Rotary Amuse Build and Photoblog
10-05-13, 01:41 AM
#51
Lil Nemo's mandatory aero/body work inspection
Inspection passed! Big thanks to our beloved Rotary Amuse crew chief! "Maybe you stop buying parts so we don't have to keep taking it apart - more seat time!" A great idea, but I have a horrible addiction. RX-7 parts are like my Pokemon: I can't help but to try to collect them all! Seriously though, thanks Mark
On a side note - is it normal to want to change shoes so often? I love my CCW's but I keep thinking of how many other sets could look better... must. refrain. from. chasing. better. offset. Track wheels and R comps are on my list (the Classics generally fit the bill, but are way too heavy for my taste), so I'll ride these out for a bit.
Probably one of the easiest, but most rewarding jobs that we have completed recently - I missed my N1 hood very much! One of my hood dampers blew, so we replaced both (the weights were different than the original RE dampers). Thanks Ben / Rotary Extreme for helping me out with replacement parts. A few of my hood bracket holes were stripped, so Mark cleaned them up. Thanks Jarred for giving us a hand with install.
While on the subject of addiction, I currently have fourteen pounds of carbon fiber and twelve pounds of thermoplastic on order. I had to upgrade my PC680 with a YellowTop D51R, so Mia's going on a diet (better that than having her purging all over the garage)! I am also working on a new carbon fiber Rotary Amuse badge that I'm pretty psyched about. It looks awesome in my mind; execution is always something altogether different. We'll see. There's just something about that sixth element that I can't get enough of...
Inspection passed! Big thanks to our beloved Rotary Amuse crew chief! "Maybe you stop buying parts so we don't have to keep taking it apart - more seat time!" A great idea, but I have a horrible addiction. RX-7 parts are like my Pokemon: I can't help but to try to collect them all! Seriously though, thanks Mark
On a side note - is it normal to want to change shoes so often? I love my CCW's but I keep thinking of how many other sets could look better... must. refrain. from. chasing. better. offset. Track wheels and R comps are on my list (the Classics generally fit the bill, but are way too heavy for my taste), so I'll ride these out for a bit.
Probably one of the easiest, but most rewarding jobs that we have completed recently - I missed my N1 hood very much! One of my hood dampers blew, so we replaced both (the weights were different than the original RE dampers). Thanks Ben / Rotary Extreme for helping me out with replacement parts. A few of my hood bracket holes were stripped, so Mark cleaned them up. Thanks Jarred for giving us a hand with install.
While on the subject of addiction, I currently have fourteen pounds of carbon fiber and twelve pounds of thermoplastic on order. I had to upgrade my PC680 with a YellowTop D51R, so Mia's going on a diet (better that than having her purging all over the garage)! I am also working on a new carbon fiber Rotary Amuse badge that I'm pretty psyched about. It looks awesome in my mind; execution is always something altogether different. We'll see. There's just something about that sixth element that I can't get enough of...
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-17-17 at 08:38 PM.
10-05-13, 01:42 AM
#52
Ended up going to another Cars and Coffee event. Good turnout with some really nice cars.
I need front spacers. Any recommendations on size or brand?
Meets are fun, but I'd much rather be driving. Dirty girl's dirty, and she looks and feels way better in motion!
If you have never seen fall foliage in New England, you are missing out! Without waxing poetic about my great region and drops in chlorophyl levels, it is absolutely worth seeing at least once. Brian, Jarred and I decided to go for a hundred mile roundtrip cruise around the Quabbin. If anyone is ever up for getting a full tour, PM me and I would be happy to oblige. Seriously. I heard the new diffuser made for some gnarly leaf tornadoes; didn't have the right photo equipment to try to capture it. Serious question - does a gnarly leaf tornado mean the diffuser is doing what it's supposed to or do I need to adjust the angle? When leaf tornadoes are my reference points and air tunnels, I need to step up my aero game.
Not the exact route we took, but a rough approximation
Brian's WRX is putting down ~320 to the wheels and Jarred's Miata is putting down ~210 (!) turbocharged ponies to the wheels. They are both great drivers and made for awesome cats and mice in our RESPONSIBLE Quabbin region togue showdowns.
Not really car related, but this praying mantis tried to eat a caterpillar; ended up stunned, paralyzed, or dead. They may or may not have walked this off... Pretty cool sighting nonetheless.
