So I have gone a little car crazy lately

[induced_drag]

As some of you might know, COVID changed all our lives. I searched for outlets for my son and I and we got even more into the car scene. I discovered tracking cars and also got my son out on the track. At 14 he drove my 860hp car and his first time driving a car within 3 turns was passing 130mph. So much fun and so many memories we had. I decided a Lotus was a better track car for us so I picked up the orange one. LOVED it. Totally clean and a perfect car for us. A couple weeks ago, another Lotus, this one more modified, popped up. I took the opportunity to buy it out of seattle and ship it back to the east coast. We got it last week and were out on the track with in Wed.

If COVID had not hit, I dont think I would be doing all this craziness. But a great reminder that life it short!

[Motiviert]

Awesome looking cars man

[MajorTendonitis]

You’ve got great taste in cars OP

[Redfish225]

As some of you might know, COVID changed all our lives. I searched for outlets for my son and I and we got even more into the car scene. I discovered tracking cars and also got my son out on the track. At 14 he drove my 860hp car and his first time driving a car within 3 turns was passing 130mph. So much fun and so many memories we had. I decided a Lotus was a better track car for us so I picked up the orange one. LOVED it. Totally clean and a perfect car for us. A couple weeks ago, another Lotus, this one more modified, popped up. I took the opportunity to buy it out of seattle and ship it back to the east coast. We got it last week and were out on the track with in Wed.

If COVID had not hit, I dont think I would be doing all this craziness. But a great reminder that life it short!

Baller chit. Mirin hard.

[induced_drag]

Awesome looking cars man

Thanks man!

In before someone accuses you of backing them into the pillars flanking your garage doors.

If I did, I would have no one to blame but me....I designed it. Not really an issue though. 9' wide doors so there is plenty of clearance. If you hit a col, you would hit the side of the door anyway!

You’ve got great taste in cars OP

I have really be growing to love the lotus for a track car. It really is the most fun car I have ever driven.

Baller chit. Mirin hard.

Na...no flexing here. I am going to sell the orange one since I got the white one. Figured I'd have to get at least one pic with them together. I did not do it last time I had an 'extra' car This was the best I got. Missed a good photo op.




Someone I thought asked if the wing was functional on the white car. 100%. It is also sitting on Nitron 2 way adjustable coil overs and the car is lowered with a rake and there is a splitter on the front. It produces WAY more downforce. There is a technical turn at the track we just did that people call the 'kink'. It is a high speed right with a hump that sends a lot of guys sideways as it unsettles the car. Below if a vid of my taking it almost no lift and the car is just as happy as can be an planted.

[Tommy W.]

It's hard telling people that if you approach that corner at 120 rather than 80 you'll have better grip. Gotta love good aero. Nice quiver of cars ID. The Lotus is an awesome car to teach good car control. Very analog. Now get him some coaching before he picks up bad habits. You have an amazing collection. Great choices, very driver oriented.

[induced_drag]

It's hard telling people that if you approach that corner at 120 rather than 80 you'll have better grip. Gotta love good aero. Nice quiver of cars ID. The Lotus is an awesome car to teach good car control. Very analog. Now get him some coaching before he picks up bad habits. You have an amazing collection. Great choices, very driver oriented.

The white car has so much better aero and grip at speed. The wing is not just for looks. Its an APR carbon one which is a functional wing. It has strut supports to bring downforce down to the chassis inside the trunk. There is a HUGE rear diffuser which 'sucks' the air out from the bottom of the car. I know that make a large difference as well. I am going to add some more aero. Side skirts and an additional front splitter on top of what is there.

As the day went on with the white car, I was taking the kink at 110. I was lifting slightly just because it is COMPLETLY unforgiving and MANY cars loose it there. But I think once I get more confidence in the car it is planted enough to do it with no lift.

In contrast, this is a crash vid of a Z06 taking it at about the speeds we did. You can see how unforgiving it is.



First thing the new car needs for my son is harnesses. He is too small and often cant take hand off wheel to shift as he is holding himself in the seat. I have a set of Schroth ASM harnesses, just waiting on the harness bar. As for coaching, once he gets settled in to the car going to do that. We have a few very experienced drivers in our group and all have offered to help out.

The winter will give us the time to really put the work into the white car. I also think I might get Garmin Catalyst. A lot of the guys really like it.

