Dennis Reinhart modifications

[drkknight196]

I didn't want to let too much time go by without posting my very recent contact and business transaction with Dennis Reinhart. I'll try to be brief: After studying this forum, I decided to call Dennis and discuss where I should start to get the most bang for my buck modifying my MM. He recommended his "Package A" (chip, Denso plugs, and thermostat) and advised that I should strongly consider a 4.10 or 4.30 rear gear, as it would "totally transform" the car. So last Wednesday, I took a day off and drove the 130 miles or so from Valdosta to Orange Park for the appointment. Though the exterior of his shop isn't the fanciest, it houses some extremely state-of-the-art equipment and several extremely knowledgeable technicians. By the time I returned from a leisurely breakfast, his guys had already installed the thermostat, had my rear end removed and were waiting for delivery of the 4.30 gears (we had previously discussed the pros and cons of this decision). Since the delivery was delayed due to traffic, the techs installed the plugs and removed the PCM. It took about an hour to install the gears and the head mechanic wanted me to visually confirm the fantasticly slim tolerance of the throwback on his gauge. Dennis programmed the chip, ordered the Bob White decals I wanted, and installed the SilverStar headlamps while the rest of the crew finished reinstalling my PCM. One turn of the key and the Batmobile was purring like a kitten! (Forgot to mention that in the middle of all of this action Dennis drove me to his house in his Mark VIII so I could try out his new blue MM which was modified like mine would be by lunchtime in his Mark VIII -- giving new meaning to the phrase "deceptively fast.") After double checking and topping off the coolant, I was back on the road and it wasn't long before my speedo clipped past 125 on I-10. In any event, it's hard to articulate here how happy I am with the new set up and particularly my newly found acceleration in the 0-60 range. Not sure what's next, but one thing's for sure: despite being a bit less than patient at times, Dennis Reinhart sure knows how to take care of his customers and more importantly -- really knows his way around the MM!! Thanks Dennis ..................

[kingsford]

what did he say were the pro's and cons withthe 430?? people i have talked to have strongly recommended 373's for total performance (top speed and acceleration)--- are cars equipped withe 410 and 430 still drivable??

[sailsmen]

I have the 410 and it does not affect driveability, I beleive Logan posted a chart with in the past 45 days showing the difference between stock and 410 RPMs at different speeds.

Do a search or pm Logan if you cannot find it

[drkknight196]

The only drawback to the 4.30 as opposed to the 4.10 is that the 4.30 costs about $50 more. My car drives exactly as it did BEFORE the mods UNLESS I get into the throttle -- then it is shot out of a cannon! In fact, for some inexplicable reason, my transmission seems to shift even more smoothly than before. Dennis said (and I believe) there is little noticeable difference between the 4.10 and 4.30 gears (do the math); however, he was again right on the money with the statement that their use would transform the car. I also must note that my fuel mileage hasn't changed enough to even mention (I still get a hair over 21 mpg at 80 mph). I'm not a mechanic, but mathematically, it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to spend big bucks to go from a 3.55 to a 3.73 -- doubt you'd gain much there. Look over the other posts (as I did before I went to Orange Park) and see what other members think about the work. :D

[SergntMac]

[i] In any event, it's hard to articulate here how happy I am with the new set up and particularly my newly found acceleration in the 0-60 range. Not sure what's next, but one thing's for sure: despite being a bit less than patient at times, Dennis Reinhart sure knows how to take care of his customers and more importantly -- really knows his way around the MM!! Thanks Dennis [/B]

My feelings exactly, so I won't try to improve on your words.

Back when I did my gears, there wasn't much talk about going taller. The 4:10s offered the best performance with the least impact on fuel. On my last road trip a few weeks ago, I cruised at 90 MPH in long stretches, sometimes 55, and even some rush hour crunch. Averaged 21 MPG, I couldn't believe it.

I can only imagine what the 4:30s would offer you, but I would not expect any severe difference over the 4:10s. Surely not worth trading my 4:10s out. But, if I were to do it again, or give advice today, I'd go for the taller gear.

There is something new for the MM developing every day, the options are getting confusing. Now I'm reading talk about stroker kits and ported heads, when we already have two styles of superchargers to pick from, and four pro builders as site vendors, two of whom will build you a whole new car. I can actually sit back and wonder "now what should I do."

For a car that a lot of people say has been abandoned by LM, we have a lot more going for us here than I see on other user boards. IMHO

[martyo]

I did the 4.10's within a couple of weeks after buying the car. Looking back over my shoulder and considering whether I would do it again, I would definitely say yes, unless of course I went with the 4.30's. Frankly any loss in top end is not a big deal. I ran a road trip iver the last several days and it was like falling in love all over again. I used the "Sarge" method of just listening to the music of my car. I varied my speed and ran as fast as 90 mph without a single problem. Frankly, even with the 4.10's there was still plenty more top speed if I wanted it. Here in the Northeast, there really is little opportunity to break 80mph, much less 90 mph, in a safe way (this from a guy who LOVES to drive fast!!).

