This weekend the odometer hit 100,000. I say the odometer – because various parts of the car are older, and younger then the little black and white numbers. The engine has 70K on it now. I’ve been able to get a solid 10K of trouble free life out of a $500 investment. A complete engine overhaul is in the works for December. Head gasket, timing belt, water pump, clutch, etc. I think we’re going to take the motor out again. Now that I did it once – the second time should be more routine. (When I say routine – I’m hitting myself in the mouth with a spanner to get it out of the way now.)


The chassis has to have at least 120K on it. Lord only knows how long the speedometer was “intermittent”. But the cage holding the car together now – has a mere 10K on it. I did a thorough inspection – looking for cracks, tightening bolts, etc. It hasn’t had a real beating yet, but James and I took her out Saturday night to recce’ some dirt roads in the area. It’s always a good idea to go over the car, so I know what looks “correct” later. If any of you have ever flown small aircraft – this is the walkaround. I’m working on a checklist that we will go over in service, and before rally, or long trips.


Sunday: I went to one last autocross for the season. Pavement Games IV was held at the Old Orchard Beach High School parking lot. (That was a mouthful) I raced on slicks for the first time. I did 6 runs, but I can’t really tell you I got a feel for them. It was all about left foot braking. Cutting down the wheel spin, and rotating the car. When I would dig down on the brakes – the car would rotate fast (as in sideways) At the limits, the car felt as though I had lunch trays under the rear wheels. I dropped the rear pressures to 24 – no real effect… I’m really happy to say my FWD car rotates on a dime, and I had to countersteer. I was expecting some plow. I’m also fighting a head cold – so I was already a little off my game.




100,000 miles. Time for a new ‘lota stuff.