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Reader's Rides & Photos

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Comments

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132

    @stever said:

    I hope that Lenova box does NOT have a Lenova inside.... it's crushed.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762

    @stever said:
    Picked up a nail doing a pit stop at McDonalds. :'(

    Yeah, well, somehow I don't think that is the only think you picked up there, Steve! :p

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454

    @imidazol97, just a little corner smoosh. ;) Forgot to label that box - there's some metal stuff rattling around in there but I think it's just some tools that didn't sell at the garage sale last month that I had room to toss in..

    @explorerx4, we lived in Mad Town for ~6 months back in the 80s and have revisited several times since we moved to the UP. Nice place, good schools (and UW), lots of good neighborhoods. So far the tire is holding its own.

  • chipwhitley34chipwhitley34 Member Posts: 2

    My pride and joy. :)

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762

    @chipwhitley34 said:
    My pride and joy. :)

    Ack! Somebody stole your springs! :p

    Looks like a fun car!

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855

    Ack! Somebody stole your springs! :p
    That comment cracked me up. I like the low look, but at 64 wouldn't even try to get in one.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    I talked with some of the product development guys at Koni and they recommended that I keep the Mazdaspeed within 1.5 in. of the stock ride height if I lowered it at all. Their opinion was that there was little to no handling improvement to be gained by tweaking suspension height.
    But to each his own, I you like it low, it's YOUR car...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,655

    @roadburner said:
    I talked with some of the product development guys at Koni and they recommended that I keep the Mazdaspeed within 1.5 in. of the stock ride height if I lowered it at all. Their opinion was that there was little to no handling improvement to be gained by tweaking suspension height.
    But to each his own, I you like it low, it's YOUR car...

    When the suspension gets lowered that much, aren't you going to run into problems hitting bumps, potholes, and such? And, what about sharp turns?

    Years ago, I had an '89 Gran Fury ex police car, and made the mistake of putting 235/70/R15 tires on it, which were just a little too big (stock was either a 215 or 225/70). If I hit a bump while making a sharp turn, the tire would grab on the trim surrounding the wheel opening. While my car wasn't lowered, I would think it would be sort of the same principle...not enough clearance?

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    edited August 2014

    There can certainly be issues with that, but a lot of engineering goes into these aftermarkets, and I see many lowered vehicles around here (hell, in terms of ground clearance issues), so they must do it right!

    Cars like that little Fiat, Jettas, etc., can pull off the lowered look pretty well. I'm the anti-fan of lowering cars, and I don't even find them offensive to behold! :D

    I found Chip's post particularly timely, because I had just installed heavy duty springs on my Forester that ended up increasing the ride height by over an inch (despite their claim to be "factory height"). I suspect it is due to their reduced compression, because they are the same overall uncompressed height (maybe even a little bit shorter) as the OEM units they replaced.

    Oh, and, funny enough, I know what you mean about the wheel openings on older cars. I have the same size tires on my '69 Econoline, which, if you can believe it, is an up-size from the stock 14" rims (I think the stock size is like 215/75R14 or something). They are large enough that the tires on the front axles will hit the top of the wheel well under compression before the suspension contacts the bump stops. So, driving to Alaska on the frost-heaved roads required a bit of navigating. I knew I was overdoing it when I would launch over a huge heave followed by the tell-tale "whomp, whomp" as the tire rubbed the metal at speed. LOL!

    Here's that sexy old beast.... Hahahahahaha!

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    @andre1969 said:
    When the suspension gets lowered that much, aren't you going to run into problems hitting bumps, potholes, and such? And, what about sharp turns?

    Those are all issues with an extremely lowered car- and that's not even getting into how lowering can screw up the suspension geometry. With my Mazda I've tried to follow BMW tuner Steve Dinan's philosophy; he tests a modification by letting his wife drive the car- if she can't notice the change he considers it a success. In my case I've added about 40 bhp and significantly improved the handling of the MS3, but when driven conservatively it is indistinguishable from a dead stock 2007...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited August 2014

    @imidazol97 said:
    I hope that Lenova box does NOT have a Lenova inside

    There is a laptop in the Lenova box this trip, but it's up high, behind the infamous Edmunds chair on the left side of the pic. :)

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132

    @stever said:

    There is a laptop in the Lenova box this trip, but it's up high, behind the infamous Edmunds chair

    LOL. I have getting one of those Edmunds chairs on my bucket list. :)

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454

    I'll have to roll that green Edmunds towel out in the pic soon and show that off. Ah, there's nothing like swag.

