Cars X Girl

 

I’m Gonna Drive a Ferrari!!

January 26th, 2012 · About Me, Driving, Travel

And I’m not joking, either. :D

In March, my husband and I are taking off for nearly two weeks of blissful vacation to Disney World in Orlando. Since we skipped a honeymoon and it’s our fifth anniversary this year, we figured it was about time for a nice big trip like this.

In a way, this was going to be a non-car-related trip at all. We often travel because of cars or something to do with cars, a la Miatas at Myrtle Beach or my excursion with the Porsche Club to Canada. Even when we visited Seattle last fall, we had to include the Ferrari dealership as a stop in the trip.

Well, trying to fit in attendance to the 12 Hours of Sebring didn’t work out well. The dates, yes, the rest of the travel plans…. Not so much. We decided that that would be left to its own trip someday and to just do the “touristy” Disney thing for now, sans cars.

That is, until I found the Exotic Driving Experience. And I just couldn’t say no. I mean, who could?!

Pricey, yeah, but so is everything else like this that I’ve looked into. And believe me, I’ve wanted to plan a trip to Las Vegas to do one of these things for quite some time. (Vegas just because it’s somewhat close, cheap to fly, abundant places to stay and, well, supercars!)

Perhaps my only disappointment was the lack of a 911 Turbo, which, as you all should know, I’m completely obsessed with. Sad, but I’ll get there someday anyhow, even if it’s not this year. :)

I pretty much zeroed in on the 458 Italia from the beginning. How could I not? My first Ferrari love was the F430, but I even have a fondness of the 360 Modena, so of course I’m going to love the next evolution of the line. That and, well, I don’t ever see myself owning a 458, though I expect I’ll become rather smitten with the car.

My husband will be commandeering the wheel of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. She’d have been my first choice, if I wasn’t just a total Ferrari > Lamborghini girl. But I’ll get to the Lamborghinis eventually. I mean, I have to drive them at some point… I have zero desire to own one after all. (While I don’t think I’ll ever own a 458, it’s not because I wouldn’t want to!)

Of course, I’ll be sharing my experience here. :) I have my trusty iPhone 4S to have snaps of the day, and we’ll be purchasing whatever souvenirs/photos/video they have to offer. It’s just going to be a super special day, I already can’t wait.

In the meantime, I’ve been doing some extra research on the 458 Italia. I want to kinda get to know her before I *really* get to know her. So I found a couple of videos on YouTube that I enjoyed. Hope you like them too!

 

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Nürburgring Infographic

January 24th, 2012 · Random

I’m usually not privy to cool press releases and infographics emails, so when I got this I was rather surprised.

Carbuzz put together this great infographic on the Nürburgring and sent it my way, I knew I’d have to share it. I love anything and everything ‘Ring related and I can’t wait until I can go there myself someday. (And, of course, illegally tape everything. Hehe.)

If you can, also spare a second to check out Save the Ring, because, sadly, it’s future is in question. We have to stand up for this treasure to motorsports and keep it there for everyone to enjoy!!


From: carbuzz.co.uk – Car choosing made easy!

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It Snowed…!

January 19th, 2012 · My Cars, Photos, Random, STi

This winter has been pretty blah. Last year by now we had had a few feet, resulting in the impromptu purchase of the Legacy that we had. Ever since we bought the STi right before summer, we couldn’t help but look forward to finally driving her in the snow.

Well, irony had it that it’s barely snowed at all. I guess it’s a bit weird that it has barely snowed here and yet this was also the year we’ve been snowboarding/skiing every week since right before Christmas….. Figures!

Thankfully, it FINALLY decided to snow here! Our usual haunt at Mt. Spokane now has more fresh powder and where we live is now covered in a good few inches. It means that the STi and her snow tires seem like a fantastic idea again!! We were beginning to wonder if they’d be useful at all besides going to Mt. Spokane. :P

As with all things, I can’t help but have photos around to document it. ^-^;

Funny enough, this seems to be a pretty popular photo of mine.... Hehe. Just my S2000 buried in snow. She's effectively grounded until further notice. (Though, compared to last year, we've been mobile for much longer than I imagined we would be!)

