View Full Version : Gearheads Inc.
Yeah I was on the job the other day and this one guy has a '72 chevelle SS 454, really nice looking buggy. So I know he is a bowtie man we start cutting up, he pops the hood on ole girl, he has a 502 BB in it, fit really nice, the engine has like 600 miles on it, the paint is still curing on it, and under the hood is cleaner than some kitchens I’ve been in. He showed be the build sheet, straight up L-88 454-factory set up. He said that is the saving grace on the car to hold more value, because the VIN numbers match. He got the car w/out the motor. Personally if I had my genie in a bottle I'd prefer a Yenko 427 Nova myself, just because the weight ratio and motor were a very savvy mix, but again I'd need like 100K plus for such a wish! So having said that I'll just have to drool on his car. I could see clear imperfections in the body work, but it was a stunning car nevertheless, I don't think Barret/Jackson would take it on, but it was nice too see his car. And with gas prices so crazy he still drove it. He said what is the point of having this if I can't enjoy it? I agree... I know of a few folk who have these haul only cars that are so-called show condition, I say more like mummy condition. Well anyways that is that.
RicardoHead
09-07-05, 07:50 AM
A couple years ago I installed a bugflector on my truck.
All by myself! :cool:
Oh yeah, bug deflector? did it have those rubber nipples things to keep the "deflector" from leaning back on the hood and thus reducing it's intended usefulness? What color is it? I wanted one I just haven't gotten off my ass and gotten one. At this point I'll never get one.
RicardoHead
09-07-05, 08:45 AM
Dude, it's smoke, and looks sweet with the color of the truck.
The way it's designed, it can't lean and thus doesn't need those nipples/bumper things. Supposedly it was normally 70 bones, but it was on sale at Kragen plus I had a coupon and scored it for 30. Getting one with a Ford logo was 85 so screw that, plus a little turpentine and the mfg logo came right off.
It's the Bugflector 2 model. I figure if I got the Bugflector 1 people might point and laugh at me hysterically as I go down the road and I'd never hear the end of it.
My truck is silver so I'd like to get the silver one or get a clear one and have the hood side of the flector painted silver, I think it would look sweet! Yeah your truck is really nice.
I owned a 75 spitfire at one time, for any of yous that know of brit cars, knows you either have a good one or a bad one. Leyland electrics suck, mine however was in great shape. No gremlins at all. I had a 1.5 liter and a dual carb setup with the 4 speedX2speed electric shift. Once I learned it I could really move. And that little car could corner; center off was pretty good with the dual carb set up. I had a header too, but it was loud with the top up. Anyway I got it had 23K on it all documented. The car was garaged and in really nice shape, wood grain dash and black chrome. The seats were in real nice shape. I drove it for 2 years and had an offer I couldn't refuse, a guy offered me 4K for it and I paid 3,500 for it, so I said great, I ran the piss out of it and it had a high rev band so it seemed to perform really well. I miss that little car sometimes when I'm up on a nice twisty road, I could really fly on roads like that.
Farouka Hookah what do you drive? don't tell me a 85 Delta 88 with the woo wooo pipes on it down telegraph in Oakland???
Farouka Hookah
09-15-05, 05:04 PM
Farouka Hookah what do you drive? don't tell me a 85 Delta 88 with the woo wooo pipes on it down telegraph in Oakland???
Woo woooo, how'd you know? No really, I drive a 2002 VW GTI 180hp 1.8T
RicardoHead
09-15-05, 07:32 PM
When I first lived in Germany I brought up the term Fahrvergnügen to zee krrrrrrauts in association with VW's and they didn't have a clue what the hell I was talking about. I told them it was the stateside ad slogan for Vdub and they thought I was nuts.
The GTI with the 1.8T kicks. Good motor. VW/Audi make some pretty sweet fuel efficient stuff in Europe but they don't sell them here. I was pulling better than 50mpg on my diesel Audi with a unique, powerful motor. It rocked in town and on the Autobahn. I wanted to put it on a boat but Audi USA refused to support it in any way because "diesels don't fit our image" and no programming and very few parts were common with Vdub diesels. Bastards.
Besides the price those Kraut cars, they are really nice I like that 1.8t, I was going home one night from the job and this guy had one of those GTI's and I was driving my escort (gay) well he let her loose and I let my loose and at 105 big brother called me down, and that guy was history. I had my a/c on but didn't matter it was gone; I tried to stay up. I was told they could easily do 150?
On that note my good friend drove a CL-55 AMG and he said it would pin you to the seat and he got up to 160, nothing flat, he said it was hard to stop, but under hard braking in was very uncomfortable, it was very balanced and smooth. But for 120K I wouldn't expect anything less. If I could find a car that was nimble and fuel efficient that would carry my carcass of over 6'4" with out feeling like I was stuffed in a sardine can, I'd really look hard at it.
Hey RH I use farfignugen to tell my German shepard we are going for a ride. She hears that and is ready to roll :laugh:
halfabrotha
09-16-05, 09:07 AM
Woo woooo, how'd you know? No really, I drive a 2002 VW GTI 180hp 1.8T
Nice car. Any modifications?
So who has a project vehicle, what are your plans, and what stage are you at in the project? I'll start :D :
I have a 1977 Datsun 280Z 2+2. The plan is a full, custom restore and I plan on doing most of the work myself. I plan on driving this car so while a lot of attention will be spent on motor, supension, and brakes it will also have a full interior, a/c, and stereo.
For the motor I plan on doing an LS-1 w/ 6 speed conversion. The LS-1 fits nicely int he engine bay with the help of a bolt in kit (http://www.brokenkitty.com/zcar/zcar.htm). For the suspenion and brakes I am still trying to descide what I want to do. I'll probably go with bits from http://www.arizonazcar.com/ and/or http://www.modern-motorsports.com/catalog/default.php.
Right now I am still in the planning stage of the project so for now the car is sitting in my garage leaking oil. I probably won't be able to dig in until the winter since I just spent money on a new daily driver (2005 Subaru Impreza WRX :thumbsup: ) and we are putting wood floors in the house.
Anyways that is an in-a-nutshell of what I am doing. Once my plans are a little more firm and I get started I will post pics and full list of planned/installed modifications.
So what black hole are you throwing your money into?
Farouka Hookah
09-16-05, 11:41 AM
Nice car. Any modifications?
Thanks. All stock for now but I have a list of things Im going to start next year. It tough because I want to increase perfomance and handling without compromising fuel efficiency.
Yeah with a couple of bolt ons, like exhaust and air induction, maybe a chip or computer modulation program, and I would say you'd notice a big difference.
So when you say LS-1 are you using the stock GM tranny, Borg/Warner?
halfabrotha
09-16-05, 01:21 PM
So when you say LS-1 are you using the stock GM tranny, Borg/Warner?
Yes. The LS1 (http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/LS1-Crate-Engine-Fuel-Injected-with-Computer-25534322-P12C0.aspx?src=gglls1) w/ a 6speed T-56 (http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/Manual-T56-Corvette-Transmission-Assembly-88958729-P835C43.aspx) tranny :thumbsup:
Light car + big engine = Fun! :evil:
Of course I will buy the engine and transmission rebuilt or used and fortify as needed.
Spotter
09-16-05, 06:48 PM
I have an '86 Cutlass Supreme Brougham with 277,000 original miles on it. 307 Olds V-8. I bought it with 87,000 nearly ten years ago. Since I am in the parts biz, I have always treated it to good parts when it came time to replace them. Since I am (more or less) a suspension specialist, I have treated it to oversized swaybars, poly bushings, Eibach springs and beefy shocks. (As a matter of fact, I have Monroe Gas Magnum truck shocks on it now.) Plus 225/60/15 V rated tires. Stock were a 195/75/14. So, it handles very very well. I painted it and bought all new chrome about 6 years ago, as well as a fresh vinyl top. Carpet and headliner, all new.
For the sound system, I have 2 Polk Audio 3 1/2" front speakers and 2 1" Dome tweeter's in the door panels, also Polk Audio. In the back I have 2 Infiniti 6x9 three way's. Plus a ported bandpass sub with 2 10" JBL's. All powered by 1 Crossfire 555 amp with built in crossovers.
Looks great, sounds great, but the engine is tired. So I started to build a 403 from a '79 Trans Am. Yep, T/A 6.6 That is a big bore small block. When it is finished it will only yield around 350 hp, but the way I am setting it up it will be a torque monster, building between 500 to 550 ft.Lbs of torque.
I hate car payments, so I spend the money in others ways :cool:
In the next installment of this story, I will tell you why I am selling it :o
Vinnie, I know the car note drill, but that 403 ain't likely to be anymore a fuel miser :!!!: Is that 403 an olds engine or a Poncho engine? Does you Cutlass have t-tops? (Supreme Brougham would state sleeper?) That would be a serious factor given the torque and HP you've planned to run. I liked those bodies; I was more partial to the Monte Carlo, even though the Regals and Grand Prix also shared the same frame. They used to make those cars over at the Arlington, Tx plant a few miles from my folks home. When I was a kid I visited the line a couple of times, it was pretty cool.
So I do have a question what application are you mostly going for? Because from the suspension you mentioned it would seem to be a variable set up. And you'll mate it with an automatic tranny? and posi?
How was that 307? did you do any serious work to the engine? I mean like a valve job or top end work? Did you engine smoke on initial start up? I can guarantee this you wouldn't have gotten that mileage out of a 3.8 V-6.
Yes. The LS1 (http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/LS1-Crate-Engine-Fuel-Injected-with-Computer-25534322-P12C0.aspx?src=gglls1) w/ a 6speed T-56 (http://www.crateenginedepot.com/store/Manual-T56-Corvette-Transmission-Assembly-88958729-P835C43.aspx) tranny :thumbsup:
Light car + big engine = Fun! :evil:
Of course I will buy the engine and transmission rebuilt or used and fortify as needed.
That combo sounds sick, I hope you are going to have a t least a 5 point harness and nice rap arounds to hold any ass in place!!! I hope you won't find it necessary to run with 22 inch (plus) tires on that hotrod? :thumbdown But a nice set of low profiles and good rims would be most effective :thumbsup:
Sorry old fart ideas :cry:
halfabrotha
09-19-05, 11:12 AM
That combo sounds sick, I hope you are going to have a t least a 5 point harness and nice rap arounds to hold any ass in place!!! I hope you won't find it necessary to run with 22 inch (plus) tires on that hotrod? :thumbdown But a nice set of low profiles and good rims would be most effective :thumbsup:
Sorry old fart ideas :cry:
O yeah this car will be done in good taste. 5 point harness, racing seats (or reupholstered OEMs out of a 350z or Corvette). This is going to be a driving car so it will have same size tires all around. I want to do some fender flares so they will probably have to be 245 to 265s all around. I also plan on putting in big brakes so a nice 17 or 18 inch wheels are in order.
