Vic, very well written, bro!
I had a similar experience back in '98-99. I was in my '85 Cutlass Supreme, (307 V8 (Last pushrod Olds V8) Edelbrock intake, modded Q-Jet, Hedman hedders, dual exhaust, B&M shift kit. It was no 455, but I had some fun... :D ) Anyway, I was heading to my new home...