Automotive thoughts....

[x]

i love the look of the site...

[DEATH]

Just some simple entertainment. Below is a power-to-mileage index of several interesting cars. The calculation is simple, power times highway mileage. Some surprises on the list, and some expected results. This is the fairest analysis of a car's efficiency, as it takes into account the amount of power it produces along with it's mileage. Obviously the massive power cars that get decent mileage finish best, but a few hybrids managed to creep up in the ratings. Having bad power, even with decent mileage, kills you on this scale. I also included some of our members cars for reference .

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HMI (Horsepower-Mileage Index):
1. 2006 Chevy Corvette Z06 LS7- 13312
2. 2005 F*** GT (Supercar)- 11550
3. 2005 Chevy Corvette Baseline LS2- 11340
4. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren- 11106
5. 1997-04 Chevy Corvette Baseline LS1- 10500
6. 2005 Dodge Viper SRT-10- 10000
7. 2006 Shelby Mustang GT500- 9450
8. 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid Sedan- 9435
9. 2004 F*** Mustang SVT Cobra- 9360
10. 2005 Ferarri 612 Scaglietti- 9044
11. 2005 Jaguar XKR- 8970
12. 2005 Astin-Martin V12 Vanquish S- 8840
13. 2005 Porsche 911 GT3- 8740
14. 1997-2002 Chevy Camaro SS LS1- 8125
15. 2005 Cadillac XLR Roadster- 8000
16. 2005 Chevy SSR- 7505
17. 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago- 7475
18. 2005 Suburu WRX STi- 7200
19. 1993-97 Chevy Camaro Z28 LT1- 7125
20. 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT- 7101
21. 2005 Acura NSX- 6960
22. 2005 F*** Mustang GT- 6900
23. 2005 Chevy Impala SS- 6720
23. 2005 Chevy Monte Carlo SS- 6720
25. 2005 Chevy Silverado SS- 6555
26. (HUDSON) 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora- 6500
27. 2005 Honda Odessey Minivan- 6375
28. 1989 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z 305- 6210
29. (THOMAS II) 1996 Pontiac Bonneville- 6150
30. 2005 BMW Z4- 6075
31. 2005 Honda S2000- 6000
31. 2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx Wagon- 6000
33. 1999-04 F*** Mustang GT 4.6- 5980
34. 2005 Chevy Cobalt SS- 5945
35. 2005 Chevy Silverado 5.3 V8- 5900
36. 1989 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z 350- 5880
37. 2005 Chevy Trailblazer- 5775
38. 2005 Chevy Impala- 5760
38. 2005 Chevy Monte Carlo- 5760
40. 2005 Mazda RX-8- 5712
41. 2005 Chevy Tahoe- 5700
42. 2005 Honda Pilot- 5610
43. 2005 Chevy Suburban- 5605
43. 2005 Chevy Avalanche- 5605
45. 1988-92 F*** Mustang GT 5.0- 5400
45. 2005 F*** Excursion- 5400
47. 2006 Honda Ridgeline- 5355
48. 1996-98 F*** Mustang GT 4.6- 5160
49. (BRETT) 1991 Chevy Camaro RS 305- 5100
50. 2005 Chevy Malibu- 5075
51. 1993-95 F*** Mustang GT 5.0- 4920
52. 2005 Honda Insight Hybrid- 4818
53. 2005 Chevy Venture Minivan- 4810
54. 2005 Chevy Uplander Minivan- 4800
55. 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid- 4743
56. 2005 Scion tA- 4640
56. 2005 Chevy Cobalt- 4640
58. 2005 Chevy Equinox Minivan- 4625
59. 2005 F*** F-150 4.6 V8- 4389
60. (KEENAN) 1994 F*** Mustang V6- 4205
61. (THOMAS) 1988 Buick Skylark- 4185
62. 2005 Chevy Blazer- 4180
63. 2005 Honda CRV- 4160
64. 2005 F*** Taurus- 4131
65. 2005 F*** Escape Hybrid- 4123
66. 2005 Chevy Colorado Pickup- 4025
67. 2005 Honda Element- 4000
68. 2005 Chevy Astro Van- 3990
69. 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid- 3876
70. (KEENAN II) 1970 Buick LeSabre 350- 3840
71. 2005 Chevy Express Van- 3705
72. 2005 Chevy Aveo- 3502
73. (BRETT II) 1987 Chevy G20 Beauville- 3420
74. (SHELDON) 1983 Oldmobile Delta 88- 3360
75. (THE GREATEST)1985 GMC Suburban 350- 2890

I will revise the list and include any additional cars on it that you guys request, for entertainment. Sheldon, the Delta may be beastly indeed (and reliable!), but I'm afriad it's not efficient, LOL. It actually does get 24 mpg according to Autotrader, but it only makes 140 hp.

