The Car Thread ... !

[A.Goldberg]

And I absolutely agree with that. I should have stated that again in that post like I did with the Mustang post I made. 99% of my issues with the manual( either the Tremec and MT-82) are due to my inexperience and will probably take owning one to properly gain the skill/proficiency. The 5th gear issue will go away once I trust the lockout as I was very consciously trying to avoid an inadvertent shift into reverse at 40 MPH. About the only legitimate gripe about the manual in the SS is the stupid 1-4 skip shift. I was consistently smoothly launching the Camaro after we figured out what I was doing wrong and never stalled it.

I live in the DC area. My commute takes me on the Beltway and it is is hell during rush hour. I only have to be on the beltway for 4 miles, but during rush hour it can take 30-40 minutes to get to my exit. Combine the fact you have idiots cutting over, etc I would probably lose my mind as I try to keep aware of my surroundings and focusing on the shifting, etc.

If the SS wasn't going to be a daily driver, absolutely manual would most likely be my choice. I am still considering the manual, leaning auto, but the stick is still being considered( like I said, had an absolute blast with it despite also being nervous driving it on public roads).

As for the rev matching feature.... I loved it simply for the sound of the engine when it blipped the throttle, nothing else. The LT1 with the exhaust valves fully open( track mode) sounds freaking fantastic.

As for a sedan, if I needed four doors, a rear seat, and trunk, the SS sedan would be my choice right now. My Aura's backseat though is in pristine condition because I probably could count on one hand how many people sat in the back seat in the cars 10 year history. Heck, my preferred car would be a Corvette Stingray Z51, but that car is way outside of my budget. Not that the Camaro SS is a compromise though.

Well it sounds like maybe your next car might have to be an manual then. To each his own.

The 1-4 skip does seem like an awful awful awful way to kill the driving experience. I certainly don't blame you there. Talk about electrical nannying. I would disable that upon delivery of the car. They should at least allow a menu function to disable that. The car would still get the same gas mileage... as long as you don't disable the function. I don't see why the EPA would object to that. What next? Dump the automatic and throw in a CVT.

As for the R solinoid lock, I wouldn't be too concerned. By default the solonoid locks out the R gear, so even if it failed you'd have a greater chance of just not being able to get into R (perhaps it has a manually override to unlock in case of failure it like most a/t cars). Assuming it's a remotely reliable part, by the time it broke you'd probably have the muscle memory down not to shift into R. I'd suspect even with the solinoid removed your chance of actually engaging the transmission into reverse would be very unlikely. Being a modern synchromesh transmission would inherently protect against damage caused by getting into R. In older transmissions it would simply be very difficult to get the car into reverse to cause significant damage (provided you don't hold it there and make the mistake frequently).

Hell, back in the day my dad had a 1996 Suburban. We hit a bump and my dad's coffee partially spilled out from that awful pull-out cupholder in the dash. Some of the coffee spilled onto the 2WD/4HI/4LOW control buttons. My mom hasitly trying to clean it up hit the 4WD high range button... while we were going 70mph down the highway. The system allowed for on the fly 4WD engagement, but not at highway speeds or on dry pavement. Immediately there was an awful grinding noise and it took about 5-8 seconds to realize the 4WD was trying to engage and switch back to 2WD. Luckily no damage done to the transfercase.

I had a couple friends and a GF with manuals back in high school, so I got some practice in. My dad also has a couple classics with manuals, but he seldom let me drive those. My grandfather also has a manual Taco used exclusively beach house for towing the boat he never uses and yard work/maintence (it's a 2002 w/probably 20,000 miles- must be worth $25,000 :rolleyes). I can say you pick up the skill quickly. After that you learn to gain finesse... that's part of the fun. My biggest trouble in the beginng was releasing the clutch to reverse.

Rev matching can be done without the car doing it for you. Again, that's one of the fun skills to work on. Rather than the car dipping the throttle you do it yourself. My friend taught me on his WRX. You don't have to do it, but it creates smoother, faster downshifts, AND, like you said, sounds cool.

Personally I don't think I could get by with something like a Camaro/Mustang (independent of it being RWD in New England and not really being my thing). Just yesterday I had to borrow a ladder and it just barely squeaked into my trunk. Or those trips to Costco!

 

[0388631]

Other than the form, the material lining it all is interesting... it's all woven fabric. Nifty, but I could imagine how dirty that would get, especially in the boot. They have the entire rear cargo space lined with it xD. Perhaps a vinyl coating or something would be a good idea. (Although, it's only a concept.)

Concept, but cloth is usually treated with a stain resistance chemical that lasts for a few years. Not the same one 3M makes for furniture. Though just about any stain is susceptible to hot water extraction.

 

[D.T.]

