[2022M550i]

For those who may be interested....Historical reference of the Fox Body Mustang. This is why I love the fox body. I knew all those guys....most from NY & Jersey. Raceway park. If you go to the track today, you still see a ton of these.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/...ustang-photos/

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

The Mustang, shows my age. I bought it new. 56k miles on the chassis now. These things were bad ass in the 80's/90's. Light weight, indestructible and you can build the crap out of them. They had the most aftermarket parts available and they were cheap to build. Now you load in a tune..maybe and exhaust...lame to be honest. Back then you were doing heads/cam/rockers/exhaust/fuel system and even a supercharger or a turbo. You had to work for the power....you had to earn it. It was satisfying.

Very few people had the opportunity to do what I did back in the day. I did every combo possible in that thing because I would get bored. Naturally aspirated, multiple style superchargers, turbo, large displacement....etc. 5 engines/6 transmissions (manual). My best combo was in 2003....a 331ci with a T76 Turbonetics turbo. That thing made some steam for the time. 700 hp and 725 ft/lbs of torque. No nanny's either. I was dipping into the 9's all day long in the 1/4.

It was all driver trying to put the power down....white knuckling it. You had to buy an aftermarket engine management system and program all parameters yourself or pay someone some bucks to do it. I can say I clearly understand every aspect of fuel injection. It was a lot of fun. I would get about 250 miles per set drag radials. 100 miles an hour looking in the rearview laying 2 thick black lines as far as the eye can see. Running ricer motorcycles every night on the highway. The good ol days.

And the funny shit was, trying to fund all this was my inspiration to climb the corporate ladder. I needed the money to fund my addiction. I was the only executive that I knew that actually got my hands dirty. I would sit in my office brainstorming my next build, how I was going to build the end-to-end system....it would get me through the day while I was surrounded by corporate pant loads with no sense of humor or personality. They could remember every sports score though...and brag about their golfing averages. Jimmy cracked corn...and I don't care.

Here was my 700hp turbo set up...sanitary looking. Take note of the garden hose sized fuel line (blue).


.

I can back up my friend here on the sentimental value and the nostalgia of our age. For me in the mid 80's, it was either the Mustang 5.0 or the IROC-Z. I went the IROC route, 5 speed in that electric blue we all know.

Rollin in my 5.0 - Vanilla Ice.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I can back up my friend here on the sentimental value and the nostalgia of our age. For me in the mid 80's, it was either the Mustang 5.0 or the IROC-Z. I went the IROC route, 5 speed in that electric blue we all know.

Rollin in my 5.0 - Vanilla Ice.

Absolutely! We can't forget about the Grand Nationals either. Remember, we went through hell from having to drive underpowered junks from the late 70's and early 80's. All bogged down with emissions garbage. You would have a low compression 454 ci V8 pushing 160 hp. Awful.

The IROC's were a breath of fresh air putting all that to an end in 1985. I had an 82 TransAm with a 305. Ford just started to put fuel injected 302's with roller cams in their Fox body mustangs. Buick came out with the Grand National I think in 85 as well, but the best year was 87. ZR1 corvette in 91, Viper in 93. In the mid 80's things started to get fun again.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

Absolutely! We can't forget about the Grand Nationals either. Remember, we went through hell from having to drive underpowered junks from the late 70's and early 80's. All bogged down with emissions garbage. You would have a low compression 454 ci V8 pushing 160 hp. Awful.

The IROC's were a breath of fresh air putting all that to an end in 1985. I had an 82 TransAm with a 305. Ford just started to put fuel injected 302's with roller cams in their Fox body mustangs. Buick came out with the Grand National I think in 85 as well, but the best year was 87. ZR1 corvette in 91, Viper in 93. In the mid 80's things started to get fun again.

Oh we are going down memory row. I wanted a Grand National as well. I am a big surfer of Bring a Trailer (I bought the E39 off there). There have been a few GNX's over the last year that have gone for big money.

5k miles on this one:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-gnx-37/

300 on this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-gnx-34/

It's funny, I look at the 80's muscle cars like the IROC, Mustang, etc. with the big V8's and see they has 200 and something HP. I thought my IROC was so fast in the day.

Lucky you for hanging onto it. I wish I could have. I do daydream about hitting a big lottery and buying all of the cars I had all over again.

[2022M550i]

Oh man I'm going down an ugly path now.

For the youngsters here.... This is the awful shit that Joe and I had to dance to in the clubs in order to get laid. The crap we had to put up with. Again, we had to work for it. Now you bastards have Tinder.


The 80's chicks favorite cocaine song.

more crap

Man...that's 11 minutes of my life I can never get back.


.