And leaves were peeped
I need front spacers. Any recommendations on size or brand?
Meets are fun, but I'd much rather be driving. Dirty girl's dirty, and she looks and feels way better in motion!
If you have never seen fall foliage in New England, you are missing out! Without waxing poetic about my great region and drops in chlorophyl levels, it is absolutely worth seeing at least once. Brian, Jarred and I decided to go for a hundred mile roundtrip cruise around the Quabbin. If anyone is ever up for getting a full tour, PM me and I would be happy to oblige. Seriously. I heard the new diffuser made for some gnarly leaf tornadoes; didn't have the right photo equipment to try to capture it. Serious question - does a gnarly leaf tornado mean the diffuser is doing what it's supposed to or do I need to adjust the angle? When leaf tornadoes are my reference points and air tunnels, I need to step up my aero game.
Not the exact route we took, but a rough approximation
Brian's WRX is putting down ~320 to the wheels and Jarred's Miata is putting down ~210 (!) turbocharged ponies to the wheels. They are both great drivers and made for awesome cats and mice in our RESPONSIBLE Quabbin region togue showdowns.
Not really car related, but this praying mantis tried to eat a caterpillar; ended up stunned, paralyzed, or dead. They may or may not have walked this off... Pretty cool sighting nonetheless.
And leaves were peeped
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:10 PM.
10-05-13, 01:44 AM
#53
And the most exciting thing since last I checked in: I got married to my high school sweetheart!
My bride to be agreed to have Mia as our chauffeur under the condition that I replace her Sparco Sprint V with a factory seat for the day. The replacement factory leather fell through, so we made it work. She was a great sport though!
Photos: Matt Ferrara / Matt Ferrara Photography with second shooter Chris
The roll bar made for a great coat rack
My lil partner in crime (brother) was pretty excited about the big day
I should have filled up the FD the day before...
Gentleman racer?
We got the dress to fit! She looked so beautiful!
And that's how my RX-7 became each of ours RX-3.5! or OurX-7?
Cheers!
My bride to be agreed to have Mia as our chauffeur under the condition that I replace her Sparco Sprint V with a factory seat for the day. The replacement factory leather fell through, so we made it work. She was a great sport though!
Photos: Matt Ferrara / Matt Ferrara Photography with second shooter Chris
The roll bar made for a great coat rack
My lil partner in crime (brother) was pretty excited about the big day
I should have filled up the FD the day before...
Gentleman racer?
We got the dress to fit! She looked so beautiful!
And that's how my RX-7 became each of ours RX-3.5! or OurX-7?
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:13 PM.
10-13-13, 12:43 PM
#55
Thanks Henry - congrats to you and your wife as well! Happy belated anniversary!
Not much new with the RX-7. As previously alluded to, I've got a Seibon carbon fiber hatch and Flex-A-Lite polycarbonate rear window on order. I don't believe they'll be in, clear coated and installed before the snow starts to fall, and there's no sense in getting it on just to hibernate and collect dust in the garage over the New England winter. I'll take my time on it, as I always do. I'll post up some carbon fiber **** pictures after it comes in.
It has been a crazy couple months with rotary/RX-7 coverage: Bobby Poage battling it out in the Modified Street Car Shootout (great results - congrats!), Ken Wagan modifying his lil monster's fuel system and LIM set up with the Modified project single turbo, Phil Sohn getting the much deserved Modified cover with his work of art 20B, some of the club's track pioneers battling it out in an awesome VIR rotary track day special covered by Modified, Westley Yacinthe's Japanese-nostalgia Veilside kitted 2JZ-GTE transplanted FD in Super Street, and Buckey Laing's drift prepped TII in Import Tuner. Great additions to my growing rotary magazine, book, and DVD collection
This is just the RX-7 collection I keep at the house. I have several more non-rotary related mags, brochures, DVDs, and books at the garage. For those keeping track at home, Hyper Rev #144 is not pictured, but is in my collection. I thought my collection was decent, but is easily dwarfed by some of our RX-7Club peers' collections. Crazy!