A good friend of mine who picked up a C7 several months ago just sold it ... for what, I do _not_ know yet, but he's dropped a few hints, I'm going over tomorrow to check it out (and drink some good craft beers, hang by the fire pit, whatever )

He went from his Z51 Coupe to a Grand Sport Convertible and back to black (from blue) I've said this before, and he totally agreed with me (which was part of the reason behind his short term trade) - even as _close_ as targa roof is in terms of open air driving, call it 90% the same, that last 10% makes all the difference in the world. If you dig on a convertible, there's no substitute.

He hadn't heard my new exhaust, loved it, said he now has to research exhausts He has the dual mode, but that's still no contest vs. an aftermarket system (he had a Roush setup on his previous Mustang). He's also carefully following the GT500 development ... we may have to make a deal on two

The 1-4 skip does seem like an awful awful awful way to kill the driving experience. I certainly don't blame you there. Talk about electrical nannying. I would disable that upon delivery of the car.

Yep, it's a "must do" mod, on my previous Vettes, there was a wiring harness towards the back, you disconnected it, done. However that would set a warning indicator, so the aftermarket provided a little module that was the receiving plug with a resistor, basically fooled the computer that it was still plugged in, $15-20, or a $1 resistor for the ultimate DIY.

Rev matching can be done without the car doing it for you. Again, that's one of the fun skills to work on. Rather than the car dipping the throttle you do it yourself.

Amen.

 

[bunnspecial]

The first Corvettes with the 1-4 skip showed you a very clear picture of the wire and "warned" you not to disconnect it as doing so would prevent the system from functioning.

It's sort of funny to read, because its written with cautions not to do it with basically a complete set of instructions on how to disable the feature

 

[quagmire]

It's sort of funny to read, because its written with cautions not to do it with basically a complete set of instructions on how to disable the feature

Because skip shift is only there for fuel economy and avoid the gas guzzler tax. If GM could, they probably wish they could remove it once they got the EPA certification for the car. They know owners hate it so they probably told owners how to disable it in a way they wouldn't legally get in trouble for.

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

Concept, but cloth is usually treated with a stain resistance chemical that lasts for a few years. Not the same one 3M makes for furniture. Though just about any stain is susceptible to hot water extraction.

Yeah, I actually have a bottle of that stuff, meant for the canvas on Vans shoes. Still, it's a pretty delicate material. Then again, it's not the type of car you go to the beach with or load dirty things into.

 

[0388631]

I'm more surprised Vans is still around. I thought it died in the 90s.

 

[Alphazoid]

Everything gets rehashed and rebranded as new/hip. Same as Dr Martens.

 

[A.Goldberg]

And some companies continue to sell and people continue to buy/wear things that are out of style.

 

[0388631]

Oh Christ, I'd forgotten about Doc Martens. What was then a fashion statement of punk lifestyle is now a durable boot or was. Last I read, they moved most production to China. Before Galibier dwindled down their production, they were famed for their build quality on a line that competed with DM but not when they were roughly $500 a pair.

 

[2298754]

I'm more surprised Vans is still around. I thought it died in the 90s.

Yes. Dodge Grand Caravans are great. Bulletproof and uber practical.

I'm in love with the Pacifia. What a nice car.

 

[D.T.]

Oh Christ, I'd forgotten about Doc Martens. What was then a fashion statement of punk lifestyle is now a durable boot or was. Last I read, they moved most production to China. Before Galibier dwindled down their production, they were famed for their build quality on a line that competed with DM but not when they were roughly $500 a pair.

Still own two pairs of Docs, both 20 years old and both still in fantastic shape.

Also own some Vans and DC

 

[0388631]

Yes. Dodge Grand Caravans are great. Bulletproof and uber practical.

I'm in love with the Pacifia. What a nice car.

Don't see a lot of those here. It's mostly Siennas. I've seen very few Odyssey's. Both are rare to see. Quests are extremely rare. The minivan fad died here. It's all crossovers. However, Toyota's Previa and Mazda's MPV in the 90s were extremely popular, overtaking the Chevy Astro and Plymouth Voyager. Both of which were awful, and it was no wonder the Japanese succeeded in market penetration here. Though it's safe to say middle America prefers domestic for their own reasons. I don't know if you know who Dough DeMuro is, but he had did a cross America video a while back where he drove an Aston into the middle of nowhere and pointed out the sheer amount of domestic vehicle.

Anyway, as Goldberg pointed out, fads get rehashed often. Wagons were popular, then minivans, then SUVs and now crossovers. Now we're seeing sporty and or luxury wagons coming out and enticing older buyers who consider one but previously wouldn't have for the torment they experienced in their formative years of their family owning one.