We have one more big race day planned which is a VIR trip right before thanksgiving. Not sure if I am going to make it, but really want to hit it!

[blueberryboy]

You own those 3 exotics cars bro ?
Nice one

How'd you get the $$$ for them ?

[Plateauplower]

I figured the go cart was going to be a gateway drug, even mentioned it. A guy I work with got his son into carts and now he’s rookie of the year in his first season on full size stock cars. He worked his way up from legend series etc. Expensive hobby, but no doubt a lot of fun. Cars are probably a lot more safe than racing go carts, motocross, or even BMX bikes with good gear.

[ImBunky]

Nice.

Taking delivery on this tomorrow.

[Motiviert]

Op I'm gonna be honest, I'm a bit jealous but only in a mirin kinda way. Those cars are so sick

[induced_drag]

I figured the go cart was going to be a gateway drug, even mentioned it. A guy I work with got his son into carts and now he’s rookie of the year in his first season on full size stock cars. He worked his way up from legend series etc. Expensive hobby, but no doubt a lot of fun. Cars are probably a lot more safe than racing go carts, motocross, or even BMX bikes with good gear.

Full out racing (consistently) is a lot of money. For our track events, it is generally once a month. We are doing other car stuff on other weekends. While it is certainly not 'cheap', I feel lucky that I dont really think about what it costs. I have been on all ends of the spectrum, and being able to do this is something I am very grateful for. The idea of forging these paths with my son that we may stay on forever together. It is super cool to just watch your kids thrive. Sharing this with him really fills me with more satisfaction than I can describe.

Many years ago, I got my instructor rating in helicopters with the hopes that one day I could teach my kids to fly. I just cant justify owning a helicopter, but frankly I think we have MORE fun doing what we are doing. The social aspect, friends and great times. No regrets and just got in from the garage where I was making my shopping list for when we get ready to break down the car are build!

Nice.

Taking delivery on this tomorrow.

650s? I LOVE Mclaren. I just cant bring myself to buy one. Many of my friends have had one or more and the issues of ownership keep me away. The one guy that still has them, he got the first 765lt in the US, buys them new and sells them before the first year is up. Under warranty, it is a great car, but I dont dare indulge my desire to have one. BUT I love them!!!! Hope you are fully versed in the world of McLaren!

Op I'm gonna be honest, I'm a bit jealous but only in a mirin kinda way. Those cars are so sick

Thanks man. I feel lucky to enjoy the car thing. Lots of fun, but I also like other cars that dont cost an arm and a leg. I sometimes wonder if it is stupid to own a car or cars. It is never a 'smart' thing to do. And truth be told, if the realestate market were not so crazy, I probably would have bought a few more rentals with the money I spent on the cars. But having no where to spend the money was part of what lead to 'dumb' purchases. It has probably been better spent there with the appreciation in the car market post COVID. SRS. Crazy times!

[ImBunky]

650s? I LOVE Mclaren. I just cant bring myself to buy one. Many of my friends have had one or more and the issues of ownership keep me away. The one guy that still has them, he got the first 765lt in the US, buys them new and sells them before the first year is up. Under warranty, it is a great car, but I dont dare indulge my desire to have one. BUT I love them!!!! Hope you are fully versed in the world of McLaren!

Correct, 2015 650S Spider.

I've read all of the scary stories on the McLarens, not much different for the Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Same things were being said about the Maserati Ghibli when I was shopping for one (no issues in 2.5 years). I believe (and a lot of knowledgeable people would agree) that the problems really start popping up when the cars are not driven. That is why when I was looking I wanted something with a decent amount of millage for the age, this car has a bit over 16K on it. I also flew someone out that has owned several MP4-12C's with minimal issue to perform a full inspection. He also runs a business flying out to service/repair cars.

It could get interesting though. I have a warranty until early January, so plan on driving it as much as possible over the next couple of months. Then I will have the decision to make on whether to seek an extended warranty or not. Probably not, as I plan on doing the regular servicing myself and some warranties will try to ding you for that.

Are you planning on working on the cars with your son? Doing my own maintenance and repairs/mods has saved me a ton over the years. I have a 30+ and 25 year old car that have never seen a service department with the exception of one warranty job on the prior.

