Topic: What did you do to your non-motorcycle vehicle today?

[Terry in Australia]

Father’s Day here in Oz yesterday so decided to do some work on the wife’s Hyundai. Fresh oil and filter, new OEM fuel filter (under the back seat, and a PITA to get to, being a tiny little coupe) new air filter and NGK spark plugs. None of these things have been replaced since the car was new (22 years old and 95,000 miles) and I laughed when I saw the plug gaps, the electrodes had basically worn down to the porcelain, so I suppose it was about time for some maintenance.

Still have to install the timing belt kit, water pump and ancillary belts, as they haven’t been changed from when the car was new either. Anyway it’s running like a new car now and as the fuel filter was partially blocked it’s now back to “full power” and good for another 22 years.

When I see a worn plug (like Terry’s) I often wonder why plug gap is important!

I had similar thoughts John, but I think that modern ignition systems are the main reason why a spark can jump a 3(+) mm gap with no issues, our old bikes had pretty weak ignition systems from the factory. Another reason why I like electronic ignitions, they throw a much fatter spark than points. Of course alternator output is better now, along with EFI sending just the right amount of fuel helps considerably. Just evolution, I suppose?

[ofreen]

About a year or so back, I replaced the plugs in three Ford 2 valve 4.6 V8s in a couple of Crown Vics and a MGM that had the original plugs with over 100,000 miles on them. The largest miles were at 136,000 miles.  The factory says the plug gaps should be .054.  With all the miles, the gaps were at .080+.  All three cars were running well before, but they really woke up after the plug change.  It was noticeable.  Motorcraft plugs, both original and replacement.

[Terry in Australia]

Yeah Greg, the little Hyundai has 151,000 Km’s (around 95000 miles) on the odo, the original plugs were NGK, and I replaced them with NGK’s. I think the fuel filter was the biggest issue, but I’m sure the plugs helped.

[BenelliSEI]

Replaced the LF upright, stub axle and wheel bearings on the LF. Two hours of “open practice” at Shannonville Raceway, Monday night. We have three races there (4 hour and 2 X 8 hours) in two weeks, so a good chance to make sure everything is “good to go” for the last weekend of the season!

Full alignment, corner weights and fresh brakes planned for Sunday in Tim’s dealership

[ofreen]

I succumbed in a weak moment.

[dave500]

you are forgiven!

[ofreen]

Thanks Dave, that makes me feel better.

[BenelliSEI]

Finished race car prep. Two hours of test time booked at Shannonville Motorsports Park for tomorrow, 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

[grcamna2]

Thanks Dave, that makes me feel better.

Hemi powered ?? 
The truck will be jealous 

[ofreen]

Hemi powered ?? 

Yes, the 5.7.  It will be used mainly as a road trip car.  Fun car, and comfortable.

[grcamna2]

Hemi powered ?? 

Yes, the 5.7.  It will be used mainly as a road trip car.  Fun car, and comfortable.

Does your suspension have different settings: Touring or Sport ?

[ofreen]

Nothing that fancy I think.  It has the "super track pack", so the suspension is on the firm side.  It reminds me of the suspension on my police package Crown Vics.  You can feel the road, so the ride is a little rougher, but I like it that way.

[scottly]

I succumbed in a weak moment.

70th birthday present to yourself? My older brother told me I now qualify for the tee-shirt that reads "I survived the 60's. Twice."

[ofreen]

I never thought of it that way, but maybe so.  I have always thought the Challenger was the best rendition of the retro cars.  The R/T is no scat pack or hellcat, but it moves along pretty well, and doesn't handle like it weighs 4000 pounds.  The stick shift car has always interested me more and aren't that common, so when this one came along I figured ultimately what the hell.  It took me 3 weeks to make up my mind because I don't need another car, but still no buyers remorse.

[scottly]

What's the HP?

[ofreen]

The factory said 376 HP/410 lb-ft torque for the 6 speed manual.

[Stev-o]

The factory said 376 HP/410 lb-ft torque for the 6 speed manual.

Congrats Greg...that will be fun!  And agreed, always thought the Challenger was the best retro car. 

However, I love driving my buddy's '73...

[ofreen]

That is a beautiful car.  My sister had a '73.  In 1977 we drove it from Salt Lake to south of Seattle in under 12 hours.  That was in the days of the national speed limit set at 55 mph.  We spent a lot of time at 30-40 mph above that, especially when my sister was driving, because she was a little crazy in those days.  (She wrecked a couple of Camaros in her career ) We were lucky we didn't get caught, but we didn't see many cops either.  The road was a lot different in those days.  It had a 318, but it moved along pretty well.  I'll take the new Challenger on a trip down to San Diego in three weeks and we will see how it does.

[Terry in Australia]

That’s a magnificent car Greg, I’ve been watching Youtube videos of cops chasing them at 150+ MPH, I can still remember when “The Ton” was scary. Enjoy!

[scottly]

The big change in smog laws started in 1972, and also the change from gross HP ratings to net HP flywheel ratings. The "hottest" 440 for '73 had 280 HP @ 4800 RPM, with 380 ft/lbs @ 3200, with 8.2:1 compression. The "hottest" 318 (the 318 was never a performance engine) had 170 HP @ 4000, with 270 ft/lbs @ 2000, and 8.6:1 compression. The new stuff is so much better in every way: more power, better MPG, and cleaner to boot!

[ofreen]

That’s a magnificent car Greg, I’ve been watching Youtube videos of cops chasing them at 150+ MPH, I can still remember when “The Ton” was scary. Enjoy!

Thanks Terry. 100 mph in it feels like nothing.  Or at least I imagine it does.

The new stuff is so much better in every way: more power, better MPG, and cleaner to boot!

Computer control made it possible for sure.  22 highway mpg in a Hellcat with over 700 horsies.  Amazing.

[BenelliSEI]

Had a great evening of testing at Shannonville, last night. Rained all day but cleared for the two hours we were on track. Did several runs and used the tire pyrometer to check temps across the tread. Ideal tire pressures are 31 psi cold (36 hot) and we need to dial 1/2 a degree of extra negative camber in both front wheels……

Car ran strong with no issues, other than a relay for the cooling fans that was “cycling” and needs to be replaced. Fresh set of tires and brake pads, oil and filter,  and a really good cleaning are on the list. Great to be at the track on a weekday!

The next race is a monster weekend. Open practice on Friday morning, four hour race that afternoon. Eight hour race on Saturday and same again on Sunday! Can’t wait.

[BenelliSEI]

Met an old acquaintance at the track last night. He sent me this photo he stumbled on a few days ago. He’s in the Lotus Seven, behind me in my MG Midget. The Ginetta G4 in the lead is another good friend. Both of them were running 1600cc FORD Kent engines. I built that Midget from a bare shell in 2001, powered by a 1293cc BMC “A Series” motor. It was a real “giant killer”. Picture is corner 1, Mosport. Good Times!

[Stev-o]

Met an old acquaintance at the track last night. He sent me this photo...

Great pic, John!

[dave500]

Ahh wow thats a great photo.