I suspect you knew I wasn't talking about vans, the cars, but wanted to gently nudge us back onto discussing cars as we've spent pages rambling about fabric and cleaning, apart from Ben's actual posts on cars and maintenance.


I can't say I remember Dodge's offerings the and even in the 2000s much, but I recall early 2000s Grand Caravan's suffering from blown transmissions within the warranty period or just after. Despite this, I can understand the appeal for owning a minivan, and would I be right in guessing they're popular on the east coast? To me, they're the perfect birth control for the couple who wouldn't be caught dead owning one. Probably why SUV sales are always great in California even during long periods of high oil prices. It's easier to stick 5-8 kids into a large full size SUV or wagon (Volvo?) than buy a minivan. OTOH, despite their large size and beluga stance, minivans get great MPG.

 

[arggg14]

Drove an ATS-V today! Was a blast.

 

[quagmire]

Drove an ATS-V today! Was a blast.

Just needs a V8.... Wait.... that is pretty much what a Camaro SS is.... An ATS-V with a V8.

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

I'm more surprised Vans is still around. I thought it died in the 90s.

I got my first pair in the early 2000s. Younger people still wear them. I personally like them because they are comfortable, slip on and off in less than two seconds; and they stretch out over time, letting some room for my feet to grow. However, this is a car thread. I was just using its canvas material as an example, in reference to that cloth interior on the Cadillac concept.
[doublepost=1479695818][/doublepost]

Everything gets rehashed and rebranded as new/hip. Same as Dr Martens.

Except Vans have always been around and are never re-branded as hip. They kinda just float around and are there for people who like them; they're not pushed into the faces of people who may or may not want them. I only first discovered them because I saw someone wearing a pair and thought they looked cool. Got my first pair in about 2003 or so, which was definitely before the hipster mess came about.
[doublepost=1479696040][/doublepost]My university's library is interesting (as many are), since its dungeon of a basement is full of 'ancient' books. Saw stuff from the 1800s in there.

However, I was captivated by the ads in the Smithsonian books they had (which dated from 1970 to present). I took some pictures of car ads in the 1970-71 book and 1997 book, in case anyone here is interested in laughing at them. Some are laughable, although I do admire the Chevy Tahoe one for its cinematic feel.
[doublepost=1479696126][/doublepost]Couple more pictures. That last one is, of course, from the 1970-71 book.
[doublepost=1479696193][/doublepost]Oh, there was also a collection of books containing volumes from Vanity Fair magazines of the 1920s. Now THAT had some cool car ads. I'll have to take some pictures of those and upload them. Saw a Lincoln ad in one.

 

[0388631]

There is that 1000 hp Odyssey that's cool.

 

[bunnspecial]

With regard to the Odyssey-

My aunt bought a new one off the lot back in the spring. About the only time I've ridden in it was shortly after she bought it, but it was on a trip to visit some family on the NC coast so spent a fair bit of time in it. I think we did about 1K round trip.

Although I didn't drive it, I was suitably impressed. I camped out in one of the center row seats and enjoyed a pleasant ride. It can carry 6 adults comfortably or even 7 if they are small or don't mind squeezing a bit in the back row. It still leaves plenty of room for luggage in that configuration, too, albeit with only four of us traveling the long distance we left the rear seats down.

In any case, what's not to like about it? I want to say it had 4 or maybe 5 zone climate control, lots of leg room and head room, and the seats were comfortable. That's all while getting 27mpg on the interstate.

BTW, back in the early to mid 90s my mom had two different Chevy Lumina "dustbuster" minivans. She certainly put the miles on those, including a bunch of family vacations.

 

[0388631]

I like the Sienna's interior more. I wish car manufacturer's stopped putting the damn gear selector up so high. Leave it where it belongs.

 

[bunnspecial]

I like the Sienna's interior more. I wish car manufacturer's stopped putting the damn gear selector up so high. Leave it where it belongs.

I know on column shifters are very much out of vogue, but IMO they're great on something like a minivan where space is at a premium.

When rear wheel drive prevailed, the column shifter took additional linkages while a floor shifter can basically go right into the transmission. With a front wheel drive transaxle, you still need a linkage. With that said, I think a lot of cars now-at least for automatics-are to the point where the selector is nothing but a multi-position electric switch.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I got my first pair in the early 2000s. Younger people still wear them. I personally like them because they are comfortable, slip on and off in less than two seconds; and they stretch out over time, letting some room for my feet to grow

Trust me. They're out of style and make you look like you're in middle school. I will guess you also wear Converse? The same features you values you find admirable in shoes- comfy, slip-on-able in less than 2 seconds, maybe even 1.5 seconds, and stretchable might be found in a nice leather driving moccasin. I don't know how much more you expect your feet to grow if you're in College... on average 80% of your foot size is attained by age 10, 100% by age 16, assuming you're a male.

