Kill the Messenger - this time the LA Times

[xoxoxoBruce]

Very, very weak.

I did not realize trucks were using 27 gears. Is it three overlapping ranges of 9 speeds?

Yes, 9 in the trans and 3 behind it.

I've never heard a catylitic converter equiped car backfire. The cat being so hot and close to the engine should burn the excess fuel as quickly as it is presented. Backfires usually require a build up of fuel to a concentration where it will flash explode. I'll have to get new hearing aid batteries.