Below is kind of my goal as far as looks (the stance and flares especially). As far as the color, blue is cool but I am thinking I might go with a pewter w/ subtle ghost stripes.
I'm in love....Well you know. Hey how do you spell brakes? I spell it Brembo!!!
That is very sweet looking car if you are going with that set up, very tasteful, yet aggresive. That car has a 6 in it either that or my graphics card needs a update. But either way just being strapped in so tight you couldn't move would be just awesome!
Have fun, You have the skills right? or are you going to out source all or some of the work? I'm more a engine worked w/ no skills on cosmetics.
halfabrotha
09-19-05, 01:06 PM
You're right, that car has the original straight 6 in it. My engine bay will look more like this (http://www.zcar.com/images/month/2003/08/bill3lg.jpg).
Yeah if I can do Brembos I will. Their GT brakes (http://www.brembo.com/ENG/Performance/GranTurismoBrakes/) all around would be awesome. Of course nothing in the main stream after market is "bolt on" for the 280Z but from the research I have done I am pretty sure I can adapt a kit for a Nissan 240sx :thumbsup:.
As far as the skillz I have mechanical but no cosmestic. That is another reason I am doing this project so I can learn. I enjoy working on cars and the best way I have found to learn is to just do it.
Like I said I am still in the planning stages so i am doing alot of research and learning about how to get started on some of the stuff I have never done before like body work and fiber glassing. I have bought a couple of books on body repair, paint, and welding. I have also been getting alot of info trolling forms like hybridz (http://forums.hybridz.org/), fibreglast (http://www.fibreglast.com/phpBB2/index.php?sid=f4e7735cb0afec56f85eeba613a9080d), and racingcomposites (http://www.racingcomposites.net/). I am probably not going to paint the car myself (but I might :p ) but I am going to do most of the body work/paint prep myself. I actually bought a Hobart mig welder but won't be getting it near my car until I feel more comfortable with my welding skills. I'll start off with just simply patching rust and move on to bigger and better things like molding on fender flares and body kits :thumbsup:.
There will be a lot of trial and error but I am in no rush at all. In fact I am sure it will take me 4 or 5 (or more) years to complete this but it will fun... frustrating at times but fun over all.
So if any of you gear heads have any advice post it!
Yes that car will look sweet, one note that would make a great drift asset, but on the other the work and man hours would be a waste. catch 22. I guess for me I wouldn't have the time it takes. Are you doing a frame off or just working around to bring things togehter. Also how will you document the tear down procedures? I mean 4 or 5 years many things happen, will you video tape it for reference? Or are you going to have like bins for parts or sections? Just asking, I worked on airplanes for almost 20 years and parts bins were the way to go as to not misplace parts and give you a idea of what you had and what you need. Plus it may take 6 months before we'd start putting it together again.
Yeah Brembos are awesome but cost a mint, those brakes you showed looked the part. I would say from my experience as long as heat is displaced then long term brake fade is almost non-excistant if you have good air coming in to cool the rotors. But once that fluid starts boiling forget about it.
One thing about Japanese cars unless they are really in good shape once cancer is in places it can really go from worse to nightmare really quick. Because the metal is so thin, seems to be why. Because in japan they don't build them to last forever, 10 years max then crusher!
Well have fun.
I'm in love....Well you know. Hey how do you spell brakes? I spell it Brembo!!!
I love my Brembos. They have to be red too.
Robb,
What are your red brembos stopping???
Robb,
What are your red brembos stopping???
Standard equipment on all Porsches.
2000 Boxster S.
I think the year the car came out, it was the fastest stoping production car under $100k
That sounds pretty cool. Yeah leave it to Porsche to put the best on their cars.
halfabrotha
09-20-05, 12:56 PM
Are you doing a frame off or just working around to bring things togehter. Also how will you document the tear down procedures? I mean 4 or 5 years many things happen, will you video tape it for reference? Or are you going to have like bins for parts or sections?
I would like to keep the body on but I will see. As far as documentation goes I am going to keep a garage journal and take pictures with my digital camera. I'll use those to keep updates going on a project website I will create.
As far as project/parts organization I am still not sure how to keep things organized and that is a big part of why I have not got started. :laugh: I am not the most organized person in the world. I bought a full shop manual and will take lots of pics as I disassemble and mock-up. I have a large wooden work bench with storage under it. What I think I will do is mask of sections of the shelf for different sections of the car. In each section I will put labeled boxes, crates, and zip lock baggies of pieces/parts so I know what belongs to what.
halfabrotha
09-20-05, 01:09 PM
Standard equipment on all Porsches.
2000 Boxster S.
I think the year the car came out, it was the fastest stoping production car under $100k
:worthy:
Yeah I believe that the brakes are one of the upgrades the S gets over the normal Boxster. In fact I believe it is the same braking system that is on the 911 Carrera. :thumbsup:
Anyways, nice ride robb. Any modifications or "go fast" parts?
halfabrotha
09-20-05, 01:32 PM
Thanks. All stock for now but I have a list of things Im going to start next year. It tough because I want to increase perfomance and handling without compromising fuel efficiency.
Cool. Hey man APR (http://www.goapr.com/VW/products/) and/or hpamotorsports (http://www.hpamotorsports.com) FTW! I am a reader of Turbo and Sport Compact Car and occasionally European Car and have read nothing but good things about their products. Kinda spendy but no second guessing.
:worthy:
Yeah I believe that the brakes are one of the upgrades the S gets over the normal Boxster. In fact I believe it is the same braking system that is on the 911 Carrera. :thumbsup:
Anyways, nice ride robb. Any modifications or "go fast" parts?
The S gets the bigger calipers like the 911, but it also gets cross drilled rotors that the normal 911s don't get.
The car is stock and will probably stay that way. It is plenty fast as is. Upgrade parts for it are very expensive, and don't get you much more HP.
Spotter
09-20-05, 06:48 PM
I am selling this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4576909855&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT) Shelby for a friend of mine on eBay.
I am selling this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4576909855&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT) Shelby for a friend of mine on eBay.
My wifes cousin has a 1966 GT350H Real deal with 60K on it and original paint, even the carpet is the real deal. It was signed on the dash and sun visor by the Shelby man himself. It has a Automatic, since it was a rental car. I read a story of how Hertz lost it's ass over that transaction. Seemed people would rent the car on Friday, go home pull out the Hipo 289 and reinstall a sleeper 289 and return the car Monday morning. All the sudden all these hot cars sucked ass with 2 barrel 289's! Well hope that guy gets what he's asking for. I like Barrett/Jackson Autions they can really clean house.
Hopefully next week I'll have my pictures back from a mini project I was doing. It is a 1974 John Deere 830. My neighbor owns it but this year I've had my narrow ass planted in the seat almost every weekend. I went through it and just cleaned it up and replaced a few parts. So far just doing that has made all the difference on how it runs and even sounds. The job wasn't perfect but one thing is this winter I can grab it after a snow and plow my drive and his and it will start! I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. this model was said to be a German model and the number series was also brought back with in earlier times was not done by JD.
So I'm looking forward to working it and seeing how it does after my maintenance. Best part was it is very easy to work on. And thus far replacement parts work like a champ! :thumbsup:
I wanted to post a photo of my truck, I just filled up and it averaged 19.0 miles per gallon this tank, not bad for around town.
halfabrotha
09-30-05, 04:49 PM
So is that like 1 DP?
Spotter
09-30-05, 06:50 PM
I am selling this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4576909855&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT) Shelby for a friend of mine on eBay.
My auction ended at $30,100.00 Sold to a wannabe actor/writer (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1206621/) former Navy SEAL from LA
Here's a third world luxury vehicle for your review. Home boy inside is relishing the moment. K
Hey weps is that 1/2 ass car equipped with LOJACK? That is funny, I'm thinking like Aganistan? Gutted russian car.
My auction ended at $30,100.00 Sold to a wannabe actor/writer former Navy SEAL from LA
Hey Vinney I saw that, it just said the reserve was met. Was the guy you sold it for satified at the price? I could use a quick undeclared 30 K about now!!!!!
Yeah I finished this tractor a few weeks ago. Funny what an oil and fuel filter change will do? I mean it runs so much quieter and stronger. I changed the anti-freeze, looked like rust, and thermostat. I had a fuel line I had to make that had been leaking over the top of the motor for I don’t know how long. I did see a future issue with the injectors, but this would mean pulling the top of the intake off and re-milling the whole injection system. I glass blasted a few parts/panels and primed and painted. Greased everything real good. Installed a new seat and body assembly, it rides so much better. I did some research and found out it was made in Germany, and John Deere brought back the number 830 for this model. For the most part very easy to work on and getting parts was really easy because this motor is in several different models. The other thing is all the parts including hoses went on without any real work.
Funny thing is I grew up on 10,000 acres and I didn’t drive farm tractors very often. I mean I ran a Ford 9700 and a JD 4646 once or twice but I ran heavy equipment more. Like Euclids and Cat loaders and dozers mainly.
How many of you all own a newer Mopar product? And how many own PT Cruisers? And mileage at or under 40K?
I had to put new brakes and rotors(disk) on my cruiser a few weeks ago. I was told it was the brakes, well the light came on so I took it in, the shoes were gone completely! I had 39, 720 maybe, under 40K. I've owned a few cars in my time and well never had I worn brakes out like that with such low mileage. So I'm thinking it is a overall design flaw, because the dealer said they have seen this at like 18-20K, WTF over? I ain't at like Martinsville racing for 500 laps! I had owned mostly Fords and I have 50K plus on my 02 F-150, 150K on my 95 Probe, replaced brakes once with rotors, and I had a 96 escort with 61K I replaced the shoes. So I'm a little irrated over this deal. I've heard that after about 50K these cars in general start screwing up. I bought this thing last 4th of July it had 21K on it for a 2002 model, seemed like a cool car, I've since had to put tires on it, brakes and also wrecked it twice due to visibility issues. My wife has been a much better driver as far as safety and paying attention goes and she was the one who wrecked it. So I'm looking back over at Ford because I want what I know.
So for me Mopars may be great products, they have opened up the design wars for about 10 plus years, but I wouldn't own another Mopar if you gave it too me.
Spotter
11-02-05, 06:33 PM
The PT Cruiser is a cool looking body on a Neon chassis. Same drivetrain, same everything. So, it is a much heavier car on a lighter chassis. Not a design flaw, so much as it is overloaded. We sell lots of brake parts on PT Cruisers. But we sell more brake parts on Ford F-series trucks :cool:
Eww. I think PT Cruisers are ugly, but that's just my opinion, man.
Eww. I think PT Cruisers are ugly, but that's just my opinion, man.
I fit in it well for my size, but it's my wifes car. I was pretty impressed with the overall setup, some engineering things like blind spots and being high in the rear reduces visibility when backing for shorter folks. From our experience anyway. What are you gonna do? I say to myself :shrug:
This is my wife's car. I like it because there are very few that look like this on the road.
