Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Silvius got sold too, yesterday!

    Buyer was also impressed with all the records and that all service was done at the dealer. But I'm missing my good old forester already :cry:
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I thought not (not w/o special shop at least).

    The reason I don't want to adjust the pedals is that I prefer to be as far away from the steering wheel (airbag) as possible.

    Plus, adjusting a footrest sounds, in theory, easier than pedals...
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    OK, the footrest could be removed.
    You could try cutting some vinyl or carpet tile and place on back of footrest, and re-attached.

    How much adjustment is needed anyway?

    -Dave
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    not too much, maybe 1" or so...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Dang, was gonna pick her up as a beater... :( But you got a good price for it.

    -mike
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    Great news!!

    I know how much you want a Tribeca but a van can't be beat for space and versatility.

    For a growing family it is the logical way to go.

    Good Luck

    Charlie
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    that's alot of vinyl tiles.

    Piling on the tiles wouldn't be a problem.
    Securing the footrest pad back would be.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    The dead pedal is probably held on with two plastic fasteners if it's like my other Subarus. Pop those off to get the pedal off. I would cut a piece of wood of an appropriate thickness to the same shape as the pedal. Drill holes in it to match the holes in the pedal, then stack the wood behind the pedal (behind the carpet if possible so the wood is hidden) and re-attach. You will need to buy longer plastic fasteners, but those are not hard to come by. For that matter, there are probably a few types of fasteners that would work.

    Once you get the pedal off, you will be able to get behind the carpet in that area and maybe think of other options or ways to attach stuff. There are a lot of ways to do it, and it will probably make more sense once you pop the pedal off and look around. I'd focus on stacking stuff under rather than on top.

    Good luck!
    Craig
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well in our first points race of the year Team IAC driving our 1994 Subaru Legacy Turbo Sport Sedan won the PTE Class at the NASA Northeast Season Opener! After having some setbacks during winter testing at NASA-MA's VIR races where we suffered from a front wheel bearing failure as well as a cracked downpipe which caused boost creap. Since Feb the team has worked on a new exhuast system and wheel bearing repairs. It all came together and after arriving at 5am in Beaver Falls, PA we were ready to race! Qualifying 23 out 30 cars and first out of 2 cars in the PTE class Adam Mouradian would move ahead steadily throughout the race up to the 19th position overall and nearly a 1/2 a lap ahead of the 2nd place Saturn SC2 in PTE.

    At one point a Honda Challenge CRX driven by a former teamate tried to overtake on the inside of a turn and then slammed the right side of the Subaru Legacy. Unfortunately that CRX driver didn't realize when you try to push a 3100lb car off the road with a 2000lb car you know who is gonna lose... The CRX bounced off the Legacy and Adam continued un-effected by the incident.

    Overall this was a really great boost for the Team and for Subaru in general. Realize that this car has 150k miles on the drivetrain which is unchanged from stock right down to the paper air filter!
    Mods list includes:
    Safety Cage
    Gutted Interior, except for doors and dash
    JIC Coilovers
    SS Brake Lines
    Hawk Blue Race Pads F
    Hawk Black Race Pads R
    Kumho Ecsta V710 215-40-16 Race Tires
    2.5RS 16x7 Rims
    Oddessey Superlight Battery, relocated to the trunk
    AC Removal
    Moonroof Removal

    The team is very excited about the season ahead and look forward to going to the NASA Nationals in Sept at the Mid-Ohio Raceway where we will hopefully take the podium in PTE.

    Special thanks to our Sponsors including Subaru, Putnam Signs, K&S Brakes and IAC, Inc. This race and all our races are dedicated to Michael Dassing our Crew Chief who was killed in a motorcycle accident a few years ago and never made it to this our inaugural season.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Tuning Host
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    WTG Mike ... must have been terribly exciting!!!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Congrats to the team, Mike! Always nice to see plans come to fruition.

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Way to go Mike! A big hearty congrats to all involved!

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    True, Charlie. Check out the Cafe, we test drove a couple of vans this weekend, I'll soon share some impressions.