Hudson's Aurora and Thomas's Bonneville now included, both requested (Thomas's over MSN). Keenan's boatmobile, along with THE GREATEST and my former film-featured and famous Chevy G20 Beauville Sportvan have now been added.

Any additional requests?

[The Shadow]

LOL!!! But its good looks more than make up for this deficiency.
I ARE = TO REQUEST HUDSON'S OLDSMOBILE "URORA".

[DEATH]

Aurora has been added! At 250 hp and 26 mpg, it does pretty well. Thomas's Bonneville is rated at 205 hp and 30 mpg, explaining it's success. Keenan's LeSabre was rated at 240 hp and 16 mpg, my Beauville Sportvan was rated at 190 hp and 18 mpg, and the new holder of the title "least efficient", THE GREATEST, was rated at 160 hp and 17 mpg.

[DEATH]

admin said:

Well, it's not something I have to worry about soon, since Hudson's either going to purchase a new automobile or get that '60s Cutlass fixed up, so I'll "inherit" The Beast, but assuming that I were able to buy a new vehicle of my own...
Budget: Nonexistent
Wants: Not GAY (that is, not Keith's pink F**D Mustang), gas mileage slightly better than Hitler's armored Mercedes-Benz G4's 7mpg, and something made back in the days when cars were made out of metal instead of plastic and styrofoam. 'Cause I like my body the way it is, and I don't want someone else's car stuck in it.
Main Intended Use: Getting to and from Lincoln, fitting in those damned small parking spots at ESQ. And off-road capable on days when I'm running late and need to cut across all those stupid grass banks and sidewalks they have out in front of my workplace.
Drive Out-Of-State: With what?
Anything Else Relevant: Um...can it be small enough inside so Thomas can't fit in and I don't have to have him whining from the passenger seat if I ever take him anywhere? 'Cause he's a fussy little guy.

Fussy big guy.

Fussy big white American.

I just realized I never answered this question, lol.

Well, the biggest determinent in your wants, believe it or not, is having a car with a metal body and frame. That more or less excludes you from any car from the 90s or newer, unless you're going to buy an SUV.

Your current beast is a car I would hold onto. From firing it up and a quick look-over last time I was up there, it is in shockingly healthy condition, mechanically. That motor runs smooth, no obvious leaks or signs of oil consumption, doesn't seem to even need a tune up! It smokes blue slightly at startup, but this is routine for a overhead valve V8 with that many miles and that much age. It's basically only because the 307 has worn valve stem seals, and if you really wanted, those could even be replaced. But as minor and common as that is, I wouldn't even worry about it. At 207,000 miles, my Camaro is starting to do it as well.

According to Autotrader and other data on the car, when it's in good tune, it's supposed to get 24 mpg on the highway, which is actually pretty decent. That's 2 mpg shy of what the 4.0 liter V8 URORA is rated at. Now, the car probably doesn't achieve that, and there are a few reasons. Firstly, it probably still needs a tune up, as I doubt it's got one. It's not as horribly out-of-tune as I remember your guy's F**d 4x4 to be, but it probably wouldn't hurt it. Secondly, I can tell from it's body damage that it's been in a fenderbender or two, and the chassis probably needs to be re-aligned to the frame. I didn't manage to check your tires, but if they display any sort of unusual tread wear (lines or "swaths" of thread missing in the middle), then it's time to get an alignment. Thirdly, I can almost guarantee that your catalytic converter is totally clogged or close to it, because that car has a crapload of miles, and probably has never had it's cat replaced.

To give you an idea of the amounts to remedy those problems, I'll use Summit's online parts store (free shipping!) to give estimates.

For a tune-up, you'll need to replace firstly your ignition system components. Cheap and easy, can be done in an hour or so.

