reddsun1

Don't know if they really count but anybody else remember: Rubber Duck's black Mack from Convoy Kenworth from B.J. & the Bear

LOL, I like that--back in the 60's, that's what a lot of those dragsters and race cars amounted to. A stylistic--yet ironically accurate--execution of automotive art...

Okay, top 10 cars....lemme see (dang, it's hard to keep it to so few!). 1. Mad Max: Interceptor (she's meanness put to music and the b--ch is born to run!) 2. LeMans: S. McQueen's 917K 3. Vanishing Point (original): Kowalski's Challenger 4. Smokey & The Bandit: '79(?) Trans-Am "Trigger" (I know, already mentioned, sorry) 5. Bond films: Aston Martin DB-5? 6. Gumball Rally: Ferrari Daytona convertible (actually, a lot of the cars in this flick were cool as hell) 7. Gone in 60 Seconds(new ver.): '68 Shelby GT500E "Elanore" (the movie sucks balls, but I like the car okay; still want to see the original) 8. Cobra: Stallone's '49 Merc led-sled 9. The Munsters: Munster Coach (not terribly practical or pleasing to the eye, but a fond childhood memory) 10. The A Team: 80's Chevy Van (who could forget B.A.'s baaaad-A van?) So many more I could list, others I won't in order not to keep repeating already worthy mentions...

Apparently not one to be outdone, some d--khead just paid $1.5 MILLION for Howard Hughes' old Buick....sheesh! I mean really, could the fuggin "Aviator" have inspired you that much? It certainly couldn't have been Leo DiCrappio--his acting sucks whale's BALLZ. Don't get me wrong; I actually quite enjoy watching the auction on TV, sometimes the rediculous lengths some people will go to is very amusing. Proof that for a select few, the economy ain't so bad off after all...

What happens when people with more money than sense get into pissing contests...this charity car just sold at Barrett-Jackson in FL for just over 1/2 a million dollars. I mean, it's a helluva car, but REALLY...

Oh yeah, how could I forget the Mosler MT900? Another nice looking, real screamer of a car. And all with small block Chev power no less. Another car that's seemingly met with more success overseas than here in the US. The race car's actually cheaper than the road car.

Well, when it comes to American made supercars, my vote would have to go for the Saleen S7. Provides world-beater performance, predatory stance/looks, and distinctly American driving character (i.e. take a big-honking V8 and stuff it in a relatively small frame). I've not had a chance to see a street ver. up close, but the race cars are real beauts. Unlike the trumpeting blare of the Ferrari, or the bumblebee-stuck-stuck-in-your-ear drone of the Porsche flat-6, the Saleen has a truly distinct, almost roaring exhaust note, immediately recognizable in the paddock; the thing is a joy to hear, a snorting, bellowing bull of a car. You know it's coming long before you see it.

I hadn't heard about Gordon going to F1, but it would be very cool to see an Americanin the series even if it'll just be more fodder for Schummacher to run over. On the flip side, there was talk for a while that Colin McRae might start driving for NASCAR after her got screwed out of any driver positions in the WRC, but I haven't heard anything more on that. Last I heard of him he rolled his Nissan in the Paris-Dakar Rally. The idea of a Scotsman among the ol' NASCAR boys is a pretty funny image though. The growing trend of NASCAR drivers in the Daytona 24 is more cross-promotion effort on the part of the parent company (IIRC, it's I.S.C.?) than anything else; the same co. owns both sanctioning bodies. Officials have made no bones about it, stating publicly that they want to make that series "the NASCAR of road racing in America." It's basically an effort to garner interest in the NASCAR fan base for their road racing series. Some of the series regulars were/are insulted by this promotion at their expense, and I for one don't blame them; this being "treated like a red-headed step-child" sort of heirarchy is a tad bit sickening. If anything, I've got much more respect for guys like Kyle Petty, who was doing the 24 for years before that, before it became a promotional gimmick. And not to knock on Gordon, but what about drivers like Scott Speed? He's only been spending the past years busting his a$$, working his way up the ranks both here and in Europe with the Red Bull program; building up his experience--and winning--to earn his way into an F1 seat and show that Americans can compete at that level. What, do we just brush him aside in favor of someone from a "big-time" series, just because they might garner more media attention? It's hard to argue against someone like J. Gordon, as he's obviously got the talent. But it's the attitude--primarily media generated--that "NASCAR = better" that turns me off from it altogether. Oh yeah, that plus I just don't like oval racing...

