yellowlightman Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 The GTO? Bob Lutz can't beat his chest over that one, 'cause all he did was stand on the shoulders of others. The Aussies already built it; all he did was have it re-badged and converted to LHD (in a nutshell). At least he had the intelligence to leave it mostly as-is and not GM-ify it with a bunch of crappy plastic. Not to mention, resisted the urge to Pontiac the crap out of it... it's probably the most underdesigned Pontiac in the last 15 years. A little too understyled, but that's certainly better than it being on a Aztec-level of poor styling choices.
areaseven Posted June 4, 2005 Author Posted June 4, 2005 The GTO? Bob Lutz can't beat his chest over that one, 'cause all he did was stand on the shoulders of others. The Aussies already built it; all he did was have it re-badged and converted to LHD (in a nutshell). Actually, he did worse than that. The Monaro's fuel tank is directly under the trunk. For the GTO, Lutz had Holden relocate the tank directly behind and below the rear seats to conform to rear-impact safety regulations. As a result, the car's center of gravity has been severely altered. 10 years ago Cadillacs were junk and pretty much worthless next to European and Japanese luxury brands, to be purchased only by blue haired old ladies. You forgot to mention that Cadillac stayed in business because of the Mafia. "Boys, show him the trunk!"
yellowlightman Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 (edited) Actually, he did worse than that. The Monaro's fuel tank is directly under the trunk. For the GTO, Lutz had Holden relocate the tank directly behind and below the rear seats to conform to rear-impact safety regulations. As a result, the car's center of gravity has been severely altered. That sonnovabitch! How dare he compromise the vehicle to adhere to federal regulations! The nerve! Edited June 4, 2005 by yellowlightman
reddsun1 Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 I'm just wondering how putting it directly behind the rear seat is supposed to make it "safer"? Makes me think of the first-gen Mustangs; with their "drop-in" fuel tanks, you had to worry about the tank/fuel being pushed right up in through the rear seat back in hard rear-end collisions.
Grayson72 Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 eh... Not a fan of half naked chicks in front of cars. I like women, and I like cars, but I see no need to put them together. i guess you don't like lowrider and it's affiliated magazines then haha... $500 wheels or a $100 car. Yay... Yeah well, they have to put girls in front of the cars because the cars are lame. Oh I couldn't agree more with you on that one. Drives me nuts when I see a crappy little Ford escort with the gold spoke wheels that cost 500 bucks a piece and stick out 6 inches past the fender.
Lightning Posted June 4, 2005 Posted June 4, 2005 The fact that Dodge dropped that Charger concept in favor of a "Magnum" with a trunk should be considered a crime. And this is coming from an anti-Dodge guy! a new convert is being born.....
Lightning Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 Any hint of when or even if General Motors plans on bringing back the Camaro or Firebird? Just curious. I keep hearing talk of the comeback in a few years but never really seen anything. With the success of the new Mustang, it would seem illogical for GM not to respond much like the did in the 60's. Yeah, but GM's not exactly known for making decisions that make sense these days, are they? sad to say it (for me that is)....but neither is DaimlerChrysler these days.... Remember kids, the "Chrysler" is silent! I wouldn't go so far as to say that about Chrysler. I may not like the styling of some of their vehicles--but then again, Chrysler products have always been the "Mavericks" of the big 3 in that department, haven't they? I definitely DO like their marketing strategies. They don't try to create cookie-cutter cars for everyman. They know they have a specific segment of the market, and they target them appropriately. To their credit, Chrysler offers "hot-rodded" SRT versions of nearly all their cars: from trucks, to station wagons, to sports cars, right on down to the economy Neon (8 models so far, IIRC). They know there's a segment out there that wants traditional, RWD platforms, with options to make them more sporty/powerful; and that's just what they offer. GM on the other hand; what the higher-ups there have done/are doing could arguably be considered downright INCOMPETENCE. I mean really; they dump all their pony-car and sedan models on V8/RWD platforms in favor of FWD with wheezy V6s and trucks/SUVs. They bet the farm on the SUV/utility craze and crank these out like gangbusters, and surprise, surprise--they wind up reporting losses in the 9-figure range ($800mil, wasn't it?). Now, they're getting more and more desparate, having to offer deep price cuts--basically, employee level discounts and rebates across the board, on virtually every domestic model--in order to make ends meet. C'mon, why aren't these guys getting tossed out on their arses? Instead, they get golden parachutes and 6-figure bonuses while employee pensions and profit margins hang in serious doubt. P.S. What the hell happened to the Charger between this concept model and the actual roll-out? I know, I know; NASCAR needed a sihlouette shape on the quick-step, so's they could re-introduce the nameplate. Sooo.... actually, they are more "cookie-cutter" than you realize: the new POS(that Creed-ified Charger), and the 300 are the same car, just different sheet metal. My '77 LeBaron has more quality than that car, and It'll outrun the stock V6 that is in it! but for what it is, yes I love the fact that Chrysler is coming back with RWD platforms, but for $25,000-$40,000(for the SRT versions) don't you think that Chrysler could've optioned them with a stick, I mean for godsakes the TRUCKS are standard with a SIX SPEED!!! (sure wish I could get ahold of that tranny....)
