We've never had it so good

NickD wrote:

LuxInterior wrote:

NickD wrote: We can get reasonably-priced, factory-warrantied, OEM-reliable 707hp coupes, sedans and soon an SUV. Who would've thought that ever would happen?!

Even better: the reasonably-priced, factory-warrantied, OEM-reliable 707hp coupes & sedans will soon drive themselves! Will the OEMs really put a "Do a Burnout" button on the dash like they've been talking about? Seriously though, we are lucky to have so much performance available from new cars and so many upgrades available for the cars we already have.

The new Mustangs actually have a "Do A Burnout" button. And the ECM marks every use, so if there is a parts failure within a certain amount of time of after that button was pressed that, then they can refuse to cover it under warranty

That's sad. It used to take skill to look like an idiot doing a burnout. Now any talentless fool can look like an idiot just by pushing a button.

The art of Being a Man... or maybe it's the art of Being an Idiot is getting killed off by technology.

NickD wrote: The new Mustangs actually have a "Do A Burnout" button. And the ECM marks every use, so if there is a parts failure within a certain amount of time of after that button was pressed that, then they can refuse to cover it under warranty

Can't you just do a burnout without pressing that button?

chiodos wrote:

Kreb wrote: Personally, I'd say that it's the second best time after the 50s through early 60s.

This, back then, everyone was modifying cars now people plug in computers or replace a part with another and call it modifying. Ive got a bunch of really cool magazines from the 50s about modifying cars, cutting frames, frenching tail lights, make your own intake manifolds, ect. You dont see that anymore. Now its all cat back exhaust, stereos, wheels and coilovers. I feel like i was born in the wrong era

Maybe YOU don't see it anymore. There's plenty of people doing engine or drivetrain or suspension swaps that involve more measuring and cutting and welding than wrenching and credit card swiping.

ProDarwin wrote:

NickD wrote: The new Mustangs actually have a "Do A Burnout" button. And the ECM marks every use, so if there is a parts failure within a certain amount of time of after that button was pressed that, then they can refuse to cover it under warranty

Can't you just do a burnout without pressing that button?

Probably with a stick, a drive by wire car with an auto won't let you brake torque it AFAIK (if brake+gas then idle), and I'd assume it would recognize a neutral drop and soften it.

In reply to Hungary Bill:

Frisbee don't hold a candle to my Celica or the Celica supra. People have to motor swap the frisbee to do anything cool. Heck, my meager 22re in NA form is more fun than that boxer... They may not out perform it, but the Toyota of yore built that company. Toyota of tomorrow will tear it down (unless they change)

Also- I love the smell of a rich running carb and the glorious smell of burning rubber! It's the smell of nostalgia for me, reminding me of the track I grew up going to every weekend. However, I wouldn't want that smell daily.

pushrod36 wrote:

Nick (LUCAS) Comstock wrote: Interesting perspective. You seem to be a glass is half full kind of guy.

I was, too, when I was his age.

I'm about to turn 40 and still a glass half full type. I don't think it's your age that's changed you. Get out and enjoy life.

Hungary Bill wrote: Manufacturers are putting out some pretty good numbers but I think we're lacking cheap options for simple, fun, RWD, sports cars. Aside from the FRS/BRZ what options exist that could match what the Fox bodys, IROCs, RX-7s, 300Zs, Supras, and Celicas were?

Uhh, point by point: the Mustang, Camaro, Miata, 370z, okay no Supra, and FRS/Brz?

I think you're confusing nostalgia with reality. People look back on what used to be fondly but discount what is now. In 20-30 years people will be wondering where the fun cars like the 2016 Mustang are while discounting the 900hp electric infinite range Mustang in their neighbor's driveway.

Its gets tiresome.

I don't get the dislike for the new stuff. If you want to mess with carbs and points and all that stuff, you still can. Summit will happily sell you any number of carbs for any number of engines. But those of us who like the newer stuff can have that, as well.

How is that not the best of both worlds?

Hungary Bill wrote: I don't want Wi-Fi in my car, or reclining thrones. I don't want a fridge either. Get off my lawn.

Says the man with the avatar of the driver who's car had.... ...and a trunk monkey.

In reply to Flight Service:

Trunk monkeys should come standard in all GM products... I would buy a GM just for that.