New Ford GT? Fooey! I STILL don't like it. I still like the original cars better (J Wyer MkI specs in particular). Ford did a lot of boasting about how it'd best it's nearest competition, i.e. 360 Modena and Viper, but aren't going to back up the sh-t talking with any competition development--and well they shouldn't. They know this PIG would make a dog s--t race car (3500lbs? Jeezus gimme a break!), and take much more money/capital than they're willing/able to sink into making it a halfway decent race car (anybody remember Jaguar's F1 program? or go further back, Cadillac's prototype program?). Which goes completely against the inspiration and purpose of the original bloody car! The GT-40 was a race car FIRST, not some oversized execu-trophy. I still say the Mk I chassis, with a properly widened chin, modern roll cage, and some minimal aero refinements, would make a damn competitive GT racing car even today (this has been borne out already, as recently as the late 90's).

Ah yes--more proof positive that Ford won't hesitate to pimp a classic name badge to move a few more units. But on the other hand, Mr. Shelby ought to be able to enjoy the accolades and reap some rewards while he's still living.

Personally, I'm not looking forward to this flick at all. That "figther" design is dog's arse-ugly. And can someone explain why the big-heads in Hollywood seem to think it's canon to perpetuate the lame ass conception that a hero/fighter jock's ability as a pilot is directly proportional to his/her ability to whoop and holler in the cockpit like an immature jackass in any combat scenes? Gawd, that's so nausiating. I'm thinking any real servicemen who go to the movies must just roll their eyes and groan whenever they see themselves portrayed in such a melodramatic (and just plain annoying) way...

IIRC, didn't Pontiac purchase the rights to the "Trans-Am" name from the SCCA? I think I saw that on a History Channel special or something. They had to pay a small royalty on every car w/the T-A name sold (probably pennies on the dollar, but still a sweet deal for the SCCA, I'd bet)? Ah, the glorious 60s and 70s of the Trans-Am. They're still some of the most popular cars at any given vintage race event. I love watching 'em dice it out; the old Donohue Camaros, the Shelby 'Stangs, the big block 'Vettes--still beautiful machines to watch in action.

Tire smoke? smells good? Ack! I've never been partial to it myself. Now racing gas off a car's exhaust--now THAT'S some sweet smelling stuff, baby! "I love the smell of racing gas in the morning." I guess it comes from when I used to groove racing slicks--I was always thinking in the back of my mind how "this sh-t's got to be toxic...can't possibly be good for me."

I'd love a better look at the footwork that guy is putting into producing that run. I'll admit you've got to give anybody mad props when they can throw the rear out past the "limits" of adhesion and manage to keep it there w/out cracking it up, especially w/in 3-4ft of another car. So what kind of compounds are used for drifting? I'd imagine it's got to be a pretty hard compound; how do they avoid blistering the be-jeezus out of the tires? Do they begin their runs on cold tires? Heat cycle them before a drift run? Do they customarily run shaved DOTs or slicks (I'm guessing a resounding NO to slicks, lest they chunk and blister the treads)? just like with usual race runs or track days, they heat the tires up by going slowly faster. As far as the slicks vs treaded tires go, they usually run R-compound treaded tires, but they get kinda close to slicks. Typically on a D1 Grand Prix day they go through a TON of tires, for the US D1 series, Rhys Millen with his GTO went through 16 sets of rear tires either in a day or a two-day event. Yeah, 'bout 1 1/2 yrs ago, I tried to convince my fmr boss that this "drifting" thing might catch on with the SCCA, and he ought to try to get in on the ground floor, since a tire seller ought to be in good stead, given the excessively high demand on tires. Being an old school racer, and prone to some of that "open wheel" snobbery I mentioned before, he kind of scoffed at the idea, thinking drifting wasn't worth the effort or time. Well, they say hindsight is 20/20, and I bet he'd reconsider about now, considering how fickle the motorsport market can be, may he rest in peace. Any tire mfr. with foresight ought to be scrambling to obtain the rights to be "official tire" of the burgeoning drifting championships here in the US. The very nature of the sport guarantees a higher than usual demand for tires at any given race event, compared to "normal" road racing, auto-X, whatever. Oh well, hear me now, listen to me later....