[Wayne Evans]

As some of you might know, COVID changed all our lives. I searched for outlets for my son and I and we got even more into the car scene.

Howdy ID....

What a beautiful auto family you have there.
All colors are stunning eye candy but my fav is that gold/copper colored one.

To qualify myself....uhhhh no, I have no clue what makes of cars those are and be terrified if I had to drive one for some unknown reason.
I'm an old, life long truck kind of guy. (2005 Toyota TRD with only 95K on it with impeccable maintenance)

Carry on weed hoppers....

[induced_drag]

Correct, 2015 650S Spider.

I've read all of the scary stories on the McLarens, not much different for the Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Same things were being said about the Maserati Ghibli when I was shopping for one (no issues in 2.5 years). I believe (and a lot of knowledgeable people would agree) that the problems really start popping up when the cars are not driven. That is why when I was looking I wanted something with a decent amount of millage for the age, this car has a bit over 16K on it. I also flew someone out that has owned several MP4-12C's with minimal issue to perform a full inspection. He also runs a business flying out to service/repair cars.

It could get interesting though. I have a warranty until early January, so plan on driving it as much as possible over the next couple of months. Then I will have the decision to make on whether to seek an extended warranty or not. Probably not, as I plan on doing the regular servicing myself and some warranties will try to ding you for that.

Are you planning on working on the cars with your son? Doing my own maintenance and repairs/mods has saved me a ton over the years. I have a 30+ and 25 year old car that have never seen a service department with the exception of one warranty job on the prior.

I think you are approaching the smart way with getting one still in warranty and then you can decide. I have at least 8 friends who have owned one or more and out of our very large group of guys locally who own exotics, NONE will own one any longer. Except for the one guy who has a relationship with McLaren. We have the largest McLaren dealership in the country if not world here in town and he specs and takes every new car down the line.

Trust me, I know the allure of the McLaren. I had thought of going that route many times, but for me seeing 40+ guys with all kinds of super cars and all of them saying the same thing, 'stay away', I listen.

If you do want to own one, you can just buy the yearly warranty at about 6k from McLaren. Then you have to do all your maint with them also, which runs 3500ish annually. So just to own it and park it will cost you 10k year.

That is my only issue with them. But I love the tech and performance. Just be careful and know what you are getting into and I wish I had the balls to do the same. Some guys make it out unscathed. Most on avg seem to have 30-40k of maint items per year. And McLaren does not make it easy for owns to work on them or source parts etc.

I enjoy working on cars but I service my huracan at a shop because I would devalue it without the maint pedigree. The idea of guys swapping oil in their garage is not appealing to a buyer down the line.

The white lotus will be a build we do in the garage. But there is not anything mechanical I cant do, but when the value of the cars start going up, I recognize what is 'smart' for me to do if that makes sense.

[induced_drag]

Howdy ID....


To qualify myself....uhhhh no, I have no clue what makes of cars those are and be terrified if I had to drive one for some unknown reason.
I'm an old, life long truck kind of guy. (2005 Toyota TRD with only 95K on it with impeccable maintenance)

Carry on weed hoppers....

Cool story, Lotus has not made their own powerplants for sometime. In the Elise, they used a Rover 2.0 in the UK and in the US, they borrowed a 1.8 from the celica gts. The little motor in the lotus application spins up to 8500 rpm and has Toyotas version of VTECH. Small little power plant but the car only weighs 1900lbs. So it is like a little go kart. AND the benefit of Toyota reliability!

In the new lotus Emira coming out in 2022, it will use a Toyota V6 and AMG 4 cyl option from Mercedes. Lotus is know for their chassis development and the Elise is such a good design, Tesla used it in almost it's exact form for their little roadster years back.

Really a fun car and you would be right at home driving it. It is a car that reminds you what driving should be like. I dont think I have ever even turned on the radio in the car. You just enjoy the experience of being so connected with it. So much fun and a 'bargain' in todays market, although the prices have started to shoot up since people have figured out how special they are. They now sell for over sticker on 15 year old cars. A nice one being mid 50's to low 60's.

BUT with the toyota powerplant, I have seen ones with 70k miles and they can be had for mid 40's. For a drivers car I would say that is a great route to go all day long. They will probably only continue to rise in value as the battery stuff comes in more and more. One of the last of the true analog cars.

