[SD455DJ]

We had a nice uneventful TA Nationals trip and hard to believe this is the end of summer around these parts. We drove almost 520 miles round trip and the Formula ran great on 93 octane and didn't use any oil, or other fluids. It got a decent 15+ mpg to boot! I was amazed that the temperature driving slow, fast (60 - 65 mph), or stopped never exceeded 185 degrees (indicated) on the temp gauge and it never had a problem with heat soak starting after filling up with gas and food/restroom breaks. I'm impressed with the Cold Case radiator (180 degree thermostat). The oil pressure was a steady 55 psi (25 psi at idle) and the new aftermarket gauges were sensitive to engine speeds and electrical use.

We drove the backroads to and from, so 55 - 65 mph with stop & go driving through the little towns of rural America...which is the best part of the trip for me. We had rain showers down & back, but nothing heavy. The car stayed dry inside and the wipers worked better the longer they were used...by the time we got home they didn't chatter any more. Norwood and I had the 'old' Firebirds in group with 4 - 4th gens. The show was amazing with almost 500 cars (probably lost 50, or more, from Canada), but the weather was HOT.

The Ram Air screens do keep bigger critters out too! He was still alive, so released him...

Dennis