>35 car thread

[x-trainer ben]

so i was a Bob is The Oil guy website fan and used several products on various vehicles.
Anyone use BG 44-k or Redline cleaner for a silent more fuel efficient engine?

i also used Liqui Moly in a Toyota, and that sucker lasted 350,000 miles.

[Bando]

I was pretty proud of myself for replacing the windshield washer pump on my Z06 yesterday.

A colleague got he same job done on his Tahoe last week, same exact part, and they charged him $400.

Guarantee that is way easier on a Tahoe.

I have a new shadetree mechanic. Only he has a 30 x 40 barn with a lift. Yesterday he installed a wheel speed sensor for me and had to use a bolt from his collection. He insisted that he wasn't going to take any money, but I told him if he would just take $20 it would make me feel better. Shop would have charged at least $135. Helps that I'm not a prick and we have a good conversation about fishing, work and whatever else as he's doing the work, we see eye to eye on a lot of stuff.

[Bando]

i also used Liqui Moly in a Toyota, and that sucker lasted 350,000 miles.

Liqui Moly is really good for German vehicles as well.

Funny story, I got a Nissan vehicle home and was looking more closely at the fluids, the coolant is blue, like WW Fluid. I'm thinking "Chit did they put WW fluid in there???" Looked online and indeed for some reason genuine Nissan coolant is the same color as windshield wiper fluid.

[-=FLEX=-]

Guarantee that is way easier on a Tahoe.

Yeah; I think on his truck the pump is right there beside the reservoir at the top of the engine bay.

I told him he'd hate himself if he saw how easy of a job it was.

[-=FLEX=-]

Helps that I'm not a prick and we have a good conversation about fishing, work and whatever else as he's doing the work, we see eye to eye on a lot of stuff.

Amazing when you're a nice person how much people will do for you.

We went to Niagara on the Lake on Labour Day weekend and got several free rounds of drinks. I got new tires for the Z06 this summer and in less than a week got a nail stuck in one and need to have a patch. Dude at the tire shop did it for free for me.

[x-trainer ben]

Liqui Moly is really good for German vehicles as well.

Funny story, I got a Nissan vehicle home and was looking more closely at the fluids, the coolant is blue, like WW Fluid. I'm thinking "Chit did they put WW fluid in there???" Looked online and indeed for some reason genuine Nissan coolant is the same color as windshield wiper fluid.

I was dealing with family health crisis for 18 months, yeah that one, and all my fluids got low.
The coolant was a pink, and somehow this thing burned oil.
Luckily i found the areas best, honest, local mechanic and got a service for under 1000.

[induced_drag]

so i was a Bob is The Oil guy website fan and used several products on various vehicles.
Anyone use BG 44-k or Redline cleaner for a silent more fuel efficient engine?

i also used Liqui Moly in a Toyota, and that sucker lasted 350,000 miles.

Redline oil is what is run in the 211 race car I bought. (So I am going to stick with that). My Lambo's always got Liqui moly. I also use Motul in my prior lotus.

Track driving puts much greater demands on motors. "Race" oils generally have higher zinc content. This acts like a cushion for cams, rockers...etc. It reduces wear. You can achieve same thing with good quality diesel oils. In the new motor I built, I did the first start w/ Rotella and will run it for the first 2 oil changes.

In cars, I will generally put any good brand full synthetic oil in. Been running full syn in all my cars going back decades. Well worth the investment.

Toyota motors are CRAZY! In fact, the motor in my race car is a Toyota motor. A 2ZZGE. Made for the Celica GTS. Motor was developed with Yamaha. (they did the port design and head work on it). Revs to 9k RPM, and in stock form was 180hp from a 1.8 from a naturally aspriated motor. For reference, that would be like a 350 chevy making 570 hp NATURALLY aspirated. (Chevy could never make a motor like that). Toyota so overbuilt the motors, (forged rods etc) that in the new motor build it will be about 430hp. Still from 1.8l. That would be like that same Chevy 350 making 1360hp. Toyota can build some motors!

[Bando]

Yeah; I think on his truck the pump is right there beside the reservoir at the top of the engine bay.

Had to look it up, similar to what you had to do on your Corvette but can do it without even removing the wheel.

[x-trainer ben]

Redline oil is what is run in the 211 race car I bought. (So I am going to stick with that). My Lambo's always got Liqui moly. I also use Motul in my prior lotus.

Track driving puts much greater demands on motors. "Race" oils generally have higher zinc content. This acts like a cushion for cams, rockers...etc. It reduces wear. You can achieve same thing with good quality diesel oils. In the new motor I built, I did the first start w/ Rotella and will run it for the first 2 oil changes.

In cars, I will generally put any good brand full synthetic oil in. Been running full syn in all my cars going back decades. Well worth the investment.

