The Mw Automotive Thread Ii

[reddsun1]

There seem to be IRS kits out there that are available [with Ford 9" pumpkins, no less] for under $5K. Although they've been primarily for body-on-frame cars, it seems that fitting one to a uni-body car IS possible. Although this is fitted to a much older Mustang, the premise is pretty much the same? I've wondered if it's possible myself, and it was just a matter of time before someone worked it out [not like I'd have that kind of dough laying around; but still, if I could have a "what if" build up on my old unibody Ford, that'd be part of the package, just for the cool factor].

Edited May 8, 2006 by reddsun1

[reddsun1]

Now, exactly how much more beneficial is the IRS setup supposed to be? Now tell me, which one looks more complex, and more importantly heavier to you?

Now, it's not all that hard to install a coil-over setup on the std 9" rear axle if your biggest gripe w/the handling lies w/the somewhat antiquated leaf spring tech--the original springs can either conceivably be reduced to a one-leaf setup, or replaced by trailing arms to make sure axle location isn't altered, and coil-overs located pretty much in the same location as the old shocks. That Mustang Cobra setup just looks bulky and cumbersome as all get-out to me. It just seems needlessly complex in layout and implementation to me--especially compared to the aftermarket IRS setup pictured above. So much for the K.I.S.S. principle.

Edited May 8, 2006 by reddsun1

[ComicKaze]

If you have to put a girl next to your car, it's probably a lame car.

397437[/snapback]

Fast cars and pretty girls? Man, thats like, baseball and hot dogs; pretzels and beer; peanut butter and chocolate; ice hockey and fist fights....somehow, they just seem to fit together so well.

You mean fast cars and ugly shanky girls that you wouldn't want to touch with a 10-foot pole.

[Raptor]

Now, exactly how much more beneficial is the IRS setup supposed to be?  Now tell me, which one looks more complex, and more importantly heavier to you? 

Now, it's not all that hard to install a coil-over setup on the std 9" rear axle if your biggest gripe w/the handling lies w/the somewhat antiquated leaf spring tech--the original springs can either conceivably be reduced to a one-leaf setup, or replaced by trailing arms to make sure axle location isn't altered, and coil-overs located pretty much in the same location as the old shocks.  That Mustang Cobra setup just looks bulky and cumbersome as all get-out to me.  It just seems needlessly complex in layout and implementation to me--especially compared to the aftermarket IRS setup pictured above.  So much for the K.I.S.S. principle.

397585[/snapback]

If solid rear axles were so great, F1 cars and everything else made to go fast would be using them.

But they're not...

Hmm, wonder why.

Also, just for effect (although I don't want to sound too much like a Top Gear fanboy...)

The platform for the new Mustang comes from a Jaguar S-type. But then the Americans take it back in time by fitting a solid rear axle such as you’d find on a Silver Cross pram, and a Panhard rod, dismissed by Newcomen as being “a bit too last yearâ€.

So what’s it like to drive? Well, the previous day I’d taken it on a hard lap of the extraordinarily beautiful Laguna Seca raceway, which, because it’s the curliest track in North America, is regarded by racing drivers all over the world as one of the greats. Mansell. Villeneuve. Even Top Gear’s Stig go all misty eyed at the mention of it.

And frankly it was more than a match for Ford’s big daft horse. Its brakes were cooked by turn six; the final slow corner completely overwhelmed the live rear axle; and through the fearsome Corkscrew, which twists down a gradient so steep you can’t even walk up it, I’m afraid Mr Ed was about as pin sharp as a punt gun. I damn nearly soiled myself.

(from Clarkson's written review of the new Mustang)

Requested Mod edit: Please don't quote pics, especially larger ones.

Edited May 8, 2006 by David Hingtgen

[yellowlightman]

You mean fast cars and ugly shanky girls that you wouldn't want to touch with a 10-foot pole.

397605[/snapback]

Exactly. Enjoying nasty hoochies hanging off of a car is probably a good sign you're in the hobby for the wrong reasons. A car is beautiful and impressive enough without some sillicon-soaked bimbo needing to make it "better."

As for the solid-read in hte new Mustang, I though it was there because solid rears were better for drag racing? This is a Mustang guys, not a Miata.

[myk]

Like the man said, this is a Mustang, not a Miata. Assuming that anyone who buys these 500's is going to take it out of their climate controlled garage, you can bet that going in a straight line really fast is the most action this car will ever see; muscle cars aren't supposed to do anything else but go fast in a straight line, hence no need for an IRS...

