Cam too big, converter too loose....NOT for long!

[Kern Dog]

" OOF, what a pain to drive (was my daily car). Only time it felt good was wide open throttle."

That was exactly the reason that I wanted a tighter converter. The 10" unit slipped too much at cruise but did engage well at WOT.
I removed the Gear Vendors unit and sold it to a guy in Tennessee. I'm back to direct drive. The 11" converter from UCC is in. The car feels totally different, just the way I wanted: The car moves just off idle like a modern car. It responds to throttle input at any cruising speed. I am very happy with the change.
I have a few more things to do. The cam swap is still on the list. I have everything here to do it including 12 quarts of oil for 2 oil changes. I will be pulling out the 3.91 gears and going with a 3.55 set. I had a spare 3rd member gone through by my local axle guy. New gears, bearings and clutch plates in the diff. It will be my first new axle gears I've ever had. I've used nothing but OEM stuff for years and dealing with howls and whines. The cam, converter and gears will make the car much more fun to drive yet I'm sure it will still run strong.

 

[Meep-Meep]

All sounds good. I'd even consider 3.23's.

 

[Kern Dog]

One thing that I have found to be annoying is when a post is started and the OP never comes back to report on the effects of the changes.
Sorry for that. I forgot about this thread until tonight!
I did go ahead and install the MP cam. The lash is set at the spec as directed and all is well. I love how the car feels, idles and responds. The vacuum went from 4-5" in gear to 12-13". I was able to remove the vacuum pump for the power brakes! The power doesn't seem to be much less than it was with the Lunati cam despite the MP being a milder grind.
The 11" converter is a great improvement over the 10" one I had. I'm still running the 3.55 gears. I wish I had the $$$ to get one of those Silver Sport Transmission 4 speed automatics though. The .70 overdrive would be nice.
I've fought driveability issues for so long, other stuff about the car had been waiting, and waiting...In April, I switched to bigger torsion bars, Bilstein shocks and a smaller rear sway bar.
Recently I've been working on electrical upgrades including the elimination of the ammeter and its associated wiring. I'm installing a Dakota Digital guage cluster, VX 3 point seat belts, an auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and thermometer...I also put in front seats from a 2005 Neon SRT 4.
Good thing I have no kids. I'd look like a selfish prick if I spent this much time and money on a car while the kids ate Top Ramen noodles for dinner.