I have it. I flew down to San Jose yesterday morning at 6:00am. I got there at noon and I picked up the car at 1:00pm. I left town at 2:00pm and drove North until I got to Salem, Oregon at 12:30am where I slept (on and off) in the backseat until 6:00am in the Wal-Mart parking lot. I left Salem at 6:45am and drove without stopping for anything more then fuel until I got pulled over for speeding 2 hours from the Canadian border. After the cop decided to NOT give me a ticket for doing 65 mph in a 45 mph zone, I drove away and my next stop was at the Canadian border at 3:15pm. At that point US Customs took all of 3 minutes to okay the car for export. I headed to Canadian Customs and they spent the next 45 minutes going through everything from my checkbook, every piece of paper in my backpack, to every inch of the car itself. They didn't believe that I only paid $9000 for the car, so I had to prove it by logging into my bank account and showing them the transactions so that they knew I was paying the correct amount of tax. I felt like I had been strip searched. After all of this they finally sent me on my way. At 4:15pm I pulled away from the border and at 5:35pm I pulled into our driveway. After 20+ hours of driving I finally got her home.
I will post pics tomorrow and give my driving impressions then. I'm going to bed.
REVIEW
The only other hot hatch/sports compact I have experience with in the last year or so is my parents' Cobalt SS/SC so that is the car I'm comparing it too.
Handling. The SVT's handling is phonomenal. It tackles corners better then my Mustang ever did even iwth the suspension mods I made to it. The chassis and suspension are extremely well sorted and very balanced. Only when pushed realy hard was there any kind of understeer, and the grip provided by the Contisports was impressive. If anything, high speed cornering highlighted the cars ability to corner by providing direct and accurate steering that felt like the car was on rails. Sometimes the car would oversteer a little and made me realize that no matter how fast I was going I could still go faster. Steering is perfectly weighted, whereas the SS/SC's steering is too heavy and makes cornering more of an effort. Steering feedback, body roll, and brake dive is superior in the SVT. In the SS/SC the feedback feels a little numb. The SVT is noticeably better in the corners then the SS/SC, though the SS/SC will kill it in a straight line.
ADVANTAGE = SVT
Engine and Power. That's not to say the SVT isn't powerful, it is. The SS/SC is rated at 205 hp, though many independent dynos peg it at closer to 230hp. The SVT has 170 hp. Where the SS/SC is explosive off the line, the SVT is kind of weak below 2500 rpm. Above 2500 rpm the engine rips to it's 7200 RPM redline very quickly and it begs to be revved. It's addictive and it's what got me pulled over. The most impressive thing about this drivetrain is how perfectly matched the gear ratios are with the engine power. I left it in 6th gear at 70mph through the mountains and no matter how steep the hill was, the speed never dropped and I never had to downshift. That blew my mind. Engines in both cars are very smooth. In a car this size, the power wasn't an issue, though the power from the SS/SC is intoxicating and I would love to put 200+ hp in the SVT.
ADVANTAGE = SS/SC
Transmission. The SVT's 6 speed tranny is a dream. It's beautiful. Shifting is accurate and easy and I only missed one shift on the entire drive. Not bad for a car I've never driven before. It was also the first time I've ever driven a 6 speed manual for a long period of time. I found that I forgot about 6th gear a few times and left it in 5th, and I also began skipping 5th altogether and just shifted straight into 6th from 4th. More then 6 gears in a manual transmission would be too many. The 5 speed in the SS/SC is a fine tranny as well, and the shifting action is on par between the two. The shift knob in the SS/SC is too small as I've mentioned before, but the knob on the SVT is perfectly sized.
ADVANTAGE = SVT
Brakes. I can't compare them since I haven't had to make emergency stops in either, but they both have great feedback and don't feel like they fade.
ADVANTAGE = Draw.
Steering wheel and column. The SVT has got textured leather and perforated leather, with easy to operate cruise control buttons. The stereo controls are on a seperate stalk behind the steering wheel to the lower left and are very intuitive in their operation. The stalks feel like they belong in a much more expensive car, and again, very intuitive in their operation. The steering wheel has both tilt and telescope, though I believe the SS/SC has that too. The thickness of the SS/SC steering wheel is probably the closest to perfect I have ever driven and is wrapped in smooth leather. The controls are not as intuitive as the SVT's and that matters to me. The less I have to take my eyes off the road the more I can concentrate on the road. The wheel itself is slightly nicer in the SS/SC, but the wheel in the SVT is pretty good in it's own right and has better controls and the stalks have a higher quality feel and sound.
ADVANTAGE = SVT
Seats. I've never driven the SS/SC on a long trip, but they are great seats. The SVT's seats are fantastic. After 1200 miles and 20 hours sitting in them, I never had to shift myself around to get comfortable or get out to stretch my back or anything. I don't even feel like I was in a car that long. The bolstering in the seats is great, though the seats are little on the narrow side, however wider ones would have required a wider car. The SS/SC's seats are fully wrapped in supply leather, and the SVT's are a leather with fabric inserts. I feel that the SVT seats breathe better because of the fabric. Fabric stains though, but they seem to have held up very well to the first 43,000 miles. Seats in both cars are heated. Until I drive the SS/SC for a long period of time, I'm calling this a draw.
ADVANTAGE = Draw
Stereo. The SVT's stereo is the Audiophile system from Ford. The SS/SC's is the top of the line Pioneer system. The sound quality of the Pioneer is definitely superior to that of the SVT's. The subwoofer in the SS/SC is largely absent, but the subwoofer in the SVT is very present. Though I do like bass, I prefer sound quality.
ADVANTAGE = SS/SC
Ergonomics and Guages. The interior of the SVT is definitely a love it or hate it kind of thing. personally I love the non-traditional and funky look of the SVT's dash. The guages are great and during the day they are very clear and readable. At night, it's a different story. The white guages with black numbers become green guages with black numbers and are very difficult to read at a glance. Thnkfully the green isn't the typical Ford green we're used to, but it's still hard to read them. The stereo buttons are more intuitive then the controls on the SS/SC, and they both have great climate controls. The SS/SC's dash and instrument pod has a more upscale feel and look then the SVT, but the stereo controls are very confusing. The guages are easy to read, day or night, and the A-pillar mounted boost guage is cool.
ADVANTAGE = SS/SC
Exterior Styling. Boy racer vs. Subtle and tidy. SVT has nicer wheels as well.
ADVANTAGE = SVT
Trunk. They are comparable in size, but the SVT's hatch is more pratical.
ADVANTAGE = SVT
Backseat. The SVT offers back doors and more legroom. The seats are equally comfortable, though the SVT has a headrest for a middle passenger even though you could never get 3 back there. The superior legroom and back doors make a world of difference.
ADVANTAGE = SVT.
Headlights. The projector style headlights int he Focus are far superior to the headlights on the SS/SC. My dad complains about the headlights on his car a lot.
ADVANTAGE = SVT.
Sleeping accomodations. They both suck.
ADVANTAGE = Draw
Overall, I would take the handling, 6 speed tranny, styling, and back doors of the Focus, but the power, interior, and instrument guages of the SS/SC are awesome too. In this part of the world, handling matters more, so the SVT is the better car in this man's heart.
*EDIT: If I was still in Calgary where handling is not a big deal, then the SS/SC with it's huge power advantage is the car I would pick.
NOT WASHED YET
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4251.jpg)
Yes those black specs are all bugs. They are not rock chips.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4252.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4248.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4253.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4249.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4250.jpg)
:rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:
CONGRATS!!!!!!
CONGRATS MAN!!!
:rockon:
Should've gotten the 3 door! :devil:
:cheers:
HA! Already pulled over for speeding? :rockon:
Canadian customs agents suck, especially when they talk trash about you in French so you can't understand them. :lol:
I feel inadequate. :cry:
That's what I get for buying the non-Superman version of a good car.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 08, 2008, 10:21:11 PM
I feel inadequate. :cry:
That's what I get for buying the non-Superman version of a good car.
You can have all the SVT suspension goodies for what, under $400 I think. And your car is almost nearlyl as fast, except at the very top of the powerband, but you rarely use that. The only things you will never have are that sweet 6-speed gearbox, 4-wheel disc brakes, and the cosmetic stuffs.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 08, 2008, 10:21:11 PM
I feel inadequate. :cry:
That's what I get for buying the non-Superman version of a good car.
Do you have the 2.3L ZETEC?
Quote from: 2o6 on March 08, 2008, 10:25:14 PM
Do you have the 2.3L ZETEC?
Nope, he has the 3.6L TT H6 from the 993 Turbo.
Quote from: 2o6 on March 08, 2008, 10:25:14 PM
Do you have the 2.3L ZETEC?
AFAIK, there is no such thing.
I have a 2.0L Zetec.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 08, 2008, 10:26:48 PM
AFAIK, there is no such thing.
I have a 2.0L Zetec.
Oops. The 2.3L was a DURATEC.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 08, 2008, 10:21:11 PM
I feel inadequate. :cry:
That's what I get for buying the non-Superman version of a good car.
Take that feeling and multiply it by 10
That's how I feel whenever I see a CTS-V on the road :cry:
Quote from: Vinsanity on March 08, 2008, 10:38:58 PM
Take that feeling and multiply it by 10
That's how I feel whenever I see a CTS-V on the road :cry:
can't u just get a supercharger or something?
Quote from: NACar on March 08, 2008, 10:39:52 PM
can't u just get a supercharger or something?
for the price, might as well just trade up to the V
congrats Hemi! :rockon:
what color is the car?
I'm assuming you got traveled to even further-north CA through I-280 and a switch to 101?
Quote from: NACar on March 08, 2008, 10:20:28 PM
Canadian customs agents suck, especially when they talk trash about you in French so you can't understand them. :lol:
Tu est trop gros.
Congrats ZETEC666!
Oh yeah, and congratulations, Craig.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 08, 2008, 10:50:55 PM
Tu est trop gros.
Ton maman aussi!
Congratulations on the car! I'm shocked that it was the US guys that stamped you through and Canadian guys that gave you shit; isn't it supposed to be the other way around?
Quote from: Laconian on March 08, 2008, 11:08:01 PM
Ton maman aussi!
Congratulations on the car! I'm shocked that it was the US guys that stamped you through and Canadian guys that gave you shit; isn't it supposed to be the other way around?
Generally speaking, US customs doesn't have much of an issue with stuff going out of the country. It's getting stuff into the country that becomes a PITA. I suspect it's the same with Canada.
Quote from: MX793 on March 08, 2008, 11:31:31 PM
Generally speaking, US customs doesn't have much of an issue with stuff going out of the country. It's getting stuff into the country that becomes a PITA. I suspect it's the same with Canada.
This is why we can't get Skylines over here. Our customs people are a bunch bouchedags!
Grats Hemi! I know you put a lot of time into finding this car, and it looks like it paid off. Wish you better luck with this one than your last purchase, too.
.....You slept in the carpark of a discount department store?
Suggestion: After spending the money for a plane ticket, new car, and gas for 20hours worth of driving, just dish out an extra $60 for a cheap hotel.
Quote from: omicron on March 09, 2008, 09:35:04 AM
.....You slept in the carpark of a discount department store?
Why not? Lots of folks do. In fact, WalMart encourages people in RVs to camp out in their parking lots.
Quote from: JYODER240 on March 09, 2008, 09:44:42 AM
Suggestion: After spending the money for a plane ticket, new car, and gas for 20hours worth of driving, just dish out an extra $60 for a cheap hotel.
Plane ticket = $450 (booked it too close to the travel day)
New car = $9000
Gas for 20 hours of driving = $160
Hotel = None open at 12:30am
Tax and rape at the border = $550
Getting pulled over for speeding = $0
Driving an SVT Focus from California to Canada = PRICELESS
You only paid $550 in taxes and fees? Damn, I'm jealous. Would have cost roughly $900 in taxes and fees where I am.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 09:58:58 AM
Plane ticket = $450 (booked it too close to the travel day)
New car = $9000
Gas for 20 hours of driving = $160
Hotel = None open at 12:30am
Tax and rape at the border = $550
Getting pulled over for speeding = $0
Driving an SVT Focus from California to Canada = PRICELESS
:confused:
Every hotel I've ever been too has someone at the front desk 24hours a day :huh:
Quote from: MX793 on March 09, 2008, 09:53:13 AM
Why not? Lots of folks do. In fact, WalMart encourages people in RVs to camp out in their parking lots.
The very fact that you have suggested that 'folks' do so makes me even more tentative.
Quote from: MX793 on March 08, 2008, 11:31:31 PM
Generally speaking, US customs doesn't have much of an issue with stuff going out of the country. It's getting stuff into the country that becomes a PITA. I suspect it's the same with Canada.
From what I've been told, Canadian Customs agents are being over worked with all the cars being imported and they're getting pissy about it, so they really inconvenince you when do import one to discourage you and your friends from doing it again. I felt that what they did to me was way beyond what was needed to ensure that I wasn't smuggling anything or that I wasn't lying about how much I paid for it.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I saved myself between $7000 and $9000 doing this. Would I drive all the way from San Jose again? Probably not. That was a really long drive with few good driving roads along the way. I found one road that was one of the best driving roads I've ever seen in Maryhill, WA though. It took me 3 minutes to drive all the way down this road as fast I was willing to take a car I didn't know very well, and 3 minutes back up it. It was a recently asphalted driveway for some rich dudes house. I'm racing around the corners and then boom I'm in front of his house where he is loading his family into their Land Cruiser. I stop and just look at his through the windshield and his whole family stopped and just stared at me. I waved at them, they all waved back, I threw it into reverse, turned around, and screamed all the way back up to the highway. :rockon:
Quote from: JYODER240 on March 09, 2008, 10:04:56 AM
:confused:
Every hotel I've ever been too has someone at the front desk 24hours a day :huh:
The motels that I could have probably afforded on my tiny budget for the trip looked dark when I passed them by. This was Salem, OR so it wasn't a big city like Portland. Besides, I was so tired that I just wanted to find a parking lot and crash for a few hours and then get up and go.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 10:08:02 AM
From what I've been told, Canadian Customs agents are being over worked with all the cars being imported and they're getting pissy about it, so they really inconvenince you when do import one to discourage you and your friends from doing it again. I felt that what they did to me was way beyond what was needed to ensure that I wasn't smuggling anything or that I wasn't lying about how much I paid for it.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I saved myself between $7000 and $9000 doing this. Would I drive all the way from San Jose again? Probably not. That was a really long drive with few good driving roads along the way. I found one road that was one of the best driving roads I've ever seen in Maryhill, WA though. It took me 3 minutes to drive all the way down this road as fast I was willing to take a car I didn't know very well, and 3 minutes back up it. It was a recently asphalted driveway for some rich dudes house. I'm racing around the corners and then boom I'm in front of his house where he is loading his family into their Land Cruiser. I stop and just look at his through the windshield and his whole family stopped and just stared at me. I waved at them, they all waved back, I threw it into reverse, turned around, and screamed all the way back up to the highway. :rockon:
I'll bet that was akward.
Quote from: Vinsanity on March 08, 2008, 10:48:34 PM
congrats Hemi! :rockon:
what color is the car?
Outside is silver, inside it Charcoal with red inserts on the seats.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 10:08:02 AM
From what I've been told, Canadian Customs agents are being over worked with all the cars being imported and they're getting pissy about it, so they really inconvenince you when do import one to discourage you and your friends from doing it again. I felt that what they did to me was way beyond what was needed to ensure that I wasn't smuggling anything or that I wasn't lying about how much I paid for it.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I saved myself between $7000 and $9000 doing this. Would I drive all the way from San Jose again? Probably not. That was a really long drive with few good driving roads along the way. I found one road that was one of the best driving roads I've ever seen in Maryhill, WA though. It took me 3 minutes to drive all the way down this road as fast I was willing to take a car I didn't know very well, and 3 minutes back up it. It was a recently asphalted driveway for some rich dudes house. I'm racing around the corners and then boom I'm in front of his house where he is loading his family into their Land Cruiser. I stop and just look at his through the windshield and his whole family stopped and just stared at me. I waved at them, they all waved back, I threw it into reverse, turned around, and screamed all the way back up to the highway. :rockon:
I like the sound of this, Mr Hemi!
Quote from: omicron on March 09, 2008, 10:18:18 AM
I like the sound of this, Mr Hemi!
It was awesome. I saw the driveway on the other side of the valley I was driving along, and when the highway crossed over the other side, I thought, "What the hell, why not". So I turned off the highway and drove his driveway. Coming up on he and his family at the bottom was completely unexpected. I was hoping they would be in the house. :lol:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 10:29:44 AM
It was awesome. I saw the driveway on the other side of the valley I was driving along, and when the highway crossed over the other side, I thought, "What the hell, why not". So I turned off the highway and drove his driveway. Coming up on he and his family at the bottom was completely unexpected. I was hoping they would be in the house. :lol:
The true measure of any Spinner. :praise:
Hemi, that sounds like a lot of fun. :ohyeah:
* THIS POST WAS THE PICTURES THAT ARE NOW IN THE FIRST POST OF THE THREAD *
Those stupid window things on the doors are coming off. I hate them.
Oh man, that thing looks awesome. I love the projectors, I was wondering if you got them or not.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 10:46:58 AM
Those stupid window things on the doors are coming off. I hate them.
That was to have been my first question. I'm also curious as to your wife's impressions of the car.
Oh, and you should have gotten an E46 325i. :rolleyes:
:tounge:
I like the wheels! Are they usually that dark or is it just a bunch of brake dust. I like that powder coated look.. :ohyeah:
Whoa the 5 door? HIDs? Cool man. Those have 170HP right? Should be a fast ride!
Once again, I hope this silver compact treats you better than the last one, Mr. Hemispherical Combustion Chamber 666.
