I enjoy modifying my cars (fuel injected and carbureted, turbo and NA). But I left the 1986 Trans Am (305 V8 with electronic quadrajet) that I bought from my sister in 1996 completely stock. It's driveability is very good even with 130K miles on it. This is admittedly a wimpy car, but there are no coughs, bogs, sags or hesitation regardless of weather conditions. Drives like new. The cleanliness and consistency of today's fuels (developed for and mandated for fuel injected cars) has extended the life of my carb and engine. Some may recall early 80s fuel injected cars that experienced lots of trouble due to dirt in the fuel back then. I will also give a hat tip to Ray Bohacz who reinforced the factory recommended quadrajet starting procedure: push accelerator pedal down twice slowly, let off slow, then crank. Always works for me! A light touch of the key lights it off like a champ. Couldn't ask for better driveability. Factory 2.73 gears with TH700-R4 delivers 25 mpg highway - much better than my friend's late model, much heavier, fuel injected Mustangs and Chargers!
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