Driving this car at 80 mph, I felt like I was sitting on a really comfortable couch watching the world go by pretty quickly.

Stop thinking about the gear change and just do it. The only thing that you will be sorry about is that you did not do it sooner!!

[drkknight196]

All I can say is, I grin every time my MM shifts from 1st to 2nd at WOT and it lays down rubber ........ and it will still do AT LEAST 125 with lots of pedal left! Anyone have a recommendation on mufflers? Seen a lot of talk about FlowMasters ...... worth the $$ in performance? I also find that I play the CD less often and crank down the windows and just listen to the soft purr of that fine motor and the rush of asphalt just inches below ... :cool:

[Dennis Reinhart]

Originally posted by kingsford
what did he say were the pro's and cons withthe 430?? people i have talked to have strongly recommended 373's for total performance (top speed and acceleration)--- are cars equipped withe 410 and 430 still drivable??


I would not waiste my time or money on 3:73 go 4:10 or 4:30 or leave it stock comapred to 3:55 vs 3:73 there is none

[Dennis Reinhart]

[i] Thanks Dennis .................. [/B]


You are more than welcome, I am glad I could help thats what I am here for

[schuvwj]

Originally posted by drkknight196
The only drawback to the 4.30 as opposed to the 4.10 is that the 4.30 costs about $50 more. My car drives exactly as it did BEFORE the mods UNLESS I get into the throttle -- then it is shot out of a cannon! In fact, for some inexplicable reason, my transmission seems to shift even more smoothly than before. Dennis said (and I believe) there is little noticeable difference between the 4.10 and 4.30 gears (do the math); however, he was again right on the money with the statement that their use would transform the car. I also must note that my fuel mileage hasn't changed enough to even mention (I still get a hair over 21 mpg at 80 mph). I'm not a mechanic, but mathematically, it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to spend big bucks to go from a 3.55 to a 3.73 -- doubt you'd gain much there. Look over the other posts (as I did before I went to Orange Park) and see what other members think about the work. :D

drkknight196, can you please tell me what your rpm is at 60 mph with the OD on?
My 3:55's is about 1,800 rpm and other posts have quoted the 4:10's are around 2,200 rpm. (about 400 rpm differance).

Thanks!

[drkknight196]

I don't know precisely, but I did look for (and find) the chart posted by LOGAN a few weeks ago with ALL the exact RPMs at various speeds comparing the stock rear end with the 4.10. The short answer is, that based on my observations of my gauges, it seems that my engine turns about 350 - 400 RPMs higher on average than with the 3.55.

[Patrick]

Hey Dennis.

Glad to have an a chance to post a message with you being here!

First still abit confussed and where to start.

1) Is everyone here going with your chips, stats and plugs voiding their warranty??

2) Where do I start? Do the chip, the 4:10 gears, or what?

3) Where can all this dun??? Road trip to your store? If I can get it dun at your shop I would make the road trip!

4) The cost??? The chip, thermo and all the stuff!

5) Sorry, but just looking answers.

If everyone here is buying the chips and stuff from you, you have must have summ great stuff. My mechanical exepertise retires after putting gas in and washing and waxing!!!!

Just need sum help getting started!!!!

Thanks Patrick

[Dennis Reinhart]

Originally posted by Patrick
Hey Dennis.

Glad to have an a chance to post a message with you being here!

First still abit confussed and where to start.

1) Is everyone here going with your chips, stats and plugs voiding their warranty??

2) Where do I start? Do the chip, the 4:10 gears, or what?

3) Where can all this dun??? Road trip to your store? If I can get it dun at your shop I would make the road trip!

4) The cost??? The chip, thermo and all the stuff!

5) Sorry, but just looking answers.

If everyone here is buying the chips and stuff from you, you have must have summ great stuff. My mechanical exepertise retires after putting gas in and washing and waxing!!!!

Just need sum help getting started!!!!

Thanks Patrick

Voiding the warranty varies by the Dealer, there are some Dealers that buy directly from me and still maintain the warranty, and some dealers will tell you it will, why not just give me a call I will explain every thing to you

Dennis

[Patrick]

I will thanks!!!!!

[Murader03]

Originally posted by drkknight196
All I can say is, I grin every time my MM shifts from 1st to 2nd at WOT and it lays down rubber ........ and it will still do AT LEAST 125 with lots of pedal left! Anyone have a recommendation on mufflers? Seen a lot of talk about FlowMasters ...... worth the $$ in performance? I also find that I play the CD less often and crank down the windows and just listen to the soft purr of that fine motor and the rush of asphalt just inches below ... :cool:

You might want to wait and see what Dennis has up his sleeve. He's been working on a CatBack system for the MM. On another aspect, the Flowmasters would act close to the same as on a Mustang. The will cause an annoying drone in the 2000-2500 rpm range. My $.02's

[kingsford]

thanks everyone for the advice on the 410 gears as opposed to the 373's it makes sense i just didnt want to do it then regret it. Now i gotta break the piggy bank and find enough quarters to do it