* THIS POST WAS THE REVIEW THAT IS NOW IN THE FIRST POST OF THE THREAD *
Quote from: Champ on March 09, 2008, 10:55:06 AM
I like the wheels! Are they usually that dark or is it just a bunch of brake dust. I like that powder coated look.. :ohyeah:
Brake dust, though I love the look of them. Maybe I won't clean them. :lol:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 10:46:58 AM
Those stupid window things on the doors are coming off. I hate them.
you can't get those things off fast enough for my liking! eewwwww
Otherwise it looks in good shape and should be fun to drive :ohyeah:
congrats
http://www.superchargersonline.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=V4FJ218-020SQ (http://www.superchargersonline.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=V4FJ218-020SQ)
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on March 09, 2008, 12:03:22 PM
http://www.superchargersonline.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=V4FJ218-020SQ (http://www.superchargersonline.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=V4FJ218-020SQ)
Unfortunately a supercharger is out of the question. I can't justify that with a new baby coming. I am getting a short throw shifter, custom tune, and intake for now. Anything more then that has to wait for a while.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 10:08:02 AM
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I saved myself between $7000 and $9000 doing this.
Sounds like a guy could make a decent sideline business out of doing this sort of thing.
Hemi, do you need to change the gauge cluster?
Quote from: CALL_911 on March 09, 2008, 05:13:45 PM
Hemi, do you need to change the gauge cluster?
No. Even though MPH is the primary number on the speedo, km/h is shown and that's all that matters. The only modification that needs to take place is the DRL (Daytime Running Lights) relay.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 09, 2008, 05:12:15 PM
Sounds like a guy could make a decent sideline business out of doing this sort of thing.
I thought about it, but I don't have time. In two weeks I start building my house and I'm the General Contractor, I have a full time job, and my wife is delivering in early May. I won't have time to do it again until after we move into the new house in the fall/winter.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 05:20:02 PM
I thought about it, but I don't have time. In two weeks I start building my house and I'm the General Contractor, I have a full time job, and my wife is delivering in early May. I won't have time to do it again until after we move into the new house in the fall/winter.
Short timeline in getting the house up there.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 09, 2008, 05:21:52 PM
Short timeline in getting the house up there.
I'm allowing for 6-9 months. I want to be in before Xmas.
Nice car!
Too bad it's the 5 door. :cry:
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 05:45:55 PM
Nice car!
Too bad it's the 5 door. :cry:
IMO, it looks quite nice.
Quote from: CALL_911 on March 09, 2008, 05:46:53 PM
IMO, it looks quite nice.
But the 3 door looks so much nicer!
Still, a really nice car.
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 05:48:06 PM
But the 3 door looks so much nicer!
Still, a really nice car.
Yeah, I'll agree with you on that.
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 05:48:06 PM
But the 3 door looks so much nicer!
Still, a really nice car.
"Looks nicer" does not equal "more practical".
The 5 door model has great lines as well.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 05:53:38 PM
"Looks nicer" does not equal "more practical".
The 5 door model has great lines as well.
The kids can just be put in the trunk anyways.... :lol:
And the 5 door is a nice looking car too. Not trying to take away from yours.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 05:17:16 PM
No. Even though MPH is the primary number on the speedo, km/h is shown and that's all that matters. The only modification that needs to take place is the DRL (Daytime Running Lights) relay.
Why bother with the DRLs? I disconnected mine. :huh:
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 05:56:30 PM
Why bother with the DRLs? I disconnected mine. :huh:
Oh no, we've got a badass in here.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 05:56:30 PM
Why bother with the DRLs? I disconnected mine. :huh:
It's kinda required by law NOOB! I can't get it certified for import without them. :nutty:
Quote from: CALL_911 on March 09, 2008, 05:56:50 PM
Oh no, we've got a badass in here.
Trep is just so gangsta'.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 05:59:11 PM
It's kinda required by law NOOB! I can't get it certified for import without them. :nutty:
Oh yeah. Is it just putting in/pulling out a fuse like it was in mine? If so, rip it back out when you get it 'imported' successfully.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 06:02:17 PM
Oh yeah. Is it just putting in/pulling out a fuse like it was in mine? If so, rip it back out when you get it 'imported' successfully.
Why would you bother doing that?
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 06:02:17 PM
Oh yeah. Is it just putting in/pulling out a fuse like it was in mine? If so, rip it back out when you get it 'imported' successfully.
So we'd be all pimping the USDM y'all.
Quote from: CALL_911 on March 09, 2008, 06:03:26 PM
Why would you bother doing that?
The DRLs of the Trep make it look cross-eyed.
Here's a pic from before I killed them. The centre beams are the DRLs. Now in the daytime I run the parking lights with the fogs (SilverStars)
(http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2618/dsc00898mediumut4.jpg)
Here it is with full headlights (also SilverStars)
(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3607/dsc00469mediumqt7.jpg)
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 06:06:57 PM
The DRLs of the Trep make it look cross-eyed.
Here's a pic from before I killed them. The centre beams are the DRLs. Now in the daytime I run the parking lights with the fogs (SilverStars)
(http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2618/dsc00898mediumut4.jpg)
Here it is with full headlights (also SilverStars)
(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3607/dsc00469mediumqt7.jpg)
Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty.
Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty.
Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty.
My music so loud;
I'm swangin'.
They hopin'
That they gon' catch me ridin' dirty.
Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty.
Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty.
Tryin' to catch me ridin'
Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty.
:lol:
(http://www.fivefourteen.net/motivational-posters/they%20see%20me%20rollin%2001.jpg)
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 09, 2008, 06:11:12 PM
(http://www.fivefourteen.net/motivational-posters/they%20see%20me%20rollin%2001.jpg)
:wtf:
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 06:02:17 PM
Oh yeah. Is it just putting in/pulling out a fuse like it was in mine? If so, rip it back out when you get it 'imported' successfully.
No. It's an actual relay that must be replaced.
Hehehe, I thought I posted in this thread already. Sweet car, Hemi! I, too, like the brake dust treatment on the wheels, you should seriously look at getting them powdercoated! I've always loved the exhaust notes of SVT cars, and the Focus is no exception. Great sound (and I'm not a huge fan of 4 bangers).
Awesome car, I hope you enjoy it. I'll have to test drive one, I'd be interested to see how it stacks up against my car.
Does Trep have to post pics of his Trep in every thread?
Quote from: NACar on March 09, 2008, 06:19:44 PM
Does Trep have to post pics of his Trep in every thread?
It really kills the thread.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 09, 2008, 06:19:01 PM
Hehehe, I thought I posted in this thread already. Sweet car, Hemi! I, too, like the brake dust treatment on the wheels, you should seriously look at getting them powdercoated! I've always loved the exhaust notes of SVT cars, and the Focus is no exception. Great sound (and I'm not a huge fan of 4 bangers).
Thanks man. I think I'll look at it and find out how much it costs to do. There's a powdercoating place right around the corner from work.
Quote
Awesome car, I hope you enjoy it. I'll have to test drive one, I'd be interested to see how it stacks up against my car.
Since I've driven both, I can tell you that you'll be impressed and you may be buying a new car. :ohyeah:
So what does Mrs. Hemi think of the car?
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 06:32:15 PM
So what does Mrs. Hemi think of the car?
She likes it. The first thing she says to me when I drove up was, "I hope it was worth it". I haven't taken her for spin yet because I was so pissed off leaving Canada Customs that I forgot to buy a permit for driving it in Canada until it's certified. So I drove it the hour and a half home illegally. I have to wait and get a permit tomorrow and take the family for a ride tomorrow night.
Quote from: NACar on March 09, 2008, 06:19:44 PM
Does Trep have to post pics of his Trep in every thread?
Yes.
This does not pertain to anything, but...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/280Z_Driver/gingermanZ1.jpg)
:huh:
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 09, 2008, 06:36:05 PM
Yes.
This does not pertain to anything, but...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/280Z_Driver/gingermanZ1.jpg)
:huh:
I think you just offset Trep's pictures. :rockon:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 06:29:11 PM
Thanks man. I think I'll look at it and find out how much it costs to do. There's a powdercoating place right around the corner from work.
Since I've driven both, I can tell you that you'll be impressed and you may be buying a new car. :ohyeah:
Blasphemy!!! Your car is definitely more powerful, but soon the Protege5 will crush the lowly Focus in the corners!
All kidding aside, very nice car. Glad everything worked out for you.
Any ideas on how to get those shitty things off the windows? I was thinking of using a hair dryer and then some Goo Gone to take the glue residue off.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 09, 2008, 06:06:57 PM
The DRLs of the Trep make it look cross-eyed.
Here's a pic from before I killed them. The centre beams are the DRLs. Now in the daytime I run the parking lights with the fogs (SilverStars)
(http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2618/dsc00898mediumut4.jpg)
Here it is with full headlights (also SilverStars)
(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3607/dsc00469mediumqt7.jpg)
Just some advice... I'd be wary of the silverstars you are running. They're notorious for burning out pretty quickly. They do look decent, but in most cases people complain about them dying off in about 4 months.. provided you do enough night driving with them.
There's many bulbs out there, but I was also a victim to silverstars and found a pretty decent brand in "Eurolite". Not only do they provide the same range of light thrown, they look pretty nice. No yellow light at all.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 06:39:13 PM
Any ideas on how to get those shitty things off the windows? I was thinking of using a hair dryer and then some Goo Gone to take the glue residue off.
Hair dryer and some floss or fishing line maybe?
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 07:51:12 PM
Hair dryer and some floss or fishing line maybe?
That's a good idea, at least the floss will get used this way.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 07:59:51 PM
That's a good idea, at least the floss will get used this way.
My dentist always gets mad at me for not flossing. :lol:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 07:59:51 PM
That's a good idea, at least the floss will get used this way.
:lol:
Congrats!
Man you don't fuck around when you're buying a car do you? Not a lot of people consider traveling to other countries to purchase one. :lol:
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 08:00:40 PM
My dentist always gets mad at me for not flossing. :lol:
+1
Quote from: Tave on March 09, 2008, 09:31:10 PM
Congrats!
Man you don't fuck around when you're buying a car do you? Not a lot of people consider traveling to other countries to purchase one. :lol:
You'd probably take things seriously too if the first one you bought blew up on you. :lol:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 05:20:02 PM
I thought about it, but I don't have time. In two weeks I start building my house and I'm the General Contractor, I have a full time job, and my wife is delivering in early May. I won't have time to do it again until after we move into the new house in the fall/winter.
Oh man, do you have any experience as a general contractor? I don't think you know what you're getting yourself into. Just my humble prediction: it will take longer than planned, cost more than expected, and cause more headaches than you want to deal with.
Well, well. I'm gone for a few days and the muscle car guy picks up a hot hatch!
Congratulations! It's a great car.
Oh, and remove those dopey window eyelids!
;)
Quote from: JYODER240 on March 09, 2008, 11:02:15 PM
Oh man, do you have any experience as a general contractor? I don't think you know what you're getting yourself into. Just my humble prediction: it will take longer than planned, cost more than expected, and cause more headaches than you want to deal with.
I know all of that.
Congrats. :cheers:
Now we want to see some pictures of babes riding with you in that chick magnet! :devil:
Looks nice. Though I think you should remove those wind deflectors!
I've only ever seen one SVT Focus but they look pretty cool. I'm sure you will have fun with it, but it's also practical and good value.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on March 10, 2008, 05:43:53 AM
Looks nice. Though I think you should remove those wind deflectors!
I've only ever seen one SVT Focus but they look pretty cool. I'm sure you will have fun with it, but it's also practical and good value.
They say the ST170 is pretty close.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 09, 2008, 09:58:58 AM
Plane ticket = $450 (booked it too close to the travel day)
New car = $9000
Gas for 20 hours of driving = $160
Hotel = None open at 12:30am
Tax and rape at the border = $550
Getting pulled over for speeding = $0
Driving an SVT Focus from California to Canada = PRICELESS
:lol: :lol:
HEMI666: HemiDude! HemiDude! HemiDude! We love our Focus ZX5 :wub:, and you have the kick-ass version :ohyeah:! WooHoo! :clap: All we've ever had to do to ours is replace a rear turn signal bulb--which is a weird-assed operation if you ever have to change one of yours. Do-able, but designed by a :pee: dick-and-a-sixth for sure... :cheers:
Congratulations!
So I just faxed the forms and shit to the government and within 72 hours I should have my approval. The car then has to go in for it's Federal and Provincial inspections and then it will be good to go. I should be driving it by the weekend.
Congratulations! Great little car :ohyeah:.
I'm glad it (mostly) all went well for you.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on March 10, 2008, 02:29:36 AM
Congrats. :cheers:
Now we want to see some pictures of babes riding with you in that chick magnet! :devil:
Send your sister over and I'll get on it. :ohyeah:
Quote from: Nethead on March 10, 2008, 09:45:14 AM
:lol: :lol:
HEMI666: HemiDude! HemiDude! HemiDude! We love our Focus ZX5 :wub:, and you have the kick-ass version :ohyeah:! WooHoo! :clap: All we've ever had to do to ours is replace a rear turn signal bulb--which is a weird-assed operation if you ever have to change one of yours. Do-able, but designed by a :pee: dick-and-a-sixth for sure... :cheers:
Congratulations!
Thanks man.
I'm asking my wife for a short throw shifter for my birthday, but I probably won't get it. :( My wife doesn't see the value in things like that. So I told her that she doesn't have to understand, and she just glared at me. So I hung my head and walked away. :lol:
Quote from: JYODER240 on March 10, 2008, 09:44:32 AM
Don't say I didn't warn you.
You're not telling me anything I don't already know.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 10:58:55 AM
Thanks man.
I'm asking my wife for a short throw shifter for my birthday, but I probably won't get it. :( My wife doesn't see the value in things like that. So I told her that she doesn't have to understand, and she just glared at me. So I hung my head and walked away. :lol:
"You already own a lot of shoes. I don't see the value in buying another pair."
Quote from: Laconian on March 10, 2008, 11:12:13 AM
"You already own a lot of shoes. I don't see the value in buying another pair."
Tried it. It doesn't work. "Most women have more shoes then I do" is her response. Then I say, "We're not talking about other women...unless of course you really want to." That didn't go over well. :lol:
Sweet Car. It is going to be alot of fun driving on thouse tight twisties though the valley.
Quote from: Ron From Regina on March 10, 2008, 11:20:01 AM
Sweet Car. It is going to be alot of fun driving on thouse tight twisties though the valley.
I'm taking it down Westside Road this coming weekend. The road is very twisty and is on the side of a mountain. It's really fun.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 11:16:26 AM
Tried it. It doesn't work. "Most women have more shoes then I do" is her response. Then I say, "We're not talking about other women...unless of course you really want to." That didn't go over well. :lol:
Most guys have more short shifters than you do.
Congrats on the purchase! And cool road trip! The SVT mods make for an outstanding package.
Quote from: NACar on March 10, 2008, 12:02:50 PM
Most guys have more short shifters than you do.
I'm gonna try it. :ohyeah:
Quote from: ChrisV on March 10, 2008, 12:04:57 PM
Congrats on the purchase! And cool road trip! The SVT mods make for an outstanding package.
Thanks. Yes it does. If the Focus is this good, I figure the Contour was just as good.
So no stops in Seattle I take it?
Quote from: GoCougs on March 10, 2008, 12:10:41 PM
So no stops in Seattle I take it?
Didn't go that way. When I got to Portland I headed East to Maryhill and then North on 97 to the Canadian border.
I just checked with the Province and the vanity plate I was going to apply for is not possible because SVT is a licensed trademark. So, no SVT 666 for my car. Any suggestions?
FOCUSVT ?
Does it matter where the trademarked text is located?
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 02:53:48 PM
I just checked with the Province and the vanity plate I was going to apply for is not possible because SVT is a licensed trademark. So, no SVT666 for my car. Any suggestions?
Can you have spaces? S V T or something similar? S6V6T6 (I know that one is hokey and shitty)?
Quote from: Laconian on March 10, 2008, 02:57:55 PM
FOCUSVT ?
Does it matter where the trademarked text is located?
Oooh, that one is good!
Quote from: Laconian on March 10, 2008, 02:57:55 PM
FOCUSVT ?
Does it matter where the trademarked text is located?
6 digits is the max. I wonder though if SVT666 would be okay since there are no spaces. SVT 666 would be a no go. I'm going to try and apply for that one.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 10, 2008, 02:59:30 PM
Can you have spaces? S V T or something similar? S6V6T6 (I know that one is hokey and shitty)?
Sorry. I meant SVT 666 is no good. But if I take that space out, maybe it will be okay. Though I doubt someone could get NIKE2 because Nike is trademarked.
swt 16?
I forgot to mention the fuel mileage I got on the trip.
Worst tank = 26 mpg
Best tank = 32 mpg
hotmom?
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 03:54:43 PM
I forgot to mention the fuel mileage I got on the trip.
Worst tank = 26 mpg
Best tank = 32 mpg
Does it require regular or premium?
Quote from: The Pirate on March 10, 2008, 03:56:45 PM
Does it require regular or premium?
Premium. Most stations were selling it for $3.70/Gal. Here it's....let me get my calculator...HOLY SHIT...$4.85/Gal.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 04:03:46 PM
Premium. Most stations were selling it for $3.70/Gal. Here it's....let me get my calculator...HOLY SHIT...$4.85/Gal.
But at 28mpg, you're still coming out ahead of what you were paying with the truck.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 10, 2008, 04:07:21 PM
But at 28mpg, you're still coming out ahead of what you were paying with the truck.
Oh hell yeah. It cost me $150 in gas to get back from San Jose. In my truck it would have cost $310.
They are saying that gas'll be $1.30 a litre (too lazy to convert that to gals) for 87 by the end of April. I'm starting to think twice about putting in a 91 tune into the mustang.
Beginning July 1 in BC they are imposing a 2.4 cent per litre Carbon Tax, that will increase to 7.4 cents by 2010.
Quote from: Ron From Regina on March 10, 2008, 04:29:40 PM
They are saying that gas'll be $1.30 a litre (too lazy to convert that to gals) for 87 by the end of April. I'm starting to think twice about putting in a 91 tune into the mustang.
I thought that the GT only required 87 octane?
Quote from: thecarnut on March 09, 2008, 05:45:55 PM
Nice car!
Too bad it's the 5 door. :cry:
I think the 5-door looks better than the 3 door.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 10, 2008, 04:40:11 PM
I thought that the GT only required 87 octane?
He said in that post that he wants to get it tuned to run on 91 to get more performance or something.
Quote from: thecarnut on March 10, 2008, 04:41:29 PM
He said in that post that he wants to get it tuned to run on 91 to get more performance or something.
