH

Cambelt has Brazilian relations.

Edited by JSG on Monday 26th November 13:18

[Captain Chaos]

As an afficionado (if that's the right word - sad man is another) of large Yankee beasts I would give you the following advice:

1. Don't worry about the horsepower - it's the torque on a big-block that does the work. It probably has a crap inlet and exhaust manifold - and could possibly take a bigger carb (if carb fed that is). These are dead easy and cheap to change - and will typically yield 20% plus increase in power.
2. If it is fueled by a carburettor then consumption will likely be no better than 15 mpg and easily single figures when you boot it.
3. Check the bodywork carefully - they are usually very solid underneath but the body panel quality on some 70's barges is not far off Alfasud circa similar era.
4. To get stonking acceration simply change the back axle ratio - then you will be able to post unbelievable 0-60 times. And burn serious rubber
5. Don't expect to go around corners or stop.

Edited by Captain Chaos on Monday 26th November 14:09

[hertsbiker]

Don't laugh, but;-

www.geocities.com/wildcat4302000/68folder/bf68wc.htm


I test drove it tho'. Ummm. Leans like a drunk, and doesn't pull like I would have thought. Sounds top notch, but methinks a lighter car, maybe a Mustang would be better..

Talk about "presence". Even 4x4's were getting out of my way. Cool.

Back to bikes I guess.

[macwalsh]

Jesus Christ - that's bigger than my house

[Marshy]

You wouldn't be able to park it. Anywhere.

(Most particularly not that NCP just off Tottenham Court Road, the one where you drive down narrow little tunnels into the bowels of the earth.)

[PetrolTed]

How much is the car? It's fab. Go for it!

[JSG]

Neat - Reminds me of an old Pontiac Parisienne I used to drive around in in the late 70's.

Buy it.

Edited by JSG on Monday 26th November 22:18

[steveab]

Yum,

It's got American classic scribbled all over it in bold. That car is a beut.

Up there with:
Shelby Cobra, Mustang
Dodge Charger (IMHO)
All Vetts
Plus the majority of 50's - 60's US cars.

A defintie buy..

[Nacnud]

I guess it deeee....pends

Is Hertsbiker a Hog Man or a Kwak - Sounds like a Hog to me

(though I feel it is only fair to declare that I posess a certain penchant for serious cubes (cars and bikes (plus I like brackets (but not as much as bikes))))

[hertsbiker]

Wow, are you lot serious? - I thought you'd take the P*** !

I saw the car and fell for it.

Re: Hog or Kwak. Neither = Yamaha Thunderace until recently, and now a Suzuki SV650 !

I am having serious thoughts about not having a bike next year, due to certain misdemeanors, and my bad influence friends. ;-)

By the way, the Buick is up for 4600, but I know I can get for nearer 4K.

Still rolls like a drunk though. Nothing like a taught sporty thing, but fascinating... I can't stop wanting it! - help !!!

[apache]

looks like a potential lowrider which would suss out your rolling probs, the maroon one looks cool, JFDI

Edited by apache on Tuesday 27th November 11:36

[PetrolTed]

Everyone should have a silly car at some point in their life!

[jaydee]

Buy it then ! But if you do can I have notice if you drive it into Derbys. I wouldn't want to get in the way !
I've always hankered after a yank tank, but if I bought one the girlf would leave. And she owns half the Porsche. And the house (all of it.) Hmmm.
Have you considered a Sunbeam Tiger ? Big Ol' V8 but driveable in the UK.
Can you imagine Drivel testing the wildcat? Probably comparison test it with a Vextra...

[hertsbiker]

Well I have my ultra sensible, economical (high tech) Smart, the sensible 206, and a sort of not-very-hairy motorbike.

So for 4100 + 250(insurance) I can have a tax free, mad, low tech car.

I'm going to check up on suspension kits - the outright grip is very very good actually. Weight distribution is 51/49. TO be fair, it is nimble for its size, but body roll spoils the party. But "feel good factor" ? 100% !

As for Drivel: what a waste of time that program is. Why do we keep watching it? the 100 test is always biased.

[mel]

quote:
Re: Hog or Kwak. Neither = Yamaha Thunderace until recently, and now a Suzuki SV650 !

Now the SV is far more respectable than the Thunderace

Just a quickie though have a chat with Jorge at Renegade for race cans and high levels etc etc. He's one of my old sponsors and the magic he works with the SV is superb try:

www.renegade-exhausts.com

[mel]

Oh yes top car for a LA Gangster go for it even if its just for the crack.