I'd love a better look at the footwork that guy is putting into producing that run. I'll admit you've got to give anybody mad props when they can throw the rear out past the "limits" of adhesion and manage to keep it there w/out cracking it up, especially w/in 3-4ft of another car. So what kind of compounds are used for drifting? I'd imagine it's got to be a pretty hard compound; how do they avoid blistering the be-jeezus out of the tires? Do they begin their runs on cold tires? Heat cycle them before a drift run? Do they customarily run shaved DOTs or slicks (I'm guessing a resounding NO to slicks, lest they chunk and blister the treads)?

Dude, it's all good. You probably could run that LeBaron in that series, if you wanted to do full competition with it. You could always contact the series tech people and ask. If you're gonna race it, hell, strip that sucker down to the bare shell, put in a cage and go full boogie with it! http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/American-Iron-rules.pdf "Eligible Manufacturers/Models/Configurations a)all 1960 through present, American made sedan vehicles certified by the United States Dept of Transportation for street use at their date of manufacture..." guess it depends on how they interpret "sedan"... Probably would be at a distinct disadvantage in Auto-X. But if you keep the skinny rear wheels and doughnut rubber, you'd be an absolute drift king! that platform should be good for many a lurid "80s TV cop show" slide.

Dude, judging from everything you've said you haven't even autocrossed. "Rough" courses? The two SCCA SoloII regions in southern California (Fresno and San Diego) both race at very smooth venues, so I have no idea what you're talking about. As for narrow courses, once again you're showing that you've had no experience autocrossing. Cars much larger than yours that have much more difficulty turning are commonplace. Off the top of my head I can think of a wide-bodied GT350, numerous Camaros, and at least one or two late-60's Mustang fastbacks. I also fail to see how heavily modified suspension would be a hidnrance racing, as there are plenty of cars that have almost no suspension travel and yet still do fine at the SF region's questionably bumpy courses. You'd have to drive my car to understand. The handling of the car is pretty insane as at is, it's very difficult to keep it under control on even relatively smooth surfaces. I can't understand why my car is the way it is, and I've seen identical ones run, but my grip limits are razor sharp. There's hardly any margin of error, understeer and oversteer are always very close. The car also has a very strong tendency to understeer, then snap into over very quickly. My car always feels like it's skating on ice, even on brand new Azenis. That's a large part of why I put the wing on the car, in the hopes that it'll improve the stablilty of the car at speed. It is true, I haven't been to any of the SCCA events, only to sort of "open track" car club type events. Maybe the setup is sufficiently different that it'll be better at an SCCA event. Man, that car sounds like it's just plain ee-vil. There could be a number of factors at play, but you shouldn't settle for that as "just how it is." That puppy could really catch you out in a bad way like that. There's a handbook on handling dynamics by Carrol Smith that addresses stuff like that; breaks it down in two sections--effects listed first with possible causes, and causes listed first w/possible effects. Costs about $15, and it could help you. Could be anything from excessive front toe-in, insufficient front shock bump, not enough rear suspension travel, etc. That handbook might help w/ideas of what to adjust/change. I'm a fan of the last-gen RX-7s too. The RX-8s a much homlier replacement, IMO.

When you get that racing bug, anything will do as long as it gets you on track, right? There are some relatively new regional racing series that are geared towards American built sedans. Heck, it could definitely set a trend. The Europeans and Aussies are years ahead of us on "Touring Car" racing...How much does that car weigh in at? There's bound to be an SCCA class this car would find a home in. NASA has an "American Iron" class that a LeBaron would be sure to garner attention in. If my friend and I ever get our project off the ground, that's where we plan to race his old Ford.