    Monday night Bob and I are going to some regional event to Intro the 08 Tribeca. Nothing special, just a regional thing. They're in Arlington, VA on Monday, then Baltimore, MD on Wednesday.

    I doubt we'll get to drive it, as this seems to be a regular dealer promotion, and not something from SoA. I'm kinda bummed we didn't get invited to any corporate events this time around. :(

    Still, wifey wants to come, so we will test-fit the interior once again, and try to get info on equipment levels. Ideally we want heated cloth seats, but we also want NAV and a DVD player, and that's nearly impossible to find.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Solid results, mike. Nice to see your persistence paid off. Kudos. :shades:
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Nice going Mike!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Thanks guys. Sunday was the icing on the cake. We decided that with our firm victory on Saturday we should save the Kumho V710 Ecstas and run the older Yokohama A048R Med-hard compound tires on the car that don't quite have as much grip. This would prove to be interesting during practice.... Adam wound up sliding off the turn before the uphill after locking up the wheels straight into the arm-co at a 90 degree. Luckily we had only removed the side sections of the bumper beam and this protected the entire front end from more than a scuffed and slightly marred bumper.

    We continued to run the Yoks during the qualifying as Adam really wanted to qualify behind the #93 Saturn SC2 racecar so as to have a decent competative race, because what fun is it beating your competition by 3/4 of a lap? He qualified 26 out of 27 and started on the last row.

    For the race, we swapped back to the V710 tires and were once again in business. Alex was on the radio with him giving him updates and he had a good 2 lap battle with the #93 Saturn but eventually passed him. With about 10 min left in the race we were running in 22rd place of 27 and were only 1.5 seconds behind a worked VW Rabbit/Gold so we radioed to Adam that he should try to pass that guy to move us up to 21st overall. Adam easily passed him and with 2 laps left had the former teamate in the #517 CRX in sight but after the confrontation the day before was going to leave him be as he isn't in our class, unfortunately the Subaru would not let it go, and with 1 lap left was right on his tail, the CRX brake checked Adam and he either had to pass him or hit him, so he passed him and came out in 20th place overall and 1st in PTE on the day.

    In addition to the racing, we were doing the Timing and Scoring for the event which is an interesting job but a fun one. It's a completely computerized system which is pretty neat and gives us all kinds of data and information. We are working on a wireless setup for it so that race teams can be in the paddock or pits with a laptop and see the live race data.

    Thanks for the support and if anyone is in the Pocono Raceway area June 2-3 be sure to come out as that's our next race!

    -mike
  • fandcfandc Member Posts: 51
    NASA doesn't use iCard? That system works really well.

    www.icardus.com
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    We haven't decided on what to use yet. Currently we run the AMB unit with the Orbits Software and upload to Mylaps.com We are going to be testing various things out and see what will work. ICard is cool but I'm not sure of the transmitter side of things, have to research it.

    -mike
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Congratulations Mike! Next time bump the CRX! ;)

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Went to a nice event for the 08 Tribeca this evening, basically I think the regional SoA folks invited people that had registered for more info on the Subaru.com web site. They had 2 of them there for display, though I still haven't driven one.

    One was a gray model that was loaded with everything - NAV, DVD, puddle lights, backup cam, the works. The interior was dark gray, and no longer uses perforated leather.

    The other was black with the beige interior, and while I thought it looked very sharp, the other color scheme was probably the more practical choice.

    Met some nice folks for SoA - Hi Lisa and Lee, if you're reading this! :)

    I'll start with the bad, or things I think they missed. In 06 noone offered power tailgates, but now they are common. Mazda has one, as does the GM Lamdas, and other competitors, so they should add that option soon.

    The side airbag curtains do not protect the 3rd row. It's a 5+2, but I still think a company that puts safety as a top priority should include that protection for the +2 folks.

    The 3rd issue is the fuel tank, which did not grow in size. This is probably the only big issue I could find with the whole vehicle, but 16.9 gallons has gotta be the smallest tank in its class. Most are 20, even 26 gallons.

