Shocks

Stopped by RPM auto parts to pick up some parts for the corolla a few days ago.  It's nice to have a place that actually knows what you got instead of asking if it FWD or RWD or tell you that their system tells them that GTS were only coupes.  So if you're in or around Costa Mesa stop by.  They're located at 1113 Baker St, #F, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

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Praise??

I watched this commercial praising Mercedes Benz and it's brake system.  But I seem to see it the other way.  It just looks like a breeding ground for more stupid drivers to stay on the road.  If you're sleepy, then get off the damn road. 

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Rotor heads unite: Sevenstock 13

The annual gathering all things rotary at Mazda headquarters in Irvine, California.  Once again i'm here with no RX3 in hand.  Oh well maybe next time (yeah right).  As usual it's a pretty good show w/ lots of clean an interesting cars.

This always reminds me what i'm missing on my burger.

Here's an interesting concoction.  A hacked up Volkswagen with a shoe horned with a rotary engine.  Upon closer inspection, this people's car is converted from rear engine to front engine rear drive vehicle.  It looks to be a street legal vehicle also.  Who would sport such a thing?  I would with pride.
 Even saw a few Toyota corollas lurking around.

 

A rotary powered sleeper

And one who built these headers.

Gotta love TE37V

Ready to go home, oh man i was so tempted.

Weather was great that weekend, which made for a great show.
Click link for the rest of the pics

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In traffic

Seen this on my way home from work.This brought old memories of my old'88 Toyota 4Runner. Loved rolling with the top off during the summer months, since a/c never worked, just nice smoggy air from congested traffic. Heading out to Big Bear Mountain for a weekend camp trip. Sleeping in the back looking at the stars at night, listening to mosquitoes trying to take a bit out of you. Nothing else like it. And no matter how much I beat on it, the 22r engine was tough as nails and kept on going. Gotta love them 80's Toyotas

Godspeed mini blackzilla whereever

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Not everyday

I see a completely stock Lexus sedan with some custom pin striping usually seen on uber custom rides. Is this a dealer option?

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Replacing Axles

Done in less than an hour. Easy money, at least I haven't lost my touch. I thought I was goin to be spending at least 2 hours on it. Too bad I didn't get to it until 2 months later. He's a good friend and i've known him for a few years yet he prefers the me to work on his cars, from a 68 Mercedes to a 2002 Daewoo, rather than have anyone else touch his cars. Such a loyal customer.

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Z Nationals

Another year and the show scene has begun, which is all about the old school steel for me. No HI sin for this guy. The year starts off with the Motorsport Auto Z nationals. Held at the Irvine Valley park. This year seemed to be a bit smaller, at least from my perspective.

It's usually the same suspects each year, but there's always something interesting.


Old school HKS exhaust on a Z32


Not really rare, Corvette powered Z


When asians think of a mural for their trunk they think of South Park???


Real wood interior


She may give you wood



Outside the show area, was a group of RC enthusiasts flying their helicopters. The skills displayed was amazing and it was nothing i've never seen before. Time for a new hobby?
The show wasn't as great as past events, probably due to economy? Doubt it, hopefully next year will be a much better turn out.

For more pics of the event click here

Pomona Swap Meet

The Pomona Swap meet and car show is a staple for many Southern California gearheads. From Porsches, Hot rods and everything in between they do have. I've been living in So Cal for many years, i've never been here. This weekend my curiosity got the best of me and finally decided to check it out

Here's what to expect when you visit:


Porsches for sale


Hot Rods too


VW's



When shopping, the weapon of choice is the Radio Flyer to carry the goods. This one sports the hot rod look, very cool.


You may think this place doesn't have anything for the Japanese steel aficionados. Here I spot a set of lights and grill for a TE Corolla.


There were a few Japanese cars on hand too, like this Honda and Toyota.


Most of you think 4 throttle bodies is cool, then 8 must be orgasmic.

I wonder why I've never been here earlier. Oh yeah it costs money. Parking cost $9 and entry to the event was $8. It may be expensive, but for the gearhead it's one of those things you gotta check out sometime in your life. You never know what you may find. I wasn't even able to go through the whole show. So i'll definitely be back.


But I wanted to attend this show, which was happening at the same time.


For the rest of the pics from Pomona click here.

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It's not too bad.

It's been a while since I've driven a lowered car on the street. And I tell you that I could careless if I ever drive another one again. I guess i'm spoiled since I trailer my car. Though this past weekend it all caught up to me. For some reason I was stuck driving an S14 for the day, well actually 30 min. since that's how long it takes me to get home. It was bouncy and uncomfortable. I hear all these noises. But entering and exiting them freeway off ramps was a blast.


And the brakes on the car were down right fabulous. Just needs a really sticky set of tires to really bring out essence of endless.

Speaker upgrade

Since the upscale sound system on the Corolla is already clicking over 20 years old. The sounds coming from the speakers are also sounding it's age. Luckily for me these were recovered from the Red Brick Volvo.


Since they are the same size as the Corolla rears they fit in the OEM housing i didn't have to do any mods. Which is definitely a plus for a car I want to keep stock. Now my drives are much more enjoyable. Doesn't get any better than that.

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Project Volvo #6: Valentine's Day Plunder

A beautiful day to work on cars, at least get some stuff done before the rain storm decides to hamper the weekend. Even Naoki K. agreed, delaying Valentine's day to swing by and work on the Doom Wagon. I myself haven't really worked on the Volvo much after I got it running but it seems to be falling apart on it's own. So let's begin the plunder of Swedish engineering.

When the car first arrived I didn't find any cool guns or drug paraphenalia, but then again I never really dug deep inside the car. This time there was bunch of interesting crap that was found here and there. Let's look at what the former owner was like.

We know the previous owner loved Sam Adams and Bass. I hope not while driving, that's not very safe. It's also illegal.

He also loved french fries and

horse racing. Maybe at the same time but who knows. Though there is a note with a pin number. Maybe to a million dollar account?

He was even an audiophile, equipping the vehicle with some Pioneer speakers. I decided to excercise the finders keepers rule. More on these babies later.

One thing I liked about the car is how quiet and solid car feels. I guess the 3 layers of sound deadening will do it.

Image by thezeras via Flickr

He also was a great believer of good personal hygiene.

In the end about .53 cents was recovered. Sounds like it's time for some 39 cent taco at Taco Bell. mmm delicious.

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