[ImBunky]

I think you are approaching the smart way with getting one still in warranty and then you can decide. I have at least 8 friends who have owned one or more and out of our very large group of guys locally who own exotics, NONE will own one any longer. Except for the one guy who has a relationship with McLaren. We have the largest McLaren dealership in the country if not world here in town and he specs and takes every new car down the line.

Trust me, I know the allure of the McLaren. I had thought of going that route many times, but for me seeing 40+ guys with all kinds of super cars and all of them saying the same thing, 'stay away', I listen.

If you do want to own one, you can just buy the yearly warranty at about 6k from McLaren. Then you have to do all your maint with them also, which runs 3500ish annually. So just to own it and park it will cost you 10k year.

That is my only issue with them. But I love the tech and performance. Just be careful and know what you are getting into and I wish I had the balls to do the same. Some guys make it out unscathed. Most on avg seem to have 30-40k of maint items per year. And McLaren does not make it easy for owns to work on them or source parts etc.

I enjoy working on cars but I service my huracan at a shop because I would devalue it without the maint pedigree. The idea of guys swapping oil in their garage is not appealing to a buyer down the line.

The white lotus will be a build we do in the garage. But there is not anything mechanical I cant do, but when the value of the cars start going up, I recognize what is 'smart' for me to do if that makes sense.

Decision making is a bit different for me. I have been living with cancer for nine years and just had a relapse this past year. Spent my spring and summer going through radiation and chemo, and at one point thought that I would be heading home and finding someone to provide hospice. So, this is kind of a bucket list thing for me. GF will be well taken care of between her own retirement, my retirement and some pretty decent life insurance policies.

I saw the maintenance records. The guy that has had it for the last three years has only had service, with the exception of having a coolant leak. Hoses, clamps and water pump was replaced (these kinds of jobs I can do). There is a growing community with service manual available and access to parts (also alternate part sources for things like brakes). Biggest issue is the diagnostic tools, which the mobile mechanic that did my inspection has. There are guys working on tearing into the transmission to be able to offer rebuild options (the only tranny issues I have read about are leaks, but McLaren just replaces it instead of repair). I really am not concerned with resale value as I plan a driving this thing a lot, downtime would bother me though.

Anyway, I am in it now and am a bit nervous. What type of issues did your friends have?

[induced_drag]

Anyway, I am in it now and am a bit nervous. What type of issues did your friends have?

Ha...like everything! But with your reasoning, and the fact it is under warranty, I would say do it! I think buying the additional warranty is a good idea though.

We have a very strong car scene here and it is cool as it is close knit and many of us are friends as well. The car are owned my normal people, not rappers or pro athletes.

Here is an example....this was a cookout we had at one of the guys in the groups house. There is only one McLaren in that pic. 4SVJ's many huracans, 488's GT3's, R8's STO.....and many of these guys own 3-4 cars. ONLY ONE guy will own McLaren. Just to be clear, I would say about 1/2 of this group has owned McLaren(s). They have just said 'never again'.

That is not event the whole group. We are in Charlotte, home of the largest McLaren dealership in the world. No one will own one (again). It scared me off. I know when to listen. I was highly considering them because of the relative 'value'. But there is a reason why they dont hold their value like a Lamborghini or Ferrari. When I bought my Gallardo, I could have bought a Mclaren 7 years newer for the same price.

Rumors are things are somewhat better for the 720's and beyond. But they have major issues. This is not something I have gotten from forums, this is directly from guys who have owned and driven them. Then...there is the one guy that everyone laughs about that has one with 20k miles and did nothing but change the oil. Those guys are out there, but it is the minority.

[OldFartTom]

Hey I_D have you considered something even more "Lotusy" than the Lotus? How about https://www.caterhamcars.com/en/models/assembly that will keep your kid busy for 6-12 months! As long as you have spare garage space

[induced_drag]

Hey I_D have you considered something even more "Lotusy" than the Lotus? How about https://www.caterhamcars.com/en/models/assembly that will keep your kid busy for 6-12 months! As long as you have spare garage space

I have seen those. Never really spoke to me though. I did consider an Ariel Atom, but I also wanted it to be a functional car. (or at least something with climate controls and rain drivable).

End goal is to have a track monster that I can also let my son drive on the street as 'his' car.

[Tommy W.]

