MATT400,
I just did my "tone ring mod", this afternoon. Your advice about using a higher gear & the parking brake worked beautifully. Thanks again, for the help.
Regarding smoke, I didn't notice any more, if any, on full acceleration. I see what you mean about not going to full acceleration (peak torque) during the test. That might work. Worst case scenario, loosening up the bolts & moving the tone ring back to it's stock position would not be a terrible job. Pretty simple, actually.
The results I noticed from this modification are: The engine idles and seems to run a bit smoother. There is a mild increase in power & acceleration. Probably not at all like installing a box, I'm sure. But, never the less, a slight, cheap increase for relatively little effort & cost.
I had to buy a 15mm socket at the local pawn shop ($1. 50) & a ******* (who ever came up with that name), round file ($2. 15). So, for a total of $3. 65/with tax & a little effort, I think this mod is well worth it.
Again, there is a very mild increase in performance. The engine seems to wind up faster & seems to be smoother doing it.
Joe F. (Buffalo)