Same drivetrain, same everything
What i was told at the dealer......Again, not so pleased with BS, but that our model is own it's own chassis, unlike the earliers models. Yes same motor and tranny, but these are considered, depending on where you look as trucks??? WTF, I never thunk that one? In maryland they are tagged as cars not SUV's or as trucks. Yes the weight was a consideration from what I saw the inside brake pad wore harder than the inside pad, even effected the steering wheel movement. I don't slam on the brakes and I try and be as conservative as possible, now I'm all for dropping the hammer ever now and again. But that is all, I don't rod on it. I believe it is a design flaw of sorts, because of the risk involved it was excepted as a reasonable risk or exceptable, no one would get hurt, physically, just emotionally by the cost of repairs.
BTW Spotter here is what the dealer tells me, in fact all of them are stuck to the same BS story, well since we don't use asbestos the compound is different and can't handle the friction, yeah, but we've away from asbestos for years now, and I never experienced this before. You learn me, I'm open here. And yes I'm still pissed about this, one more thing to go wrong here. And my so-called extended warranty didn't cover the rotors; yes the pads are consumables I'm cool with that, nothing so far has been covered under the warranty .
In my highschool days I had a '72 Super Beetle with a 1240 cc motor refitted to about a 1680 cc. I installed a set of headers with a blown out glass pack and a new intake manifold with synchronized 2 barrels. Totally reupholstered the interior and left the exterior rusted out and lacking. I had quite the little sleeper on my hands. The damn thing would pull the front wheels off of the ground and run low 14's in the 1/4 mile. :thumbsup:
Unfortunately, 2 weeks after I had it painted and looking like a show car, I totalled it against a bridge abuttment. :shrug:
I drove a beige-yellow 72 Plymouth Fury in High School. It had a 350 V-8 engine in it. It wasn't much to look at and everyone in school called it the Sherman Tank, but, it would sure get up and move. Definitely, one of the best vehicles I've ever had. :thumbsup:
Spotter
11-05-05, 09:55 AM
I am currently the high bidder on this Lil Red Corvette (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4586147232&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT)
Wish me luck.
How many of you all own a newer Mopar product? And how many own PT Cruisers? And mileage at or under 40K?
I had to put new brakes and rotors(disk) on my cruiser a few weeks ago. I was told it was the brakes, well the light came on so I took it in, the shoes were gone completely! I had 39, 720 maybe, under 40K.
I don't own a Mopar, but my 2000 E320 Mercedes needed new pads and rotors at 50k. I was fairly suprised that it was 'only' $500 at the dealer. A friend with a the same year E55 break job at the shop was well over $1k.
The brakes were not covered under my extended factory warranty.
Manufacturers seem to be using much softer pads and rotors to get better braking times.
I drove a beige-yellow 72 Plymouth Fury it had a 350 V-8 engine in it
Sure that was a Mopar?, I'd say it could have been a 360 V-8 but 350 sounds a little back yard mechanic, not to say it could have happened, a lot worse things have been created. But at least you had a car I had a classic, my 2 feet.
2000 E320 Mercedes needed new pads and rotors at 50k
I could clearly understand 50K but a cunt hair under 40K, BS and you have a semi performance car I have a top-heavy sleeper. And talking about the C-55 class I have a friend who has a (CE-55 AMG) that is a bad motor scooter, he said outright very harsh to stop coming off speeds of 130-160, but with distance it stops very clean....oh to have that kind of money :cry:
The brakes were not covered under my extended factory warranty
Well I understand that brakes pads are clearly a consumable but needing the rotors replaced is a different story, they should be covered, and were at the 3 year 36 K part of the initial warranty, again BS since I bought the extended warranty thinking it would benefit us in the long run. It hasn't so far and in fact a complete waste of money. But in time it could pay off.
Sure that was a Mopar? I'd say it could have been a 360 V-8, but 350 sounds a little back yard mechanic, not to say it could have happened a lot worse things have been created. But, at least you had a car I had a classic, my 2 feet.
I knew it was a 300 something engine. I just really wasn't too sure on the number that I kinda guessed and 350 sounded right to me. I also drove my stepdad's 1973 green Buick Lesabre. But, that one I sure couldn't tell what size the motor was. Just that it was a V-8 of some kind and it had more power than Plymouth had.
I also drove my stepdad's 1973 green Buick Lesabre
Well I'd almost be willing to bet the trusty Buick sported a big but luggy 455 in it. My dad had a "green" 2 door Lesabre, then he got a 74 Grand Prix, every year or 2 he'd get a new car because of his job. It was a company rig so he'd drive the he'll out of them, not rodding on them but long hours and fast speeds. Oh the mid Seventies what a joke in the automotive industry :thumbdown
I always thought the late 70's and early 80's
Yes and no, if you review horsepower ratings in 1969, then 70-71 You'll se the ax is coming and in 72 is when it falls.
Check this out for example:
A Time of Change
The 1970s were a time of great change for Corvette. While a late production start for the 1970 model year prevented the first cars from rolling off the assembly line until January, sales rebounded in 1971 and continued to climb. But at the same time, outside forces, such as the oil embargo and increasing government regulations, were having an impact on Corvette performance.
The original high-performance LT1 engine, a 350-cu.-in. "Small Block," was introduced in 1970. It generated 370 horsepower. That year, the "Big Block" displacement was increased to 454 cu. in., and was rated at 390 horsepower in the LS5 version.
In 1971, a special-purpose "Big Block" V8 was available that produced 425 horsepower. But 1971 was the last year for "gross" horsepower ratings. The industry changed to a "net" rating system that accounted for the exhaust system, vehicle accessories and other components. It provided a truer measure of an engine's performance and is still used today.
The Convertible model was dropped at the end of the 1975 model year. The next Corvette Convertible would not be available until 1986.
In 1977, Corvette hit the 1/2-million milestone as the 500,000th car rolled off the assembly line. Leather seats were standard for the first time, although buyers could choose cloth as a no-cost option. Production reached 49,213 units.
Corvette celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1978 and, in recognition of this event, was selected to be the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. Two special models were produced for public sale -- a Pace Car appearance edition and a special Silver Anniversary paint package.
So recently I was really making a fuss about my brakes on the PT Cruiser, well I just got tires on my 02 F-150, and the man says I still have like 10-15K left on the front! I have over 53K on my truck. So I'm drafting a letter to the engineers at Chrysler to find out WTF is going on with there design. I'm still pissed at this crap!
I mean I have hauled 50 plus truck loads of materials that weight several thousand pounds per load and I drive it just like the cruiser! I don't drap my brakes. It's materals and size of the pad. gotta be. And my truck weighs more than the cruiser as well.
Well they had better not I'll go high order on them, cuz my e-brake ain't got nothing to do with it! It's my front brakes a totally separate system, but a sub system of the brake system. Cheap punks!
Yeah but you have an active performance rig, I have a sleeper that has the wrong compound used on the brake pads. I keep getting this line of crap: Well since we've gotten away from asbestos.... I say hold it let me wipe the stupid sticker off my forehead.....ok continue, then I get this look, like you A-hole and I say that is right I'm on to you lying pukes, then it is on. So to me to sell a product don't shit me cuz you can, baffle me with some creative BS. Maybe I’m in the minority about saving money and getting for what I paid for? If I am then next time comp me some KY before I get bent over
glockmail
11-28-05, 04:49 PM
[QUOTE=....So I know he is a bowtie man we start cutting up, .....[/QUOTE]
First On Race Day fer me...
First On Race Day fer me...
Yeah me too, but I cut suckered on that car, and to think my wife is more Ford than I am, now I have this Mopar. I grew up with a few GM products, but it has been Fords almost my whole life. It is what I know. Although that 302 in that 67 Camaro was really fast, then that 455 Ram Air IV was faster, but I'll have to say what seized the deal was that Boss 429 in that Mercury Maurauder! That told me Ford wasn't messing around a 4000K hunk of steel that could run 140 with ease! So I was hooked. This Mercury was a special edition and it was loaded with leather and a host of things, I would have liked to have it these days. But putting petrol in it would have been a fulltime job.
glockmail
11-29-05, 06:14 AM
Yeah, it's 'what I know', too. GM had some interesting stuff in the early 60's, but my wife had a Trailblazer that reminded me more of my old man's "75 Caddy than anything. Boat like ride, gas hog, booming motor tied to a slush-box. I like the tight ride of the Fords that I've owned, as well as the positive feel of the transmission. You cannot compare my Explorer with the Chevy: IRS, 5 speed auto, 4W disk brakes- and for less money. It's just a better ride.
Here's my current "project". 390 Y block with 4 barrels and 427 #-ft. :cool:
"project".
Man one thing about the Bird is a great table. Is that a Taurus or a 500 in the rear of the bird? Yeah those 390's liked gas. My friend had a 390 in his 67 Cougar. One thing with Fords is unlike GM products it really depends on the day of what you'll find under the hood. My point I had a 79 F-150 Ranger Lariat. Originally a 351M/ FMX tranny, so I removed it and put my 302 in w/ a C-6. So I knew two other guys who had 79's as well not Lariats but both w/351M's and looking under the hood they looked different. Smog gear and certain items would be in different locations. Our trucks were completely stock. Now on GM products they are interchangable If they are say chevy motors or Olds ect. Never had a lick of trouble there, but Fords will keep you guessing. Again this is on the older stuff. I guess now days with the mass production of things they maybe better. My new Fords never give me any trouble anyway. I've got a probe with close to 200K on it and besides lifter noise in the summer (use 20-50) it is a trooper.
glockmail
11-29-05, 08:29 AM
Its been a table for too long. I did all the heavy work (frame, chassis, bumper chrome) over 15 years ago. Then I bought a house. Then I had kids. Maybe after I finish this vacation home project I'll have some time, or money, to finish the body.
I drove it down from new york state in the condition that you see here (sans boxes). The trunk and back seat are all loaded with parts. It ran great except for a leak in the power steering- wiper hydraulics, so I pulled the belt off, muscled the wheel and prayed for no rain. It ran and rode very nicely, and I got about 18mpg on the trip. That car will do 100 all day long without any strain. That's what they were made for.
That's a Taurus or Merc equiv- I don't remember. My wife buys a new car every 2 years.
glockmail
11-29-05, 10:27 AM
I had a similar truck in the late 80's that I bought off a retired carpenter for $100. We drove "winter rats" to save our good cars from road salt. Mine was a '69 (i think) "Ranger" with a 360 truck motor. The 3tree broke so I put in a Hurst. There was zero bed bottom left but the sides were solid. I put in pressure treated 2x6 deck for the bed, and had a granite toilet partition over that for traction weight. Brand new snow tires in back and old baldies in front. It had a chunk of moss growing out of the passenger front fender and polished stainless steel "Western" mirrors.
