Learned'd VIII: Less Bewbs, Same Nonsense

[Kompresshun]

That thing looks really nice. I'd be all over something like that.

I actually was perusing through eBay after my post above. I'm starting to get interested in the CTS Wagon with the 3.6L in it. I think I could live with 306hp and 26mpg highway.

[WDRacing]

I rented a Magnum with the intent to purchase one. I hated it and returned it early. Blind spots and the view from the rear window was awful.

As far as transmissions go, I won't ever prefer a manual over an auto. Except maybe...MAYBE if it was a track car. Like a Miata, I would own a manual Miata. But for daily driving, auto > manual.

Being able to lay wheel on demand isn't remotely hard to accomplish. Any V8 that can over power the rear brakes can boil off a set of tires.

Not that I'm right and you're wrong, just giving my .02 on the matter.

[Kompresshun]

That was something I was curious about with the Magnum. It looks like the visibility would be horrible. I've never driven one.

While I tend to go with automatic for a daily driver, I will always prefer manuals. I'm not saying that because I think it's easier to do burnouts, because in all honestly it's not(especially with a line lock). It's because I like the control from the manual and being able to rip the gears myself. Plus with a V8 swap setup, to me a manual is more ideal because unless you're going with a really modern manual you're not going to be able to keep the RPM's low enough at highway speed without sacrificing fuel economy or performance.

[WDRacing]

Oh if I waz swapping motors, I'd almost certainly go with a manual. Fortunately, the Roadmaster came with the LT1. Just needs 6 psi or so to really wake it up.

[Kompresshun]

Yeah i'm talking the Volvo swap. It would have a turbo bolted to it as well though.

If it were a Roadmaster it would just get a shift kit and a turbo. Well and of course slammed on the ground with some sweet looking wheels.

[Kompresshun]

I'm not gonna lie, i'd totally rock one of these(Taurus wagon with the SHO engine swapped in):



And i'd absolutely love to have one of these:

[Bubba1]

Oh if I waz swapping motors, I'd almost certainly go with a manual. Fortunately, the Roadmaster came with the LT1. Just needs 6 psi or so to really wake it up.

Thing is with those big ol' Roadmaster/Caprice Classic/Vista Cruiser, Fordzilla wagons, they were such big heavy soft sprung luxobarges, that even with a modded V8 and/or man-pedal they're still not gonna feel sporty or remotely nimble. I say if you get one of them, keep it stock. they'd be worth a lot more, haul everything including the kitchen sink, be awesome for drive-in movies (if any still exist) and draw crowds.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Which is why it's hard for me to make myself want an SUV the more I think about it.

Right. If I was going to own an SUV (nevermind a luxury SUV) it would have to be a third or 4th car. I'd want a sedan and a pickup before I'd want an SUV.

Wagons FTW!

That Country Squire is beautiful.

[WDRacing]

I had a 77 Caprice Classic with a 350/Holley/Headers upgrade. It wasn't fast, but it was a lot quicker than the stock version.

A remote mount turbo would be very easy to install and it would give me another 100 or so whp. I wouldn't be looking for fast, but I'd like to pass and merge with authority. To easy not to do imho.

[Kompresshun]

Good MoD is here. Give me your thoughts on the CTS Wagon with the 3.6L in it, because I know you love the LFX.

The CTS-V is the manly way to go, but I probably shouldn't have 556hp at my disposal for hauling my kid around and commuting to work.

Brian - You're making me want to pick up an old land yacht estate wagon and turbo the holy f*** out of it.

[WDRacing]

I love the idea of fast land yachts. Always have.

[Dattebayo]

Just to break in here... I made some guacamole, first time doing it. It's f*cking AMAZING with jalapeno Tabasco added!

[WDRacing]

I use a lot of fresh jalapeno's when I make it. Sucks without them imho. Funny, I just recently started making that myself.

[Dattebayo]

Well, jalapenos are nice if you have the extra dough for whole ones. But the Tabasco green is better than just a substitute.

[WDRacing]

I haven't tried the Tobasco green, I'll check it out. Jalapenos aint that expensive. Course you're in DC, that state is retahded.

[Kompresshun]

I use fresh jalapenos in a lot of my recipes too. Canned and green Tabasco are fine, but it's just not the same.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Good MoD is here. Give me your thoughts on the CTS Wagon with the 3.6L in it, because I know you love the LFX.

The CTS-V is the manly way to go, but I probably shouldn't have 556hp at my disposal for hauling my kid around and commuting to work.

Brian - You're making me want to pick up an old land yacht estate wagon and turbo the holy f*** out of it.

Yeah, as much as I may be a power-hungry hoon and a V8 elitist, the LFX and LF3 have sure gone a long way toward convincing me that I could happily "settle" for a V6.

Supposedly, the LFX doesn't suffer from the timing chain problems that plagued the LLT. LLT was also known for oil consumption in some cases (not on a QR25 scale, but still more than acceptable) but I think LFX fixed those as well.