[Mandingo9]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

The Mustang, shows my age. I bought it new. 56k miles on the chassis now. These things were bad ass in the 80's/90's. Light weight, indestructible and you can build the crap out of them. They had the most aftermarket parts available and they were cheap to build. Now you load in a tune..maybe and exhaust...lame to be honest. Back then you were doing heads/cam/rockers/exhaust/fuel system and even a supercharger or a turbo. You had to work for the power....you had to earn it. It was satisfying.

Very few people had the opportunity to do what I did back in the day. I did every combo possible in that thing because I would get bored. Naturally aspirated, multiple style superchargers, turbo, large displacement....etc. 5 engines/6 transmissions (manual). My best combo was in 2003....a 331ci with a T76 Turbonetics turbo. That thing made some steam for the time. 700 hp and 725 ft/lbs of torque. No nanny's either. I was dipping into the 9's all day long in the 1/4.

It was all driver trying to put the power down....white knuckling it. You had to buy an aftermarket engine management system and program all parameters yourself or pay someone some bucks to do it. I can say I clearly understand every aspect of fuel injection. It was a lot of fun. I would get about 250 miles per set drag radials. 100 miles an hour looking in the rearview laying 2 thick black lines as far as the eye can see. Running ricer motorcycles every night on the highway. The good ol days.

And the funny shit was, trying to fund all this was my inspiration to climb the corporate ladder. I needed the money to fund my addiction. I was the only executive that I knew that actually got my hands dirty. I would sit in my office brainstorming my next build, how I was going to build the end-to-end system....it would get me through the day while I was surrounded by corporate pant loads with no sense of humor or personality. They could remember every sports score though...and brag about their golfing averages. Jimmy cracked corn...and I don't care.

Here was my 700hp turbo set up...sanitary looking. Take note of the garden hose sized fuel line (blue).


.

…… ok, you're mental then. I get it.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Oh we are going down memory row. I wanted a Grand National as well. I am a big surfer of Bring a Trailer (I bought the E39 off there). There have been a few GNX's over the last year that have gone for big money.

5k miles on this one:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-gnx-37/

300 on this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-gnx-34/

It's funny, I look at the 80's muscle cars like the IROC, Mustang, etc. with the big V8's and see they has 200 and something HP. I thought my IROC was so fast in the day.

Lucky you for hanging onto it. I wish I could have. I do daydream about hitting a big lottery and buying all of the cars I had all over again.

My friend had an 87 GN. I remember the GNX was a huge dollar option. I think it was maybe 25 hp more. You got different wheels and the vents in the fenders. The GNX's are like unicorns. Nobody wanted to spring that kind of coin for 25 hp.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

My friend had an 87 GN. I remember the GNX was a huge dollar option. I think it was maybe 25 hp more. You got different wheels and the vents in the fenders. The GNX's are like unicorns. Nobody wanted to spring that kind of coin for 25 hp.

One of the Base Commanders at Davis Monthan AFB in the mid 90's had a GNX.
He put a massive turbo on it and would regularly allow us, including him, to make runs down one of the taxiways. It was awesome. Back then I had a 93 LX 5.0 myself.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

Oh man I'm going down an ugly path now.

For the youngsters here.... This is the awful shit that Joe and I had to dance to in the clubs in order to get laid. The crap we had to put up with. Again, we had to work for it. Now you bastards have Tinder.


The 80's chicks favorite cocaine song.

more crap

.

Friggin Gap Band man! Loved them. Yep, going "clubbin", full suit, thin leather tie, pointy grey shoes, Tanqueray and Tonin and of course an 8-Ball.

This song was a huge club song for a short period.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Friggin Gap Band man! Loved them. Yep, going "clubbin", full suit, thin leather tie, pointy grey shoes, Tanqueray and Tonin and of course an 8-Ball.

This song was a huge club song for a short period.

Grey Capezio's! Sporting Ralph Lauren polo cologne, mullet and Z Cavaricci pants. That is too funny. Crazy times. Back in the 80s, I hated the 80s. I thought there's no way I'm going to look back at that time and think wow I wish I was back. Totally wrong. The 80s were the best time of my life. Not a care in the world.

Of course I remember that tune Along with the tanqueray and tonic's. Also can't forget about nickel beer nights. They got you on the cover charge but you would totally get sloshed on the nickel drafts

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Friggin Gap Band man! Loved them. Yep, going "clubbin", full suit, thin leather tie, pointy grey shoes, Tanqueray and Tonin and of course an 8-Ball.

This song was a huge club song for a short period.

I was born in '85. Sometimes I wish I'd been around to party in the 80's. But I then I remember that I'd probably be dead if I had!

My old man's stories from the '70's are great (and he did have a GTO but he totaled it rather quickly). The '80's always sound great (except for the pop music). I remember all of the '90's but I didn't get any independence until the '00's (turned 16 in '01). I have no envy towards the 90's. I feel like I did get a bit of a sweet spot between 2000-2015ish. I know they have a bunch of apps that make hooking up easy, but I really have no envy for people in their teens-early 20's now.

