Recent content by ddavidv

That Schroth system pictured above is garbage, sorry. Back when we were younger and dumber my brother-in-law had a similar setup in his Miata. We thought it was the bee's knees because HARNESS. One thing I remember about that idiotic 4 point was that you'd yank on the shoulder belts to tighten...

I'm an HPDE instructor. I wouldn't be too eager to ride in a car with a 4 point belt system.

Remember that right hand kick panel is susceptible to water intrusion from the infamous clogged cowl drains. Now, I know your car isn't outside much but it may still be worth a look to see that the drain is clear. It doesn't take much crud to create a blockage - I know this from experience.

MAC system video is up now. This may actually be quieter though under hard acceleration it sounds more European car-ish. I wasn't there when these were installed/tested so I can only go by the video on this one. MAC build quality I'd say is definitely lower based on what I'm seeing in the...

American Muscle used my car as the guinea pig for their how-to video and I was given the exhaust as 'payment'. You can see the install and sound clip video from AM here: Fit and finish are quite good. Not loud, but certainly louder than the stock single. A little boomy inside the car under...

As an instructor, we only will push a student as far as they feel confident. I had a first timer just this past weekend who did not trust in her car. It was a very good handling, track built older BMW with great tires, but her brain simply wouldn't get her to cross over from "street car on...

Summit Point guys: does any one have lap times for what a 'street' S197 can turn there?

I'll be there instructing. Not sure if I'll have a car; a guy is supposed to buy my BMW this weekend! I'll keep a lookout for you. I need to start pumping S197 guys for info. :naughty1:

Ivan, you going to Summit the end of the month?

"Buy-back" is referred to in our world as "retention". The insurers sell 99% of their cars at salvage auctions, so what they will do is get an estimate from the auction on what the car would likely bring based on it's value, damage estimate and where it was hit. That number gets deducted from...

Club: NASA Tracks: Summit Point, NJMP (about the same distance from me), VIR (my favorite, though it hates me). Pocono is close but it's a dump, so I don't go there. Been to Pittsburgh a few times. Incredibly, haven't been to Watkins Glen since I've been track driving, only as a spectator...

S197Probie brings the tech. Nice post. You can swap parts out provided the appraiser knows and it does not affect the value. Generally, insurance views alloy wheels as alloy wheels; we don't much care if they are OEM or aftermarket. Doesn't make much difference to the value of the car overall...

Yes, we insurance adjusters ALWAYS try to lowball on the first offer, because we enjoy dragging claims out forever while new ones pile up on our desks... Review the car info and equipment on the valuation carefully to make sure it's accurate. Every state has different requirements for...

It will make it all go much slower. Unless you have injuries (and I do concur on the waiting a day or two before deciding), no lawyer is going to be interested in taking up just the car damage. If you do get an attorney, everything has to go through them, which slows the process of getting paid...

Well, this is how I do it: Photo is a little old (trailer is painted now) but otherwise this is how I roll into a paddock. Yes, I'm quite the topic of conversation. :naughty1: Why am I this insane? There are actually reasons... 1) Antique tags mean uber cheap licensing and insurance 2) I...