peter Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I saw this guy a couple of weeks ago showing off and almost t-boning a truck.
Jawjaw Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I agree about the last Camaro/Firebird looked like crap. I never liked it at all. The performance of the LS-1 6-speed was awesome but I don't get why they kept the same ugly, wedge shape for so many years. Is it that big of a deal to shape a decent looking car? For GM, I guess so.
yellowlightman Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I agree about the last Camaro/Firebird looked like crap. I never liked it at all. The performance of the LS-1 6-speed was awesome but I don't get why they kept the same ugly, wedge shape for so many years. Is it that big of a deal to shape a decent looking car? For GM, I guess so. They managed to pull the C5 (and later the C6) 'vette out of their collective asses so it's not impossible for them. American companies in general just haven't been able to design attractive cars over the last 25 years. The 80's and 90's were particularly dark times for them. It's just recently they've been able to improve their design and engineering. Maybe they've finally realized the Japanese won, and that people who buy American buy them because of habit or old prejudices. 95% of the time, anyways.
HWR MKII Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I own a Camaro. A 79 Camaro the last of the decent bodystyle ones . The great thing is on the older ones is that all of the Motor and drivetrain components on the Newer ones can bolt right in. You get the look of the older car with the performance of the newer one. Im itching to get to a scrapyard in the states and get a few undriveable late 90s Camaros to part out top this one. Mainly Motor, Transmission and rearend. Driveshaft is shorter than mine so ill keep mine or get a new one from Classis Industries
yellowlightman Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I own a Camaro. A 79 Camaro the last of the decent bodystyle ones . The great thing is on the older ones is that all of the Motor and drivetrain components on the Newer ones can bolt right in. You get the look of the older car with the performance of the newer one. Im itching to get to a scrapyard in the states and get a few undriveable late 90s Camaros to part out top this one. Mainly Motor, Transmission and rearend. Driveshaft is shorter than mine so ill keep mine or get a new one from Classis Industries I hadn't realized it was as easy as bolting newer stuff right in, but that's really cool. The most enviable thing about the classic American cars is that fixing them up and updating is so easy, between putting in newer (more advanced) parts or just easy access to old trim items and whatnot. The best thing about the newer Camaro's is that they tended to fall into the hands of young idiots so often, finding a crashed one with a decent motor isn't hard at all. As my friend told me once, 'The road to hell is lined with wrecked Camaro's from the hands of 16-year olds.'
HWR MKII Posted June 5, 2005 Posted June 5, 2005 I Know what you mean. Its not AS easy as dropping in there are some slight differences but its a cheaper alternative. The rear end alone will give me 4whel disc brakes when installed. Thats cheaper than ordering a new rear and axles and a brake conversion kit. I still have to research the motor mounts but it shouldnt be tough to adapt mine to the new motor. From what i have seen in the catalog they are "almost" the same mount. Right now she is in the shop getting dual exauhst and polyeurathane bushings allaround installed.
Lightning Posted June 6, 2005 Posted June 6, 2005 half my stuff for my car is gonna come from the 'yard, until I can afford better (new) pieces.