Not much new with the RX-7. As previously alluded to, I've got a Seibon carbon fiber hatch and Flex-A-Lite polycarbonate rear window on order. I don't believe they'll be in, clear coated and installed before the snow starts to fall, and there's no sense in getting it on just to hibernate and collect dust in the garage over the New England winter. I'll take my time on it, as I always do. I'll post up some carbon fiber **** pictures after it comes in.
It has been a crazy couple months with rotary/RX-7 coverage: Bobby Poage battling it out in the Modified Street Car Shootout (great results - congrats!), Ken Wagan modifying his lil monster's fuel system and LIM set up with the Modified project single turbo, Phil Sohn getting the much deserved Modified cover with his work of art 20B, some of the club's track pioneers battling it out in an awesome VIR rotary track day special covered by Modified, Westley Yacinthe's Japanese-nostalgia Veilside kitted 2JZ-GTE transplanted FD in Super Street, and Buckey Laing's drift prepped TII in Import Tuner. Great additions to my growing rotary magazine, book, and DVD collection
This is just the RX-7 collection I keep at the house. I have several more non-rotary related mags, brochures, DVDs, and books at the garage. For those keeping track at home, Hyper Rev #144 is not pictured, but is in my collection. I thought my collection was decent, but is easily dwarfed by some of our RX-7Club peers' collections. Crazy!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:14 PM.
10-13-13, 12:45 PM
#56
All these backroad romps have me chomping at the bit for some autocrossing and track action. My last sanctioned event was in 2010, and I can't wait to get back out there in 2014!
Old news, but some pictures and videos of what motivates me to get back out there to do what I built this car for
First autocross event - SCCA New England Region April 2006
SCCA NER Nationals - June 2006
The Kumho V710s were amazing!
All stickered up and sporting the first Rotary Amuse number plate (currently residing on the refrigerator)
Brushing up before go time
You don't weigh in, you don't wrassle!
NER Autocross Event - 2008
Loud quick moving pixels - NOTE: DO NOT PULL E-BRAKE UP AFTER AUTOCROSS RUN
SVT Cobra Club - September 2008
More loud quick moving pixels
Old news, but some pictures and videos of what motivates me to get back out there to do what I built this car for
First autocross event - SCCA New England Region April 2006
SCCA NER Nationals - June 2006
The Kumho V710s were amazing!
All stickered up and sporting the first Rotary Amuse number plate (currently residing on the refrigerator)
Brushing up before go time
You don't weigh in, you don't wrassle!
NER Autocross Event - 2008
Loud quick moving pixels - NOTE: DO NOT PULL E-BRAKE UP AFTER AUTOCROSS RUN
SVT Cobra Club - September 2008
More loud quick moving pixels
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:17 PM.
10-13-13, 12:47 PM
#57
First track day and time trials event - CARTCT Lime Rock Park 2006
Trackacardia HPDE - Monticello 2010
SCCA Novice Super Street Modified (NSSM) classing - it was a while since I last autocrossed, and I figured I wouldn't throw myself in over my head. I will be running SSM in 2014. I need to get cracking on the new number plate!
On the way home from New York - Left to right: Rich, Ryan, Dan, Damari
Dynapack pulls at an open house at PSi in Auburn - Fall 2010.
My buddy Phu calling the shots, with Kevin making sure everything goes smoothly
Trackacardia HPDE - Monticello 2010
SCCA Novice Super Street Modified (NSSM) classing - it was a while since I last autocrossed, and I figured I wouldn't throw myself in over my head. I will be running SSM in 2014. I need to get cracking on the new number plate!
On the way home from New York - Left to right: Rich, Ryan, Dan, Damari
Dynapack pulls at an open house at PSi in Auburn - Fall 2010.
My buddy Phu calling the shots, with Kevin making sure everything goes smoothly
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:18 PM.
10-13-13, 12:50 PM
#58
I found a few gems I took a few years back while flipping through my Monticello disc that were too good not to share. I received a phone call from my buddy Sean who told me to drop everything and come see who our friend Nick had at the house. Nick had been hosting Adam Burgess of BMI Racing with his crazy four rotor RX-8 for a week in between drift events, and was gracious enough to let me stop by.
Adam, Nick, and Sean
Unfortunately the RX-8 stayed off and on the trailer while I was there, but getting the chance to get up close with it was awesome enough!
