911 project 2008 #1

-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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.