911SC Madness

Stowe

2010-02-09T00:00:00.003-05:00

This is a home video. I am sharing my vacation with my friends and family. The music is MODEST MOUSE, from their album GOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS. This video is not intended to sell a product or anything like that, I just felt the music reflected my feelings during vacation.

2009 Autocross - 2nd Place

2010-01-31T22:23:00.003-05:00

Hot damn! 2nd place overall for the 2009 season. 2nd to Vu (PCA Executive Director).

Holiday Wish List

2009-12-02T23:38:00.005-05:00

Winning is Not Enough

The Chariot Makers

Espresso Cups

SDRE

2009-10-01T15:31:00.003-04:00

Steering Wheel

2009-08-02T15:08:00.002-04:00

I just spent 1+ hours re-threading 1/4 of my steering wheel. NOT FUN. Fortunately I a feeling a ton of self satisfaction. Okay, only 1/4 left to go... not today.

Michael Schumacher is back!

2009-07-30T09:35:00.001-04:00

It's going to be a fun 2nd half of the F1 season... Michael Schumacher is back!

Felipe Massa

2009-07-30T09:32:00.001-04:00

I sent Massa a get well wish, via his fan site and got a response:

Dear friends,

On behalf of Felipe we want to thank you all for the numerous messages of
support we received from all over the world over the last days. To feel your
support in this difficult moment gives us lots of strength.

We thank you from the deepest of our hearts.

Raffaela, Luiz Antonio, Ana Elena, Eduardo, Fernanda, Nicolas.

Autocross #3

2009-07-19T12:25:00.004-04:00

Autocross #3 was a ton of fun. I didn't particularly drive that well.

Run 1 I was going through a 5 cone slalom and at cone 4 I was running way too fast... slide completely sideways... stalled the car... hurt my ego and to top it off DNF-ed (Did not Finish) because I went off corse... not at the slalom, but through a gate I was supposed to go through once, I felt the need to do it twice. UGH!

The venue was fantastic! MD State Police Training Center, Sykesville, MD

The rest of the runs slowly got better, but I don't really feel like I had too much control the entire day. I guess there is a lot to be said about getting rest. I have been in 4 time zone over the past 7 days (German time, Irish time, Central time, Eastern). I don't know how the F1 drivers do it.

Porsche Patter

2009-07-18T06:04:00.002-04:00

I am now famous, at least in the Chesapeake Region PCA members. I made it in to the regions monthly magazine PORSCHE PATTER, that's pretty funny to me. Page 22, middle pic. Silver 911. They did not give me credit, they may not know my name... but they will! Hahaha.

I am going to Autocross#3 today... wish me luck.

Autocross #2 Results

2009-07-06T11:46:00.002-04:00

I came in 2nd in my class and 17th overall. Not bad... coming second to the PCA President (he better be good).

Porsche Museum

2009-07-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

It has been settled. I am going to the New Porsche Museum on Sunday, July 12! I went there last year, but it was the old museum with only 20 cars and a small shop. Thank you Under Armour for sending me to Germany for so many photo shoots! Pics and video to come.

2009 Autocross #2

2009-06-29T21:33:00.003-04:00

I did very well this past autocross:

17 of 38.

3.990 sec. off the pace (2008 Cayman S, heavily modified).

Very pleased.

Here is a VIDEO of one of my runs (not the best as you can see)

Trying out Twitter

2009-06-27T10:11:00.001-04:00

Find me "911scmadness"

http://twitter.com/911scmadness

Monaco III

2009-06-25T21:54:00.004-04:00

I want one, Tag Heuer, Monaco III.

Check out the cool commercial for this. I am pretty sure the result is spot on.

2009 - CHS PCA AutoX #2 - Dorsey MARC Station

2009-06-22T08:33:00.004-04:00

Had a great day yesterday at the autocross! I think I had some competitive times. I was definitely running like a madman (in my own mind). The car felt great... I think I'll need to get some new shocks... and one day invest in wheels and tires.