I passed a 4WD Jeep at 70 on the 2 lane, light snow, one afternoon coming home from work. When I pulled back into the travel lane the left half-shaft came out. As I slowed down it passed me, folowed by the Jeep with the driver giving me the finger. :o I kept it balanced on three wheels until the last five feet, and set it down on the brake backing plate. :thumbsup:
I had it towed back to my barn, pulled the other axle out, replaced both bearings and off I went. :smokin:
muscled the wheel and prayed
Shoot once they get moving they handle fine. You just gotta get up on the wheel that is all.That car will do 100 all day long without any strain.
Well the speed limit was 70 and anything under 80 was free game so yeah they would run like a stripped ass ape!
pouring half quart of ATF down the carb for GP.
Besides the wonderful white clouds of smoke that is created by such an action, and having the brothers on East 14th in Oakland screaming Yo car on fira It actually has a purpose: That is to lubricate the upper valves and release any carbon and clean shit up. Now it takes a while to burn out but it does do the trick.
"winter rats"
You up state there? I know my friend always had a new rat by fall and he always gets some good ones.
No weps I ain't bored but that was a funny post. Have you done a yard job? Well they are great, well back then they were, I'd go flying off the road at about 30 MPH and crank the wheel and hammer it! It would be hunks of sod flying and dust and stuff like that. I did it once after a rain and not only did I almost hit the house, but I almost got stuck, because the homes were like 1/2-3/4 an acrea off the road I could tear some shit up. But that rainy one messed my rig up and I had to reframe for a while until stuff dried up under the hood. I had these mudder tires on the back so not only would I dig and grab everything but I left nasty rutts!
I also did our High School football field the night I graduated, since I left mid-term it was Chistmas leave so I ran off the road and slid up to the 50 yard line and did a Kyle Busch dusty sod ridden donuts and burn out all the way to the road and when I did grap traction I was gone never to return. They never knew who did it. Plus it was in the middle of the night. I was suspected but some guys came to my aid and said I was with them. But that is my extent of neutral drops and stuff like that. I was a good kid back in the day :lol:
Yeah we used to do this thing called looking for ponies, it was strictly a goof, but we'd go off road into a field and just crank it a hammer it and you are sideways, and every which way. Well I was usually a passenger because I knew from experience you could drop the sideway and be screwed. So this night we were getting it pretty hard and stopped sideways next to the revine that dropped about 30 or 40 plus feet down. After that I personally wouldn't ride with anyone doing that stuff, and it scared my buddy pretty good. At the time he had a 1981 chevy and it was still pretty new. I had a 73 ford f-150 with a 360. So I had a hunk compared to him.
glockmail
11-30-05, 06:38 PM
.... And then a few more vehicles started to show up for the show. One was a brand new H2 Hummer. ....
WTF do people display their brand new cars at a car show? To show how much money they spent? If I want to see a new car, I'll go to the friggin' dealership. That's so friggin' stupid.
The purpose of the damn show is for people to show off their hard work or restoration and maintenance, not how well they can shop out of a catalog and bolt shit on. :idiot:
glockmail
11-30-05, 06:51 PM
Yeah we used to do this thing called looking for ponies....
We did the can flip. When your buddy was following you, stop at an intersection, open your door and put a squashed beer can on the pavement on the track in front of the rear tire. Then you slowly roll onto the can, stop, then do a little burn out. If you do it right you'll flip the crushed can onto your buddies hood.
This was my sweet ride before I sold it for something more practical.
Well Gock, nice little pony you once had. I can't fit in them very well. I have a probe and it's tight but I've got the leg room. I'd like to have that 4.6 in that probe and RWD. I'd be in jail by now.
glockmail
12-01-05, 07:44 AM
It was a damn beautiful car. The perfect Pony with no junk. Performance straight out of the 60's with a modern ride and handling. Steer with the gas pedal: downshift twice and brake for the turn, crank the wheel and feather the gas to keep it on line, hit the apex just late, then accelerate out and widen the turn out to the straightaway.
Laser red clearcoat (remember the old candy apple red?), OHC V8, 225 HP, "bomb proof" 9" traction-lok rear, wide 16" low profile radials (although not the rubber bands on truck wheels you see today), 5 speed OD (even with that annoying 'catch' through 3rd that they had for decades), sequential fuel injection, stainless steel duel exhaust with H pipe, high bolster seats.
The engine was realtively light, and pushed way back against the firewall, giving a 56/44 weight distribution. The 4.6 is internally balanced, so it looks bigger than the old small block. The poly intake sat high on the motor, topped off with the Mustang logo which I thought looked real cool.
The sound of that tuned exhaust nearly gave me a hard-on.
70mph in OD was, like, 1800 rpm. What tourque!
When I first got it I kept a Doors CD in it and played it back and forth to work for about a month. Loud.
I came back from an AC-DC concert with a buddy, toured the titty bars, then did donuts in a back parking lot. He was shit-faced and still talks about it like it was his first lay.
I sold it 5 years ago and my 11 year old still talks about it. She wants it back.
I understand the new models have a new chassis, not the FOX that was used since after the Mustang II debacle. They claim it to be more rigid, which must be amazing since every FOX car I owned was very stiff, and I drove them hard with no percieved flex, and no creaks. That was the mistake that GM made with the Camaro-Firebird. Those chassis flexed like crazy compared to the FOX.
If the new one had IRS it would be the perfect Pony.
You made a good point. IMO the stang got too boring looking before this model that came out.
Now check this out: if Ford would have produced a Marauder when the Impala SS what would have happened? I mean right now there is a big thing with these P-71 cars on the drag strip. Why? Because they have heaps of power and they are balanced for their size and they are cheap.
How about this new stang and a Z-28 or T/A? My neighbor has this Stang and it sounds pretty strong and he hits the rev limiter every time he leaves. I get tired of hearing that shit. But seeing all the after market stuff available is pretty wild. If I owned a "muscle car" and could afford the upgrades and mind you I'm conservative. I'd want a very tight suspension and shock package, wheels/tires. Strong rear-end and bulletproof tranny. Nice paint job with no graphics. And a killer stereo and a great exhaust, but not to loud. Was your car loud inside? A buddy of mine had a 93 and it was like being in a well all the time.
glockmail
12-01-05, 01:15 PM
...ud. Was your car loud inside.....
Compared to my 04 Explorer, yes, but relatively quiet for that type car. You could talk on the phone and have a normal conversation, but when you got on it the roar would be all that you'd want to listen to.
The rear ends on those are 8.8", not 9 as I stated earlier. This replaced the 9 over 20 years ago and is just as durable as far as I know. I had a 7.7 in my FOX 85 TBird and that started to get loud after anout 70,000 miles, which I took as wear.
The stock GT suspension was sweet. Very firm, but supple enough for a nice highway ride. Front sispension is standard struts, that can be cambered in fairly nicely, and modifieable with some bolt-on parts. The rear end was a "quad-shock", which has horizontal dampers to let the axle rotate slightly. This increases cornering ability on rough pavements, sort of like an IRS does, but without the cost. The Cobra models in certain years came or could be ordered with an IRS. It was a tube sub-frame which bolted on, allowing use of a fixed pumpkin, halfshafts and boots. At one tme you could buy it out of the Motorsports catalog as a bolt-on kit. I saw a magazine report on this where they tested it against a quad shock that it replaced. The skid pad tests were identical but the IRS has more finess, whatever that meant.
One time I took my old boss for a ride, he's used to euro cars, and he was very impressed with the ride.
The new models are supposedly a completely new chassis, and I'm told improved, but I don't have any first hand knowledge. All I know is that in order to keep costs down they did not go with the IRS.
That Maurader is a sweet ride. I had a full sized Ford for years as a teenager and through college. That would cruise. I think the chasis has not really changed since the late 60's.
glockmail
12-01-05, 01:19 PM
So what do you guys think of the newest Mustangs out on the market?
I love the style. The '70 car was the best looking American sporty car ever, and they improved on it. It looks exactly what a HOT ROD magazine artist would do to modernize the look.
I have not driven one, but I'm told the chassis is improved over the older model, and that chassis I am very familiar, and impressed with.
cool Japanese vintage vehicle
You I was viewing that picture of that Toyota and it has a double overhead cam engine and a header. For a early 70's car that is pretty impressive technology w/ double overhead cam. Better power band and the engine works easier with less stress on the botton end, also they can rev pretty high as well.
Now my question here. Any of yous know anything about helper leaf springs for pick ups? Spotter, JB??? I have a 1/2 ton F-150 (2002) I'd like to give a little better load carring capability. Are springs better or air bags?
glockmail
12-09-05, 07:42 AM
Dodge used to have a two-stage leaf spring. The heavier section would not engage until a certain amount of travel, improving the low load ride. Using the KISS principle, that would be better than air.
KISS principle
I'm looking around for a idea that would work, besides owning a 3/4 ton. My ford will pull a fair load but after about a 1,000 pound she starts to squat then you have reduced travel from the axel and frame I want to reduce that and carry more, with out messing something up. I saw a air bladder system I figured I'd ask anyways.
So go back a decade even further.
right, lines were clean and not boxy yet. But still good tech for those days.
Check this buggy out! New Dodge Challenger, will it hit the streets?
I just received these from a friend of mine and let me tell you if I were CHP I'd send this thing to the crusher, with a do not pass go! And a hefty fine to boot.
But it's going to have computers and needing special tools and know how to work on it, not like the good ol' days where cars were fun and easy to work on like an erector set was.
Yeah but that is what you pay for these days. That car will get like 25-28 MPG on the hi-way because it will shut down to like 4 cylinders. Really for the cost and options one could have there cake and eat it too. I mean I am not wealthy so I could have my mid-life and still not go completely in debt if I so desired!
frag grenade
that is what I'm talking about:flamethro
I just received these from a friend of mine and let me tell you if I were CHP I'd send this thing to the crusher, with a do not pass go! And a hefty fine to boot.
I'm sure that's perfectly legal here in CA. Actually I don't think you need to have a rear window, it looks to have all the lights (who knows if they function). The only reason they'd stop you here is for the missing bumper and maybe the plate beiing cocked.
My guess is he's not out trolling for babes in that thing..at least not the kind I'd want in my car. :laugh:
RicardoHead
01-09-06, 03:42 PM
My guess is he's not out trolling for babes in that thing..at least not the kind I'd want in my car. :laugh:Maybe he meets the babes who require intensive ventilation?
Knew a guy in Poland who had a Lada (one of those soviet POS's). He took a rock in the front windshield and as there was no glass place around he and his friend busted out the remains of the windshield and continued driving. The resulting parachute effect blew out the back window.
Like I said ... it was a Lada.
RicardoHead
01-09-06, 04:51 PM
OMFG! I hope GM takes a que from Chrysler about turning concept cars into reality without turning them into piles of crap.
BTW, gents, semi-metallic brake shoes vs ceramic. Worth the money? Is there a real advantage other than reduced brake dust?