Jawjaw Posted June 6, 2005 Posted June 6, 2005 I Know what you mean. Its not AS easy as dropping in there are some slight differences but its a cheaper alternative. The rear end alone will give me 4whel disc brakes when installed. Thats cheaper than ordering a new rear and axles and a brake conversion kit. I still have to research the motor mounts but it shouldnt be tough to adapt mine to the new motor. From what i have seen in the catalog they are "almost" the same mount. Right now she is in the shop getting dual exauhst and polyeurathane bushings allaround installed. It's not always that easy but Chevy is pretty good about new stuff bolting up to old stuff. But sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth. New stuff with all the sensors and computers works great until something goes wrong, then it's a nightmare. A matched cam/head motor with the right carb and good ignition gets the job done just as good for less cash. Although, I would love to put one of those 6 spds in my Camaro some day. From what I studied, it will not be easy to fit but it would be worth the effort.
HWR MKII Posted June 6, 2005 Posted June 6, 2005 I was only going to scavenge the minimal electronics required for mine. I may even look for an 80s iroc and get its tuned port injection off it. Id definitely get the antilock package out of the newer car for the brakes. Even the electrics wouldnt be tough to fix if they broke just get the parts for the year of the car you pulled it out of. I know a 5 sped transmission would fit but it is a pain to go from automatic to manal, alot of cuting and fitting going on there. I may just look for one with a 4 speed automatic in it, mines a 3 speed right now.
yellowlightman Posted June 6, 2005 Posted June 6, 2005 I know a 5 sped transmission would fit but it is a pain to go from automatic to manal, alot of cuting and fitting going on there. I may just look for one with a 4 speed automatic in it, mines a 3 speed right now. Cutting and fitting to get the shift lever to fit, or are we talking in the transmission tunnel itself?
pfunk Posted June 6, 2005 Posted June 6, 2005 I own a Camaro. A 79 Camaro the last of the decent bodystyle ones . The great thing is on the older ones is that all of the Motor and drivetrain components on the Newer ones can bolt right in. You get the look of the older car with the performance of the newer one. Im itching to get to a scrapyard in the states and get a few undriveable late 90s Camaros to part out top this one. Mainly Motor, Transmission and rearend. Driveshaft is shorter than mine so ill keep mine or get a new one from Classis Industries easy fit, biggest thing is that the 5 speed (up to 1992) is cocked a bit twards the driver (15 degrees I belive) to get the shifter to line up. As for the new body, all you need is to modify the crossmember to get the 6speed in Im not 100%, but im pretty sure the turbo400 crossmember will let the 6speed fit or thier maybe holes allready to move the crossmember rearward. the motor mounts you have will directlly bolt up as the casting for the LT1 is the same in that area. Biggest problem that I can recall is the accesories hang low and you have to "C" notch the frame to get them to fit on the pass side of the car. that holds true for 1st gen cars also. One other thing you have to do is convert it over to a hydrolic type clutch. They make slave cylinders that damn near bolt up. if you need more info, lemme know, I can tell U exactly what model years will work and what you need
HWR MKII Posted June 7, 2005 Posted June 7, 2005 (edited) Thans for the info Pfunk it alleviates alot of the worries i had. Yellowlightman. The main worry i have is for making the holes for the clutch pedal and expanding the area for the gear shift knob. As far as i know the motor itself will bolt right in. Also its acessories should fit under the 3in rise cowl hood im installing. The car i have is a Berlinetta. Basically its a Z28 with all the otipons, a different exterior options package and softer suspension. Edited June 7, 2005 by HWR MKII
Lightning Posted June 7, 2005 Posted June 7, 2005 ok, this car is veeeeery hard to find front suspension parts for, so I'm gonna scrounge around my area and try to find me an E-body (I found a Challenger a few months ago)
areaseven Posted June 7, 2005 Author Posted June 7, 2005 Did anyone catch yesterday's NASCAR race? It wasn't as exciting as last week's Coca-Cola 600, but Dover International Raceway proved to be a hell of a Monster Mile: - For a third race week in a row, Jeff Gordon has failed to finish a race. Wonderpunk blamed Tony Stewart for spinning him to the outside wall. Stewart, on the other hand, explained that Wonderpunk didn't give enough clearance for him to pass. Regardless of which, Wonderpunk got what was coming. - There's just no stopping Roush Racing this year, as Greg Biffle took home the checkered flag for a fourth time, despite damaging his car during his victory burnout.
