JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Here's a few pics of the new car. Still breaking it in and there's snow out here!@# But at least I got to play a little bit before the snow boots go on.

Did a short break in run today into rural northern IL. Didn't push it too hard on the turns, but looks like first order of business with be stiffer sway bars come spring.

The engine and clutch are so different from what I'm used to, it will take some time to readjust. Seems like the first 3 gears have upward of 700-1000 rpm difference between them (or close to it). Also, this engine drops revs so quickly when off the throttle, it's not even funny. I think it's about onpar with my motorcycle, maybe even faster. I'm finding it very important to shift quickly and to add a touch of throttle when letting up off the clutch (re-engaging). The upper 3 gears (4-6) don't have as large of a rpm drop between them, but shift smoothly when done quickly. Very very different from my camaro, which dropped revs at snail's pace in comparison. I'll be relearning the throttle/clutch process to shift smoothly again.

Another anomaly is first gear. With the camaro, I was able to shift into first at 10-15 mph quite easily with a blip. This trans doesn't seem to like it. In fact, I think at anything over 8-10 mph, using 2nd is just fine.

Downshifts are quite easy all the way down to 3rd and come out quite smooth with a little rev matching.

I do wish the throttle was a bit stiffer. Perhaps I can improvise by swapping the clutch pedal spring into the throttle..

So far no major complaints about the car at all. I do wish the center console was more practical. The cup holder is a joke. How do you shift while something is in it. For now I use it for storing a pen and the garage door opener.

J2S2M

iTrader: (22)

I love this color! Congrats man.. say hello to your new money pit! lol

huwee06

iTrader: (1)

Congrats! Happy modding and btw your in the coupe thread; I know you secretly love coupe>sedan lol

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

@J2S2M I know about money pit toys. Spend $$$ on 2 wheels, then spend about 1/3 of $$$ on upgrades, mods, accessories, etc. It's an endless pit.

@huwee06 You're probably right. The coupe was the first 6mt I test drove some months back. Needed the space/practicality of the 4 doors though.

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Here's a few pics of the snow wheels. These were taken today with my cell phone, so not the highest quality.







The wheels are from discount tire, with black trim

MB Wheels Alpina custom wheels in the Chicago Area - Discount Tire/America's Tire

18 x 8.0 x +40mm offset w/ michelin xice2 225/50/18 all around

MisterC

One of my favorite colors, you have superb taste.

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

It's been slightly over a month now with the new car. Still in the process of breaking (note the proper use of the term, not braking) it in, ~900 miles. No major issues to speak of. A few plastic rattles on the passenger side. Likely a result of plastic and the cold. If this persists in spring, then I'll look further into it.

The car is a dream to drive and difficult to keep at the speed limit. High cost of fuel and soft snow tires is the restraining force right now. MPG has been reasonable at around 21mpg combined (this is calculated by using math, not the display's readout).

Looking forward to warmer temps to put the summer tires back on and get the sways installed. Considering a louder axle back exhaust to get a bit more feel of the car/engine.

Other mods will include hid for the fogs. Brighter turn signal bulbs would be nice too. Too bad a whelen mini light bar can't be stuffed in there. I'm still undecided about the hid reverse lights.

I'll follow up with an update with current thoughts after a some miles have passed after the upgrades.

mrxipresume

Hi Can you please confirm for me that you are running 225/50/18s? from the pics (which looks pretty slick) it looks like you have 45 profile tires?

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Unless the tires were mislabeled, they are 50 profile. No speedo error that I can recall either. Optical illusion.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Looking good Solo, but isn't this the coupe section, lol
BTW, what else is on your mod plan?

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

Coupe sure... I was looking for a 4 door camaro, so this was the logical place to put it. I'm not sure if there was a sedan media share subgroup at the time.

Btw, considering my last response was 18 months ago, what you see in the sig is about all it's going to get. I'm not overly attached to my vehicles, and any/all mods are strictly for non cosmetic reasons.