    And...um...well, that's about it. They did a solid job with the update. These three issues seem small, well that's because they did a good job.

    I already loved the interior, and the new one is just more of a good thing. 3rd row access is easier because now both sides flip and fold, better yet all it takes it one single finger, and the seats both tilt and slide forward, voila! :shades:

    The cargo cover is much better than the one on the 06 model, though that appeared for 2007.

    I also liked the memory seats. That would be useful given how often my wife and I swap cars.

    Seeing the interior again reminded me just how much I liked it before. We do want to sample the cloth model because the leather seats are a little firm.

    I'm also looking forward to sampling the bigger engine.

    Subaru did a solid job with the update. I think the next generation could stand to grow one size up, and let the Forester grow one size to occupy the slot filled by the 5 passenger Tribeca now.

    Fitzgerald Subaru sold out of 07 Tribecas already, and their web site lists one 08 model on the way, but it's a Limited, and we want to sample a cloth model, so we may have to wait a bit longer.

    I don't think Subaru will have any problem moving these, though. In fact, I predict Subaru will be fighting with Toyota over capacity at SIA to be able to meet demand.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Congratulations Mike! Next time bump the CRX!

    Funny thing is the CRX BUMPED US, but due to the weight difference he bounced off (and off the course too).

    Now that we have the reliability down on the car we are going to work with the remaining few modification points allowed to keep us within class to see if we can get a bit more power out of her.

    Next up will be a K&N Filter, SAFC, Surge Tank for the fuel, and a Downpipe-Back exhaust.

    -mike
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Just catching up after vacation and wanted to say "Congrats" to Team IAC. I know how much you folks work on the car so it's nice to hear of your success.

    Congrats as well to Juice and Kate on the sales of your respective Foresters. Good luck with whatever you are going for as a replacement.

    Mark
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I've bought new Forester 2.5X 2006 last year. It just took me a long time to build up courage to separate with "Silvius" - my beloved 2001 Forester.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, I took a quick spin in an 08 Tribeca, and while I was impressed with the new engine, my rational side felt it just didn't offer the space of a minivan, nor the passion I felt for my Forester.

    I think if I was forced into one single vehicle, the Tribeca would have been it. Having two means I don't have to make those compromises.

    So after a long and hard process, we decided to wait for an 09 Forester as our next Subaru, and pick up a practical minivan for now. We picked up a 2007 Sienna LE 8 passenger, with option package 3. :surprise:

    Our plan is to trade in the 02 Legacy next year, about this time, under the Guaranteed Trade-in Program most likely, and pick up the most fuel efficient Forester when the new ones come out (hopefully diesel!).

    It was just too hard to overlook the advantages of a minivan. 148.9 cubic feet of cargo space beats the Suburban and even the Expedition EL. At 74.4, Tribeca isn't even in the same league.

    It was a very tough decision, in fact I didn't sleep much last night. The kids are THRILLED, and Lana isn't giving me that ugly look any more, since I made her check out the 'beca about 753 times. :D

    I'll break down the details of my thinking process in the Cafe.

    Hope you guys don't disown me. ;)

    I have a feeling the wife is going to steal the van and I'll end up with the 09 Forester as the utility/snow car, with a tow hitch and all that. We'll see if she keeps her 02 Legacy or starts driving the van. I won't mind driving her Legacy evenings/weekends for another year or so, though.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Congrats juice. I sort of figured that's what you would do. However, I thought you would opt for one of the Korean minivans. I think you made a good choice, and even though the Sienna may have been more expensive, I think you will see, that when you go to trade or sell it, you made the right choice, as the resale value will likely be higher than the Korean minivans.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, the wife was just not interested.

    I had a concern about a high-speed shimmy some owners are reporting, still unresolved. One person here on Edmunds went to arbitration and won, and Hyundai bought it back.

    Gas mileage is also lower, in CR tests the Korean van got 2 mpg less.

    Depreciation, for sure. Though prices are so low it almost offsets that.

    Hyundai did let you get heated cloth seats and a movie player from the factory, but they don't have an 8 seat model, and that was a big draw for the Yoda.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    What are these thingies on the side?