bandit29 Posted June 7, 2005 Posted June 7, 2005 Did anyone catch yesterday's NASCAR race? It wasn't as exciting as last week's Coca-Cola 600, but Dover International Raceway proved to be a hell of a Monster Mile:- For a third race week in a row, Jeff Gordon has failed to finish a race. Wonderpunk blamed Tony Stewart for spinning him to the outside wall. Stewart, on the other hand, explained that Wonderpunk didn't give enough clearance for him to pass. Regardless of which, Wonderpunk got what was coming. - There's just no stopping Roush Racing this year, as Greg Biffle took home the checkered flag for a fourth time, despite damaging his car during his victory burnout. Ya it was alright for a Dover race. I like Greg Biffle. Not a fan of Roush racing but I like him, go figure. Jeff Gordon admitted he lifted on the gas. That's why Tony Stewart got into him. I was at the crash fest known as the Coca-Cola 600. Despite what some of the drivers are saying the racing was much improved. More passing in the straightaways. More side-by-side racing. Normally its a follow the leader type of race. Lots of aero push. Of course I had to sit through the American Idol prerace show...ugh but I did get to see Robosaraus tear a car in half and set it a fire. That was on Thursday night after the crash car race that was after qualifying. I think they did it on Sunday too. Thankfully the track lets you bring in your beer(food too) so I drank a disgusting amount of beer on vactation.... I had about 15 at Sundays race and about 18 at the Busch race on Saturday and then qualifying...
Lightning Posted June 7, 2005 Posted June 7, 2005 aww man, I missed Gordon getting put into the wall....
Agent ONE Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 Did anyone catch yesterday's NASCAR race? It wasn't as exciting as last week's Coca-Cola 600, but Dover International Raceway proved to be a hell of a Monster Mile:- For a third race week in a row, Jeff Gordon has failed to finish a race. Wonderpunk blamed Tony Stewart for spinning him to the outside wall. Stewart, on the other hand, explained that Wonderpunk didn't give enough clearance for him to pass. Regardless of which, Wonderpunk got what was coming. - There's just no stopping Roush Racing this year, as Greg Biffle took home the checkered flag for a fourth time, despite damaging his car during his victory burnout. Ya it was alright for a Dover race. I like Greg Biffle. Not a fan of Roush racing but I like him, go figure. Jeff Gordon admitted he lifted on the gas. That's why Tony Stewart got into him. I was at the crash fest known as the Coca-Cola 600. Despite what some of the drivers are saying the racing was much improved. More passing in the straightaways. More side-by-side racing. Normally its a follow the leader type of race. Lots of aero push. Of course I had to sit through the American Idol prerace show...ugh but I did get to see Robosaraus tear a car in half and set it a fire. That was on Thursday night after the crash car race that was after qualifying. I think they did it on Sunday too. Thankfully the track lets you bring in your beer(food too) so I drank a disgusting amount of beer on vactation.... I had about 15 at Sundays race and about 18 at the Busch race on Saturday and then qualifying... NASCAR Fan says: "You sure got a purdy mouth."
