Want to go FAST? Rivalry Among Friends

As with most car fans I am not loyal to a single car make or model. Also I am not loyal to just cars! I love all types of motorsports. One of my most recent purchases has turned out to be one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have yet to own (A Ford Raptor)

. As posted before I have had many cars, motorcycles and trucks. Each had their own strengths and their each had their own weaknesses. This is one reason I am not loyal to a single model or even a car brand.

My current stable includes some of my favorite cars of all time. The Nissan GTR is one car I can see my self owning for years to come!. In fact before my wife and I purchased our newest addition we considered another GTR. It really is that good of a car.

Being close to a military base there are quite a few car clubs and events that occur. The best part is that many types of cars that come out. There are motorcycle clubs, truck clubs and specific car clubs. Each are proud of their own creations but the love we share can be appreciated by any enthusiast! 

One thing many car enthusiast enjoy are "Smack" talking to one another. We all believe our own vehicle is the best and many around might agree but we look for that friendly rivalry. The next person to challenge. Whether that challenge is from a stop light, a drag strip or even a roll race event. There are all types of avenues that are available to enjoy your friendly race and push yourself and your car to the limits. 

For me there isn't much more to enjoy. My wife and I share a mutual love of cars that makes it much more easy to bond with one another and with our child.

So is there one best car? is there one best brand? That is all up to you! 

Just remember we all love cars, we all love fun, and we all love FAST!

Our One Day Car Has Become Our Now Car: 2010 Nissan GTR

I had previously posted on how the Nissan GTR was our "One Day" car.

However that day came much sooner than expected. 

Last month my wife and I bought a 2010 Nissan GTR Premium in Super Silver

It had exactly 40,000 miles and other than a couple appearance mods.

It came with Strasse Forged R10's in 21x11" and 21x12.5", Japanese Domestic Market LED running lights, and Clear Front Corner running lights.

Something that is always mentioned in the GTR community is called "GTR Tax", meaning the parts and products cost more simply as the demand is not as high as comparable parts on more common cars.

One way we found was to let some one else buy the parts brand new and purchase quality used parts. Meaning the parts we have bought so far (a Cobb Tuner and Speed by Design Race spec Midpipe) at every reasonable prices!

A funny side note is that our car was owned by Chris and Robert the Brothers who own Strasse Forged and used this car as their show car! How cool is that?

Photos courtesy of Strasse Forged

The One That Got Away.

As a Car guy, like many of you all, I speak the lingo and know within a matter of moments if some one knows if they are truly a car enthusiast or just blowing smoke.

I have shared my current vehicles and even my wife and I's Dream car, the Nissan GTR.

Seeing how I never like to leave anything stock, I wanted to see what people think about why or why not do they feel the need to tinker with our vehicles. 

I have a plan to get one of the cars of my dreams that got away, we all have one car that we have owned and ever regret selling. 

The one that got away is:

The E92 BMW M3 

 

First some back ground information

My family has had BMW's since I was in grade school. It first started with a 1986 BMW E30 325es with the M-Sport package.

It was a classic style with factory upgraded suspension, upgraded interior. Though it had a 2.7L I6, it rev'd much lower than the 325I's 2.5L I6. Needless to say it wasn't a quarter mile blaster, but handled like a dream.

Our next BMW was an E39 528I, TiAg, this was actually the car I learned to drive and even took my used to pass my driving test. We also have a story or it saving our lives multiple times. The Ultimate Driving Machine indeed, One such story is my Mom was taking myself and a few close friends to the mountains to cool off in the year round ice cold rivers in the Smoky Mountains. During the ride there we took one of the MANY back roads to miss all the tourist traffic, My Mom had taken a road that was extremely similar to another which she thought we had taken, needless to say we were saved by the cars ability to turn when we entered a hair pin turn going much quicker than we ever anticipated. the end result was a huge rush and laughter of boys echoing into the hills as we flew around the corner. 

This car lasted my family 13 years and over 260k miles. This was replaced with a E46 325I. Another great vehicle that I unfortunately didn't get much time to enjoy once I enlisted in the Air Force

We our now at the pinnacle of my love affair of BMW's. 

The E92 BMW M3

This is the pinnacle of the driving experience so far in my life. Our particular model was the 2008 M3. It came with the 7 speed DCT, Competition package, Infotainment Center, and anything else that was available. 

I WILL own another one, mark my words. Hearing the 4L V8 reving to 8500 RPM was intoxicating and with the new 3L TT I6 in the new M3/M4 this is going to be one of the last high reving naturally aspirated V8 engines from BMW. 

And now what I'd like to do to the next one.

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