Some people don't read everything that is written. :rolleyes:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 12:09:21 PM
Thanks. Yes it does. If the Focus is this good, I figure the Contour was just as good.
I still occasionally miss it. The 3 handles almost as well, but I miss the small 200 hp six.
THAT would be a sweet motor to throw into the SVT.
:mask:
Touch?, guys.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 10, 2008, 04:45:58 PM
:mask:
Touch?, guys.
I was surprised when I read your comment because you usually don't miss stuff like that.
What?
Quote from: FordSVT on March 10, 2008, 04:41:17 PM
I think the 5-door looks better than the 3 door.
Well, you're wrong. :lol:
I'd rather have the 5 door. I don't really like having doors that swing into the next zip code and it would be nice to get to the backseat easier.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 10, 2008, 05:20:41 PM
I'd rather have the 5 door. I don't really like having doors that swing into the next zip code and it would be nice to get to the backseat easier.
The Focus's 2-doors are hardly that big. I likes them. The 4-doors, on the other hand, are rather tiny.
Quote from: NACar on March 10, 2008, 05:21:45 PM
The Focus's 2-doors are hardly that big. I likes them. The 4-doors, on the other hand, are rather tiny.
As you know, I'm a big guy and the size of the doors are what I would call damn near perfect in their size. They aren't too short and provide me enough room to get in and out without any problems wich is something I couldn't say for some other 4 doors I've driven and owned.
The B-pillar is less in the way then the one in the Alero we used to have.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 10, 2008, 05:24:27 PM
As you know, I'm a big guy and the size of the doors are what I would call damn near perfect in their size. They aren't too short and provide me enough room to get in and out without any problems wich is something I couldn't say for some other 4 doors I've driven and owned.
The rear doors are the tiny ones. I do not like getting in the back of 4-door Foci.
Quote from: NACar on March 10, 2008, 05:26:36 PM
The rear doors are the tiny ones. I do not like getting in the back of 4-door Foci.
That, I couldn't say. I only got in once and that was to sleep, so I went in head first. :lol:
Congrats! Nice ride. I'm trynna think of a plate for your new toy.
I just called a powdercoating place and to get the wheels sandblasted, and refinished in a gunmetal grey will be $50-60 per wheel. Not bad. I'm seriously thinking about it.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 11, 2008, 03:01:40 PM
I just called a powdercoating place and to get the wheels sandblasted, and refinished in a gunmetal grey will be $50-60 per wheel. Not bad. I'm seriously thinking about it.
You should definitely go for it!
Quote from: NACar on March 10, 2008, 05:26:36 PM
The rear doors are the tiny ones. I do not like getting in the back of 4-door Foci.
When have you ever had to? :huh:
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 11, 2008, 03:01:40 PM
I just called a powdercoating place and to get the wheels sandblasted, and refinished in a gunmetal grey will be $50-60 per wheel. Not bad. I'm seriously thinking about it.
You should definitely consider doing that.
And congrads on the car. Great ride you have there. I should consider buying my next car in the US if its that cheaper.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 11, 2008, 09:17:45 PM
When have you ever had to? :huh:
Is it wrong for me to sit in the back of a Ford Focus?
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
Quote from: NACar on March 11, 2008, 09:34:31 PM
Is it wrong for me to sit in the back of a Ford Focus?
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
You didn't know that?
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 11, 2008, 03:01:40 PM
I just called a powdercoating place and to get the wheels sandblasted, and refinished in a gunmetal grey will be $50-60 per wheel. Not bad. I'm seriously thinking about it.
HEMI666: HemiDude! You might consider getting those wheels
beadblasted--sandblasting is pretty severe for aluminum! Beadblasted aluminum has a special appearance--you should tell 'em to let you see the beadblasted wheels before the powdercoat--you might want to just clearcoat the beadblasted wheels. There are other blasting media (even crushed walnut hulls), but the Nethead here hasn't seen those applied to aluminum wheels.
Be wary of sandblasting--silica is a potent abrader and might leave the finish so rough that even powdercoating can't hide the coarseness of the sandblasted finish. If you haven't seen--and liked--an item of sandblasted-then-powdercoated aluminum, take a junkyard aluminum wheel to the sandblasters first to see how you like the results.
Caution is The Word when turning silica loose on anything that has a surface less hard than steel!
Quote from: Nethead on March 12, 2008, 10:24:59 AM
HEMI666: HemiDude! You might consider getting those wheels beadblasted--sandblasting is pretty severe for aluminum! Beadblasted aluminum has a special appearance--you should tell 'em to let you see the beadblasted wheels before the powdercoat--you might want to just clearcoat the beadblasted wheels. There are other blasting media, but the Nethead here hasn't seen those applied to aluminum wheels.
Be wary of sandblasting--silica is a potent abrader and might leave the finish so rough that even powdercoating can't hide the coarseness of the sandblasted finish. If you haven't seen--and liked--an item of sandblasted-then-powdercoated aluminum, take a junkyard aluminum wheel to the sandblasters first to see how you like the results.
Caution is The Word when turning silica loose on anything malleable or that has a surface less hard than steel!
He's talking to a wheel refinisher, and probably justusing the term "sandblasting" in the generic sense.
Odds are it's some other type of media blasting.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 12, 2008, 10:26:40 AM
He's talking to a wheel refinisher, and probably justusing the term "sandblasting" in the generic sense.
Odds are it's some other type of media blasting.
Soup DeVille: I hope you're right on this one, SoupDude--a set of SVT Focus wheels might be tough to score in Calgary...
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 12, 2008, 10:26:40 AM
He's talking to a wheel refinisher, and probably justusing the term "sandblasting" in the generic sense.
Odds are it's some other type of media blasting.
I had my wheels sandblasted. It took a lot of sanding afterwards for them to look good.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 12, 2008, 10:26:40 AM
He's talking to a wheel refinisher, and probably justusing the term "sandblasting" in the generic sense.
Odds are it's some other type of media blasting.
The guy asked me specifically if the wheels were aluminum, so I'm assuming he knows what he's doing. He didn't use the word sandblasting, I did.
BTW Nethead, I no longer live in Calgary, I live in Kelowna BC.
Ford Racing sells other styles of SVT wheels:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FMS%2DM%2D1007%2DP45&N=700+323974+115&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FMS%2DM%2D1007%2DS177E&view=1&N=700+150+307447+
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FMS%2DM%2D1007%2DS177A&N=700+4294923105+115&autoview=sku
:rockon:
The only thing that sucks about your purchase is that you couldn't meet me. :lol:
Quote from: Danish on March 12, 2008, 10:45:44 AM
:rockon:
The only thing that sucks about your purchase is that you couldn't meet me. :lol:
Wrong. You couldn't meet me because of some religious thing. Be more like a Christian and blow that shit off. :lol:
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 12, 2008, 10:43:42 AM
Ford Racing sells other styles of SVT wheels:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FMS%2DM%2D1007%2DP45&N=700+323974+115&autoview=sku
Never saw that one before. I like it.
Quotehttp://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FMS%2DM%2D1007%2DS177E&view=1&N=700+150+307447+
Euro Appearance package. Only option mine didn't come with.
Quotehttp://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=FMS%2DM%2D1007%2DS177A&N=700+4294923105+115&autoview=sku
All 2004 5 door models came with these ones. I still prefer the ones mine has...covered in brake dust, or powdercoated.
(http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0401_thrash_02z+2003_ford_svt_focus_zx5+wheel_view.jpg)
Oooh! I wish I had those brakes, but I don't envy your wheels.
4 inch sidewalls are small enough as it is, thanks.
Am I the only one who sees an irony in offering a 'European Appearance Package' on a car designed in Europe?
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 12, 2008, 10:52:54 AM
Oooh! I wish I had those brakes, but I don't envy your wheels.
4 inch sidewalls are small enough as it is, thanks.
Actually, it rides very well. It's a more comfortable ride on those 17s then my Mustang had with 16s.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 12, 2008, 11:26:36 AM
Actually, it rides very well. It's a more comfortable ride on those 17s then my Mustang had with 16s.
I'm not so worried about ride. I'm worried about wheel damage.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 12, 2008, 11:33:55 AM
I'm not so worried about ride. I'm worried about wheel damage.
I've never had a problem and I run 225/45/18, 245/45/18, the only bent wheels I've ever seen come from hitting curbs.
Quote from: JYODER240 on March 12, 2008, 10:42:15 PM
I've never had a problem and I run 225/45/18, 245/45/18, the only bent wheels I've ever seen come from hitting curbs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/280Z_Driver/DSCN1655.jpg)
This was from a pothole.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 12, 2008, 10:51:14 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/280Z_Driver/DSCN1655.jpg)
This was from a pothole.
So don't hit potholes. :huh:
:lol:
:confused: Holy shit. That must have been one helluva pot hole.
Maybe they were cheap wheels :huh:
I've hit some bad potholes before but the worst it's ever done is thrown the alignment off.
Yeah, I have to say I've been surprised by the robustness of my wheels. I hit a massive pothole last week, at a decent clip. This thing was huge (you could have fit a small child in it possibly), the brick under the asphalt layers was clearly visible. I think I'm okay though. I pulled the wheel, and no bends and no leaking. I took it on the highway too; no shimmies or weird vibrations or anything.
I'll continue to check, but I lucked out there.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 12, 2008, 11:00:26 PM
:confused: Holy shit. That must have been one helluva pot hole.
It's Michigan. Potholes are our third largest crop.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 12, 2008, 11:34:35 PM
It's Michigan. Potholes are our third largest crop.
You should see Saskatchewan. My buddy lost a VW in one there.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 12, 2008, 11:37:24 PM
You should see Saskatchewan. My buddy lost a VW in one there.
I thought they only rode horses up there?
Typical Michigan pothole:
(http://danielarmstrong.net/uploaded_images/NowTHATisapothole_A4B0/646SINKHOLE_ME_092507_FAB_001.embedded.prod_affiliate.811.jpg)
:lol:
HEMI666: HemiDude, Kenowhere is on, around, or in Lake Okanagan, isn't it? Is that where Ogopogo resides, or am I getting my pseudocritters mixed up?
When I was in the Army many decades ago, an adult black bear clamped its jaws down on my right elbow until I told it that it was perilously close to becoming a rug if it didn't let go and step away from the hamburger 'n' soft drink. The bear's life flashed before its eyes, and it wisely let go and loped off on down the parking lot. A ranger gave me a "you stupid shit" look, so I flashed him a "I still got my lunch, asshole" smile and finished eatin'. If I'd also had some fries, me 'n' the bear woulda had us a fight for sure, and I'd have myself a fireplace rug. On his or her hind legs, the bear was a foot taller than me, so it woulda been a nice rug. And a helluva good fight, too...Where 'na Hell are French fries when you really need 'em? Ah, well, I digress...post some pics of Ogopogo bitin' off a corner of the Focus!
Quote from: Nethead on March 13, 2008, 07:19:47 AM
HEMI666: HemiDude, Kenowhere is on, around, or in Lake Okanagan, isn't it? Is that where Ogopogo resides, or am I getting my pseudocritters mixed up?
Yes, Lake Okanagan is where the Ogopogo resides. Kelowna is the biggest city on the lake and I'm temporarily living here until our house is built in Summerland which is a about 1/2 hour down the lake.
QuoteWhen I was in the Army many decades ago, an adult black bear clamped its jaws down on my right elbow until I told it that it was perilously close to becoming a rug if it didn't let go and step away from the hamburger 'n' soft drink. The bear's life flashed before its eyes, and it wisely let go and loped off on down the parking lot. A ranger gave me a "you stupid shit" look, so I flashed him a "I still got my lunch, asshole" smile and finished eatin'. If I'd also had some fries, me 'n' the bear woulda had us a fight for sure, and I'd have myself a fireplace rug. On his or her hind legs, the bear was a foot taller than me, so it woulda been a nice rug. And a helluva good fight, too...Where 'na Hell are French fries when you really need 'em? Ah, well, I digress...post some pics of Ogopogo bitin' off a corner of the Focus!
WTF?
Time to take your medication Netdude.
(http://okanaganhouserentals.ca/okanagan/okanagan_map.gif)
It doesn't look like a lake, but it's 3 kms wide and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other and 1000 feet deep.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 13, 2008, 08:28:13 AM
Yes, Lake Okanagan is where the Ogopogo resides. Kelowna is the biggest city on the lake and I'm temporarily living here until our house is built in Summerland which is a about 1/2 hour down the lake.
WTF?
Time to take your medication Netdude.
HEMI666: "Those were the days, my friend, I thought they'd never end..."
Yeah, I'd have gone round 'n' round with the black bear (which was actually a less common brown-furred black bear) had it come to that. It was August of 1970 and an Army buddy from Chicago and I were seeing the sights in the Appalachian Mountains before reporting to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for shipping out to West Germany. We were up around 5300' at a place called Grandfather Mountain near God-knows-where in North Carolina having our lunch outside by my father's station wagon. Momentarily, along comes the biggest black bear I'd ever seen in the wild, cruisin' the parking lot looking for tourists--followed by a Park Ranger who was tellin' everyone to just let the bear have your food and there shouldn't be any trouble. "Fuck that" says the Nethead here, so I placed my soda 'n' burger out on the center of the station wagon's roof. The bear comes up beside me, rears up on his or her hind legs, and tries to scoop up my lunch with its rather short forelegs. The bear can't reach 'em, so he or she turns to me and clamps down on my right elbow. I feel the bear's teeth "bear" (heh heh) down on each side of my elbow so I prepared to rip the beast's leg off to beat it to death with it, when God enlightened that foolish bear and told it to let go and live another day. The bear listened to its Creator and decided to skip lunch--which is why he or she ain't a fireplace rug today.
It woulda been a good scrap--lots of bitin', kickin', cussin', 'n' sluggin'--and I see it as yet another opportunity missed. Afterwards, me 'n' the bear coulda found some shade and tossed down some Negra Modellos while my buddy swabbed iodine on our scratches, scrapes, bruises, bites, gouges, and cuts. But the bear loped off into the woods by the parking lot, and me 'n' my bud reported to Fort Jackson for shipping out to West Germany the next day...Y' know, I really
miss the days when sluggin' a bear in the face woulda been just another experience to liven up a restful, enjoyable summer afternoon.
Where have all the good times gone?
'grats hemi btw
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 12, 2008, 11:33:55 AM
I'm not so worried about ride. I'm worried about wheel damage.
I shredded my 15" rim with 65 sidewalls. I'm not going to worry about everything.
Did you take off those window shades yet?
Quote from: Raza on March 13, 2008, 05:03:30 PM
I shredded my 15" rim with 65 sidewalls. I'm not going to worry about everything.
you need these on your car
(http://lesbaru.com/updates_files/image002.jpg)
OR YOU WILL GET STUCK IN THE ROAD
Quote from: Raza on March 13, 2008, 05:03:30 PM
I shredded my 15" rim with 65 sidewalls. I'm not going to worry about everything.
65% of what?
I don't really like the 50 series, 60 series, etc. description of sidewalls because it depends on the tread width. A 315/50/16 would be pretty fat compared to my 205/50/16.
I agree with Cory Farley. Anything less than a 4" sidewall should be illegal. Beyond that, unsprung weight increases, ride gets worse, the rim is more vunerable and for MAYBE slightly better handling. Not worth it on the street.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 13, 2008, 05:20:41 PM
65% of what?
I don't really like the 50 series, 60 series, etc. description of sidewalls because it depends on the tread width. A 315/50/16 would be pretty fat compared to my 205/50/16.
I agree with Cory Farley. Anything less than a 4" sidewall should be illegal. Beyond that, unsprung weight increases, ride gets worse, the rim is more vunerable and for MAYBE slightly better handling. Not worth it on the street.
Illegal?
195/65/15.
Quote from: Raza on March 13, 2008, 05:24:52 PM
Illegal?
195/65/15.
He was being facetious.
That's not really a terribly fat sidewall, though.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 13, 2008, 05:35:14 PM
He was being facetious.
That's not really a terribly fat sidewall, though.
Well it looks really high to me!
Sorry.
I'm still stuck in the early 80's, automotive-wise.
Quote from: NACar on March 13, 2008, 05:07:34 PM
you need these on your car
(http://lesbaru.com/updates_files/image002.jpg)
OR YOU WILL GET STUCK IN THE ROAD
Oh hell yeah.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 13, 2008, 05:39:34 PM
Oh hell yeah.
Super Swamper Radials, sized 27x8.5X15
If you get some for the Protege, I'll get some for the Jetta. :lol:
Quote from: NACar on March 13, 2008, 05:40:52 PM
Super Swamper Radials, sized 27x8.5X15
If you get some for the Protege, I'll get some for the Jetta. :lol:
:lol:
Done!
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg774253#msg774253 date=1205449511
Did you take off those window shades yet?
Haven't had time. They come off this weekend though.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 13, 2008, 05:53:44 PM
Haven't had time. They come off this weekend though.
Take more pictures too.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg774363#msg774363 date=1205452517
Take more pictures too.
I haven't been able to go to a car wash yet, because it hasn't been inspected (that happens tomorrow morning). Insurance won't be till next week because I have yet to receive my Claims History letters from my old insurance companies. They are supposed to arrive next week and as soon as I get those, the car is on the road.
Did you decide on what to put on your plates yet?
Quote from: FoMoJo on March 14, 2008, 10:38:10 AM
Did you decide on what to put on your plates yet?
I'm going to try SVT666, and if that doesn't go through then I might just go with 6SIX6.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 13, 2008, 05:59:50 PM
I haven't been able to go to a car wash yet, because it hasn't been inspected (that happens tomorrow morning). Insurance won't be till next week because I have yet to receive my Claims History letters from my old insurance companies. They are supposed to arrive next week and as soon as I get those, the car is on the road.
You have to wait a week for insurance? That's strange. All I have to do is ring up my insurance company and say "Hey, I've just bought a car" and they'll say "Okay, you're covered".
BTW, I love that Focus!!! I especially love the fact that it's a five-door, but then I am a practical sort when it comes to these things. If you ever get tired of it and don't want it anymore, feel free to send it down my way! :lol:
Cheers,
Madman of the People
If you ever want a KPH speedometer, try this. It actually works!
How To Do It!
1) Insert Key (do not turn it)
2) Press and hold the Trip-Meter Reset Button
3) While holding the reset button, start your car and continue holding the button.