NickD wrote: We can get reasonably-priced, factory-warrantied, OEM-reliable 707hp coupes, sedans and soon an SUV. Who would've thought that ever would happen?!

Problem is that "OEM reliable" in said case refers for FCA.

In reply to Flight Service:

Tom_Spangler wrote: I don't get the dislike for the new stuff. If you want to mess with carbs and points and all that stuff, you still can. Summit will happily sell you any number of carbs for any number of engines. But those of us who like the newer stuff can have that, as well. How is that not the best of both worlds?

I don't dislike the new stuff. I just tend to let others work on it. Your point is well taken that one can drive a luxurious, stupid-fast SUV to pick up those Craigslist carbs to bolt on your 1960s relic. Great times indeed.

new stuff is cool, old stuff is cool. The only thing I wish oems wouldn't do is remove strength in order to improve efficiency. I don't think we'll ever see another 2jz. Other than that, there is some awesome stuff happening, just look at tx2k, look at all the performance oriented factory offerings, look at all the aftermarket solutions. It's a good time to be an enthusiast.

BrokenYugo wrote:

ProDarwin wrote:

NickD wrote: The new Mustangs actually have a "Do A Burnout" button. And the ECM marks every use, so if there is a parts failure within a certain amount of time of after that button was pressed that, then they can refuse to cover it under warranty

Can't you just do a burnout without pressing that button?

Probably with a stick, a drive by wire car with an auto won't let you brake torque it AFAIK (if brake+gas then idle), and I'd assume it would recognize a neutral drop and soften it.

My 01 2500hd won't allow me to roast the tires, the drive by wire de-tunes power in takeoff so that you don't blow up the rear end(or that's what they say anyway).

Trackmouse wrote: In reply to Hungary Bill: People have to motor swap the frisbee to do anything cool. Heck, my meager 22re in NA form is more fun than that boxer...

In reply to Knurled:

Hahaha! It took you guys that long to call me on that! "Ok, Ok, we make deal... I never say 22re is good engine again, but you be nice and let comrade dream, ok?"

Kreb wrote: ...I like the "anything goes" postwar attitude... What I don't like is that DIY is more difficult and less fun on the newer stuff, and that any rich dude can lay down his tech/real estate/banking industry dollars and buy something that performance-wise is beyond the reach of all but the very best of us. I've got a David-and-Goliath syndrome or something, but nothing beats it when elbow grease, know-how and ingenuity spanks a guy who's paid his way into the game.

This describes Locost-type cars and it's why I enjoy this picture of me chasing down a GT3 so much:

So would the ultimate conclusion of the diy/checkbook argument be a hell cat powered locost?

kb58 wrote: This describes Locost-type cars and it's why I enjoy this picture of me chasing down a GT3 so much:

I enjoy the picture of the wrist pin sheared/shattered lengthwise. I have NEVER seen that before.

LuxInterior wrote:

NickD wrote:

LuxInterior wrote:

NickD wrote:

The new Mustangs actually have a "Do A Burnout" button. And the ECM marks every use, so if there is a parts failure within a certain amount of time of after that button was pressed that, then they can refuse to cover it under warranty

That's sad. It used to take skill to look like an idiot doing a burnout. Now any talentless fool can look like an idiot just by pushing a button. The art of Being a Man... or maybe it's the art of Being an Idiot is getting killed off by technology.

Ford built in a factory supplied line lock for the drag racers and this is a bad thing?

For me around 2007 was the best. A lot of the JDM dream machines from the 90s were fully depreciated then, and still available on the used market. Good luck finding a clean Supra or RX-7 now.

If horsepower is the measuring standard then today is truly the best of days for car guys. Cheap Chinese turbos have gotten reasonably reliable. Junkyard LS motors are a dime a dozen. It's a hard combo to beat.

sesto elemento wrote: I don't think we'll ever see another 2jz.

Ummmm....

LSx?

There is a lot of good, but I would also say we've also never had it so bad. Mostly due to over complication. Partly due to government regulation, partly due to the fear factor of selling cars. Got to have the 40 airbags, cameras and sensors to save us from ourselves.

I honestly don't see anything coming out on consumer the market that will be desirable in 20 years. The electronics will be prohibitively expensive to repair and the engines won't run without them because everything is interconnected. See all the high end BMWs and MBs in scrap yards because of failed $$$$ parts. That complication is moving down market with astonishing speed and it's all incorporated into a module that won't be available or supported.