.
I have now test driven both a 5.2 5-sp. (3.55) and R/T CC. Here are my observations and
dilemma.
Motor: Both engines had less then 50 miles on them and ran out of power before 5000 rpm.
No noticable differance in accelaration, torque or smoothness.
Trans: The 5-sp. had a decent shift linkage and clutch (for a truck) and low gear noise.
The auto had softer then expected shifts, erratic shift points at WOT and a
tendency to lock and unlock the torque converter with slight throttle inputs while
cruising. This might be annoying on long trips.
Exhaust: 5-sp. quiet and unobtrusive.
R/T, great sound at idle and while accelarating with no drone while cruising.
Suspension: 5-sp. with handling group - good for a truck, but needs more roll control.
R/T excellent. No harshness or excessive noise from the tires. Good grip,
dampining, and roll control. Would not change a thing.
Overall, I liked the look and feel of the R/T over the 5-sp.. But its mediocre trans.
and cost preimum, 20% plus, makes the buying decision difficult. If I decide on a 5-sp.,
I may end up having to wait for the 99s, since there are so few 5.2 5-sp. available.
Decisions,decisions, decesions.
Additional obsevations:
R/T sits about 1-1.5 inches lower in the front and 1.5-2 inches in the back than a Dak
with the handling package.
R/T's front swaybar same or slightly larger than a regular Dak. Rear signifacantly larger.
R/T's front suspension lowered via shorter springs. I noted about half the clarance
between the bumpstop and a-arm on the R/T vs. the Dak. Also the bumpstops appear to
be made out of different materials.
The R/T must have different rear springs, since no lowereing blocks were used between the
spring purch and 12-bolt rear axle.
Engine rpm at 60mph about 2000rpm.
There you have it.
Perspective R/T or 5.2 5-sp. buyer,
Bob Wimmer
91 Ford SHO (boo hiss)
86 Ford SVO 14.3 @ 96 mph (boo hiss)
100cc enduro go-kart (balls delux)
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