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855

    I recently got pics of a 67 Camaro I sold 5 years ago. The guy called me to ask for before pics and sent me after pics. I think he did a really nice job on it (going from white to Mist Green).

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694

    @mako1a said:
    I recently got pics of a 67 Camaro I sold 5 years ago. The guy called me to ask for before pics and sent me after pics. I think he did a really nice job on it (going from white to Mist Green).

    BEAUTY!

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762

    Totally agreed. The guy did a very tasteful job on it.

    The wheels... everything just looks right (to me) on the car.

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,655

    That is a beautiful Camaro. I've always been a sucker for a nice shade of green.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    Shifty's Mighty Mini:

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    Nice. I wish my Mini dealer wasn't a joke...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    If you can't build yourself a network of independent MINI repair shops and parts outlets, don't buy one.

    As it is, parts, maintenance and repairs are costing me about $1000/$1200 a year. To be fair, I drive a lot and I drive hard.

    These early MINIs are like little skateboards--with the short wheelbase and very stiff suspension and tires, when you hit really rough patches in the road, you're not sure which way the car will end up pointing. Requires attention but WAY fun.

    I drove a 2012 the other day and it is a considerably "tamer" car in all respects. Not sure I'd like it as much.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    I think I'll stick with my Mazdaspeed(especially since I added the Pilot Super Sports, FSDs, and 1.25" rear anti-roll bar). I don't think I spend $1200 per year on the Mazdaspeed, Club Sport and 2002 combined...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762

    So, I gave the truck (1969 Chevy C20) a light workout this week. It's good for it. :)

    Lumber for my shed (unsure of weight... probably about 3,000#?):

    Unloaded:

    Current progress (half of that pile, more or less; the rafters and whatnot are still to be done):

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694

    got a permit for that thing?

    ;)

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481

    Well sure you'll spend less on a Japanese car---but to be fair, I drive the MINI up to 18,000 miles a year and whatever Lola wants, Lola gets--the car gets top notch maintenance.

    @roadburner said:
    I think I'll stick with my Mazdaspeed(especially since I added the Pilot Super Sports, FSDs, and 1.25" rear anti-roll bar). I don't think I spend $1200 per year on the Mazdaspeed, Club Sport and 2002 combined...

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762

    @slorenzen said:
    got a permit for that thing?

    A what? What language is that word, "permit?" B)

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    @Mr_Shiftright said:
    Well sure you'll spend less on a Japanese car---but to be fair, I drive the MINI up to 18,000 miles a year and whatever Lola wants, Lola gets--the car gets top notch maintenance.

    I average 20,000 miles per year on the Mazda- and I also go over and above the recommended maintenance- Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil, transaxle oil changed every 30,000 miles(with the über-expensive Motorcraft XT-M5-QS), brake fluid every year, etc.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited September 2014

    Yeah but you started out with a new car. :) I inherited whatever the dealer and previous owner did for 50,000 miles.

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    Yes- that can make a HUGE difference...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,729
    edited September 2014

    @Mr_Shiftright said:
    Yeah but you started out with a new car. :) I inherited whatever the dealer and previous owner did for 50,000 miles.

    Might be better said you inherited whatever the previous owner DIDN'T do for the first 50K miles.

    '15 Audi Misano Red Pearl S4, '16 Audi TTS Daytona Gray Pearl, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    RB, how about a pic of that Speed 3. I'm curious what it looks like. Hatch, trunk, grill, etc.
    I had a rental Mazda 3 (plain) once and got the lets go old man by a few guys in Supras and other fast looking cars. They must have thought I was in a Speed 3. It was a yellow hatch with a great stereo and I liked driving it.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    mako1a said:

    RB, how about a pic of that Speed 3. I'm curious what it looks like. Hatch, trunk, grill, etc.
    I had a rental Mazda 3 (plain) once and got the lets go old man by a few guys in Supras and other fast looking cars. They must have thought I was in a Speed 3. It was a yellow hatch with a great stereo and I liked driving it.