I'll post times as soon as they are posted.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

Cool Porsche Spec. Commercial

2009-06-18T12:09:00.003-04:00

Thanks for sending this over Matt. Really cool video.

http://vimeo.com/5194843

Autocross

2009-06-18T12:08:00.001-04:00

I am looking forward to Autocrossing this weekend. It could be raining, which will be interesting. Stay tuned.

it's been a long time...

2009-05-03T15:02:00.005-04:00

It has been quite a while since I have updated this. Damn, since before I did the DE at NJMP, in October!

Summary of the DE event at NJMP:

Day 1:
My Instructor was Gregg Wilson... great guy, great instructor.
My car performed well, except that it was overheating (230°+), ugh. So I could only stay out on track 2/3rds of each session. Got the 911 up to 110mph in the straights.

Day 2:
I got the 911 up to 116mph in the straights! What a difference a day makes.

After the 1st session I was signed off to drive solo... at my first DE! I was stoked... then I got on the track alone and totally froze up. I was getting passed left and right. It made a huge difference being in the car alone with out any instruction or confirmation that I was doing the right or wrong things.

I got off the track and went to talk to Gregg, he told me me that it was natural to freeze up like that the 1st time out alone. Then he said, he signed me off because he trusted that I would do great on track alone.

3rd session was a different story, with a new confidence, I went out there and made some passes myself. that final session was amazing and I had such a great time. Thanks to my great instructor, Gregg Wilson of Annapolis Porsche and my hot engined 911SC.

I Can't Wait!

2008-10-09T20:32:00.002-04:00

In 16 hours I will leave for the DE (Drivers Education) event at Thunder Bolt Raceway at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

I washed the car, packed my box full of car stuff, and soon will pack my bag. I can't wait to see how fast I can get on the straight away. Photos and commentary to come.

2008-09-27T20:46:00.003-04:00

RIP: Paul Newman

It's Been a Long Time...

2008-09-26T10:53:00.003-04:00

Whew. it has been a while since I tapped the key board for this Blog.

Well, I have some good stuff going on. I just got the 911 back from the shop GT Performance. Gennady, hooked me up... what a great guy and shop. The 911 is now lowered (pics to come), cambermister installed, wiper fluid is now flowing freely, the passenger door latch is fixed, the hood latch replaced, the shifter is in a much better position, the pop-off valve popped off while they had it and they fixed that (i suck at installing things), the alignment (with negative camber), bump stear, turbo tie rods are all set up.

Wow... all this for less than $800. I found my mechanic/shop.

The car is ready for the DE event at THUNDERBOLT RACEWAY... on Oct 10-12. I gotta go fast!

I also received my die cut white magnetic numbers from Meisel, my printing friend Whit hooked me up. I have all the numbers I could ever need (3 sets of #4-9, and 5 sets of #0-3)... 7" tall and of course HELVETICA font. Pics coming soon.

Fall is here and i am going to have to do some day trips in the lady. So excited.

Birthday Wish List.

2008-07-18T09:51:00.005-04:00

4PC Pedal Set - Rubber Grip (black w/ red extensions)

Mad as a Bear

2008-07-13T21:10:00.002-04:00

I wish bad things to happen to the jack ass who stole my skateboard, bike and tools out of my garage. Eff you!

Chesapeake/Delaware Regions - NJMP - ThunderBolt PCA DE

2008-07-09T22:15:00.002-04:00

I can't wait until October! I am signed up for a Drivers Education event at the brand new Thunderbolt Motor Park. The new track look sick. I have a feeling this is going to be money well spent!

Part Number: 902391 - Window Felt

2008-07-09T21:11:00.003-04:00

Yesterday evening I decided I was going to install a new passenger side window felt. No, big deal right?

Eff that!

4 cuts on my arms/hands
2 metal splinters
2 stripped Alan Key bolts
6 hours
Tons of frustration
1 lost/recovered alan key
1 lost rod (the piece that attaches the interior door latch to the door release mechanism)

I don't really want to get into it, but dang was that a pain in the ass. I thought it was going to take 1.5-2 hours tops... but then all the crazy stuff started to happen. I was removing a bolt from the door on the hinge side when the alan key stripped the bolt, jumped out of my hand and some how fell through a quarter sized access hole. This hole did not open into the main cavity of the door, that would have been too easy, it fell in to a channel where the only way to get things out was to fish a magnet into the hole hoping that you could retrieve the missing item or do what I did. I removed the door from the car and shook the shit out of it until my wife could reach in with her little fingers and get it out.

