View Full Version : Gear heads
First car was a 1968 firebird my dad bought me the car and i had to put it back togather. I would love to have a black and white 57 chevy hard top. anothe car i had that i rather enjoyed was a 99 vette i bough new had to sell it cause life got in the way. I have now a 1994 Z28 i built as a race car, it has been featured in GM high tech performance a few years back.
my first vehicle is the same truck i still drive today- '85 f150 lariat 351 4bbl. 215,000 miles. and still looks great every couple years when i give her a bath.
SloaneRanger
02-01-09, 07:55
1974 Big Block Dodge Challenger. Could have bought 10 Colt 6920's for what I have in the motor/trans alone:confused:
Runs 10.98's ...
Not my daily Driver;)
Littlelebowski
02-01-09, 08:40
'05 Mazda RX8 tri rotor. Sounded like a chainsaw and handled liked a virgin coed :D
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h251/baxshep/DSCN0618.jpg
buckshot1220
02-01-09, 10:24
A '75 Chevy C10 Stepside was my first car (truck) and i still have it. Currently doing a full resto with lots of mods. The truck has always turned heads. In no particular order I also had a '89 S10 I did a 350 conversion, fast little truck. A 2001 Dodge Ram lifted with 33's, I'll never buy another (no offense to anyone who owns one). A '02 Silverado Stepside 2wd that was lowered with some performance work, the only vehicle I owned that I regret selling:( Currently also have a "92 Camaro w/ a built 350, 5 speed and Ford 9" rear. Has tons of work, fresh paint and leather seats from a '02 SS car. My commuter is a Subaru WRX with some suspension and brake work, VF34 turbo, 565cc injectors, 3" exhaust and engine management. 325hp in a AWD car that gets 25mpg simply can't be beat:D
Currently looking a '67 Chevelle to replace the Camaro.
08 Silverado for me, 06 Trail Blazer for my wife.
Dad retired from GM, and vehicles and service hace been GTG for us.
i know i'm old-----my first was a 1953 packard clipper, moved up to a '56 crown victoia with dual glass-packs and flipper hub-caps. now i have a '07 z-71 [his] and an '09 honda pilot[hers]
Don Robison
02-01-09, 10:52
First car was a 67 Rambler station wagon.:D
This was my daily driver for almost 15 years, but has now been relegated to toy status. 351W, NP435 transmission, lockers front and rear, winch...........
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/Donr101395/327425f9.jpg
This is my daily driver for the most part now. Along with an 03 Ranger for nasty weather and range trips.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s69/Donr101395/DSC00040-2.jpg
first was a RX3
current rig FJ cruiser setup for some expedition stuff trying to get out and see this mainland place I live on now :)
would like to get a modern Landcruiser with a diesel like they have in some countries !!!!
condition 1
02-01-09, 12:22
My first, Red, 67 Camaro SS 350, auto, no AC ,12 bolt posi, it ran 13.70s @1320ft. most missed, 85 3/4 ton 4x4 chevy truck, it had 234000 miles on it, and has ben all over Texas, it lived for the coast, I payed 6000.00 for it in 86 and sold it in 05 for 6500.00 Good times. Current is a 08 Toyota 4 Runner 4WD, with kid's I had to grow up....
Current drives:
Me: 2002 Subaru WRX - 2.0L Turbo 5-Speed
Wife: 2004 Subaru Forester XT - 2.5L Turbo 5-Speed
Extra: 2000 Mazda Miata SE 6-Speed
and...
5 year-old son: Wii Mario Carts with Steering Wheel Conroller
Sturmgewehr 44
02-01-09, 16:46
Sweet Challenger SloaneRanger!
When I turned 17 the first car i bought myself was a 71 Buick Skylark. It started with a sb 350 then upgraded to a 455 and now I just installed a ZZ502.
Current vehicle is a 2001 Toyota 4Runner...slightly modified.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p319/Bighead2001/DSC_9489.jpg
First vehicle was a '78 Chevy 4x4, rootbeer brown metallic paint and white mag wheels that my dad gave me. Drove it through high school until I threw a rod on the highway and the engine caught fire :D
Had a '64 Falcon for a few years in college, and had a '92 LX Mustang for ~1 week last year (bought it as a project and sold it to my neighbor when I thought I was going to have to move for work). We didn't move, and I get to see my neighbor tweaking on it every weekend :eek:
Currently driving an '05 Honda Civic - not the most exciting thing on four wheels but it's a great commuter.
Photo is from ~1996, I was a contract nerd with FoMoCo's Advanced Engineering Center in Dearborn doing NVH work. Got to see lots of cool stuff. A much thinner me in the hot seat of the Ford Indigo (http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/ford_indigo.html) concept:
http://tinyurl.com/5l57r3
I really miss that job...
Daily driver: 2002 BMW 325i Sport
Not so daily driver (but my obvious favorite :D) :
http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/buffalo_run_small.jpg
Winter months in Colorado sort of require me to garage it.
Littlelebowski
02-01-09, 21:39
Some of my favs were my 99 Acura Integra GSR (felt like a motorcucle, great fun to drive), my '05 Acura TL 6 spd (very luxurious but fast), and my 96 Jeep Cherokee 6 cylinder 4wd (monster offroad).
Worst car I ever owned was a Chevy Beretta. Defective door hinges and paint primer. Their customer service admitted to me that the primer was defective but wouldn't replace it. There was a bulletin out about the door hinges but not a recall. Piece of shit.
Currently driving a Dodge Dakota V8 4wd. Shitty gas mileage but decent truck for a union made vehicle. Wish it was a Toyota or a Cummins.
First vehicle: '91 Chevy S-10 Blazer. 4.3L engine (excellent engine), auto transmission (reliable transmission). 250k miles before retirement. Serves as the woods truck now, running the trails and such we have cut on our property.
Current vehicle: '99 Chevy Silverado 1500. Beautiful truck, got it with 110,000 miles on it, have put 34,000 miles on it since I got it two years ago. Only problem is we've had a spot of transmission trouble, but I think that's fixed now. I hate poor design...:rolleyes:
Next vehicle will surely as hell not be a GM, what with their demands for a bailout and very poor managment, not to mention poor build quality. I think they have the best build quality of the Big Three, but that ain't really saying much...
Toyota if I can afford it next time. I'd love to have an older Landcruiser..., but would be very pleased with a Tundra or Tacoma...
I hear that Toyota will supposedly be bringing heavier trucks to market, with diesels. Can't wait if this is true...
First car was a 1957 VW convertible. I had that one back in 1970 so it wasn't a collector...would be nice now, but oh well.
I now have a 1993 standard Ranger with 2.3 four. It has over 235,000 with all the original equipment (two clutches and three timing belts)!!!:D
Knocking on wood all the way, but she has been great. Right now I'm working to restore my 1970 VW Karmann Ghia convertible. I'm doing mods to make it my little 'Speedster'...her name is 'Porshia' combining Porsche and Ghia!!!:D:D:D
I can say I loved my BMW and Porsches and nice cars I had on Maui ;) to rub it in nice place to have a killer 3 series convert or a boxter :) or BOTH :)
when I moved here I bought a MB S class and had it for a few years till I got rid of it
amazing car but a POS that kept having issues with door locks and mirror motors failing then this little thing then that and got tired of it !! total lemon !!!!!
my next might have to be a volvo C304
(photo from classicunimogs)
https://www.m4carbine.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1910&d=1233733202
Hibernating, 89 5.7 IROC, 95 Corvette LT1, ZF6:)
http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/11158IMG_3260.jpg
http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/Buffalo_Run_Decals.jpg
http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/Vipers_Roadside_Meeting.jpg
Sturmgewehr 44
02-04-09, 16:26
A few more pics.
Jaydoc-
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=141367
Everybody:
I know. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it lands somewhere that will at least keep the badge going or even improve upon it. Only time will tell. Of course if the Viper does die off, mine might actually start to appreciate. I keep telling myself it will. http://smilies.vidahost.com/cwm/cwm/cwm13.gif
I love my Jeep. Rides rough, no room, wife complains about the noise and comfort.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn2/jjhhuurrtt/DSC01182.jpg
First vehicle was an '85 Bronco II. Current DD is an '07 Mazdaspeed 3 GT with 40k miles on it.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/chooie/Car/DSC00005.jpg
First car: 1983 BMW 325is loved that car, it was the car that started by love of BMWs, the way that BMWs drive is fantastic.
Later on I moved to a (with a couple cares in between) 1995 318ti, loved that car to death, close to 200k miles without any major issues. It was a stick, made me really feel I was part of the car.
Had another car in between that and my current car which is a 2005 BMW X3 3.0i. Good for light off road (aka muddy dirt road to the range but nothing serious), holds enough in the back for the average range trips (targets, target stands, ammo, med kit, range bag, guns, et al), and still handles like a BMW.
Next car: Likely a BMW X5 probably the V8, going to be the first car will purchase new. But I might change my mind, but I know it will likely be the X3 or X5, since I don't think I can own another sports car, and keep my license.
tweakmeister
02-04-09, 22:12
Nice to see some fun cars in here - too many people buy a car just as transportation. A good vehicle can really be a lot of fun. Was looking at something a Viper or M3, 911, etc. Haven't decided yet, but the late-model cars seem to be getting very cheap.
For Lebowski...got it up on three wheels @ VIR: The Integra platform is a great design and very easy to work on.
http://www.hogens.com/pics/expo.jpg
tweakmeister
02-06-09, 18:04
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=141346
Mine has got a lot of work into it for track - they are really fun if done right.
Jaydoc-
Some porn for you.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/chicago-2009-record-setting-viper-acr-makes-an-appearance/
Dumb luck, The ZR1 was just getting broken in, They didn't want to push it too hard!:D
Having driven one for only a few minutes... I have to ask, how do you race a car that has you sitting in the trunk?!?!? I almost took out a curb in the few minutes I was in the thing. Very cool to drive though.
They don't call it driving a clown shoe for nothing. It actually gets pretty easy once you've been in it a while. Now pulling all the way forward in a parking lot or in your garage, now that's a different story. :eek:
First car: 88 Nissan Sentra. 4 speed, vinyl seats, no A/C and it was silver colored freedom.
