Dear DML, I just wanted you to know what a fantastic experience I had in New York last week. I was at PJ Grady DeLorean, Long Island, NY AKA...DeLorean Heaven (read on). I wanted to share with you my thoughts on how well Rob Grady's famous Green DeLorean, sounds as well as handles. And some of the new products and kits that he is offering to the DeLorean market. First a little background. I was impressed with Rob and his family & staff when I first meet them in the early 1990s. At that time and for some time, I wanted to buy a DeLorean, but I had no clue what to look for when buying a car. After many disappointing encounters with butchered DeLoreans and some intimidating people within the DeLorean circle, I made an appointment to meet with Rob Grady. I found out through word of mouth (at a DOA event) that Rob was the only original full service DeLorean dealership still in operation. When I arrived at his shop, my jaw was on the floor! Years of people telling me that parts and service were not available, DeLoreans were not a good car, all of the myths and misnomers about the DeLorean were squelched the instant I arrived in... DeLorean Heaven! Rob took the time from his busy schedule to show me his facility, meet his staff, drive and explain the working of a DeLorean. I was not only very impressed with Rob and his staff, but also how busy they were. (and still are). As Rob and I drove around and talked, I explained to him that his car was the first well tuned and cared for DeLorean I drove. How the other DeLoreans were (many were neglected) and how I thought they were a little faster and better handling (as most of us do). Rob told me that he was working on his personal DeLorean, the Green DeLorean. He went on to say he was developing a simple kit that he wanted to offer to increase the handling and performance of the car. Rob was working on a Rear and Front spring lowering kit in his green DeLorean for prototype testing at that time. (early 1990s) Last week, Rob showed me the New Front suspension Spring Kit and Front and Rear Shock Kit custom made for the DeLorean. Rob further explained that only the front spring height needed correction, (only the front was raised at the factory) and the rear spring kit he was developing was a little too low for his taste. Rob explained how they were made, the geometry of the set up and how well it improves the ride and handling of the car. The engineering and the manufacturing of the shocks and springs comes from one of the best manufacturers of shocks and springs. Definitely high quality and lots of attention to detail. For testing purposes, Rob had several (1/2 a dozen or so) DeLoreans fitted across the country with prototype shocks and springs. Rob wanted the testing of the kit to include different climates and road conditions. The shocks and springs went through a one year testing period across the United States with no reported problems. The settings and specifications for the shocks were finalized, and the green light was given to start production. As a former motocross racer I know the importance of a good shocks and springs. I noticed how well they were made, and after doing some reading I knew what to look for in the springs and shocks and these definitely have them. I could see that these new springs could take a beating with no problem. I also like the fact that the shocks are totally rebuildable. The new exhaust kit for the DeLorean makes impressive performance and sounds with the custom exhaust manifolds, and free flow muffler (sounds like a Porsche 930 turbo). The engine has more pep and a confident throaty sound from the car. Again high quality and serious attention to detail. The new free flow exhaust at highway speeds around town and while shifting, definitely kept me well informed what the engine was doing and how well the engine was performing. When we were driving enthusiastically the new free flow exhaust sounded just right and didn't seem obnoxious or too loud. As the Rpm's were climbing in the DeLorean the exhaust hung right in there, the exhaust note climbing to just the right pitch of a well made European car. (I remember Rob's exhaust design and prototype for the DeLorean back in 1995.) At this point I was ready for a serious drive with the new components. When I was offered to drive the Green DeLorean with the new shocks, front springs and exhaust kit, I jumped at the chance. However, I wanted a ride in his beautiful Lotus Esprit s4S first. We decided to start with the Lotus and finish up the day with the Green DeLorean. I have been in some older 1970s Esprit S2 and 1980s and pre 1993 (before GM) Lotus Esprits S3 before, so I am familiar with older Esprit's performance and handling. The Lotus Esprit s4S has unbelievable performance with handling to match. The handling in the Lotus feels very sophisticated and exceptionally engineered. I can understand why John DeLorean chose Lotus to develop the DeLorean. I paid particular attention to the ride and comfort as well as the lack of "sway" of the Lotus in the curves. The way the car stayed flat, not leaning or rolling into the curves, proves that Lotus cars are one of the worlds best engineered sports cars around. I am proud Lotus engineered the DeLorean. The Lotus begged to be pushed (fast) in the long stretches of road, it also wanted and did eat up the curves in the road. Again the lack of body roll was amazing thanks to factory research and development. Something the DeLorean really didn't have...or did it? This weekend was the second time in 5 years that I had my jaw drop to the floor in a DeLorean! (This is where it gets exciting.) We put the Lotus away and the Green DeLorean was waiting for us. Rob had the Rear and Front spring prototypes replaced with the New Front spring kit he is now offering and stock rear springs. Rob drove first and I was in the passenger seat. As we went into some S type curves, my first thought was how much of a vast improvement the car handles from the stock set up. The DeLorean felt light on its feet while driving. Rob took the car and went into tight curves at 45 to 50 and the car stayed almost perfectly flat! Totally Impressive! The stock DeLoreans mild understeer was not evident to me in the Green DeLorean. Rob's new suspension has very much improved the stock ride and handling to a more acceptable sports car level. The Green DeLorean has become a First Class Tuned Performance DeLorean. Rob let me drive and seriously get into the turns and curves. I could immediately feel more control in the Green DeLorean over the stock DeLorean front suspension. The stock DeLoreans seem to sway and roll in sharp curves and turns (the underseer) and generally feels heavy, or overweight. As I drove, I thought of the Lotus Esprit characteristics and how the Green DeLorean are similar. They have more similarities than differences. The way the new DeLorean suspension is set up and constructed, it feels well made like the Lotus. Someone driving a DeLorean for the first time would think, this supercar has excellent handling! Sincerely, Mike Pack VIN 3713