4) Within 10 seconds, the display should change to "test" (written in a silly LCD font) and the needles will go nuts. No biggie. Release the Button.
5) Pressing the button will now cycle through some 15 different modes.
It's worth me mentioning that this diagnostic mode is no substitute for taking your car in for service. Many codes found in this mode mean absolutely nothing without other, expensive test equipment at the dealership.
Breakdown of some of the functions:
1 Press - Shows a Gauge Sweep
2 Presses - shows all 8's on the LCD (LCD TEST)
3 Presses - illuminates all the bulbs on the dash
4 Presses - displays hexadecimal value for ROM level
5 Presses - Displays the hexadecimal value for EE level
6 Presses - Shows DTC Troubleshooting Codes (Nothing to worry about though)
7 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - MPH
8 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - KPH
10 Presses - DIGITAL TACHOMETER
Quote from: Madman on March 14, 2008, 10:49:18 PM
You have to wait a week for insurance? That's strange. All I have to do is ring up my insurance company and say "Hey, I've just bought a car" and they'll say "Okay, you're covered".
BTW, I love that Focus!!! I especially love the fact that it's a five-door, but then I am a practical sort when it comes to these things. If you ever get tired of it and don't want it anymore, feel free to send it down my way! :lol:
Cheers,
Madman of the People
I just moved to a new province and none of the same insurance companies operate here because of difference insurance laws, so I have to wait for my Claims Letters from my old insurance companies to show up so I can prove my clean history (with one blemish in January) so I can get my full discounts. The car just got inspected this morning and everything passed and the car is now certified for Canadian registration. They made my foglights the DRLs :rockon:
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 14, 2008, 10:53:10 PM
If you ever want a KPH speedometer, try this. It actually works!
How To Do It!
1) Insert Key (do not turn it)
2) Press and hold the Trip-Meter Reset Button
3) While holding the reset button, start your car and continue holding the button.
4) Within 10 seconds, the display should change to "test" (written in a silly LCD font) and the needles will go nuts. No biggie. Release the Button.
5) Pressing the button will now cycle through some 15 different modes.
It's worth me mentioning that this diagnostic mode is no substitute for taking your car in for service. Many codes found in this mode mean absolutely nothing without other, expensive test equipment at the dealership.
Breakdown of some of the functions:
1 Press - Shows a Gauge Sweep
2 Presses - shows all 8's on the LCD (LCD TEST)
3 Presses - illuminates all the bulbs on the dash
4 Presses - displays hexadecimal value for ROM level
5 Presses - Displays the hexadecimal value for EE level
6 Presses - Shows DTC Troubleshooting Codes (Nothing to worry about though)
7 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - MPH
8 Presses - DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER - KPH
10 Presses - DIGITAL TACHOMETER
So the trip meter becomes a digital speedometer?
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 14, 2008, 11:35:08 PM
So the trip meter becomes a digital speedometer?
Yep.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 14, 2008, 11:36:26 PM
Yep.
Interesting. I don't mind losing the trip meter for that I guess.
Anyone input on how to do that with an explorer? :lol:
Should be the same.
Quote from: CJ on March 15, 2008, 12:06:21 AM
Should be the same.
I don't know.
European Fords seem to be quite different from American ones.
i dont even have a trip reset button though :lol:
Well, I just found out on Focus Fanatics that the rear seat cushion folds forward before you fold the seatback down to provide a flat floor. I could have slept in half-assed comfort if I had known that.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 17, 2008, 04:25:37 PM
Well, I just found out on Focus Fanatics that the rear seat cushion folds forward before you fold the seatback down to provide a flat floor. I could have slept in half-assed comfort if I had known that.
Like the Escape!!
Not reading the owner's manual FTL?
:lol:
Nice car man! I've been thinking about getting one myself. Sounds like you got a good deal!
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 14, 2008, 11:46:33 PM
Interesting. I don't mind losing the trip meter for that I guess.
Or, and this is much easier, take a marker to your speedometer and cross out the "M" and replace it with a "K". That way when a cop pulls you over for doing 137kph, you could say your car only said you were doing 85!
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg777721#msg777721 date=1205814841
Or, and this is much easier, take a marker to your speedometer and cross out the "M" and replace it with a "K". That way when a cop pulls you over for doing 137kph, you could say your car only said you were doing 85!
Hmmm. I might try that. If I'm not back tomorrow, you know where I am...Kelowna's RCMP Detachment waiting for a judge.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 17, 2008, 04:25:37 PM
Well, I just found out on Focus Fanatics that the rear seat cushion folds forward before you fold the seatback down to provide a flat floor. I could have slept in half-assed comfort if I had known that.
You're kidding.
It folds flat?!
I did not know this.
HEMI666: 'Seen Ogopogo yet? If he/she gives you any shit, I'll take care of him/her for you. :heated: Just let me know...
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on March 18, 2008, 01:26:24 AM
You're kidding.
It folds flat?!
I did not know this.
Yeah man. I looked it up in the owner's manual, and sure as fuck, they fold flat. So I tried it last night, and sure as fuck, they fold flat.
Quote from: Nethead on March 18, 2008, 06:33:40 AM
HEMI666: 'Seen Ogopogo yet? If he/she gives you any shit, I'll take care of him/her for you. :heated: Just let me know...
I thought I saw him when I was 14, but I haven't seen him again in the following 17 years.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 18, 2008, 09:06:16 AM
I thought I saw him when I was 14, but I haven't seen him again in the following 17 years.
...?
Some palindrome monster?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg777975#msg777975 date=1205856786
...?
Some palindrome monster?
Yup.
Ogopogo lake monster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogopogo)
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 18, 2008, 10:20:22 AM
Yup.
Ogopogo lake monster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogopogo)
Isn't that something? Nessie's cousin, I imagine.
I finally got found some time to take those stupid window windscreens off. I used a heat gun and peeled them off and then found that even with a razor blade I couldn't get the tape off the car. I tried GooGone and a couple other products and I was beginning to think I fucked up in a bad way and that I would have to put those shitty things back on. Then I did a search on the internet and found a "Stripe Removal Wheel". I called my local autoparts store and they had one for $13. I drove down, got it, drove home, stuck it on my drill and went to town. It took 20 minutes and it didn't even touch the paint but removed all the tape and residue no problem. The car looks way better now. I will have insurance this week and I will post more pics as soon as it's washed.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 24, 2008, 11:07:25 AM
I finally got found some time to take those stupid window windscreens off. I used a heat gun and peeled them off and then found that even with a razor blade I couldn't get the tape off the car. I tried GooGone and a couple other products and I was beginning to think I fucked up in a bad way and that I would have to put those shitty things back on. Then I did a search on the internet and found a "Stripe Removal Wheel". I called my local autoparts store and they had one for $13. I drove down, got it, drove home, stuck it on my drill and went to town. It took 20 minutes and it didn't even touch the paint but removed all the tape and residue no problem. The car looks way better now. I will have insurance this week and I will post more pics as soon as it's washed.
Damn, insurance takes a long time for you. Is it normally that long, or is it because it's in imported car? When we got the Boxster, we just made a phone call and it was insured.
Quote from: Raza on March 24, 2008, 11:12:18 AM
Damn, insurance takes a long time for you. Is it normally that long, or is it because it's in imported car? When we got the Boxster, we just made a phone call and it was insured.
Same here. I just call my agent, and the change is immediate.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 24, 2008, 11:31:54 AM
Same here. I just call my agent, and the change is immediate.
NYS FTW. It just gets done on its own at the stealership.
I just moved to a new province that does not share the same insurance companies as my old province. This is a fairly unique situation and it would normally be on the road the same day I called. The problem I have is that I'm waiting for my Claims History letters from my old insurance companies to come in the mail so I can get my fully discounted insurance rates (-43%). Otherwise I pay full rates. The letters whould be here today or tomorrow.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 24, 2008, 11:42:43 AM
I just moved to a new province that does not share the same insurance companies as my old province. This is a fairly unique situation and it would normally be on the road the same day I called. The problem I have is that I'm waiting for my Claims History letters from my old insurance companies to come in the mail so I can get my fully discounted insurance rates (-43%). Otherwise I pay full rates. The letters whould be here today or tomorrow.
It must be torture having that car in your drive and not being able to use it.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg784053#msg784053 date=1206386679
It must be torture having that car in your drive and not being able to use it.
It's killing me. Especially when I go and put $100 worth of fuel in my truck every week.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 18, 2008, 09:04:51 AM
Yeah man. I looked it up in the owner's manual, and sure as fuck, they fold flat. So I tried it last night, and sure as fuck, they fold flat.
Okay. I just tried it.
It's not really flat, but it is flatter.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 24, 2008, 11:42:43 AM
The problem I have is that I'm waiting for my Claims History letters from my old insurance companies to come in the mail so I can get my fully discounted insurance rates (-43%). Otherwise I pay full rates. The letters would be here today or tomorrow.
Waiting for the mail? How very Last Century! Do you not have FAX machines in Upper Canuckistan?
Come to think of it, every insurance company I have ever used automatically gave you a 30-day grace period before you had to notify them that you have just bought a car. It sounds to me like your insurance company is jerking your chain! All I know is that if my insurance company made me put up with that sort of BS I would be looking for a new company!
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Hemi, you've been bragging about your drive to work for awhile. Take a spin in the new whip and give us some pics. :lol: :thumbsup:
Quote from: Madman on March 24, 2008, 03:07:13 PM
Waiting for the mail? How very Last Century! Do you not have FAX machines in Upper Canuckistan?
Come to think of it, every insurance company I have ever used automatically gave you a 30-day grace period before you had to notify them that you have just bought a car. It sounds to me like your insurance company is jerking your chain! All I know is that if my insurance company made me put up with that sort of BS I would be looking for a new company!
Cheers,
Madman of the People
The insurance company is government run and you don't have a choice. Also, they won't accept these letters unless they are faxed directly to them, or mailed to me and I take them in. I cannot accept a fax and then take it in. It's bullshit and it's the one thing I was not looking forward to when I moved back here.
Quote from: Tave on March 24, 2008, 03:36:57 PM
Hemi, you've been bragging about your drive to work for awhile. Take a spin in the new whip and give us some pics. :lol: :thumbsup:
When I get insurance, I will do just that.
Whats the fuel price like in alberta?
/sidetrack
Quote from: M_power on March 24, 2008, 05:06:52 PM
Whats the fuel price like in alberta?
/sidetrack
Since I'm in BC, I couldn't tell ya.
The SVT is on the road. Took mywife and daughter for a little spin. It's about time. Tomorrow I will post pics of it clean and without the window deflectors.
:rockon:
Nice! Now take moar pikchers!
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg785741#msg785741 date=1206507113
Nice! Now take moar pikchers!
That's what I said I was going to do.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 25, 2008, 09:22:24 PM
The SVT is on the road. Took mywife and daughter for a little spin. It's about time. Tomorrow I will post pics of it clean and without the window deflectors.
HEMI666: HemiDude, the Nethead here has been down in Virginia getting paperwork ready, inspections, et al to sell our commercial properties to the buyer while the WifeDude began sorting through houseplans from a dozen or more builders. If I'd been here, I woulda told you to try acetone on the tape residue. Acetone is a potent solvent on glues, and can be bought here at any store that sells paint, paint thinner, mineral spirits, et al. Better still, your spouse's fingernail polish remover's active ingredient is acetone, although it may be diluted a bit--but if she's got a bottle of the stuff in the cabinet, the price is right! That mighta saved you $13 Canadian, but be careful with acetone because it's a great paint remover, too, which would figure in a fingernail polish remover. It doesn't hurt glass, however, and that's what you're dealing with. It is my all-time favorite solvent. Latex or some other flexible protective gloves may be recommended for using acetone, but I've never bothered. Smells nice, too, but use it in the open air and away from flames/sparks/active volcanos/high heat/teen-agers.
Make sure your next car has those window hickeys so you can rip 'em off and try this out. If the suspense is killing you, put the ones you had back on the Focus, rip 'em off again, and try this out on the tape residue!
Took me 20 minutes to get it all off with the $13 wheel on the end of my drill. And the paint looks fantastic afterwards.
I may or may not be able to post new pics today. It snowed today and it's filthy (it hasn't snowed this late into spring in nearly 25 years). It looks like the sun is going to come out and I may be able to hit the carwash on the way home.
So happened to those pictures?
Quote from: M_power on April 01, 2008, 12:07:18 AM
So happened to those pictures?
Edward, you have a more important SVT to see to.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 01, 2008, 12:10:47 AM
Edward, you have a more important SVT to see to.
:rage:
As soon as my damn acceptances start rolling in in may!
Quote from: M_power on April 01, 2008, 12:13:54 AM
:rage:
As soon as my damn acceptances start rolling in in may!
I only irritate you because you need to have your car up and going. It's too cool to be a garage queen.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 01, 2008, 12:20:02 AM
I only irritate you because you need to have your car up and going. It's too cool to be a garage queen.
It's not a garage queen, it's a rotting corpse!
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 26, 2008, 04:47:11 PM
I may or may not be able to post new pics today. It snowed today and it's filthy (it hasn't snowed this late into spring in nearly 25 years). It looks like the sun is going to come out and I may be able to hit the carwash on the way home.
Global Warming!
Al Gore says that some places will get colder for some reason, but the bottom line is that we're all going to die.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2008, 12:29:54 AM
Global Warming!
Al Gore says that some places will get colder for some reason, but the bottom line is that we're all going to die.
Well, we're going to die sooner then even Al Gore thought then, It snowed all day yesterday and it's -10C this morning. When I was a teenager I went waterskiing a couple times on April 1st. I wore a dry suit and the water was freezing, but it was 17 or 18C. I staked out my new house with the surveyor yesterday and it was practically a blizzard and I was wearing my heavy winter coat.
When it stops snowing and I'm able to get to a car wash, I will take more pics and post them.
We got 8" of snow here as well, so you don't have to feel alone!
It's going to be a pretty nice day today, so pictures could very well happen today.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 01, 2008, 12:29:54 AM
Global Warming!
Al Gore says that some places will get colder for some reason, but the bottom line is that we're all going to die.
Okay, how does he explain mid 60s in the beginning of the day and freezing cold by 8PM?
Okay, I even got in shit by the park patrol for parking it on the grass.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4375.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_4374.jpg)
HEMI666: Great lookin' Focus, HemiDude! And we're grateful to you for buying it in the US to help our trade deficit! That may be our only export product in 2008...
Where did all the snow go? I thought it was a thousand below with snow up to the chimnneys?????
A beautiful day and no cryptocreatures in sight :(--sigh...
Quote from: Nethead on April 03, 2008, 07:44:29 AM
HEMI666: Great lookin' Focus, HemiDude! And we're grateful to you for buying it in the US to help our trade deficit! That may be our only export product in 2008...
Where did all the snow go? I thought it was a thousand below with snow up to the chimnneys?????
A beautiful day and no cryptocreatures in sight :(--sigh...
It was 6 degrees C when I took those pictures yesterday. Two days ago we set a record for the coldest Low temp on April 1. It was -10 C.
WANT MOAR!
Do you have a full size picture of the first one on the grass?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg795193#msg795193 date=1207243190
WANT MOAR!
Do you have a full size picture of the first one on the grass?
What you see is what I got. I would have taken more, but the park guy rolled up in his Datsun pickup and screamed at me to get my car off the grass. The colour in the pictures isn't quite right either, because I didn't notice that my daughter had played with the camera and changed the setting to "underwater". I will take more this weekend.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 03, 2008, 11:29:46 AM
What you see is what I got.
Did you resize them when you put them in photobucket? The original images are probably larger.
Quote from: Tave on April 03, 2008, 11:38:11 AM
Did you resize them when you put them in photobucket? The original images are probably larger.
That's the size I took it at. My daughter got hold of the camera and changed a bunch of settings and I didn't realize it.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 03, 2008, 11:42:07 AM
That's the size I took it at. My daughter got hold of the camera and changed a bunch of settings and I didn't realize it.
I wish I could figure that stuff out. I'm always taking gigantic pictures that I have to massacre when I drop them in ImageShack and am forced to resize. I can't find a way to do it on my computor, before I upload them.
Quote from: Tave on April 03, 2008, 11:46:12 AM
I wish I could figure that stuff out. I'm always taking gigantic pictures that I have to massacre when I drop them in ImageShack and am forced to resize. I can't find a way to do it on my computor, before I upload them.
I compress my photos using Microsoft Photo Editor, or whatever the thing is.
There might be some free version of Photoshop that will allow you to resize and crop and do basic functions.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg795193#msg795193 date=1207243190
Do you have a full size picture of the first one on the grass?
Why do you ask?
What an ugly, trashy car.
;)
Here's what I changed mine to today:
(http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2541/092105001jx6.jpg)
For a picture of a picture, I didn't think it turned out bad.
Quote from: Raza on April 03, 2008, 11:49:05 AM
I compress my photos using Microsoft Photo Editor, or whatever the thing is.
There might be some free version of Photoshop that will allow you to resize and crop and do basic functions.
I can crop, I just can't resize. Maybe I'm missing something obvious, but it's been driving me nuts. I have a verticle picture that I want to enter into the general photo competition, but ImageShack mutilates it.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 03, 2008, 12:00:40 PM
What an ugly, trashy car.
;)
You are skating on thin ice, Subaru troll.
How would you like to be the next Trep? :evildude:
Car looks amazing, Hemi. Did you try the digital kph speedo thing that 280Z told you about?
I like the SVT Focus! Nice pics, and I admire your willingness to do so much legwork to get it. :rockon:
Quote from: Raza on April 03, 2008, 11:49:05 AM
I compress my photos using Microsoft Photo Editor, or whatever the thing is.
There might be some free version of Photoshop that will allow you to resize and crop and do basic functions.
www.GIMP.org (http://www.gimp.org)! I think someone recommended it a while ago on the Photo board, as well. I've been using it for a few years, and it's pretty damn good freeware, especially considering how much Photoshop costs.
Quote from: MaxPower on April 03, 2008, 02:10:52 PM
I like the SVT Focus! Nice pics, and I admire your willingness to do so much legwork to get it. :rockon:
www.GIMP.org (http://www.gimp.org)! I think someone recommended it a while ago on the Photo board, as well. I've been using it for a few years, and it's pretty damn good freeware, especially considering how much Photoshop costs.