Most fun car: 07 Mustang GT. It was slow, as Mustangs go. Only ~330 rwhp, but the fastest thing I've ever owned. Removed the spoiler, added a GT/CS front fascia, longtube headers, pulleys and a bunch of other bolt ons. Fun, but 18 mpg in the city so I sold it.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3035146690_229aec7225.jpg
Current car: 08 Mazda3 5 door. I traded my Mustang for a wagon. And why not. I contemplated getting the turbo, but decided against it. I'm sure it'd be fun, but the savings on the front end (turbo was like $4500 more) and the back end (better mileage, lower insurance) don't make me regret the decision at all. Of course, it's not as fun as the Mustang.
If I get that new job I want, I'm selling the Mazda and getting myself a Mercedes C300 sport sedan with a 6 speed. I'd like to get another fun car (dual purpose Cherokee or C6 Vette) but I'm thinking that fun cars aren't worth the extra money to me. I'd rather have a nice daily driver than a fun weekend-only car. Cars that sit in the garage seem like a waste, like a gun that never gets shot.
but I'm thinking that fun cars aren't worth the extra money to me. I'd rather have a nice daily driver than a fun weekend-only car. Cars that sit in the garage seem like a waste, like a gun that never gets shot.
That's what kind of happened with my GTO. I loved the car, I was ready to start dumpin hot rod money into it, but I could see myself disappearing down the rabbit hole and sold it instead.
no pics, but:
64 Corvair
66 Corvair
71 Grand Prix
73 Cutlass
73 C-10
79 Caprice
81 Sierra
83 Scottsdale
84 Pont 6000 STE
95 Bonneville
98 Grand Prix
99 Silverado
00 Jimmy
03 Sierra
07 Yukon.
Still drive the last 2
Yeah, got a lot of grief from GTO traditionalists, but considering the 2005 and 2006 were the fastest production GTOs....
Funny thing about memory. You tell some old-timer that the 2005 would do 12 second 1/4-miles and he tries to tell you that his 68 did it in 11. I never knew whether to call him a liar or a moron.
2004 had 5.7, 2005-6 had 6.0, same LS2 as the Corvette, just a heavier car with a different tranny. An LS2 GTO runs with an LS1 Vette in the 1/4 mile but doesn't turn as well.
The car was stupid scary fast. Another of the reasons I got rid of it. Kind of like the Harley. I drive a truck like too much of an asshole, I don't need 400 HP or a vehicle with no protection to make the personal consequences much worse.
Top 3 reasons I got rid of the GTO:
1) started to seem like it could become a money pit
2) scared me almost daily with how much power it had
3) went hog hunting in it one time and realized it wasn't a vehicle that was compatible with my lifestyle (although I was able to fit the rifle case in the back seat and the cooler full of quartered hog in the trunk)
I have this 5.3 in the tahoe and it's been great.
I went with the Escalade over the Tahoe/Yukon because it had the bigger e gine. Well that and the AWD, which I find helps a lot in the rain on the ill-maintained highways down here. Plus people think it's funny that I drive a pimp-mobile.
The engine has been good, but I've been plagued with all sorts of other stupid little problems like a leaking sunroof, ridiculous amounts of wind noise around the A-pillar, brakes that will NOT stop squealing, etc. Oh, and I should have gotten the Avalanche-like EXT.
A guy I worked with had a 6.0L GTO and I got to ride in it a couple times. Stupid fast is a good way to describe it. He got the auto tranny so it wasn't quite as fast as the 6-speed. One day when it snowed, two of the other guys at work had to go pick him up because the GTO would spin it's rear wheels in the snow at idle!
just FYI, the auto is faster than the stick in the 1/4 mile, which is the case with virtually all modern vehicles.
Amusingly, the auto had the gas guzzler tax of $1500, but the stick was a $1250+/- option, so the cars sold for just about the same price as one another.
Well, here's mine. 2007 Charger R/T.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c205/jdtaylor34/007.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c205/jdtaylor34/003.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c205/jdtaylor34/011-1.jpg
John Frazer
02-15-09, 07:00
I heard some radio story the other day where someone was complaining about the younger generation's inflated expectations. "They want to drive a Cadillac right out of college," he said.
"Wait a minute," I said. "I drove a Cadillac *in* college!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/jfrazer2/Cadillac.jpg
This was a '74 Coupe de Ville -- two fraternity brothers and I kicked in $150 each to buy it from a janitor at the school. And those were 1986 dollars.
VW Super Beetle shown for scale. :)
I think the Chargers are great. Nice painted rims as well. Tint matches good as well. I hate seeing tint and paint 2 completely different shades. One of the few times I'm pro form over function.
I've never seen such an aggressive tread on charger before? What size are those rims and tires? They sorta look like truck tires.....
Thanks for the compliments. I was told once that I'm just lacking a set of ram bars up front.
The tires are Cooper Zeon XST/a 255/55/18s. Its an SUV tire. Its the largest one I could mount without having any issues. I hated the stock tires because they wouldn't grip at all on wet roads. These are a stickier tire and they work great. The rims are stock R/T ones that I had powdercoated.
Makes sense. Was it the tires not gripping or was it your overdeveloped right foot?? :D
I'd say a little of both. :eek: :D
89 Nissan 240SX (sold)
93 Nissan 300ZX (sold)
92 Nissan Pathfinder (sold)
96 Ford Mustang (current "toy")
93 Nissan Pickup (durrent daily driver)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/Misc/cid_285.jpg
Very reliable, just hit 100K...not bad for a 93. Cold AC, power everything.....
Here's my car when I daily drove it:
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/GTS/welds_powerball_2.jpg
And what it looks like now.... :(
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/GTS/P1000184.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/GTS/P1000180.jpg
Haven't touched it for a while, but changes in my schedule at work will let me get back to wrenchin'....
thetallengineer
02-17-09, 12:25
My first vehicle was a 1996 Black Ford Explorer 4x4, I was one of the first people in my grade to get my license and certainly had a lot of memorable experiences in that SUV with my friends that I still reflect upon today.
My first project vehicle-restoration was my Grandfathers 1956 Ford F100 truck. It is about 90% done and has been in our family since 1956.
I currently drive a F150 but look forward to selling it and getting my first sports car, a Black 2006 Chevrolet Corvette.
http://files.thetallengineer.com/post/truck1.jpg
http://files.thetallengineer.com/post/truck2.jpg
http://files.thetallengineer.com/post/truck3.jpg
http://files.thetallengineer.com/post/truck4.jpg
that's a pretty good looking truck thetallengineer
First car was a 93 4 cyl. Mustang
second was a 80 Dodge Aspen with 318
third was a 1985 Porsche 944 (non turbo)
fourth was a 1966 Galaxy 6 cyl 4 door
next was a 2003 Ford F-150 6 cyl. STX stepside (totaled last year)
I now drive an 86 Chevy Surban Camo, 350 with 1/4" pl & sch. 40 pipe bumpers
Centerfire
02-24-09, 22:15
1.8 liter turbo. Fun little track car and daily driver.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/Hyson_2006/photo-2.jpg
Army Chief
02-25-09, 00:49
http://www.charlespetrie.com/images/armychief3.jpg
(Disregard the inactive blog link)
Current drive is this M3, which has obviously been very well-suited to the autobahn driving environment -- not too sure it will be nearly so enjoyable back home. This was my "combat pay" sled, purchased after my return from Iraq (the first time), at a time in my life when I was going to a lot of track/racing schools here in the Fatherland. After qualifying for the DMSB Class A racing license, and seeing what I was spending in fuel, tires and brakes, I tapered off the track time a bit. There is still something to be said for going 150+ mph on the interstate -- traffic and conditions permitting, of course -- and this version of the M3 tops out right around 174 mph in a more or less stock configuration, motor-wise. It's interesting what a "non-event" high speed driving can be once you're accustomed to it: cruising at 120 mph or so is actually quite comfortable in this environment, but the only reason it works is because German drivers tend to be predictable, and observant of the law.
Prior to the M3, I owned a 1994 BMW M5 (also ~350 hp) which provided my introduction to high-performance German steel, and was my Nuerburgring (track) machine for several years. Oddly enough, it was a German Polizei (Police) friend who found that car for me, and encouraged me to buy it. Go figure. ;)
AC
Army Chief
02-25-09, 00:55
thetallengineer,
That vintage Ford is a work of art. My compliments -- and I wish my family had kept my grandfather's old GMC in the family! You can't really put a price tag on a machine like that, especially with the history. Well done.
AC
My first vehicle (car) was a 1989 Honda Civic Dx. My current vehicle is a 1997 Chevy Suburban and my second vehicle is a 2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V8. I also have a 1973 Pontiac Firebird project car and am possibly picking up a 1964 Chevy Malibu SS.
Army Chief
02-26-09, 00:35
I'll say the same about your E46.
Anyone who knows his BMW Entwicklung numbers is good to go in my book. :)
AC
http://www.charlespetrie.com/images/armychief3.jpg
(Disregard the inactive blog link)
Current drive is this M3...
AC are you over on Bimmerfest? It seems like I've seen that exact picture there ate some point.
Army Chief
02-26-09, 06:49
AC are you over on Bimmerfest? It seems like I've seen that exact picture there at some point.
Not to get too far off-topic, but yes -- I am a very inactive member there. Probably haven't posted in two years though.
I'm also a moderator on M3Forum, but in all honesty, the demographic has changed to the point where I am not spending much time there, either.
This image is my more or less standard signature graphic for any BMW-related board, and is usually linked to my dormant RoadFly blog or www.m3resource.com. ;)
AC
First car was an '84 VW Scirocco (MKI 8v), that eventually had an '87 16v dropped in.
That 16v was then swapped to an '83 Rabbit GTI (MKI 8v). Very fun car but I was having a hard time keeping up with and catching flack from my Honda buddies so I made the switch.
Next was a '90 Civic Si (EF hatch) with a '91 Integra B18A1 swapped in. Pretty sure it was one of the first few on the island (Oahu), back when you had to weld the Integra transmission mount in (no swap mounts out yet). That car was stolen.
Joined the Navy, bought a '93 Integra (DA). Several years later swapped in a '95 Integra B18C1 that cost me almost $10k to get built.
(Side project at that time was an '83 Toyota pickup lifted 9" on 35" Boggers.)
Then upgraded to an '01 Audi S4 (B5). Just did a few tasteful mods.
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1091/audiit8.jpg
After moving here to AZ the Audi just wasn't doing it for me. I couldn't go offroad and enjoy myself, or go shoot (no ranges) so I got rid of the Audi and am currently daily driving a '96 Toyota Tacoma 4x4.