    Here you go:


    My car has 2nd Generation MS3 wheels, which are 0.5 inch wider than 1st Generation wheels. The main visual differences from a regular Mazda 3 are wider front fenders, a higher hood line, a larger rear wing, and a larger exhaust tip. I like the sleeper look and feel; nothing gives away the added power or increased handling limits until you hammer it.
    MS32.jpg 167.3K

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    I thought the 3Speed has a hood scoop. RB, that car is definitely a 'sleeper'.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    edited September 2014
    I like it. Thanks for the pic. I expected to see some evidence of a track history like stripes or numbers on the side. It also has a timeless look about it, like it could be brand new and certainly not 7 years old. I'd sure like to buy that after you're done upgrading everything that doesn't meet your level of endurance. OOps, belay my last as I don't do stick shift.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Love sleeper cars! If they ever come out with a Turbo legacy, It will be trade in time!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312

    I thought the 3Speed has a hood scoop. RB, that car is definitely a 'sleeper'.

    The 2nd Gen cars do have a hood scoop; the 1st Gen cars duct air to the intercooler through the top half of the grill opening.

    Next scheduled upgrade is an Electric Focus/Focus ST rear motor mount.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    What benefit does that provide, RB?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    xwesx said:

    What benefit does that provide, RB?

    It keeps the motor from moving an excessive amount. My OEM mount was OK but has over 144,000 miles on it. The Focus mount is a bit stiffer than OEM, but doesn't transmit excessive vibration to the interior like so many of the aftermarket mounts do.
    In fact, you can replace all three mounts with various aftermarket pieces, but you run the risk of turning your Mazda into a rolling paint shaker. I'm trying to make my car faster without having to compromise comfort or practicality- threading the needle, if you will...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    Ah, I see! I didn't realize you had so many miles on it!

    I replaced the motor mounts on my '98 Escort when it had around 150K on it. I just used OEM replacements, but WOW what a difference that made to the engine vibration that made it into the cabin....
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,312
    xwesx said:

    Ah, I see! I didn't realize you had so many miles on it!

    I replaced the motor mounts on my '98 Escort when it had around 150K on it. I just used OEM replacements, but WOW what a difference that made to the engine vibration that made it into the cabin....

    Yes, mounts are like shocks, they usually go bad gradually and you don't notice the degradation...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive

  • 41buick41buick Member Posts: 3
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,097
    Nice. Was it the Best Buick Yet?

    image

    Cars of that era wear fender skirts better than others, too.
    41buick said:


  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    I wish this was mine. Just for today. Happy Halloween!


  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    Karen_CM said:

    I wish this was mine. Just for today. Happy Halloween!


    when cars were cars, and men were men...

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,097
    I visited the locations for that classic:

    image

    image

    And here's Dana's apartment building/"Shandor Building"/"Spook Central" - also notice the church stepped on by the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man

    image

    And the library from the opening scene:

    image

    Classic movie that's still fun.


    Karen_CM said:

    I wish this was mine. Just for today. Happy Halloween!


  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    41buick said:



    Those old Buicks were wonderful cars that were more than capable of cruising at 80 MPH for hours at a time without effort.
  • hpmctorquehpmctorque Member Posts: 4,600

    41buick said:



    Those old Buicks were wonderful cars that were more than capable of cruising at 80 MPH for hours at a time without effort.
    I agree they were wonderful cars, but given the high numerical axle ratios of the day and the long stroke engine designs, I don't think prewar Buicks were great high speed cruisers. Also, Buick didn't offer an overdrive option or a 4-speed, which some competitors, such as Hudson, Studebaker and Chrysler did. Buicks did feature overhead valves, though.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,439
    followed me home today.


    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,655
    stickguy said:

    followed me home today.


    Did you open the door and let it in, or shoo it away? :-P

    Seriously though, looks like a nice car. What are the details on it?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,439
    2015 Hyundai Sonata limited with the 2.4i engine and tech package. So top line trim, with a lot of extra goodies (Pano roof, heated and cooled seats, navigation, and other stuff I haven't figured out.)

    yes, we let it stay. Wife has become quite attached to it already.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

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