Toyota motors are CRAZY! In fact, the motor in my race car is a Toyota motor. A 2ZZGE. Made for the Celica GTS. Motor was developed with Yamaha. (they did the port design and head work on it). Revs to 9k RPM, and in stock form was 180hp from a 1.8 from a naturally aspriated motor. For reference, that would be like a 350 chevy making 570 hp NATURALLY aspirated. (Chevy could never make a motor like that). Toyota so overbuilt the motors, (forged rods etc) that in the new motor build it will be about 430hp. Still from 1.8l. That would be like that same Chevy 350 making 1360hp. Toyota can build some motors!

Good to see that at the level of high heat racing, that these products are well worth the money spent.
Thanks for that info on Zinc, i had never read that and it is useful information even if I don't race at your level.

[Bando]

Went to a junkyard today, 1st time in probably 30 years. I was just looking for a fuel door and found one, but walking over random car keys and lug nuts on the ground was kinda creepy. Felt post apocalyptic. You can't bring in a jack so they put the vehicles up on old vertical steel wheels, I'm assuming welded to the frame. Bunch of Hispanic Bros were pulling a transmission out from under a Dodge, so I assume that the method they get the cars jacked up and accessible is pretty safe.

It was cool, I had one wrench, one extension and one torx t20 looking for one part and I brought it home.

[Gabbar99]

Went to a junkyard today, 1st time in probably 30 years. I was just looking for a fuel door and found one, but walking over random car keys and lug nuts on the ground was kinda creepy. Felt post apocalyptic. You can't bring in a jack so they put the vehicles up on old vertical steel wheels, I'm assuming welded to the frame. Bunch of Hispanic Bros were pulling a transmission out from under a Dodge, so I assume that the method they get the cars jacked up and accessible is pretty safe.

It was cool, I had one wrench, one extension and one torx t20 looking for one part and I brought it home.

I used to go to a you-pull-it junkyard years ago. It was great to get little interior parts and stuff. Never used it for major things. After awhile I knew exactly where the cars like mine were and I could go straight to it.

These days I can probably get a new one delivered tomorrow by Amazon. But now I don't drive old cars that I'm just trying to keep together.

[Bando]

now I don't drive old cars that I'm just trying to keep together.

I catch chit on the big misc and even some sideways glances from family for my old cars.

I'm going to have the last laugh retiring as a millionaire in my beat up old Camry.

[Gabbar99]

I catch chit on the big misc and even some sideways glances from family for my old cars.

I'm going to have the last laugh retiring as a millionaire in my beat up old Camry.

I still don't have expensive cars, but I had an '85 Toyota Tercel that I got for $3000 and it was the family car for most of a decade. I had an '03 Honda Pilot and got rid of it in 2021 with 310,000 rode hard and put away wet miles. Had the same Chrysler minivan for 18 years.

Now we have an '18 Rogue and a '17 Outback and we do expensive maintenance on it and keep them nice rather than just doing the minimum like we did before.

I'm not a car guy and don't really get the appeal of spending a lot on transportation, but neither do I begrudge those who do. Different strokes for different folks.

Just bought a 2011 Mini convertible yesterday. We needed a 3rd car and it's cheaper than a 2011 Camry, so why not have some fun? Maybe I'll post a photo.

[Bando]

18 Rogue and a '17 Outback 2011 Mini convertible

Triple A is $160 and you're going to need it with this collection of catastrophes. Get rid of the Rouge 1st, terrible engine and transmission issues no matter how well you maintain it. The Outback will be mostly exhaust and sensor issues, even in a rust free state the exhaust will rot from the inside out. The Mini is no fun when you need parts.

[Gabbar99]

Triple A is $160 and you're going to need it with this collection of catastrophes. Get rid of the Rouge 1st, terrible engine and transmission issues no matter how well you maintain it. The Outback will be mostly exhaust and sensor issues, even in a rust free state the exhaust will rot from the inside out. The Mini is no fun when you need parts.

Of course.

(sideways glance)

[Bando]

(sideways glance)

I can give you my list and there's a handful of "American made" cars on there.

Nothing will ever beat the Camry. They burn oil, my buddy who is a licensed master mechanic says that's the reason they last so long. Kept her topped off until my daughter totaled our 2008 at 2011k. Sold with a wrecked front end at auction for $1,200

[-=FLEX=-]

[x-trainer ben]

I can give you my list and there's a handful of "American made" cars on there.

Nothing will ever beat the Camry. They burn oil, my buddy who is a licensed master mechanic says that's the reason they last so long. Kept her topped off until my daughter totaled our 2008 at 2011k. Sold with a wrecked front end at auction for $1,200

i got 380,000 on a 2000 Avalon; that thing was a tank until the end.

[induced_drag]

Just bought a 2011 Mini convertible yesterday. We needed a 3rd car and it's cheaper than a 2011 Camry, so why not have some fun? Maybe I'll post a photo.