[emajnthis]

exactly, just like the Vette is good on a track but any track enthusiast knows you have to throw away the leaf springs to get a great track time (just look at the C6R, coil over spring setup). GM is not about to throw a ton of money into the car to set it up in that fashion especially since 90% of people are just going to drive the ZO6's in a straight line anyway. In fact I had this exact debate with Pfunk awhile ago and eventhough i still believe better springs would make the ZO6 perfect, I now realize that it's just not a realistic thing to ask of an already awesomely priced production car. If i ever had the opportunity to own a ZO6 i would just pull the money for parts and install the coil over setup myself and save a whole bunch more money than if GM had it as standard equipment.

[reddsun1]

You mean fast cars and ugly shanky girls that you wouldn't want to touch with a 10-foot pole.

397605[/snapback]

Exactly. Enjoying nasty hoochies hanging off of a car is probably a good sign you're in the hobby for the wrong reasons. A car is beautiful and impressive enough without some sillicon-soaked bimbo needing to make it "better."

As for the solid-read in hte new Mustang, I though it was there because solid rears were better for drag racing? This is a Mustang guys, not a Miata.

397619[/snapback]

Ouch! Tough crowd, tough crowd! But, I'll be the first to concede that it's a strictly subjective matter--different folks like different things. I've been around everything from lowly Bugeye Sprites to million-dollar prototype racers and just about everything in between; believe me, I can definitely appreciate the lines of a fine car, regardless of whether a scantily clad "track-ho" is hanging off it or not. I've noticed one thing: as we men get older, we tend to change our priorities. It slowly shifts away from "hey, would you look at the cans on that chick," to more along the lines of "I wish this broad would get the he-- outta the way so's we can see the car," or something [sometimes].

Found this vid a little while ago and thought I'd share. It takes the concept of the old Hurst[?] wheel-stander and cranks it up about 20 notches. Never be late for school again... http://ebaumsworld.com/2006/05/buswheelie.wmv

[reddsun1]

In deference to those wishing for some less "cluttered" pics, how's this peek at the new Aston which will be driven by James Bond in the upcoming movie? Looks nice. Very classy.

Hey, who let that wanker in the suit into the photo?!

Edited May 9, 2006 by reddsun1

[reddsun1]

And yet another one-off Ferrari custom. I've not been a fan of the new 612 Scaglietti--I personally find the 550 Maranello to be one of the best looking of the newer Ferrari's--but I dunno, this one seems to work for me aesthetically. The contours of the fender creases & grille seem to come together giving the impression of a kinda funny "grin," but it's still quite attractive.

This one makes me think of those Chevron with Techron commercials w/the talking cars.

"An exclusive custom-made version of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, commissioned to Pininfarina by the American car collector, Peter Kalikow, will be exhibited at the 2006 Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance.

Peter Kalikow, Chairman of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), asked Pininfarina to design, engineer and build a special version of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, through a Style development aimed to enhance the car’s own elegance and exclusiveness.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, whose “Granturismo soul†perfectly matches with class and elegance, is currently the most exclusive car within Ferrari models.

For these reasons, the Style activity performed for Peter Kalikow has been accepted by Ferrari as an enhancement of its own myth and tradition and as a strengthening of the relationship with Pininfarina, established at the time when the Turin coachbuilder created exclusive models for car enthusiasts all over the world.

The whole Project has been based on some clear and simple wishes expressed by the customer: “The car should be totally re-bodied, but the Style changes should be so slight and fine to allow to no more than 10% of Ferrari experts to catch them at a first glance.

The customer has personally followed the Style development and has actively contributed to the selection of the car features and to the choice of colours and materials.

Peter Kalikow special Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has been developed as a real custom-built car. The car has been equipped with a series of accessories specifically required by the customer to enjoy the maximum comfort during the daily use.

The work has been managed by Pininfarina Special Projects Division and has been totally carried out at the company ateliers in Cambiano; the result for this activity is a unique car, modern and classic at the same time and perfectly fitting with the spirit of Peter Kalikow’s collection.

The main special features of the car are the front grille, reminding of the fifties and sixties models; a glass roof with a combination of liquid crystals and photovoltaic cells; a wide air outlet on front fenders, evolving from the side panel volumes; fins enveloping the rear backlight and inspired to the most beautiful drawings made by Pininfarina; rear lights recalling Ferrari Enzo.