Spotter
01-09-06, 05:31 PM
Looking at the new Mustang, the new challenger Ojive found, and now the posibility of a new Camaro coming out perhaps in 2007, obviously round headlights are back in.
I found the concept Camaro which may be on sale in 2007.That looks like a turd on wheels to me. The Challenger looks cool, though.
Maybe he meets the babes who require intensive ventilation?:laugh:
semi-metallic brake shoes vs ceramic
RH you talking about the F-150? Ceramic are a reduced dust pad, they are claiming also to not allow for noise, but is that after you replace the rotors too? I'd like to get a set of drilled or slotted rotors for my truck, but at the same time what is the purpose, it isn't a show truck. But I'm doing a wee bit of research on the brake pad subject. I'm leaning toward ceramic because of the heat diffusion and reduced dust. Cost isn't really an issue for me at this point since I'm not sporting Brembos!
Could you imagine the late 60's early 70's muscle car wars in our era? I mean they (dodge) has proven you can have 345 plus H/P and still achieve 25 plus MPG. And to think if Ford produced a new generation 429 that produced 500 horses and still go 25 plus MPG? and how about the 428 Vette Motor that is pushing 505 H/P with a city EPA of 16 and Highway of 26, that is straight out of Car and Driver. We have the capability to achieve these goals, and we've seen that people will buy a brick 4X4 hummer for an outrageous price. And this would be a great way to over inflate the insurance prices and gas prices could also go to outer limits. But those are subjects for another day.
RicardoHead
01-10-06, 06:52 AM
Yeah Ojive I'm talking the F150. I'm nearing 50k miles so it was on my mind that it'll be necessary soon, but last night I popped all 4 wheels off and the pads still have a good 1/4th inch on them so I'm probably okay for another 15k-20k or so. I'll probably deal with it this summer or fall. In my life I've twice paid for brake jobs and they screwed up both, so I learned to do them myself. Pretty simple really, but since I only do them once every few years I sorta "relearn" the process every time.
I've got about 53K on mine and back a few months ago I was told I would have about 10K left. I used extra weight during the winter months and carry some pretty heavy loads a fair bit so I'm thrilled with the outcome, given all things. I need to look at the tools (metric) and what about bleeding ABS? I used to gravity bleed in the past.
I found this story and a few others just recently and I thought about time:
Kenworth used Bridgestone’s GREATEC(TM) wide-based single drive tires and Alcoa aluminum wheels on both the tractor and trailer, reducing overall weight by nearly 600 pounds. Other lightweight components include the new Kenworth AG380 introduced today, ZF Meritor FreedomLine automated transmission, and composite leaf springs.
See I used to drive a truck and there were many times I had to Cough up a lung and bust my knuckles changing tires on the truck I drove. Nothing like going out the next morning either in nice or crappy weather and have a flat on the rear tires. It made it worse if it were on the inside tire. If it was on the outside then I’d use a 4X4 and drive up on it after I had my lugs broke. Then you have to muscle the tire off and then replace it. When we got a newer truck with solid rims that was some much easier than spider rims. On spider rims you have to make sure you tighten down the lugs equal, if not you’ll have a wobble, and you’ll not only feel it but also other drivers will rag your butt for being stupid and you’ll wear the tire out faster and go back and fix it right. These newer Alcoa rims are really light and more manageable to deal with. So anyway I have a few pictures or these tires. I mean safety, weight, and fuel mileage and over all cost is going to be the benefit here. I applaud the change myself.
glockmail
01-10-06, 03:27 PM
Hey Ojive, this is a 63' Toyota. So go back a decade even further. Fiat did it in 1912.
Spotter
01-10-06, 07:51 PM
Okay Ojive, this is my forte.
First, bleeding ABS brakes is no different than non ABS systems. You need to use caution, but just go a little slower. The old rule of thumb was farthest to closest wheel first. IE: RR, LR, RF, LF. That is not always the case these days. I wouldn't recommend bleeding the brakes at all, anyway. When doing a brake job, if you don't open a brake line, you don't need to bleed. If you remove a caliper or wheel cylinder, yes. The same is true with a master cylinder. But if you are simply replacing linings, you don't need to. As a matter of fact, you end up with too much fluid in the master after you are done anyway.
But since brake fluid is a hydroscopic fluid (meaning it absorbs moisture) it does need to be dealt with. Just not bleed. What you need to do before you start to do the pads or shoes is this: Buy a cheap turkey baster from the grocery store. Take the cap off the master cylinder and suck as much of the old fluid as possible from it and dispose of it. Wipe out the master with clean paper towel. Add just a splash back to the master and Then continue with replacing your pads or shoes. When you are done, you will have a little more fluid in the master than you started with. Suck that out and fill the master the rest of the way with fresh fluid. Viola. You can bleed the rest of the system if you want to, but you have just effectively dealt with over 80% of the fluid you started with.
Now, cross drilled and/or slotted rotors. There are many companies selling them and for the most part they are all good. As a matter of fact, most of them are manufactured by the same company (Aimco) regardless of who is selling them. They work great on any type of vehicle at all at dissapating heat. They do this by actually dissapating the hot gasses produced in braking. Keeping brake temperatures low is always a good idea. But the bigger the vehicle, the more important it is. So, your PT Cruiser wouldn't need them as bad as your F-150. But they both would benefit from them. You WILL get longer pad life and longer rotor life if you use them. As a matter of fact, late model F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty's (especially the 4x4's) have a huge warping problem. The cure? Slotted/drilled rotors. We sell a bunch of 'em.
And finally, ceramic pads. Ceramics are actually a low metallic (vs a semi metallic) brake pad. Most pads have some amount of metal in them. Older models had organic material. These materials included asbestos, camel dung and who knows what. Now most pads have copper, tin, zinc, brass, etc. Ceramics have these metals, just a lesser content. And they have a small amount of ceramic material.
A common misconception is that ceramic pads produce less dust than regular pads. While this is not true, it isn't really a deception, either. Ceramic pads wear at roughly the same rate as most other brake pads, thus the produce the same amount of dust. What is different about ceramics is that the material is a much lighter color than regular semi-mets. So the appearance is that they produce less dust. Semi mets create a terrible black dust. It is a huge problem on some Fords. (Take a look at the front wheels of the next Expedition you see.) In fact, if you go to Ford to get pads for those models, you'll pay around $170.00 for a set for the front and about the same for the rear. Thats because Ford changed the specs due to the huge dusting problem. I did a front brake job on my friends '03 Expedition last month (using the new expensive dealer pads) and the dusting is greatly reduced over the original pads. We chose to go back with the factory pads over ceramics because Patrick tows a 27 foot travel trailer often and the ceramics just don't hold up to the heat as well. (Due to the lesser metal content.)
And yes, ceramics do help in reducing noise issues, but if you are doing the job properly, you won't have the noise. Too many times brake noise could have been avoided by paying closer attention to the details. Check the hardware, clean everything well, lube the metal to metal contact points with a good non-petrolium product. You won't have noise problems.
I make nearly 60% of my income from the sale of brake parts. I know what I'm talking about.
stops packing suitcase for Texas
Spotter I just got 3 hours credit for using your post! Thanks dude:thumbsup:
No really that was well said and extremely informative. I can be down there in about 26 hours straight through. I actually didn't know I needed to not crack the bleeder on the front pads. I've always done it I guess because taking the old pads out were cake the new ones were a pain and needed the extra room to fit in and backing the piston off helped. About the rotors you are saying most likely Aimco is the one who manufactures these and they are a good product? I actually was concerned with warp and thickness even though I knew that heat displacement was reduced. Not to mention they look cool (that is important) So I have a general question if for say you were to purchase these for a said F-150, about what could you expect for the whole lot rotors and pads plus or minus 20 bucks, since sales tax and other things could factor in because I live out side the Great State of Texas.
Yeah I have seen those Fords Expeditions and thought to myself what a bunch of lazy asses can't keep their rig clean. I still think I'll run with dealer pads out of trust, but those rotors may be an option. I actually hate ABS I always feel like my truck is spongy on the petal. On my other Fords I have and had I could stomp'm and the nose would dip and we'd stop right quick. And I guess because I have known that I would be light footed on the brakes and I still haven't gotten used to heavy footing it. And I drove a Lincoln and got the same feel on it as well, I almost wrecked it because it wouldn't stop because I wouldn't stomp it. Shit was flying around the inside my wife was spitting fire and I was madder than hell.
And since we are on this subject could you put your spin on fluid replacement. Power steering and brake fluid actually. I think with any fluid that gets hot and flows has got to loose it's strength over time and thus could fail over time (this could be in extreme situations) and be catastrophic. Is there any truth to OE specs on theses fluids like synthetic for example? I'm just wondering these things and trying not to get roped into a money draining excuse for needed service. Well see you in a few days, gotta get gas! You have food in the refrig right? :laugh:
Spotter
01-11-06, 07:33 AM
The shipping charges from Texas to the east coast would eat you alive because of the weight. Not cost effective.
And I believe in doing my own fluid replacements in the same way as the brakes.
RicardoHead
01-22-06, 03:40 PM
Some kickass model race car vids for you gearheads to enjoy (http://www.flurl.com/uploaded/rc_cars_drifting_48161.html). Really good stuff. :thumbsup:
I couldn't see the video but I've wondered if RC cars would start drifting? I wanted to get a decent rc car for that sole purpose:nuts:
Anybody been watching Barrett/Jackson auctions? Man it is amazing how much money people either have or are borrowing to buy these cars! I saw several that I know I'd look good driving but damn the price of them was unreal! $300,000 for a Dodge Daytona/Superbird pace car! Comes with outhouse and hide away mattress:laugh: But I've learned quite a lot actually watching seeing the different ways to look at these automobiles for investment purposes. I would think it must take great restraint not to drive one of these cars, even now and again. I saw several cars brand new that had less than 100 original miles documented? Which I find hard to see how you'd prove such a thing, since some of these vehicles were 20 plus years old? Anyone have any ideas on exactly that is done?
RicardoHead
01-23-06, 10:22 AM
Ojive, if you can catch that vid, do so. It's worth it. Try try again.
RH, I couldn't view the goods there chief, but I did check out a few web sites dedicated to R/C cars and drifting. Looked pretty cool. I think I'd want a gas car since it has endless run time and refueling is easier that changing batteries evey 20-30 minutes. And they can hold a better power band in a slide/spin better than electric. Oh forgot cost too, gas = more money:cry:
Spotter
01-23-06, 11:14 PM
Woo Hoo! I just sold my 2Way radio set-up online for $400.00. Had it posted for less than an hour. The sweet deal is the guy who is buying it wants me to keep using it (spotting) for their race team.
I paid $500 for it 5 years ago. I think I did ok:laugh:
Toyota to run in Nextel Cup starting in 2007
Now things should start to get interesting.