What I'd want...I've been building in my head another Integra, this time a 3rd gen 94-2001? With a japanese front end, and a K series engine transplant. The sixth gear from the K transmissions is calling to me after owning the S4. It'd be a cool way to update the older body style. Plus a stock K series engine puts out close to the power of a built B series. Once you mod (anything really)...reliability is usually in question.
That was longer than I thought it'd be, sorry.
Ridge_Runner_5
02-27-09, 02:57
First car: 1989 Pontiac Sunbird...went through a few stages...
How it came:
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9343/10010937ma.jpg
Identity crisis:
http://www.v6z24.com/pictures/users/89sunbird/2.jpg
Compromise:
http://www.v6z24.com/pictures/users/89sunbird/3.jpg
My current car:
http://www.v6z24.com/pictures/users/89sunbird/100_4824.jpg
My intended next car:
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide2007/photos/2007/Mazda/RX-8/Sedan/2006_Mazda_RX8_ext_1.jpg
used to be on a few bimmer forums when I had my E36 on Maui :) nice place to have one for sure
prob was wife took it over kinda and we decided to sell it and leave it on island :(
Littlelebowski
02-27-09, 03:37
Ridge_Runner5, did you see my RX8? I can answer questions about it if you like. Gas guzzler.
Ridge_Runner_5
02-27-09, 03:45
Ridge_Runner5, did you see my RX8? I can answer questions about it if you like. Gas guzzler.
Well, hey, it is a cheap sportscar:)
I understand it also burns oil a little bit to keep the engine lubed...
What happened to yours? I notice you refer to it in past tense in your post...
I started my driving career in a '67 Chevelle, 283cid. 3 on the column, 2 door.
I sold it to my brother in law and bought a '69 Dodge Super Bee, 440cid. six pack, 4 on the floor.
'75 Olds Cutlass Supreme, I forget what V8 but it was my first automatic tranny.
'72 Chevy El Camino SS, 396cid, 4 on the floor.
'59 GMC Pickup 265cid. 6 cylinder 3 on the column. Later customized adding Corvette 350cid, 325hp, Borg Warner T-10 4 speed, 12bolt rearend & front & rear disc brakes. Chromed everything on the body I could. Oak bed planks with stainless runners. Interior redone with custom gauges that looked like the original, ac unit, sound system in glove box & 60/40 electric seat from a cadillac coupe de ville. Sold it and it is somewhere in california now.
tallengineer....that is one nice looking fatboy you have there!!! Which engine did you put in it???
various other vehicles that I have owned not worth mentioning.
Heatin' up the tires
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/me%20shooting/18902801847112Picture005croplight.jpg
decodeddiesel
02-27-09, 12:32
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/decodeddiesel/DSCF1938.jpg
My whip...
Littlelebowski
02-27-09, 12:36
Well, hey, it is a cheap sportscar:)
I understand it also burns oil a little bit to keep the engine lubed...
What happened to yours? I notice you refer to it in past tense in your post...
Mine didn't burn any oil. It was an 05 6spd and was the best handling car I'd ever owned, hands down. However, I think the car I had before it; an 05 Acura TL 6 spd, was marginally faster. Anyway, I got tired of 14MPG and decided to move over to a 4wd. Now I never wash my vehicles (Dodge Dakota V8 quad cab 4x4) and I have plenty of room to take stuff to the range and carry friends. It's kind of like Fight Club for me: "shit you own ends up owning you". That being said, I got a lot of chicks with that RX8 :D Loved the rear doors.
I think the Zaino job I did on my RX8 turned out well...
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h251/baxshep/DSCN0621.jpg
Ridge_Runner_5
02-27-09, 14:24
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/decodeddiesel/DSCF1938.jpg
My whip...
Very nice...my buddy has two...
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4503/dsc0019i.jpg
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4245/dsc0030.jpg
Heatin' up the tires
There ya go!!
Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDiybrD3OZc
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/GTS/launchsig.jpg
1BadBushmaster
02-28-09, 09:30
1.8 liter turbo. Fun little track car and daily driver.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i301/Hyson_2006/photo-2.jpg
Love "V-DUBS". I've got
2002 Passat GLX
1996 Jetta GL
1994 Jeep YJ with a 406 small block chevy
1962 Chevy Nova with a LS1 with twin turbo's
That's it.:D
1962 Chevy Nova with a LS1 with twin turbo's
:eek::eek::eek:
PICS!!!!!!
:D:D:D
Army Chief
02-28-09, 16:27
'62 Nova? Was that badged as a Nova, or was it one of the "Chevy II" variety? I can't quite recall where the cut line was, but those were definitely some cool little sleds.
AC
'62 Nova? Was that badged as a Nova, or was it one of the "Chevy II" variety? I can't quite recall where the cut line was, but those were definitely some cool little sleds.
AC
I think NOVA was a more deluxe model of a ChevyII. Same idea as an Impala or Malibu
That might have been the first year or close to it.
My first car was a 1967 Chevelle Malibu SS 396. Close ratio 4 spd, 3:73 Positraction, Daytona tuned suspension, Tahoe Turquoise, Black interior, Royal Wide Oval Red Line tires, AM radio, bought brand new in Jan 1968 from Washburn Chevrolet, Santa Barbara, CA, for the princely sum of $2560.00.
1BadBushmaster
03-01-09, 15:38
'62 Nova? Was that badged as a Nova, or was it one of the "Chevy II" variety? I can't quite recall where the cut line was, but those were definitely some cool little sleds.
AC
Yeah actually it was the Chevy II. They we're bagded as the nova in 64 I believe. But for all maters ....same car.
I think I've seen 3 or four G8s down here. GTOs have gotten very rare with only being produced for 3 years, plus the superficiality of the area and they are "old" now.
Interestingly I've seen something like 5 Chevy Trailblazer SS lately.
My concern with the G8 is the same as it was with the GTO; parts. I had a windshield guy tell me one time that if mine broke it was a month to get a new one and it was three times or more than any other windshield. The rarity of the car plus it being Australian worked against me.
I'd love a Grand Cherokee SRT8. At least in that case there is a lot of parts compatibility with the standard version.
1BadBushmaster
03-04-09, 15:39
I think I've seen 3 or four G8s down here. GTOs have gotten very rare with only being produced for 3 years, plus the superficiality of the area and they are "old" now.
Interestingly I've seen something like 5 Chevy Trailblazer SS lately.
My concern with the G8 is the same as it was with the GTO; parts. I had a windshield guy tell me one time that if mine broke it was a month to get a new one and it was three times or more than any other windshield. The rarity of the car plus it being Australian worked against me.
I'd love a Grand Cherokee SRT8. At least in that case there is a lot of parts compatibility with the standard version.
I get to see a black G8 everyday. It drives by the house at the same time. Very sharp car. It's the GT model. Nice car.
1BadBushmaster
03-04-09, 15:53
Yeah good point. Insideline has one in their long term test fleet and right off the bat had to wait a while for a transmission part. Small potatoes though really when comparing what you get for what you spend. This will be the first non german car I've purchased/leased. The 09 CTS-V is highly intriguing as well but for the cash, I'll wait for a used one in a few years.
Look I still like it. I love those style of cars. It's kind of a Alstralia v8 supercar thing. Full bodied car with lots of HP. I mean how can you go wrong. I would get the 6 speed version to. Call me stupid.......uh I guess I get called that a ton.....opps
1BadBushmaster
03-04-09, 16:13
The 6sp is the GXP LS3 w/ FE3 suspension for a lot more $. The G8gt is the 6.0 L76 (ls2 with DOD cam) and FE2 suspension for 18-22k used. Hard to beat. Getting 400hp out of the G8gt is less than $1000.
I love the LS series motors. SO much potential. Granted it's no LS7 they are putting in the new ZR1 corvette--------675 HP.
Oh yeah I got a little side tracked, it is hard to justify the extra cash for the GXP, buuuuuttttttt, if I could I would.
I've had so many toys now I've lost track. Here are some pics of my 05 S2000. I custom ground cams for it and had the guy that made the Chevy IRL valve springs make me springs and retainers out of titanium. The engine internals were completely stock except for the cam gears, cams, valvesprings and retainers. It also has double adjustable coilovers with external reserviors, upgraded brakes, etc. Keep in mind it is a 2.2L 4 cylinder. I have also included a dyno graph. The thing sounds like an Atlantic series openwheel race car. :D
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_1b1051d9f1eb639c9a26a63285a82951.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/70/l_d9c23367c2cafdde4a9596e991da18d3.jpg
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/48/l_c72e6223aad098ca2a592b1bbc1ee762.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/119/l_43f093a77b8d7f0b38d77ce6248a9140.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/98/l_eb65db402067b093fa646e737568ea91.gif
My old Duc
http://b2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00286/23/64/286074632_l.jpg
1BadBushmaster
03-04-09, 18:38
I've had so many toys now I've lost track. Here are some pics of my 05 S2000. I custom ground cams for it and had the guy that made the Chevy IRL valve springs make me springs and retainers out of titanium. The engine internals were completely stock except for the cam gears, cams, valvesprings and retainers. It also has double adjustable coilovers with external reserviors, upgraded brakes, etc. Keep in mind it is a 2.2L 4 cylinder. I have also included a dyno graph. The thing sounds like an Atlantic series openwheel race car. :D
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_1b1051d9f1eb639c9a26a63285a82951.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/70/l_d9c23367c2cafdde4a9596e991da18d3.jpg
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/48/l_c72e6223aad098ca2a592b1bbc1ee762.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/119/l_43f093a77b8d7f0b38d77ce6248a9140.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/98/l_eb65db402067b093fa646e737568ea91.gif
My old Duc
http://b2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00286/23/64/286074632_l.jpg
WOW very nice. I like the color on the s2000.. And nice attention to detail on the motor. Man very nice.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/oscar319/MoabSpring2007097.jpg
My 2007 TRD Tacoma has been the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned.
Favorite car, 2004 BMW 330i with the ZHP Performance Package. The car would do 150mph in 5th with 4 passengers... so I've heard ;) Never did put it in 6th, one of the girls got scared.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2310/img0175n.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0175n.jpg)
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7027/img0475k.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0475k.jpg)
Traded the BMW for these...