Interiors have been modified according to the customer’s wish and have been equipped with devices allowing him to comfortably feel and drive in a custom-made compartment, where all details have been conceived and designed exclusively for him."

Edited May 9, 2006 by reddsun1

[areaseven]

Since the pics reddsun1 posted don't seem to show up, here are pics of the Aston Martin DBS (from SeriousWheels.com):

And, of course, one with the wanker pretending to be 007.

[Lightning]

didn't they sign that guy for a one movie deal or something?

[Raptor]

He's almost too ugly to be Bond...

Although I suppose the scarred-up look is actually closer to the original character from the novels, except his hair is supposed to be black... (or at least dark brown FFS...)

I suppose he's the new George Lazenby, although personally I liked Lazenby... Not to mention the OHMSS was the closest of any of the movies to the book (almost dead-on).

Also...

HOLY CRAP! Look at the size of those wheels!

I personally don't like anything over 17 inches on a car though...

Edited May 9, 2006 by Raptor

[JKeats]

Awesome car but are those chrome wheels or alloy? I can't tell from those pics. I hope they're not chrome because I don't think 007 would be into the bling-blings. At least I hope not.

[reddsun1]

Sorry for the bum posts guys--the pics showed up just fine on my 'puter when I posted them.

Those look to be alum wheels; the faces of the spokes appear to be polished, but the rest of the wheels look satin-finished to me.

[Stamen0083]

I personally don't find Aston Martins to be that attractive. What was so impressive about the V8 Vantage's engine note that Clarkson likes so much? I thought it sounded terrible.

But the DBS sure is sexy. That's one car I would like to have as a kit.

I've noticed one thing: as we men get older, we tend to change our priorities. It slowly shifts away from "hey, would you look at the cans on that chick," to more along the lines of "I wish this broad would get the he-- outta the way so's we can see the car," or something [sometimes].

I don't know. I've always been the kind to want those track hos to get the hell out of the way of the cars. I like classy women, and track hos are definitely anything but, and they get in the way of the pretty cars, which is another strike against them.

And I'm only 23. Sometimes age has nothing to do with it.

[emajnthis]

What Clarkson was talking about with the Vantage "note" was that most cars of this calibur (purpose built footballer car) are usually as civil as a kitten, but this car had a throaty grumble as if to command its power from Zeus. This is in large due to the fact that the motor is short stroke large bore (much like the Nissan V6's) which is a rare approach but provides great stability and awesome torque. The motor started life as a Jaguar motor, which is why the responsive torque and power note were unexpected.

[Stamen0083]

Wait, so Ford also owns Aston Martin?

[areaseven]

Wait, so Ford also owns Aston Martin?

398246[/snapback]

Yup. That's why Astons and Jaguars tend to look alike.

[Raptor]

No wonder it has such huge wheels!

Look at the size of the brake rotor!

Holy crap!

[yellowlightman]

Wait, so Ford also owns Aston Martin?

398246[/snapback]

Yup. That's why Astons and Jaguars tend to look alike.

398247[/snapback]

Also why Volvo's and Mazda's look alike.

Don't say dumb stuff, Areaseven.

[Raptor]

Yes, but the difference is that Jags and Aston's share a lot of parts (including their basic layouts) now...

Hell, even the new Mustang is part Jag...

[emajnthis]

The biggest reason why Ford is sharing stuff from Volvo, Jag and Mazda is because those companies had so much R&D vaulted away that they couldn't use because they had no money. Once Ford purchased them they could finally start applying this R&D to newer models of Ford affiliated companies.

In all fairness to Aston, that V8 is not a Jag motor anymore, they don't even share the same parts (basic parts are the same to save overhead costs, but the motor is engineered completely different). It's just like when Koenigsigg borrowed the 4.6liter Ford V8 to have a starting point to build their twin supercharged all aluminum master piece. These smaller companies don't want to blow big dollars on engineering an entire motor on their own, so they ask for a starting point and work from there.

EDIT: Word choice

Edited May 10, 2006 by emajnthis

[areaseven]

What do you guys think of this truck?

2006 Fiat Ducato "Truckster" Show-Van

Edited June 11, 2006 by areaseven

[MrDisco]

i dont see any resemblance between a jag and an AM.

[emajnthis]

maybe a little bit in the headlights, other than that Aston Martin's outsex Jags anyday.

