Just went for a quick drive and took it very easy out of the gate. Clearly, it is very different - a little hard to describe. It drives bigger, heavier -- not so much that you notice the weight of the engine -- it is just the beefiness of everything. The clutch is stiffer, the shifts are heavier and notchier, the engine, just so full of torque. The sounds are amazing. The first thing I did was take the top off and put it away as I never drive with the top on. Thus, I got the full compliment of sounds -- there is a supercharger whine, but very subtle, and the LS3 is loud but not crazy - probably just like a Vette with an exhaust -- not nearly as prominent as the LS3 in my old G8 (that had a big open intake, Kooks headers, high-flow cats and Corsa exhaust). Remember, the suspension has all new coilovers and the brakes are big Rotoras all around -- but the ride feels great and the stopping feels the same as before as far as pedal feel and no noise or squeaks, etc. Tossing the car back and forth feels quite similar to before, so I don't notice much as far as front end weight goes. I know there was a spirited discussion here about the V8 weight distribution actually being better than the 2.0 since it sits further back toward the firewall -- Dave also modified the mounts on this car to sit further back and lower than on his other swaps.
Also, I was pleased to find first gear very usable in town. I think much of it is getting used to the car again. It has been nearly a year since I drove it, so some of the difference is the fact that the last vehicle I drove yesterday was my wife's Sienna minivan..
I assume the clutch will loosen up a bit and the shifting may smooth out as well as I break them in. I have not driven a Z06, so I don't know how those drive to begin with.
Anyway, I look forward to much more time behind the wheel and will report back as I go. For sure, I need to thank Dave Gilbert and Performance Autowerks for the amazing job on this build. They went way above and beyond the call of duty with so many one-off parts and everything fits like a glove and works perfectly. No CELs, no hiccups, no issues whatsoever. And the engine bay looks like it was designed for the blown LS3 -- everything is neatly placed and impeccably installed.
Oh, and the hood is even better in person, and, I think, a perfect match for the personality of this car. Subtle and clean, but functional. Kudos also to Norm, whose fender vents look great and, according to Dave, greatly reduce engine temps as the scoop brings in the cool air and the vents vacate it.
Stay tuned...