All that said with understanding that perspective is largely based on age and personal preference. Not hating on anyone, those are just my thoughts on the last 50 years of pop culture.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I was born in '85. Sometimes I wish I'd been around to party in the 80's. But I then I remember that I'd probably be dead if I had!

My old man's stories from the '70's are great (and he did have a GTO but he totaled it rather quickly). The '80's always sound great (except for the pop music). I remember all of the '90's but I didn't get any independence until the '00's (turned 16 in '01). I have no envy towards the 90's. I feel like I did get a bit of a sweet spot between 2000-2015ish. I know they have a bunch of apps that make hooking up easy, but I really have no envy for people in their teens-early 20's now.

All that said with understanding that perspective is largely based on age and personal preference. Not hating on anyone, those are just my thoughts on the last 50 years of pop culture.

I was born in 1965. so the 70's are pretty vivid too. I think ages 10-18 are when you "grew up". So '75-'85 for me. I personally loved all the decades and a lot of it has to do with music. There really isn't a genre I do not like in terms of pop music. 70's soft or hard rock, 70's disco, 80's new wave, 80's pop, 80's metal, 90's grunge, 90 hip-hop, etc. I relate the music to the memories, including what music I was cranking up with my "power booster" to my Jensen 6x9's in the rear deck. The only speakers in the car.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I was born in 1965. so the 70's are pretty vivid too. I think ages 10-18 are when you "grew up". So '75-'85 for me. I personally loved all the decades and a lot of it has to do with music. There really isn't a genre I do not like in terms of pop music. 70's soft or hard rock, 70's disco, 80's new wave, 80's pop, 80's metal, 90's grunge, 90 hip-hop, etc. I relate the music to the memories, including what music I was cranking up with my "power booster" to my Jensen 6x9's in the rear deck. The only speakers in the car.

I like something from all those decades. But the most diverse palate I have is probably the 90's. Probably because, as you mentioned, I was growing up then.

[BrewsterGreenM550]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

Interesting, thanks for taking the time. How's the fit and finish inside comparatively? I imagine it's a no contest with Bentley winning hands down. I've always appreciated the work that Bentley and rolls put inside but haven't had a measuring stick to really compare. Also I will need Bentley interior pictures to be able to verify your response.

Mine's a 2016 so not quite as nice as the new ones, which are absolutely amazing, but the leather and stitching are lovely. Better than an F10 year to year I suppose! Think I'm going to renew the warranty for one more year and look for a 2020 next summer

I'm out on a 3 day rally up to Aspen (in the AMG) with 80 other cars at the moment, so here's just the one photo I have handy:

[Mandingo9]

Speaking of being old, sounds like my uncle would get along great with you guys. He had a smokey and the bandit TA. not sure how that stacks up for the cool factor back in the Jurassic days but he would tell me endless stories about it. Said he could pull engine and trans out in about 45min which I thought was awesome.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Mandingo9

Speaking of being old, sounds like my uncle would get along great with you guys. He had a smokey and the bandit TA. not sure how that stacks up for the cool factor back in the Jurassic days but he would tell me endless stories about it. Said he could pull engine and trans out in about 45min which I thought was awesome.

Im young at heart. All those Trans Ams were cool. I always wanted one of those. They weren't fast, but had the look. Super comfortable.

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by BrewsterGreenM550

Mine's a 2016 so not quite as nice as the new ones, which are absolutely amazing, but the leather and stitching are lovely. Better than an F10 year to year I suppose! Think I'm going to renew the warranty for one more year and look for a 2020 next summer

I'm out on a 3 day rally up to Aspen (in the AMG) with 80 other cars at the moment, so here's just the one photo I have handy:

I always wanted one, but for me a pain to service, one dealer in Greenwich CT, an hour away on a good day.

[NGT2]

I have a general question for the general chat:

I hired a yard guy. $50/week adds up to $2,600/yr. Problem is, it looks bad. Rutting the yard with the zero turn, cutting too high, no detail attention. Probably all to be expected, but I'm the same way with the yard as the car. So I'm not happy.

I could take the $2,600 and buy a small riding mower and better backpack blower and maybe cut my yard time in half and keep doing it myself.

Or find someone who is better but probably charges double.

Or just learn to live with it and pay $2,600 a year to not be happy but not screw with it and spend more time washing the car and hanging out.

All opinions appreciated. Especially those who have "been there, done that". This seems like one of those "coming of age" dilemmas for young family guys.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I have a general question for the general chat:

I hired a yard guy. $50/week adds up to $2,600/yr. Problem is, it looks bad. Rutting the yard with the zero turn, cutting too high, no detail attention. Probably all to be expected, but I'm the same way with the yard as the car. So I'm not happy.

