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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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You don’t have to be rich to discuss your passion for cars in the car thread. All that matters is that you appreciate your car(s) for what it is, and you share similar interests as others do in here, that said, welcome.
However, you must never a boring day if you can drive two different Mustangs and two different Nissan 370 Z‘s. I never drove the 370 Z, but I did experience the 350 Z and a fun car to say the least that sounds very nice with the stock exhaust. Are your cars daily drivers or more geared towards track/enthusiast driving? Between the Z and the Mustang, which do you like better?
Nice Avatar photo by the way, Speaking of the Mustang, I Purchased a Black 2014 Mustang GT California Special back in December, currently being converted into my own rendition of how it will look (New Hood, Grill, cosmetics, performance, ect) after its out of the the shop, which I will have pictures in the next few weeks. I’m fond of the S197 body style and I think Ford excecuted the “Muscle Car” look in the 2013/2014 years, which the S550 platform. Starting with the 2015 year lost that luster to me with the more European appeal.
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On the context of GM cars, one other vehicle that was another short-lived model was the GTO from 2004 to 2006. (Or, Holden Monaro variant). More of a sleeper because of its lack luster aesthetics, Unfortunately, GM didn’t do much in terms of actually refining this car nicely, as it looked more like a Grand Prix with some alterations with the hood and headlamp/tail lights. Interior was abysmal (Plasticky center stack), although, {Ford and Dodge interiors were drab too.} Ironically, the seats were extremely comfortable and had really generous side bolstering to hold the driver in nicely.
What I liked about the GTO, was it didn’t take much with additional horse power gains, which stock it was quick, but not fast (0-60 approximately five seconds). But they sounded really aggressive for being a stock car. The More adequate shift for this car was from 2004 to the 2005 model when they went for the LS1 to the LS2 motor, Which carried over to 2006 of the final year in the 6.0.
I still see some GTO’s roaming around, and they still hold their ground for what they are worth, but a piece of ‘History’ none the less, even though the car was heavily mocked for carrying the GTO branding. Decent contender at the time against the Mustang and Charger RT.
What I liked about the GTO, was it didn’t take much with additional horse power gains, which stock it was quick, but not fast (0-60 approximately five seconds). But they sounded really aggressive for being a stock car. The More adequate shift for this car was from 2004 to the 2005 model when they went for the LS1 to the LS2 motor, Which carried over to 2006 of the final year in the 6.0.
I still see some GTO’s roaming around, and they still hold their ground for what they are worth, but a piece of ‘History’ none the less, even though the car was heavily mocked for carrying the GTO branding. Decent contender at the time against the Mustang and Charger RT.
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The GTO was the vauxhall monaro here in UK.
there is one in our car club and it attracts fair bit of attention as it different to the norm here.
They are nice looking cars.
They are few and far between here too
there is one in our car club and it attracts fair bit of attention as it different to the norm here.
They are nice looking cars.
They are few and far between here too
I do drive them all, but one each is claimed by the wife. She is a performance car enthusiast as well and likes to maintain a his/her stable.
The 370Z cars are nismo-tech and much different to drive that the standard coupe. They are fast, fun, and the styling stands out compared to the rest of their line. The A7 rev syncing transmission option was added to both and I like the nismo tuning shift points. I traded in 2x 2017 370Z Roadsters wihich are a very nice looking, but I wasn’t happy with a lot of little things and one big thing (poorly engendered soft-top mechanism), so I went with nismo-tech coupes. Much more satisfying if you like performance cars. The suspension is a little stiff for a street car, I wish it were adjustable, but it is designed for track use so I can’t cry about it much. All my cars are daily drivers.
The Mustangs are Track-Pack cars and have stiffer suspension tuning as well but not teeth jarring. The Track-Pack option has many upgrades over the GT, but most are only going to be fully appreciated on an actual track. These cars (the ones I have) both have various mods but were winners from the factory beforehand. I have no qualms with my Mustangs. They are by-far the hands down favorite over the Z cars.
The 2013/2014 S197 cars are special, and have the perfect retro styling in my eyes. The earlier models were just OKAY for me in stock trim. I hated the flat, ugly taillights just prior, and I’m not particularly happy with the taillights just after. With the right cosmetic mods, the S550 appeals to me too. I’m considering a 2019 RS3 from my local Roush dealer at present, but I won’t trade the S197’s, and it will be a single car purchase. I haven’t locked in on that one yet.
The track pack has its advantages, especially given that you can opt for brembo brakes and suspension upgrades. The California GT doesn’t offer that specific package. But, I don’t have an issue with that, because I can add my own modifications as it is. One thing I don’t mention enough, is unbelievably how good the Shaker Pro system sounds in the Mustang. Probably one of the best sounding systems, (or should I say the loudest), I have ever been in a car. I like the interiors on the S197‘s, but I think the interiors upgraded more with the S550s.
Only had my GT for a short time since December 2017, but it’s Endless the modifications that are available for the S197 models and I look forward to experiencing it more soon. It becomes less stock as time continues, but it makes it that much more unique. With a 2013/2014 Mustangs, I do like the more blacked out taillights, especially with a black car, and blends in nicely with the LEDs at night.
The thing with the Track-Pack is that they already have the Brembo brakes, 19” Wheels, Torsen Diff, upgraded suspension, BOSS Radiator, Oil Cooler (actually more oil temp regulator by design) as standard for the package. Also available are the Track-Key (Custom Tune when key is used) and a few other niceties.
I got the Shaker w/Nav system in my cars and couldn’t be happier. Much nicer sounding that the Bose system in the Nissans. Yes, they’re louder and have hard kicking subs (ironically called kickers). They may not be audiophile quality, but they sound better than anything else I own. I’m an old man by most standards but I do rock out hard at times.
I love my interior. I have the 401A Premium with the comfort package. So the dual zone controls, seat warmers, and leather are all very nice. That said, the S550 interior is even nicer, but I have no complaints. I passed on the Recaro seats. The Premium power seats are more comfortable for my seriously damaged back.
The car in my Avatar is murdered-out all the way (except for head/grill lights & running Pony). Those were blacked out too, but I changed my mind. The other GT isn’t blacked out. I had to set them apart in some ways.
BTW - Here’s an interesting thing I love about the Mustang Tech package. Using the touch screen of the NAV / AV system, you can run full OBDII diagnostics and clear DTC’s. A pretty handy thing to have at the fingertips.
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Hey, no sweat, and if you mention caps here ... we'll know what you're talking about
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Dodge or not, it's the current front runner! Wife totally digs on it, and she gives _zero_ Fs about any kind of manufacturer stigma
I love it, it's ballsy, has loads of power, tows a ton, seats 6-7, options for [2nd row] captains chairs, extremely competent on-road, more than enough for our off road needs - plus we have a dealer < 8 miles away.
The "value" for the track (and especially the first couple of years of the S550 Perf Packs) is hard to beat, there's so many improvements over a non-TP/PP car. I can't imagine someone opting for a standard car if they chose a manual (during the PP only available in a manual years - i.e., if you're already comiited to a manual, why not get the best expression of the manual driving experience). Heck, the TORSEN, 3:73s, and coolers are worth it alone! There's also some neat, kind of semi-undocumented perks (like PP lower control arms have spherical bushings).
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If what was under the hood and the interior quality were better, I might.I remember those. I saw multiples of them between the recession and, as you said, Pontiac closing down. Surprisingly, I don't see as much of them as I used to. Garage kept?
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You should be in their commercials.
The 6.0L version claimed 4.6s 0-60. I'd call that pretty darn fast for a stock production car that weighs nearly 2 tons.
The 401A package is the way to go. The ambient lighting control, the upgraded aesthetics, Track Apps, mine has the heated leather/suede seats, where the suede holds you in nicely. I personally don’t care for the pony projection lamps on the side view mirrors, but its a novelty none the less.
The only thing I read about the Recaro seats, is some have said they are not good for long trips with comfortability, more or less best suited for the track. For Every day driving, the stock seats are more than adequate. One minor detail, but I like the stitched leather (I believe it was leather) on the door panels with the pony emblem. The Non-401A packages are immediately Noteable with the subtle differences like the plastic door handles that cheapen the interior.
I have a list of other performance modifications and recently converted/added, but just recently changed out the grill, New quarter window loavers and Cervinis Hood, Pics to come soon, but it turned out really good. The coyote platform is fairly impressive for the power and incredibly popular in the aftermarket sector as I mentioned before, and there is enough after market combinations to make your Mustang separate from looking like everyone else’s where you can add your own flair.
If you ever want to elaborate further what other modifications you have, I Would be interested to know being we share a similar platform.
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Plus, LSx powa! That means there's a huge number of options for heads, cams, IMs, TBs (only parts with external constraints needed to be unique to the vehicle, i.e., exhaust, headers) I do love that about shared engine platforms, one of my Vettes we literally pulled the donor Camaro up next to it and transferred the heads (AFR) and cam (hahaha, almost wrote that plural
, it was a CC306) directly to my car.
Drive home this evening and I spotted an abomination in my rear view mirror.
Gold coloured Renault Megan convertible.
It was only 9 degrees, so the idiot driver had the roof down with a big thick coat on with the fury hood up and thick gloves on.
Made me chuckle.
Gold coloured Renault Megan convertible.
It was only 9 degrees, so the idiot driver had the roof down with a big thick coat on with the fury hood up and thick gloves on.
Made me chuckle.
[doublepost=1522965427][/doublepost]A former business partner of mine drove from the west coast to the east, all the way to the ATL ... in winter ... in a Miata that did not have a top.