Hey I_D have you considered something even more "Lotusy" than the Lotus? How about https://www.caterhamcars.com/en/models/assembly that will keep your kid busy for 6-12 months! As long as you have spare garage space

F it. BAC Mono

https://www.bac-mono.com/the-new-mono

[induced_drag]

F it. BAC Mono

https://www.bac-mono.com/the-new-mono

I actually looked at one. But 2 seats and street legal is a must for me. I ALMOST and still kind of am considering a Radical RXC 600r. It is a legit race car but some people have found loopholes to make street legal. 2100lb 600hp out of ecoboost power. But it needs to run on race gas. Thought about buying one and doing a standalone ECU so I can 'de-tune' the engine some.


But that might be best left as a dream... Like the old saying it is best not to meet your heros as you are often disappointed. I think the thoughts of having one are probably better than the realities. Plus at just over 200 before I have to add mods, I dont know if I can call it practical. I had thought of getting rid of my huracan and going this route. But my H is actually a nice car to drive and KIND OF civilized when I want it to be.




BUT....I am thinking of taking the lotus next level. Talked a guy today about performance upgrades. Basically I would be looking at dropping a bunch of money in the motor and trans and you can safely put 350hp out. Going over that, you start breaking all kinds of other stuff. But 350hp in a 1900lb car gives it a pretty good P/W. I can do that for a reasonable amount if I want to go down that road. I am leaning heavily towards that option.

Today I ordered a rear harness mount. Already have the harnesses. And I ordered a rear toe link upgrade for the suspension. Another safety related item.

[Tommy W.]

Get the Radical as a dedicated track car. You start dumping money into mods on the lotus and you'll waaay upside down in it. I can not stress enough how much more valuable good coaching is for your son than a faster car. Personal coaching or a racing school.

[induced_drag]

Get the Radical as a dedicated track car. You start dumping money into mods on the lotus and you'll waaay upside down in it. I can not stress enough how much more valuable good coaching is for your son than a faster car. Personal coaching or a racing school.

Yes I know. Some silly thoughts. I have always had the dream of an LMP car for the street since I was a teen. I have a good friend who does track days with us in a Radical SR8. WAAAY more can than I need or have the ability to drive.

Goals are still the same. Build something fun for both street and track use. And go out and and enjoy it. I have no delusions that my son will have a racing career. We are just in it for the fun. He has had some coaching in his kart. Once he gets settled in to feeling comfortable in an actual car, was going to have him do some instruction at our next session. Looks like that will be after first of the year.

In the mean time, I recognize that I am throwing money down a pit with the lotus. But, there are worse things to spend money on. Everyone knows you dont get your money back out of mods. I am just setting a budget aside for fun stuff and I am cool with knowing there is not 'payback'. I am just trying to decide how far I want to take the car....

[2nd_chance]

Finally, someone who spoils their son more than my wife does our 16-year-old boy. He only has a Camaro, Mustang and Nova.

Nice cars!

[Tommy W.]

Well ID, You can't beat the Lotus chassis and the Toyota power for a great modding platform.

[deadwoodgregg]

650s? I LOVE Mclaren. I just cant bring myself to buy one. Many of my friends have had one or more and the issues of ownership keep me away. The one guy that still has them, he got the first 765lt in the US, buys them new and sells them before the first year is up. Under warranty, it is a great car, but I dont dare indulge my desire to have one. BUT I love them!!!! Hope you are fully versed in the world of McLaren!!

I think you are approaching the smart way with getting one still in warranty and then you can decide. I have at least 8 friends who have owned one or more and out of our very large group of guys locally who own exotics, NONE will own one any longer. Except for the one guy who has a relationship with McLaren. We have the largest McLaren dealership in the country if not world here in town and he specs and takes every new car down the line.

Trust me, I know the allure of the McLaren. I had thought of going that route many times, but for me seeing 40+ guys with all kinds of super cars and all of them saying the same thing, 'stay away', I listen.

If you do want to own one, you can just buy the yearly warranty at about 6k from McLaren. Then you have to do all your maint with them also, which runs 3500ish annually. So just to own it and park it will cost you 10k year.

That is my only issue with them. But I love the tech and performance. Just be careful and know what you are getting into and I wish I had the balls to do the same. Some guys make it out unscathed. Most on avg seem to have 30-40k of maint items per year. And McLaren does not make it easy for owns to work on them or source parts etc.

