[ElCapitan]

I don't know what the "Buddy list" does but I just added you guys on my Buddy list:

Hawkshaw
Northern
Alan Coles
vladdy
Nablu

[Hawkshaw]

^^^

If you figure out what the buddy list does, let me know.

[Hawkshaw]

So when are people swapping their winter tires off? I'm itching to get my 162's back on, but not at the expense of safety, of course, especially since I drive my daughter to daycare every morning.

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

So when are people swapping their winter tires off? I'm itching to get my 162's back on, but not at the expense of safety, of course, especially since I drive my daughter to daycare every morning.

I usually wait until mid April to swap my rims/tires just to be safe.

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

^^^

If you figure out what the buddy list does, let me know.

Apprently, it seems to do absolutely nothing. LOL

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

I usually wait until mid April to swap my rims/tires just to be safe.

Do you swap them yourself or pay a shop to do it? I'm thinking of just swapping them myself, but if you check your tire pressure and they need air, do you bring them all (un-mounted) in your trunk to the local gas station for air, or what? Or maybe it's easier to mount them (assuming the air pressure isn't waaaaay off) and then inflate.

I suppose that's not the end of the world, I could just throw them in the back of my wife's Honda CRV. I also want to give the summer tires a good clean while they're off, and a coat or two of Klasse SG.

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Do you swap them yourself or pay a shop to do it? I'm thinking of just swapping them myself, but if you check your tire pressure and they need air, do you bring them all (un-mounted) in your trunk to the local gas station for air, or what? Or maybe it's easier to mount them (assuming the air pressure isn't waaaaay off) and then inflate.

I suppose that's not the end of the world, I could just throw them in the back of my wife's Honda CRV. I also want to give the summer tires a good clean while they're off, and a coat or two of Klasse SG.

I am lazy. I usually pay (not that pricey since they are already mounted) and I make sure they check wheel balance while they are at it just to be safe.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

I am lazy. I usually pay (not that pricey since they are already mounted) and I make sure they check wheel balance while they are at it just to be safe.

That's what I've done in the past too, but my buddy with the VW GTI VR6 says he swaps his himself, and does it for a bunch of his friends too. He and I are supposed to be getting together soon on a weekend to polish and seal our wives rides...(Nissan X-Trail and a Honda CR-V)...groan. Seriously, the surface area of those two compared to his GTI and my e90 which we did in January? Ouch.

[AC53]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

...I will probably go to the track weekend in June with the M3. Sounds like a blast. If you have any details please let us know...

Don't have anything new on it, just the dates (June 9-10), it's just under $500 for the weekend (lunches included both Saturday and Sunday as well as bottled water, juice, and pop), and held at AMP (Atlantic Motorsport Park - just outside Shubie). The Bluenose Chapter's Driving School is considered to be one of the best in Canada and our track, AMP, is one of the best in North America to learn on (you're not going to hit over 160/kph or so in your first school and the track has tons of interesting turns and elevation changes). Virtually all of the instructors have experience at several track as well as some racing experience. The whole concept of the school is controlled spirited driving at a high level. We have men and women from 18 to approximately 80. We've had everything from stock Focus/Golf types, to Ferraris (360 Modena, 328 GTB - Magnum PI, 550 Maranello) The first two Ferraris are instructors cars and there every year. AC Cobra kit car with 500+ HP, Twin-Turbo Porsches, Vipers, Z06 Vettes, etc., etc., etc., and then there are BMWs, everything from stock 318s to modded E46 M3s.

Both mornings are track exercises. The back straight is setup as an AutoSlalom. There is an "Accident Avoidance" exercise between turns 9 and 10, and threshold braking/downshifting exercise at the end of the front straight. Driving in between the exercises there is some instruction on vehicle line, corner turn-in/apex/exit, etc. No helmets needed. The afternoons are lapping exercises where you need a helmet and receive instruction in proper driving lines, vehicle control/stability, braking, etc.

Most any street car is fine for the course. There is a Tech Inspection form that must be completed.
http://bluenosebmwclub.ca/index.html The main things are that you need to have fresh brake fluid that's no more than one month old, a minimum of 50% brake pad left and good tires. For tools/supplies you need a tire gauge, should have a little Canadian Tire air compressor but there are usually plenty to borrow, and a torque wrench to check and re-torque the wheels a few times each day.

