One Lap of America 2011 – The Dramatic Start of RedFive

Before getting the turbocharged E34 535i to the start of One Lap in Indiana, Justin Kababik and Baer Connard wanted to make sure that everything was working properly and the car was race-ready. Needless to say, things were not perfect. Here is a day-by-day rundown of the week prior to the start of the race.

Monday, April 18^th

Shake down test at Lime Rock Park. Not since 2001 has RedFive made it back from the track under its own power, so these were trying times. RedFive performed very well however. Sure, there were minor issues such as vacuum hoses popping off, or brakes which didn’t work too good, or the occasional disappearance of coolant (more on both of these later). The great news was that handling was sharp and neutral, and despite not getting all 17psi of boost every time the throttle was applied, the acceleration was great. … Continue Reading

Final Preparations for One Lap of America 2011

Having a project car means having a to-do list. Having a project car which is also a racecar means having a to-do list with a deadline. If your project is not completed well in advance of the race, you’re not racing, it’s that simple. Redfive Turbo E34 is no exception and with the start of One Lap of America at the end of the month, that deadline and that to-do list are butting heads.

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El Diablo – The Most Powerful M5

Before a new model of a car is available for sale, chances are that an internet forum for the said model already exists. Potential future owners discuss options, colors, features, rumors and their plans for the car. Once the cars are available for sale, prices are discussed, followed by questions regarding which engine mods make the most power and which rims look best.

Then there is that one guy, the guy who has been on the forum from the get go, the guy with 20 posts per day. He is that guy, the guy who goes all out and builds a car of epic proportions. No expense is spared on his car, it gets only the best of stuff and is taken to only the best of tuners. The car becomes an instant legend, gains a cult following, and in the process shuts up all the haters. That car was El Diablo, and it was the most powerful M5 ever made.

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Project 2002 VW Basket Case – NASA Racer

Midlife crisis – a term coined in 1965 by Elliott Jaques to describe a period of dramatic self-doubt that is felt by some individuals in the middle years of life, as a result of sensing the passing of their own youth and imminence of their old age. (Wikipedia)

But, it can’t be!  I’m far too young to have a midlife crisis.  And, besides, this was not a rash decision.  I have been slowly working towards this goal for close to five years, now.  So, let’s call it a 1/3 life crisis.  That may be presumptuous, claiming that I will live to the ripe old age of 117, but no matter how you add it up, I ain’t getting any younger, so it’s time to just do it.

And, what is it, you may ask?  Why, it’s my very own racecar!  Well, race car in a box might be a better way to say it.  I had purchased a V8 Mercedes to run on the track for NASA HPDE 1 in the summer of 2011. However, as I gradually massaged the car into shape, two big problems began to rear their ugly heads:  … Continue Reading

DIY Project Completed with Help From Internet Forums

Internet car forums are a beautiful thing. They are the common ground for like-minded individuals to come together to discuss problems, exchange ideas and offer suggestions. And fight, call names, and offer unjustified opinions all in the name of developing the status of forum alpha e-male – the guy who knows it all, the guy who has been around. Witty “title” proudly displayed under his username, abstract-yet-meaningful avatar, and four-figure response count solidifies his creed. His signature proudly displays his ride, lists its modifications, and the cars he has once owned. Internet alpha e-male he is indeed, we’ve all seen them. … Continue Reading

Project: Honda Accord Radio Replacement

My brother-in-law is the antithesis of a carguy. For him a car is an appliance designed to get him from point A to point B, reliably and at a low cost. He therefore drives a Honda Accord LX, an ’04 model, now with 140,000 miles. He will run into the ground and then promptly replace it with a similar vehicle. He keeps up on maintenance religiously, but sometimes things just stop working. One day, the display on his radio went out. After that the radio would come on and off intermittently.

My initial suggestion to him … Continue Reading

Project: Trailer Hitch Install

One of the best accessories to any family vehicle is a trailer hitch. Aside from the obvious ability of towing a trailer, a hitch has many more benefits, which are listed after the jump. It’s a cheap and easy way of putting more U into your SUV.*

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