You can do a total replacement of everything (coil, ignition module, etc) with MSD performance ignition parts for $150, shipping included (it's free through Summit).
store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=eadvsearch.asp&SearchType=Make

I can tell you that that is a bit much. You probably only need a distributer cap & rotor, along with new ignition wires and spark plugs.

Wires: $25 store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=eadvsearch.asp&SearchType=Make

Cap/Rotor: $21 store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=eadvsearch.asp&SearchType=Make

Plugs can be purchase for about $8 to $10 at any local hardware/parts store or Walmart.

So you're looking at about $50 for an electrical tune-up.

I would also recommend replacing your Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves, which are about $1 each at a parts store.

OK Tires in Auburn, or about any other shop will do alignment for about $50 or so. Not very expensive.

As for exhaust, you can cut the catylytic converter off with a basic sawing tool, and replace it with a 2 foot section of same-pipe-sized Flex pipe for about $5. The Flex Pipe is that cheap. You'd need 2 exhaust clamps, which are about $1.50 a piece, to seal it. Considering Nrebaska's emissions rules (or lack of them), there's no reason not to do this, removal of the catalytic converter is beneficial to every aspect of the motor. And you could honestly do that whole process with a basic saw and a wrench to tighten the bolts on the clamps with.

Now, I will say that if you wanted to upgrade from the Beast, I would recommend a few 80s cars. For overall driveability and comfort, few things will beat an 80s Chevy Monte Carlo (2 door) or Caprice/Impala (4 door). With a watchful eye, they can be found in good condition on the cheap, and would offer superior economy and power to the beast at minimum, because Chevy's V8s of the 80s were lightyears ahead of the 80's Oldsmobile V8s. In addition, parts are more plentiful and cheaper for the Chevy V8. If you had a Chevy Monte Carlo or Caprice, you can get a full bolt-on performance dual exhaust system custom tailored to fit that car for about $220. Everything bolts together, so you can install the whole thing yourself with basic tools, no welding needed. It would sound and look good, along with helping both power and fuel economy. Very cool stuff, ordering one for the Cutlass (since it's pretty much a Monte Carlo now with the 350, same body and brand of engine with Olds emblems). And that's just the start. A lot of opportunities.

A third option would be 80s Camaros like mine. Also relatively inexpensive for even the highest optioned ones, very safe vehicles, metal contruction as you request, good power and efficiency to boot. The best place to look at them if you want a good deal is www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/forumdisplay.php?s=cb3a5c5bb933b0c1b20ad84a37f02124&forumid=87. Won't find em cheaper anywhere else. That listing has 80s Firebirds as well.

A fourth option would be to buy a early 90s Cutlass Supreme, and keep your beast as a project car. Metal body (I'm pretty sure), but front wheel drive v6 powered, very sharp looking cars. I'd imagine eBay has some. I'd suggest one with a 3.1 Liter V6 if you took this route. In addition, we could do some very cool stuff with the beast, like a motor/transmission swap, make it into an actual beast. You could offer up some competition to Hudson's Cutlass.... though since his Cutlass weighs about half of what your car weighs, you'd have a lot of power to make up, lol. But that's okay. Your car has a massive engine bay. You could go with a big block or something.

What think you of the recommendations?

[The Shadow]

I personally think it's worth it to stick with The Beast and put a little bit of money into putting it back into a driveable state. My dad wants me to buy a new car, but considering that I've resolved to first purchase a laptop computer, that won't be happening for a little bit. So you're saying the total restoration costs on The Beast would be around $105? Seriously? That's AWEXOME, unless I'm missing something. Very excellent indeed, and far more afF**dable than purchasing a new vehicle (though that Oldsmobile Bravada was pretty cheap...).

[DEATH]

admin said:

I personally think it's worth it to stick with The Beast and put a little bit of money into putting it back into a driveable state. My dad wants me to buy a new car, but considering that I've resolved to first purchase a laptop computer, that won't be happening for a little bit. So you're saying the total restoration costs on The Beast would be around $105? Seriously? That's AWEXOME, unless I'm missing something. Very excellent indeed, and far more afF***able than purchasing a new vehicle (though that Oldsmobile Bravada was pretty cheap...).

Well, um, not a total restoration. You're still going to have body damage and a worn interior. But mechanically speaking, yes, those are probably the only things you need.

