TheAutoLog Blog

Happy New Year!

January 1st, 2009 · by: Alex · 0 Comments
 
Happy New Year to all the Awesome AutoLoggers!!!
 

Black Ice got her coal for Xmas

December 31st, 2008 · by: goingbigger · 0 Comments
 
It is has been, votes have been counted and the money is the available (ok nothing to extravagant like that but always wanted to say it) and I am buying a LS2. Back in August I was contemplating a LS2 upgrade but after many discussions with the buddies the vote was swayed back to suspension.

Over the holidays I went down to Oregon to visit with family, enjoy food and drink and just some relaxing down time. The weather in Washington is just starting to get better from the snow; there was 2 feet in my town. During that time I day dreamed I had the 4x4 again. But instead I drove around on chains doing 20mph watch my paint turn is scuffed up looking black; its still a dirty mess.

So while down in Oregon my cousin told me he has a 07 LS2 block sitting in garage that he is desperately wanting off load. Hmmm, LS2 you say. So for $400 bucks I get an LS2 with a scored cylinder wall (not bad, needs to be re-sleeved and bored out).

Question: Anyone know where to run numbers off a block at?

Hopefully by Summer I can have the whole bottom end done but not really into a major rush; just happy to be starting. Will keep you all posted...been a better part of 4 years since my last motor I did. Hopefully the skills are still in place to bust knuckles and swear a lot at bolts that don’t go in on the first time :P
 

Merry Christmas Autolog!

December 25th, 2008 · by: Flashwing · 2 Comments
 
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone here at the Autolog! It's been an action packed year but I'm sure that 2009 is going to bring some interesting events, mods, and excitement!

Till then, drive fast and take lots of risks!
 

Keeping it real

November 29th, 2008 · by: goingbigger · 3 Comments
 
As a person who enjoys the interaction of social networks it is amazing to see, after reading 80Blazer80's blog, that some people are just out to see how cool they can make themselves. For me, and I taking a leap of faith here, and Autolog members we are hear to have fun, converse and share knowledge of automobiles just for the fun of it. Not to see how much shameless self promotion we can generate to a profile.

At the end of October I was reading an article on the challenges faced by many Web 2.0 Companies since the national economy is seeing a economic slowing. Many social sites, like the Autolog rely on users to grow content and authority in order to gain advertising dollars.

(Let me be clear that I know nothing about the Autolog's business model, strategy or future plans and this is just an observation I am making.)

While many social sites rely on users to make the site what it is, there are many social sites that mimic other social sites to much and have not carved out a niche of their own and as a result many of these sites are facing major challenges. One site I am apart of, cre8buzz, is a prime example. Founded on a similar Web 2.0 concept with a slightly unique concept, cr8buzz ran out of funding and was in danger of disappearing. But lady luck was one the buzz's side and they are back in action.

Going back to 80Blazer80's point, social networks do have an inherent problem with people being fake or just not real people in the first place, using a site to inflate egos and do harm to others, remember the MySpace mom who drove the girl to suicide?

For me joining the Autolog was about sharing and interacting with people that have a similar interest in the automotive industry. A place where a person can join, ask questions, talk with others without the problems that plague other networks. So far, I could be wrong about this, I haven't seen anything like what happens on other networks (and is why I am no longer on those ones).


I would love to see the Autolog continue long into the future, grow its membership and continue to be a fun place to share experiences, pass along knowledge, and inspire others to just have some old fashioned auto fun.
 

The Choices We Make...

November 18th, 2008 · by: Flashwing · 3 Comments
 
Hello Autolog!

Wow, it’s been a while hasn’t it! I’ve been around but I’ve sadly had a pretty big writer’s block because of all the stuff going on in my life within the past few months. It’s been one setback after another with my RX8 but I’ve been working through the problems one at a time.

Since August I’ve had one of my major gauges nearly catch on fire and burn my car to the ground, I’ve had some of my suspension adjustment parts stop working, my race battery has decided to stop holding a charge, and I ended up causing damage to my bumper from a shredded tire. Because of all this I’ve had to put all my racing and shows on hold till I can get everything taken care of. I was still able to attend Sevenstock this year which was a lot of fun.

If you’re a person like me and insist on having your ride in tip top shape you can understand how this has been a frustrating experience when you’re trying to not only get involved in local racing but also improve your setup. I’ve spent a lot of time dealing with vendors to see if warranty replacements can be issued. It’s been a lot of time on the phone, sending emails, and chasing voicemail messages. Needless to say I’ve had to ask myself a couple times why I even bother with this car stuff.

Still, I couldn’t help but stop myself because of all the great things that have happened over the years and how it all started with my car. Shortly after I purchased my RX8 I joined a local Mazda club here in Arizona and have since then made a lot of great friends. Since then everything has changed as I dealt with challenges and struggles both personally and professionally.

Everything from my understanding of cars, my social life, and even my job have all been made possible because of the people I’ve met through my car club.
All of these life changing events happened to me simply because I signed my name on the dotted line and purchased this car.
That’s pretty amazing when you think about it. Everything in your life and all the good times you’ve had all made possible because of the car you purchased.

I know it doesn’t just happen to rotary owners. It happens to Mustang owners, Camaro owners, Porsche owners etc. It certainly makes the process of choosing your next vehicle even more important when you’re an automotive enthusiast.
So despite some of the setbacks that occur in the life of a modified vehicle I can’t help but remember that all the good times in my life over these years have been because of the things that happen around that same car. Sure it sucks and can be very frustrating but the good memories it produces are well worth it.

It’s been a great three years since I came to Phoenix and became part of the car community here. I can’t wait to see what it’s like 3 years from now.