I'm alive! (Updates +more stuff)

[1.2gees]

I haven't been posting here regularly in a while, so I thought I'd give you guys an update:

My track event at CMP was awesome, I also got to meet Adam Richman (944S) who was an instructor there. I already got to ride in his car, and to my surprise we seem to have a very similar approach to most of the turns on track (usually not the case w/me and any other driver!). Not to sound big headed, but I think we both have a little something to learn from each other, but I probably have much more than he... And I thought my car handled good, well his handles much better... We both need LSDs in the back though! My hatred for integra type Rs is even stronger now, they don't have crap for brakes, handle only so so, are front drive etc. but they have the power to pull from us! Anyway, I'll have my time trial license as soon as I can pay for it, so that's good.

Anyway, since the last update I have been pulled again, got my first speeding ticket after I got the license back dropped to 9 over, (it WAS 87 in a 70) and I'll be out shopping for a radar detector soon. Also got a parking ticket at a friends house downtown. I have a lot of work to do tonight on my off campus classes, I need to pass all the classes I'm taking now to be a full time student next semester, but part time high school +part time work is getting very old, so I'll do it! And for the perverted members of this board, the blonde I was dating (Amanda) isn't really working out. I need a serious relationship now, dating is cool, sex is great, but I need somebody to share more significant things in life with... Hopefully college setting will help me with that...

Now to the cars, I'm ready to buy a 968, it looks like my parents might help and this time I'll accept it, as I'm ready to pimp a car with more power. I could only save a lousy $2500, since I wanted to buy shocks, bushings, ball joints, etc. for the track event last weekend. The car was fun, and it seemed like I was the only person with enough confidence to go through the 'kink' on the back straight all out (120mph or so). Heck, except for a modified M3 on slicks, I passed everybody I came up on, in every session, and never got passed. Ready to move onto time trialing. The whole 968 issue arises from the fact that if I want to hang with the 44 for track events I'll have to put a cage, harnesses, etc. in it, and I honestly think that all that equipment would be better invested in a 968... I mean I've kept the 944 much longer than any other car I've had anyway (4 years in comparison to 1 year for a Prelude Si, few months for a Scirocco, Jetta, Accord, etc.)

And now for your viewing pleasure a really fast 944. I almost fealt guilty for not thinking much of this early, ragged out appearing 944 beast:

Take care everyone, I'll try to visit back more often but probably won't happen anytime too soon. If anybody needs to get in touch with me urgently, try my bellsouth account, I've still got a bunch of people to write back to @hotmail. Happy veterans day, and drive safe.
Ahmet

[Rollins]

I respect you Ahmet, but you must be an idiot. I mean, after losing your license for a year due to tickets I would think you would learn your lesson and cool down. Seems like you're bound to lose it again.

[1.2gees]

Rollins, here's the problem:

On I-20, with traffic flowing about 5mph slower than the speed I'm travelling, it doesn't feel like I'm doing anything wrong. +Most of the guys I talked to at CMP said they usually go about 85 (w/trailers!). Fun fact, everybody there has a radar detector. I had to drive to Soth Carolina, back home, again to SC, then back home in two days. That weekend I put over 1600miles on the car one way or another, with that much driving I'm more likely to get a ticket don't you think?

Anyway, so far I'll be getting two points to my license, which I'll get dropped through the driver improvement classes.

But to answer your question directly, yes I'm guilty as charged. I WAS indeed doing 87 in a 70 zone. To me it seemed reasonable, but it's still illegal, so maybe you're right. There are things I won't do now, that I would've done a year ago, but can't really say getting that license revoked has changed me all that much.
Ahmet

[Rollins]

Yea, I get what you're saying. Unfortunately for me I am in a position where if I get a ticket I lose my job. Anyway, I will be in NC in a few months for Boot camp. How is the weather in the summer?

[Andre]

hey i'd suggest against a 968.....if you are low on cash this is NOT the car to buy for track use. Parts are hard to find and very expensive, especially body parts, if you go off the track and lose a 1/4 panel that will really set you back. I'd stick witht the 44.

just my opinion

[1.2gees]

I will NOT be doing fender to fender racing w/ the 968. I will time trial it, and that will be the extent. If I do ever go off track, and need a body part, I'll replace with fiberglass...

Rollins, many like the climate here in NC, but I'm used to something much more calm (being from near the mediterranean), and find it too hot, and humid.
Ahmet

[Mike B]

Nice to hear from you again Ahmet....

[CJFusco]

Nice to hear from you, Ahmet... if I see you online sometime we will chat about our woes (your speeding and my accident repair).

I am also thinking about getting a radar detector. I have been pulled over once in my old Cherokee, twice in my 96 Grand Cherokee, twice in my old Crown Vic (all ex-cars), but I have only been pulled over once in the 944... but all the other times I just got a warning and this time I got a ticket for doing 75 in a 30... that is a misdemenor. Luckily, my father is a cop and got the ticket bumped down, and the misdemenor was pulled. I would also like to get an alarm for my car, because I will be parking it at a friend's house in the spring and will be miles away from it for 5 days out of the week.

