2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Worthy of the Name? – Autoholics.
Chevy hasn’t used the Stingray name since 1967.
C7 2014
Thanks for reading. Lots more to come – drop a comment, pick up the Feed, register!!!
Tim
So by now you’ve heard and mostly seen the new C7 Corvette for 2014.
I don’t think there’s been a more redesigned Vette since the 1984 C4.
5 Driving modes
7 Speed Manual transmission
99 lbs lighter than the C6
Direct Injection with push-rods in a small block
And Camaro taillights!!!
Here are some pics:
Tell me what you like and what you don’t!!
Tim
With Barrett Jackson Auction just a few days way. Take a look at Craig Jackson’s Garage in Paradise Valley, AZ
Very cool
Tim
With the new C7 just days away with from it’s reveal – will it look the a Camaro or not much of a change from the C6?
We don’t exactly know, but what we do know it will have the GM small block a mainstay for 57 years. This version will be almost all new and dubbed the “LT1”, (after the 70’s engine) and will be naturally aspirated with direct fuel injection (the first with push rods). The idea is that the base Corvette will have 450 hp and 450 lb-ft, compression will be 11.5:1 and get 26 miles per gallon (yeah….RIGHT!!).
Read some more at the link below and in the Feb 2013 Edition of Motor Trend read “Up Close and Personal With the LT1” (page 15).
Next-Gen LT1 6.2-Liter V-8 for 2014 Corvette Revealed with 450 HP, New Tech – WOT on Motor Trend.
6.2 Liter LT1
Thanks for reading.
Tim
Tell me what you know about hot rods?
Well they’re cool! Yes, that’s true. But what makes them cool?
The shine of the chrome, the rumble of the engine, the ear-splitting sound of no headers that lead to the high-pitched sound of rubber over coming friction. Yup all that too!!
If you are an owner, working on them make it pretty cool too, despite the mess.
I was reading an article in GoodGuys magazine where the writer (a hot rodder) would love to greet new neighbors by revving his hot rod and laying down some rubber in front of their house. In the course of article he matured a bit which improved his standing with the neighbors.
I’m glad he did because frankly he wasn’t doing the hobby of hot rodding or muscle car ownership any favors. It reflects poorly on us and makes it harder to protect the ability to pursue the hobby at home. There’s no reason to be a “Richard Cranium” (I have friends whose kids read this)!!!!
Let me share a story from my own neighborhood.
A few years back a guy moved in next door who was a DPS (State Trooper). I was glad to see that since I’m a former cop and I was “DELIGHTED” when a couple of days later a bright yellow 1962 Chevy II drag car showed up on a trailer outside his house. It was all I could do to keep from running over there and take it off the trailer for him. The car was beautiful. And the first day he fired it up – windows rattled 1/4 mile away. It was awesome!!!
After a couple of months the thrill ran out. The owner would move the car out of his garage on to the driveway and running for long periods of time – while tuning and most of that was a the same decibel level you get at the drag strip that’s just 7 miles way (you can actually hear it on a calm day in my front yard). As much as I enjoy cars, especially those that are fast and loud, there became a point where I starting to think my other neighbors were right to complain.
Now listen, my Mustang is pretty loud, and I’m sure a few of my neighbors are bothered slightly – but this guy made me look like a saint!!!
But, I think the tipping point for me was when he and a buddy (I would loved to help – in fact it might have been better if I did…the ‘why’ is coming up) decided to tear down that monster power plant in the driveway. “Well what of it?” You might be tempted to ask. Well they did so while allowing a wide stream of all the fluids (oil, antifreeze, fuel) to run down the driveway (driveway has a steep angle) into and across the street (which is mid-way a slope) and down the gutter on the opposite side. It traveled about some distance passing about 4 house/driveways. Needless to say neighborhood cars’ tires spread it further down the street and into their respective driveways.