Every new student I've ever talked with has been amazed at how much they've learnt in just the first morning, let-a-lone the whole weekend. Saturday starts at 7:00-7:30 am and goes until 5:00 pm. Sunday starts at 8:00 am and goes until 4:30 pm.
Track sessions are run in 4 groups:
Green - Beginners
Blue - Intermediate
Red - Advanced
Black - Instructors (only run at the ends of the morning and afternoon sessions)
This means you're on the track every third session. When you come in off the track you go to the Classroom for instruction on driving and the next session is free to watch, look at other cars and socialize.

If you enrol in the school, don't have any alcohol on Friday or Saturday evening, anything over one beer you'll actually notice until noon the next day. Also get plenty of sleep you'll be completely exhausted by Sunday evening.

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

...I hope you will stay and contribute to this forum. Of all the car forums I go to this one has a well balanced atmosphere. We need well experienced enthousiasts like you here to share your knowledge about cars, tracking, performance mods, etc...

I'll try to keep coming back. For some reason this Forum doesn't notify me of postings so I've got to remember to check for new posts.

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

...I have no experience as a mecanic but I would love to be able to help you with your track-ready M3. I could learn so much from you. Do you need pitcrew staff? The wife might let me expand my car hobby a bit...

No need for a Pit Crew (unless they're of the female persuasion and wearing great outfits (actually they could be wearing anything, or nothing - although my wife might have something to say about that).

All I do for preparation is run R-Compound tire and sometimes I don't even change them at the track if time is tight I'll change them at home and drive to the track with them on, then increase the pressure with an air compressor. You're more than welcome to come and watch/chat though. Sometimes I do need someone to transport 2 of my R-Compound tires/rims as they're 245/40/17 and 4 are really a tight fit even with the back seats down.

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

...The future meet is still at an embryonic stage. We haven't thought of using the Bluenose as a venue. We will have to determine the 3 W (When, Where and Who).

Sounds good.

Regards, Alan

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Alan Coles

Don't have anything new on it, just the dates (June 9-10), it's just under $500 for the weekend (lunches included both Saturday and Sunday as well as bottled water, juice, and pop), and held at AMP (Atlantic Motorsport Park - just outside Shubie). The Bluenose Chapter's Driving School is considered to be one of the best in Canada and our track, AMP, is one of the best in North America to learn on (you're not going to hit over 160/kph or so in your first school and the track has tons of interesting turns and elevation changes). Virtually all of the instructors have experience at several track as well as some racing experience. The whole concept of the school is controlled spirited driving at a high level. We have men and women from 18 to approximately 80. We've had everything from stock Focus/Golf types, to Ferraris (360 Modena, 328 GTB - Magnum PI, 550 Maranello) The first two Ferraris are instructors cars and there every year. AC Cobra kit car with 500+ HP, Twin-Turbo Porsches, Vipers, Z06 Vettes, etc., etc., etc., and then there are BMWs, everything from stock 318s to modded E46 M3s.

Both mornings are track exercises. The back straight is setup as an AutoSlalom. There is an "Accident Avoidance" exercise between turns 9 and 10, and threshold braking/downshifting exercise at the end of the front straight. Driving in between the exercises there is some instruction on vehicle line, corner turn-in/apex/exit, etc. No helmets needed. The afternoons are lapping exercises where you need a helmet and receive instruction in proper driving lines, vehicle control/stability, braking, etc.

Most any street car is fine for the course. There is a Tech Inspection form that must be completed.
http://bluenosebmwclub.ca/index.html The main things are that you need to have fresh brake fluid that's no more than one month old, a minimum of 50% brake pad left and good tires. For tools/supplies you need a tire gauge, should have a little Canadian Tire air compressor but there are usually plenty to borrow, and a torque wrench to check and re-torque the wheels a few times each day.

Every new student I've ever talked with has been amazed at how much they've learnt in just the first morning, let-a-lone the whole weekend. Saturday starts at 7:00-7:30 am and goes until 5:00 pm. Sunday starts at 8:00 am and goes until 4:30 pm.
Track sessions are run in 4 groups:
Green - Beginners
Blue - Intermediate
Red - Advanced
Black - Instructors (only run at the ends of the morning and afternoon sessions)
This means you're on the track every third session. When you come in off the track you go to the Classroom for instruction on driving and the next session is free to watch, look at other cars and socialize.