I enjoy working on cars but I service my huracan at a shop because I would devalue it without the maint pedigree. The idea of guys swapping oil in their garage is not appealing to a buyer down the line.

The white lotus will be a build we do in the garage. But there is not anything mechanical I cant do, but when the value of the cars start going up, I recognize what is 'smart' for me to do if that makes sense.

Couldn't you just show some class and tell him nice ride and be done with it.

ImBunky stated that he has already purchased the car. I don't think that it makes him feel better you pointing out how many people that might have had issues with McLarens.

[induced_drag]

Couldn't you just show some class and tell him nice ride and be done with it.

ImBunky stated that he has already purchased the car. I don't think that it makes him feel better you pointing out how many people that might have had issues with McLarens.

Hmmmm interesting. Class. Well I will say I am happy to have zero "class" and I ask my true friends to have none either.

Almost sounds like a typical chick response. Sorry but dont ask if you look fat if you really dont want to know. That aside.


Your reading comprehension also sucks. You obviously missed the part about how much I LOVE McLarens. Owning cars like these are something you have to go into with your eyes open. It should not sour his opinion of the car, because if you actually read the thread, his car is still under warranty.

I shared experiences since he seems to possibly be considering not buying the McLaren extended. He has a friend who can work on them, etc. But that is why I shard the experience. EG, one of my buddies had his battery go bad. Mind you the cost of the battery alone is in excess of $2000. But the 'auto' function that was supposed to roll the window down so the door could be opened did not work right. You cant open the door without breaking the window otherwise. Then whatever killed the battery also took out two modules. McLarens are LOADED with proprietary electronics. Those had to be ordered. Once in, one of his screens did not function in the car. Replacement needed to be ordered.

Long story short, 4 1/2 months later he got his car back and his bill was $39,000 for something that would have blown a fuse in a normal car.


DONT MISS THIS PART, I LOVE McLarens, but if you are going to own them, my advice is to buy the annual warranty even though it 'seems' expensive. It is actually a bargain.

On top of that, McLaren is AWESOME in that they expect you to track the car. They wont void your warranty for racing it, they assume you are going to run it hard.


So there is my classy response. Delivered without any emotion or ill will. Quite the opposite otherwise. I own a car where a brake job costs almost $40,000. It is something I knew before buying the car. I am well aware of the costs of parts and maintaining these as a fellow owner. My hopes are for enjoyment of these awesome things.

But blowing smoke up someone's a$$ is not something I will do. It is also why I talk people out of buying some exotics that look like 'bargains' on paper.

[Wayne Evans]

[QUOTE=induced_drag;1649148633]Cool story, Lotus has not made their own powerplants for sometime. In the Elise, they used a Rover 2.0 in the UK and in the US, they borrowed a 1.8 from the celica gts. The little motor in the lotus application spins up to 8500 rpm and has Toyotas version of VTECH. Small little power plant but the car only weighs 1900lbs. So it is like a little go kart. AND the benefit of Toyota reliability!

Thanks ID....'cool story'....

I've talked more than once with the Toyota dealer service people about reliability/longevity.
They've all said they've had Toyotas serviced that had exceeded 200K (even close to 300K) provided impeccable maintenance was adhered to.

This Toy has to out live me.........so far, so good.

Have a good one....

[induced_drag]

Thanks ID....'cool story'....

I've talked more than once with the Toyota dealer service people about reliability/longevity.
They've all said they've had Toyotas serviced that had exceeded 200K (even close to 300K) provided impeccable maintenance was adhered to.

This Toy has to out live me.........so far, so good.

Have a good one....

I am already diving in to see where we can take the stock power plant. It is a 1.8 and people 'safely' bring them up to about 350hp before it starts causing other issues. I think that is the route I am going to go. After that level, it is big dollars for smaller and smaller gains.

Although 350hp does not sound like a lot, in that little car, it is better power to weight than a stock Huracan.



@Imbunky. I know you dont need it (right now) but just to have in your disposal if you ever find the need, I have heard some decent things about these guys. You can either send them your car to Georgia or SC, OR.....they will travel to you with all the tools etc. This might be a GREAT savings for a year or two down the road if you ever decide not to carry warranty. Just bookmark and save.

https://www.mcmedics.com/home