Now, I like working on my cars and the “why” it would have been better if I had helped is the fact that I have all the containers I personally use to capture, hold and properly dispose of these fluids. Oh, I’ve had my share of spills, but nothing as offensive as their failure to even attempt to stem the flow, much less clean it up.
Adding insult to injury, they left that big block GM motor open and dripping for two more days.
This was of course unacceptable to most on the street and as a car guy, I was horrible disappointed that a follow enthusiast had such disregard for those around him and the environment. It wasn’t much after that I saw the car on the trailer and a moving van followed.
Now I know that owning a hot rod or muscle car isn’t perfectly clean but there is no excuse for such behavior.
Do what you can to protect the environment, and the image of the hobby. Don’t be a Richard Cranium and ruin it for the rest of us.
So be reasonable and responsible!!!
1. Keep the mess contained to your garage or property.
2. Capture your fluids in the proper containers and have it disposed of properly. Make friends with the local auto repair places and they may even take it off your hands. Even auto parts stores will help recycle some fluids.
3. If you can’t afford the containers or to have the fluids disposed of, then maybe you should have the car.
4. Don’t run your car at inconsiderate hours and for extended periods. (I try very hard to warm up the Mustang and get out of the housing development a soon a possible. I also do what tune up and testing as necessary but if I have to upon it up I’ll take to outside housing area to do so.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
I happen to live where the weather is nice nearly year round. You could almost always work on your car. But even here in Southern Arizona, we get a cold spells….HEY…36 degree (morning temperature) is cold!!!!
Ok…enough whining. There are many of you that live a bit North of here and driveing much less working on your project car is more like Man vs. Wild in the Antarctic – I know I’ve lived in Nebraska and up-state (way up) New York.
So one cool way to spend the winter it collecting model cars (actually you can do that any time). I wrote a piece about 3 years ago (Yikes I’ve been writing this blog for that long!!!) about collecting model cars. Here a link: When You Just have to have that Classic/Muscle Car?…Think Small!!!! http://wp.me/p2YxYx-1rV
As you can see (compared to 3 years ago) my collection has grown a bit.
The Mustangs
The Vettes
Few others
More of the collection.
These are only a few that I have room to display. Of course these were all purchased and unless you are big in to dusting, this isn’t really going to help those winter months speed by.
But building your own can be rewarding. Here are a couple I have on deck for building.
This is a 1963 model kit of a Stutz Bearcat and a Model T
The Stutz model pieces are not there, but yes I’m gong to but the Model T together.
After that I have this one coming up:
1930 Packard. This is a 1960’s model – the original box is long gone
What am I working on now?
How about an Edsel? Yup love those cars.
Here’s the body in the first stage of painting:
Edsel in paint
This is an experiment. It’s the first model car I’ve painted by spraying on the paint. This is the first coat and it will be sanded and re-sprayed. I want this two toned with the rear quarter panel inserts will be black or white. So I experimented with some liquid masking that my wife uses when she is doing her rendering.
Art Masking Liquid
This actually worked very well. After it’s applied it rubberizes and protects the area from paint spray. It comes right off when you are done. I used a pencil eraser (exactly what my wife uses on her hand rendered drawings and I used a tooth pick to get around the lettering.
So spend you winter building a classic, or a hot rod, or a muscle car!
Thanks for reading.
Tim
This is a repeat – it got lost in the move to the new domain – I had to add it back to the archives so I could refer to it in my up and coming post on Model Cars.
I should throw “collecting” in the title of this blog (but it’s really long enough), because, although it’s about 2.5 months old, I have mentioned collecting a bunch of times. But really that is part of hobby as well.
Of course if I were to list all the cars I’d love collect, it would be fairly long and in reality (my reality) unaffordable..unless you are Jay Leno… I hate that guy. Ok..I don’t hate him…not really..the green-eyed monster made me say that.
Since I’m not as funny as Jay and I have to work for a living….what?…..ok..ok….I’m sure Jay works very hard…I guess…it’s tough reading funny newpaper clips….ok…Sorry Jay, I have “substituted” this alternative method of obtaining the cars I’d love to own.