I love mini's. BUT they are BMW powered and as such they are maint nightmares as they get up in miles. We have a friend who has one for his son and they have had to put many thousand in it over past few years. They keep saying it might not be worth it, but the way the car market has been, they keep it running. Better to stick with the evil you have and know, vs the unknown I guess.

Fun little cars though!


I have been working like nuts trying to get the 2nd track car ready for shake down runs.

I refitted the rear clam for the first time and confirmed everything fits under the bonnet. That has been a lingering question and I was just going on my gut and measurements I took along the way. All the plumbing for the dry sump, pressurized swirl tanks and external fuel press is new and had to find a place to fit. The tanks w/ the blue tape are all not OEM and space is tight under the car.

The big tank to the rear with "Peterson" on it, is the oil tank. Car has no oil pan and oil is stored in the tank and circulated by an external pump. I cut the trunk out to fit the tank. I plan on cutting open the rear area for air flow and cooling.
Not going to worry about cosmetics now. Just want to shake down. I have to learn how to tune the motor since the car has a stand-alone ecu. I have been diving in deep learning the methods. I have the help of a few that know the system well, so I think I can do it in my own vs renting a dyno for 1/2 a day. I like learning new things so this is turning into quite the project! Maybe take it apart this winter and paint and make pretty.

The cool thing was this weekend, I got the sequential adjusted and working. You dont use a clutch to shift. They are straight cut gears and make all kinds of noise. (like your reverse gear sounds but all of them are straight cut). I put the car on jack stands so I could run though gears adjusting the linkage. This is going to be crazy fun on track and NASTY!

[Gabbar99]

Nice! That Fiat version of the Miata is what I really want -- actually I want a 60s Austin-Healy -- , but the Mini will be stolen by my college daughters, so the pretend backseat is useful for them and their friends. I'll get my two-seater in a year or two. I keep insisting it's my car but my wife won't accept that the little Barbie car is mine and points out, correctly I'm sure, that our daughters won't give it back.

My one daughter has had a Mini EXACTLY like the one I bought in her Pinterest for years, so I had to get it when I saw it.

[Gabbar99]

I love mini's. BUT they are BMW powered and as such they are maint nightmares as they get up in miles. We have a friend who has one for his son and they have had to put many thousand in it over past few years.

So be it. It's not a rational decision based on cost/benefit ratio. If our girls have fun with and I have fun with it for a couple years, that's good enough.

[-=FLEX=-]

Nice! That Fiat version of the Miata is what I really want

It's a nice little car for Mrs Flex.

Actually turns quite a few heads, probably because most don't know what it is. Very few of them up here. I've only seen a handful in the wild myself.

Could have a tighter suspension and a bit more power for me, but it's fine for her. I doubt she even spools up the turbo. LOL. I wind it right up every time I drive it.

[Gabbar99]

It's a nice little car for Mrs Flex.

Actually turns quite a few heads, probably because most don't know what it is. Very few of them up here. I've only seen a handful in the wild myself.

Could have a tighter suspension and a bit more power for me, but it's fine for her. I doubt she even spools up the turbo. LOL. I wind it right up every time I drive it.

A guy at my gym has a white one. I think I'd go for silver or black.

It has a little more European feel than the Miata and kinda classic looking.

[induced_drag]

For little cars I have always thought about a alfa romeo 4c. Cool little cars with full carbon monocoque chassis. About as light as you can make a modern car with all the required safety stuff. The car in europe is just over 2000lbs dry. In the US they are about 2300lb.

I have been working like crazy to get my sons track car ready for first shake down. I have had to teach myself engine tuning. Spent the past few days building fuel tables to get it close enough to run safely. I have it to the point where I should be able to do some runs to dial in the fueling. No way to do ignition without dyno and I will save that for when I have fueling dialed in. Just going to set conservative ignition timing for now. Peak power is not what I am concerned with right now. Plus I am running 100 oct race fuel it in so I should have a decent margin on fueling.

The cosmetics of the car leave a lot to be desired, but we will tackle that after it is dialed in and running. It almost looks like a car again!

[Bando]

@ID how do you insure these things? I think you mentioned before that you carry a million dollar umbrella policy, but surely that doesn't cover a 16 year old on a racetrack. Betting the track makes you sign a complete indemnity and hold harmless agreement as well.

I'm guessing on the track if you crash it's completely on you, and if you hit someone they can't sue as the agreement covers another car bumping into you?

Years back we had a local racer killed, he was pissed that he got ran off the track, and walked back on the track to confront the driver that he came into contact with. Confronting a racecar on foot that was going 120 MPH had the obvious result, but his family sued. The driver was absolved of guilt only after the dead driver tested positive for Alcohol and *******.