Then, of course, there's the STi buried in snow before she got cleaned up and finally had a really good chance to put that turbo AWD on snow tires to good use! She's really, really fun in the snow..... =D

I can't talk about winter without sharing a photo of my snowboard! Now sporting an awesome What Monsters Do vinyl sticker. ;) I'm definitely hoping to add more stickers to my board soon.

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Doing Research and Tweaking Plans

January 17th, 2012 · Cars I want..., Porsche

Despite my doubts about my job situation and my desire to finally get onto a career path, I still want to make my best effort to save up for the Porsche 911 of my dreams. (Well, one of them anyhow…!)

Part of this has been doing research on the various years and learning what to watch out for once I get to the point where I start looking at cars. The nice thing about 911s that I’m finding out is that many are well cared for. Not that I really expected any less. :)

However, even cared for cars can have issues, and knowing what to look for is key. When we were Miata shopping, I learned a lot about what could be expected (some rattles in the dash, lifter tick on start usually just means time for an oil change) and what to watch out for, things like the 60 MPH shimmy, metallic flakes in the oil, colored exhaust smoke, etc. Some of that knowledge applies to all cars, but I was after specific issues.

So when looking into the 911SC, I came across a few things that didn’t sound so great…. For one, it’s hard enough to find a coupe, let alone a coupe with a whale tail. And I simply must have the whale tail. A second is the main failing point in the 3.0L flat six — the timing chain tensioner. And while one from a 3.2 Carrera can be retrofitted, it’s still an issue to worry about. Plus all these early 911s didn’t have super fantastic corrosion-resistance….. And I do not want to settle for a Targa.

After much thinking and coming to some realizations, I’ve come to find out that my dream 911 in this case is actually a 3.2 Carrera. Somewhere along the way I got hung up on a few 911SCs that looked like my ideal and made me think that those are the years I wanted. But after the research, the 3.2 Carrera just fits better.

It’s not hard to find whale tails on the 3.2 coupes. Of course, there’s now the Cabriolet models to sift through in addition to the Targas, but it can be done and they can be found. And since the 3.2′s engine is over 75% new compared to the SC’s 3.0L, it doesn’t have the same issues. In fact, it’s one of the best engines found in the classic 911 body styles.

Of course, it’s not without it’s drawbacks. In 1987 the transmission was changed to a much smoother working unit, but many of the 1987 cars fall outside of my ideal price range. Not that any of the cars in 1984 – 1986 are horrible, their transmissions just aren’t as good and so they’re a bit less desirable. Pre-1987 also had less corrosion resistance, so rust is a bigger issue on them as well.

Despite this, however, I still believe the 3.2 Carrera is the perfect first 911 for me. In my research, I’m really not surprised to find it often called the best classic 911, as it takes a very well-built engine and combines it with that classic 911 body appeal. It’s about as close to the best of both worlds as you can get, as the 964 is really the beginning of the modern 911s.

I still have much to learn, but at least I now have a better idea of where I should be looking…. And the 3.2 Carrera is it for me. :)

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Searching for the Dream Career

January 12th, 2012 · About Me, Random

I almost hate to phrase it this way, because it seems almost too prevalent…. “Find your passion!” “Follow your passion!” “If you live your passion, the money will follow!”

Well, clearly the money comes first in racing….. No surprise there. Cars are an expensive hobby to have period. But can’t I do some sort of work with cars, seeing as how it’s my passion?

Why yes, yes I can. And so the search has begun.

 

Time for Changes

Selling phones is old to me. I worked seven days a week for almost two months straight….. That’s not right. That shouldn’t have happened. I shouldn’t have to put up with a company that willingly does that to their people. And all I got for it was some thanks and a $5 Starbucks gift card.