I think the 3.6 wagon is a great choice. Just keep in mind that only 2012 and later models get LFX. Earlier had the LLT. Still a great engine performance-wise, but not the most reliable on earth.

What I love about the GM HFV6 is that it's seriously refined. Moreso than any other V6 I've driven. It's very smooth, it doesn't sound gravelly or coarse, it doesn't drone, and and it's responsive. It ALMOST feels like an early-90s American V8, except that even the LFX can't mask the natural imbalance of the V6 layout completely. I can see why GM decided that it was an okay alternative to the Northstar in most cases (especially with boost added) since only ultra-V8-whores like me will really care about the difference.

I sure as Hell wouldn't complain about getting to drive an LFX CTS Wagon. The big downside: V6 wagons didn't get the third pedal; only the V Wagon got a row-your-own option.

[WDRacing]

But in the end, when push comes to shove and you're out shopping for a vehicle. Does it not generally persuade you to opt for the V8? I'm all about the V8 option. I don't even have any future plans of owning anything that doesn't have a V8. I don't consider gas mileage. I choose to pay that extra money every month, I call it happiness tax.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Oh, I definitely don't plan on owning anything non-V8 anytime soon. 3 out of my last 5 cars had V8s and I plan to improve that ratio going forward. I'll be harder to do as more and more automakers take the pansy-a** way out and ditch their eights entirely (I'm looking at you Johan De Nysschen and your ruination of the brand that made the Japan's greatest Musclecar (the C34 M45). But I still plan to do it. Fortunately I prefer used, so I'll just work my way through some heavily-depreciated STS-Vs, XJLs, and other wonderful V8 monsters and enjoy my drive while everyone else switches to "economical" crudemobiles.

I totally agree on fuel economy and the happiness tax. Even when I was commuting 60 miles a day round trip, the practical difference in operating cost was so small year-to-year that it wasn't worth considering. I bought the Q of DOOM just as gas crossed $4/gallon and never once regretted it.

These days, my "commute" is voluntary and I volunteer for it so I can hear my AJ35 growl happily at the world. I could walk the half-mile to work. But that wouldn't be nearly as fun.

There are few things in the world more therapeutic than the contented burble of a DOHC V8.

[WDRacing]

The burble is nice, but those peak torque moments where my kids go "woooooooooh" and put there hands in there air...I live for those. Some people call those bursts irresponsible. I'm not one of those people.

[Kompresshun]

I think the fuel economy and the happiness tax is a great point. Honestly if that were the case I'd opt for the CTS-V or a gas guzzling truck. I'm still trying to be a little sensible though because if we move somewhere that I need to commute 45 min or so per day, then I will be a little more worried about fuel economy. It doesn't have to be a Prius, but I'd like to stay in the low to mid 20s on the highway.

[Bubba1]

I think the fuel economy and the happiness tax is a great point. Honestly if that were the case I'd opt for the CTS-V or a gas guzzling truck. I'm still trying to be a little sensible though because if we move somewhere that I need to commute 45 min or so per day, then I will be a little more worried about fuel economy. It doesn't have to be a Prius, but I'd like to stay in the low to mid 20s on the highway.

Of course, buying a Prius is grounds for immediate man card revocation (except for one with an LS1 conversion) . I love Brian's concept of "happiness" tax.

[Kompresshun]

Oh, you'll never see a Prius in my driveway. I'll walk before I drive one. I'm serious too - my in-laws bought one last year and I haven't rode in it, or drove it a single time. I refuse to.

The happiness tax is an excellent concept. The more I think about it, I think it's really something I should consider more too because while my Five Hundred has been fine my daily commute would be so much more therapeutic with a V8 exhaust note. Plus, since i've already been considering trucks and SUV's, a CTS-V wouldn't be any worse most likely.

[WDRacing]

Good morning people!

It's funny, we're talking about a tax that we actually don't mind paying.

[MinisterofDOOM]

It's funny, we're talking about a tax that we actually don't mind paying.

I think the difference is that this tax is optional.

[Nicodomeus]

I am back suckers! it is GOnissanTOM btw

[sx moneypit]

Mornin' folks!TGIF!!

[WDRacing]

Afternoon Ben! Going house shopping this weekend. You got any plans?

[sx moneypit]

Afternoon Ben! Going house shopping this weekend. You got any plans?

Howdy Brian!Good luck on the house shopping,hope you find one.

I am going to get the 240 out of the garage and clean it up for some photos (thinking about selling it).

[MinisterofDOOM]

Just want to say:

The Universe is (as always) an a**.
All week it was mid-high 60s outside. Of course I spent the week in my office, not benefitting from it at all.
Saturday, when I'm free to step outside for a bit? Mid-50s at best.

Screw you Universe.

Screw you.

One of these eons, when I'm a planet-sized computer/human cyborg ruling over all hnau civilization with a benevolent fist and infinite powers and their accompanying infinite rage, you will regret having messed with me.