My university's library is interesting (as many are), since its dungeon of a basement is full of 'ancient' books. Saw stuff from the 1800s in there.

Wow, blast from the past. I can check off a couple of those on my family's list- Suburban (Yukon... close enough) and P38 Range Rover (that looks like a 1995/1996 model, my dad had an 01). My friend's mom had a Bravada growing up.

In any case, what's not to like about it?

It's a mini van!!! I will say though, having been in the major minivans in my life, I think the Honda Odyssey (Hodyssey™) is my preferred choice. Comfortable ride, nice interior. It's no wonder the Acura MDX rides so nicely too (MDX is based off the Odyssey and is the Minivan of the 21st century).

BTW, back in the early to mid 90s my mom had two different Chevy Lumina "dustbuster" minivans.

Oh my god. My Bus Driver as a child had one of those Sexy Ford Aero Star vans. I wish that type of styling would make a comeback. That reminds me... I NEED to show you this awesome (very early stage) Range Rover Concept from the 80's. It would have been the P38 Range Rover model if it ever came to fruition. (Had it been made, I think we'd have another Triumph TR6 vs TR7 situation on our hands... that sums it up right there).

I like the Sienna's interior more. I wish car manufacturer's stopped putting the damn gear selector up so high. Leave it where it belongs.

I know on column shifters are very much out of vogue, but IMO they're great on something like a minivan where space is at a premium.

Woah Hoah Hoah... what do we have here. The car guys are fantasizing about mini-vans . I love when this happens hahah.
[doublepost=1479725708][/doublepost]@bunnspecial & others... some very odd Range Rover concepts.

1) 2nd Gen Range Rover (early) Concept
2) 2nd Gen Range Rover Prototype
3) 3rd Gen Range Rover Prototype
4) " "
5) " " (striking resemblance for the Ford Explorer, eh?)
6) " "
7) Range Rover Sport Prototype

Edit, so this puts the pics in a weird order, reference
1-2
3-4
5-6
7

 

[quagmire]

I know on column shifters are very much out of vogue, but IMO they're great on something like a minivan where space is at a premium.

When rear wheel drive prevailed, the column shifter took additional linkages while a floor shifter can basically go right into the transmission. With a front wheel drive transaxle, you still need a linkage. With that said, I think a lot of cars now-at least for automatics-are to the point where the selector is nothing but a multi-position electric switch.

Agreed with the column shifter. Column shifters make sense where you want maximum amount of storage like trucks. It's not like column shifters are uncomfortable to use or get in the way of steering. So for vehicles like trucks, it absolutely makes sense to use one. Our Suburban has a good amount of space on the center console due to the use of a column shifter.

 

[PowerMac G4 MDD]

Not sure if it's just the way the text is, but I sense some attitude. Please correct me if I am wrong. I'm not here to get into an argument over Vans shoes.

Yes, I should ditch them soon and wear some more adult-like shoes; but, for now, I like them because they are comfortable and practical. Also, I have fine arches - 10+ years of wearing these hasn't affected my feet in any way.

Nah, I don't like Converse because they're floppy, flimsy lace-up shoes. Also, they don't look good unless you wear long pants (which I rarely ever do).

My feet aren't growing as rapidly as before, but Vans have helped for when they did. After ditching my old Vans and putting on new ones of the same size, I'd realize that my feet had actually grown whilst I had the original pair - just hadn't noticed it because the old pair had stretched over time. (Otherwise, I am actually still growing...)

I have tried leather driving shoes before, actually. I could probably pull it off if I were a middle-aged man. Definitely won't be trying them on any time soon.

Lastly, I like riding my bike, and Vans shoes have proven to be the best sneakers for bike pedals. They're nice and flat on the underside. I've even hiked with Vans shoes, and I had no problems literally running over rough, rocky terrain with them. Their soles allow them to bend and wrap around a rock or bike pedal properly.

 

[Alphazoid]

So i just did a minor service on the IS and it turns out everything is A-ok...except my rear tires are approaching end of life.

Any recommendations for a 255/40/R18 non-runflats?

The thought of getting Bridgestone's Turanza/Potenza tires again isn't exactly appealing. But i don't want formula 1 level tires either. Just something with decent grip and lower wear-rate.

Currently looking at Vredestein Ultrac Vorti (price), Michelin Pilot Super Sport (brand) and Pirelli P Zeros (brand).

 

[0388631]

P Zeros. I've never heard of PSSs lasting. They're a performance tire. Potenzas have been the stock Lexus tires here too for many years. They're a good grip soft compound, but they don't last very long. I've never heard of the other brand.