If you enrol in the school, don't have any alcohol on Friday or Saturday evening, anything over one beer you'll actually notice until noon the next day. Also get plenty of sleep you'll be completely exhausted by Sunday evening.

Cool I will have to check it out. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Alan Coles

I'll try to keep coming back. For some reason this Forum doesn't notify me of postings so I've got to remember to check for new posts.

If you look up the thread on any page under thread tools you can unsubscribe and if you select subscribe (no need to post you just go in the same spot) you can select email notification.

Originally Posted by Alan Coles

No need for a Pit Crew (unless they're of the female persuasion and wearing great outfits (actually they could be wearing anything, or nothing - although my wife might have something to say about that).

All I do for preparation is run R-Compound tire and sometimes I don't even change them at the track if time is tight I'll change them at home and drive to the track with them on, then increase the pressure with an air compressor. You're more than welcome to come and watch/chat though. Sometimes I do need someone to transport 2 of my R-Compound tires/rims as they're 245/40/17 and 4 are really a tight fit even with the back seats down.
Sounds good.

Regards, Alan

I visited your car page on cardomain. Nice setup. Did you put your new engine in yet? We could learn so much from someone with your modding and racing experience.

How long do you think stock schocks can last with Eibach Prokit or H&R Sport springs? (I know you said you always went with yellow Koni but I just want your opinion/educated guess)

Don't be a stranger, visit us often. We will inform you of event(s).

[Hawkshaw]

Is that guy a wealth of knowledge or what?

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Is that guy a wealth of knowledge or what?

Indeed. Alan Coles

[ElCapitan]

My car has arrived at my dealer. Also all my Euro parts are in. The car will be sent for window tint early next week. The thoughest part of the wait starts now until April 13th.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

My car has arrived at my dealer. Also all my Euro parts are in. The car will be sent for window tint early next week. The thoughest part of the wait starts now until April 13th.

You've waited this long, a couple more weeks will be a breeze.

(Note: I don't actually believe what I just said, I'm just trying to make you feel better)

[ElCapitan]

Thanks.

Recieved another big news today. I am being transfered to Moosejaw Saskatchewan this summer (16 July). Therefore we will have to have a meet before July...

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

Thanks.

Recieved another big news today. I am being transfered to Moosejaw Saskatchewan this summer (16 July). Therefore we will have to have a meet before July...

Wow. I guess that's military life for you. You and the Mrs. OK with the transfer? If it makes you feel any better, there's an official saskatchewan members thread I think!

At least you'll still be around for the June driving school. You'll have to get that done now before you leave.

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Wow. I guess that's military life for you. You and the Mrs. OK with the transfer? If it makes you feel any better, there's an official saskatchewan members thread I think!

At least you'll still be around for the June driving school. You'll have to get that done now before you leave.

We are both escited with the upcoming change. Stressful times ahead since we have to sell the house, etc. It is a bitter sweet news since we will both go far from family. OTH, this transfer is good for my career.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

We are both escited with the upcoming change. Stressful times ahead since we have to sell the house, etc. It is a bitter sweet news since we will both go far from family. OTH, this transfer is good for my career.

How are you going to get all three cars out there? I'm assuming the military will pay to ship them? I'd be nervous.

[ElCapitan]

We will be driving in the E91 and we will ship the two others.

[nothern]

Hi guys just dropped by to say hello. Congrats on getting the car Jeff. The weather is getting nice over here on the Rock, thinking about taking the Miata out for a drive (top up ofcourse) while I wait for the June delivery of my Bimmer.

Alex

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by nothern

Hi guys just dropped by to say hello. Congrats on getting the car Jeff. The weather is getting nice over here on the Rock, thinking about taking the Miata out for a drive (top up ofcourse) while I wait for the June delivery of my Bimmer.

Alex

Hey Alex, good to hear from you. Yeah, the weather is getting nicer here too. I spent about an hour and half on the exterior of the e90 yesterday and it's looking as shiny as it's looked in months! I took her for a quick stroll around the city today just basking in the sunshine and shiny-ness!

You'll have to get what joy you can out of the Miata while you still have her!

[nothern]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

You'll have to get what joy you can out of the Miata while you still have her!

Paul, I bought the Miata (new) back in 93, its part of the family now, going to keep her for my little fellow who will be driving in about 9 years or so. Wouldn't get much for her now anyway.

Alex