My 2013 WRX

So my wife and I sold our motorcycles early on in 2012 after I had shoulder surgery and knew I would be unable to ride for a very long time. I was driving a GMC Sierra Crew Cab and loved that truck to death. It was a great ride and easy to drive, but as we know easy to drive is not the same as fun to drive!

So we began looking for a fun car to drive. We already had the Mustang 5.0, so we were looking at a FR-S/BR-Z to save some $ and to have something to enjoy! I knew raw speed wouldnt be on the list with the FR-S but I went to drive one anyways. I drove the manual and was immediately impressed with it. I knew the 200 HP boxer motor wouldnt have the MOST power but I loved it rev'd high and was lightweight and just fun!

Then I had to sit back and look objectively, I knew Sia and I would be parents eventually (little did I know she would become pregnant less than 1 month later). So I thought back and really looked at what I wanted and what I could really afford.

Then it hit me, What's fun to drive? Can go anywhere? And hold a baby in the back seat?

 Answer:

Subaru WRX!

I went to the dealer and actually was looking at a Sedan version. Test drove it ran the numbers and said I would come back the next day. On the way home I spotted a hatchback. I knew I had to have one of those.

I called the dealer and turns out they had one in the back. So I came back the next day and went home with my new Daily Driver.

Over the last few months I have added tint and read more Subaru websites than I could ever hope but hands down the best thing I have found is my Cobb Accessport V3.

This hand held device is simply awesome. I can reflash the ECU to adjust the timing and fueling to really smooth the car out. To put it plainly it drives smooth and pulls even harder. The next best thing is Launch Control and Flat Foot Shifting. I used it twice now and was blown away at the animal it has become. Launching at 3500 and shifting at redline is awe inspiring. The gauge display is perfect as well. You can display 1 big gauge or 6 small gauges, perfect for those that love knowing EXACTLY what is going on.


The Good ole Sierra

Post Tint! and you can see our old M3 in the background.

Car Care Tips for the Everyday Driver

Car Care tips for the Everyday Driver.

After a recent trip out to get some food, I witnessed a truck with SEVERELY worn tires. The outside of the tire looked completely fine, will the inside was torn to pieces with the actual bands sticking out. This could easily lead to a high speed blowout! Imagine losing all steering at 60 MPH.....

Now imagine how simple it could be to prevent this.

1. Tire Pressure. Most cars since the mid 2000's come with a tire pressure monitoring system aka TPMS, meaning your car will actually tell you once the tire pressure has become low. Now to simply add air should suffice. After miles of wear tread can wear down and can deteriorate the ability to channel water out of the tire to prevent hydroplaning. Low tire pressure causes the tire to actually heat up beyond what the pressure rating can hold, and can actually cause a blow out. Inspect your tire pressure at least once a month to keep them in top shape and keep them operating exactly as you need. A huge BENEFIT of proper tire maintenance is MORE money in your pocket! Now how can you beat that?
2. Suspension Alignment. As you drive your car you hit potholes, branches and all kinds of other things, this can eventually cause your car to come out of alignment and cause more/excessive wear on these expensive tires. Simple Alignments can cost anywhere from $60-100 and usually come with a one year "warranty".  

General Automotive Tips

1. Windshield/Wipers. Bottom line is that if you cannot see you do not know where you are going a simple glass cleaner and a clean Microfiber towel. Sounds simple but it helps tremendously and keeps you and your loved ones safe! 
2. Oil Changes. Every 5k miles is generally a good time to change your oil, some can go even longer to 7.5K miles. Modern engine oils are light years ahead of oils of 15-20 years ago, meaning they protect your engine in a very wide range of tips and longer than the old yard stick of oil changes every 3k miles. Generally change your oil more if you are harder on your car than most of if you operate your car in extreme conditions. 

Now some of you might think this is basic stuff but many people have never given these a second thought. I hope this simple post helps you drive safer and to keep a little more dough in your pocket!

Nissan GTR: My Official "One Day" Car

Nissan R35 GTR: My "One Day" Car

Earlier in life I was an avid Sport Compact Car reader, they introduced me to R32-34 BNR GTR's.

As most car enthusiasts know the R32-34 was never imported into the United States, so the new R35 is America's first GTR. Most of you know that there is no one reading this that wants to keep a car stock! So lets check out some of the coolest upgrades for this GTR.

The 2009-2014 GTR has evolved each year. I find it inspiring that Nissan has improved upon the overall package. I wish all companies could do the same!

As far as the "One Day" car goes in a few years prices will have gone down to a much more attainable level. Maybe my son will enjoy what its like to launch from 0-60 MPH in 3 seconds on his way to school!

Check out this Buyers Guide

Buyers Guide!

An interesting fact is that no GTR engine is the exact same as they are ALL hand made. Makes me wonder how many "Factory Freaks" have come out of Japan in this car. 

But for all the speed freaks out there check this link out! Cobb Tuning offers some awesome tuning solutions. Plus they offer 15% military discount for those that 

Cobb Stage 2 Power Upgrade!!

2015 Mustang Thoughts and Opinions

New Mustang Debuts

As a 2013 Mustang owner and  just an overall enthusiast I was excited to see the new 2015 Mustang. 

I like that they changed things while keeping the overall classic shape. It has combined a '67 Fastback with the newer '13-14 style and of course the new gadgets on the inside. 

The addition of the Independent Rear Suspension(IRS) is a big step forward as a performance car, the flip side is with the departure of the Solid Rear Axle(SRA) drag racers are thinking back to the 03-04 Cobra. So you must really think about what you want overall for personal style.

Living in Florida with an almost complete absence of curves having a solid rear axle seems to have no benefit other than perhaps a perceived drop in ride comfort for the street.

Mustang fans in general will always have gripes with new models and I know for me it is a fact that I have the previous version and cant admit that there is anything else bigger or better. I know that it is all a mind game with myself but who can blame me? I am proud owner and know many out there will see it the same way as I do. 

I have made some changes to my own 5.0 to make it more my own and to separate it from the crowd.

Onward to the pictures so you can see for yourself

Our 2013

Now Compare to the new 2015 Model

  

Greetings All!

Good Day all. 

My name is Grady Cooper, and I have been a motorsport enthusiast since an early age in life. Like many of you anything that was loud and fast caught my attention. 

For cars it started with my Dads 1989 Mazda Rx-7 Turbo II and during the same time he with a friend built an old Fox Bodied Mustang to do some circle track racing at our local race track/drag strip. 

For motorcycles I remember on a trip to Daytona Beach in 1998 we passed a Honda VFR-800 on the strip of A1A. To further suck me into the sport, my Mom bought me a Motorcyclist magazine in which the VFR had won Motorcycle of the year. 

That was the end of my resistance. 

I spent the next few years working on and off on my Dad's Honda MR-175, that was my first real taste of "speed". 

A few years later at the ripe old age of 15, I got my motorcycle permit! Crazy to really think about but knowing that my parents supported me and taught me to drive and ride things went well. 

DEALS GAP,  NC AKA THE DRAGON!

I was already an avid rider in the first few months and enjoyed many back roads in the local area of East TN I grew up around, especially Deals Gap AKA the Dragon

 Check it out at DealsGap.com I can attribute my first few jobs and even my inspiration for joining the Air Force! 

At Deals Gap the love of fast cars and even faster motorcycles only deepened.

With over 13 cars and 15 motorcycles in the last 10 years I am fair to say I am a certified speed freak. This will be used to share ideas and to help communicate with other speed freaks!

Welcome all!

Grady