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8396/truck003.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=truck003.jpg)
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9619/dec212008vid000035.jpg (http://img131.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dec212008vid000035.jpg)
Still miss the BMW... unless it's summer time and we're on the lake!!! :cool:
Spurholder
03-05-09, 08:48
I've had so many toys now I've lost track. Here are some pics of my 05 S2000. I custom ground cams for it and had the guy that made the Chevy IRL valve springs make me springs and retainers out of titanium. The engine internals were completely stock except for the cam gears, cams, valvesprings and retainers. It also has double adjustable coilovers with external reserviors, upgraded brakes, etc. Keep in mind it is a 2.2L 4 cylinder. I have also included a dyno graph. The thing sounds like an Atlantic series openwheel race car. :D
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_1b1051d9f1eb639c9a26a63285a82951.jpg
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/70/l_d9c23367c2cafdde4a9596e991da18d3.jpg
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/48/l_c72e6223aad098ca2a592b1bbc1ee762.jpg
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/119/l_43f093a77b8d7f0b38d77ce6248a9140.jpg
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/98/l_eb65db402067b093fa646e737568ea91.gif
My old Duc
http://b2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00286/23/64/286074632_l.jpg
Rio Yellow AP2 FTMFW!
Nice build, Mines!
Mazda's design group is getting interesting.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-2010-mazdaspeed3-mps/1404857/
Ya know, my ex had a Miata, and I have to say that car was one of the FUNNEST on-road vehicles I've ever driven. I never took it to a track, and it wasn't winning any stoplight races, but goddamn it was fun to whip in and out of traffic, take 90* turns, etc. I'd love to pick up a 10 year old model and do some upgrades like a turbo, better brakes, and clutch/transmission.
Driving a 2003 Mustang SVT 10th Anniversary Cobra with some mods. At the rear wheels she puts out 465hp and 469tq. :D
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj14/10thAnnvCobra/IMG00086.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj14/10thAnnvCobra/IMG00071.jpg
This car is my daily driver. :cool:
My first was a 1974 f-250 Xcab that I got from my dad in 1988, it was a work truck he retired at 200300 miles I put another 100,000 miles on it when it melted down in south cal on I8 between Yuma and Julian.
Next was a 1979 Jeep Cj5 that I got in 1994. I drove till 2000 and bought a new Ford Explorer( Lemon) till 2004 then dorve my dads 1996 GMC 1500 4x4 till I bought my 2006 Jeep Unlimited which I will drive till it would not go another mile.
Now the wife has 3 new rides since we got married in 1995, a 1996 Explorer a 1999 F-150 Larait and a 2002 F-250 Crew Cab. Now she wants a 2009 F-250 4x4 crew cab to pull the Travel trailer. I have Never had a Car and hopefully never will, Trucks or Jeeps all the way.......
Dave
Army Chief
03-07-09, 00:38
ARMY CHIEF-
How is cost of operation for the M3? I understand parts a labor are expensive but how often are you having issues?
Sorry I'm a bit slow on the draw here, but I didn't spot this earlier.
The E46 M3 is actually my second M car, with the first having been an E34 M5 (3.8 liter). Oddly enough, the cost of operation for this machine is quite reasonable -- though I concede that my standard of reasonability may differ slightly from that of the typical Chevrolet owner.
Aside from consumables and scheduled services (which I always have done at the local dealership), I've had almost no out-of-pocket expenses whatsoever. There are a couple of things to watch for in this model, but most -- if not all -- were corrected as the production line progressed, or were covered under warranty. The day-to-day costs associated with running the M3 are really no higher than they would be for a normal 3 series BMW. Of course, I can go through a set of new tires and brakes in three track days, but that is to be expected. It's a bit of a win-win, actually, in that you get the speed of a Porsche for the upkeep cost of a VW.
I've been very pleased with the car, though I am in stark terror of bringing it to US shores. I've become so "velocitized" that it is going to be excruciating to keep it within some semblance of US speed limits. That may sound like an attempt at humor, but I'm actually being quite serious. This car responds like a surgical instrument once you get it above 120 mph or so, and not surprisingly, I tend to spend a lot of time there.
AC
Army Chief
03-07-09, 00:41
Yeah actually it was the Chevy II. They we're bagded as the nova in 64 I believe. But for all maters ....same car.
True ... but I always thought that Chevy II sounded cooler, and was less likely to be mistaken for any of the Nova models that followed. :)
AC
1BadBushmaster
03-07-09, 11:39
True ... but I always thought that Chevy II sounded cooler, and was less likely to be mistaken for any of the Nova models that followed. :)
AC
You know what I do to. The NOVA/ no go in spanish should say a little, more like alot....:rolleyes: But now it's a pretty sweet little car.
1BadBushmaster
03-07-09, 11:43
Driving a 2003 Mustang SVT 10th Anniversary Cobra with some mods. At the rear wheels she puts out 465hp and 468tq. :D
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj14/10thAnnvCobra/IMG00086.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj14/10thAnnvCobra/IMG00071.jpg
This car is my daily driver. :cool:
Oh man very nice....... I love those cobra's in that 2003 and 2004. They have SO MUCh potential. With a pulley swap, and a little timing they are 650 hp cars.
First vehicle: 1978 Dodge 100 P/U that i bought from my grandfather.
Current Vehicle: 1984 Jeep CJ-7 that is a work in progress.
Will post pics as i get them.
Red.
get_the_roof
03-08-09, 19:18
Well, I've had quite a few fun rides from Saabs to RX7s to Bimmers and trucks and Jeeps of all shapes and sizes but this was my pride and joy.
1983 Jeep Cherokee Laredo
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/Blackjack2.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/Blackjack.jpg
Sorry for the quality of the pics but it was before digital!
1BadBushmaster
03-09-09, 08:30
Hey Get_the_roof, how do you like the Truxus tires? I've been thinking about putting them on the truck I have now.
get_the_roof
03-09-09, 09:52
I loved 'em. They were a little loud on the highway, they would have been louder if I could hear them over the exhaust:D
They balanced out pretty well for big tire too.
Smuckatelli
03-09-09, 10:11
My first new car was an 89 Mustang that I bought in Okinawa from at Kadena, I ended up leaving that car in the Central African Republic when I got orders to Pendleton. Before that i had 4 different used JCI cars in Oki.
When I returned to CONUS, I picked up another Mustang, I have had 5 total, current one is an 04. I've driven Mustangs across country many times, Okinawa, Central African Republic, and numerous times across Europe.
I'm waiting for my wife to get tired of her car so that I can get my hands on it....
She has a 04 Volvo V70R...
First car was a 71 Pontiac LeMans Sport. No pics. 2nd was an 80 Firebird. 3rd was a 99 Grand Prix. 4th I bought in 07 is an 07 Grand Prix. My 2 project cars are a 70 GTO and a 70 LeMans.
2071
2072
2073
First vehicle was a 91 2WD Xcab Silverado...I drove that gal from as far north as Buffalo-area and as far south as Tallahasee. Traded it last year for my gf's 09 Mazda 3.
Current: 04 Silver Xcab Z71 Silverado...if you've seen one, you've seen mine :D
Best Memories: my 99 Camaro SS. I didnt have her long thanks to numerous transmission related issues (mostly thanks to a SPEC clutch) but she was a fun and beautiful ride.
When I first got her:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/Ling_650vette/100_0457.jpg
Couple months before I sold her:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/Ling_650vette/IMG_0162.jpg
And what I'm saving up for: C6 Z06 (NineBalls car, owner/admin of LS1tech)
http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Corvette/C6Zshoot01.jpg
http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Corvette/C6Zshoot02.jpg
And what I'm saving up for: C6 Z06 (NineBalls car, owner/admin of LS1tech)
http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Corvette/C6Zshoot01.jpg
http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Corvette/C6Zshoot02.jpg
Is that a stock color for the Zs? What's it called? I'm in love!!!:eek:
Yeah, its a stock color.
Its called Cyber Gray.
Those rims are supposed to be color matched, but they look more black.
Currently "daily driving" a 95 civic that gets 38 mpg.
Currently fixing (again and again) my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins.
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/larry0071/Truck%20and%20Car%20Pictures/DiscountPowerTruck.jpg
This what a typical week after the race track looks like for me:
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/larry0071/Truck%20and%20Car%20Pictures/IMAGE_256.jpg
I have a 71 Chevelle SS 454 automatic cowl-induction car. It is black with white stripes. My daughter is named Chevelle as well, my car has not been out of the garage in 10 years. When it comes out, it will be for my (currently 9 yrs old) girl to drive it to high school. I got this for my 16th B-day gift 22 years ago, yea.... I still have her. And yea.... she's still perfect.
I have a couple big block stroker motor Ford sled pulling trucks, nothing special. They are your average stroked 460 based single carb, no forced induction, running gasoline (VP C-14), allum intake, 1000 HP..... redneck farm engines.
The last one I dyno'ed was 974HP at 8,600 RPM.
I have a BroncoII in the yard with a home made 8" lift setting on a set of 31" Super Swamper TSL's.
I have a 84 Camaro F-??? something with a 305 laying in the lower driveway in case I ever get bored.
When I was 18 I had a 1980 Grand Prix I shoved a 1970 W-30 Olds 455 into, it came out of a teachers 1970 Cutlass. I got the engine free, he hated the fuel it ate and wanted an Olds 350 thrown in. I did the 455 to 350 swap for him and kept the 455. Good deal! I had that car for almost a year before I totalled it (and the car I hit head on and two in the parking lot I drove through before I went into a building) That was a bad thing. I nearly killed a man, and I cost a shit-ton of money to the ins company.
My favorite daily driver, my 2006 MazdaSpeed6. 2.3L direct injected, turbo charged, all wheel drive, 6-speed, 4-door family car. I modded that and blew the engine at 10K miles and sold it. It was fun!
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/larry0071/Truck%20and%20Car%20Pictures/SPEEDHood2.jpg
This is the Old Ford we had. It has been sold off to someone in Ohio from what I knew of the sale, I miss it. If I could, I would burn the Dodge to the ground and go get back this Ford!
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/larry0071/Truck%20and%20Car%20Pictures/SANY0706.jpg
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/larry0071/Truck%20and%20Car%20Pictures/P1010648.jpg
Favorite bike was my RGV-250. Had to sell it in 97' when I went in the Navy :mad: For those unfamiliar with them they are a "grey market" 2 stroke. Notice the kick start which is a real pain in cold weather!
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1280/rgv250large.png (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rgv250large.png)
My 1994 Ford Thunderbird SC
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll151/Staind503/downsized_0321091656.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll151/Staind503/downsized_0321091657.jpg
My previous rides were a 91 and then a 95 TBird LX both the 3.8 V6
P.S. I like TBirds
mattpittinger
03-21-09, 17:37
Here is my first truck. Sold it last year when I left for college two hours away. 38's are not for travel. Traded it for an 07 F-150 that is not lifted.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu307/mattpittinger/XTREMESERIES97F150.jpg
Nice!
