[FC] Maiden voyage...sort of

[corvanatics@corvair.org]

I am very excited to say that my 63 greenbrier has passed the test that I put 
it to. quick history, I bought the van just over a yar ago, found out it had a 
bad tranny so I paid to have the entire transaxle rebuilt (i have 15X7 
aluminum rims with 205/70/15 and a 3.55 rearend with a powerglide) After 
putting the new transaxle in I found out that the original engine was tired 
and had low compression. I co-bought a 67 sedan with a very strong (test drove 
it and let it run for 45 min and so forth)110hp that had AC and Smog. Last 
month I put it in with my father and my god does it haul!!!! I get put into 
the back of the seat. FYI I have the 12 plate oil cooler side covers installed 
and Ottos deep oil pan with deep pick up and aluminum valve covers, this all 
came with the engine. 
Well, yesterday I decided to see how my tune-up and rebuilt distrubutor was(it 
may be out of tuned for this engine not sure yet...next time.). I live in 
Oceanside Ca at sea level and I took the van to the top of Palomar mountian at 
an elevation of 5,500 feet with NO pinging and NO hesitaion and NO ruff 
running (63 carbs with 53 jets). It pulled the entire way. I was a bit nervous 
on the roads b/c I had only driven it on the freeways. For about the last 5-7 
miles I put it in low and climed to the top. I didn't exceed 35 in low. Is 
this the right way to use the powerglide. I had to slow and almost stop in 
some turns then excelerate......
The trip was a total of 120 miles including a stop at the casino and I ended 
up getting only 13.618 miles per gallon, does this seem about right for such a 
climb/trip? I am doing the freeway calculations this week (my dad and I redid 
the entire fuel system-lines, tank, filters, sender, ect).
I did notice that I had to lean forward when I went into some of the turns b/c 
my line of sight was to much in front on the pavement and not what was coming 
ahead of me. Aslo, the rearview mirror kept getting in my way on right turns. 
Next major thing is shocks and springs. 
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any response will be appreciated.
Harry