    -Dave

    V
    V
    V
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    :surprise: :surprise:
    :cry::cry:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No worries, I'm not going any where. We still have the Legacy and I'm officially back on The Fence waiting for the 09 Forester to arrive.

    Make it a little bigger, but keep it fuel efficient. A diesel would be sweet. Keep the big moonroof, and gimme heated cloth seats.

    Remember, I have $1100 in Subaru Bucks left to spend!
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Seems like a smart move -- you just can't beat a minivan for your particular needs, really. I have yet to see an SUV come along that made more sense than a minivan for people hauling.

    So, did you get an AWD Sienna, or FWD?

    Craig
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    "Hope you guys don't disown me. "

    Juice- as you have stated many times you have to go with what works for you. Sounds like you have a good strategy for the future (09 Forester). In the meantime you and your family enjoy it!

    Mark
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    That's what *I* was wondering!
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    Those Icons are for Digg, Del.icio.us, stumbleupon, netscape and addthis. You can click those icons to promote a post as something you find useful, interesting, or just plain worthy of others knowing about. Feel free to try it out!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Thanks Craig, Mark. :shades:

    We considered the AWD Sienna but once again Toyota strikes back with their ridiculous packaging.

    Get this - you can't get the 8 passenger model with AWD. I guess the center tunnel for the driveshaft interferes with the seat anchors? I dunno.

    That was a BIG negative because we usually travel with 5 people (2 kids, nanny) and that meant we'd have to use the 3rd row for people, not cargo.

    The 8 seater is what specifically drew me to the Sienna, vs. other vans.

    Plus, the AWD Sienna only comes with run-flat tires. Again, the driveshaft occupies the space where the spare tire used to be. I like the idea of run-flats, but in my research, they cost about $800 to replace and some owners complain that they only last 15k miles. That kills the TCO.

    I'd gladly pay the extra for AWD and even the penalty in gas mileage, but giving up the 8th seat plus the harsh ride of those stiff sidewalls sort of defeats the purpose of a smooth people mover.

    Plus, Toyota's AWD system stinks. It's 90% FWD. It feels like FWD. So the advantages that Subaru's system offers aren't nearly as apparent.

    Finally, we still have the Legacy, and my wife doesn't have to drive to work when it snows. So I take the Legacy, she works from home, and the Sienna stays parked. Our trips are to the beach, so that means warm weather, i.e. no snow.

    That's why we passed on the AWD.

    Now, given Toyota owns a portion of Subaru, I would like to see Subaru integrate true VDC AWD in the Sienna for them, or even use just the platform for the Sienna and insert the drivetrain from the Tribeca, H6 and VDC, especially now that the 3.6l is more than capable of pulling all that size and weight.

    Circuit City is installing a monster 12" movie screen for the kids today, in time for our weekend trip to the beach. I also picked up a 2nd Garmin GPS for it. The only thing missing is heated seats, but you can't have everything, I guess.

    Sure, it's more a vehicle for the kids than for me, but that's the sacrifice you make as a parent, I suppose. It's really not that bad.
  • nickelnickel Member Posts: 147
    Isn't it risky to install a DVD in a new car? What about warranty?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Remember all the mods on my Forester? Never had a problem.

    I added about 30 things to it, probably 5-6 of them connected to the electrical system, and never had any problems. My stereo, speakers I changed myself.

    The DVD only taps one single 14.4v source, that's it. I spoke with the installer and he told me Toyota pre-wires the harness. So really all he's doing it plugging in the power wire. It connects to the stereo on an FM frequency, and you get a wireless remote control.

    So basically it's pretty non-invasive.

    I did consider an in-dash NAV, backup cam, and all that, too, but that became invasive, plus I would lose the steering wheel mounted radio controls. So I passed.

    I also ordered a Wheelskins leather steering wheel cover. I love those. :shades:
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Juice I thought the reason you gave up on the Becca was the no-heat cloth seats??? what gives!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That would have been a reason to justify spending a lot more.