Nick and Adam did eventually get it off the trailer to give the neighbors some brap brap
It was with a great deal of sadness that I found out Adam sold the engine to a gentleman who turned it into a coffee table
That's it for now - as always, thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Adam, Nick, and Sean
Unfortunately the RX-8 stayed off and on the trailer while I was there, but getting the chance to get up close with it was awesome enough!
Nick and Adam did eventually get it off the trailer to give the neighbors some brap brap
It was with a great deal of sadness that I found out Adam sold the engine to a gentleman who turned it into a coffee table
That's it for now - as always, thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:23 PM.
10-15-13, 06:51 PM
#59
Just like the diffuser, my wife was again quite surprised when she received a 5'x5' box at work. And just like last time, I really should have given her a headsup. In my defense, I wasn't expecting it today either.
And Ellie's mandatory aero inspection - pretty good quality, we'll have to see how it fits
Next challenge will be getting it up to the garage. If all's well and it doesn't have to go back to California, it will be off to the body shop for a clearcoat and installation.
Cheers!
And Ellie's mandatory aero inspection - pretty good quality, we'll have to see how it fits
Next challenge will be getting it up to the garage. If all's well and it doesn't have to go back to California, it will be off to the body shop for a clearcoat and installation.
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:25 PM.
10-21-13, 09:18 PM
#60
We went to my Mother-in-law's for a BBQ this weekend, where I saw a book sitting on the kitchen island with a 1930s Audi C-Type racer. I was quite thrown off and excited. She surprised me with an heirloom gift that she had had since 1979: an Automobile Quarterly (Volume VIII Number I Summer 1969) book. Her grandmother's uncle, E.B. Finch worked with Henry Ford and W.A. Pungs to design the Pungs-Finch Limited. There was a feature write up in this issue. Really awesome present - greatly appreciated!
There are a lot of really great paintings in the book that I would love to get a hold of (well even if I could, would probably be way too rich for my blood). Audi C-Type leading a Mercedes on the banked turn of the A.V.U.S circuit, May 1937. Fastest race lap: 172.75 m.p.h.... in 1937! Let that sink in...
I was perusing through the book when something caught my eye - can you spot it? An interesting juxtaposition of my favorite past time blended with the greatest black mark on 20th century history.
This book was a great addition to my heirloom automobilia. Below is a wooden steering wheel handmade by my Grandfather in shop class in '36 or '37, that my late Grandmother gave to me on my 18th birthday. My late uncle used to go to Lime Rock to watch the races when he was growing up. I used to have multi-generational posters of his with Porsche and Ferrari evolutions that were sadly lost in my myriad moves in my younger years. I guess it wasn't happenstance that I fell in love with this expensive hobby of ours; it's in my blood.
There are a lot of really great paintings in the book that I would love to get a hold of (well even if I could, would probably be way too rich for my blood). Audi C-Type leading a Mercedes on the banked turn of the A.V.U.S circuit, May 1937. Fastest race lap: 172.75 m.p.h.... in 1937! Let that sink in...
I was perusing through the book when something caught my eye - can you spot it? An interesting juxtaposition of my favorite past time blended with the greatest black mark on 20th century history.
This book was a great addition to my heirloom automobilia. Below is a wooden steering wheel handmade by my Grandfather in shop class in '36 or '37, that my late Grandmother gave to me on my 18th birthday. My late uncle used to go to Lime Rock to watch the races when he was growing up. I used to have multi-generational posters of his with Porsche and Ferrari evolutions that were sadly lost in my myriad moves in my younger years. I guess it wasn't happenstance that I fell in love with this expensive hobby of ours; it's in my blood.
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:26 PM.
10-21-13, 09:20 PM
#61
Rotary Amuse' trusted aero inspector, my wife, and I headed to the garage to give Mia a full detail for a car show. Something has been nagging me every time I saw the RX-7 - I had a strip of 3M installed at the front of my hood to deter rock chips, but all it did was haze to an ugly yellow. Some patience, bloody fingernails, and some elbow grease - well worth it! Thanks for the help sweetheart!
Putting in some work on OurX-7
Hard to believe but this used to be clear
Now the only thing irking me with the hood is that horrible fitment. I want to throw my RennenMetal front tow hook back in (the freshly painted bumper needs to go under the knife, but I can't really get to the v-mount bracket hooks if I ever actually needed them), so I'll have my buddy Adam work his magic then. There's also a distinction where the 3M ended that I need to have buffed out.
