Rick, yes it sounds super nasty at idle. I've been driving a bit-until it snowed here anyway. If I keep the RPM's >= 2000 It is smooth as can be. The only prob is 3rd gear because that is where in the side streets im cruising 30 mph or so I am just leaving it in 2nd and its fine-just get more looks from the people walking their dogs along with more barks from the dogs themselves.
Actually I am considering the hydr set up-this car has way more power than I need but man to lower the HP/Torque is a little against my grain since all Ive ever done was try to get more! But those were heavier cars. I am told even with the right hyd set up I'll still be over 500 ft #/550 HP so that is plenty.
Your info is spot on with what the Ford Racing tech said regarding the valve train. I am running the Joe Gibbs non
synthetic and trying not to idle much.
Thanks for the info I really appreciate the input. This is a great site with so many folks who don't seem to have any agendas other than helping each other out-unlike my fishing club!