It’s time to move on.

My dream career at this point in my life is working in the Parts department in a dealership. It’s something I could see myself doing now, and actually moving up to a manager position someday. In retail I could never see being a manager…. No thanks. Not for me. But this? Sure!

So I’ve started to look for a job in Parts. And I’m hoping I find it soon… I’m really ready for this change. I want more than just a job, I want a real career.

The Dream

In October, we went on our second trip to Seattle to just bum around and enjoy the city. Before we left, we stopped at the Ferrari dealership. Definitely an amazing place, the F40 and my dream 550 Maranello aside. ;)

We spent some time talking to the Parts manager of the dealership. And it didn’t hit me until recently that I really want to do his job someday. Maybe not for Ferrari, because I’d definitely love working for Porsche too. Or any other type of dealership. But if I have to pick one, my goal would be to be the Parts manager for a Ferrari dealership.

The best thing that I can do now to make that dream a reality is to get into the field. I need to get into Parts now so that I can build up the knowledge and experience and build an actual career.

Fingers Crossed

Lately I’ve been crossing my fingers a lot. I’ve gone on one interview for what is, essentially, the ideal job for me right now…. And I’m hoping and praying that it’s meant to be and that they like me.

I also talked to a floor manager of a dealership about jobs there. I know for sure that I do not want sales. But it helped me when he told me that I’d be really good in Parts or Service. It gave me hope that I’ll be able to find the job I want to set me on my ideal career path.

So, if it’s not too much to ask, send me some good vibes? :) And big thanks to those of you who have already…. Much love!

I’m gonna make this happen…… I’m determined!

Photo via….

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Note on Ride Height

January 10th, 2012 · My Cars, Rant

This is a little note to those annoying people who understand nothing about suspension geometry…

Dear Stance Idiots,

No, I will not be “slamming” my S2000. Ever. She’s much happier having some usable fender gap so that her fenders aren’t interfering with her tires when we’re turning. We had an absolute blast driving a twisty road with a bunch of Porsches last summer and we plan on doing it again sometime.

Of course, if you still think I should, how would YOU like it if I repeatedly slammed your face into pavement wherever we went? Every time you saw a speed bump, looked at my driveway the wrong way or found out that nothing really cares about what you think is “ill” (a phrase I’m afraid I just don’t get anyhow) enough to try and be low car friendly and instead smashed your face into a wall? No?

You sure??

Then don’t suggest I ask my car to smash her beautiful face into pavement just so she can look pretty in a few photos. We’d rather go autocrossing, thank you.

Cheers!
Meg & her S2000

P.S. When we do get coil overs, we plan on putting them to use on the track. Despite our few inches of ground clearance, we’re still quite low relatively speaking.

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Happy Silvia Days!

January 5th, 2012 · 240SX, Random

Well, I guess I’m a bit late, but this is in time to wish you a happy S15 Day! ;)

Every January 3rd, 4th and 5th are celebrated by Silvia owners and enthusiasts as S13, S14 and S15 Days. In Japan, there are meetings on each of the days for the respective generations. Yeah, I really wish I could be there for it at least one year. (Come on, USAF…. :P )

This year’s S13 Day was bittersweet for me, as it should be my last with my own “S13.” (RPS13 for those who want to get technical about it.) As sad as it is, though, I’m trying to be in good spirits about it all. So I figured a little blurb celebrating the days was in order.

My way of celebrating? Showing you some very nice Silvias, of course! Enjoy! ;)

S13

Easily one of my favorite looks for the S13, and this is one of my favorite photos.

Of course, everyone who watches any part of Formula D should know about Dai Yoshihara's S13.

S14

Seems that Kouki S14's are the more popular ones...

But when it comes to the S14, I've always preferred Zenkis myself.

S15

The S15 seems to be popular, though I'm sure some of it in the US stems from the fact that there aren't very many here at all.