Although undocumented, our work was Ellie approved!
The Hawk HP+ pads are phenomenal, but make a mess of the satin black finish on the CCWs. I found a decent solution - Sonax wheel cleaner. Powerwash wheel, spray cleaner on, wait for the green spray to turn red as it eats away the brake compound, scrub, powerwash away, dry to prevent water spotting.
Dirty wheels are dirty - but well earned through one of our many Quabbin togue romps
The secret of the ooze is its pH balance
Heidi let me use her 5D and 100mm macro lens for the weekend. Definitely took some getting used to (and almost got me run over a few times at Larz Anderson from having to back up to get a few shots). This will be a lot of fun once I know what I'm actually doing with it.
Parked in my Mom's spot - Army vets only
I need to get that thermostat housing polished up
Putting in some work on OurX-7
Hard to believe but this used to be clear
Now the only thing irking me with the hood is that horrible fitment. I want to throw my RennenMetal front tow hook back in (the freshly painted bumper needs to go under the knife, but I can't really get to the v-mount bracket hooks if I ever actually needed them), so I'll have my buddy Adam work his magic then. There's also a distinction where the 3M ended that I need to have buffed out.
Although undocumented, our work was Ellie approved!
The Hawk HP+ pads are phenomenal, but make a mess of the satin black finish on the CCWs. I found a decent solution - Sonax wheel cleaner. Powerwash wheel, spray cleaner on, wait for the green spray to turn red as it eats away the brake compound, scrub, powerwash away, dry to prevent water spotting.
Dirty wheels are dirty - but well earned through one of our many Quabbin togue romps
The secret of the ooze is its pH balance
Heidi let me use her 5D and 100mm macro lens for the weekend. Definitely took some getting used to (and almost got me run over a few times at Larz Anderson from having to back up to get a few shots). This will be a lot of fun once I know what I'm actually doing with it.
Parked in my Mom's spot - Army vets only
I need to get that thermostat housing polished up
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:28 PM.
10-21-13, 09:23 PM
#62
Heidi and I woke up super early to meet up with Tommy and Andrew (in Tommy's NSX) and Nguyen and Phi (in Nguyen's S2000) off the Mass Pike, then headed up to Brookline for Japanese Car Day at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. There were a lot of super clean, well sorted cars and motorcycles from the land of the rising sun, with a pretty good mix (e.g. a super yellow NA2 NSX next to an FC3S with factory finish paint next to a clean track-prepped Civic hatch with a nice ITB setup). We met up with my co-worker and her husband, Heidi's principal and his Kimi-loving wife (I can't blame her, who doesn't love the Iceman?!), ran into a few familiar faces, and met some new ones. Really good turnout and great event!
A Paul Newman replica racer that gets a lot of track time
Mazda AZ-1. Uber rare and super cool!
Jarred's Pettit built RX-7. It was nice meeting and talking with you. Congrats on the new acquisition!
Drift Cats Miata! Heidi didn't understand, and I'm not entirely sure if I do either, but I loved this car!
Can anyone guess the year and driver of this thoroughbred?
Tommy's NSX hardparked in the Mazda section. He has big plans for it, I'm going to really enjoy watching it evolve
So JDM even the lettering's on the opposite side!
Cheers!
A Paul Newman replica racer that gets a lot of track time
Mazda AZ-1. Uber rare and super cool!
Jarred's Pettit built RX-7. It was nice meeting and talking with you. Congrats on the new acquisition!
Drift Cats Miata! Heidi didn't understand, and I'm not entirely sure if I do either, but I loved this car!
Can anyone guess the year and driver of this thoroughbred?
Tommy's NSX hardparked in the Mazda section. He has big plans for it, I'm going to really enjoy watching it evolve
So JDM even the lettering's on the opposite side!
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:31 PM.
11-02-13, 10:32 PM
#64
Woke up waaay too early (but I'd do it everyday if it went as well as this one!) this morning to head up to the garage to meet up with some friends for the last cruise of the year.
Jarred, Tommy, and Nguyen gave up some Saturday morning sleep-ins to meet up at the garage bright and early this morning
Tommy's NSX, Jarred's Miata (now putting down 229whp!), and Nguyen's super clean AP2 with one of the best sounding exhausts - J's Racing
Met up with my good friend and our trusted guide, Brian, at the Hardwick Winery - and a random pheasant that would not stay out of the gah damn road!
