It weighs what, 7 pounds at the most? Your stopping distances will be longer no matter how strong your legs are.

Have you gutted the interior and trunk? You'd probably be better off doing that and getting some lighter rims and tires. My 14" bundt and 195/70 series tire weighed 25 pounds... decent but definitely room for improvement in the unsprung weight category.

Are you using the stock schoolbus steering wheel? Go for a 14" or a 15" aftermarket wheel like a Nardi (if you like wood). You will be amazed at how much more responsive it will feel with the smaller wheel, plus without all the vinyl/rubber material like on the OEM wheel you will feel a lot more through the wheel.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi