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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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Snow isn’t an issue here either (Especially if you have adapted to driving in it) , if you have the appropriate vehicle set up to handle it.
i live in an urban area. I seldome drive more than 11 miles in any direction and there is lite rail.
during the last 10 years every year has had reduced moisture. Even the mother of snow storms is only 2-3 inches these days
keep things simple; would not consider a self driving car
a F150 turck would not fit in my garage.
the alley way access is narrow, fun to watch the neighbor manover thier land boat
i changed out the clutch in my honda and it was VERY diffiuclt. Looking for an EV with reduced parts count not the other way.
just now seeing the concept of an electric motor in the hub for EV's.
during the last 10 years every year has had reduced moisture. Even the mother of snow storms is only 2-3 inches these days
keep things simple; would not consider a self driving car
a F150 turck would not fit in my garage.
the alley way access is narrow, fun to watch the neighbor manover thier land boat
i changed out the clutch in my honda and it was VERY diffiuclt. Looking for an EV with reduced parts count not the other way.
just now seeing the concept of an electric motor in the hub for EV's.
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I don't think a supercharged Camaro with huge tires and a loud exhaust is much of a sleeper
Now, @bunnspecial's MG with an LS1 transplant? Now there's a sleeper ...
Don't think it hasn't been done
Now that Rover V8s are thin on the ground(never been super common in the US anyway) the popular swaps now are the 3800 V6(the variant in 80s Camaros) and the 5.0L Windsor. Both are relatively plentiful in junkyards, which is a plus. The V6 has lots of extra "go fast" stuff available for it and since its kind-of-sort-of a Buick/Rover V8 with two cylinders chopped off, it's nearly as easy to drop in as the Rover. It's a bit heavier than the B 4-cylinder or the aluminum Rover V8, but not dramatic and the overall relatively short length doesn't throw off the weight distribution terribly. The Windsor takes a fair bit more work to fit, but is doable and has even more performance potential than the 3800. Fox body Mustangs keep that market in business
For reference the Buick/Rover V8 is the "gold standard" swap for the MGB since it was what the factory put in them and if you have an RHD car the engine is as close to drop in as you could ask. The factory only made a half dozen or so LHD V8s-all made for US evaluation that ended up not happening-even though there were I think 8 or 9000 factory RHD ones made. The steering column on the left side gets in the way, but can be worked around with a little creativity. The same guy who originally restored my Marina is a rather well known in the MG community for his 74 1/2 GT with a Rover V8. He's at 760,000 miles and counting on it, and a whole lot of those miles towing a trailer with two Triumph motorcycles or the occasional MG.
super charged iCar of the near future:
just thinking combining modern apple marketing to the automoitve industry could be odd.
just thinking combining modern apple marketing to the automoitve industry could be odd.
Whelp, Dodge notified me that my 18’ Scat factory warranty has expired, which actually got me thinking, I might add a tune in the spring.
The question I have, is should I just do a ‘flash tune’ [Quick, simple and adds some marginal numbers with approximately 25HP/40TQ] just using the OBII port Or a 93’ Tune with some fuel upgrades with higher output numbers. Personally, I’d just use a flash tune and would only cost like $400 and there’s quite a few forum posts saying that it really opens up the car in a conservative, but inaggressive way to bump it over 500 HP. But I’ve also heard that Scats respond really well to 93 tunes, which is what I am running right now on two of my other cars.
The only other modification the Scat has a full cat back system, and that’s it. It’s the only other perform-car that I own, which basically completely stock.
I’ve got some thinking to do....
The question I have, is should I just do a ‘flash tune’ [Quick, simple and adds some marginal numbers with approximately 25HP/40TQ] just using the OBII port Or a 93’ Tune with some fuel upgrades with higher output numbers. Personally, I’d just use a flash tune and would only cost like $400 and there’s quite a few forum posts saying that it really opens up the car in a conservative, but inaggressive way to bump it over 500 HP. But I’ve also heard that Scats respond really well to 93 tunes, which is what I am running right now on two of my other cars.
The only other modification the Scat has a full cat back system, and that’s it. It’s the only other perform-car that I own, which basically completely stock.
I’ve got some thinking to do....
Had to get Mrs AFB MOT done today. There was a lovely Mk1 Ford Escort in white there. Obviously a bit of a project car as quite a bit of the interior was incomplete.
Every time I see one of those, I am reminded of this gem:
It's in German, but that doesn't really matter. Conversation is not that important in this case 😄
It's in German, but that doesn't really matter. Conversation is not that important in this case 😄
My first car was a Mk1 Escort the 1300XL with rectangular headlights. Loved it.
.
Just an update w
My original Ridgeline was my favorite, and I regretted trading that in when I did, but that's water over the dam at this point. I'm not a fan of the newer body of the current ridgelines. What I liked about the ridgeline was the trunk in the bed of the truck, and the tailgate door that can open traditionally but also swings open. creature comforts were nice since it was built on a honda pilot frame.
Back to the Chevy, the features included are what puts this truck in a category in of its own (from my prior trucks). Heated seats, and steering wheel - these have been quite a nice luxury this past month. The tires are more robust off roady types have handled better in the snow then my prior truck. One of my favorite features is the ability to start the truck from my phone. I can't tell you how many times I've used this countless times.
What I didn't know is that the truck also has 4-auto. I thought only ZR2 had that, so if you're in a snow storm or transitioning from paved to dirt on and off, 4-auto is nice as it will switch to 4 wheel when needed. Its not designed as full time all wheel drive, but if the conditions are changing, this is a nice little feature.
I still wouldn't mind finding a hard top tonneau cover but so far I've really found one that could justify replacing my cheap no-name soft tonneau that so far has worked well enough these past three years. I'm not seeing much stretching. Let me add, a must have for the hard top - no drilling. This is a lease and while I have every intention to buy it out after the lease ends, who knows what the future will hold.
Just an update as the truck will be turning 2 months and Its by far the best truck I've ever owned. I've had honda ridgelines, Dodge Dakotas, and of course Chevys.
My original Ridgeline was my favorite, and I regretted trading that in when I did, but that's water over the dam at this point. I'm not a fan of the newer body of the current ridgelines. What I liked about the ridgeline was the trunk in the bed of the truck, and the tailgate door that can open traditionally but also swings open. creature comforts were nice since it was built on a honda pilot frame.
Back to the Chevy, the features included are what puts this truck in a category in of its own (from my prior trucks). Heated seats, and steering wheel - these have been quite a nice luxury this past month. The tires are more robust off roady types have handled better in the snow then my prior truck. One of my favorite features is the ability to start the truck from my phone. I can't tell you how many times I've used this countless times.
What I didn't know is that the truck also has 4-auto. I thought only ZR2 had that, so if you're in a snow storm or transitioning from paved to dirt on and off, 4-auto is nice as it will switch to 4 wheel when needed. Its not designed as full time all wheel drive, but if the conditions are changing, this is a nice little feature.
I still wouldn't mind finding a hard top tonneau cover but so far I've really found one that could justify replacing my cheap no-name soft tonneau that so far has worked well enough these past three years. I'm not seeing much stretching. Let me add, a must have for the hard top - no drilling. This is a lease and while I have every intention to buy it out after the lease ends, who knows what the future will hold.
I watched the video. It’s interesting, because you can see the design cues how Ford cross-referenced the Escort and Mustang:
Photo <Snipped> from your video:
69’ Mustang:
Definitely some similarities there, I think that’s what I find I like about that particular year of Escort.
Pretty big news,
Barrett Jackson 2021 has now moved from January to March 2021 (20th-27th), obviously due to the pandemic. It was on the verge of actually being canceled for the first time ever, they’re hoping it will be safe enough for the ‘live auction’ event.
If you’re a true car enthusiast, you’ll know exactly how awesome this event is, being the largest in the world. (I mentioned months ago, I was actually slated to go this year with my partner, but unfortunately everybody’s lives have changed given the outlook with surges.)
One of the big highlights this year is the ‘1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor tribute Edition’:
Barrett Jackson 2021 has now moved from January to March 2021 (20th-27th), obviously due to the pandemic. It was on the verge of actually being canceled for the first time ever, they’re hoping it will be safe enough for the ‘live auction’ event.
If you’re a true car enthusiast, you’ll know exactly how awesome this event is, being the largest in the world. (I mentioned months ago, I was actually slated to go this year with my partner, but unfortunately everybody’s lives have changed given the outlook with surges.)
One of the big highlights this year is the ‘1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor tribute Edition’:
Was going to buy a BMW X3 in the new year to replace our Honda CRV but looking at the specs I can get a higher spec 2018 CRV for the same money as the Beemer. Think I’ve made my decision now.
Turns out this was and is going to be an expensive Christmas. On a rainy Christmas Eve my Charger decided to throw a rod, which then went through the oil pan, and turned the piston sideways in the cylinder. I don't have pics of the damage yet, but should be receiving them from the shop next week.
So now it looks like I'm on the path to a new forged short block and long tube headers, plus some other expensive stuff. I love this car, but I really could have done without the drama and the expense.
Estimated time to complete the job: four to six weeks, largely due to lead time for ordering parts, and sending the supercharger back to Whipple for inspection and cleaning, and possible bearing replacement. Sigh.
So now it looks like I'm on the path to a new forged short block and long tube headers, plus some other expensive stuff. I love this car, but I really could have done without the drama and the expense.
Estimated time to complete the job: four to six weeks, largely due to lead time for ordering parts, and sending the supercharger back to Whipple for inspection and cleaning, and possible bearing replacement. Sigh.
Dang brother, sorry to hear, I mean, it happens.
It's also an example of [bone stock] OEM vs. aftermarket, and where the TCO can be deceptive, I refer to my post from Oct 13, 2019:
The Car Thread ... !
I think you know what I’m about to say, as we’ve had this discussion before .😁 Here’s what I would do if I were you. My first question for you, have you driven a Scat yet? If you haven’t, I think you should. I think you should find out specifically if it’s a car for you or not, or if it...
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The potential of electric vehicles is vast and incredibly exciting for the future. Shame that, at least so far, this tech tends to end up in 2.5-ton crossovers and we are told they are the replacement for SUVs, minivans, sports cars and economy cars, all in one vehicle. Can't wait till GM sees the light in turn and comes out with an electric three-row crossover 'Corvette Denali E.'
Out of random, I bought a Prius three a while back at an auction, and I gotta tell you, even though it’s a crossover of ICE/EV, it’s pushed me more to definitely think about going all-electric for my next car. I considered quite a few options in my last lineup, with the Model 3 being near the top, but more than anything, aside from all the technology and instant power, I just want the convenience of not having to deal with maintenance in terms of fluid changes, belts, etc.The potential of electric vehicles is vast and incredibly exciting for the future. Shame that, at least so far, this tech tends to end up in 2.5-ton crossovers and we are told they are the replacement for SUVs, minivans, sports cars and economy cars, all in one vehicle. Can't wait till GM sees the light in turn and comes out with an electric three-row crossover 'Corvette Denali E.'
I live in a state where it gets brutally cold, so EV’s aren’t always favorable for those type of conditions, being it’s hard on the batteries and it takes longer for them to produce heat. I’m aware of quite a few Tesla owners in my area and they absolutely love them. But like you said, I want to see more variety and manufacturers to give us more options.
Also, I’ve also heard really good things about the Toyota Prime RAV4, and I guess Toyota is in a situation where they can’t make them fast enough, but all signs are showing that drivers want the cargo room, with the towing capacity.
Not getting gas is amazing, TBH.
The new models with the heat pump are a little better in the winter, but yeah, EVs are problematic in the winter. That being said, for a daily, you're unlikely to get in a situation where you're going to run out of juice in one day.
BTW, @Relentless Power, I'm totally jonesing a Panerai right now.
The new models with the heat pump are a little better in the winter, but yeah, EVs are problematic in the winter. That being said, for a daily, you're unlikely to get in a situation where you're going to run out of juice in one day.
BTW, @Relentless Power, I'm totally jonesing a Panerai right now.
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