Car Chat

[AutobahnSHO]

I don't know what the truck driver was doing that caused the truck to get loose but he definitely nailed the throttle after the truck was already sideways.

I saw a wreck just like that on a wet street. Truck was going to turn left, got clipped from the rear side (not their fault) and he was already starting to accelerate and so mashed the gas even harder, and spun a full 360.

[AutobahnSHO]

Audis built before 2017 have lost access to  Google Earth. 

This is for the  A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q2, Q5, Q7, TT and R8. Apparently Google has retired an API and therefore the cars can no longer access the 3D maps. 2D still works.  The aforementioned cars can be updated if they are built from 2018 onwards. The exception is the A1, and Q3 which can not be updated at all, owners who bought the 3 year update package will be compensated.  Everything from 2019 onwards is still ok. 

That is really inexcusable.

Here is the press release (scroll down): https://www.audi.com/en/experience-audi/models-and-technology/digital-services/audi-connect.html#:~:text=Due%20to%20a%20technical%20change,before%20the%20model%20year%202017.

It's making me very sad how Google just ditches products for no reason. My Tracks was the best and simplest running GPS tracker app out there. Discontinued.

Google Play music. Discontinued.
That API. Discontinued.

I'm sure it's because they aren't making money from them- but it wouldn't be hard/ expensive at all to maintain the servers that were providing the services, even if they don't add features and their customer base could slowly dwindle off into nothing...

[Speed_Racer]

It's making me very sad how Google just ditches products for no reason. My Tracks was the best and simplest running GPS tracker app out there. Discontinued.

Google Play music. Discontinued.
That API. Discontinued.

I'm sure it's because they aren't making money from them- but it wouldn't be hard/ expensive at all to maintain the servers that were providing the services, even if they don't add features and their customer base could slowly dwindle off into nothing...

I'll never not be mad about the loss of Inbox and Google Trips

[CaminoRacer]

I'm just waiting for the Gmail cancellation announcement

[r0tor]

It's making me very sad how Google just ditches products for no reason. My Tracks was the best and simplest running GPS tracker app out there. Discontinued.

Google Play music. Discontinued.
That API. Discontinued.

I'm sure it's because they aren't making money from them- but it wouldn't be hard/ expensive at all to maintain the servers that were providing the services, even if they don't add features and their customer base could slowly dwindle off into nothing...

MyTracks still pisses me off.  That thing was the epitome of everything you need, and nothing you don't need.  Everything else on the play store is adware riddled shit (like 95% of the entire play store).

I would love a viable linux based phone.  I hate Google.  I hate apple.  Both are 100% focused on profiting off your data and making your phone obsolete.

[Morris Minor]

https://youtu.be/ePYO0-Ig0VU

[MX793]

https://youtu.be/ePYO0-Ig0VU

In what backwater country did a '98 Corolla not even have a driver's side airbag?

[AutobahnSHO]

MyTracks still pisses me off.  That thing was the epitome of everything you need, and nothing you don't need.  Everything else on the play store is adware riddled shit (like 95% of the entire play store).

I would love a viable linux based phone.  I hate Google.  I hate apple.  Both are 100% focused on profiting off your data and making your phone obsolete.

I don't hate Google but Maybe I'll get there someday....

There are lots of Linux projects (based on Android) but you have to deal with a lot of the amateur hacker nonsense to get them working and whatnot.

[Morris Minor]

In what backwater country did a '98 Corolla not even have a driver's side airbag?

In the US they became compulsory for the 1998 model year. Europe... who knows?

[MX793]

In the US they became compulsory for the 1998 model year. Europe... who knows?

'98 was the year dual front airbags were required in the US for both passenger cars and light trucks.  IIRC, driver's side passive restraints were required in passenger cars starting in '91.  Automatic seatbelts were deemed an acceptable airbag alternative until '93, then it was airbags only from 94 onward.

[cawimmer430]

For Raza 


Dedicated Wrencher Manual-Swaps A Mercedes E55 AMG

As popular as Mercedes' AMG cars are, there has never been a manual in the performance brand's history. However, Alex Bridges decided the big, powerful V8 in his W210 E55 AMG would work better with a manual transmission, so he added one himself, and his entire process, from idea to reality, was documented by European auto parts company FCP Euro's Nathan Brown.