Thanks ZDL! A really light, high revving fun bike that you can throw around like a bicycle!
Ridge_Runner_5
03-21-09, 22:51
Convertible maker:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/video-overpass-is-one-efficient-semi-convertible-maker/
:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
I counted 8 different times...my god I cant imagine what the city pays for repairs on that thing....
Ridge_Runner_5
03-24-09, 19:56
So.... The new camaro has hit the streets. Anyone got a chance behind the wheel personally yet? Reports are... It's fast. Interior design is not gaining high marks.
Its a 21st century Chevy...I've learned to have low expectations...shame they are killing Pontiac...I drove an 08 G6 GT a year and a half ago and it was amazing...
Ridge_Runner_5
03-24-09, 20:17
Guy came to my job a couple weeks ago driving a Challenger...offered to show me its stuff, and promptly left a nice big skidmark in front of my building...I was smiling ear to ear! The Camaro looks nice, though...still prefer the Challenger in the looks department.
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3658/2010camaross.jpg
Guy came to my job a couple weeks ago driving a Challenger...offered to show me its stuff, and promptly left a nice big skidmark in front of my building...I was smiling ear to ear! The Camaro looks nice, though...still prefer the Challenger in the looks department.
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3658/2010camaross.jpg
I agree. Both are great. One is faster, but god the challenger is sexy. They aren't depreciating much either.
1BadBushmaster
03-25-09, 07:57
You know I thought that they had pushed back the date on the camaro's untill early next year. But then coming home from the store about two weeks ago, I seen one at the local ice cream shop. So me and my two kids went to the chevy dealer to see if they had one............. nope.
So you guy's have seen one also? This was a silver one. Sharp car.....:eek: But I think I would rather have a new vette like the Z06, or shit if I'm dreaming the ZR1.:D:D
If I get back into wanting a muscle car again, I'll be assessing the Camaro/Challenger/Mustang decision based solely on performance:$ ratio. That's exactly how I arrived at my '05 GTO as well. It was 100 HP more than the Rustang at the same price. Once I saw that, and drove both, the Rustang lost any interest for me.
On that note, I'm rather disappointed at seeing all these cars hitting the $40k mark. I think that's bullshit. I think the next gen muscle cars are all about $10k higher than where they should be.
40k new is a joke. It's like everyone has forgotten 1995 and the deaths of the American versions of the Supra, 300ZX and RX7. All priced out of their market.
When I bought my Mustang, I really wanted a GT500 but no one would sell me one at the price I wanted (about 10% under MSRP). The Ford dealers were walking around with dollar signs in their eyes because they had a car that was desirable enough that people were willing to pay way over sticker for one.
I saw a used GT500 on a dealers lot last week for $30k. Great deal. New ones are at or below MSRP finally.
I think the Camaro and Challenger will get there also, but the dealers have $$ signs in their eyes now. When's the last time Chevy or Dodge had a car this desirable? The only thing that comes close is the Corvette, and Chevy dealers have been bending over folks who want a new Corvette for 30+ years.
I gotta say, and I don't think it's really apples:apples in a lot of ways, the new Z is a hell of a lot of car for the money. You can get real stupid and push one above $40k with options, but the damn thin SSRPs for $34k with the sport package with their kickass new transmission.
Given that, I have a hard time swallowing a Camaro at $40k PLUS options.
thetallengineer
03-25-09, 13:40
I saw a Challenger SRT8 recently on the road and really liked the look and the sound. Haven't seen the new Camaro yet on the streets yet.
If I had $40K to spend on a car I'd get a used C6 Z06 without hesitation. Since I didn't have 40K to spend I ended up buying a used 2003 C5 Z06 recently and am very happy with the car.
The funny thing about Supra Turbo prices is they are STILL high. If you look on ebay people are asking high 20s and low 30s.
1972 Datsun 240. Primer grey with no bumpers and would dust anything in 1988 when I got it. I embarrassed more than one Porsche 911 in the two years I had it. God I miss that ugly beautiful piece of machinery.
thetallengineer
03-25-09, 15:36
My cousin had a 1971 Black 240 with a 280 engine installed that had been cammed and a few other engine upgrades. It was a demanding car to drive, very mechanical, but a lot of fun. I wish he still had it.
First car was a 1980 Pontiac Phoenix. The car was a complete piece of crap. The driver window crank fell off everytime you closed the door, the horn was fried, had duct tape around the brake line, had a small exhaust leak, would barely start when it was even partially cold, and would only get up to 55 mph going downhill.
After that disaster I had a '97 Kia Sephia. Decent car when I bought it, but a POS by the time got rid of it. Cracked windshield from when a beer bottle got thrown at it, the front CV boots were destroyed and you would hear a loud clicking everytime you made a turn, and about $2,300 of hail damage.
Traded the Kia in on a '03 Ford Explorer Sport after the first trip to Iraq. Great little SUV, until I got PCS'd to Alaska. Something about rear wheel drive on ice covered roads just doesn't work to well.
Fast forward a few other vehicles and I now drive this.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/killingseason/100_1383.jpg
It's an '07 Sierra crew cab. It's great for throwing my gear in the bed when I get out of the field or when I spend a few hours down towards Salcha cutting firewood.
[QUOTE=ZDL;336102]Gas or Diesel? Any reliability issues? Looks great.
[QUOTE]
Gas. Doesn't look so great right now. What you don't see on the right side is where I've scraped the rear tire well against the fence, twice got it fixed the first time, parking so my wife can get in the garage. The front end is also dinged up pretty good, but that's what I get for having a "hey, this will be fun" moment doing 30+ mph into a mud puddle, then going, "oh shit!" as you realize you're going to catch air before hitting the puddle. It's probably partially buried under melting snow.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention the time when I got stuck in mud halfway up the wheels. I was washing mud out from under it for weeks.
ZDL, another one I keep coming back to is the WRX, and the latest batch seem to be pretty damn nice. A little too "boy racer" in some ways, but AWD and 0-60 in under 5 seconds...
:D
That's why I went Audi...when I could afford it.
I looked at the WRX as well before buying my 3, especially since it was a hatch. It's not as ricey as it was but still I could do without the scoops and flares. The new Evo is MUCH less ricey than it used to be and if I could get it in a hatch I'd take a long look at doing so.
That's why I went Audi...when I could afford it.
I bought my wife the Audi A3 and she loves it! The 2.0T engine hauls ass in that little thing, averaging approx 90 - 100mph down to Scottsdale and still got 26mpg! :cool:
I gotta say, and I don't think it's really apples:apples in a lot of ways, the new Z is a hell of a lot of car for the money. You can get real stupid and push one above $40k with options, but the damn thin SSRPs for $34k with the sport package with their kickass new transmission.
Given that, I have a hard time swallowing a Camaro at $40k PLUS options.
The new 370Z is an awesome bargin. We just picked one up as a shop car. Worlds better then the car it replaced.
I love my Jeep. Rides rough, no room, wife complains about the noise and comfort.
Exactly! What's not to love?!? :D
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/TeufelTexan/LSJC%20Gilmer%20%20August%2007/DSC00485-1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/TeufelTexan/Jeep/TT.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/TeufelTexan/Jeep/l_42d3ea4db496b1ffc1a24ce15e3f28e8.jpg
The wife has the comfortmobile, I just gotta be able to get into the backwoods shooting ranges...
Just got this a cpl weeks ago. Got $14K off the sticker price:o
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/SRT8/P1010854.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/SRT8/P1010843.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/SRT8/P1010858.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/SRT8/P1010846.jpg
I don' t think I'd turn down a Magnum or Cherokee SRT8 if someone was offering me $14k off sticker. I just couldn't go back to having a car with a trunk ever again.
Just got this a cpl weeks ago. Got $14K off the sticker price:o
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj153/Viperguy58/SRT8/P1010854.jpg
That's beautiful. Hope you and I are still able to buy parts in the next couple years! :eek:
I don' t think I'd turn down a Magnum or Cherokee SRT8 if someone was offering me $14k off sticker. I just couldn't go back to having a car with a trunk ever again.
Why's that? Do you surf or mtn bike?
That's beautiful. Hope you and I are still able to buy parts in the next couple years! :eek:
Don't say that:(
:p
Nathan_Bell
04-05-09, 14:39
Smacking at the hornets nest here.
Jeep, hummer, or something else?
Owners: State your case. :cool:
Something Else :D
Nathan_Bell
04-05-09, 16:47
But where do the children's car seats go!!?!!??!?
:D
Specs?
Mercedes Benz Unimog U1200G 1983 Vintage.
Mine is the truest to the roots of the 'mog family in that it is a tractor that thinks it is a truck.
F/R 540/1000RPM PTO
4 Circuits Hydraulics
8 Speed Transmission
3 Ranges
3 Way tipper bed
120 HP OM352A Merc TD
18" ground clearance with the Conti's on it.
Picture was taken about a month ago when we hauled it home from Southern Indiana (damned near KY).
Been giving it TLC and finding its bugs as we go. LUckily it is built like a tank as it had been run hard and put away wet by the guy who imported it into the states; the guy I bought it off of had fixed its major CF's but there are still a bunch to go.
Top Speed 52 MHP:p
Why's that? Do you surf or mtn bike?
Tote lots of stuff to the range, mostly. I run matches and take more than the average shooter with me. Plus the odd Home Depot run from time to time.
Tote lots of stuff to the range, mostly. I run matches and take more than the average shooter with me. Plus the odd Home Depot run from time to time.
ah, right on:cool:
That's why I kept my little pick up truck too (for the HD runs, my range gear can't even fill the Charger trunk...):)
BuckeyeBOSS
04-05-09, 22:30
Nice SRT-8 Charger! That will be my next family car.
Here's my baby, a 1969 Mustang Sportsroof, which would have Kaase P-51 heads, different cam, intake and carb and have ~800 HP by now if I didn't get into this gun hobby recently.
It currently has a 545 cid big block with ported DOVE-C heads, solid roller cam, Holley 850, etc. It was fortunate to make the cover and feature of a European car mag last year...