[Lightning]

maybe a little bit in the headlights, other than that Aston Martin's outsex Jags anyday.

398379[/snapback]

eh, british-american trash. Gimmie a Caterham CSR anyday.

[yellowlightman]

eh, british-american trash.  Gimmie a Caterham CSR anyday.

398535[/snapback]

Cool, way to compare totally different cars.

Hell, might as well just be a man and saddle up to a sports bike.

[areaseven]

Yeah, it weighs as much as a pickup, but look at those brakes...

2006 Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series

[Lightning]

eh, british-american trash.  Gimmie a Caterham CSR anyday.

398535[/snapback]

Cool, way to compare totally different cars.

Hell, might as well just be a man and saddle up to a sports bike.

398558[/snapback]

I've actually been thinking of buying a Buell X9 Lightning for awhile, even went to the Harley dealer to talk to them about it a couple months ago; they didn't even bash the Japanese bikes, so they were pretty respectful about them.

yeah, maybe I was a little bit out of line about that comment, I'm just not a big fan of Super-Luxury Sports Cars.

[Phyrox]

i dont see any resemblance between a jag and an AM.

398377[/snapback]

That's odd, because the guy who designed the new XK had a hand in the Aston Martins.

Personally, I liked the old XK coupe, and the DB7...they have both gone downhill since.

[David Hingtgen]

Sad that the following question is almost OT:

Has anyone tried the Bosch Icon wipers? Lots of people seem to like them, and apparently they are very similar to what 04+ Grand Prix's have.

It's spring, and that means time to replace stuff---first headlights and wipers, then brake and power steering fluid.

[areaseven]

Sad that the following question is almost OT:

Has anyone tried the Bosch Icon wipers?  Lots of people seem to like them, and apparently they are very similar to what 04+ Grand Prix's have.

It's spring, and that means time to replace stuff---first headlights and wipers, then brake and power steering fluid.

399095[/snapback]

I'm not too keen about wiper brands, but Bosch is worth a try. Michelin is another brand to consider. On my old Civic, I used Trico and Rain-X wipers, and they lasted as long as OEM.

[David Hingtgen]

I'm actually more interested in the wiper blade/arm itself, than the rubber. I currently have Bosch Micro Edge--I actually thought it slightly inferior to OEM wiping and lift-wise, but lasted much longer.

My current main concern is lifting off at highway speeds. The Bosch Micro Edge I have have more/larger cut-outs than most others, but still lift. Rain-X ones have more cuts (both on top and slots) but smaller, but I have always disliked the beading effect in any form on a window, and I think their blades (like silicone ones) try to do that.

Looked at the Aerovantage by Anco, and trying to find the Bosch Icons or possibly Valeo, which are VERY different and supposed to beat all "conventional" wipers for aerodynamics. (So many blades simply have horizontal slots, which do nothing IMHO--especially since horizontal slots ENHANCE lift on wings)

Currently thinking of just buying one blade each from several brands, and seeing what I like.

[areaseven]

I'm actually more interested in the wiper blade/arm itself, than the rubber.  I currently have Bosch Micro Edge--I actually thought it slightly inferior to OEM wiping and lift-wise, but lasted much longer. 

My current main concern is lifting off at highway speeds.  The Bosch Micro Edge I have have more/larger cut-outs than most others, but still lift.  Rain-X ones have more cuts (both on top and slots) but smaller, but I have always disliked the beading effect in any form on a window, and I think their blades (like silicone ones) try to do that. 

Looked at the Aerovantage by Anco, and trying to find the Bosch Icons or possibly Valeo, which are VERY different and supposed to beat all "conventional" wipers for aerodynamics.  (So many blades simply have horizontal slots, which do nothing IMHO--especially since horizontal slots ENHANCE lift on wings)

Currently thinking of just buying one blade each from several brands, and seeing what I like.

399331[/snapback]

Don't buy Anco. They fall apart easily after only a few months.

Also, what kind of glass cleaner do you use on your windshield? A vast majority of car owners swear by Stoner Invisible Glass. From my experience, it works really good, as long as you use old newspapers (which I don't always have lying around). I recently switched to Meguiar's NXT Generation Glass Cleaner, and I won't be using anything else. It works best with microfiber towels (I got at least a dozen of them in my trunk) and, like Invisible Glass, can also be used to clean the wiper blades. Plus, it smells like Key Lime Pie.