Interestingly enough, Bridges wasn't really a huge Mercedes fan. Moving to the E55 from an E36 3-Series, he was actually more of a BMW fan. Apparently, his decision to go with an E55 as a replacement for his E36 came almost as an accident.



Driving his turbocharged, A/C-less E36 convertible in the Texas heat didn't make for an enjoyable experience, and after seeing a W210 E55 on the highway, Bridges knew he wanted the comfortable-yet-brutal cruiser as his next daily driver. Surely enough, after reaching out to a knowledgeable friend to help him with his search, he picked up the car, but contrary to what he expected, he initially found it to be just adequate.

That's when his idea to manual swap it was born.

Upon further research, he discovered from some forum posts that a manual swap was not only possible, but actually quite doable for a DIYer such as himself. What he found was that all that's needed to manual swap an E55, or any other similar Mercedes with the M112/M113 engine, is a manual Chrysler Crossfire to use for parts. Thanks to the Daimler-Chrysler merger of the early 2000's, the Crossfire is essentially a Mercedes SLK underneath, meaning they would share a transmission.



Also, because of the W210's basic electronics, the manual swap apparently doesn't require much reprogramming. Later models with the updated ECU could even allow for the car to know it's a manual, meaning it won't display any errors, which, if you have emissions testing or inspections to consider, is a necessity.

The automatic transmission made the 5.4-liter V8, which puts out 349 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, feel less powerful than it really is. As a result, Bridges likely figured that swapping in the manual would make it feel more spritely. Combined with a deleted rear muffler, resonator, and secondary catalytic converter, his E55 has an even louder tone to add to the experience of shifting his own gears.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMq8gIjY0ys

When it comes to aesthetics, the most prominent changes include O.Z. Racing Opera wheels, wider Kenda KR20A tires, and a slight lowering from the removal of the factory spring pads. In addition, it features DEPO LED taillights, W211 AMG exhaust tips, and a lightly customized front bumper. The interior is also pretty much stock, retaining the car's original wood and leather appointments. The only noticeable trait of this car's manual transmission is a factory Mercedes shift knob and boot from a manual C-Class.

Bridges wants E55 AMG owners to know that this conversion is possible, and be able to enjoy these great cars even more. Thus, he detailed the whole process on his YouTube channel to show more people how to get in on the action.


Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2021/01/dedicated-wrencher-manual-swaps-a-mercedes-e55-amg/

[cawimmer430]

When you're early 1990s videos look like something from the 1980s, you know you're in the ex-USSR. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG5kHuHmFq0

[CaminoRacer]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-kawasaki-z1r-1000

$11k+ for a '78 Kawasaki. Paying the BaT tax if you bid on it...

[MX793]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-kawasaki-z1r-1000

$11k+ for a '78 Kawasaki. Paying the BaT tax if you bid on it...

Those original Z1000s bring in crazy money and have for years.  Knew a guy who had one, sold it maybe 10 years ago for what would have been reasonable money for a 70s UJM.  Then someone called him to ask if it was still available and after he said he'd already sold it, the second buyer let him know what he had and that he let it go way too cheap.

[CaminoRacer]

The riding experience isn't going to be nearly as good as a brand new $10-17k bike, so it must just be nostalgia and collector appeal?

[CaminoRacer]

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/the-toolbox/engine-build-and-dyno-410-sprint-car-build/31059

Sprint car engine build, 410 cubic inch SBC making 949.9 horsepower at 7200 rpm and 729.8 lb-ft of torque at 5700. Revs to 8000 rpm.

[MX793]

The riding experience isn't going to be nearly as good as a brand new $10-17k bike, so it must just be nostalgia and collector appeal?

In terms of numbers, those old bikes won't keep up with a comparable new model.  Though something like a classic Z1 is still pretty damn quick.  It would keep a lot of middleweights honest in a straight line.

In terms of experience, they are still a lot of fun.  A bit more visceral than modern machines.