I still had a striped bolt head. My neighbor Sean had an Easy Outs set, one word... effing lifesaver. I am going to by a set for myself. Got the bolt out in seconds.

After that, i had to pull out one more stripped bolt, no big deal. I have ordered Wurth Metric Hardware Kit, so I can have plenty of spares next time.

Oh wait next time is probably when the shipment comes. Since I lost that rod for the door handle. I have a funny feeling that it is stuck in the door somewhere... and it happened when i shook the door upside down. So I'll Have to take the door off again. If it is not there, I'll have to call a salvage yard to get the part. Ugh.

I do love working on the 911, as much stress as it brings it is a far better stress than work stress.

Upgrades

2008-06-29T08:07:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I installed the new windshield washer engine. It worked! With the exception of only the drivers side sprayer working, dang. I will have to eff with it today.

I also installed the new K&N Air Filter and the Performance Air box, the engine sounds pretty good and breathes a little easier...

I am not a huge fan of the Carbon "Fib-ber" but what ya gonna do.

Upgrade Time

2008-06-18T14:31:00.004-04:00

I am going to take the 911 to get all her scratches touched up and or buffed out. Awesome.

I decided to order the H4 headlights, with paintable rings... and will have them painted by the shop to match the Silver.

I have also ordered a Chin Spoiler, for better aerodynamics. And a Cambermister, for better handling. And a Performance Airbox cover, to add horsepower. Lastly a new Window wash Pump, since the one on the 911 now is broke.

Upgrading is fun...Pics coming soon.

Too Much Work Not Enough Play

2008-06-06T13:27:00.002-04:00

I have been slacking on everything, except work. I have taken the 911 out 3 times in the past month. I wish I took her out more... it is now hot and humid in Baltimore and it is not a comfy ride when you don't have A/C.

I think I'll be hitting up the autocross circuit on the 15th, and am going to try the new tires.

I hope to have pics and video, from that event.

April is not Porsche Month so much

2008-04-24T23:12:00.002-04:00

Well, the only thing the 911 and I did this month is the HPDC earlier in the month. I was wait listed for the Driver Education event and did not get in. I was suppose to be in Hershey, PA for the All Porsche Swap Meet, but I am traveling out to Hannover, Germany to art direct a photo shoot of Hannover 96, a global football team. Germany will be fun, but a ton of work while we are there. At least I get to go to Germany again and see cool Euro cars!

High Performance Driving Clinic

2008-04-06T16:18:00.002-04:00

WHAT A GREAT EVENT! The Potomac PCA put on a HPDC yesterday at Summit Point Motorsports Park. EVERYBODY who drives should take a class like this. There is basic driving education... is far beyond anything I ever learned in drivers ed. in high school.

We did some classroom education. On the track we did braking, throttle and skid pad exercises.
All of which was fun and exciting.

The best part was in the afternoon... we had two 20 minute sessions on the track. OMG! I love driving on the track at full speeds. We had an instructor in the car who helped us with learning the lines, finding the apex and to yell at you when you did something wrong. Genius. Fun. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. i can't wait for my next track event.

2008-04-03T10:34:00.002-04:00

The Gold-Plated Porsche: How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car, and Other Misadventures

I just started reading this last night. It is a easy read for anyone. Especially fun if you have ever picked up a wrench to fix something on their car minor or major. Definitely inspiring but I doubt I'll ever go that far with the 911.

HPDC this weekend..... so excited!

Windows

2008-03-30T16:07:00.002-04:00

I started the 911 up last Wednesday. To find out that the windows would not open. UGH. Both windows did nothing when I pushed the automatic opener switches. So I figured it couldn't be the motors. I opened up the trunk and found that the fuse was blown. So I went to Advanced Auto Parts, picked up new fuses. Replaced the old ones. Voila! The windows worked. I know it is a pretty boring story, but I need my personal triumphs... especially after the week I've had.