I had GIMP twice, but I gave up because I just couldn't figure out the controls. MS Paint works fine for resizing and cropping.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 03, 2008, 01:54:55 PM
Car looks amazing, Hemi. Did you try the digital kph speedo thing that 280Z told you about?
I haven't tried it yet. Whenever I use the car for work, I need the trip meter.
Those wheels suit that car very well, Mr. Hemi.
Quote from: omicron on April 03, 2008, 07:08:39 PM
Those wheels suit that car very well, Mr. Hemi.
Thanks, but I can't take credit for them since they're stock.
After doing a lot of research and talking with other SVT Focus owners over at Focus Fanatics I have come up with a list of mods for my car.
In Order:
1. CFM Lower Engine Mount $109
2. Shifter Counterweight removal $0
3. CFM Adjustable Short Throw Shifter $139
4. Drop in K&N Filter $40
5. Tom's Tune (He's a guy over at FF that owns a performance shop and everyone says it's the best tune available) $400
Total $688
According to SVT Focus owners who have performed a lot of modifications, the SVT already has all the best go fast goodies. It already has the highest flowing intake, intake manifold, long tube header, and exhaust system. It already has nearly the best brakes and pads available for this car as well. It also already has the most aggressive cams available and the suspension is already as aggressive as you want to go on our Canadian roads. The shifter, engine mount, and tune are the most important things to change on the SVT. Most guys have made those mods and tires and they race their cars on weekends. They tell me that unless I boost it, there is really nothing else I can do. My wife will be happy to hear that.
why K&N filter?
Quote from: NomisR on April 08, 2008, 12:15:43 PM
why K&N filter?
Why not? I've used K&N on all my vehicles.
Tom's Tune... chip, piggyback, or reflash? Whats it all adjust? Please tell us more!
One of these days I'm going to buy that SVT suspension kit for my Focus.
Quote from: r0tor on April 08, 2008, 01:07:10 PM
Tom's Tune... chip, piggyback, or reflash? Whats it all adjust? Please tell us more!
It's a reflash. It adjusts everything. Fuel mapping, spark timing, how quickly the revs drop after you depress the clutch, idle rpm, redline, etc. Apparently you see around 10 hp at the wheels.
I wonder if you can add some of the Focus-RS stuff?
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 08, 2008, 02:05:39 PM
It's a reflash. It adjusts everything. Fuel mapping, spark timing, how quickly the revs drop after you depress the clutch, idle rpm, redline, etc. Apparently you see around 10 hp at the wheels.
nice! Reflash is definitely the way to go.
I love my reflash... its also does fuel, spark, throttle sensitivity, idle rpms, redline, radiator fan operation, and oil injection.
At noon today, I was driving up Summit Drive in Kelowna with a new VW GTI on my tail. I got to the corners and I took them at about 90% and the GTI fell back a bit and I got to the next group of corners and I kept it at about 90% and he kept falling back. When I pulled over at my destination the guy pulled up and asked me "What the hell is that?". I told him, "It's a Ford Focus", to which he responded with, "What did you do to it?" and I said, "Nothing. It's stock." Then he told me, "Bullshit. I was doing everything I could to keep up", and I responded with, "It's bone stock man". Then he drove away with a pissy look on his face. Yes, I neglected to mention it was an SVT. :lol:
The SVT Focus is the North American equivalent of the ST170, yes? Rather sharp little cars, those.
Quote from: omicron on April 08, 2008, 08:41:37 PM
The SVT Focus is the North American equivalent of the ST170, yes? Rather sharp little cars, those.
I agree.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 08, 2008, 08:49:55 PM
I agree.
One pulled up beside me at the lights the other day - a blue three-door with lovely aftermarket wheels (the 5-door was never sold here). Very nice indeed. They hold their value quite well, too - about 50-55% retained value after 5 years.
Quote from: omicron on April 08, 2008, 08:57:33 PM
One pulled up beside me at the lights the other day - a blue three-door with lovely aftermarket wheels (the 5-door was never sold here). Very nice indeed. They hold their value quite well, too - about 50-55% retained value after 5 years.
3 doors look so much nicer than 5 doors anyways.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 08, 2008, 09:09:24 PM
3 doors look so much nicer than 5 doors anyways.
thecarnut: No it doesn't, NutDude.
Quote from: omicron on April 08, 2008, 08:57:33 PM
One pulled up beside me at the lights the other day - a blue three-door with lovely aftermarket wheels (the 5-door was never sold here). Very nice indeed. They hold their value quite well, too - about 50-55% retained value after 5 years.
Yeah, the ST170 is even nicer than the SVT. And the RS, nicer still...
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 09, 2008, 09:05:45 AM
Yeah, the ST170 is even nicer than the SVT. And the RS, nicer still...
Actually the ST170 and the SVT are the same car as far as I know. The only differences are the front bumper cover and the absence of marker lights in the grille, and other then that it's the same car. The RS though, is much better.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 09, 2008, 09:46:58 AM
Yes they do.
I prefer the looks of the 5 door myself. I liked the 5 door better even before I had kids.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 09, 2008, 10:00:13 AM
I prefer the looks of the 5 door myself. I liked the 5 door better even before I had kids.
They are still very nice looking cars, I've just prefered coupes/3 doors to sedans and 5 doors.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 09, 2008, 09:30:50 AM
Actually the ST170 and the SVT are the same car as far as I know. The only differences are the front bumper cover and the absence of marker lights in the grille, and other then that it's the same car. The RS though, is much better.
There's quite a few cosmetic differences.
The wheels are different, the headlights are different, the rear lights are different, the front bumper/front spoiler is different, the rear bumper is different. I'm sure there are more. All subtle things, but they add up.
When I first saw an SVT (only recently) I noticed it appeared more agressive and bulbous than the ST (probably because of the larger bumpers).
ST170:
(http://www.aia.tartu.ee/~indrek/euroopa/saksamaa/ford/focus/st170.jpg)
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 09, 2008, 10:19:46 AM
There's quite a few cosmetic differences.
The wheels are different, the headlights are different, the rear lights are different, the front bumper/front spoiler is different, the rear bumper is different. I'm sure there are more. All subtle things, but they add up.
If you got the European Appearance Package on an SVT, you got the same wheels. The SVT does look more aggressive and IMHO...better. The ST170 looks great too but in a different way. Besides those cosmetic differences, the cars are the same.
(http://www.dragtimes.com/images/6608-2003-Ford-Focus.jpg)
Quote from: thecarnut on April 09, 2008, 09:46:58 AM
Yes they do.
thecarnut: No they don't, NutDude, whether singular or plural.
I too prefer the SVT 3 door to the 5 door. The profile of the 3 door is sportier, more rakish. The 5 door is more stoic, less aggressive.
The SVT will be getting 5% tint on all the windows rear of the B-pillar sometime in the next month. I don't think $220 is all that bad.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 09, 2008, 05:18:53 PM
The SVT will be getting 5% tint on all the windows rear of the B-pillar sometime in the next month. I don't think $220 is all that bad.
5% is DARK!
That's a pretty dumb idea. Why would you want tint that dark? That's pretty excessive.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 09, 2008, 05:24:43 PM
5% is DARK!
That's a pretty dumb idea. Why would you want tint that dark? That's pretty excessive.
I have that on my Ram and it's perfect. 97F is the average summer day here, so the darker the better, especially with kids in the back seat.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 09, 2008, 05:27:12 PM
I have that on my Ram and it's perfect. 97F is the average summer day here, so the darker the better, especially with kids in the back seat.
Wouldn't that suck at night?
It gets super hot here (probably hotter than where you live) and the Accord has pretty light tint. It does get hot in there but nothing some open windows can't cure.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 09, 2008, 10:25:12 AM
If you got the European Appearance Package on an SVT, you got the same wheels. The SVT does look more aggressive and IMHO...better. The ST170 looks great too but in a different way. Besides those cosmetic differences, the cars are the same.
(http://www.dragtimes.com/images/6608-2003-Ford-Focus.jpg)
Cool. You should get those wheels.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 10, 2008, 01:32:04 AM
Cool. You should get those wheels.
I would, but I like the wheels on my car just as much and I would rather put that $600 towards a shifter, engine mount, and tune. :ohyeah:
definitely the best looking USDM focus.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 10, 2008, 08:11:03 AM
I would, but I like the wheels on my car just as much and I would rather put that $600 towards a shifter, engine mount, and tune. :ohyeah:
I agree. I like the 5 spoke ones just as much.
The SVT has been in an accident. I had to ditch it to avoid a collision and I took out a highway sign. I swerved to miss a car and when I hit the brakes I got the gas at the same time and I spun and went across the highway through oncoming traffic sideways and hit the highway sign with my passenger front door. The rad, A/C, and tie rod are gone. The front bumper was ripped almost completely off. The hood is misaligned now as well. I will find out this afternoon how much damage there is.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 14, 2008, 12:38:02 PM
The SVT has been in an accident. I had to ditch it to avoid a collision and I took out a highway sign. I swerved to miss a car and when I hit the brakes I got the gas at the same time and I spun and went across the highway through oncoming traffic sideways and hit the highway sign with my passenger front door. The rad, A/C, and tie rod are gone. The front bumper was ripped almost completely off. The hood is misaligned now as well. I will find out this afternoon how much damage there is.
It's not your year with cars, is it? :(
I assume that you are okay, and that's good news. Shame about the car, though.
y!kes iiii
s0rry to hear that...
:(
:cry: Oh, I'm really sorry. Hope it will be fixable!
Holy crap!
Any pics?
My neck and back are stiff and quite sore. The auotbody place I took it to called and said that they won't know till morning about the cost because the SVT is rare enough that the parts are hard to find. I didn't get any pics because I really don't care to have any reminders of this.
Ouch, dude. I hope everything works out.
Quote from: Tave on April 14, 2008, 04:56:46 PM
Ouch, dude. I hope everything works out.
Quote from: Tave on April 14, 2008, 04:54:58 PM
Ouch, dude. I hope everything works out.
You sure are passionate about it.
Man, Hemi. I really hope it gets fixed soon.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 14, 2008, 05:00:08 PM
You sure are passionate about it.
Weird. The forum gave me the double-post error message, and then it went ahead and did it anyway. :loopy:
Glad your OK! the car can be fixed just be glad you're in 1 piece! :cheers:
Fuck.
Yeowch!
Glad to see you were ok......could have easily ended worse.
Similar thing happened to me over the summer. I know what you're going through.
It ocurred to me just minutes after the accident how close I had come to leaving my daughter and my unborn child fatherless and my wife without a husband. I sat on the side of the road crying as I thought about what could have happened. When I got home I just hugged my daughter and my wife and cried.
It wasn't even like I was driving recklessly or anything, but I can't help but feel like I did something wrong. I just keep replaying it over and over in my head trying to figure out what I could have done differently besides not pushing on the gas and brake at the same time. I remember that as I swung out to the shoulder to avoid the collision, there was a concrete barrier in my way and I had to swing back onto the road. When I swung back onto the road, my outside tires were in the gravel and my inside tires were on the pavement and the car just started sliding out of control across the highway sideways through oncoming traffic at 100 km/h. What really bugs me is I don't remember if I tried steering into the slide.
Did you press on the gas and brake at once?
Will you also need a new door? Any frame damage? I hope the SVT isn't totalled. :(
It's funny what goes through your head after something like that happens. I had to pull off the side of the road after dodging a truck and then looking at oncoming traffic through my side window.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 14, 2008, 10:37:34 PM
Did you press on the gas and brake at once?
Yeah. The pedals are positioned pretty close to each other and I had the car on Cruise Control so my foot wasn't on the gas pedal before this happened. It happened so fast I just remember thinking, "Shit my brakes are gone". If it hadn't happened as fast as it did, I would have been able to realize that I had pushed both pedals and corrected it.
QuoteWill you also need a new door? Any frame damage? I hope the SVT isn't totalled. :(
It's not totalled. The unibody below the passenger door is dented from the highway sign, but the body shop says it is repairable whether is pulls out or gets cut out. The door panel will probably have to be replaced. It's the Rad I'm worried about because it's SVT exclusive and the SVT motor is no longer produced.
My Focus and I send our condolences. :cry:
On a related note, I've actually found that the pedals are pretty far apart which makes heel-toeing akward, if not impossible. I can heel toe easily in my dad's truck, the Corvette, and my Z, but the Focus doesn't like it.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 14, 2008, 11:57:37 PM
My Focus and I send our condolences. :cry:
On a related note, I've actually found that the pedals are pretty far apart which makes heel-toeing akward, if not impossible. I can heel toe easily in my dad's truck, the Corvette, and my Z, but the Focus doesn't like it.
Well I guess if you're using cruise control and sudden come upon a situation like Hemi's you'll stomp on whatever pedal you think is the brake... :huh:
Man, glad you're ok.. at least the car's repairable.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 14, 2008, 11:57:37 PM
My Focus and I send our condolences. :cry:
On a related note, I've actually found that the pedals are pretty far apart which makes heel-toeing akward, if not impossible. I can heel toe easily in my dad's truck, the Corvette, and my Z, but the Focus doesn't like it.
The pedals in the SVT are much closer. I usually press on both pedals at the same time when I'm downshifting.
Main thing is that you're ok. Hope the insurance will cover the damage.
Car accidents suck on many, many levels. Sorry to hear that.
Sorry to hear about your accident and I'm glad you're okay.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 15, 2008, 07:20:02 AM
The pedals in the SVT are much closer. I usually press on both pedals at the same time when I'm downshifting.
Driving shoes! I always wear them. :ohyeah:
Quote from: NomisR on April 16, 2008, 12:11:49 PM
Driving shoes! I always wear them. :ohyeah:
My first thought actually. I've already been looking. Do you recommend any in particular?
I like the slim fitting Puma's.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 02:35:10 PM
My first thought actually. I've already been looking. Do you recommend any in particular?
Puma Speedcats are very good. Slim fitting, but comfortable, even on wide feet. However, if you're used to wearing full sneakers, it'll take a while to get used to the lack of padding and support. They're almost like walking barefoot.
Piloti driving shoes are a bit heartier. There's some more support, and while I've walked miles and miles in my Speedcats, I don't anymore, my Pilotis are far more comfortable for wearing all day. www.piloti.com
I don't know what you do for a living, but if you need something nicer, there are several companies that make good driving loafers. I have a pair from Steve Madden; up until then I thought Steve Madden only made girls' sandals. Just make sure to look for a segmented sole and reinforced heel.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 02:35:10 PM
My first thought actually. I've already been looking. Do you recommend any in particular?
Puma Speed Cats are pretty good. They're simple, light weight, and probably the least expensive ones out there.
I've found them at the Puma Factory stores.
They're not the best shoes for walking though.
At least you are ok.
Drive on! :cheers:
Quote from: Raza on April 16, 2008, 03:02:41 PM
I don't know what you do for a living, but if you need something nicer, there are several companies that make good driving loafers. I have a pair from Steve Madden; up until then I thought Steve Madden only made girls' sandals. Just make sure to look for a segmented sole and reinforced heel.
Good to know, thanks!
Quote from: NomisR on April 16, 2008, 03:18:23 PM
Good to know, thanks!
Yeah, I wore my Madden Drifters all summer at work. They're a little casual, but there are others that look more formal.
Quote from: Raza on April 16, 2008, 03:02:41 PM
Puma Speedcats are very good. Slim fitting, but comfortable, even on wide feet. However, if you're used to wearing full sneakers, it'll take a while to get used to the lack of padding and support. They're almost like walking barefoot.
Piloti driving shoes are a bit heartier. There's some more support, and while I've walked miles and miles in my Speedcats, I don't anymore, my Pilotis are far more comfortable for wearing all day. www.piloti.com
I don't know what you do for a living, but if you need something nicer, there are several companies that make good driving loafers. I have a pair from Steve Madden; up until then I thought Steve Madden only made girls' sandals. Just make sure to look for a segmented sole and reinforced heel.
I don't think those Pumas are really driving shoes. They're just for style, I think. These are real driving shoes:
http://www.gforce.com/products/footwear/0235.php
:ohyeah:
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 16, 2008, 03:47:53 PM
I don't think those Pumas are really driving shoes. They're just for style, I think. These are real driving shoes:
http://www.gforce.com/products/footwear/0235.php
:ohyeah:
I think they are real driving shoes. A close relation, I assume, to what pros wear. But no, they don't have ankle support and they are not flameproof. But they are considered motorsport shoes. Any shoe that goes as far as to mention the fact that they aren't flameproof on the tongue pretty much has to be. If you've worn and driven in them (I'm not sure if you have or haven't) you'd come to the same conclusion. But I'd agree that they're not "professional" equipment. However, I can't wear shoes that go above the ankle; I hate them.
(http://www.gasheadmotorworks.com/sitebuilder/images/PR12-5_B-191x160.jpg)
Even the Pilotis I have are under the ankle.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on April 16, 2008, 03:47:53 PM
I don't think those Pumas are really driving shoes. They're just for style, I think. These are real driving shoes:
http://www.gforce.com/products/footwear/0235.php
:ohyeah:
Those are raciing shoes! Pumas works fine for regular driving since dont' have to worry about your car catching on fire.
Quote from: Raza on April 16, 2008, 03:02:41 PM
Puma Speedcats are very good. Slim fitting, but comfortable, even on wide feet. However, if you're used to wearing full sneakers, it'll take a while to get used to the lack of padding and support. They're almost like walking barefoot.
Piloti driving shoes are a bit heartier. There's some more support, and while I've walked miles and miles in my Speedcats, I don't anymore, my Pilotis are far more comfortable for wearing all day. www.piloti.com
I don't know what you do for a living, but if you need something nicer, there are several companies that make good driving loafers. I have a pair from Steve Madden; up until then I thought Steve Madden only made girls' sandals. Just make sure to look for a segmented sole and reinforced heel.
I really like the Piloti G16, Mulholland II and the DTM shoes. Too bad they are so expensive.
