Heldenzeit's Garage (Endless Maintenance)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Heldenzeit
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Video of me driving the Ferrari 458 last week. The car sounds soooo good!

Wow, normally when they run events like this near me they won't even let you look at the throttle. That looked like fun,
 
Bent a wheel.
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and the oil pan..
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Car isn't even that low.
 
What did you hit? Looks nasty.
The mechanical thing that pulls you through at the car wash. The car fits at the other hand wash by my old place, but this new one sits really high. I usually take it there because just water and soap touch the car and they hand dry it, there's no mechanical rollers or brushes.
 
Right front shock on the Lexus exploded. Back to stock.
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This weekend was the annual Miata trek to Laguna Seca. 400 miles each way to the track and about 80-90 miles on track. This event is my favorite all year.
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Quick stop in Morro Bay
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Broke another lip.
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Signed the millionth Miata and got a commemorative plaque.
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Track day at Buttonwillow this past Sunday. Unfortunately, not even 20 miles in I get a puncture that lead to rapid pressure deflation.
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Thankfully had my spare and I managed to make it to the track.
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Had to sit out a few sessions, but I was able to borrow some 15x10 6ULs from my roommate.
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Ran a 2:10.4, which I'm not too thrilled about since I've gone faster in the past. At least I got some track time haha. Need to really put money towards the new engine though. Rings are shot, as I've added 5 quarts of oil in the last 2000 miles covering 2 track days.
 
Rings are shot, as I've added 5 quarts of oil in the last 2000 miles covering 2 track days.
How many miles is it on now? And you've probably mentioned at some point, but have you had anything else done to it that isn't mentioned in the first post?

My engine's basically stock but doesn't seem to use any oil whatsoever, track use or not.
 
How many miles is it on now? And you've probably mentioned at some point, but have you had anything else done to it that isn't mentioned in the first post?

My engine's basically stock but doesn't seem to use any oil whatsoever, track use or not.
252,000. :lol: It's lived a hard life. No aftermarket parts aside from a crank damper.
 
Ah, that'd explain it then! Any plans for more power at some point (with a new engine, of course)? Even on the stock 185s my car seems like it has more tyre than power unless it's wet or I'm being a complete oaf, so yours must be pretty much glued to the road everywhere with 10-inch wheels.
 
Ah, that'd explain it then! Any plans for more power at some point (with a new engine, of course)? Even on the stock 185s my car seems like it has more tyre than power unless it's wet or I'm being a complete oaf, so yours must be pretty much glued to the road everywhere with 10-inch wheels.
Not really, but it depends on what the budget allows. Getting back to stock power will net the largest decrease in lap times at this point. Built engines just aren't as reliable as OEM ones. Cams and a tune would be nice though.
 
At least your wheel stayed on this time. ;)
 
Changed the steering wheel to a flat bottom Sparco. Will probably just use this for track days, as I like the larger Momo I have for street use. The top of the gauges are cut off from view since the wheel is so small.
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Changed the steering wheel to a flat bottom Sparco. Will probably just use this for track days, as I like the larger Momo I have for street use. The top of the gauges are cut off from view since the wheel is so small.
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Looks great. I love Sparco stuff, so much want although not that style.

I have a similar problem with the tops of gauges being cut off in cars, and that's when they have the standard large wheel. MR2 is sort of an issue, more so in the morning when I am slightly taller than when I'm on my way home from work in the afternoon. I'm only 6" but I have a tall body and an MR2 isn't exactly a tall car.
 
It's fine if I leave out the seat cushion (like it would be on track), but around town I like the bigger wheel.
 
Will probably just use this for track days, as I like the larger Momo I have for street use. The top of the gauges are cut off from view since the wheel is so small.

I've had several Sparco/Momo wheels in the 300mm range and I have found them cool for crusing but not for harder driving/going sideways as you have to do much more wheel work to get the car where you want.

Love your thread and your car btw. I showed it to the GF to explain her car people: Start with a car that 'looks nice', you end up with a 10/10 car.
 
Thanks for the compliment. Car started out as a cheap everyday car and turned into something totally else haha. It's changed a lot.
 
Can't visit this thread often as I just get angry at myself for not buying an MX-5 lol. Looking awesome.
 
It's nice to know that Cadillac wasn't the only one who shoved the damn thing in there.
 
It's nice to know that Cadillac wasn't the only one who shoved the damn thing in there.
To be fair, it makes a lot of sense from a packaging perspective, and generally even if the original owner had the car for 150k miles they'd probably never have to change it.

Pain in the arse for an owner two decades down the line when it finally gives up of course, but if the thing is so reliable the starter motor gives up before some other major component then fair play to the manufacturer. I expect quite a few things considered LS400-specific problems don't get noticed on many other cars simply because the car dies before they become a problem.
 
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