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Cover.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Mustang11.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Mustang12.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Mustang13.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Mustang2.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Mustang8.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/1000792up9.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/BuckeyeROC/Mustang14.jpg
Very nice!! I love the older Mustangs, but they're too $$$$ to buy fixed up and I don't know enough about them to buy a fixer-upper. I'm hoping to crack 500rwhp on my new motor (n/a 333ci DOHC) and 700+rwhp on the bottle. Car is about 2900lbs, so it should get down the 1320 pretty good.
Bolt_Overide
04-05-09, 22:37
Thats dead sexy.
jeez,where do i begin with this one? well,current daily drivers are 2007 jeep grand cherokee srt8 in the fastest color,black,of course! also have a 1999 and 2000 jeep cherokee xj's. 1999 has way to many mods to list but needless to say,i aint gettin stuck! the 2000 is stock,for now! in the garage is my 1997 chevy camaro ss 30th anniversary, #71.then theres my 1981 chevy malibu just waitin for a new engine.(gotta buy as many ar's as i can while i can!). my car before the srt8 was a 2004 chevy corvette z06,blk on blk as well.what a fun car.had a worked 2002 ford svt lighting,worked.super fast.looked great as well.had a brand new loaded 2005 blk on gray lincoln navigator.brand new pearl white 2002 cadillac dts.a buch of custom harley's.just bought a bike 2 days ago.a brand new,still in the crate ktm super duke.cant wait to get my hands on that bad boy! thats off the top of my head but i'm sure i'll think of more.its 1 a.m and i am too tired to think! jaydoc,sick vehicle! that anew red,right?buckeye,nice stang
Army Chief
04-06-09, 03:13
Most irrelevant vehicle imo.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/03/2009-new-york-auto-show-2010-bmw-x6-m.html
You may be right about that, but having spent a couple of days over the weekend at BMW Munich and BMW M GmbH Garching, I've got to admit that the X6 makes a lot more sense close up than it does in print. Admittedly, I'm not quite as sure about the M variant, but the overall vehicle concept actually isn't bad.
AC
My thoughts. It's one thing to drop a big motor in an SUV. It's another to put an SUV in the worlds best engineering department. BMW probably has millions of dollars of math in that thing and I just don't get why? I can't imagine someone deciding on the X6M for M style driving over the rest of the stable. Who knows. I need to get some wheel time to formulate a complete opinion.
Awesome you got to see those places. :cool:
Possible sales competition for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo market?
Good point. My next question would be: Does porsche see enough cayenne turbos to financially warrant developing competition?
I'm not an auto exec so what do I know? Just seems strange.
ps. The cayenne looks like a hyundai santa-fe.
A reallllly fast Santa Fe ;) If it's the Turbo S model!
First car - a POS Dodge Dart. Favorite growing up(including adult phases) - cross between a Honda CRX and a Jaguar XJS(originally a v12, but changed up to a Chevy 350 V8 just to keep it affordable for a little longer(affordable is an oximoron with a Jag).
My family car of the day - a 2001 Wrangler Sahara - pretty much totally aftermarket for VA traffic:
2228
love cars but i own 5 imports....
00 2.5 RS my dd back and forth to work
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/004-3.jpg
07 STI my "weekend car"
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/stuff002.jpg
wifes 03 wrx..
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/Picture016.jpg
and our his (07 1k) and her(03 600) suzukis....
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/IM001783.jpg
Army Chief
04-07-09, 00:11
My thoughts. It's one thing to drop a big motor in an SUV. It's another to put an SUV in the worlds best engineering department. BMW probably has millions of dollars of math in that thing and I just don't get why? I can't imagine someone deciding on the X6M for M style driving over the rest of the stable. Who knows. I need to get some wheel time to formulate a complete opinion.
Awesome you got to see those places. :cool:
I would agree with that. I'm sure that the vehicle itself will be up to the task (I was invited to a driving event later in the year), but I'm left wondering who the prospective buyer for such a vehicle might be -- especially in the US. It isn't a purist's track sled, and on a speed-limited interstate system one isn't likely to really derive much benefit from it, so that leaves who, exactly?
For the money, I think I would actually prefer an M5 touring (station wagon).
AC
Army Chief
04-07-09, 02:40
I suppose my interest in the wagon comes from a couple of things, really ...
To begin with, it is impossible to spend as much time in Germany as I have and not be influenced by the prevailing notion that, in a land where Audi, Mercedes and BMW sedans are all commonplace, the Touring/Estate/Avant models are the executive "prestige cars" that just happen to be perfect for 'Bahnstorming. My "other car" is an Audi A6 4.2 Avant (300 hp), so I've got some experience in this arena. You would be surprised by how much of the (very) fast-moving left-lane traffic in Germany consists of Touring/Estate/Avant AMGs, Ms and Ss.
What I like about these sleds is the fact that they don't attract a lot of attention, they offer true sedan handling, comfort and efficiency, and yet they retain great loading capacities. The E60/M5 Touring, for example, has more usable cargo space than an X5. As you know the massive SUVs that predominate at home are poor choices in the tight confines of Europe, so that makes a touring model something of a win-win over here. A well-engined wagon just happens to be a practical choice for the head, as well as the heart. To bring it back to a more relevant topic, when I'm loading up for the range or the hunting area, the M3 stays at home and I take the Audi.
I've no direct experience with the E90/92, though I've obviously seen more than my share of both. In truth, I think the four-door sedan version of the M3 would be hard to beat, though I've obviously stayed with the E46 M3 coupe myself. The new 3 is growing on me, but not to the extent that I really want to own one.
AC
Did you see the top gear episode on it?
Just watched it... racing the guy in the squirrel suit :D
I suppose my interest in the wagon comes from a couple of things, really ...
To begin with, it is impossible to spend as much time in Germany as I have and not be influenced by the prevailing notion that, in a land where Audi, Mercedes and BMW sedans are all commonplace, the Touring/Estate/Avant models are the executive "prestige cars" that just happen to be perfect for 'Bahnstorming. My "other car" is an Audi A6 4.2 Avant (300 hp), so I've got some experience in this arena. You would be surprised by how much of the (very) fast-moving left-lane traffic in Germany consists of Touring/Estate/Avant AMGs, Ms and Ss.
What I like about these sleds is the fact that they don't attract a lot of attention, they offer true sedan handling, comfort and efficiency, and yet they retain great loading capacities. The E60/M5 Touring, for example, has more usable cargo space than an X5. As you know the massive SUVs that predominate at home are poor choices in the tight confines of Europe, so that makes a touring model something of a win-win over here. A well-engined wagon just happens to be a practical choice for the head, as well as the heart. To bring it back to a more relevant topic, when I'm loading up for the range or the hunting area, the M3 stays at home and I take the Audi.
I've no direct experience with the E90/92, though I've obviously seen more than my share of both. In truth, I think the four-door sedan version of the M3 would be hard to beat, though I've obviously stayed with the E46 M3 coupe myself. The new 3 is growing on me, but not to the extent that I really want to own one.
AC
I couldn't agree more. I have a company car now, G35, but the wife needed a new ride. Tried to get her to go with the S4 Avant but the A3 was "cuter"... after driving it quite a bit I think it's a great car and would highly recommend it for someone who needs a little extra space and a great handling car.
Didn't they break it? Or he thought he broke it? Just remember a loud noise when he was off roading at 70mph.
Yeah... after hitting large bump or debris "That sounded expensive!" :D
My last GSX-R. 03' 600.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7108/gsxr600.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gsxr600.jpg)
Here's a fast car for you.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Volvo-Wagon-goes-190mph_161374.htm
Info on the car.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2196921
decodeddiesel
04-09-09, 21:51
love cars but i own 5 imports....
00 2.5 RS my dd back and forth to work
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/004-3.jpg
07 STI my "weekend car"
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/stuff002.jpg
wifes 03 wrx..
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/Picture016.jpg
and our his (07 1k) and her(03 600) suzukis....
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/novtec1/IM001783.jpg
Awesome roos bro! I love my STi!
BMW 335d Stats. VERY interesting. source: Road and Track M
Someone explain to me a LOGICAL reason as to why we aren't pushing diesel technology hard in the USA?
Because the 2007 emissions regulations turned a $5500 diesel engine into a $7500 diesel engine, and the 2010 regulations turned it into a $9000 engine. Diesels were already more expensive to build because they have to withstand much higher compression ratios, and the new regulations have made them even more cost prohibitive.
Then there's the fact that few Americans buy diesel powered cars, the fuel isn't readily available in urban areas, and it's more expensive than gas. Perhaps that will change in the future, but it won't happen quickly.
Army Chief
04-10-09, 00:42
I'm not sure that I follow the logic here at all. European diesel technology has advanced light years since the last time we tried to launch any kind of diesel passenger car movement in the US, and the primary reason that we hadn't seen more of these cars prior to now was that our high-sulfur fuels would have forced these companies to make too many costly (and inefficient) modifications.
Now that we're more in-line with the European standard fuel-wise, many of these options -- including the 335d -- are opening up to us. Yes, the initial outlay is a bit higher, but the long term payback is unmistakable. I don't really see a down side here, and a higher acquisition cost seems like a reasonable trade for an iron motor that will deliver truly exceptional performance over a much longer service life.
AC
I guess I'm spoiled. Their isn't a station I've seen recently that didn't have diesel. I don't doubt there are places were availability is scarce but how great a % are we talking?
It isn't about % of area but % of population. Down here diesel is few and far between. The stations on the turnpike have it, but then you start dealing with paying at least a 5% premium for it because of that.
I've toyed with the idea of a diesel, both in a truck and a VW, over the years but the availability of fuel is an issue.
And, in America today if the urbanites aren't doing something it's never going to catch on across the rest of the country.
I don't think diesel should be thought of as a way to save money. The vehicles typically cost more, the fuel is harder to get and more expensive, etc. I'd bet that $/mile over the <5 years I'd own the vehicle would be as much as, or more than, the gas counterpart of the same car.
Nathan_Bell
04-10-09, 07:55
I'm not sure that I follow the logic here at all. European diesel technology has advanced light years since the last time we tried to launch any kind of diesel passenger car movement in the US, and the primary reason that we hadn't seen more of these cars prior to now was that our high-sulfur fuels would have forced these companies to make too many costly (and inefficient) modifications.
Now that we're more in-line with the European standard fuel-wise, many of these options -- including the 335d -- are opening up to us. Yes, the initial outlay is a bit higher, but the long term payback is unmistakable. I don't really see a down side here, and a higher acquisition cost seems like a reasonable trade for an iron motor that will deliver truly exceptional performance over a much longer service life.