I also changed my oil for the first time on the 911. Not too hard, but I sue did let a good amount of oil leak on the floor. I'll do better next time.

Next weekend is HPDC... yay! I can't wait.

911 project 2008 #1

2008-03-09T09:02:00.003-04:00

-Pop-off Valve install (I have the part, just need to install)

Yesterday, I installed the pop-off valve for the air box. It was fairly simple and straight forward. I opened the hood of the car and removed the air box lid... then realized that there was no way I was going to get the 2" drill bit and my drill to the place it needed to be. What I needed was a 90º drill but I don't own one. So I called my buddy Jason, who has a great 4x4 truck and shit load of tools, to see if he has one. He didn't. My doorbell rang and it was the HVAC guy to drop off some filters that I had ordered from him. "you don't happen to have a 90º drill in your truck?," I asked.

"Sure do, wanna borrow it?, " said Wayne, owner/operator of ALL ABOUT AIR.

What great luck! So drilled what I needed to drill, mixed some epoxy and placed the pop-off valve in. 3 hours later I was back on the road. Success.

More work to come. I love working on the 911.

Deutschland

2008-03-02T20:16:00.012-05:00

Well I spent few days in Germany... I am glad to be back, but I did have a ton of fun. 3 days were work related... running around Euroshop... a retail design conference. but one day was a trip to Stuttgart, to see the Porsche Factory.

This was my rental car, an Mercedes Benz A150.

It was a funny little car, with a bit of pep... I got it up to 155kph (96mph).

Here is a shot of the factory entry.

But soon I felt like this family when they reached Wally World

Sorry closed for renovations! WHAT! The Porsche Factory had an explosion 2 days before I got there... the people at Porsche tried to email me, but I did not check my personal email. Damn. All was not lost... I did get to tour the museum. Oh yeah, they did offer me a coffee for my troubles. Thanks Porsche, but I guess better luck next time.

Don't get me wrong, I still was stoked! There were 20 or so awesome cars to see, I purchased some stuff at the museum shop, and got to sit in a Carrera GT.

Here are some of my pics

April is officially PORSCHE month at the Todas household

2008-02-15T17:26:00.002-05:00

Like I said before, I'll be doing the High Performance Driving Clinic, April 5. My Valentines Gift from my lovely wife Kimmy is... Drivers Education weekend, April 12-13 . The wheels are going to be smokin' in April!

Practicality

2008-02-10T12:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to IKEA... just to look... and ended up buying this Desk... and yes we brought it home in the 911. It was a tight fit but we did it. Whom ever says Porsche 911's are impractical... bite your tongue.

PCA Potomac High Performance Driving Clinic

2008-02-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

I just signed up for the April 5, 2008, PCA Potomac High Performance Driving Clinic. I can't wait... Should I sign up for the DE for the following week? That's a lot of driving! Then there is the Hershey Swap meet at the end of April. OMG lots of Porsche stuff in Arpil!

The Driver

2008-02-07T12:34:00.000-05:00

Thank you Chris for refering me to read the The Driver by Alex Roy! Holy cow... it is a must read, so exciting, so fast, so illegal. I wish I had the balls to do some of the thing Alex did in the book. I read it on my flight to the Philippines... I couldn't put it down.

if you are interested in road racing, outlaws, and comedy... read this book!

Here is an interview with Letterman

2008 911 Projects

2008-02-05T20:41:00.000-05:00

Here are a few things I'd like to accomplish on the 911 this year.

- Ignition Tune up
-Pop-off Valve install (I have the part, just need to install)
-Lower and realignment
-H4 headlamp upgrade
-New Stereo system (hidden in the glove box), keep original in dash (but find the annoying rattle on or around it)
-Fix/replace the window seal/trim on the passenger side
-Air filter upgrade

I think that is it for now. What I didn't include were oil changes, maybe a transmission fluid change. I will update as I complete these items.