Quote from: Raza on April 16, 2008, 03:54:32 PM
I think they are real driving shoes. A close relation, I assume, to what pros wear. But no, they don't have ankle support and they are not flameproof. But they are considered motorsport shoes. Any shoe that goes as far as to mention the fact that they aren't flameproof on the tongue pretty much has to be. If you've worn and driven in them (I'm not sure if you have or haven't) you'd come to the same conclusion. But I'd agree that they're not "professional" equipment. However, I can't wear shoes that go above the ankle; I hate them.
(http://www.gasheadmotorworks.com/sitebuilder/images/PR12-5_B-191x160.jpg)
Even the Pilotis I have are under the ankle.
AFAIK, SCCA doesn't care what shoes you wear anyway.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg805869#msg805869 date=1208379761
Puma Speedcats are very good. Slim fitting, but comfortable, even on wide feet. However, if you're used to wearing full sneakers, it'll take a while to get used to the lack of padding and support. They're almost like walking barefoot.
Piloti driving shoes are a bit heartier. There's some more support, and while I've walked miles and miles in my Speedcats, I don't anymore, my Pilotis are far more comfortable for wearing all day. www.piloti.com
I don't know what you do for a living, but if you need something nicer, there are several companies that make good driving loafers. I have a pair from Steve Madden; up until then I thought Steve Madden only made girls' sandals. Just make sure to look for a segmented sole and reinforced heel.
My plan is just to leave my work shoes at work and I'll change when I get there. I'll leave my runners in the car for other occasions.
Do driving shoes fit small, or is the sizing pretty much on par with, say, Nike? I will have to order them from the internet, because the closest store that sells driving shoes is 3.5 hours away.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:29:40 PM
My plan is just to leave my work shoes at work and I'll change when I get there. I'll leave my runners in the car for other occasions.
Do driving shoes fit small, or is the sizing pretty much on par with, say, Nike? I will have to order them from the internet, because the closest store that sells driving shoes is 3.5 hours away.
Take a chance and order your size. Maybe you'll get lucky?
What's your shoe size?
Damn.
You should probably go see a doc about your neck/back soreness/stiffness. But at least you didn't hit any other cars. That would've sucked.
At least it seems like your car is repairable, too.
Anyone tried Oakley driving shoes?
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 04:31:48 PM
Take a chance and order your size. Maybe you'll get lucky?
What's your shoe size?
10.5
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:43:51 PM
10.5
I'd just order 10.5.
I took a chance and ordered some shoes online (Wilson shoes) and got lucky that it was the right size.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:43:12 PM
Anyone tried Oakley driving shoes?
They make shoes?
Are these what I should be looking at? (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Suede-Black-White-Puma-Speed-Cat-SpeedCat-10-5-New_W0QQitemZ310041251894QQihZ021QQcategoryZ63850QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 04:45:26 PM
They make shoes?
Oakley Driving Shoes (http://oakley.ca/category/500)
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:53:06 PM
Oakley Driving Shoes (http://oakley.ca/category/500)
IMO those are too expensive and don't look as nice as the Pilotis.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:51:53 PM
Are these what I should be looking at? (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Suede-Black-White-Puma-Speed-Cat-SpeedCat-10-5-New_W0QQitemZ310041251894QQihZ021QQcategoryZ63850QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Yes,
They're typically more narrow than regular shoes.
$25 shipping! :pee:
And I like the white and silver Speed Cats more.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:29:40 PM
My plan is just to leave my work shoes at work and I'll change when I get there. I'll leave my runners in the car for other occasions.
Do driving shoes fit small, or is the sizing pretty much on par with, say, Nike? I will have to order them from the internet, because the closest store that sells driving shoes is 3.5 hours away.
I wear 13s all around; running shoes, driving shoes, loafers, and driving loafers. If you were to get loafers, I suggest you try them on, as every pair of loafers fit slightly differently. If you wear Nikes, shoes I find to be fairly narrow, the driving shoes should be the same size.
Also, if you're lucky, shoe stores in your local mall might carry Puma driving shoes as they've become fairly fashionable as of late.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:43:12 PM
Anyone tried Oakley driving shoes?
No, but I've seen them online. I thought they were racing pieces, not everyday driving shoes.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 04:51:53 PM
Are these what I should be looking at? (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Suede-Black-White-Puma-Speed-Cat-SpeedCat-10-5-New_W0QQitemZ310041251894QQihZ021QQcategoryZ63850QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Yeah, that's the model. They also make them in leather if that's a concern. I have suede and leather pairs, myself. The leather is, of course, much easier to keep clean.
Quote from: NomisR on April 16, 2008, 05:04:02 PM
Yes,
They're typically more narrow than regular shoes.
I have big feet that are wide. Because of the soft construction and small sole, a narrow pair of Speedcats is more comfortable to me than a standard pair of Nikes. I bought a pair of Nike running shoes, and I'm paying for it until they break in.
Do driving shoes actually help in everyday driving compared to say, some big outdoor shoes or are they only useful for the track or spirited driving?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg805970#msg805970 date=1208388199
Yeah, that's the model. They also make them in leather if that's a concern. I have suede and leather pairs, myself. The leather is, of course, much easier to keep clean.
Is there a good place online to buy them? Ebay only has the one pair in my size and the shipping is $25.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 05:34:05 PM
Is there a good place online to buy them? Ebay only has the one pair in my size and the shipping is $25.
zappos.com (http://www.zappos.com)
How about this pair of Adidas (http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=109&styleId=46308)?
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 05:39:57 PM
How about this pair of Adidas (http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=109&styleId=46308)?
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722001397/page/1.html
Look through that entire page... there's a bunch of driving shoes including loafers on that website.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 05:48:29 PM
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722001397/page/1.html
Look through that entire page... there's a bunch of driving shoes including loafers on that website.
They don't ship to Canada.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 05:32:57 PM
Do driving shoes actually help in everyday driving compared to say, some big outdoor shoes or are they only useful for the track or spirited driving?
It depends on the car and and your driving stuff. Typically, driving shoes aren't needed, but certain cars have smaller pedals that are closer together. For those, you would need narrower, thinner shoes so you don't get stuck in transition from gas to brake and so forth. Also, thinner soles makes it "easier" to heel-toe, just because you can feel it more.
Goodness me, Mr. Hemi! I just came across this - that's awful news! I hope you're well, and with no lasting injury.
I'll say this, though - one good thing to come out of events such as this is the realisation of what's most important to you in the heat of the moment.
I have a pair similar to those Adidas and they are very comfortable. They take a little while longer to break in than normal shoes. Very comfortable for driving and walking.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 14, 2008, 10:36:05 PM
It ocurred to me just minutes after the accident how close I had come to leaving my daughter and my unborn child fatherless and my wife without a husband. I sat on the side of the road crying as I thought about what could have happened. When I got home I just hugged my daughter and my wife and cried.
It wasn't even like I was driving recklessly or anything, but I can't help but feel like I did something wrong. I just keep replaying it over and over in my head trying to figure out what I could have done differently besides not pushing on the gas and brake at the same time. I remember that as I swung out to the shoulder to avoid the collision, there was a concrete barrier in my way and I had to swing back onto the road. When I swung back onto the road, my outside tires were in the gravel and my inside tires were on the pavement and the car just started sliding out of control across the highway sideways through oncoming traffic at 100 km/h. What really bugs me is I don't remember if I tried steering into the slide.
I had the same reaction after a blow out at 70. I knew there was something wrong with the tire or suspension, but I was almost home. There were no cars around so there was no damage (other than the plastic inner fender getting bent) but it was startling, much more so than my actual accident (which occurred only a couple of days earlier, it was one crappy week). Of course with my accident I was just trying to figure out what had happened.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 05:32:57 PM
Do driving shoes actually help in everyday driving compared to say, some big outdoor shoes or are they only useful for the track or spirited driving?
The pedals in my SVT are very close together and I have caught the gas pedal a few times when hitting the brake and this time it got me into an accident. The driving shoes are substantially narrower then my runners and there is a good chance that this wouldn't have happened if I had been wearing some...though there's also a good chance it wouldn't have helped at all.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 05:32:57 PM
Do driving shoes actually help in everyday driving compared to say, some big outdoor shoes or are they only useful for the track or spirited driving?
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 11:31:12 PM
The pedals in my SVT are very close together and I have caught the gas pedal a few times when hitting the brake and this time it got me into an accident. The driving shoes are substantially narrower then my runners and there is a good chance that this wouldn't have happened if I had been wearing some...though there's also a good chance it wouldn't have helped at all.
kinda sounds more like driving error to me, no offense, since I don't know the situation could have been out of your control.
I like Starbury shoes, well some, the ones that look like vans suck, but their running shoes are pretty nice if you're looking for control instead of comfort.
I have these and I prefer them over regular shoes for driving, much more comfortable on the heels then my regular Adidas shoes.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_Pe44_3zBaVk/Rd5Vp-ffMfI/AAAAAAAAABI/xQnCSd8bRLQ/s1600-h/Starbury2.jpg
I'm waiting for the more narrow shoes to be available at Steve & Barry's (the only stores that sell Starbury Shoes) that or I might pick up another pair of the Cyclones that I have, just in a different color.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 05:32:57 PM
Do driving shoes actually help in everyday driving compared to say, some big outdoor shoes or are they only useful for the track or spirited driving?
Yes, I can't drive my car with boots on. They're too wide and bulky and it's just too dangerous. Most of my shoes aren't neccesarily driving shoes but they could be. They're narrow and lightweight so it's easy to use all 3 pedals. If I have to wear dress shoes or boots I just take them off and drive barefoot.
Quote from: Sigma Projects on April 17, 2008, 01:02:26 AM
kinda sounds more like driving error to me, no offense, since I don't know the situation could have been out of your control.
You're right...you weren't there.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 14, 2008, 12:38:02 PM
The SVT has been in an accident. I had to ditch it to avoid a collision and I took out a highway sign. I swerved to miss a car and when I hit the brakes I got the gas at the same time and I spun and went across the highway through oncoming traffic sideways and hit the
highway sign with my passenger front door. The rad, A/C, and tie rod are gone. The front bumper was ripped almost completely off. The hood is misaligned now as well. I will find out this afternoon how much damage there is.
HemiDude!!! Shit! I am so glad you didn't wind up with greater injuries than soreness! 'Sorry about the car, but it sounds like it came through it quite well considering the high potential for serious damage--to you both--that it and you narrowly missed! That was a close one! Be careful out there, Hemi!
I've been in my share of wrecks, and in a ton of near misses! My first "wreck" occurred the day before I got my first Learner's Permit at around age fifteen-and-a-half. Dad and I had to take a sledge hammer to the inside of the left front fender so I could make left turns on the driving test the next day. This was an omen. Then it was a wreck-a-year for the next four years, half of 'em indirectly involving sex. Then I progressed to near misses--most of the time--damned scary events but better than another wreck in every way. Hell, I don't know if I could recall 'em all in one sitting...I think I've only been in one wreck while a passenger in a vehicle. I nearly danced and sang when someone hit me once, what a high it was to be involved in a collision that was totally not my fault!! I even went to Court as a witness for her so she could keep her license! How many thousands of dollars did I expend on vehicles damaged in the relentless pursuit of pussy???
"Those were the best days of my life"--Bryan Adams,
Summer of '69I am truly thankful you weren't killed or seriously injured--on behalf of you, your spouse, your child, and your child-to-be...
Be careful, Buddy!
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 16, 2008, 05:34:05 PM
Is there a good place online to buy them? Ebay only has the one pair in my size and the shipping is $25.
A lot of retailers have online stores. Foot Locker, Famous Footwear, Footaction, they all have websites. I don't know if you have all those chains up north though. As Rag said, Zappos is a good site, but also look into Amazon. They have a lot of third party sites that you can buy from. BMWDave bought a pair of driving loafers from Amazon, and he was happy.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 16, 2008, 05:32:57 PM
Do driving shoes actually help in everyday driving compared to say, some big outdoor shoes or are they only useful for the track or spirited driving?
Yes they do. There are a lot of shoes that are thin enough that you wouldn't feel that much of a difference, but it's generally worth it; my Puma El Reys are great for driving, but when I put my Speedcats on, I can tell the difference right away.
I'm supposed to get my car back by Monday, April 28th. I miss my baby.
damn, how bad was the damage?
Hemi I wear a 10/10.5, in that slimmer fitting Puma I'd go for a 10.5 since the toe box is a little smaller than most normal tennis shoes.
I have a pair of Puma's that is a little bigger size wise (less slim), and I wear a 10 in those.
I have those speed cats (or something much like them, they have a million models it's hard to keep straight) in brown suede with green accents. They are 10s and I wish I'd have gotton the 10.5.
I usually pick out 10.5 in a normal tennis shoe.
I'd suggest trying a pair on in a store. Do you not have a mall or anything near your house? A lot of different stores sell Puma.
I'm actually looking for a new pair of shoes right now.
My Piloti Mulhollands have been fantastic, great for a daily shoe for the driving enthusiast.
Hemi, try here. http://canada.zappos.com/ (http://canada.zappos.com/)
That is Zappos canada specific site, i'm actually about to order some shoes from them(from the US site).
I'm surprised that raza likes puma's, i've been looking at them and very few if any come in REAL mens sizes. Most every shoe i click on (this is on the puma site) is available in mens 4 to 7 or 4 to 10. They must make most of their shoes for small girly french men with little feet. Out of 5 different shoes i would have bought NONE are in my size(11.5).
Anyway i'm looking at addidas, they look pretty good actually offer a different style and are well priced and come in REAL mens sizes(puma has 12 different <blank> cat shoes, the only difference is which way the swoosh goes).
I'll either get another pair of pilotis or a pair of addidas.
Quote from: Nethead on April 17, 2008, 11:31:44 AM
How many thousands of dollars did I expend on vehicles damaged in the relentless pursuit of pussy???
And you expect to talk about this and not give us details?! How dare you!! :rage:
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 18, 2008, 12:00:22 PM
I'm actually looking for a new pair of shoes right now.
My Piloti Mulhollands have been fantastic, great for a daily shoe for the driving enthusiast.
Hemi, try here. http://canada.zappos.com/ (http://canada.zappos.com/)
That is Zappos canada specific site, i'm actually about to order some shoes from them(from the US site).
I'm surprised that raza likes puma's, i've been looking at them and very few if any come in REAL mens sizes. Most every shoe i click on (this is on the puma site) is available in mens 4 to 7 or 4 to 10. They must make most of their shoes for small girly french men with little feet. Out of 5 different shoes i would have bought NONE are in my size(11.5).
Anyway i'm looking at addidas, they look pretty good actually offer a different style and are well priced and come in REAL mens sizes(puma has 12 different <blank> cat shoes, the only difference is which way the swoosh goes).
I'll either get another pair of pilotis or a pair of addidas.
They want $20 for Import Charges and another $10 for Shipping for a total of $104. I'm just going to go to the local sports store. They have the Adidas Euro Driving for $89.00.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 18, 2008, 12:36:55 PM
They want $20 for Import Charges and another $10 for Shipping for a total of $104. I'm just going to go to the local sports store. They have the Adidas Euro Driving for $89.00.
Wow, the US site has free shipping(on returns/exchanges too).
Another example of the US big business taking advantage of the canadian man.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 18, 2008, 12:38:23 PM
Wow, the US site has free shipping(on returns/exchanges too).
Another example of the US big business taking advantage of the canadian man.
Damn Yankees.
I have a pair of these (http://www.shopadidas.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2819078&shopGroup=R&cp=2019627.2039609.2012801.2006445&parentPage=family&colorId=) that work great for driving (and running and walking)
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 18, 2008, 12:00:22 PM
I'm actually looking for a new pair of shoes right now.
My Piloti Mulhollands have been fantastic, great for a daily shoe for the driving enthusiast.
Hemi, try here. http://canada.zappos.com/ (http://canada.zappos.com/)
That is Zappos canada specific site, i'm actually about to order some shoes from them(from the US site).
I'm surprised that raza likes puma's, i've been looking at them and very few if any come in REAL mens sizes. Most every shoe i click on (this is on the puma site) is available in mens 4 to 7 or 4 to 10. They must make most of their shoes for small girly french men with little feet. Out of 5 different shoes i would have bought NONE are in my size(11.5).
Anyway i'm looking at addidas, they look pretty good actually offer a different style and are well priced and come in REAL mens sizes(puma has 12 different <blank> cat shoes, the only difference is which way the swoosh goes).
I'll either get another pair of pilotis or a pair of addidas.
Finding 13s is a pain and a half. When I do, especially with Speedcats (since it seems they're going to stop making them soon, and I don't find Futurecats as comfortable), I buy several pairs. I actually have three pairs of Speedcats, so I don't wear them out just by walking (like I did my first pair).
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg807517#msg807517 date=1208641608
Finding 13s is a pain and a half. When I do, especially with Speedcats (since it seems they're going to stop making them soon, and I don't find Futurecats as comfortable), I buy several pairs. I actually have three pairs of Speedcats, so I don't wear them out just by walking (like I did my first pair).
I bought Speedcats today. I tried Speedcats, Futurecats, and Adidas Goodyear Street. The Speedcats were the most comfortable by far.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg807517#msg807517 date=1208641608
Finding 13s is a pain and a half. When I do, especially with Speedcats (since it seems they're going to stop making them soon, and I don't find Futurecats as comfortable), I buy several pairs. I actually have three pairs of Speedcats, so I don't wear them out just by walking (like I did my first pair).
Try finding 13-1/2
Quote from: Tave on April 19, 2008, 04:57:05 PM
Try finding 13-1/2
I didn't know they made 13.5s.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 19, 2008, 04:00:46 PM
I bought Speedcats today. I tried Speedcats, Futurecats, and Adidas Goodyear Street. The Speedcats were the most comfortable by far.
What did you think of the adidas, i'm thinking about a pair of them.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg807640#msg807640 date=1208652323
I didn't know they made 13.5s.
13.5?? You have a big toe or what?? :lol:
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 19, 2008, 07:04:54 PM
What did you think of the adidas, i'm thinking about a pair of them.
I love mine. A great all-around shoe.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg807640#msg807640 date=1208652323
I didn't know they made 13.5s.
Few companies do. I know Jordan does. Nike might. Most shoe companies go in half-sizes up to 13, and anything after that is a full-size.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on April 19, 2008, 07:04:54 PM
What did you think of the adidas, i'm thinking about a pair of them.
