It runs! I drove it!

[jhugh]

This is probably a superlative post... well, hell yes it is! But I know many of you can relate. Last night, after 7 months down for engine & transmission rebuild, my baby came roaring back to life and I drove her all over town. I had to stop at a gas station to top off and adjust the shift linkage. But otherwise, no problems! All joy.

So here are some fresh impressions of the Porsche "feel," which I've sorely missed this latter half of the year...

Even though I'm babying her (<3.5K rpm), and so she's essentially off her C2 cams, the torque and slingshot-like windup to the tremendous (and tremendously addictive) 4K+ power surge are so plainly apparent. This is a car that really wants to fly. It's nice to know the real reward is waiting for me after run-in.

The car is so light, man. I've been driving the Saab SE turbo around, and even in that thing I can slaughter most traffic. But the 911 makes the Saab feel like a big flabby SLAAB. It's so much quicker and more nimble than other cars on the road.

My car is lowered and set up beautifully. There's no feeling like being slammed down on the pavement, stiff and low. You can feel the road, and you can feel the balance of the car. I like someone on this board's description of the directness of the steering feel: "a tie rod in each hand." Damn straight.

YOWWWWW!!!!

[Adam]

There's nothing quite like being reunited with your 911 after a forced absence. I remember when mine was in the body shop for 11 weeks, when I got it back driving it hard, to "clear out the gunk" reminded me of my first ever drive in it.

[fig911]

Congrats on getting her back on the road...I bet it will be tough to wait for the breakin period to be over 4500 - 6000 is such a nice place to be

[targa80]

Congrafulations on the getting your car back on the road. I remember how it felt after doing the rebuild on my 80 SC and getting to drive it again. The urge to put the pedal to the metal is strong but the break-in is just too dam important. Good luck

[old_skul]

Congrats. Nothing like that first drive after a long wait!

[pwd72s]

As Jack will find out...some day.

[1974carrera]

Awright Hugh!! I know you're having a blast with your car back. That first crank up and drive after a rebuild is really memorable. Just reading your description started me thinking about cranking my engine after its rebuild and mod. My garage filled with all sorts of smoke from various assembly lubes...I'm sure it was noxious, but man I loved the smell...and driving down the street with the S cams loping along...it's killin' me so I'm back to the shop to continue attacking my never-ending restoration. Congratulations and thanks for the memories!

[Langers]

If you want an excuse to run it hard during break in, have a look here.