AC
We are more inline with Euro's fuels, but the 2010 and 2012 EPA exhaust regs will kill any and all attempts to get a passenger diesel in the US.
Also, the new diesels are now well beyond the complexity of a gasoline engine. They are breaking down more often and costing much more to repair.
I have played with medium duty, light duty, and farm diesels for a long time and can tell you that the new motors and the added complexity that the US EPA regs require will not allow you to recoup the purchase premium for a diesel.
A full replacement exhaust system for an '09 is damned near $6k due to the particulate filter/burner and the cat. Now add the urea injection and you get into 5 digits to work on a vehicle's exhaust.
decodeddiesel
04-10-09, 08:38
I'm not sure that I follow the logic here at all. European diesel technology has advanced light years since the last time we tried to launch any kind of diesel passenger car movement in the US, and the primary reason that we hadn't seen more of these cars prior to now was that our high-sulfur fuels would have forced these companies to make too many costly (and inefficient) modifications.
Now that we're more in-line with the European standard fuel-wise, many of these options -- including the 335d -- are opening up to us. Yes, the initial outlay is a bit higher, but the long term payback is unmistakable. I don't really see a down side here, and a higher acquisition cost seems like a reasonable trade for an iron motor that will deliver truly exceptional performance over a much longer service life.
AC
I very much agree Chief. As an avid Top Gear fan I frequently see them using the latest diesel offerings from Audi, BWM, Mercedes, etc. for their various journeys and adventures. For example the one episode where Jeremy Clarkson drove an Audi A8 twin turbo diesel form London to Edinburgh on one tank of "petrol" averaging something like 48 mpg in a huge luxury car capable of 0-60 in under 8 seconds.
Just recently at the Denver auto show, even though it was a totally lack luster showing from nearly all of the manufacturers, BMW had their newest 3 series equipped with a twin turbo straight-6 diesel (the 335d you speak of) on display. It was very impressive to say the least.
It's true that Americans have an irrational avoidance of diesels based on a few horrible products from almost 30 years ago. Then there is the association of diesel with black soot clouds and sulfur stink from commercial trucks.
However, in many cases diesels just don't pay for themselves. I'm more familiar with the light truck market, and I've spent the last 6 years working as an engineer and manager at a diesel engine manufacturing facility. The extra cost to the customer for our diesel engine is around $5000. At current prices, diesel is about $0.20 more than gas - $2.20 versus $2.00 - around a 10% increase The fuel economy improvement is about 20% so you get roughly twice the price difference back. That means you save around $0.20 per gallon. At 20 MPG that's $0.01 a mile. At that rate it takes more than 500,000 miles to pay itself back, without considering the time value of money.
When diesel was cheaper AND provided better fuel economy it made more sense. Now, the new emissions regulations are reducing the fuel economy advantage and for a quite a while the new low sulfur diesel was considerably more expensive. This served to destroy the US light truck diesel market over the past two years. My facility will close in July due to lack of sales.
In Europe, gas and diesel prices are much higher, most of which is due to taxation. Cars are also much more expensive. So the economics are quite a bit different.
We are more inline with Euro's fuels, but the 2010 and 2012 EPA exhaust regs will kill any and all attempts to get a passenger diesel in the US.
Also, the new diesels are now well beyond the complexity of a gasoline engine. They are breaking down more often and costing much more to repair.
I have played with medium duty, light duty, and farm diesels for a long time and can tell you that the new motors and the added complexity that the US EPA regs require will not allow you to recoup the purchase premium for a diesel.
A full replacement exhaust system for an '09 is damned near $6k due to the particulate filter/burner and the cat. Now add the urea injection and you get into 5 digits to work on a vehicle's exhaust.
Yep. The water-to-exhaust EGR coolers on 2007+ engines are a major issue as well. If you lose water and overheat, you burn through the EGR coolers in no time and then get water in the exhaust ports. That means hydro-lock and the engine is trashed and has to be replaced. Common rail injection pressures are currently in the 25,000 psi range, and going a lot higher to meet the 2010 regulations. The fuel system on some engines has to be assembled in a clean room due to what small particles will do to the pump & injectors at such high pressures. There are ways around UREA injection, but it adds more complexity, more electronic controls, and more chances for something to fail.
Nathan_Bell
04-10-09, 11:04
Yep. The water-to-exhaust EGR coolers on 2007+ engines are a major issue as well. If you lose water and overheat, you burn through the EGR coolers in no time and then get water in the exhaust ports. That means hydro-lock and the engine is trashed and has to be replaced. Common rail injection pressures are currently in the 25,000 psi range, and going a lot higher to meet the 2010 regulations. The fuel system on some engines has to be assembled in a clean room due to what small particles will do to the pump & injectors at such high pressures. There are ways around UREA injection, but it adds more complexity, more electronic controls, and more chances for something to fail.
That is why I like Cat's approach to it. 'We cannot make a motor to meet the goals you have set down for us in the timeframe given.'
They have abandoned the US medium duty truck market and reportedly will be ditching the US OTR market in '12.
Since this post is going off topic... diesel talk...
The Ford 6.4 can easily be "fixed" to get more power and 18+ MPG with these two products:
http://hiperformancediesel.com/product_info.php?cPath=707_451&products_id=3857
or
http://hiperformancediesel.com/product_info.php?cPath=707_451&products_id=4211
The same thing for the LMM Duramax with:
http://hiperformancediesel.com/product_info.php?cPath=456_457&products_id=3907
All you have to do is buy that and get exhaust from an LBZ and your all set. Throw the Trans-Go Allison SK Jr. kit in the valve body and your ready to rock.
For the Dodge you goto Bay Area Diesel performance:
http://www.badptrucks.net/
Any of these will get rid of the DPF filter and the fuel economy and MPG's will jump 4-6 MPG while gaining 100-200 HP!
Concerning cost of motors, vehicles, fuel, etc. If they were more widely available, they would be cheaper. Kinda like ARs right now.
To a point, but the fact still remains that diesel engines are more expensive to build than gas engines of similar displacement/power. They are bigger and heavier with stouter blocks and heads, which requires heavier duty production equipment. And at this point, they require far more complex emission control systems.
The difference can be brought down to a more reasonable level, but unless subsidized they will always be more expensive.
Nathan_Bell
04-10-09, 15:16
Since this post is going off topic... diesel talk...
The Ford 6.4 can easily be "fixed" to get more power and 18+ MPG with these two products:
http://hiperformancediesel.com/product_info.php?cPath=707_451&products_id=3857
or
http://hiperformancediesel.com/product_info.php?cPath=707_451&products_id=4211
The same thing for the LMM Duramax with:
http://hiperformancediesel.com/product_info.php?cPath=456_457&products_id=3907
All you have to do is buy that and get exhaust from an LBZ and your all set. Throw the Trans-Go Allison SK Jr. kit in the valve body and your ready to rock.
For the Dodge you goto Bay Area Diesel performance:
http://www.badptrucks.net/
Any of these will get rid of the DPF filter and the fuel economy and MPG's will jump 4-6 MPG while gaining 100-200 HP!
These motors can be tweaked to make monstrous power and pretty good milage, but the mods are not kosher for manf warrantees nor for those who have to get their vehicles inspected.
For the Ford, you can swap the DPF delete pipe on/off in 30 min, all you need to do un-tune the ECM, swap back to DPF, and haul it in for warranty.
The Chevy sucks because you need to swap the entire exhaust, that takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
The Dodge, I am not sure because I have not done one. I assume it is like the Ford and just the DPF is swapped on/off.
Many guys around here run the DPF deletes, I personally know of at least 6 and not one has had a warranty issue. But not one is crazy enough to take a truck in while tuned and while the DPF is off.
Point is, if your not afraid of a few minuts of wrench time, it's easy to do and not a big deal. Heck, your Diesel will even become fun to drive!!!
I don't know about any of this diesel stuff but I do know this: I've been in the UK for a week and I've never seen so many nifty small cars and cool wagons. Why can't I get any of these neat Audis, BMWs, Mercs or even friggin Fords here in America?
I drive a 2000 Z71 Silverado now but I sold my real baby last summer...GOD I MISS THAT TRUCK!
http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/youngun82/100_1506.jpg
http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/youngun82/100_0779.jpg
http://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww27/youngun82/100_1494.jpg
I miss that tag too!
Nathan_Bell
04-10-09, 18:29
I don't know about any of this diesel stuff but I do know this: I've been in the UK for a week and I've never seen so many nifty small cars and cool wagons. Why can't I get any of these neat Audis, BMWs, Mercs or even friggin Fords here in America?
Crash ratings and emissions.
Nathan_Bell
04-10-09, 20:27
They have to be able to prove that the modifications are what caused the issue from my understanding. Example: they put exhaust on and then the power windows don't work... They can't deny your claim. I guess they could try, and you would have to fight it but, right now everyone is hurting for business. It would be tough for them to turn someone away.
adding 150+ lbft of torque will make them deny any driveline warranty claim. BTDT
Had an '02 F250 with a 7.3 putting about 450 hp down. THey screwed with me about repairing the clutch slave cylinder because I had a 3.5" exhaust on the truck.
Emissions removal: Yeah, you can follow the path you mention about deleting the equipment and then putting it back in place when you go for service, but you had better hope you do not get pulled over for an inspection. I know OHP inspection crews have been told to check the emissions equipment.
Modification legal issues aside: You have to do these mods because the current regulations are killing the US diesel vehicle market.
Heard a rumor that Toyota will be bringing in a diesel truck finally in 2010.
They were rumored to be contracted with international at one point then one of the parties backed out. We'll see.
Looks like the engine will be developed by Hino. (http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/autoshows/sema2007/toyota/tundradually1.html)
http://www.pickuptrucks.com/trucks/IMAGES/autoshows/sema2007/toyota/tundradiesel/intro.jpg
The only other whispers I'm hearing are that the diesel project has been shelved for the time being.
Nathan_Bell
04-18-09, 18:29
Report at the time of that picture, if I remember correctly, was toyota had no intentions of building the pictured vehicle. It was a franken-truck finished moments before the show.
IMHO, Toyota are fool not to get into that market. 1 tons/ duellys are trucks that get worked., and worn out. A good one ton in that arena would be a wise approach.
IMHO, Toyota are fool not to get into that market. 1 tons/ duellys are trucks that get worked., and worn out. A good one ton in that arena would be a wise approach.
The new plant in Texas was going to produce a 7.0L turbo diesel and the dually truck it goes into. As indicated above, the project has been delayed due to market conditions.