You all figured it out yet? I’m talking about models, scale diecast replicas. There is an entire industry out there that produces, imports and markets these items. Some of them are extremely well done.
Here are some shots of my collection. I’m concentrating on the Mustangs and Corvettes in the sizes 1/18 or 1/24 scale.
These are a few of Mustangs
And these are a few of the Corvettes.
Most of these are Danbury Mint and GMP pieces, I do like what they produce, lots of details and they are affordable (around $100.00 each).
Here is a few shots of the 1967 GT 350.
The Franklin mint produces cars, Greenleaf, Motormint, just to name a few.
It’s fun and affordable and they do increase in value. It’s gotten so popular that even the mainstream car magazines like Hemmings (they normally have at least one article in every Motor News edition), Mustang Monthly and Corvette magazine have articles that discuss this portion of the hobby and even rate the quality of individual brands and their offerings.
If you collect already or want to get started drop a comment to this post. Toss in some pic as well.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
SEBRING, Fla. (January 6, 2013) – A foggy Florida morning cancelled final qualifying and led to an auspicious start to the final day of the BFGoodrich Tires SCCA Super Tour, but fantastic racing from six group races turned the tide and established the leaders in the Eastern Conference Majors Tour and SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series on Sunday afternoon at Sebring International Raceway.
The grids for Sunday were set based on Friday’s afternoon qualifying session, and when the fog lifted and the sun appeared, the Spec Racer Ford class cut right to the heart of the action. The No. 61 PM Racing polesitting machine of Brian Schofield, the No. 17 Meco Inc. Spec Racer of Saturday winner Franklin Futrelle, and the No. 58 Cottage Senior car of defending National Champion Cliff White turned up the heat. Joined by Tray Ayres’ No. 07 Ayres Racing Spec Racer Ford and tailed by Richie Stanley’s No. 66 PelicanWater.com entry, the five broke away from the field to sort out the podium.
White, Futrelle and Schofield all took turns at the front of the field, mixing it up in an encore performance of Saturday’s show.
With one to go, Schofield and White crossed the line in a virtual dead heat. White led in the run through the Gurney Bend but couldn’t fend off the draft of Schofield and Futrelle into Turn 7, falling to third. Schofield led Futrelle down the back stretch and into Sebring’s final corner, but Futrelle got just enough of a run to the checkered flag to inch in front for his second win of the weekend.
The final margin was so close that transponder placement in those two machines actually showed Schofield in the lead, though Futrelle was visibly in front at the stripe.
During Saturday’s races, the No. 40 Hoosier Tire/Hasselgren Engineering Swift 014a/Toyota of Keith Grant dominated the Formula Atlantic field through a host of full course cautions. Though Grant was passed near the finish after the final yellows flew, race officials corrected the final results, and awarded Grant the victory.
On Sunday, Grant left little doubt again, racing off to the overall and class win during the Group Five race to sweep the weekend’s pair of races, grab the pole, and take the Eastern Conference Majors Tour point lead in the Formula Atlantic class. Grant took an 11.838-second win over Jimmy Simpson, who finished runner-up two days in-a-row in the No. 01 RacePro Marketing Swift 008/Toyota.
Among the closed-wheel machines, Greg Ira had an impressive showing in E Production. Ira swept the weekend in the No. 2 Starbrite Startron Datsun 240Z. In that same Group Three race on Sunday, Peter Shadowen’s GT-Lite class No. 72 Road N Race Automotive/Goodyear Honda CRX Si held off the No. 71 Nissan Sentra piloted by Paul Mevoli by just 0.250-second to take the win. Mevoli chased Shadowen through the entire race, with both running in the top five overall throughout.
The busiest man of the BFGoodrich Tires Sebring Super Tour was Andrew Charbonneau. Charbonneau, of Delray Beach, Fla., ran six races over the weekend with the doubleheaders in Spec Racer Ford, Super Touring Lite, and Spec Miata.
