Tantric Porsche Ownership

jhugh · 09-12-2002, 02:38 PM

I just need to cry and whine a little, okay?

My lovely car has been apart since... Jeez, it's been at least a couple months. Many of you know how this feels. Can you relate? It has happened to me before -- last year, in fact. It wasn't fun that time. But this time I'm turning some real interesting shades of purple.

I'm realizing this time that I'm going through distinct phases. The first phase is, of course, denial. No, it CAN'T be that valve job I just paid $5K for 7K miles ago. Then a deep anger -- life is unfair, the mechanic should die, etc. Then acceptance -- Okay, I really wanted to learn how to rebuild a 911 motor from the crank anyway. Um, yeah.. right. So I revisit anger here and there. But now I'm into the worst phase of all of them... the one in which you have the distinct feeling that you are being tortured. Tantalized, denied, tantalized, denied. F*cked with. Tortured. Obviously, I torture myself by reading this bb and wearing out every issue of Panorama I get.

I should mention that I recently sought to alleviate my suffering by getting another car. Because our only other car, my wife's '73 Landcruiser wagon, is NOT cutting the mustard - not by any measure. So we just picked up a '97 Saab SE turbo. A sweet "Imola red" coupe. It's a great car, it really is. But folks - do yourself a favor. Always have two Porsches. Because when one breaks, you really really really need another.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!! It hurts!

Carrera Charlie · Carrera Charlie's Garage

Unless you're like me and have TWO in the garage that don't move under their own power!!

I've reached the stoic stage ... with the given restraints on time, finances, family responsibilities, finances, business concerns (oh, and did I mention finances?) I get imense satisfaction when I can carve out an hour or two to continue cleaning the engine block, cam towers, throttle linkages, etc. I know progress is being made, unfortunately it does not match my desired timeline.

Try repeating the following phrase: "Delayed gratification is good" until you reach a tantric state. Once you reach this level of spiritual awareness, any progress made towards your goal will produce feelings of euphoria and visions of high-g turns!! Ha, ha, ha!!!

Hang in there ... as Bill Clinton said "I feel your pain"!

Regards,

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

You lost me

Bill Clinton???

Tantric anything????

What do the two have in common????

Siena911 · 09-13-2002, 06:24 AM

Keep heart, mate. It will get there,

I have just waited over three months for the rust repairs etc to be done on my car. Had it back for around two weeks now,

It's sheer bliss....

Just keep focusing on the day you turn the key...

Jakes

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

My coupe was in many pieces for over 5 years. The first drive once back together made the entire wait worthwhile. It was like having a new car.
Moral: Don't settle for compromises - spend the time to get it the way you want it.

dtw · 09-13-2002, 08:07 AM

You have not reached your rebuild Zen yet.

It is possible I may claim the title of Pelican 911 Restoration Zen Master- my car has been apart since early 2000, with surprise after surprise along the way costing me more time, money, and emotional energy.

What doesn't kill you (or cause you to file bankruptcy) makes you stronger.

Practice with me, Grasshopper:
Master: When is your car going to be back on the road, young one?
Learner: When it is back on the road, it will be back on the road, wise Master.

Master: That part is NLA, Grasshopper. I will sell you NOS for five times dealer price.
Learner: Your karma is tainted, devil. Begone, while I list a wanted ad written in Zen koan on Pelican Parts and Rennlist

Master: The foul remains of your honorable departed piston have been found in your oil cooler, car-less wretch.
Learner: Take the cooler to the mountain top, and bathe it in the sacred springs of VarSol for 1 lunar cycle.

Practice these meditations and partake regularly of Liquid Bread (beer, learner, it is Beer), and you will soon achieve Zen Master status.

Go now, Grasshopper, and practice what you have learned!

jhugh · 09-13-2002, 08:46 AM

Well, thanks for the commiseration, wisdom & perspective. I particularly appreciate Bill's advice not to make compromises. This morning on the way into work I was just thinking how, if I just went the no-hot-rod route, I could start putting the engine back together this weekend. And I wouldn't have credit card debt! But we all know that what I really should do is install 98mm p/c's, dual plug, racing springs and custom chip. It's pretty scary that it's not the debt that worries me... it's just the wait!

Cheers,