AWWW YEAH!

2008-02-05T06:23:00.001-05:00

Dear Mr. Todas,

Thank you for your interest in Porsche and your request to tour our
production facilities in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

The following arrangement has been made:

Number of people: 2
Date: February 27, 2008
Time: 09.50 AM
Language: English

I am so psyched! Here is my confirmation for visiting the Porsche Factory and Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. I am going to Germany for a convention in Düsseldorf, and decided to take an extra day and visit the factory.

I have been out of the country for the past 3 weeks... visiting family and vacationing in the Philippines. It was a great time, but I am glad to be home. Got to see some family, cool beaches and islands, ate fried crickets, saw Grandma Orang, and other fun things.

I will soon be making my 2008 plan for the 911... upgrades, autocrosses, DE events. Stay tuned.

Christmas Wish List

2007-12-05T22:36:00.000-05:00

Gift Cards:
Automotion.com (GOT SOME!, THNAKS MEL!)
Pelicanparts.com

Movies:
Le Mans
Grand Prix

Books:
The Driver (GOT IT! THANKS ROB & MARGIE, via KIMMY!)
Secrets of Solo Racing: Expert Techniques for Autocross and Time Trials (GOT IT! THANKS ROB & MARGIE, via KIMMY!)

Video Games
EA Sports F1 2002 (hard to find)

2 Way Radio:
Midland GXT800VP4 26 Mile Range 22 Channel Two Way Radio

Kitchen Stuff
Espresso Machine

Snow Day

2007-12-05T16:50:00.000-05:00

I took the lady out in the snow today. Yes you heard me right... Snow, East Coast, Road Salt. I have said it before and I will say it again... my 911 is NOT a garage queen. The car is meant to be driven no matter what the conditions.

She handled very well. I can't believe how poor people around the DC/Baltimore area drive when snow shows up. I saw in a 40 mile ride today at least 8 wrecks on the highway. Not just cars stopped, but full on mangled cars/trucks/SUV/trailers. BTW... there was only water on the ground at that time... ZERO snow, ZERO slush, ZERO ice. Quick tip to all my fellow drivers out there... When snow is present do NOT do the following:

1. Tailgate
2. Cut people off
3. Speed/weave through traffic
4. Believe that your SUV's can drive through any conditions at 80mph
5. Drive with your lights off
6. Slam on your breaks for no reason
7. Talk on your cell phone and let your car wander

For that matter do NOT do any of these above things anytime you are driving, and let me add:

8. Speed up when you see someone with their turn signal, who is trying to get into your lane
9. Think that b/c you have a "Baby on Board" sign on your car, it excuses you from being a cautious driver.
10. Cut someone off then slow down

Oh, I could go on for days... but at the end of the day, I really shouldn't be mad at things I can't control.

AVAIL at The Otto Bar

2007-10-31T10:19:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to see AVAIL and they did not disappoint! Beau Beau is still crazy, Tim looks pretty much the same... just older.

Of course I drove the 911 to the show, punk rock never dies... it just get buried inside... but always influences one's decisions.

I pulled up next to a JEEP, with 3 young rockers inside... the guy in the passenger seat signaled me to roll my window down and asked, "Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?" I replied, "I hope not!" Funny thing is, the girls JEEP that the guy was in most likely cost more that my 911. Perception is everything. I talked to them for a bit... nobody in that car has ever seen AVAIL live... I forget that music lives forever and stories of the old days become folklore or VH1 behind the music segments. But I think they thought I was some poser, until I started to tell the all the places I saw AVAIL in the past... DC, Richmond, NYC, Seattle, Portland... in total at least 15 times (at the very least).

The show was great... unfortunately Tim and the rest of the band were losing their voices... but the crowd made up the difference (including me), shouting, finger pointing, slam dancing (me, just on the edge), crowd surfing (no thanks). One guy came over my head, and landed face first on the concrete, OUCH, knocked out cold, I had to drag him off the pit floor to safety. Once I could see that he was moving and some what alert I got back into it.