If you combine the economy, truck sales in general and the price of diesel it's not really all that surprising.
Nathan_Bell
04-19-09, 08:52
Forget the tundra. I'd love to see GM put the duramax in the subruban/tahoe. What diesel SUV's are/were there in the last 10 years?
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD
2. The Mercedes that the above motor came from
3. Ford excursion
On a different note: Ford supposedly has a small diesel coming for the F150.
Aye, it is a 4.2 Rover designed and maufactured unit IIRC. $$$
Forget the tundra. I'd love to see GM put the duramax in the subruban/tahoe. What diesel SUV's are/were there in the last 10 years?
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD
2. The Mercedes that the above motor came from
3. Ford excursion
On a different note: Ford supposedly has a small diesel coming for the F150.
I'd just love to see the Govt. bring in modern diesel fuel that the Europeans have had for a decade.
I'd just love to see the Govt. bring in modern diesel fuel that the Europeans have had for a decade.
We've already had low sulfur diesel @ 15 ppm in the US since late 2006. All 2007 and later US market on-road diesels require it. Europe has been running 50 ppm for a while and their final spec is supposed to be 10 ppm but I don't know if that's fully implemented yet.
The US government has already mandated the fuel and the regs that require it. But this has also made the engines bigger, more complicated, more expensive, less reliable, and lowered fuel economy.
As for Ford's smaller diesels:
Ford was going to use a Navistar 4.5L V-6 diesel in the F-150 back in 2002 or so. Ford cancelled the program because they are perpetually short sighted. They didn't want to have to beef up the front end of the F-150 to handle the weight, which would have made it closer to the F-250, and then cannibalize higher margin sales from the 250/350 Powerstroke.
They realized the mistake and now are developing the 4.4L Rover-derived V-8 diesel which will be built in Mexico along with the new 6.7L Powerstroke replacement.
Nathan_Bell
04-19-09, 16:15
I'd just love to see the Govt. bring in modern diesel fuel that the Europeans have had for a decade.
We have the fuel. we also have much less friendly regulations than the Euro's do.
hotwheelsjr
04-20-09, 04:30
I've been known to wrench a bit...die hard Mopar fan here. Currently in the stable - '67 Plymouth Barracuda, '71 Dodge Demon, & '73 Plymouth Roadrunner. The Barracuda is driven daily by my 21yo daughter and the Roadrunner is daily driven by my 18yo son. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/The%20Cuda/DSCF1818.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/DSCF1259.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/RR%20Clone/100_0011.jpg
Unfortunately, I don't have any room for more...otherwise I'd have many more by now. :(
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/DSCF1679.jpg
Nathan_Bell
04-20-09, 09:25
I've been known to wrench a bit...die hard Mopar fan here. Currently in the stable - '67 Plymouth Barracuda, '71 Dodge Demon, & '73 Plymouth Roadrunner. The Barracuda is driven daily by my 21yo daughter and the Roadrunner is daily driven by my 18yo son. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/The%20Cuda/DSCF1818.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/DSCF1259.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/RR%20Clone/100_0011.jpg
Unfortunately, I don't have any room for more...otherwise I'd have many more by now. :(
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/hotwheelsjr/Cars/DSCF1679.jpg
One thing that I envy you dry Westerners. Your cars dont turn into rust bombs. No-one in Ohio would have classic iron like that as a daily driver, as our roads and road treatments would kill the cars.
Nathan_Bell
04-23-09, 13:30
Update on the new diesel smog motors; medium duty.
Buddy of mine is a medium duty diesel wrench and they were at an International bus seminar yesterday. IH has gone a direction I didn't expect, and one that works will kick the crap out of everyone else who sells to fleets.
No Urea injection at all on their system. They did not feel it was a safe or economical approach. They are going away from the HEUI injectors and going back to mechanical triggered injectors. Multipulse at 38,000 PSI, dual turbo and intercoolers.
They will be running the EGR pre intercooler and supposedly have the IC's designed such that they will not have internal corrosion issues with the hot exhaust gases running through them.
Will have to see if they work, but if they do it should kick the crap out of everyone elses' systems, as they are all urea injected systems.
Another bit of information that he passed on from that seminar. THe Europeans have roughly the same emissions regs as we do, but no enforcement mechanism. This allows the diesel folks to run the vehicles without the urea.
This will not work in the US as our EPA has enforcement powers. You run out of urea you take a 25% powerloss for 500 miles, then a 50% loss for the next 500. If you shut the truck off of set the airbrakes during this time. It will not restart and the brakes will not release.
Oh yeah, guess how much the urea costs in Europe? $35 a gallon. There is no distribution system in the US for it yet, so we do not know what this will cost the US economy.
This was actually my 2nd car:eek:. I was 17 when I bought this out of a barn, from the owner of a body shop(should have been a clue). My first was a 71 Chevelle that I wrecked a month before I bought this. It's not pretty, but it is fast and it's mine.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q22/jbabal/igotta71launch3.jpg
Nathan_Bell
04-23-09, 20:06
What is the trade off for the mechanical injectors?
Urea, I've read, is a pain.
I thought Europe had inspections?
$35 a gallon??? That is why it's covered under the BMW 4yr 50k maintenance plan. As well as oil changes. Also read if you ignore the low urea warning you will be unable to start the vehicle, like you mentioned. Total BS imo.
The new motors with the multiple turbos, high tech I/C, high pressure system with the non-electronic system added about $5k to the engine package.
THis works out to be about a $7k savings on platform purchase compared to the in-F----sane urea systems. As the urea systems exhausts are so crazy.
The worry with the new motors is the high fuel pressures and what that will do for longevity of the engine; will the I/C hold together with exhaust being recirculated through them; will the turbos last?
RE, Europe: From what he heard, the emissions that require all of this crap are EU regulations, so no real way to enforce it. You have a dry urea tank, inspector gives you a fix it and you roll on. There is no punishment for carrying around a glovebox full of fixit notices.
Nathan_Bell
04-23-09, 20:33
Did manufactures go towards forced induction motors because the current HP/Torque/MPG figures aren't attainable out of a N/A motor? Doesn't CAT have 300hp N/A motor that goes into the F-650? Can the current motors run WITHOUT urea? Is it only an emissions thing? Sorry for the questions, I'm still learning diesel tech.
No worries. I have been playing with them for a fair amount of time, and am friends with folks who have been playing with them a long time.
Almost all diesels that have been sold for on road use in the past 15+ years have been turbodiesels. In the past ten years they have been intercooled Turbodiesels.
This was done for power and effeciency. A '05 Dodge 2500 4x4 with the Cummins tuned for 350 rhp will get about 26 mpg on the highway and 16-18 round town. You can run the motors much easier and get the performance, both power and milage than winding a N/A or lightly turboed diesel up.
Same holds for the medium duty trucks, you put a 250 hp DT466 motor in a 3800 IH chassis bus and you can get 10 mpg and put much less wear on it than if you are putting a smaller motor in them.
This was all done in the late '90s and early '00s. Motors were putting out huge power and milage increases and become very popular.
Congress and EPA sticks their hands on it.
This is where the insane motor /emissions issues enter. friend who owns the bus garage has an '08 Dodge same spec as the aforementioned Dodge, it gets 16 mpg on the highway and 10 around town.
As to the Cat motor you mentioned, nope Cat is out of the road going engine game. None of their motors are '07 compliant and they were not going to make them so.
Losing train of though will edit/update when I have had some sleep.
SoulStealer
04-23-09, 23:34
First vehicle I ever owned was a 1982 Pontiac J2000 Sunbird. Bought it for $800, drove it for 4 years and sold it for $1000. :)
Currently Im rocking a 99 F150 with more miles than I care to admit. Buts it still going strong and I dont see it stopping anytime soon.
%my old baby, just sold her this past December. Built her with my dad from a shell with a cage that was 50% welded. Raced and tracked her for 3 years or so, built in 4months.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/vodomagoo/car%20sept2007/5.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/vodomagoo/pic3.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/vodomagoo/DSC_2589_FR.jpg
%my old baby, just sold her this past December. Built her with my dad from a shell with a cage that was 50% welded. Raced and tracked her for 3 years or so, built in 4months.
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/vodomagoo/car%20sept2007/5.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/vodomagoo/pic3.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/vodomagoo/DSC_2589_FR.jpg
Wow! That car is a beauty and must have been extremely fun to drive. I love the E30 M3 and think that it is one of the best looking cars BMW has made. I have always wanted to get a E30 and swap in a S50 or S52 engine.
Wow! That car is a beauty and must have been extremely fun to drive. I love the E30 M3 and think that it is one of the best looking cars BMW has made. I have always wanted to get a E30 and swap in a S50 or S52 engine.
I had a non m with that engine in it that I tracked and drove on the street but I wrecked at Watkins Glen so I moved up to the m3. I kinda wish it had a ballsy 2.5l s14 in it cause then I would have never sold her. The power curve on that engine was fun though it was a built US s50 making 275whp 252wtq on a 50/50 mix of 100 and 93 octane and it was a very very flat and linear power curve. The car was a touch over 2300lbs with out me in it and stock bumpers and hood, easily another 200+ lbs to be lost.
How do you get a Porsche up 94 stories? The elevator of course.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/how-do-you-get-a-porsche-panamera-onto-the-94th-floor/
Nice!!! I got your e-mail and I'll respond tomorrow, crazy weekend with friends in town! :D
And now the wife wants one! Thanks Z!
Wonder what this goes to the future of the G8
GM to shed 21,000 U.S. factory jobs, Pontiac (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30431844/?GT1=43001)
I gotta tell ya, I'm kind of passively in the market for a new truck, but the unwillingness of the "big three" dealerships to acknowledge they are fooked and get busy making deals, as well as concerns about their longevity, has me sticking to the Toyota dealerships.
Wonder what this goes to the future of the G8
GM to shed 21,000 U.S. factory jobs, Pontiac (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30431844/?GT1=43001)
I gotta tell ya, I'm kind of passively in the market for a new truck, but the unwillingness of the "big three" dealerships to acknowledge they are fooked and get busy making deals, as well as concerns about their longevity, has me sticking to the Toyota dealerships.
I dunno, but I hope what it does is makes it a Chevy...so to speak.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/2008-chevrolet-lumina-ss-24.jpg
I mean, it's already a Chevy Lumina over in the Middle East as seen above. And that car retains the Holden hood and bumper, instead of having a seperate style for the Poncho G8 GT and GXP.
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