Other things I need? A clutch, new brakes would be nice, and new rubber might come soon. I also want to upgrade my suspension a little so that I can start autocrossing next year, but that will have to wait until after the accident repair.

Hope to talk to you soon! Keep the speed down, Andretti.

[adrian jaye]

The only 68 I would go for is the Cab..
to replace my s2 cab

though still trying for a 308....

[Rollins]

I would prefer a coupe.But if you're getting a coupe why not just get the 951? It's so much easier to mod. You know want that ahmet.

[Z-man]

Ahmet: glad to hear you had fun at the track.
But please, PLEASE: keep the speed on the track: there's no need to do 87 in a 70. Haven't you learned ANYTHING this past year without a license? And from the DE events that you've attended? Use a little common sense buddy. Stick with your 944 n/a: you get in enough trouble with it!

Anyway, glad you're back.

Oh, if you do get a 968 or 944T, will it also be an automatic? (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) I hear the tiptronics work just as well as the......umm......automatics!!!!

-Z.
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PCA NNJR
My Toy:

[eimkeith]

yeah Ahmet - we all know how you love them automatics!

[drew1]

Ahmet,

I'd say keep the NA for now. Sounds like you'll be ready for some fender to fender track running before long. Parts will be cheaper.

Glad you had a good time at CMP. What was your impression of turn 6, that 180 degree back in the woods. Was your car hard to hold when it leveled off after the climb into the turn?

drew1

[RaF944]

Guys calm down...an 87 in a 70 is not as bad as 62 in a 45. On the highway everyone goes that fast if not faster. But heh you did have a suspended license so you shouldnt do that too much

Anyways back to the point glad you are back!
Don't worry, get the car that YOU want dont worry about what anyone else thinks But I for one would get an S2 since they are basically the same car as the 968 but for a wayyyy cheaper price.

[1.2gees]

Originally posted by Z-man

Oh, if you do get a 968 or 944T, will it also be an automatic? (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) I hear the tiptronics work just as well as the......umm......automatics!!!!

Mr.Z, I think you're making a mistake here (I'm disappointed, and that is not a joke), I've never owned an automatic. In all honesty, I would consider a clutchless auto, but not for my first 968.

Mike B, thanks for the kind comments, it's nice to BE back.

CJFusco, my screen name is over1g. Send me an IM, and we'll talk.

adrian jaye, we're different people... I would never replace a nice S2 w/a 968. 968 Cabs are chick cars IMO, specially in blue, pink, etc. There's nothing wrong with an S2 cab. The 308 on the other hand, ughh!

Rollins, my 968 should end up w/a turbo before too long. A 3 litre 16 valve turbo should be easier to get more power out of, compared to an 8v 2.5, not to mention more low end torque, and better throttle response.

Z-man, I'll be honest: I like you, I like what you post, and even share the same taste, and outlook on certain subjects. I do NOT like your attitude about my update on what's going on in my life, specifically about the 87 in a 70. I pulled out to pass another car doing probably about 5mph less than what I got clocked for. Track experience has thought me, I'm being told I have excellent car control, but drive a bit wild time after time, by instructor after instructor. You guys have a point, but it's something I've never denied. I don't take that many risks on public roads. Here's my supporting fact (carefully chosen words there ) I've probably driven over 100k in the last 4 years, taken multiple 800+mile trips avaraging 110+mph for the trip, pulled over more than 20 times, gotten over 10 tickets, lost my license twice... Was it 'smart'? No, but it couldn't have been that dangerous w/ 0 accidents in this time period. I don't go (sorry to use this specific example, and to exaggerate) 70+ in a residential area, make sure my car is in excellent mechanical shape (this must've been the 7th set of balljoints, bolts/nuts, and bushings I'm replacing up front, in the last 3 years or so), I could go on but you've either already gotten my point, or never will. Also FYI, I have a few friends who either ride in my car, or drive (but don't ride w/anybody else). Admittedly it's taken them some time to get used to the driving, but... I've also gotten out of 2 chain accidents, without a scratch on the car, in both cases more than a few cars to the rear and ahead were smashed quite nicely. At this point, I should probably admit to one case of wheel to curb contact: Driving down a 35mph road at about 48mph, apexed too early+leaves on the ground=car out of line by about 2 feet-->needs new lower control arm. Aside from that, car's not had any body damage in my ownership. I'm sorry to be agressive, but I hope you'll be more understanding next time. (Have YOU ever had a velocity of 87 mph in a straight line? It's not all that exciting)!

redNecarsulm, I'm pretty sure you're joking so: Yeah, I wish I could drive a stick, but don't know how...

drew1, one of the reasons I want the 968 soon is to not buy seats, and harnesses, and extinguisher, camera mount, roll bar, etc. for the 944, but for the 968 to begin with. (I know you can swap them, but...) It looks like I have enough money to keep the 944, but I'm so tired of my job! School work is getting worse by day, so I dunno.

