Project update!
OK, so I've lived with this car for a few months, commute 35 miles each way every day. So far, I have mostly positive things to say about the build. LOVE the engine work. The stage 2 tune is perfect. The car should have been shipped that way, IMHO. The heavier clutch is no problem for me, I used to be a VOLVO guy back in the 70's... those huge clutches were about the same feel, nothing too strenuous. I am learning to love the 5-speed, would like another gear... NO PROBLEM at all with Fran's parts, shifts are crisp and tight. I highly recommend his services, it's been a great experience. Superb quality on the parts. Mike McCann has been great. His work is first-rate and his prices fair. We did have a minor coolant leak after a few weeks driving that was the temp sensor and housing issue, I'm sure it was just time do do it, normal wear, and Mike took care of it. I might suggest that if anyone is doing a similar swap with an unknown service record on the project car's engine to just go ahead and change these parts out while the tranny is out.
NOW FOR THE NOT SO GREAT: I am LESS than happy with the suspension mods I made... but that's not the car's fault. I put some lowering, tighter H&R springs and red KONI's on it. I LOVE the way it rides and handles on the highway, on smooth roads... it's amazing. I can take typical ramps and merges pretty much flat-out if I wanted to, the suspension just sticks... handles flat, very nice. Get it on ANY bumpy urban surface and the car is almost un-drivable. I do think I'll be putting stock springs back on it.
UP NEXT-STILL TO DO: My next step is to have the Interior freshened and the body un-dinged and painted. I'm likely going to get through the winter before doing that. I also am going to up grade the Audio and Tech systems... I MIGHT do that before the paintwork!
Anyway, I hope this thread had inspired some folks to go ahead on with this project. These cars are really nice once you get that auto trans out of them!