reddsun1 Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 (edited) Won't be long now. Just over a week-1/2 'til the "big show" at LeMans. Russian Age Racing shows the 550 Maranello still has legs in testing: 3rd in class, between the Aston DB9R's and the Corvettes. Wonder how deep the field will be this year? I'm guessing we can count on pretty rotten coverage here in the US again this go 'round... Edited June 8, 2005 by reddsun1
reddsun1 Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 (edited) Bill Riley announces new LMP Prototype racer. At $675,000 this car will cost more than double the Daytona Prototypes also constructed by Riley. One could fall back on the adage "you get what you pay for." I for one will contend that while the DP's are definitely the "lesser" cars (really more like "spec" chassis; NASCAR cage w/the engine at the other end), they have proven effective in that they've fulfilled the objectives laid down by Grand-Am with their new rules package; i.e. close, bunched racing in "packs," more passing/lead changes, and more of the "rubbin is racin" phenom that their target audience seems to want more of. That last bit of nonsense, I don't agree with. Concerns are starting to rise with teams/drivers about the increased contact that comes with the closer racing. I hate to be a harbinger of doom, but they're not gonna be satisfied 'til a driver(s) gets hurt, or worse, what with that bumping and grinding crap. Whoa, needed to do a resize there... Edited June 8, 2005 by reddsun1
Stamen0083 Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 You maintained the aspect ratio when you resized that image, right, because it looks horribly squished?
Lightning Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 You maintained the aspect ratio when you resized that image, right, because it looks horribly squished? I agree with this...
reddsun1 Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 Yes, it came out squished for some reason, in spite of trying to maintain aspect ratio. The link to the little story on this one--with a much more proportionate photo--is here: http://www.lmsr.net/juthenewrilet.html
areaseven Posted June 8, 2005 Author Posted June 8, 2005 Ya it was alright for a Dover race. I like Greg Biffle. Not a fan of Roush racing but I like him, go figure. Jeff Gordon admitted he lifted on the gas. That's why Tony Stewart got into him. Biffle's a great driver, having won the Craftsman Truck and Busch Series championships. If he becomes NEXTEL Cup Champion, he'll be NASCAR's first-ever triple-crown champion. And unlike Hendrick Motorsports (which is just Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, while Brian Vickers, Kyle Busch and Terry Labonte get little or no support at all), each driver of Roush Racing is capable of winning. Matt Kenseth was always overshadowed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s popularity, but he proved everyone wrong by becoming the 2000 Rookie of the Year and 2003 Winston Cup (the last one before NEXTEL moved in) Champion. Kurt Busch may have a bit of an attitude problem, but his consistency gave him last year's championship. Mark Martin may be on his final season, but he can still race with the younger generation. And let's not forget Carl Edwards. Last year, when he was given the job to drive the #99 car, he had absolutely no sponsorship. Nevertheless, he impressed race fans with a top-5 finish in Atlanta. And so far, he brought out the best finish this year when he beat Johnson in Atlanta by mere inches. I was at the crash fest known as the Coca-Cola 600. Despite what some of the drivers are saying the racing was much improved. More passing in the straightaways. More side-by-side racing. Normally its a follow the leader type of race. Lots of aero push. I only got to see portions of the race. Missed the big one triggered by Vickers. At least Wonderpunk got sent to the wall. Thankfully the track lets you bring in your beer(food too) so I drank a disgusting amount of beer on vactation.... I had about 15 at Sundays race and about 18 at the Busch race on Saturday and then qualifying... Wow, at least they're lenient on bringing food & drinks. Last time I went to California Speedway, they confiscated anything in cans or glass jars. And just like every sporting venue, they charge an arm and a leg for beer and hot dogs.
Commander McBride Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 (edited) I can't stand NASCAR, it's just so boring and repetitive... California Speedway is awesome, though. Went there for JGTC, loved that event. Can't wait for the next time ALMS is there. In other news, I'm going to be getting my WRX, pretty soon. I'll be hitting up some local rallycross events pretty quickly, gonna be a lot of fun. Edited June 8, 2005 by Commander McBride
Agent ONE Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 I can't stand NASCAR, it's just so boring and repetitive...... Lose some teeth, put an engine block on your lawn, only wear a stained wife beater, and start porkin your sister... Only THEN will NASCAR be for you.
myk Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 I can't stand NASCAR, it's just so boring and repetitive... Amen to that....
trueblueeyes Posted June 8, 2005 Posted June 8, 2005 I can't stand NASCAR, it's just so boring and repetitive...... Lose some teeth, put an engine block on your lawn, only wear a stained wife beater, and start porkin your sister... Only THEN will NASCAR be for you. I'll kill the first person who responds to this juvenile attempt at humor and gets a great and informative thread closed. Just let it go people.
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