Speedcats are more comfortable. They're a nice shoe though.
After a few delays because of hard to find parts, I'll be getting my SVT back on Tuesday. I really miss my car.
I have two pairs of Addi racer's (black suede and blue suede)... I liked them more then the speedcats because I can't stand how narrow the sole is on the speedcats
After 3 wrong bumpers, I'm getting my car back on Thursday...I'm not holding my breath.
So on Thursday I was told that my car would be ready Friday (today). So I called them again this morning and I was guaranteed I would have it today by 4:00pm. So at 3:45pm I start heading down to get my car. At 3:55pm, just as I'm rounding the corner, my cell phone rings and I'm expecting them to tell me that it's ready to go...not so fast.
He says, "I've got good news and bad news".
I though, "Oh Fuck".
He says, "Good news is I've got a set of wheels here for you, but your car won't be ready until Monday."
I said, "I'll be there in 2 minutes", and I hung up.
I get there and I ask what the problem is. He tells me they received another wrong part for holding the headlights in place. That's when I lost my temper.
I said, "How many wrong bumpers did you guys order before you got the right one?"
"Three", he said.
"How many wrong radiator mounting brackets did you order before you got the right one?"
"Two", he says.
"How many wrong grilles did you order?"
"Three", he said.
"When you started getting all these wrong parts, why didn't someone go through everything and make sure they were all right? You have had my car for 3 weeks now, and for the last 10 days I've been told almost daily it will be tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. This morning you even guaranteed me it would be ready and it's not. I'm more upset then I normally would be because when I brought the car here, I even stressed it to you guys that this was an SVT model and most of the damaged parts are unique to this model, so what happened?"
"We ordered parts for a regular Focus", he says. Then he looked me right in the eye and he said, "We dropped the ball. I admit it."
"Then you should cover my deductible for all this inconvenience", I said.
"I don't know about that", he says.
"If you ever wnat my business again, and if you don't want me to tell everyone I know about this, then you will".
"I'll have to check with my boss", he said.
"You do that."
So come Monday I'm going to be calling the boss myself and I'm going to get them to pay my deductible.
That's always irritating, but it probably wasn't the fault of the clerk or whoever you were speaking to.
How much was the deductible?
Quote from: ifcar on May 09, 2008, 05:58:30 PM
That's always irritating, but it probably wasn't the fault of the clerk or whoever you were speaking to.
He was the estimator and the guy in charge of my car. Yes, it was his fault.
QuoteHow much was the deductible?
$500
That's really frustrating. I feel for you. When my speakers blew, I was told that it would take two weeks for them to get the parts in. So I called them up two weeks later and asked if they had the parts in or not, and they said the order was never placed, so I had to wait another two weeks before they got the parts in and could do the installation. That was annoying, but at least I had my car the whole time.
This was the main reason I got rid of my Merkur XR4Ti many years ago. Ford (and Lincoln-Mercury) dealers was totally worthless when it came to parts and service for this car. I'd order a part, wait two weeks for it to arrive and (more often than not) it would be the wrong part.
I'm guessing this Ford dealer hardly ever sees an SVT and isn't even aware how different this car is to a standard Focus. You local Ford dealer seems to be run by the same clueless fucktards who ran my local Lincoln-Mercury dealer back in my Merkur days. They would screw up then try to blame the car because they couldn't figure out how to order the right @#$%&*! part!!! When I asked the service manager why they couldn't get their act together, the guy had the nerve to tell me that "This car was never meant to be sold in America". Wow, great way to treat you customers!
Here's hoping they finally get it right by Monday.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Quote from: Madman on May 10, 2008, 01:00:22 AM
This was the main reason I got rid of my Merkur XR4Ti many years ago. Ford (and Lincoln-Mercury) dealers was totally worthless when it came to parts and service for this car. I'd order a part, wait two weeks for it to arrive and (more often than not) it would be the wrong part.
I'm guessing this Ford dealer hardly ever sees an SVT and isn't even aware how different this car is to a standard Focus. You local Ford dealer seems to be run by the same clueless fucktards who ran my local Lincoln-Mercury dealer back in my Merkur days. They would screw up then try to blame the car because they couldn't figure out how to order the right @#$%&*! part!!! When I asked the service manager why they couldn't get their act together, the guy had the nerve to tell me that "This car was never meant to be sold in America". Wow, great way to treat you customers!
Here's hoping they finally get it right by Monday.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
It's supposed to be themost reputable body shop in town, and it's where I got my truck fixed after my accident with it. Here's the stupid part, I can go on to any number of websites and I find all the correct parts I need in under 15 minutes. With the help of the local Ford dealer, they can't get it right after 3 weeks.
Wow, that sucks. I'd ask them to throw in some FRP parts for free or something, but I think covering your deductible should be sufficient.
Quote from: ifcar on May 09, 2008, 05:58:30 PM
That's always irritating, but it probably wasn't the fault of the clerk or whoever you were speaking to.
That's irrevelant. That person who you have contact with when buying something is usually the only point of call to make a complaint. Usually, it's not like you can go and seek out the specific person in the company who messed up.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on May 12, 2008, 05:58:39 AM
That's irrevelant. That person who you have contact with when buying something is usually the only point of call to make a complaint. Usually, it's not like you can go and seek out the specific person in the company who messed up.
There's a good way and a bad way to make a complaint at a company to someone who wasn't responsible for your concern. The good way is not to rant at them.
Quote from: ifcar on May 12, 2008, 06:29:46 AM
There's a good way and a bad way to make a complaint at a company to someone who wasn't responsible for your concern. The good way is not to rant at them.
You're missing the point...as somebody responsible for dealing with customers, it IS their job to deal with complaints.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on May 13, 2008, 01:15:05 AM
You're missing the point...as somebody responsible for dealing with customers, it IS their job to deal with complaints.
Going off on them isn't going to help either of you. They have to listen and be polite to you no matter what you say, but that's not a reason to vent on them.
Quote from: ifcar on May 13, 2008, 06:17:14 AM
Going off on them isn't going to help either of you. They have to listen and be polite to you no matter what you say, but that's not a reason to vent on them.
Yeah I agree on that.
Well. THey guaranteed the car to me Monday, and it's Tuesday now and still no car.
Quote from: HEMI666 on May 13, 2008, 07:37:42 AM
Well. THey guaranteed the car to me Monday, and it's Tuesday now and still no car.
What's their excuse this time? :huh:
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Quote from: Madman on May 13, 2008, 08:15:58 AM
What's their excuse this time? :huh:
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Airbag light won't turn off and they can't find a headlight. I did a 2 minute search online and found shitloads of headlights.
It must be very frustrating for you.
Are they going to cover your deductible?
Quote from: FoMoJo on May 13, 2008, 11:25:52 AM
It must be very frustrating for you.
Are they going to cover your deductible?
I'm writing an email to them as we speak.
Any new news Hemi?
BTW, your car isn't salvaged, right? I might have already asked.
Quote from: thecarnut on May 18, 2008, 07:43:26 PM
Any new news Hemi?
I picked her up yesterday at 4:00pm. She's perfect.
QuoteBTW, your car isn't salvaged, right? I might have already asked.
No.
I took it this morning at the new house.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_0265.jpg)
Quote from: HEMI666 on May 21, 2008, 08:39:09 AM
I picked her up yesterday at 4:00pm. She's perfect.
Glad to hear that :ohyeah:. Have fun and take care.
I see it's been a pretty good week 4 you!
looks good as new!
Still as sharp as ever.
Good to hear, Hemi! Glad to see it worked out.
Quote from: HEMI666 on April 09, 2008, 05:27:12 PM
I have that on my Ram and it's perfect. 97F is the average summer day here, so the darker the better, especially with kids in the back seat.
In that case a reflective foil would be better. Darker colors absorb heat.
Quote from: HEMI666 on May 21, 2008, 12:53:33 PM
I took it this morning at the new house.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_0265.jpg)
When I first glanced at that, I thought it was a stock photo.
As someone said, this must be a ridiculously good week for you. The car looks amazing.
Quote from: Galaxy on May 22, 2008, 06:38:00 PM
In that case a reflective foil would be better. Darker colors absorb heat.
Not with tint. My truck was instantly cooler with 5% tint. The big deal is when the kids are in the car and the sun is beating through the window on them. The tint makes it a much more bearable ride for us and them.
Ok guys. I need new tires for the Focus. I went for a blast down one of the lakeside two laners yesterday. It was a one hour long blast with everything from 20 mph switchbacks to 80 mph high speed sweepers and on some of these corners I could feel the front end sliding. So when I got the end of the road I pulled over and took a look at the tires. The car's ability far exceeds the tires' capabilities. I definitely need a tire rotation now, but there was a lot of sidewall scrubbing on all four tires, but especially the fronts. I need a tire with a stiffer sidewall. I currently have Continental Contisport Contacts. I need suggestions.
All-seasons, or are you doing the dedicated summer and winter setups?
Falken Azenis RT-615?
Quote from: The Pirate on June 17, 2008, 04:06:39 PM
All-seasons, or are you doing the dedicated summer and winter setups?
Dedicated Summer/Winters.
I'm probably going with a Z-Rated tire next time, but I want a good balance between performance and dollars.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 17, 2008, 04:10:09 PM
Falken Azenis RT-615?
Nice tires, but they're $175 a tire in Canada. :confused:
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 17, 2008, 04:18:00 PM
Nice tires, but they're $175 a tire in Canada. :confused:
Pirelli PZero Nero
Kumho Ecsta MX
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 17, 2008, 04:18:00 PM
Nice tires, but they're $175 a tire in Canada. :confused:
They will also last you 10,000 miles, and they suck in the mud, but are okay for bouldering.
Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-G3? I read good things about them - will be $$$$, but the SVT deserves them.
Hankook Ventus R-S2 may be a bit cheaper.
Nick, the Eagle F1 DS-G3's are over $150 each...
Quote from: thecarnut on June 17, 2008, 04:25:03 PM
Nick, the Eagle F1 DS-G3's are over $150 each...
is that good or bad? :lol:
anway, Ventus R-S2 should be cheep. where are we shopping in cananda? Canadian Tire?
Quote from: NACar on June 17, 2008, 04:26:42 PM
is that good or bad? :lol:
anway, Ventus R-S2 should be cheep. where are we shopping in cananda? Canadian Tire?
If they are that expensive here, they are probably more expensive in Canadia.
I don't want to go much over $150 a tire. Less is better. The Eagle F1's are on my list, but they are at the upper range. If I can I will buy them when I'm in the US, but chances are I'll be buying them here.
I'm looking at these:
BFGoodrich G-Force T/A
(http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/images/ts-dl/tires/large/g-force-t-a-kdw.jpg)
Goodyear Eagle F1
(http://www.autoviaggiando.com/archivio/2006/02/22-pneumatico-goodyear-eagle-f1-2006/cover.jpg)
Pirelli PZero Nero
(http://www.1010tires.com/images/tires/Pirelli/pirelli-pzero-nero-lg.jpg)
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
(http://www.euroshop.lv/shop/images/DUNLOP_SP_SPORT_MAXX_b.jpg)
Kuhmo Ecsta MX
(http://www.euroshina.com.ua/catalogs/tyres/160/kumho_ku15.jpg)
Quote from: thecarnut on June 17, 2008, 04:27:32 PM
If they are that expensive here, they are probably more expensive in Canadia.
In that case, I have to recommend the Runaway Enduro 916 (http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=68018597.135.11043&typ=R-146426&ranzahl=4&Breite=215&Quer=40&Felge=17&weiter=0&last_sort=preis_down&Ang_pro_Seite=10&sort_by=preis&Transport=P&F_F=&dsco=135&Achse=)
:lol: :mask:
Well, out of those, I suppose the Kumhos would be the best value.
I was not impressed with the BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDW on my SRT4, but I like the tread beacuse it looks like flamez :lol:
Quote from: NACar on June 17, 2008, 04:33:00 PM
Well, out of those, I suppose the Kumhos would be the best value.
I was not impressed with the BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDW on my SRT4, but I like the tread beacuse it looks like flamez :lol:
What didn't you like about them?
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 17, 2008, 04:38:15 PM
What didn't you like about them?
I just remember them not having good traction - ever. But it could have also been the car.
Interesting. They were recommended to me, so it's good to have input from more then one person.
The F1's look so weird. Like someone slashed it multiple times with a knife.
Quote from: thecarnut on June 17, 2008, 04:53:47 PM
The F1's look so weird. Like someone slashed it multiple times with a knife.
Apparently they resist hydroplanning like few other Z-Rated tires.
The Evo guys equip a lot of their cars with Dunlop Sport Maxxes and they seem to like them.
i currently love my Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's.
...heard lots of complaints on the KDW's as they tend to get very loud. Some RX-8's come with the sport max's and they seem to be much better then the Bridgestone RE040's.
I love my Pilot Sports but they're too pricey. I've heard alot of good things about the F1s and they're usually fairly priced.
a little late to the party, but congratulations, hemi. :lol:
Ummmm yeah. 4 months, one car accident, and an alternator late.
what i say, i've been busy. :lol:
so, how are the mods coming along?
Quote from: HEMI666 on July 10, 2008, 10:31:32 AM
Ummmm yeah. 4 months, one car accident, and an alternator late.
Hmm, the car sounds problematic. Could be a lemon, i'd watch this thing very carefully.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on July 10, 2008, 03:36:16 PM
Hmm, the car sounds problematic. Could be a lemon, i'd watch this thing very carefully.
:lol:
I actually laughed out loud.
Quote from: heelntoe on July 10, 2008, 10:45:46 AM
what i say, i've been busy. :lol:
so, how are the mods coming along?
The windows are getting tinted next Tuesday. I'm waiting for another expense cheque and then I'm ordering a tune, short shifter, and Hawk brake pads. After that I will be buying a lower engine mount and new tires next spring. Over the winter I'll be getting the stock wheels powder coated in gun metal grey.
Why are you tinting the windows again? So mounties won't see you snorting coke off a CD case?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg847199#msg847199 date=1215734363
Why are you tinting the windows again? So mounties won't see you snorting coke off a CD case?
Because it's typically around 100 F here in the summer. The other reason is that my kids get the sun shining directly in their faces and they can't get away from it and we end up with two of them screaming in the back seat. I would like to avoid that in the future.
Quote from: HEMI666 on July 10, 2008, 07:42:59 PM
Because it's typically around 100 F here in the summer. The other reason is that my kids get the sun shining directly in their faces and they can't get away from it and we end up with two of them screaming in the back seat. I would like to avoid that in the future.
Oh damn, I didn't know it got that hot up there. Are you just tinting the rear windows, or all of them?
Quote from: HEMI666 on July 10, 2008, 05:45:30 PM
The windows are getting tinted next Tuesday. I'm waiting for another expense cheque and then I'm ordering a tune, short shifter, and Hawk brake pads. After that I will be buying a lower engine mount and new tires next spring. Over the winter I'll be getting the stock wheels powder coated in gun metal grey.
Becareful with repainting your wheels. I've heard if they bake them in an oven again it can compromise their integrity. Something about heat cycles. I've seen several 350Z wheels that snapped in half driving down the road because they got them powdercoated.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg847266#msg847266 date=1215741025
Oh damn, I didn't know it got that hot up there. Are you just tinting the rear windows, or all of them?
Back doors, rear 1/4 windows, and the hatch window. Yeah man, it gets stupid hot up here. Last week my trusty mercury thermometer outside my kitchen window in the shade was recording 38C (100F).
Quote from: JYODER240 on July 10, 2008, 11:01:28 PM
Becareful with repainting your wheels. I've heard if they bake them in an oven again it can compromise their integrity. Something about heat cycles. I've seen several 350Z wheels that snapped in half driving down the road because they got them powdercoated.
Really? I'll check into that.
Quote from: HEMI666 on July 10, 2008, 11:08:36 PM
Really? I'll check into that.
Yeah, If you go to a good shop it shouldn't be a problem but if the wheel gets too hot it will be ruined.
Quote from: JYODER240 on July 10, 2008, 11:16:15 PM
Yeah, If you go to a good shop it shouldn't be a problem but if the wheel gets too hot it will be ruined.
You'd have to seriously screw something up to stresscrack a whell in a powdercoating booth. Aluminum is cast at 750+ celsius. Powdercoating ovens are usually no hotter than 200 C.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on July 10, 2008, 11:17:51 PM
You'd have to seriously screw something up to stresscrack a whell in a powdercoating booth. Aluminum is cast at 750+ celsius. Powdercoating ovens are usually no hotter than 200 C.
I'm not sure exactly how it happens but I've seen several pictures of broken wheels. All of them happened shortly after being powdercoated :huh:
Quote from: HEMI666 on July 10, 2008, 11:08:09 PM
Back doors, rear 1/4 windows, and the hatch window. Yeah man, it gets stupid hot up here. Last week my trusty mercury thermometer outside my kitchen window in the shade was recording 38C (100F).
Fuck man. It gets hot like that here a lot, but I always thought the Great White North would be at least a little more moderate in the summer. Are winters bad up there, like they are in Mark's neck of the woods? I recall him talking about "exposed skin warnings" and the like.
Quote from: JYODER240 on July 10, 2008, 11:21:46 PM
I'm not sure exactly how it happens but I've seen several pictures of broken wheels. All of them happened shortly after being powdercoated :huh:
Scary thought. Its worth looking into.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg847811#msg847811 date=1215821765
Fuck man. It gets hot like that here a lot, but I always thought the Great White North would be at least a little more moderate in the summer. Are winters bad up there, like they are in Mark's neck of the woods? I recall him talking about "exposed skin warnings" and the like.
No. The daytime high in the winter is usually between 0 and -10C (32 and 14F). At night it drops to between -10 and -20C (14 and -4F). The best part is the winter lasts from December to mid/late February and then it warms up.
Quote from: JYODER240 on July 10, 2008, 11:21:46 PM
I'm not sure exactly how it happens but I've seen several pictures of broken wheels. All of them happened shortly after being powdercoated :huh:
Your anecdotal evidence is powerless against an engineer like Soup.
(Trust me, I know)
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on July 11, 2008, 10:52:28 PM
Your anecdotal evidence is powerless against an engineer like Soup.