I could take the $2,600 and buy a small riding mower and better backpack blower and maybe cut my yard time in half and keep doing it myself.

Or find someone who is better but probably charges double.

Or just learn to live with it and pay $2,600 a year to not be happy but not screw with it and spend more time washing the car and hanging out.

All opinions appreciated. Especially those who have "been there, done that". This seems like one of those "coming of age" dilemmas for young family guys.

If you enjoy doing it yourself, get the tools. If not, I would find someone that knows what they're going and doesn't just mow, blow & go.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

If you enjoy doing it yourself, get the tools. If not, I would find someone that knows what they're going and doesn't just mow, blow & go.

I do enjoy it. I'm "that guy" on my street with the manicured yard. It's not that it's the best landscaping, I just hit all the details.

My problem is time. 5 year old and another one coming this fall. I'd like to enjoy the weekend and hopefully still play a little golf. Not to mention, I've picked up a new hobby keeping the car looking good, which I also enjoy a lot.

I THINK it would be worth it to invest in upgraded equipment if I can turn a 2 hour job into a 1 hour job. I just have to really evaluate if I think that will be attainable.

What I may do is just keep this guy through the fall/leaf season. In the meantime, get a solid quote from a company that will do it the way I do (or close). That will also give me a few months to see what our life and time looks like with a kindergarten kid and a newborn. If I still want to make the investment and keep it going myself, by then mowers will be stocked up for spring and I'll have more choices. It's real slim pickings down here for small riding mowers right now (think like the Snapper that Forrest Gump cut the fields on haha).

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I have a general question for the general chat:

I hired a yard guy. $50/week adds up to $2,600/yr. Problem is, it looks bad. Rutting the yard with the zero turn, cutting too high, no detail attention. Probably all to be expected, but I'm the same way with the yard as the car. So I'm not happy.

I could take the $2,600 and buy a small riding mower and better backpack blower and maybe cut my yard time in half and keep doing it myself.

Or find someone who is better but probably charges double.

Or just learn to live with it and pay $2,600 a year to not be happy but not screw with it and spend more time washing the car and hanging out.

All opinions appreciated. Especially those who have "been there, done that". This seems like one of those "coming of age" dilemmas for young family guys.

I don't know what the going rate is in your area for landscaping, but I'll assume for $50 a week you get a mow, edge trim and they blow off the pavement. This doesn't include mulch, edging, etc.

$50 a week seems like you get what you pay for. Not sure the size of your yard, but I'll assume average. Did you use a professional landscaping outfit or did you just get a guy?

Personally, I wouldn't go out and buy a rider, etc. We talked about this before and the value of time. Time that can be spent with family, time for your pleasures like golf and cars and still leaving more time for the family.

Get a better landscaper and pay more if needed. You're going to make more money, right?

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I have a general question for the general chat:

I hired a yard guy. $50/week adds up to $2,600/yr. Problem is, it looks bad. Rutting the yard with the zero turn, cutting too high, no detail attention. Probably all to be expected, but I'm the same way with the yard as the car. So I'm not happy.

I could take the $2,600 and buy a small riding mower and better backpack blower and maybe cut my yard time in half and keep doing it myself.

Or find someone who is better but probably charges double.

Or just learn to live with it and pay $2,600 a year to not be happy but not screw with it and spend more time washing the car and hanging out.

All opinions appreciated. Especially those who have "been there, done that". This seems like one of those "coming of age" dilemmas for young family guys.

Yep...I did exactly what you're thinking. Rather than just limiting yourself to spend one year of savings, think 3 years savings @ $7800 and buy some worthwhile equipment.

I had some Home Depot John Deere piece of crap for $2300 back in the day. It would choke on grass that wasn't even tall, discharge clumps of shit all over my lawn and the deck would rise on one end causing an uneven cut. That right there would drive an OCD guy like myself nuts.

I bought a SCAG Freedom Z zero turn 48" cut. 26 hp (made in USA, not China). I think I paid $6700 10 years ago. Well worth it. Last I looked, they were the same price for a better mower now. Never any clumps, I can cut down a forest with that thing and it won't choke. If my back would allow me to, I can cut my lawn at 9mph...if the blades are sharp, it does a precision job at that speed. Cutting the lawn with solid equipment makes it enjoyable.

I bought an echo backpack blower, echo extended hedge trimmer, Stihl standard hedge trimmer and weed wacker. I even got the Stihl commercial pole trimmers going on over here. Having the right equipment makes the job so much easier and it's actually therapy.

I went through years of working with the standard stuff and most of the time doing the simple stuff was a pain....I just built up my arsenal with all commercial equipment over the years. It took a while, but now I'm golden.

You don't have to buy new stuff. Find a used SCAG with low hours. They're out there and half the price. These things are bullet proof.

.