    The van was $25,247. The base 7 passenger 'beca, 2007 left over, was $27,438. So I was trying to justify spending the extra $2200 or so.

    AWD is the biggie, but check the list in the Crew Cafe and the van adds a lot more to compensate for that.

    I got a 12.1" DVD for $900. Got another Garmin NAV for $350.

    So I'm still $1000 below the base Tribeca price, and that's comparing a left over 2007 model. The 2008 would be even more.

    To "sell" the idea to the wife that the 'beca was a luxury car it should have more content. That's why I brought up the heated seats.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Team IAC Pics from Beaverun

    image

    2-wheeling it:
    image

    As we got smacked:
    image

    Great shot:
    image

    Battery:
    image

    From the honda:
    image

    From the Armco:
    image
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    So how does that work, mike? Racing damage, that is. Do you just have to deal with it, or does the other guy have to pay you for the damage?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    At the track it's every man for himself. No insurance, no attourneys, nada! Of course you are however required to follow rules and any incident is required to be reported to the Race Director and if you get into more than X accidents a year you pretty much get banned from racing. Also if you damage any of the Armco you pay the track for that, but rarely do you get into an accident where the Armco is wrecked enough to require payment.

    -mike
  • fyredanfyredan Member Posts: 17
    Thanks to everyone who helped with my heating problem. Unfortunately, as soon as it got fixed other problems arose. Desperately need running nonturbo engine to fit FWD 93 Legacy with automatic. Please contact me with pries if you have one available.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    is the name of Michael's band...some recent pics...they finally found a singer, though he's not in these pics
    image
    image
    image
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Cool Serge. How's everyone doin'?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    ...and when are you coming up to DC again?
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Michael has grown into a very handsome young man! Congrats, Serge!
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Bob, juice, And Kate,
    Michael is flying up to Jersey on the 6th of June. He is the guitar counselor at his camp in Milford, PA and needs to go to a orientation weekend. He'll stay there for the month...camp is from June 26th - Aug. 16th.

    I was suppose to come up on the 12th, but I will be coming up the 8th. My mom in NJ broke her pelvis last Friday and just got out of the hospital and into rehab yesterday. She is 85 and was talking about wanting to die...this is from someone who lived thru Lodz Ghetto and Stutthof concentration camp.

    Talking to Michael seems to have helped, though. She was able to sit up by herself today and seems to be looking forward to seeing us...my brother thinks she is just biding time till we get up there so she can say her goodbyes; she has some dementia also; I am more hopeful...I guess that's just me She has been in her own apartment till Friday; however, after rehab, she will have to be in a nursing home.

    Susan and I are still trying to work out a settlement and the house is on the market with a broker...people have come to see it, but it's a slow market
    2 1/2 days left of school and next year, 6th grade World History..I am pleased about that.

    This trip, it looks like just NY, NJ, and hopefully up to Boston to tour Berklee College of Music to check out the campus, recording studios, and the Music Production and Engineering program. DC and Peabody Institute will have to wait, perhaps winter break.
    Serge
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I'm not surprised that juice went the minivan route, though I thought the revised Tribeca would meet his needs. Kate: I'm sure the two of you will sort it out and find the next 5-door Subie of your dreams.

    As for me, I am most likely joining the ranks of recent car sellers soon. I've reached an agreement to sell my Studebaker; once the check from the buyer clears it's a matter of transferring title and paying taxes, then the old dear's gone. That should all happen within the next two weeks.

    I will still retain my screen name, however. I know it's sort of dumb to pick one that's the name of your car, but I had the Stude before I had my first Subaru and besides, I figured 99% of people wouldn't know what it meant anyway. I've been lark6 on every Subaru board I've been on (though other names on other boards) for the last 6+ years and so I'll stay. That way oldtimers will still know it's me. ;)

    Ed
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Serge, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she recovers okay. If you get to Baltimore to check out Peabody, give juice, Loosh and I a holler.

    Ed, too bad about the the car—and yes, keep your screen name; it will become sort of an insider's joke. Hopefully another Studebaker is in the cards down the road.

    Bob
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