(Trust me, I know)
Hey, don't get me into this- it's possible that something which I don't understand or am not aware of is happening.
Like, if the powdercoating was being cured in a heat treat oven...
Quote from: Soup DeVille on July 11, 2008, 11:05:43 PM
Hey, don't get me into this- it's possible that something which I don't understand or am not aware of is happening.
Like, if the powdercoating was being cured in a heat treat oven...
That doesn't sound very engineerish to me. :nono:
Engineers are supposed to know everything.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on July 11, 2008, 11:07:10 PM
That doesn't sound very engineerish to me. :nono:
Engineers are supposed to know everything.
I'm not a real engineer, I thought I was clear on that.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on July 11, 2008, 11:09:19 PM
I'm not a real engineer, I thought I was clear on that.
:lol:
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on July 11, 2008, 11:11:10 PM
:lol:
You see, real engineers know that the greatest possible coefficient of friction is 1. And real engineers know that means that a vehicle- like a car- that relies on the friction between the road and the tires to apply its driving force through will never be able to apply more force to propel it than it applies against the ground.
A 3000 lb car can only apply 300 pounds of force against the force of friction. Therefore, no wheel driven vehicle can accelerate at a greater rate than 9.8 m/s/s. Engineers know this.
And knowing this, engineers know that no car can ever run the quarter mile in less than about 9 seconds.
It would violate Newton's law.
Luckily, guys like Connie Kalitta and Don Garlits weren't engineers...
Quote from: Soup DeVille on July 11, 2008, 11:18:41 PM
You see, real engineers know that the greatest possible coefficient of friction is 1. And real engineers know that means that a vehicle- like a car- that relies on the friction between the road and the tires to apply its driving force through will never be able to apply more force to propel it than it applies against the ground.
A 3000 lb car can only apply 300 pounds of force against the force of friction. Therefore, no wheel driven vehicle can accelerate at a greater rate than 9.8 m/s/s. Engineers know this.
And knowing this, engineers know that no car can ever run the quarter mile in less than about 9 seconds.
It would violate Newton's law.
Luckily, guys like Connie Kalitta and Don Garlits weren't engineers...
Big Daddy. Don Garlits was my favourite driver. He had that SuperShops top fueller that kept blowing front wheels apart because he didn't use the typical bicycle style tire and wheel.
Well, I got my custom tune for the SVT. What a difference it made. Power is available at any rpm now, power delivery is smooth and linear across the entire rev range, throttle response is better, and it just performs better overall. Extremely pleased. The best part is that if I make any mods in the future, Focus-Power will send me a new tune for free by email.
I got a flat tire today so I have to buy new tires on Tuesday. The fronts are so bad that I wore them down to almost slicks.
I'm getting the Falken Azenis ST115 tires (Z-Rated Summer Ultra-High Performance):
(http://www.carsound.com/reviews/performance/falken_Azenisst115.jpg)
Quote from: HEMI666 on August 31, 2008, 11:39:38 PM
I'm getting the Falken Azenis ST115 tires (Z-Rated Summer Ultra-High Performance):
(http://www.carsound.com/reviews/performance/falken_Azenisst115.jpg)
Are you planning on getting some winter tires/wheels too?
I'm interested to know how the new tires affect steering feel/response
Yeah, I'll be getting dedicated snow tires as well.
I got my adjustable short throw shifter in the mail yesterday. I'll be installing it as soon as I have time.
:rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:
Woohoo! :rockon:
You should get a new shift knob to complete the upgrade
(http://www.cida-auto.com/UploadFiles/20071210145640107.jpg)
Quote from: NACar on March 04, 2009, 10:59:16 AM
You should get a new shift knob to complete the upgrade
(http://www.cida-auto.com/UploadFiles/20071210145640107.jpg)
That's not a shift knob, that's a butt plug.
The stock shift knob is really nice. I won't be changing it.
The shifter is in and boy what a difference. The shifts are quicker, more precise, and smoother. The shifter lifted the shifter pivot point by 5/8" and the shifter itself is a full 2" shorter then stock (although it is adjustable up to the stock height). The stock shifter is as long as a hockey stick next to this little stubby thing. It took me all of 45 minutes to do the swap. I'm very impressed with it.
Generally when I see an aftermarket improvement, my first question is why the automaker didn't do it that way in the first place. What was the tradeoff Ford made in giving the SVT Focus the stock shifter it did?
Quote from: ifcar on March 15, 2009, 12:25:32 PM
Generally when I see an aftermarket improvement, my first question is why the automaker didn't do it that way in the first place. What was the tradeoff Ford made in giving the SVT Focus the stock shifter it did?
Perhaps ergonomics in this case. Also ease of finding gears. With more space between detents you can feel your way around more easily.
Quote from: ifcar on March 15, 2009, 12:25:32 PM
Generally when I see an aftermarket improvement, my first question is why the automaker didn't do it that way in the first place. What was the tradeoff Ford made in giving the SVT Focus the stock shifter it did?
Usually performance parts are catered to the likes of the driver? Maybe this shifter does Hemi well, but someone else may not like it.
Quote from: ifcar on March 15, 2009, 12:25:32 PM
Generally when I see an aftermarket improvement, my first question is why the automaker didn't do it that way in the first place. What was the tradeoff Ford made in giving the SVT Focus the stock shifter it did?
Simple. Marginal price versus marginal benefit. That's why anyone does anything, really.
Quote from: ifcar on March 15, 2009, 12:25:32 PM
Generally when I see an aftermarket improvement, my first question is why the automaker didn't do it that way in the first place. What was the tradeoff Ford made in giving the SVT Focus the stock shifter it did?
Reduced vibration through the shifter handle, and lower effort most likely. Also, never forget that all stock components in any car are built to a price point.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 15, 2009, 03:19:57 PM
Reduced vibration through the shifter handle, and lower effort most likely.
The stock shifter is lower effort and easier to reach because it's taller. The new shifter has no more vibrations then stock.
Quote
Also, never forget that all stock components in any car are built to a price point.
This is true. Also, short shifters aren't for everybody. The shift from 1st to 2nd is about 4 or 5 inches, but with the short shifter it's only 2". It's also harder to tell what gear you're in by feel because the gears are all so close together now. A lot of people would have problems with that, whereas I love it.
Quote from: HEMI666 on March 15, 2009, 06:22:44 PM
The stock shifter is lower effort and easier to reach because it's taller. The new shifter has no more vibrations then stock.
This is true. Also, short shifters aren't for everybody. The shift from 1st to 2nd is about 4 or 5 inches, but with the short shifter it's only 2". It's also harder to tell what gear you're in by feel because the gears are all so close together now. A lot of people would have problems with that, whereas I love it.
I think the stock throw for the S2000 shifter was something like 1 3/4 inches.
Still, there were short shift kits made for it...
I'd have thought Ford wouldn't have been concerned about rookie drivers on the manual-only limited edition performance model, but I guess as long as you got it suited to your tastes all ends well.
Quote from: ifcar on March 15, 2009, 06:46:49 PM
I'd have thought Ford wouldn't have been concerned about rookie drivers on the manual-only limited edition performance model, but I guess as long as you got it suited to your tastes all ends well.
Marginal benefit, marginal cost, boy!
Like you said, it's a limited edition. It makes more sense for them to save money on something like that.
Yeah, I have a short shifter too. Proteges have a crazy long shift action stock, so it desperately needed one. I can definitely see the trade off though. It sounds like a bolt action, 50 cal sniper rifle when I shift. It's higher effort too, because the fulcrum is moved up, and length above the fulcrum is shortened, but most of that is negated by how heavy the shift knob I bought is. I need to re-grease the fulcrum though. It's kind of creaky when I roll on and off the throttle.
Well, in 6 weeks, the shocks, struts, and springs are all getting replaced and I'll be picking up a set of dedicated winter tires as well, since the Direzzas won't exactly cut it in the snow. The shocks and struts are well past due and the springs are getting awfully soft. There's a lot more body roll in corners than there was just a year ago.
Springs don't go bad... unless you're upgrading them :winkguy:
Quote from: sportyaccordy on September 08, 2010, 11:46:24 AM
Springs don't go bad... unless you're upgrading them :winkguy:
Exactly. Check your endlinks. That's probably what's bad.
Also, how are you getting both shocks and struts...?
Quote from: MrH on September 08, 2010, 01:10:44 PM
Exactly. Check your endlinks. That's probably what's bad.
Also, how are you getting both shocks and struts...?
:lol:
Quote from: sportyaccordy on September 08, 2010, 11:46:24 AM
Springs don't go bad... unless you're upgrading them :winkguy:
Springs do droop.
Quote from: MrH on September 08, 2010, 01:10:44 PM
Exactly. Check your endlinks. That's probably what's bad.
Also, how are you getting both shocks and struts...?
Shocks in back, struts up front.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 08, 2010, 01:34:13 PM
Springs do droop.
And break, too. I had this happen in a 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Quote from: SVT666 on September 08, 2010, 01:34:49 PM
Shocks in back, struts up front.
No, it's clan in da front, let your feet stomp, niggaz on the left, brag shit to death, now hoods on the right, wild for the night, punks in the back, c'mon and attract.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=13789.msg1397084#msg1397084 date=1284726330
No, it's clan in da front, let your feet stomp, niggaz on the left, brag shit to death, now hoods on the right, wild for the night, punks in the back, c'mon and attract.
I don't even understand what that says.
Quote from: Raza on September 17, 2010, 06:25:30 AM
No, it's clan in da front, let your feet stomp, niggaz on the left, brag shit to death, now hoods on the right, wild for the night, punks in the back, c'mon and attract.
:clap:
Well, the shocks, struts, springs, and sway bar are all ordered. They are Ford SVT OEM and the whole thing cost me $295. I also ordered new wheels cause I was going to get winter steelies, but for only $20 more a wheel I got these:
(http://www.akwest.com/Focal/2009%20Focal%20Wheels/Focal%20F10%20Type%20177%20Grey%20Machined%20Large.jpg)
The stock wheels will be my winter wheels now.
$295 for shocks, springs AND a sway bar? That's a damn good deal
Cool! Do you have experience with that brand wheel?
Next year I want to get new wheels for the Miata for the summer tires, but the only good brand I know of at tire rack is BBS and they cost a ton of money.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on September 27, 2010, 12:40:35 PM
$295 for shocks, springs AND a sway bar? That's a damn good deal
Yeah it is. If I buy them separately, just the shocks and struts are $380.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on September 27, 2010, 12:46:46 PM
Cool! Do you have experience with that brand wheel?
No, but I've never heard anything bad about them. They weigh about 1.2 lbs apiece lighter than the stock wheels.
QuoteNext year I want to get new wheels for the Miata for the summer tires, but the only good brand I know of at tire rack is BBS and they cost a ton of money.
ASA, American Racing, Focal, Borbet, Enkei, Kazera, Moda, Motegi, MSW, O.Z., Sparco, TRMotorsport, Verde, and Zinik all make very good wheels at a much lower cost than BBS and they're all available for the Miata on Tire Rack.
I just had the springs, struts, shocks, and rear sway bar replaced with stock OEM SVT parts. The difference inr ide quality and handling was enormous. The old stuff was definitely shot. I also got new wheels. Here are the before and after pics. I didn't have time to wash my car this morning after everything was done.
Before:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2085.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2088.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2090.jpg)
After:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2161.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2165.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2163.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/hemi666/IMG_2167.jpg)
That looks great.
Someone owns a bright orange SVT Focus at school, it looks hawt. :wub:
Definitely prefer the old wheels.
I also installed a solid rear engine mount to tighten up the shifting. There's more vibrations felt now, but it's not too bad. The shifting is even better now (which is hard to believe) and the throttle response is instantaneous. Best $105 I've ever spent.
Quote from: CJ on October 09, 2010, 02:40:04 PM
Definitely prefer the old wheels.
What I like about the new ones is that they look like they could have come stock on the car. They're not "blingy" or overdone. They're tasteful and look really sharp. They also weigh 2 lbs per wheel less than the stock wheels. They also pushed the wheels out just a tad since the offset isn't the same as stock.
I don't like the offset on your new wheels. Makes it look wierd to me. Otherwise I like them.
Well I like the new wheels. The stock SVT wheels never really struck me as being all that great looking on the Focus. That car really needs something with more than 5 spokes.
Anything wrong with the stock wheels? If you can give me a good dealio, I want them :lol:
The winter tires are going on them. Sorry.
Nice wheels!
I'll give it my seal of approval. Nice car.
I like it. :rockon:
Quote from: thecarnut on October 09, 2010, 04:08:33 PM
I don't like the offset on your new wheels. Makes it look wierd to me. Otherwise I like them.
Don't forget that in the "before" picture the camber on the front tires is totally out of whack because the struts were shot and the springs were drooping. When I first bought the car the tires were pushed out almost as far as the aftermarket wheels. There is only a 6 mm (1/4") difference in offset.
Well....this is a sad day. Don't worry, nothing wrong with the car, but....my wife put the kybosh on the turbo kit I was looking at.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 16, 2011, 07:30:10 PM
Well....this is a sad day. Don't worry, nothing wrong with the car, but....my wife put the kybosh on the turbo kit I was looking at.
Stay NA man.
Quote from: 68_427 on May 16, 2011, 07:32:13 PM
Stay NA man.
I don't have a choice now. I was going to go with a 6 psi kit that would have given me about 250-260 hp. Oh well, new seats and maybe a paint job instead.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 16, 2011, 07:30:10 PM
Well....this is a sad day. Don't worry, nothing wrong with the car, but....my wife put the kybosh on the turbo kit I was looking at.
Did you question how she could possibly be the mother of your children after such a wretched strike to your conscience?
What the woman doesn't know won't hurt her. (or you) ;)
Man, I love your car. They make me nervous though. Anecdotal (and from the interwebs), but I simply read way too many stories of lunched motors. Undoubtedly due to stretching the timing belt interval, but I take a lot of comfort in knowing my car is a non-interference design.
Looks absolutely fantastic though. I really need to drive one.
I just put the SVT suspension on my car too. It corners flat, but still sits high for some reason.
Quote from: Madman on May 16, 2011, 08:38:33 PM
What the woman doesn't know won't hurt her. (or you) ;)
When she notices $3000 missing, she will know.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 16, 2011, 09:11:03 PM
When she notices $3000 missing, she will know.
Start a terb0w fund in your pillowcase?
Quote from: The Pirate on May 16, 2011, 08:48:27 PM
Man, I love your car. They make me nervous though. Anecdotal (and from the interwebs), but I simply read way too many stories of lunched motors. Undoubtedly due to stretching the timing belt interval, but I take a lot of comfort in knowing my car is a non-interference design.
Looks absolutely fantastic though. I really need to drive one.
Yes, it's a timing belt issue. Ford recommends 120,000 miles, but anyone who is on the Focus boards always gets it done between 80-100K because too many people had had the timing belt break between 100-120K. I just had mine done last weekend at 87,000 miles. My car runs perfectly.
Next on the list:
1. Strut Tower Brace / Rear Stress Bar
2. European grille (no marker lights)
3. New passenger side headlight assembly
4. New Fog lights
5. New leather for driver's seat
6. Paint job
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on May 16, 2011, 09:00:18 PM
I just put the SVT suspension on my car too. It corners flat, but still sits high for some reason.
Give it a few months and it will settle in.
Quote from: SVT666 on May 16, 2011, 07:30:10 PM
Well....this is a sad day. Don't worry, nothing wrong with the car, but....my wife put the kybosh on the turbo kit I was looking at.
That sucks man. But if she is value oriented, you can maybe make a case for the better $/HP from a turbo kit than from an N/A build. That is how I would win my girl over. $3K is a lot though. Maybe go piece by piece. A manifold here, a turbo there, an oil feed line there.... this is how the Teamsters greased the gov't
Quote from: sportyaccordy on May 16, 2011, 09:41:35 PM
That sucks man. But if she is value oriented, you can maybe make a case for the better $/HP from a turbo kit than from an N/A build. That is how I would win my girl over. $3K is a lot though. Maybe go piece by piece. A manifold here, a turbo there, an oil feed line there.... this is how the Teamsters greased the gov't
Yeah and look at what happened to Jimmy Hoffa.
Quote from: The Pirate on May 16, 2011, 08:48:27 PM
Man, I love your car. They make me nervous though. Anecdotal (and from the interwebs), but I simply read way too many stories of lunched motors. Undoubtedly due to stretching the timing belt interval, but I take a lot of comfort in knowing my car is a non-interference design.
Looks absolutely fantastic though. I really need to drive one.
Interesting fact:
Zetec in the SVT is an interference design, but the regular 2.0L SPI and Zetec cars are non-interference.
Do you have the leather recaros? Id fit the European option pack parts to your car
Quote from: 2o6 on May 16, 2011, 10:02:41 PM
Interesting fact:
Zetec in the SVT is an interference design, but the regular 2.0L SPI and Zetec cars are non-interference.
Yep. Lots of special parts in that engine, and lots of massaging from Cosworth.
The Focus was a great little car.
Never understood why people hate it so much.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 16, 2011, 10:09:04 PM
The Focus was a great little car.
Never understood why people hate it so much.
What are you talking aboot. Who's hating it?
Quote from: Laconian on May 16, 2011, 10:13:30 PM
What are you talking aboot. Who's hating it?
Remember, I live in bizarro world out here.
A lot of people around here don't like it, they'd rather have their Cavalier, Grand Am or to a lesser extent, their Corolla. Or they compare two totally different classes of car; "That little Focus ain't as big inside as my Impala" (Which is funny, because for the Impala being so big, the Focus really is not that far away from interior space).
My mom wants to get a Trailblazer as a replacement for her Econoline.
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on May 16, 2011, 09:45:57 PM
Yeah and look at what happened to Jimmy Hoffa.
Bro they never found him. Doesn't mean anything happened to him.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on May 16, 2011, 09:41:35 PM
That sucks man. But if she is value oriented, you can maybe make a case for the better $/HP from a turbo kit than from an N/A build. That is how I would win my girl over. $3K is a lot though. Maybe go piece by piece. A manifold here, a turbo there, an oil feed line there.... this is how the Teamsters greased the gov't
An N/A build isn't possible with the SVT. It is pretty much maxed out as is. As for doing it piece by piece that would cost $4000 instead of $3000.