Apparently this winery does a "bring your own picnic" on the weekends with wine tastings - I'll have to bring the Misses sometime
We made our way from Greenwich Road to 32A to 202 to Shutesbury Road (undoubtedly one of the best roads in Massachusetts!), where I parked on a pull off to get some action shots
I need to work on my photographic translation of speed - the wife's gear is way beyond my skill level
We did a few back to back runs up and down the pass with some breaks in between
We got our A.M. fill on the pass and headed over to Deerfield. Brian mentioned while filling up that the Kringle Candle Company's owner (son of the Yankee Candle Factory owners - not sure why he split from the family business?) had a fleet of Italian exotics usually on display at the Bernardston factory. Brian, my sister, and I went for a similar cruise a couple weeks ago, and spent some time at the Yankee Candle Factory (which is a lot cooler than it might sound) and had some fun, so I figured checking out Kringle was worth a shot. Plus the thoroughbred and a bunch of bulls are a pretty easy sell. We hopped on 91 North, drove to their factory just shy of Vermont, and found out that they're building a car museum/garage... but it won't be open until 2014.
Jarred, Tommy, and Nguyen gave up some Saturday morning sleep-ins to meet up at the garage bright and early this morning
Tommy's NSX, Jarred's Miata (now putting down 229whp!), and Nguyen's super clean AP2 with one of the best sounding exhausts - J's Racing
Met up with my good friend and our trusted guide, Brian, at the Hardwick Winery - and a random pheasant that would not stay out of the gah damn road!
Apparently this winery does a "bring your own picnic" on the weekends with wine tastings - I'll have to bring the Misses sometime
We made our way from Greenwich Road to 32A to 202 to Shutesbury Road (undoubtedly one of the best roads in Massachusetts!), where I parked on a pull off to get some action shots
I need to work on my photographic translation of speed - the wife's gear is way beyond my skill level
We did a few back to back runs up and down the pass with some breaks in between
We got our A.M. fill on the pass and headed over to Deerfield. Brian mentioned while filling up that the Kringle Candle Company's owner (son of the Yankee Candle Factory owners - not sure why he split from the family business?) had a fleet of Italian exotics usually on display at the Bernardston factory. Brian, my sister, and I went for a similar cruise a couple weeks ago, and spent some time at the Yankee Candle Factory (which is a lot cooler than it might sound) and had some fun, so I figured checking out Kringle was worth a shot. Plus the thoroughbred and a bunch of bulls are a pretty easy sell. We hopped on 91 North, drove to their factory just shy of Vermont, and found out that they're building a car museum/garage... but it won't be open until 2014.
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:34 PM.
11-02-13, 10:36 PM
#65
We headed down Route 5/10 to Northhampton for lunch, then the book store in South Hadley (I might have an addiction...), then back to Shutesbury for some P.M. runs (we might have an addiction...). We found an Audi R8 Roadster V8 doing a few runs when we got there - sounded amazing! Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to play with him, but it was fun watching him fly by.
I think Tommy and Nguyen had some fun. I always knew the NA1s and AP1/AP2s handled well, but they are waaay better than I imagined. Just hugged the road and went - especially on the uphill. They were both pretty damn good drivers as well.
We've marked our calendars for some autocrosses and track days next year. Jarred's going to check with his wife to see if my wife can co-drive her S2000 at a few autocross events with her. Should be a lot of fun.
Hardbraking on the downhill is going to take some getting used to - the physics of it all is a rush, but will take some time to master
We called it a pretty good cruise after 190+ miles, with a 8:45 A.M. to 5:30 P.M adventure, and wrapped it up at a picturesque overlook of the Quabbin.
No the Miata's not sleepy, it's open slightly for air flow to the filter
Headed back to the garage with Mia all filled up for hibernation. Need to drop the RX-7 on jack stands, change the oil, take the wheels off, give them another thorough bath, align the hood, throw the cover on until spring, clear coat the hatch, mate the window on, and start squirreling parts away like I do every winter (because the wife loves a spare room full of car parts).