[Gabbar99]

Years back we had a local racer killed, he was pissed that he got ran off the track, and walked back on the track to confront the driver that he came into contact with. Confronting a racecar on foot that was going 120 MPH had the obvious result, but his family sued. The driver was absolved of guilt only after the dead driver tested positive for Alcohol and *******.

That's the Tony Stewart case, right?

[Gabbar99]

For little cars I have always thought about a alfa romeo 4c.

I honestly didn't know Alfa Romeo made cars in the past 50 years. The old ones are cool, but a notoriously tight fit. Don't think I could fit in one. But I didn't think I could fit in a Mini either until I tried it. It's actually normal size in the front seat.

What I really want is a 60s roadster. But the Mini will have to do for now. Also, I want a car that spends more time on the road than in the shop and that era British roadsters are not known for being particularly reliable.

btw, here's my Mini:

[induced_drag]

@ID how do you insure these things? I think you mentioned before that you carry a million dollar umbrella policy, but surely that doesn't cover a 16 year old on a racetrack. Betting the track makes you sign a complete indemnity and hold harmless agreement as well.

I'm guessing on the track if you crash it's completely on you, and if you hit someone they can't sue as the agreement covers another car bumping into you?

Years back we had a local racer killed, he was pissed that he got ran off the track, and walked back on the track to confront the driver that he came into contact with. Confronting a racecar on foot that was going 120 MPH had the obvious result, but his family sued. The driver was absolved of guilt only after the dead driver tested positive for Alcohol and *******.

Bando,

Essentially you step out on to track and you take the risk in your own hands. If you are driving a road car on track, your insurance does not cover you.

You can buy track insurance to cover the value of cars on track. It would be about 7k/ year for us and would not cover my son since he is under 25. So you risk what you risk. Everyone who enters signs a waiver and gets listed as 'additional insured', so it turns into a situation where you cant sue yourself or your own policy.

Some have tried to sue others on track, but it is not an easy thing to do to prove fault. There are not the normal rules you operate by on track. Eg, rules of the road dont apply.

Liability is just part of the game. At the end of the day, my concern is safety. If you damage something, you may have to deal with paying up. But safety is something you cant put a price on.


So....big thing. We have a track day tomorrow. For the first time ever we will be showing up with 2 cars. In the last month, I have pulled 2 engines, swapped the entire drive train into the new car for my son. Sorted the sequential trans. Re-wired all the sensors of our built motor to work with the stand-alone ECU AND....Tuned the ecu! It is not perfect, but in good enough shape to shake down on track. We did some back road runs dialing in the sequential linkage. This car is a fukin rocket. The sequential is just BRUTAL. You dont clutch to shift and just bang the fuk out of it with a light lift on the pedal. SUPER close ratio trans. Will resist the urge to go crazy on track with it. Really just wanting to log all kinds of ECU data to refine the tune.

[induced_drag]

I just have to share this. We had an awesome day at the track yesterday. I was very nervous since the silver car had a brand new motor (which I built) and was running on a tune that I built (and I have no experience tuning engines) there were just so many things that could go wrong. The sequential transmission had/has no instructions or manual. It is a part made for race cars and the company that makes it is out of the UK. I was totally on my own with set-up and tweeking. Everything went great with it, but that is really not what I am excited about.

My son was asked to test for F4. On the circuit we were at is a race team and the guy who runs the shop has talked to us over the last couple years. We chat about lots of stuff. SUPER nice guy. He has asked questions about my son, inquiring about his lap times, and such. Just small talk. (so I thought). At the track yesterday, he invited my son to test in a F4 car and did a 'fitting' for him. First he had to make sure he was strong enough to generate the required brake pressures. A lot of younger kids cant push on the brakes hard enough. You have to generate 1000psi on un-boosted brakes. He passed that test generating 1700 psi of peak force. His fitment in the car was almost perfect. (there are no seat adjustments in the car and no seat really). It is a foam plug made to suit each driver. With my sons growth spurt, he said he had a car he felt was perfect for him.

So in a week he is getting his shot. The guy is flying out a coach for a full day and they are testing one other driver. He said he was really interested to see what my son can do since he does NOT come from karting. He said karting drivers have too many bad habits to break. This is not a pay for play type thing. Ligier (the chassis manuf) is picking up the tab. We just have to show up and they want to see what he can do in their car with a coach for a day. My mind is totally blown and even if nothing comes out of this, it will be an incredible thing he will never forget.





He drove incredible and beat my best times yesterday. On one session, he got out of the car and was smiling nervously. He told me he made the most incredible save ever. Said he lost it at 70 in a turn and went to full opposite lock and then back and save the car from going into the tire wall. I thought he was exaggerating since the chances of putting in that much input at those speeds AND driving away would be slim at best. He was not kidding. He really did it. It is the second 'save'. The first being a minor one on a very tricky turn.

[-=FLEX=-]

Very exciting for him. Congrats.