Big Red's Journal [COTW 1/28/13]

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by Wolfco13

I'm sure many of us would like to think we know how to drive, but just need someplace to safely (and legally) practice. Was there anything he helped you with that you didn't know you needed?

Did you video a session with the camera inside the car? Would love to hear the car w/o the wind noise, and maybe eavesdrop on the instructor's comments.

No video inside. I don't own a GoPro but I was able to borrow one for one session! As far as the instructor goes, he was very helpful in guiding me through the proper line and positioning of the car. It's a lot of work really to hit the turn ins and apex just right!

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by MidlifecriSS

It looks like you had a BLAST though!!

Yes it was!

[matthew9440]

Fantastic car man! I love when I can see proof that you do not need a blower to have a bad a$$ car! Awesome ride!

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by matthew9440

Fantastic car man! I love when I can see proof that you do not need a blower to have a bad a$$ car! Awesome ride!

Thanks! No blower but maybe a cam someday! You know, so it will SOUND as bad a$$ as it looks!

[ssmike]

Camaro5 Fest IV, I have no words to express my feelings so I'll let the emoticons do the talking.... enough said? It was a blast from start to finish! Drove out with an Upstate C5 Camarovan (6 of us) and stayed at the host hotel. The parking lot party was interesting, with every combination of mods you can think of spread throughout the lot! When it got dark all the LED's came on, quite a scene!

My favorite part was the Camarocross in which Big Red did great, a lot better than the nut behind the wheel! I was able to improve my times by about 7 seconds from first run on Friday to last run on Saturday but I didn't make the finals, stiff competition! This was our first Camarocross and now I can't wait till next year! A new set of tires and FE-4 sway bar set-up and Ill be more competitive! Now I just have to find time to give the car a good wash!

Anyway, here's a bunch of pics and a couple vids!

[ssmike]

I can't figure out how to embed the videos so if anyone can help me please! Here's a bunch of pics!

[ssmike]

One more pic from Camaro5 Fest! I had some Pedders bushing installed at Raymonds on Thursday morning and of course JusticePete was there helping. Well that Friday evening at the parking lot party I saw Pete walking around with a really HOT chick who happened to be his Pedders "spokes woman" Abigail Duff. So Pete walks over to our Upstate C5 group and calls me out to introduce Abigail to me! Next thing I know he says "Now that you are a part of the Pedders family I need to get a picture for our Facebook page". Needless to say I agreed!

[ssmike]

I don't know how I forgot this but Big Red won an award Camaro5 Fest from Joe Bella as Moderator's choice! Thanks Joe!

[Tim_Hamilton]

I saw this before and new "Black is the new chrome" could only mean Harley! I also ride a Harley. I have an 08 Anniversary Fatboy. Love riding, almost matches my Camaro

[ssmike]

Yes! Black Harley or no Harley! Here's my '03 but I sold it to but the Camaro! I REALLY miss it!

[ssmike]

Tune in alert! I haven't been on my journal all winter because I've been busy with winter mods, back injury, and my work schedule has been brutal! Big Red is all done and ready for the Buffalo Motorama this weekend with our Upstate C5 crew, so I'll be posting up some pics of winter mods and the show next week! Stay tuned!

[ssmike]

Better late than never! Sorry for the delay but my priorities lately have been rapidly changing so I've ignored my journal.

With that said, as promised here's a list of my winter mods!

Rear ZL1 toe links
Pedders rear FE4 32mm Z bar upgrade which includes FE4 LCA's and drop links
BMR UCA bushings
Driveshaft Shop rear axle road course upgrade
Adjusted the ride height UP 1/2" all around
JDP Quantum front brake duct kit
Toe bar
Gen5/DIY RGB halo's, grill led's and led strips in the Hex Vents
Changed the engine, trans, and rear dif fluids
Complete brake system bleed with Motul 600
Complete precision aggressive street alignment

As you can see, most of this was in preparation for doing a few road course track days this summer. I was signed up for Watkins Glen this weekend and planning on doing Mid-Ohio and Gingerman....but....life is getting in the way of those plans! I cancelled out of all my plans and ready for this....I'm selling Big Red!

Anyway, as promised, here's a few pics of my winter mods.

[ssmike]

Also, the Hawk pads in the first pic are for sale as I won't be using track pads. I ended up installing a new set of OE Brembo pads.

[ssmike]

Here's a few pics from the Buffalo Motorama last month! It was a great time with 3 other Upstate C5 members in the show! We all took home a Top 60 award! Along with hanging out with great guys and taking in all the cars, my favorite display was the engineers from GM Tonawanda Engine Plant disassembling and re-assembling a new Corvette LT1 engine!