Dare I say the size of shirt I bought? Large (which i am sure they had a stock pile), medium and small definitely a staple for everyone else there (weather they fit in those sizes or not who is to judge). The an XL sweatshirt... it is a touch big, but I hate when you have a good sweatshirt and the sleeves are too short.

At the end of the day, or night... I had a ton of fun, even though I wasn't able to share it with any friends.

Autocross 7

2007-10-25T15:58:00.000-04:00

The results are in for the Chesapeake Region PCA autocross #7. I again hit 2nd place... out of 3 people! I'll take it. I think my driving has improved quite a bit. Anyhow, it was a ton of fun and I can't wait until next years races. By then who knows how fast I'll be, Kimi Raikkonen watch out.

Chesapeake Region PCA Autocross #7

2007-10-14T19:06:00.000-04:00

This guy is not tough.

The final autocross by the Chesapeake Region PCA happened today. I got to race the 911 and had a blast again. The Kimmy (aka the wife) and Betty (aka the friendly Pitt Bull) came. I loved having their support and every one fell in love with Betty.

On my way to the race, I popped into my "PORSCHE" tape deck one of the few cassettes I still own... Firehose, so that I could get stoked on "Brave Captain" aka the morning song, aka Natas part. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptKi6pP5jGU

The day started with a little difficulty. Due to somebody not paying the monthly dues for the storage space that the autocross trailer was housed in the guys who put it together could not get the trailer out until 10am (instead of 7am). this set the start time 2.5 hours behind. Usually the event race starts running heats at 9am. Many of the people who showed up at 8am for check in heard the news and left. But about 24± cars/owners decide to stick it out.

So after an 2 hours of sitting around, a trip to McDonald's, and a few innings of a high school level baseball game (The autocross is at Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, MD)... the event began.

I had to work the 1st heat, in the infield. Picking up cones (if knocked over) and calling in drivers "Off Course" (result is the driver DNF or Did Not Finish/Disqualified run). I thought that being out there was very educational... I got to see where people made mistakes and some ways to make faster lines. Being out there, I feel is very important and helpful to learning the track.

My first run was my slowest... 71 seconds. I got a little loose in some of the corners. The course was less technical than the previous event. I think that my best score was 67.888ish seconds... although I had a 67.377ish finish, but on that run I hit one cone and that is an automatic 1 second penalty.

Considering the more experienced drivers were about 9 seconds faster than me, I felt that I have improved quite a bit since last race (thank you PGR 3).

This is me:

Short Shifter Part 3

2007-10-14T18:09:00.000-04:00

This weekend I spent a lot of time with the 911. Friday night I began working on the short shifter install. OMG was that tough. What I thought would take 2± hours (lead to believe by my signed copy of 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911, I ordered the book from Pelican Parts and it came signed, weird) ended up taking me 6± hours. Beyond an oil change, fuel filter change, tire rotation, replacement of air filters... I have zero experience fixing cars. But I decided that I was going to take on the challenge of installing a short shifter to the 911 and the recommended bushing replacement. Let's just say I must have put together and taken apart the shifter mechanism at the least 9 times (9 times), because of missed steps, parts that needed to be drilled bigger, stupidity, lack of attention to detail, and a few other things I am too embarrassed to talk about. But low and behold I did it and damn proud of it. She shifts like a dream now... tighter, more even more mechanical and of course shorter. Whew. I hope that I have the stamina to keep upgrading the 911.

Short Shifter Part 2

2007-10-12T09:05:00.000-04:00

I disassembeled the old shifter last night... it was more or less pretty easy. I broke on of the contact points for the console. It is no big deal, since I don't intend on reinstalling it. I need more room for my feet so I can learn the ways of heel toe downshifting. And less weight on the car. Wow, I am becoming a car dork.

Could be worse... I could be tuning Hondas (A tuned Asian import is like the special olympics, you can win a race, but you're still retarded). I know I used to own a WRX and loved that car and still think they are great vehicles... but I left it as is with no upgrades or tuning.

My hypocrisy, has no bounds.

Anyway, I have a new bushings coming in today and that will be all that I need to finish the short shifter upgrade.