Ain't a thing wrong with that. I envy you; at least you got a car to start with. Hell, it could potentially make for a heckuva sleeper on the track. I suppose there'll be no end to the "controversy" and ribbing of certain groups of racers by other groups. Heck, the "real" road racers can even get segmented amongst themselves. The guys I used to work with--all formula drivers--used to give me a hard time because of my stated intent to eventually race a tin top. Many a time I'd get comments like "why'd you want to race in one of those PIGS," etc. In retrospect, I can almost understand their bias. When I went to Skippy School to get my competition license, I did so in a Formula Dodge. And I'll concede to the open wheel set that it's arguably a much more raw and visceral sensation of the driving experience. It's why if you go to any given historic/vintage event, you'll see so many 50-something guys literally stuffing themselves down into a tiny Formula Ford/Continental/Vee/One/whatever a dozen times or so over the course of a w'end. That, plus the independently wealthy (i.e. usually middle age) set are usually the only ones who can afford the fuggin' things! These guys want to experience racing in its purest form, and that's about the best way I can think of to get it. Is autocrossing lesser than other forms of racing? I'd say heck no! IIRC, didn't Boris Said and Randy Pobst (among others) get their start in autocrossing before making it to the "big time" of pro racing? And those guys are damned good; among the "Parnelli Jones" and "Mark Donohues" of this generation. A friend/fmr coworker of mine, about 15 yrs my senior, got his start in autocrossing before getting his own Formula Ford. He said his autocrossing definitely gave him a leg up, teaching him speed in processing information and smoothness of touch. I've considered auto-Xing with my car, but chickened out--reasoning that if I do it, it will be with a car dedicated to that purpose; if for no other reason than the very nature of competitive driving (auto-X, drifting, whatever) just beats the ever-loving s--t out of a car. I wouldn't think of doing it in a car I want to drive regularly on public roads. That, plus, w/the 'Roo weighing in at a healthy 3400lbs, I'm sure I'd get my arse handed to me by guys in CRXs, Miatas and the like...

very informative Instructor video from Lime Rock Park, CT http://media.ebaumsworld.com/rollover.mpg

Here in Canada, technically, every car is an import since we don't acutally make any cars....well, that's not true, we do manufature some Hondas and Chryslers out east....does that mean the Civic is considered a Domestic? Haha....confusing. Your paint looks nice and shiny from the pictures, is it really bad up close? nah, it's not too bad; a run or two in the paint in one place, little orange peel on a front fender. Not something that jumps out at you, but I know it's there, and that's what irks the heck out of me. I chalk it up as a lesson learned, and hope I'll be more shrewd/wise the next time around. "F--k me once, shame on you; f--k me twice..." well, I say: there won't be a twice, bub. Oh well, when it gets torn down for a rebuild again, it'll be done properly, i.e. to the bare shell.

Sorry yellowlightman, I went the long way around and still didn't exactly answer your question. The Superoo logo was used by Ford Australia on their Falcon high perf. models during the late 60s-early 70s, much like the "Superbee" or "Road Runner" or "GTO Judge" on cars here in the US. When I remember how to post multiple img's I'll stop wasting posts, I promise... http://www.madmaxcars.com/cars_obtainable/...l?obtain-ford-9

Other than the actual engine assy. and painting, I can say that I stripped this car down and put it all back together myself. It won't win any show trophies, but everything in that engine bay I put in there myself, so I'm a little proud of that... Now, the engine/drivetrain is pretty much the same as most domestic Fords (Torino/Mustang/Cougar), so I can get the large majority of what I might need from any "AutoZone" etc. But obviously NONE of the sheet metal is common to any US car (put it next to a 70 'Cuda, and you'd swear the fenders interchange, though; but then again, most cars from the 70's shared a lot of design cues). It's a muscle car, i.e. front engine, mid-size platform with V8 making good power ('bout 300, good for its day), with live-axle RWD. But I had to import this car to get it, they were never sold in N. America--we guesstimate there's only about 100 or so in the US/Canada. Since I've had it, I've put some bits/parts on it to make it go/whoa better, and plan lots more goodies in the future. So, does that make me an "import tuner"? So, if I went to a car show, which end would I park at? Over with the gearheads in the muscle car section? Or with the Hondas etc. in the import section? If I gave a s--t about that sort of thing, I guess I'd have a bit of an identitity crisis at the car show... P.S. That honda looks sweet...with that power/weight ratio, it ought to be a blast--keeping the Mini Cooper drivers sweating and checking their mirrors...

the painter I got to do this job turned out to be a jack-leg, so she's a 10-footer; looks great from 10' or more, but get closer and she shows some of her flaws. Draws lots of attention though...

I suppose that's where I differ with the mindset of the drifting crowd. To me, coolness extends from performance and speed--it's a natural consequence, if you will. I guess that's why so many people love Porsche 917s, P-51 Mustangs, jet fighters and such--they're cool and beautiful because of what they can do, and how well they're designed to do it is what lends them their beauty, not because they're flashy and bright; function over formality, I say... What's a Superoo?