'96 Riv I just picked up

Thanks Robo. It's not so great looking in person (Mainly because of the paint). It's all there, it just has that problem with sticking to the primer that people seem to have. Plus the drivers side rear quarter panel was repainted at some point before I owned it. It's a different shade of white.......

That car is barely broken in!

Looks very nice Matt! I hate ice and winter crap just as much as you do, and i try to keep mine inside as much as possible. The cars look sad when left outside, but they still agree to start up every morning either way!

Yep, surprisingly the only issues when starting are when it's HOT out. It's never stranded me, but every now and again it takes 2 tries to get it running. Can you believe that the picture in the dark is one I took before leaving for school?

I noticed that the front end felt much more planted. I got the squirrely feeling rear end that everyone seems to get. I'll give it a proper hoon tomorrow. Could I live without it? Yes. Was it worth it? Probably. Am I glad I did it? Very. Does anyone have any tips for cleaning up/dressing up my engine bay? It's filthy and I can't stand it.

Squirrely rear end = maybe time for rear shocks, although the air ride maigh be working the cases may have lost the hydraulic oil and don't damp anymore.

cleaning engine bay: an engine brush, purple power or simple green or GUNK Engine Brite - scrub off the grime, rinse and blow dry with a wet-dry vac. Put DOT 5 silicone brake fluid or Armor All or some such on a rag and wipe down the rubber bits.

It's not like it's sliding around everywhere, but the back just feels more lively. Not really a "I'm going to lose it" kind of way.

matt270avian wrote:

It's not like it's sliding around everywhere, but the back just feels more lively. Not really a "I'm going to lose it" kind of way.

Just look at the shocks. You are looking for bulges in the metal cases below the rubber bellows. You are also listening for how long the compressor runs. Should be less than 30 sec at startup. Should be less than 20 sec if car is not loaded. Longer, and you likely have a bladder leak.

Albertj

Will do. I got to have a little fun today. 25mph on ramps at (before install-35) 45 no problem. 35-40mph turns at 60. That being said, I did take those turns harder than I normally would with the bar installed. It was more of a test than a regular thing. Going to try and get my radio installed today.

My radio was a bum unit. And of course the guy I bought it from won't answer. Going to send it in to Pyle to hopefully get it fixed if it doesn't cost me a million bucks. Running the old Dual unit for now. At least I found some hidden features in the menu that made it sound a bit better (choose between sub and rear speakers for bass, choose 2 or 4 channel, and choose digital+analog or just analog signals).

Look what I got  What filter do you all recommend? And same question for the gaskets/clamping hardware on the headers. How much and how many of everything? I was told to use the stock gaskets if I could, but just in case I can't.. Any specific sealant? Transmission fluid and filter are getting done tomorrow HOPEFULLY.

Met up with my friend today to practice driving stick. His other friend has a new (2011?) Camaro that he let us use. It was fairly base, and I hated the clutch on it. That and I didn't really like the exhaust note. Not really for me (maybe if it was a V8).







He's also selling these rims. They look alright, but I just think they might be a bit too bling-shitty. What do you all think? They are 5x114.3 but they bolted on and the hub sat flush so I think they're fine. They also have another bolt pattern, but I'm not sure what it is.

I think they actually look pretty good on your car. If the price is right, I say do it. You can always sell them later.

PS - for base trim, bet you weren't disappointed with the Z's acceleration.  

I think they look alright. He's asking $500 for them. 3/4 tires are good with about 50-75% tread left. The 4th tire was out of alignment so it's down to the bead. Not disappointed with the Z at all, especially for how little he has done to it. Willing to bet that once he gets that turbo kit it will just haul. I meant the Camaro was base, but the Z is pretty base as well.

There was about 2 inches on the ground when I parked it last night. Measured 15 on the hood a couple minutes ago, so ~17 total.

I'd probably pass on the wheels for $500 considering the tires aren't all that great. You can get MSR's for under $500 easy.

I know I'm a cheap-skate (that's what my wife says anyway), but based on your description... $350 tops.

Matt get out there and get some more snow camo pictures. This photo looks as if you're playing peek-a-boo with your Riv while in your pajamas  . Wade on out there and take some real pictures!!!!   

Rivit, just because I love you.

Footprints instead of shoe prints would ov been perfect! Shorts or no shorts = class act.     I'm nominating one of these for next years calendar cover!!!
Now go back inside and put some pants on.   Thanks

Nah, still rockin the shorts. Dad made me clean it off though :/

Autocross Videos:





I have another video that I need to crop because I gave someone my phone number and email in it. Give me a bit on that one.

haha...

Here's the edited video:



I'm pretty sure this was my quickest clean run (mid 43 second). My very last run felt faster but since I hit the starter cone I got a "DNF"