Short Shifter

2007-10-10T14:47:00.000-04:00

Received my short shifter today. Unfortunalty, I did not receive the new bushings for the shifting mechanism. I may have to be a mechanic tonight... don't know if I can wait for the other parts.

I can't wait... autocross this weekend! I need the short shift! Bushings can wait.

Picked up Project Gotham Racing for the XBOX 360. OMG. Hooked. I want to buy the XBOX 360 steering wheel!

SSI

2007-10-03T13:23:00.000-04:00

I picked up my car today from SSI, paid them $91.00 for diagnosis that my rear passenger torsion bar is broke, which I think is false anyway ($1200± was my qoute to fix it). I feel that they are not my type of people I want servicing my 911. They are a great bunch of guys, but I have zero tolerance for people who cannot create timelines and get back to you when they say they will. Among a few other issuse I have with them, I have decided to end my relationship with SSI... my car is worth it, they are not.

I am bringing my car to GT Performance. I spoke with the owner Gennady, the owner and I have an inital gut feeling that he is going to be a good fit, for me and my car. We will see.

Helmet

2007-09-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

I bought a helmet yesterday, for autocrossing and track days. It is silver and hopefully matches my car. I can't wait to race on the 14th of October.

The SC is in the shop and I won't be able to pick it up until Wednesday... not because it is bad shape, but because the guys at SSI are horrible in providing time lines for their repairs. Then I am going to Texas on Monday and won't be back until late Tuesday night. Hopefully the car will be ready by then. It maybe the last time I bring it to SSI.

The Shop

2007-09-27T16:37:00.000-04:00

I spoke with the guys at SSI about my brake grinding, they said most likely the brakes were not warmed up enough and make the grinding sound when they are cold. Cool. But, I was looking at the SC in the garage the other night and noticed that she was leaning to the passenger side. I decided to measure the fender heights to see if my mind was playin' tricks on me... and the rear passenger side was low riding... 3/4" in the front and 1 1/2" in the back. The guys at SSI are looking at that today, along with double checking the brakes, just in case. Stay tuned.

Wierd Brake Sound

2007-09-25T09:05:00.001-04:00

Took the SC out this past weekend, and the brakes started to make a funny sound, kind of like the pads were worn out. But I just got new pads a few weeks ago. Wierd. I think I am going to take to the shop this week to have it check out. Sucks.

I took the wheel off and looked at the brakes... to be honest, I have no idea what I was looking for. I know what the parts are, what they do... but have no idea how to trouble shoot any of that.

2nd place

2007-09-20T22:14:00.001-04:00

http://www.pcachs.org/autocross/autox_results_07/ax2007_ax06_class.html

I placed second in my class at my first autocross!

Overall I was 18.238 seconds off the leader. And even though I placed 61st out of 74, I am still stoked! There were 911 GT3's, 911 Turbos, Barely street legal cars, track cars... etc. Mine is as stock as stock can get. And I feel I did alright. Next time I am going to shave off more time and become a real threat to cars 1/10 my cars age and drivers with more experience... ha ha, I feel like I am racing BMX again. If you ain't first, you're last. Ricky Bobby, Bobby Deerfield, Michael Delaney, Schumacher... I am coming for you!

My boss asked me yesterday, what my career plan was and I asked him with a straight face... "is Porsche race car driver on my list of options?" Honestly, I am not joking. If I could chose a new profession race car driver would be on my short list. But, I guess I'll have to settle with Senior Designer in charge of in-store experience, could be worse... I could be reading and editing spread sheets, yuck.

Autocross Photos

2007-09-17T13:36:00.001-04:00

Here is my lady next to a 356,which was loud and fast!

Some other nice ones.

This is not me, but it is a 1979 911sc, as close to mine as you could get that day.

My First Autocross

2007-09-16T21:39:00.000-04:00

Hooked! My oh my. I can't even begin to explain how much fun it is to autocross the 911.
We had 4 runs each today. I pretty much sucked. Although, lap by lap I got better times.