Mmmmmm.... D1 GP S15.

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2012 Project 52

January 3rd, 2012 · News, Photos

The year after I got my Nikon D3000 for Christmas, I attempted my first Project 365. That was in 2010, and I made it to about October before I ended up quitting. It’s kinda sad now that I really think about it, because I was much closer to the end…. But I quit because I felt that my photos weren’t of the quality I wanted.

I was tired of the boring days where I was sitting at home at eight in the evening wondering WTF I could photograph for the day. Yeah, it wasn’t fun and my photos had become rather sucky. I quit because I was tired of the mediocre photos just to continue with the project.

Project 52

Not too long after I started my Project 365, I heard about the Project 52. Instead of one photo every day for a year, it’s one photo every week for a year. Still a pretty intensive project if you ask me, but not quite as rough as the 365.

The idea popped into my head a few days before the new year, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it or not. I finally decided to just quit thinking about it and just do it. Even if I fail, I’ll still have used my camera more than I am right now. (Damn you iPhone for being so awesome and handy….)

My Project 52

Well, mine is going to be somewhat basic…. Of course, the end goal is to have 52 photos at the end of the year, one from every week.

I want the majority of my photos to be of cars, like I started with my 365 project. I think one a week will be much more manageable!

The whole idea is to be using my SLR, since the poor thing doesn’t get out much anymore. :/ I won’t be opposed to using my iPhone as the second camera in the project though, because I may not always want to bring my SLR with me. (Snowboarding trips come to mind, as well as autocross days where I can’t always keep track of my camera when I’m racing.)

I might require myself to edit the photos, but I’m not sure if I can keep that up. My husband bought me Photoshop Elements for my birthday last year and I’ve sadly not touched it… I’m determined to put it to good use finally. My iPhone photos are almost always edited on my phone, so no worries there. But it’s really about time that I learn how to do it with the photos I take on my SLR.

Really, if I can keep up with the project I’ll be happy, no matter what I manage to get done. I’m afraid if I make it too strict for myself I’ll get frustrated if life gets in the way again.

Sharing the Project

Of course, I’ll be posting the entire project to my Flickr, which could really use the attention I’m sure, ha. I’m thinking of either sharing the photo from every week on here, but not sure how often I will. I might just do a monthly recap, since it’s not that many photos every month.

Unless, of course, I have nothing else to share…. Then it’s kinda like backup content. Since, you know, winter is pretty boring here car-wise! :P

So, anyone else have plans for a big project in 2012, photo or otherwise?

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Hopes for 2012

December 29th, 2011 · About Me, Cars I want..., Year Review

Along with reflecting on the past year, I’m somewhat big on planning for the next one. It’s kinda funny in a way, because I never know exactly what could happen. While it would be weird for us to be moved again so soon, it can happen. So I do take my plans with a grain of salt somewhat.

I’ve already mentioned my first goal before — selling my Miata and 240sx. It’s not what I really want to do, but in order to get to the next step I kinda have to. I can’t keep all my cars forever, and the aspect of such aintensive project like the 240sx has been just doesn’t hold the same appeal for me anymore. Something has to give when I dread thinking about parts that need to be bought and work that needs to be done. And the Miata…. Well, I just don’t drive her much anymore at all.

My second goal deals with the car I’ll have left after selling “my” two, the S2000. It’s a bit intimidating, because the one great thing about the other two were that parts were cheap. Not so anymore, but since she’ll be “my only” for a bit it should be okay. (The STi is taken care of by my husband and is the car he usually drives.) I’m planning on buying her a set of coil overs, KW Variant 3′s, since she probably could use the suspension overhaul. She’ll also be getting new tires, though I’m not sure what yet. I’ll also be buying a passenger seat rail for my Bride Zeta III that’s in the 240 right now and the S2000 will finally have matching seats again. Plus our first car to have two racing seats. (I’ll have to figure out something with harnesses……)

The S2000 also gets to be my race car in 2012. :) I’m hoping to do as many autocross days as I can and we’re hoping to fit a track day in somewhere as well. We’ll see how these good intentions go.

Not sure this counts for 2012, but shortly here we’ll be buying skid plates for the STi. This should kinda show our intentions on her direction….. :) My husband is continuing his search for rally lights for herthat both work and are okay with me. (I’m not super crazy about the idea of a set of four lights mounted to the hood….)

Basically, this is what I like as far as the rally lights go, but not sure how it would work with the skid plates we're getting... :/

On the rally vein, I’d really love to visit DirtFish in 2012. And if they have the big Subaru meet up again this year like they did last year I really want to go. Same thing if they do rallying in Oregon again….. We couldn’t go last year because it was right before my husband deployed. Basically, I’m hoping for a few more trips to cool events and places.

My biggest plan for 2012 is finding another car, though. While I intended to sell my two and downsize back to two, I should have known it wouldn’t quite work for me. I won’t be buying for quite some time, maybe not even in 2012 at all. But I’m working on getting the funds together to purchase a Porsche 911 SC. I’ve loved them forever, and have finally had enough with the dreaming…. Time to start doing. I’m not sure how or when yet, but I’m going to be working on this goal all year. (Much of it does depend on selling the two cars first, though.)

This is my dream!

Aside from all of that, I’ll be pretty pleased with myself if I continue to work on my photography. 2011 wasn’t my greatest year for it and I want to do better. My iPhone spoils me with its nice and handy camera and easy editing. I want to finally work on using my copy of Photoshop Elements and getting my Nikon out more. Maybe even getting the other two flashes I would like and getting that whole thing set up…. We’ll see on that, for now it’s not that high on my list.

2012 should be an exciting and fun year….. I hope.

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Farewell to 2011

December 27th, 2011 · 240SX, My Cars, Photos, Random, STi, Year Review

No, it’s not quite the end of 2011 yet… But I’m certainly ready for 2012 to get here. 2011 wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t my favorite year either.

I figured it’d be worth looking back at some of the high points, though. :)

Highlights

For one, we brought home our STi. She’s been a dream to have since we picked her up at the end of April. She got even better when we added the little exhaust system and made her sound as she should!

The Miata and I managed to snag a little 3rd Place trophy autocrossing. Definitely a great moment. It was fun with the GoPro, too.

I got to enjoy driving around in my 240SX with her pretty Bride seat, even got her out to her first car meet!

At that same car meet, there happened to be these two together… Something I never thought I would see in the States!

I got to go to Canada with the Porsche Club, where I got to ride in a 996 911 Turbo. I have always, always, always had this thing for the 911 Turbo…. After riding in this one, there is NO doubt that I will have one some day. I LOVE them.

Of course, shortly after returning from Canada there was this red 997 Turbo that made me think it’s just fate and that I need to get one eventually…

I got to hang out at SOVREN and see two RUFs in one year! (After never seeing any!)

I got to see this beautiful 911 GT2 RS in the showroom along with the Carrera GT.

There was the video here of hearing the Carrera GT before she was shipped to California for the winter…

Oh, and the stop at the Ferrari dealership in Seattle. And seeing an F40 in person!

More Thoughts

Not everything was a high point, I’m afraid.

There was the fact that my husband was deployed, and between that and the runway being redone here he was gone for roughly six months this year. Yuck.

The other sad part was deciding to sell both my 240SX and Miata. Having four cars to myself and nobody to dictate which I drove when or where showed me that I just don’t drive them enough… My preference is really with the S2000. I’m hoping to sell them and put the money towards a third car that I don’t mind keeping hidden in the garage for the most part — a 911 SC.

I also kinda feel bad that there weren’t any great special moments with the S2000…. That will definitely be changing in 2012.

How will 2012 be different? Well…. That’s my next post. ;)

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