So I got the 442 box installed and it feels like it has a little more slop than it felt like when it was in the olds. I may try and tighten up the lash or I’ll have to get a new one down the road. The car definitely feels a bit sportier though.
I also rebuilt the q jet and man, what a difference. Throttle response is way better and it’s not bogging off the line anymore. I did find the baseplate has some wear in it so I’ll have to address that when I swap the engine.
Hopefully I’ll get the rear installed soon. Just been so hot lately, that I don’t even want to go in the garage.
What's the condition of the rest of your front end components? Tie rod ends, idler arms, center link, etc. If all those things seem like they're tight with little to no slop. then I'd try adjusting the steering box a tad.
The Astro shaft also makes a noticeable difference.
I agree about the Q-jet difference. After I rebuilt mine and put it on the car, it was like night and day.
Glad to see that you recovered from that metal splinter. Man, those things can be nasty....and painful.
Btw, cool set of seats. Also, make sure the mirror bases are at the correct angle and see if there's a difference in the base gaskets.