Nostalgia and collector value is what's driving the price.  They are like the '71 Hemi Cuda of motorcycles.

[cawimmer430]

The Citroën BX Story! It's like a Lamborghini Countach - ugly as f*ck, but cool-looking at the same time.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXs9ZKHxxwo

[CaminoRacer]

VW CEO:

https://twitter.com/Herbert_Diess/status/1359775142445015042?s=20

It's time for politicians to accept science: Green hydrogen is needed for steel, chemical, aero,... and should not end up in cars. Far too expensive, inefficient, slow and difficult to rollout and transport. After all: no #hydrogen cars in sight.

[shp4man]

Six new 2021 Mustang E's just got unloaded here. Shit's getting real.

[r0tor]

Better get your high voltage gloves checked

[CaminoRacer]

Better get your high voltage gloves checked

And get an anti-static wristband!

[shp4man]

All high voltage wires are colored orange. I've heard you really have to try to get cooked though. Don't know- don't want to find out.

[Soup DeVille]

All high voltage wires are colored orange. I've heard you really have to try to get cooked though. Don't know- don't want to find out.

Is it the same orange they've been using forever that slowly fades to brown?

[shp4man]

Is it the same orange they've been using forever that slowly fades to brown?

Ya, and then the rats eat it. Fun.

[AutobahnSHO]

Lol!  https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-2021-subaru-crosstrek-is-slower-uglier-and-a-better-sports-car-than-the-2021-porsche-macan/

[AutobahnSHO]

I EMBARRASSED myself today!

Light was green on one of my favorite intersections- and no traffic. I was turning left like the Crosstrek is waiting to here. https://goo.gl/maps/E54HsWsTzvLBx9f6A

It's about a 120deg turn, people cut it too early then swing wide to the right. I took it kinda quick-

BUT IT WAS MISTY AND WET. And I shouldn't have been on the gas- ended up losing the rear which swung all the way around to hit the curb by the van. It's low and rounded, so didn't hurt the car. But at that point there were 2 cars behind who then had to wait- and so I didn't have any way to turn around.

I reversed all the way up the hill till the right lane joins, and did a backwards u-turn into it. Lucky no traffic there. https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B029'52.8%22N+81%C2%B057'35.8%22W/@33.498001,-81.9604885,220m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.4980015!4d-81.95994?hl=en

The people I had held up were then able to pass and one beep-beep-beeeeeeep-beeped me. Not sure if it was an angry beep or making fun. Wife was pretty pissed, didn't say anything for a block or two. Then made me get out and check all the wheels/tires were good when she went into store.

   

[CaminoRacer]

I need to turn off my traction/stability control sometime and see how tail happy mine is, before I autocross it for the first time.

[SJ_GTI]

I EMBARRASSED myself today!

Light was green on one of my favorite intersections- and no traffic. I was turning left like the Crosstrek is waiting to here. https://goo.gl/maps/E54HsWsTzvLBx9f6A

It's about a 120deg turn, people cut it too early then swing wide to the right. I took it kinda quick-

BUT IT WAS MISTY AND WET. And I shouldn't have been on the gas- ended up losing the rear which swung all the way around to hit the curb by the van. It's low and rounded, so didn't hurt the car. But at that point there were 2 cars behind who then had to wait- and so I didn't have any way to turn around.

I reversed all the way up the hill till the right lane joins, and did a backwards u-turn into it. Lucky no traffic there. https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B029'52.8%22N+81%C2%B057'35.8%22W/@33.498001,-81.9604885,220m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.4980015!4d-81.95994?hl=en

The people I had held up were then able to pass and one beep-beep-beeeeeeep-beeped me. Not sure if it was an angry beep or making fun. Wife was pretty pissed, didn't say anything for a block or two. Then made me get out and check all the wheels/tires were good when she went into store.

   

I've messed up like plenty of times, but not in traffic luckily. 

[AutobahnSHO]

I need to turn off my traction/stability control sometime and see how tail happy mine is, before I autocross it for the first time.

Usually it's very predictable- but the short wheelbase means once it starts rotating it will keep going (if it's slick out). I really felt dumb.