Ahh, turn 6... It only felt perfect 3 times in the who knows how many times I passed through there in twose two days. However, my speed at the braking point for turn 8 was only up by about 4mph over the avarage for the rest of the runs through that portion of the track (118 vs. 114 or so). After the first two sessions on saturday, I never felt like I didn't have enough room at the exit, rather kept wondering how it would be with an LSD in the back. Now turn 10... I loved turn 10 and the fact that about nobody else took it flat out, I would gain so much on whomever was in front of me. I'd say people give up at least 5 secs braking before turn 10. Anyway back to turn 8, the car was much easier to hold in then Adam Richman's car felt like it was for example ((great car, great driver BTW). Why? I'm not positive, but my guess would be more power, stiffer suspension, LSD and slicks(max grip vs. slide point on race slicks) made it much harder to make his car hold the line. What do you think? BTW, are you going to VIR in April? I think I am, would be great to meet you there.

RaF944, I've been lusting after a 968 for a while... Logically speaking I don't want one, but... The 6 speed, the looks, newer, manufactured at the home plant, etc.

You guys take it easy too, and thanks for the responses.
Ahmet

[porschepatron]

Speedy G whats up man? Hahaha i just have to laugh, 10 tickets WOW! You take the institution of traffic court to a whole new level. Anyways its good to see you post somthing. My opinions on future investments are as follows- a 968 would be awsome and although newer, sleeker, and more gears it comes with a much higher price tag buddy at least where I come from it does. Im glad to see you opted not to go with that super charger I would much rather see you put it into a 951. True it's older but its cheaper than the 968 almost half the price! With all that extra dough you would have you SHOULD save it but we all know were it will end up(in Ahmets new hot rod). Personally I think you would have more fun tuning a turbo plus so much more you can do with it and there tons of 951 experts to help with ideas, problems, opinions etc. The list goes on and on my friend but whatever you decide im sure it's gonna be fabulous ride.
P.S. the 951 will always be faster no matter what you say. LOL!

[Z-man]

Ahmet:
First off: I am sorry that my previous post bothered you: it was a personal attack. For that, please accept my humble apologies.

Second: I thought you did have an auto: my mistake. Sorry 'bout that.

Third: I agree: we both share common interests, common motorsport involvement. I've had some good discussions about autox and DE with you. I was happy to hear that you got your license back, and was hoping to see you at an AUTOX or DE soon. (I still am looking forward to that!)

Let me clarify:
Most people here, including you, know how I feel about excessive speed on public roads. Perhaps I express this opinion of mine too much. For that, I will not apologize: if only one person slows down a bit and takes it easy, then it is worth it!

My point was this: as Vic Elford said, "Speed does not kill. The wrong speed at the wrong time, kills." In my opinion, driving fast in traffic is the wrong place to drive fast!

You are in control of your car (you are a good driver), and I agree that our roads can handle more speed, and our speed limits are too low. The problem is that there are other people on the road who among other things:
1. Don't know how to drive safely and do stupid, unpredicatble things.
2. Don't expect people to be driving 15+ mph over the limit.
3. Don't know how to drive fast, but wish to engage with people like you who know how to drive fast. (ex: the young Honduh crowd)
4. Do not know how to handle their cars in emergency situations.
5. Talk on the cell, smoke, eat, listen to music too loud, read...etc. and generally aren't watchful on the road.
By slowing down and watching for idiots on the road, you minimize the risk of an accident. So I'd say you've been lucky that you haven't had an accident: I'm not discrediting you being a safe driver, I'm just saying the 'stupid people' (see above) haven't caught up to you yet!

Still friends?
-Zoltan.
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PCA NNJR
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[1.2gees]

Yeah dude, we're totally cool. I actually support what you're saying about speed and safety, for precisely the reasons you've posted. You won't see me saying the same stuff publicly around people who know how I drive though, I'm sure you can figure why that is...

Hopefully we'll meet at a DE somewhere. I'm going to RI and CT for thanksgiving for over a week, maybe then?

Interesting thing I've just noticed, the poll is very close on the 968 vs. the 951... Funny I was having second thoughts after talking to a few wise friends:

A 968 is a much classier looking car, I'll be driving it to school... What you drive influences what some people think (rich, spoiled brat, etc.). If I do buy a 968 I will be absulutely anal about it, I can PROBABLY have more fun driving a 944 turbo, that'll also let me put about 10k into some form of long term savings. I can probably afford a 968 when I'm doing my masters, which'll probably be more fitting too. Then I'll keep my (by then highly modded I'm sure) 944 turbo, and own a 968 (that'll get turboed), which's a much better combo... OR I could go ahead and buy the car I've been lusting after for years... I would appreciate some input on this,
Ahmet

[Blackfoot]

factoring in your age, your driving record, and either a 951 or 968, have you figured how much insurance would run you?

can i get you an advil?

consider sticking with your 944 until you can realistically afford a car like a 968/951. like when you've graduated and are working.

[1.2gees]

Blackfoot, I need a car with more power. I'm going to buy a car with more power. My insurance is in the vicinity of 1600 every six months as we speak, but should be going down considerably in the next few months because of a reckless coming off my record, and I'll be 21 in about 18 months. In the mean time the primary driver of the car that I own (as far as Allstate is concerned anyway) could be my mother for all I care.
Ahmet