[apbright]

In case t-bird is still reading this for information, here is my experience:
- High compression head (6:1): Gave significant more power, enough to drive in city and freeway traffic without feeling like a roadblock
- Mitchell Overdrive (26%): Gave significant improvement in hill-climbing ability (2nd + overdrive), as 2nd was too high, 3rd was too low for many San Francisco area hills; provided significant improvement in freeway driving (reduced engine noise, better comfort at driving 55-60mph)
- Steering damper: less wandering of car in rutted or uneven pavement
- Panhard bar, rear (just added yesterday): improved stability on freeway, especially on Finland's rutted freeways (metal studded tires are mandatory Dec - Feb., creating significant ruts on many freeways)

I am considering changing the rear from stock to a 1:3.54, even with with the 26% overdrive, for lower engine revs while freeway cruising; I have the gears, but haven't found the time to install them yet.