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=wc&id=2302857
Toyota to run in Nextel Cup starting in 2007
Yeah I've been wondering when they would make the plunge. I was thinking the car they'd use would be that Solaro, but the Camry is more in the current class. The Solaro is very streamline. Well now that Toyota is coming when will Nissan and Honda join? I think if Honda came on board they would be very successful. I mean watching CART and IRL they are very competitive on the track.
Living out here in these parts you get these toothless wonders making a big stink of the Japanese involvement. It ain’t American and stuff like that, so I go one step further besides being built over here, we need to review history like when Corvette and GT-40 and even the Cobra entered the Lemans series in Europe. It took us a while to get it together but we soon started kicking butt. I can bet the Europeans weren't exactly thrilled us 'yanks" were invading there turf. I see it as motorsports and I don't live and breathe NASCAR, like some of them folk out here do. I look back at the last 10 years of racing and with the addition of the Truck series which for me I'd say is the best series going because they lean on each other and keep it diced up. But the Series as a whole is not as good as it was 10 years ago. It isn't the drivers as much as the leadership and the way the sport is being exploited. But saying that I do enjoy watching it on TV. I like to hit a race every now and again. I'd like to hit Richmond this year, but the trucks aren't coming back:thumbdown so I guess I'll have to go up to Dover. I personally think they should introduce the Mini-van series. Not only would they have a good pocket of air to cut through it would be another venue and with technology right now they could be really wild to watch and it would also introduce a different fan base as well.
I've been wanting to go to the California Speedway and watch a race but the cheapest tickets are $150. With that and the drive...I'll stay home and watch it on TV.
California Speedway
Also traffic and crowd, but I believe that track could be a good one to see, Roger Penske track I think, like Michigan it is fast several grooves and I can drive the hell out it on my SIM. As long as I can turn center off I can run very well. I usually start in the rear and with pit stops mostly short pitting and working the field which is difficult due aero issues I can get to the front. I have great engines and I work my gear for max RPM and usually hit my rev limiter going into one. because I'm over 200 MPH, going into 3 I'm about 190. I had to really learn how to enter the turns going so fast, If I went in early I could shoot out toward the wall so I had to look at my track bar and tire pressure.
Has anyone seen that show on CMT called trick my truck? It's about these sheet metal mafia cats that trick the piss out of semi tractors.
Last week they hooked this dudes Freightliner up! I mean replace the sleeper, hard wood grain walls, queen size bed, awesome sound and entertainment system, stand alone climate control, fireplace (well one of those ones that come on with a switch) sink, microwave and gas grill mounted underneath the truck in a roll out drawer that is protected from the elements. I mean this truck was rebuilt literary and most likely is worth about 350K. It looked pretty cool, the guy was older and his wife had started riding with him. If you like those kinds of shows then check it out on Friday nights.
Speaking about diesel engines and petrol I received this link www.wnbiodiesel.com Anyway I had heard about it sometime ago but seeing as it has been in use for a while but it isn't widely available. I asked a few guys I know that go long haul about it. They mentioned it worked pretty well but it stripped the engine and cleaned it out and clogged one guys fuel filter. But they noticed a increase in mileage and power seemed good through out the usage.
I have also heard of a new fuel alternative using grass, yes grass:!!!:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5963507/site/newsweek tells of how they will achieve this. So maybe I can get money for my yard clippings instead of using it in my compost pile.
I have also heard of a new fuel alternative using grass, yes grass:!!!:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5963507/site/newsweek tells of how they will achieve this. So maybe I can get money for my yard clippings instead of using it in my compost pile.
What a waste of...oh wait....wrong grass....sorry. :rolleyes:
RicardoHead
02-09-06, 08:53 PM
Biodiesel is used quite a bit in der Vaterland and is known for shortening engine life and making the exhaust stink. I never ran it in my diesel Audi there even though it cost less.
known for shortening engine life
Well their has to be a down side, since we've had 50 or so years to perfect the diesel engine. I guess it was a start? I can't imagine a shitty smelling diesel exhaust. Now when you said it shorten the life span of the motor, what would it be compared to?
RicardoHead
02-10-06, 09:15 AM
The diesel stench was somewhat reminiscent of french fry vats ... maybe better described as driving behind a roach coach. Personally I prefer the stench of a school bus to that of a roach coach.
As for the shortened engine life, let me elaborate from my recollection, and also let me say that though I said biodiesel was used a bit in Germany, it still isn't widespread and was mostly adopted by green nuts. I recall the studies saying that if used exclusively it would reduce the engine life by half to maybe 2/3's unless you frequently engaged in very costly repairs and (essentially) motor cleanings. I'm no expert but apparently biodiesel leaves some residues in the motor that gunk and screw it up. Maybe they have advanced it in the past few years, but those advancements probably haven't made it here yet because over there in 2001 46% of passenger cars sold in Bavaria were diesels so the interest and experience level of the normal person is a bit higher than here.
One other thing I thought was funny: gas and diesel cost thru the ass over there because of very high taxes on fuels. Some guy converted his diesel to run on common salad oil (I think corn oil) which costs about half as much per liter as diesel from a station. So the enviros picked up on this and went apeshit because the guy was throwing out the glass bottles the salad oil came in and they demanded that there be refundable deposits on all salad oil bottles, while politicians considered levying a tax on salad oil to bring its price in line with diesel oil to negate the salad oil advantage and so people wouldn't be using the streets without paying a fuel tax. It was a big thing and I just thought .... WTF?
RicardoHead
02-10-06, 10:20 AM
One thing I gotta say - european manufacturers have some kickass turbodiesels that they don't offer here and probably never will. The things don't stink, they don't sound funny, and now they actually have filtration systems that exhale cleaner air than they inhale. I'm not talking that POS tdi motor that VW offers either - that thing is an ancient design using ancient technology
I had a new A4 over there with a 1.9 liter turbodiesel turning out about 150hp and an assload of torque. The thing hauled butt on the autobahn (ruotinely did better than 125mph) and the torque moved it well in town. I did mostly city driving and averaged about 45mpg, but when I'd take it on the country roads down to southern Italy I'd get nearly 60mpg. I loved the freakin thing, but per Audi the engine tech will never be supported by Audi USA (diesels don't fit their sporty image - bla bla) so I was screwed if I wanted to do a gray market import. Yeah it wasn't as fun as a gas motor for pure play, but for simple enjoyable driving it rocked.
So perhaps this new diesel fuel burns at a greater tempurature and perhaps that's why engines running off it have a shorter life then diesel engines running off the old stuff.
Well these newer motors are running 1-2 turbos, overhead valves to make the most power and also to keep there know effecienty there. I'd say besides better oil and cooling systems they will last even longer than before. That is my take because I have messed around with them. Most Diesels on the market are 4 stroke vise 2 strokes, these newer models re quieter and just as strong and are less stressed unlike the older non turbo 2 strokes. I ran heavy equipment for a good period and when those 4 strokes came along they weren't really that good but over time they have what it takes. And the Bio-diesel was the point of how long the motor will effectively last? I don't know about those things yet.
what I hated about driving that diesel is, if you put your foot into it at a stop sign, it would hesitate a bit before it would actually get up and go
Well in the late 70's through the mid eighties GM tried their hand at diesels, the more common one is the 5.7 liter which was nothing more than a gas 350 with special sleeves in the piston cavity and injection and you have this week ass diesel. Then they tried the 3.8 liter V-6 and then the other motor that was better was the 6.2 and infact they have had good sucess with that motor and which led to better diesels now like the duramax, powerstroke and cummins for trucks. But in those times it wasn't about off the light quickness it was about MPG? or so they claimed, not to mention you had to re-learn how to start them and take care of them. Bad call IMO. But those european diesel's as RH mentioned are the better ones to own. Don't really need break neck speed but just being competive is good enough.
RicardoHead
02-25-06, 06:59 PM
Cool vid of a vette racing thru the woods (http://www.filecabi.net/u.php?file=1140804472.wmv).
brianw13a
02-25-06, 07:54 PM
One thing I gotta say - european manufacturers have some kickass turbodiesels that they don't offer here and probably never will. The things don't stink, they don't sound funny, and now they actually have filtration systems that exhale cleaner air than they inhale. I'm not talking that POS tdi motor that VW offers either - that thing is an ancient design using ancient technology
I had a new A4 over there with a 1.9 liter turbodiesel turning out about 150hp and an assload of torque. The thing hauled butt on the autobahn (ruotinely did better than 125mph) and the torque moved it well in town.
Well that just fits my question then. I don't know anyone who knows anyone to answer this but is the VW TDI shit? I rented a few Golfs in Belgium and I loved it. I was considering buying a Passat or Jetta TDI here but if y'all agree with consumer reports(POS) then perhaps I won't. I'm a few years out and I'm just trying to get the lay of the land.
Any comments? - keeping in mind that VW is the only diesel that I would consider
RicardoHead
02-25-06, 08:30 PM
That V-dub TDI they offer in the USA is a pile of archaic shit, Brian. It's like an outdated VW motor from the early 90s, using mostly yesteryear's technology, with yesteryear's mileage and not producing much HP to boot and about as smooth as a hemarrhoid.
In Europe both VW and Audi have some kickass modern TDIs that are fun and that I would buy if they made them available, but that piece of crap that VW pops in their US Beetles/Jettas/Passats is not worth the money. Besides spending today's dollars on yesterdays outdated technology, they are somewhat costly in maintenance (special, expensive oils), are a bit fussy, and are not particularly clean environmentally - not as much as their new motors over there. The tech is simplistic and the performance radically lackluster. I wouldn't reward VW for offering you crap from their parts bin. They have far better wares but choose not to offer them to Americans - why I don't know, but I bet it's because their dealership network won't invest in new software/tools/training/parts-supplies to support a motor offering that barely will comprise 2% of their total sales (unlike over there), which are not too strong to begin with.
RicardoHead
02-26-06, 09:54 AM
Those of you who like crappy cutsie euromobiles will be glad about this. I personally loathe these Smart cars, if for no other reason than I wanna punch the type of folk who buy them ...
Daimler nears decision on U.S. Smart launch -paper (http://yahoo.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:re uters.com:20060226:MTFH87429_2006-02-26_15-03-01_L26519242&symbol=DCXGn.DE)DaimlerChrysler is leaning in favour of launching its struggling Smart minicar brand in the United States, its chief executive told a German newspaper on Sunday.
"It is now more likely that we will decide in favour of, rather than against (entering) the U.S.," Dieter Zetsche told Handelsblatt newsaper in an interview released in advance of publication on Monday.
A decision on launching the next generation of Smart two-seaters in the United States is expected in the first half of this year, Zetsche said.
Separately, Zetsche told Switzerland's Neue Zuercher Zeitung newspaper in an interview published on Sunday that the company had received a range of enquiries about possible cooperation arrangements for the Smart brand. He described them as ranging from dumb to interesting.
