So I fire up my 244 this morning for a foggy drive to work. It's chilly and wet, a bit of condensation on the windows and just a raw feel to the air, even though it's probably only about 40°F.
As usual, I'm a couple of minutes later than I should be, and I drive, shall we say, enthusiastically, along our local 4-lane and short Interstate run that gets me to work.
Yes, this is the car with the wing, as well as a few other upgrades I've detailed at various times: 242GT upper strut bars, turbo sways w/ urethane bushings, Virgo wheels with 195/60-15s (presently wearing Gislaveds), Bilstein Touring struts and shocks, homebrew cut springs (1.5 coils), and a couple other niceties like a tach, small clock, GT steering wheel, CD changer, power antenna and front armrest. It's a factory 5-speed car and I've tweaked the timing a little advanced; otherwise, it goes like a stock 240.
I've always thought it could use a cam or something to wake it up a little. Today, I was completely convinced of that.
I almost didn't notice him next to me, as I was concentrating on traffic and merging onto the 4-lane highway. The car was still fogged up a bit but I look out through the clear spot on the driver's window, and there's a bright red fender and a Virgo wheel edging up to me at the first red light. That got my attention!
Turns out it's an 83-84 242TI! Lovely car, looked brand new, shiny paint and nothing bent or missing.
The light turns, and we were both the first cars in line. I accelerate... briskly.... shifts at 4500 in 3 gears... and the red fender is next to me, then way ahead of me.... I don't think he even tried.
This road is a little strange, it's as big as most of I-95 through the area, though it does have a few driveways coming right out on it. It's posted 40, and virtually every car on it is going 55-60. There are always a few going 65-70 during every morning and evening commute. This car had no trouble walking away from me when I backed off at about 65 and dropped into line at 55 or so.

So umm anyone got a VX cam and gear they wanna sell? Think I need a little upgrade!
Grrr while writing this, got a call from my wife- the 245T broke down on I-95 about 20 miles from home and is now being towed home. Thank you AAA. I guess it's gonna be one of those days....
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 234K, '82 245T/M46-182K, '89 244DL/AW70- 212K Not too distant past: 86 244DL 215K, 87 244DL 239K, 88 744GLE 233K, 88 244GL 147K, 91 244 183K