It was an awesome day to end the RX-7 season on - can't wait for 2014! It's going to sound completely cheesy, but I am quite lucky to have so many days like this! Great stuff!
So when are you coming to New England for a cruise? Let's set a date for the spring!
Cheers!
I think Tommy and Nguyen had some fun. I always knew the NA1s and AP1/AP2s handled well, but they are waaay better than I imagined. Just hugged the road and went - especially on the uphill. They were both pretty damn good drivers as well.
We've marked our calendars for some autocrosses and track days next year. Jarred's going to check with his wife to see if my wife can co-drive her S2000 at a few autocross events with her. Should be a lot of fun.
Hardbraking on the downhill is going to take some getting used to - the physics of it all is a rush, but will take some time to master
We called it a pretty good cruise after 190+ miles, with a 8:45 A.M. to 5:30 P.M adventure, and wrapped it up at a picturesque overlook of the Quabbin.
No the Miata's not sleepy, it's open slightly for air flow to the filter
Headed back to the garage with Mia all filled up for hibernation. Need to drop the RX-7 on jack stands, change the oil, take the wheels off, give them another thorough bath, align the hood, throw the cover on until spring, clear coat the hatch, mate the window on, and start squirreling parts away like I do every winter (because the wife loves a spare room full of car parts).
It was an awesome day to end the RX-7 season on - can't wait for 2014! It's going to sound completely cheesy, but I am quite lucky to have so many days like this! Great stuff!
So when are you coming to New England for a cruise? Let's set a date for the spring!
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:35 PM.
11-11-13, 02:19 PM
#68
Thanks, I like your set up with the FEED aero and RPF1s. Looks good.
It has taken me over three years, but I finally got around to editing my in and out of car footage from Monticello Motor Club. I apologize for the poor noise quality.
Happy Veteran's Day to all those retired and currently in service! Sincerely, thank you very much for all you've given for our country.
Cheers!
It has taken me over three years, but I finally got around to editing my in and out of car footage from Monticello Motor Club. I apologize for the poor noise quality.
Happy Veteran's Day to all those retired and currently in service! Sincerely, thank you very much for all you've given for our country.
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:36 PM.
11-13-13, 07:23 PM
#69
I headed to New Bedford this weekend to check in on my friend Paul, and to give him a hand with some extended studs for his Gallant VR4. It was an awesome surprise to have seen my friend Maciej (Matt) there as well. Paul is the crew chief for Matt's rally efforts, and has been building and racing cars since the eighties. We headed over to their garage to pick up a grinder, and I got to take a look at the new rally car set up. Unfortunately I couldn't stay for long, but it was a lot of fun nonetheless.
Paul
Matt
Paul's Japanese legend. I'll be giving him a hand chipping away at it over the winter. It should be a lot of fun with an EVO turbo swap and some other goodies in the works. Hopefully we can get an ice race in this winter.
Matt's Rally America spec WRX with a pretty cool new vinyl layout. He might be taking a hiatus from rally racing to try his hand at track lapping tarmac. He's taken a few trophies home at tarmac stage rallies and has pretty good car control, so I'm sure he'll get used to it quickly.
I've known Matt and Paul for a while now, and there's never a dull moment with them. From servicing for Matt and giving Paul a hand at a few rallies, ice racing with them in Matt's old WRX and Paul's Audi, having a great time spectating at rallies, to shaving my own eyebrows off so I didn't wake up to the team doing it for me. They got me into rally back in 2005, and I have been doing TSD (time speed distance) road rallies ever since, with a few top three finishes, and a first place under my belt. They helped get my old Subaru set up for TSDs and leant me a set of snow tires for an overnight winter challenge rally where I beat Travis Pastrana (by a DNF default - he somehow managed to stuff his rental Legacy GT into a cranberry bog in the second leg of the rally where the point was to be accurate and not fast. Go figure?)
Matt and I at International Rally New York 2007
My road rally ready BE Legacy GT. Sadly I traded it in for the 2008 Legacy LTD (automatic was the downfall with the replacement - no more axis donuts in the snow or clutch kick drifts). I would have given up my TT and 3.6R to have gotten this car back - easily my favorite daily driver to date. Those tow straps weren't just for looks either - we had to tow our friend out of a snow bank during one leg of an overnight rally. That was sadly the difference between first and second place for us, but it was the right thing to do.