Yike! 600cc homomobiles ....
brianw13a
02-26-06, 08:53 PM
DaimlerChrysler is leaning in favour of launching its struggling Smart minicar brand in the United States, its chief executive told a German newspaper on Sunday.
So if I understand this correctly, they aren't making it in the market that would most likely embrace their cars, so the solution is to move to a market that very likely will not support it. That's some smart business.
Thanks for the VW TDI info RH. I had no idea that the US cars were that different. That's probably going to be a deal breaker for me.
Those of you who like crappy cutsie euromobiles will be glad about this. I personally loathe these Smart cars, if for no other reason than I wanna punch the type of folk who buy them ...
Well RH I've seen one of these gay euro type cars recently over in my parts. I guess they are good on the petrol, but not real safe looking on the open road outside the city grid lock. Yeah when I was in Japan they had better cars than what was offered to the US. It was said that safety was one of the many reasons they weren't over here. I can say that Technology was also a factor. Many jump on the Nissan Skyline bandwagon, and they are sharp cars but if Japan wanted to actually make them for our country they could. I've seen like 3 Skylines over here in the last couple of years and they were all left hand drives. I'd like to see better cars on the roads that didn't cost a lifetime of savings or debt. It is possible but unlikely anytime soon.
RicardoHead
02-27-06, 07:47 AM
When it comes to cool little euromobiles, I'm an idiot. I should have, while in the fatherland, sought out and brought over one of the Messerschmitt cars (http://www.columbia.edu/~fdc/frankfurt/messerschmitt.html) from postwar krautland in the 50s. I only came across them later in my stay there while cruising down a street and I saw maybe 5 of them in a restoration club out for a coffee. I thought then they were so cool, and still do now.
Yes, they are made by the same Messerschmitt company that made the aircraft. Here are a few more links/pics ...
http://www.freddevan.com/Pages/Messerschmitt.html
http://www.pcsystems.com/messerschmitt/mess.html
http://www.messerschmitt.co.uk/index.php?set_albumName=album02&option=com_gallery&Itemid=25&include=slideshow.php
Screw the Smart cars. Messerchmitts rawk.
I still think of the movie Easy Money when Rodney tells his wife about the Messerschmitt in the kitchen:laugh: ....One thing is they had no blind spots. I guess they ran on motorcycle engines?
I saw this story about bio diesel.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A company offering rental cars powered entirely by bio-diesel set up shop in Los Angeles on Tuesday, hoping to bring the aroma of popcorn and doughnuts to the city's smoggy freeways.
Just one snag -- there is only one place in town to fill up.
Bio-Beetle Eco Rental Cars, which started out on the Hawaiian island of Maui three years ago, opened for business near Los Angeles International Airport with four cars fueled by filtered vegetable oil.
I've always wanted to come to Los Angeles," said founder Shaun Stenshol. "California is known as an environmentally friendly state and LA is the car capital of the world. What better place to do bio-diesel than Los Angeles?"
"As far as bio-diesel rental cars, I don't know of anyone else doing it in the world," said Stenshol, a former Greenpeace worker and environmental activist.
Bio-diesel costs $3.45 a gallon -- about $1 more than regular gas -- but the cars get between 400 and 800 miles per tank. There is only one place where customers can fill up but Stenshol said he hoped to help set up other refueling stations in the Los Angeles metro area.
"There are people who say it smells like popcorn, or French fries or doughnuts. But to me it is just a pleasant tang," said Stenshol.
RicardoHead
03-02-06, 09:14 AM
To an enviro-whack the smell of moldy crotch has a pleasant tang.
Bio-diesels stink.
There are people who say it smells like donuts
I thought of this one after the fact: Only cops would think this. Which means more time 10-8 on patrol:laugh:
I need some advice here about something kind of important. Now I will come right out and say it isn’t about one of my friends or that I’m having a cubical screw fest at my work. It is about my 02 F-150 Sport 2WD that I just paid off yesterday! I need shocks and besides adding a heavy duty leaf spring kit on it I want to find the best shock on the market that won’t sag even after the load is out. At this point when I go very slowly over speed bumps my rear axel hits on my exhaust and it has bent it up slightly over time. I mean I work my truck but I also baby it and don’t go 4 wheeling and shit like that. I’ve heard that Rancho RS5000 are very good and I’ve seem on several trucks that have lift kits use this brand of shock. Any comment on Monroe’s? Well I appreciate any feed back on this subject. I still need to do more research but I know there are a few folk who may have some “perience” with shocks.
Now I call that is a high octane find! Actually I wonder what the greenie weenies think of this find? Could this new method reduce so-called global warming from the methane that eats away the ozone? And actually any livestock dung may produce the same results?
TOKYO - Scientists in energy-poor Japan said Friday they have found a new source of gasoline from cattle dung.
Sakae Shibusawa, an agriculture engineering professor at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, said his team has successfully extracted 1.4 milliliters (0.042 ounces) of gasoline from every 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cow dung by applying high pressure and heat.
"The new technology will be a boon for livestock breeders" to reduce the burden of disposing of large amounts of waste, Shibusawa said.
About 500,000 metric tons (551,155 U.S. tons) of cattle dung are produced each year in Japan, he said.
Gasoline extracted from cow dung is unheard of, said Tomiaki Tamura, an official of the Natural Resources and Energy Agency. Japan relies almost totally on imports for its oil and gasoline needs.
The team, helped by staff from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology near Tokyo, produced gasoline by adding several unspecified metal catalysts to the dung inside a container and applying a 30-atmosphere pressure and heat of up to 300 degrees Celsius (572 Fahrenheit), Shibusawa said. Details of the catalysts could not be disclosed, he added.
The team hopes to improve the technology so that it can be used commercially within five years, Shibusawa said.
In a separate experiment revealing another unusual business potential for cow dung, another group of researchers has successfully extracted an aromatic ingredient of vanilla from cattle dung, said Miki Tsuruta, a Sekisui Chemical Co. spokeswoman. The extracted ingredient, vanillin, can be used as fragrance in shampoo and candles, she said.
Tsuruta said the vanillin was extracted from a dung solution in a pressurized cooker in a project co-organized by a Japanese medical research institute.
RicardoHead
03-03-06, 08:20 AM
WOW. a twentyieth of an ounce of gas from about a quarter pound of cowshit? And all they have to do is apply high amounts of pressure and heat, both of which take energy to create! Brilliant!
That also means to get a gallon of gas they'll need about 80 pounds of cowshit. Filling my gas tank would take 1,600 to 2,000 pounds of cowshit. I fill about once a week, so we are talking 100,000 pounds of cowshit per year just for me. Assuming I am average and there are about 200 million cars in the USA we would need about 200 quintillion pounds (200,000,000,000,000,000,000 pounds) of cowshit annually to operate our cars in the USA alone. Energy crisis solved!
BTW, I have no advice on the shocks, senor. I think Spotter is in the car parts biz. Maybe he can help.
That also means to get a gallon of gas they'll need about 80 pounds of cowshit.
Well besides quanity I was also thinking about organisms that could be introduced into the fuel system and eat away different parts on or in the fuel system. Wouldn't that be a real hoot after say 5 years you have to have a complete injection system replacement because cow turd organisms ate away the inner lining that protects the flow of fuel going into the manifold. So all these great new ideas are interesting bu I hope someone is doing some serious analysis on how these fuels react to other elements in a machines fuel system.
RicardoHead
03-03-06, 04:00 PM
I was thinking about the cows over lunch and came up with some interesting numbers.
Assuming a cowpie weighs 4 pounds and a cow takes a good dump 3 times a day, twenty cows could pile out enough poo in a week to keep my car going. Again, since I assume I am average that means about 4 billion cows would be needed to power all US autos.
I'm no farmer but I'll take a guess that you need about an acre to keep one cow fed, so that means 4 billion acres would be necessary to keep our cars on the road. That actually comes to only about 6.25 million square miles, which is really only a square land mass of about 2,500 miles on each side, which is what - maybe the size of canada plus or minus a bit?
We'd also then need to increase the flow of illegals to chase around the cows with shovels and buckets, and could sentence criminals to do the same. However, since the prime fuel-rich shit producing years of a cow are probably maybe 4 years, we'd have to kill off about 1 billion cows a year, which we would then have to eat, which would get us all fatter and thus reduce our mileage due to the increase weight, thus requiring more cows to tote our fat asses around, meaning the cows would need more land and we'd have to eat more of them and we'd start a vicious circle.
Eventually nature would strike a balance in which the entire USA would consist of about 5 million square miles of cow pasture housing about 3.2 million cows and one enormously fat human being (the sole US citizen) who eats about 800 thousand cows per year and weighs approximately 52 billion 500 million pounds.
I guess it's our fate. Thanks, Japan.
We'd also then need to increase the flow of illegals to chase around the cows with shovels and buckets
I didn't realize the term mad cow came from this process:laugh:
Yeah I did my shocks this last weekend (Monroe sense a trac) and over all not a bad experience. I will say the fronts were easier than the rears. And the rears come off without being surrounded by a spring and you don't have to remove the front tires either. One thing is we use copious amounts of salt on our roads and it did make a difference in the removal process. I used break free (which is great for cleaning firearms) on my bolts up topside and let it sit for about 1/2 hour and they broke easy and it wasn't such a pain in the ass. The biggest slow down was on the driver’s side up front. I takes a 13/16 and all the others I used a deep 6 point socket with no worries, well on the drivers side they not only have this fender well piece that is stupid but a brace right next to the shock which in my case anyways from using a socket all together, I had to get two 13/16 combination wrenches to achieve my goal. (and in my area 13/16 is a totally non-existent tool) Note to VV, I mean Spotter I think I'm gonna have to replace my rotors because of the rust in the center outer edge, looks too me like a safety hazard if I were to have these turned, yet another part of using inferior Japanese metal. As I stated we use salt on our roads and I think I should have them replaced, I'm thinking slotted now since I got a real good look. Anyway spotter any feedback on this rust on the center part of the rotors and your (expert) opinion would be appreciated. Although the rust is eating at the inner part of the rotor and I really don't like it. I noticed an immediate difference and after a couple of days I'm sure it will feel better once they settle in.
What will they think of next?
YOKOSUKA, Japan - A new safety feature being developed by Nissan Motor Co. causes a car's gas pedal to lift by itself to alert the driver of a possible collision. That new technology, shown to reporters this week, combines radar sensors and a computer system to judge a car's speed and the distance to the vehicle in front. When the car senses a possible head-on crash, the gas pedal automatically rises against the driver's foot as a signal to step on the brake. If sensors detect a possible collision ahead, the brake automatically kicks in when the driver lifts his or her foot off the gas. A buzz also goes off in what Nissan engineers tentatively dubbed the "magic bumper."