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Nothing that grand. Exhaust, Dyno-tune (8 tunes and counting), Clutch, SS lines (brakes/clutch), quarter louvres, side scoops, carbon fiber DS, Roush UCA (anti-wheelhop kit), GT500 spoiler, floor & cargo liners.
Yet to be installed, oil pump gears, balancer, VMP Stage 2 blower kit, BOSS chin splitter, Watts link, welded axle-tubes, LCA relocation brackets, various other suspension and brake upgrades. It’s like a never ending thing. It’s taking longer than anticipated due to critical health issues, so it mostly just gets driven back and forth to the VA Health Center at present. It’s a work in progress.
Wife’s Stang won’t be getting a power adder and suspension upgrades. She already has the same installed mods as my daily Stang.
No mods coming for the Nissans.
I'm not a fan of convertibles. They might make sense in California, but here in the UK, not so much.
I just last week converted over from Bama to Lund {Including BBK 85 TB and GMS coil Kit}. Not that I have anything negative to say about Bama, [They tend to be be very conservative], but the results with Lund from Others and recommendations have been exceedingly positive. (Albeit I do have an extended warranty on my car with Ford given their history with tunes/warranty work.)
As for cosmetic modifications (Includes Labor/paint), I invested $3,000 in a Hood, Grill, loavers and vinyl delete. Interestingly enough, the Cali GT includes the Boss splitter.
Thanks to another members post, the GT will be ceramic coated next week, which unfortunately will take approximately five business days to complete the entire process, which has a three-year longevity. But being it’s black car, I thought it would be a sound investment. I also have a SHO, but considering coating that next year.
Future Plans: Either Roush/Whipple (Sacrafcing the warranty), lowering springs and wheels.
(Speaking of Hoods, there is a TSB posted by Ford the aluminum hoods that have a corrosion issue with the aluminum. I didn’t have any issues with mine and its sporadic at best, (as I sold my stock Hood), but just thought something I would mention being on the subject. Unbeknownst to me, It appears the 2011/2012 are more widely affected.)
Watts Link is major. You would be the first I have heard to install this, which essentially converts (Retaining the Center differential in line) from a live axle to independent rear suspension. That’s a significant improvement and commitment, considering Ford didn’t introduce IRS until the 2015 model. When you install the Watts link, Curious on your feedback.
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I'm always amused at the fact that my convertible was a 100% UK design-i.e. a country known for its rain. Despite that, the top(or hood, rather) takes 10 minutes and a lot of sweating and grunting to put up and leaves gaps you can stick a finger out of. The top is to keep the rain from falling right on you-it doesn't keep you completely dry.
When the MGB came out in 1962, one of its advertised features was "roll up windows." It's inconceivable now that this would be a feature, but it was a big difference from side curtains that you had to install on the MGA and virtually every other British sports car from every maker of that era. I think Morgan still uses side curtains.
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Modern convertible designs are pretty darn roll-over safe. Generally speaking, the windshield needs to support the entire weight of the car, and the headrests are designed in such a way that your head is well off the ground.
If I rolled the MG, they'd be scraping me off the road even with the top up. Fortunately, though, both then and now, convertibles tend to have a low center of gravity and are hard to roll in the first place.
I've found people are either really into convertibles or don't like them, not much middle ground. For us convertible people, there's no substitute: sunroofs, targa tops, etc., that's like watching other people ride roller coasters - there's a very visceral experience you need first hand, that comes from driving with the top down - you get a full on exposure to things around you, the car almost becomes transparent.
That feeling is even more intense on a bike, but there's a _huge_ safety, convenience and utility factor to a car that won't allow me to ever get back on a bike
That feeling is even more intense on a bike, but there's a _huge_ safety, convenience and utility factor to a car that won't allow me to ever get back on a bike
Earlier car like the early mini has two panes on glass which slid past each other so you could open the front half or rear half on windows.
this is where the roll up windows feature came from and was pushed a feature.
I quite liked the opening quarter light glass on the old brits too.
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That feeling is even more intense on a bike, but there's a _huge_ safety, convenience and utility factor to a car that won't allow me to ever get back on a bike
I been on back of a road legal track bike my brother had!
almost 100mph on open road scared crap out me, never again!
That was extremely common on American cars also-I would say up into the early 90s on some trucks and things like that.
I've heard that they went away because they're too easy to break into, but I LOVE them. Even on a hot day, they make not having A/C a fair bit more bearable.
BTW, I open them on the MG even when the top is down.
With that said, when I had a new top put on I opted for a zip out rear window. It wasn't a factory option, but I don''t care(neither is the color...but it looks good so I go with it
). On hot summer days with the sun beating down overhead, the zip out window combined with rolled down side windows makes the top more like a sun shade.
I have to agree with @D.T. that once you experience a convertible and decide you like it, there's really no substitute. It's not for everyone, there's also nothing that can simulate it.
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