Paul
Matt
Paul's Japanese legend. I'll be giving him a hand chipping away at it over the winter. It should be a lot of fun with an EVO turbo swap and some other goodies in the works. Hopefully we can get an ice race in this winter.
Matt's Rally America spec WRX with a pretty cool new vinyl layout. He might be taking a hiatus from rally racing to try his hand at track lapping tarmac. He's taken a few trophies home at tarmac stage rallies and has pretty good car control, so I'm sure he'll get used to it quickly.
I've known Matt and Paul for a while now, and there's never a dull moment with them. From servicing for Matt and giving Paul a hand at a few rallies, ice racing with them in Matt's old WRX and Paul's Audi, having a great time spectating at rallies, to shaving my own eyebrows off so I didn't wake up to the team doing it for me. They got me into rally back in 2005, and I have been doing TSD (time speed distance) road rallies ever since, with a few top three finishes, and a first place under my belt. They helped get my old Subaru set up for TSDs and leant me a set of snow tires for an overnight winter challenge rally where I beat Travis Pastrana (by a DNF default - he somehow managed to stuff his rental Legacy GT into a cranberry bog in the second leg of the rally where the point was to be accurate and not fast. Go figure?)
Matt and I at International Rally New York 2007
My road rally ready BE Legacy GT. Sadly I traded it in for the 2008 Legacy LTD (automatic was the downfall with the replacement - no more axis donuts in the snow or clutch kick drifts). I would have given up my TT and 3.6R to have gotten this car back - easily my favorite daily driver to date. Those tow straps weren't just for looks either - we had to tow our friend out of a snow bank during one leg of an overnight rally. That was sadly the difference between first and second place for us, but it was the right thing to do.
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:37 PM.
11-13-13, 07:26 PM
#70
I finally got a package from Summit - the Flex-A-Lite polycarbonate rear window (FLX-9025B). For those interested, I have been advised to not use alcohol based cleaner as it will haze up the window. Not sure if I'm going to go with just silicone windshield sealant or silicone windshield sealant and rivets.
Also, not sure if it's needed (like a post with pictures of a product all wrapped up), but I'll do a little write up of test fitting, prep, and install for future reference. I'll get some better pics of the actual piece when it's time for install - the material is quite prone to scratching, and with this piece residing in our spare bedroom for a little while with our no-*****-given cat and ambitious dog, it's probably best left that way.
A little nod to Damian Dela Huerta - this window is ridiculously light!
His picture was way better! Come on - TTU, SU, ST-1 Champion... I can't compete with that in or out of the car!
Cheers!
Also, not sure if it's needed (like a post with pictures of a product all wrapped up), but I'll do a little write up of test fitting, prep, and install for future reference. I'll get some better pics of the actual piece when it's time for install - the material is quite prone to scratching, and with this piece residing in our spare bedroom for a little while with our no-*****-given cat and ambitious dog, it's probably best left that way.
A little nod to Damian Dela Huerta - this window is ridiculously light!
His picture was way better! Come on - TTU, SU, ST-1 Champion... I can't compete with that in or out of the car!
Cheers!
Last edited by ZumSpeedRX-7; 08-20-17 at 07:37 PM.
11-14-13, 01:34 PM
#72
Thanks, it was a lot of fun running Monticello with you. I saw you and Clunkers were out on NJMP recently. I'd like to get there next year - let me know when you plan on running it again. Any more progress with Pirate Hooker?
I'll be in Philly for the weekend, my brother-in-law's running the marathon. Let me know if you wanna meet up for a drink if you're free.
I'll be in Philly for the weekend, my brother-in-law's running the marathon. Let me know if you wanna meet up for a drink if you're free.
11-14-13, 02:16 PM
#73
Thanks, it was a lot of fun running Monticello with you. I saw you and Clunkers were out on NJMP recently. I'd like to get there next year - let me know when you plan on running it again. Any more progress with Pirate Hooker?
I'll be in Philly for the weekend, my brother-in-law's running the marathon. Let me know if you wanna meet up for a drink if you're free.
I'll be in Philly for the weekend, my brother-in-law's running the marathon. Let me know if you wanna meet up for a drink if you're free.
Damn you! If I wasn't headed to Texas for the F1 race I'd definitely be down for drinks!