Skeptics may see the technology as obtrusive, perhaps even risky, given that some drivers may prefer to rely on their own reflexes. But Nissan says the magic bumper is helpful because research has shown that more than half of traffic accidents are caused by inattention, drowsiness and carelessness, rather than error in judgment and or illegalities such as speeding and drunken driving. It's a safety feature that comes in particularly handy on congested roads, the Japanese auto maker said. Senior manager Yousuke Akatsu hopes to offer the feature in about two or three years in Japan, and also aims to offer it in the United States and Europe, although no plans have been set. The technology is part of the Tokyo-based company's larger effort to create the accident-proof car. So far, Nissan offers cruise control, warnings for cars veering off lanes and a system that helps drivers brake harder in emergencies. Also shown in a demonstration at a facility near Tokyo was a car-navigation monitor that uses digital cameras lodged in the front and back of the car, as well as in the sideview mirrors, to show a computer-graphic bird's eye view of the car. The AVM, or "around view monitor," shows what's surrounding the car from all around, putting together photo images from the cameras to help drivers steer into tight parking spots — very useful in a crowded country like Japan.
Commercial plans for the feature are still undecided, according to Nissan.
Nissan officials demonstrated a paint job offered in Japan that fixes itself of slight scratches caused by car-washing, off-road driving or fingernails. To speed up the repair of the elastic resin, which works like a rubbery surface, hot water was poured on a surface after it was scraped with a bristled metal brush
RicardoHead
03-29-06, 08:14 PM
Ya'll knowz ya'll B pimpin' witchoo spinnah rims, butcha'll ain't troolie pimpin' till ya'z gotz da nu pimpstar rims (http://www.virob.com/virob/videos/613.html) yo.
Oh hell no... got 24 pimpstar raising-word! I have one I'd use and it would be on all 4's: F---k you B----h or b----h better have my money:thumbsup:
Actually pretty clever but I ain't down with those big rims, too much noise for me.
Ford and GM are selling those over here ,but unlike sugar they are manufactored to received like LP/natrual gas or "other"
alternatives fuel sources. We need to get our shit in one sock soon or we'll be getting passed up by other countries more than we are now.
FH,
Did you make it down to Long Beach last weekend? Looked like a good race on TV, great accidents too.
I read this the other day by pure accident and wanted to post this: These cars will automatically become classics once they are sold because of the limited numbers and because Carroll Shelby is getting old. The article mentions these cars will be deleted at around 16-18K It will be interesting how they keep control of these cars from being totally trashed, since we know several will get totaled. And having the motors being swapped out like the original GT-350H's.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/biztravel/2006-04-11-hertz-mustang_x.htm
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/14/004099.html
Last night I'm watching Barrett/Jackson car aution on Speed. They sold a 2007 Mustang Shelby for 700K! it was the first production model and the profits were going to the Carroll Shelby Childrens fund. I was thinking to myself 700 big ones who in there right mind would buy something like that? I mean for that price you can't drive it and you have to have it locked up for a while so the return will be equal. Wow is all I can say.
RicardoHead
04-18-06, 08:07 AM
I doubt the return on that will be positive for another 30 years.
RicardoHead
04-18-06, 08:17 AM
WOW. a twentyieth of an ounce of gas from about a quarter pound of cowshit?
That also means to get a gallon of gas they'll need about 80 pounds of cowshit. Filling my gas tank would take 1,600 to 2,000 pounds of cowshit. I fill about once a week, so we are talking 100,000 pounds of cowshit per year just for me.
You know, I just realized that was wrong. I was thinking pounds and not gallons, so I was factoring up to 16 ounces instead of 128; an understatement factor of 8 times. That means I'll need 13,000 to 16,000 pounds of cowshit to fill my tank each week, about 800,000 pounds per year for me alone, and 1,600,000,000,000,000,000,000 pounds of cowshit just to run the USA.
I hope a lot more illegals get up here soon to take care of these cows.
Farouka Hookah
04-18-06, 11:03 AM
FH,
Did you make it down to Long Beach last weekend? Looked like a good race on TV, great accidents too.
Not this year. I got a little one on the way so Im saving every dime and nickel. Im just covering racing within a 3 hour radius this year.
Yeah great race, but I get tired of watching Bourdais run off and never look back from lap one. ACtually the Speed GT series was there too and they broadcast it on Saturday and it was a great race. Teh winner (Ron Fellows) made his pass for victory on the last turn of the last lap.
Bourdais has the skills behind the wheel and that will make him a great racer. They had some killer wrecks during that race. And Fellows is a good road racer too. Well best of success with the Lil FH :laugh: May you all be proud parents of a healthy baby in the near future:thumbsup:
I doubt the return on that will be positive for another 30 years
Have you ever watched that show before? You have to be checked out with your credit before you can bid. So if this person was wasted last night they must be shitting themselves about now. Unless it was a foreign buyer and then it would a positive return sooner than later. A lot of cars go into Russia and with the way things are over there that car would easily surpass that 700g cost to more like one million. But you know I still feel that is totally insane to pay that amount for a first production.
I'd personally buy an Eleanor with a new vin and authentic signature of Shelby and 750 horses for about 120K
RicardoHead
04-18-06, 11:34 AM
Mini Faroukas? :worry:
:Poke:
Farouka Hookah
04-18-06, 03:24 PM
Mini Faroukas? :worry:
:Poke:
Gets great gas mileage and has high impact bumpers for the infidels.:evil:
halfabrotha
04-18-06, 07:44 PM
Not this year. I got a little one on the way so Im saving every dime and nickel.
When are you due? Mine should be here around 8/27
Farouka Hookah
04-19-06, 07:21 PM
When are you due? Mine should be here around 8/27
9/22. Congrats halfabrotha!
halfabrotha
04-20-06, 10:09 AM
You too man.
Gotta question
Anybody had a car shipped any considerable distance latey? And if so would you recommend a certain shipper? And this would also include household goods at about 1,000 pounds max. Any reasonable idears would be considered.
Thanks
RicardoHead
05-15-06, 08:40 AM
You talking across country (over land) or on a boat?
You talking across country (over land) or on a boat?
Yes I'm refering cross country.
RicardoHead
07-08-06, 10:14 AM
Ojive's new wheels .... (http://www.flurl.com/item/power_u_156221)
Ojive's new wheels .... (http://www.flurl.com/item/power_u_156221)
Hearing protection not included! Thanks that is pretty funny and a new meaning to Farfinugen:laugh:
I finally got a chance a few days ago to start up two of my little Spitfires and take them out for a drive. What a hoot! There aren't too many on the road now a days and people look at them with an odd facination (or maybe it's just me they are wondering about?). I really need to get them out and drive them more than once a year, I just don't seem to find the time though,
Mando-- What years are your Spitfires? For a brief period I had a 1975, with the 1500cc single carb option, with the 2 speed electric split shifter. It wasn't fast but I could keep the rpm's up high and really get a good jump off a corner. Faster and torque'ier cars could eat me up but I'd leave them on turns because of how agile that car was. One other option it had besides the wood dash was the black chrome(trim work)Well enjoy them.:thumbsup:
RicardoHead
07-28-06, 07:27 PM
Racecars every gearhead will enjoy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7U6UPLrNdQ&eurl=). :thumbsup:
That was a really different look at those back yard project rigs!
RicardoHead
08-03-06, 09:28 PM
If I wanted a new small car to cut MPG, I'd probably choose a Civic because of the mileage and quality, but the new Civic sedan is ugly as shit and the Coupe is sporty but a bit crammed.
So I'm flipping thru a kraut auto mag and see the new Euro Civic Hatchback (http://auto-presse.de/newssys/galerie/popup.php?newsid=12984&bild=2&max=15) - not available here. :what: This little POS I would buy. It is cool, but we don't get it. 15 pics of it there ... enjoy.
If I wanted a new small car to cut MPG, I'd probably choose a Civic because of the mileage and quality, but the new Civic sedan is ugly as shit and the Coupe is sporty but a bit crammed.
So I'm flipping thru a kraut auto mag and see the new Euro Civic Hatchback (http://auto-presse.de/newssys/galerie/popup.php?newsid=12984&bild=2&max=15) - not available here. :what: This little POS I would buy. It is cool, but we don't get it. 15 pics of it there ... enjoy.
Meh, my wife had a Civic. I'm not a big guy, but I never felt like I fit in the seats. It always seemed like I was too big for the car. Glad we finally got rid of it and got a Toyota.
Interesting car I like the safety details and the clean rear door handles. Busy cockpit but it looks like it might be as roomy as the Ford Focus. And I am sure it is pricey.....!
RicardoHead
08-04-06, 10:30 AM
it looks like it might be as roomy as the Ford Focus.
We here in the USA also get the raw end of the Ford Focus deal. Whereas we are offered some putrid little econobox, the Aussies get the bad-ass Focus XR5 turbo (http://www.ford.com.au/range/focus/models/xr5turbo.asp). Remember - that price of $36k is Aussie dollars (so divide by 1.33 or so) and I believe also includes GST (basically sales tax) - not sure what the rate is in Oz but I am very certain it is more than 10%.
That XR5 turbo produces about 220 horses (166KW) and the write-ups are very good (http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/1714376.aspx). A relatively cheap, fun ride is a good thing - but it seems all the good modern "pony cars" are being offered elsewhere but not here. Don't know why that is. Mind you that little racer with the hot motor gets about 25 to 26 mpg average.
USA also get the raw end of the Ford Focus deal.
Good point on that and yes I would guesstomate about 20-25 g's US which is about what the SVT is going for over here. With petrol pretty high down under having a pint size pony car and that mileage with a turbo ain't to shabby:thumbsup: I can't understand the market over here and the cars of similiar likeness overseas unless it is some contract crap which dictates specs on all models sold over here and the safety specs and contracts that mandate those safety items like crash beams and safety glass? Because using the emissions as the reason is just plain horseshit:!!!: I need to research that because Japan always had some totally awesome models that rocked the house.
Spotter
11-04-06, 10:33 AM
This clip is for the real horsepower lovers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsjx0LgtoDA
The final look at the numbers show 1076.7
Wow that was pretty wild. I knew when I saw those huge turbos it was packing a few extra horses. I wasn't sure if he lost traction on the dyno run or what from all the smoke? Man that high pitch noise is something else. It would also be interesting ;maybe it would to see the extra structural that had to be added to handle that amount of horsepower.
Thanks Spotter :thumbsup:
Spotter
11-04-06, 12:58 PM
If you look closely, you can see him hold up fingers. 3 (thousand) 4(thousand) 5 (thousand) RPM. And then he stands on it and the whine you hear is all RPM and turbo noise. And he is smoking the tires on the dyno wheels.
I have seen this guy (Chris Chow) as the drive of a big block Vega wagon on "Pinks." But I actually saw this video about 4 or 5 years ago and just recently found it again.
nipon ginko
11-04-06, 02:58 PM
I still think of the movie Easy Money when Rodney tells his wi