The Spec Racer Ford races didn’t go as planned for Charbonneau, who started from the rear of the field on Saturday but still made it up to 18th place in the 54-car field. That would be his best finish of the weekend in that class, as his car experienced mechanical issues after just one lap on Sunday and ended his race prematurely.
His No. 01 Jeffy Boy Racing Mazda Miata swept the weekend in Super Touring Lite, and impressive third and fourth-place finishes, respectively, in the 52-car Spec Miata field capped the weekend’s performance.
Rounds three and four for the Eastern Conference Majors Tour take place at Road Atlanta, March 15-17. The next scheduled BFGoodrich Tires Super Tour weekend heads across the country at Auto Club Speedway, January 25-27, at the BFGoodrich Tires Western Super Tour presented by Porterfield Brakes.
More information, including complete results, is available at www.sccamajors.com. Follow SCCA on Twitter @SCCAOfficial, and like the club on Facebook at facebook.com/SCCAOfficial.
SEBRING, Fla. – Final race winners from Sunday’s BFGoodrich Tires SCCA Sebring Super Tour at Sebring International Raceway. Drivers are listed by Class: name, hometown, and car.
American Sedan: Jeffrey Werth, Silver Spring, Md., Chevrolet Camaro
B-Spec: Robbie Davis, Irving, Texas, Mini Cooper
C Sports Racing: Jacek Mucha, Laval, Quebec, Swift JMS 01
D Sports Racing: Jim Hallman, Kitchener, Ont., Stohr WF1/Suzuki
Formula 500: Cory McLeod, Charlotte, N.C., Red Devil F500/Rotax
Formula 1000: Glen Cooper, Roswell, Ga., RFR F1000/Suzuki
Formula Atlantic: Keith Grant, Germantown, Pa., Swift 014a/Toyota
Formula Continental: Christopher Miller, Edina, Minn., Van Diemen/Ford
Formula Enterprises: Scott Rettich, Camden, N.J., Formula Enterprises/Mazda
Formula F: Lewis Cooper III, Grosse Point, Mich., Van Diemen/Ford
Formula Mazda: Carson Weeder, Winter Haven, Fla., Star Formula Mazda
Formula Vee: Steven Davis, Danielsville, Ga., Racer’s Wedge/VW
E Production: Greg Ira, Plantation, Fla., Datsun 240Z
F Production: Don Ahrens, Gainesville, Fla., Mazda Miata
H Production: Bradley Davis, Summerville, S.C., Mini Cooper
GT-1: Simon Gregg, Ponte Vedra, Fla., Chevrolet Corvette
GT-2: John Kachadurian, Chicago, Ill., Porsche GT3 Cup
GT-3: Mark Ward, Loxahatchee, Fla., Toyota Paseo
GT-Lite: Peter Shawdowen, Loxahatchee, Fla., Honda CRX Si
Spec Miata: Danny Steyn, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mazda Miata
Spec Racer Ford: Franklin Futrelle, Augusta Ga., Spec Racer Ford
Sports 2000: Bart Wolf, Elkhart Lake, Wis., Carbir CS2/Ford
Super Touring Lite: Andrew Charbonneau, Delray Beach, Fla., Mazda Miata
Super Touring Under: Jim Taggart, Cary, N.C., Lotus Exige
Touring 1: Joe Aquilante, Chester Springs, Pa., Ford Mustang
Touring 2: Albert Nocerine, Forty Fort, Pa., Ford Mustang
Touring 3: Brian Kleeman, Baltimore, Md., Nissan 350Z
Touring 4: Lance Stewart, Coconut Grove, Fla., Ford Mustang
Image: Keith Grant swept the Formula Atlantic races this weekend in Sebring.
Credit: Dave Green
(For a web resolution sized image, right click and “save as”)
Thanks for reading
Tim
Old Gas Stations pics from http://hipspics.freewebspace.com/gas/gas.html
Send to me by Florida Joe!!! Thanks Joe.
Thanks for Reading.
Tim