The car seemed pretty driveable and decent last time I saw it. I mean, it started right up and whatnot, ran smoothly too. I'm just suggesting basic repairs that would put the motor in tip top shape, blow the cobwebs out, so to speak. And it probably needs alignment because of the wrecks that caused the body damage, and that will improve your gas mileage.

As far as $105 being the total, that's if you do it yourself. I can tell you that I could get the tune-up and removal of the catalytic converter done in a day. A shop will do a tune up as well, but don't count on them being willing to remove the converter. I am unfortunately not a chassis alignment machine, so that also would have to be done by a shop, but as stated, is usually around $50. Keenan can tell you that it only cost about $90 or $100 to give his car a full tune plus a new awesome-sounding exhaust system. So, yeah, next time I come up, we'll arrange to do that or something. Or, you could have a shop do it, and they should be able to do it for $80 in labor or so. I'd just wait till I come up to do it, as some shops will really rip you off on a tune up.

But yeah, I'd tune the car up and get it aligned, and drive that motor until it ASPLODE.

Is anything overtly wrong with the car that isn't detectable by starting it like we did?

[DEATH]

Here is the new Cutlass vid from Burnout Productions. I shall change any future races or other similar vehicular stunts into similar videos and post em on here for your viewing pleasure. These are being hosted by YouSendIt.com, however, and will only be available for 7 or 10 days or so. The file is only about 8 megs, and around 5 minutes in length, and of course features quality video production by yours truly. The future videos will probably be more entertaining than this one.

s53.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1MA17R60HJTEG2G081LNASNBGN

[DEATH]

admin said:

(though that Oldsmobile Bravada was pretty cheap...).

You DO NOT want an Oldsmobile Bravada. For the price you might as well buy a Chevy Blazer, they're the same car. And I really wouldn't recommend a Blazer either.

If you want an SUV, my recommendation is a Chevy Tahoe. It's like a mini Suburban. You can even get the 90s ones in 2 door trim, and they're pretty sporty. Can be acquired with 4WD as well. Only disadvantage is low MPG, because they are geared for sportiness, not economy. But you'll have plenty of towing and passing power.

Have you checked out any Buicks? I think you'd really like a 90s Buick Riviera. Picture Hudson's car in 2 door trim with a supercharged V6 that gets 29 mpg. They're FWD too, so you won't be in trouble when the snowy Nebraska winter comes around, or when navigating your driveway in Peru, LOL.

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buick-Riviera-1995-Buick-Riviera-Supercharged-low-Miles-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6142QQitemZ4582969274QQrdZ1

There's what a Riviera looks like. You can typically find em for between $2500 and $6000, depending on mileage and year. They made them from 95-00, I think. Nice sharp cars.

Also, in case you gets on teh boards today Sheldon, what is your phone #? I'd like to be able to tune up your beast for you when I visit next weekend. Will call and arrange details.

[The Shadow]

My phone number are [phone]...which weekend are you visiting? I'm definitely not home that of the 21st, but could probably get down to the Ruratropolis on the 28th.

[DEATH]

The visit is happening on the weekend of the 28th.

[DEATH]

I think my brother Shawn may be getting a C4 Corvette soon!

That is, a generation 4 Corvette ('84-'96), not an explosive one.........

[DEATH]

Well, two announcements on zee automotive front.

1. I have another potential serious buyer for the Camaro, hopefully they get it.

2. With my acquisition of a video capture card last week, I will be able to upload not only the Dave and Slash Video part one, but a very obnoxious burnoutfest from New Year's Eve 2004. Burning out the old year, burning in the new!

[DEATH]

Excuse my web inactivity of recent, I've been busier than a barrel of nuclear fission.

MANY news and update items on the personal automotive front. The Camaro is sold, the Cutlass now has longtube headers and a full dual exhaust system, etc, etc, etc.

[DEATH]

Thought I'd share it with you. Put the hurt down on a friend's 73 F*** Ranchero (El Camino clone) pretty bad. At least 6 carlengths. All future videos will be linked here and hosted at Streetfire.net!

Lesson to be learned:
Chevy 350 > F*** 351

Enjoy!

videos.streetfire.net/video/1CF4759C-7C1D-4317-BDB1-23E540153A04.htm

Also, right click on the video window area and try watching in full screen...pretty neat!