Re: [DML] Rob Grady's new shocks

[senatorpack@xxxx]

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