Lap 1: Since I am a first time a first time autocross driver, it was mandatory I have an instructor on board (at least the 1st lap). So, I was assigned a mid-50s woman, whose only advice for me was to slow down... she is pretty much never allowed in my car ever again, worthless is not a strong enough word to explain her. Needless to say I posted my slowest time. Ugh. Oh, by the way I DQ that lap, since I missed 1 gate, oops.

Lap 2: I got brave and decided to take this lap alone, after being very bitter about the last instructor. I did much better that lap... shaving off 6 seconds from the prior time and finished clean.

Lap 3: All hell has broken loose... Derek Schwarz, an avid autocrosser and 911 racer... was my instructor. Holy cow! I want to be his Padawan Learner. Basically from the second I hit the gas he was instructing... Go go go gas gas gas push push brake go go straight go go hard brake throttle push it push it... you get the picture, that went on until I crossed the finish line. WOW! what a huge difference. I shaved another 6 seconds off from my last lap. Thanks Derek.

Lap 4: I decided to run the final lap alone again. With a new understanding of when and where to push and to brake, I ran the car even better this lap...shaving off 2 more seconds.

I am sure that my times are in the lower 20% overall, but until they post the times, I will not know how I did in my class. Who cares! I felt like I went balls to the wall in the 911 and ha so much fun. I want to quit my job and race cars for a living!

I learned:
1. How far to push the 911, and how to feel for when she is going to get loose.

2. A great respect for those who can really rally their cars, and keep them under control.

3. My kidneys hurt after the lap with Derek and more after my 4th lap, cornering can kick your ass!

4. Autocross rules. I want to buy racing tires and a helmet.

Pics to come

Rennasance Festival

2007-09-03T22:21:00.001-04:00

The wife and I went to the Maryland Renaissance Festival this past Memorial Day Weekend. I have to admit it was pretty cool. Tons of things to learn, music to hear, performances to be seen.

I knew it was going to be a good time when we pulled up, parked and the guy who parked next to us got out of his car and said in a Balmerese (native Baltimore accent)... "Nice car partner." The 911 is great now that I have it back from the shop.

The Shop

2007-09-03T22:05:00.000-04:00

I brought my 911 to SSI Performance in Parkville, MD. I had a battery issue. My battery kept dying and no longer held a charge. Also, it had an engine leak.

So after 3 days and $1200, I had a few things fixed.:

-New battery
-Alarm siren dismantled (cause of battery drain). Alarm still works, as a kill switch with out sound.
-New brake pads and fluid
-Replaced a oil hose
-All new belts

I am pleased to have a car that starts when I need it to and no longer leaks. I am hoping that I will not have to spend that kind of money for at least 2 years... but who know what might happen.

Finally

2007-08-20T20:58:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, I finally bought my dream car. It is a 1978 911sc.

Back in 1986, I had a paper route delivering The Washington Post. I think the route yielded something like $75, a month. Anyway, I was 11 and I passed this red 911sc everyday, while on my paper route. Obviously I thought is was the coolest car I have ever seen, and still feel that way.

A few months ago, I saw this 911sc at Flemings Ultimate Garage:

It reunited me with my passion with this model 911. I was working this out on how to buy this thing, and I called Flemings to get info on the car. Sure enough the sales man want me to buy on the spot... bring your current car and trade it in... I wanted the car, but not without some research. After a few weeks I figured out how I was going to get it, so I emaled the salesman at Flemings. He told me the car had sold the night before. Damn.

I am a firm believer that a things happen for a reason. The car being sold sent me on a US wide search for the perfect 911sc. I found 911's in Seattle, Texas, Ohio and a couple of other states. Between searching for the perfect car and researching the 911sc models, I finally found the a very vague ad on the Potomac chapter of the PCA:

1978 Porsche 911SC, silver/black, 48,000 miles, excellent condition in and out, a non-smoker, original, garaged, AC, PW, no sunroof, body straight, runs strong as daily driver.

I sent an email to the contact... is this vehicle still for sale... and received an email back that it was. After a look and a drive, I decided that this was it. And here she is: