HemiSam

I may be 50, but that wasn't that long ago.... Scoliosis here but not terrible. I simply have to behave and use the right bed, etc... My 17 year old son, unfortunately, has two herniated discs (L4 and L5). Terrible pain in his back and back of his leg from the sciatic nerve compression. He had an epidural steroid injection Friday. Starting to feel better, but his varsity basketball season is over. Poor kid. The transmission in my Jeep SRT is an 8HP70. It's pretty good considering the Jeep weighs 5500lbs w/o me in it. For context I've gone 0-60 in 4.1 seconds with zero modifications...it was a cool day. I can kick the shit out of most sports cars at our local road race track (MSR) in sport setting so I hear you but meh... I like to drive. My straight line stuff I do in my Challenger. It's an automatic now but I generally shift it manually anyhoo as I have both options with the flip of a switch and then using a ratchet shifter. I hear you about the dual clutch designs but they've been hit and miss including in Porsches. So as long as you only want to recall the last few years, OK...I get it, but it's not been all gravy. I won't make some purist argument about manuals. But I know what I enjoy...whether it's a heart shaped ass and a C-cup or a sports car. You can wax on about your preferences all day long. And as for track time, we should dance HS

In all seriousness, the R-Tronics in the earlier cars had a lot of issues. No secret. As for me, I enjoy driving a manual transmission. I have an 8-speed paddle shifted trans with variable settings available on the fly in my AWD Jeep with launch control and a torquey 6.4L naturally aspirated motor so it's not like I don't get the auto bit. Simply enjoy the tactile side of a manual for sport. HS

Because some men like playing with their sticks.... HS

I drove a friend's. Gated shifter. Can't recall driving a softer clutch...ever. Almost put my foot through the floor. Whoops... Do love AWD. HS

RIP Mr. Cernan. We were fortunate to have him speak at one of my son's school events some years back. HS

Well stated, Torpedo! HS

I'm trying not to laugh, but I can't stop...shameful. I know... RIP you handsome beast! HS

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FromJapan was pretty good to deal with as well. HS

NOS.... HS

Sorry to see the trouble with your vendor, John. Must say the result does look very good to my mechanically inclined eyes. I have quite a bit of experience with raw aluminum on my car projects and your conclusions are spot on...high maintenance to say the least. Anodizing or powdercoating (if you can find one that scratches the itch) is best in the long run IMO. Regardless, your work continues to impress. Happy Holidays! Sam

RIP, Messrs. Murray and Parfitt. Rock on.... So many....rough year. Carrie...godspeed. HS

RIP, Messrs. Murray and Parfitt. Rock on.... HS

RIP Zsa Zsa. What a women you were... RIP Dr. Heimlich. HS

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Mr. Brubeck was an amazing musician. Had a heck of a run....92 years old. That's a ripe old age to go IMO. Preferably in his sleep dreaming of his high school / college conquests. HS

RIP, Bongo. Please accept our condolences, John. Sam

NC is a stunning state. Wouldn't mind retiring there one day. I recall a few years back I flew into NC to go to a racing event with friends. Was driving the rental back to the airport and I don't recall ever seeing so many deer struck on the side of the road. In Louisiana they'd be gone and in a gumbo...LOL. HS

Very cool, Dread! Never ceases to amaze me how a person can read sitting in the passenger seat while the driver hauls arse through twisties. I would projectile vomit in a heartbeat... HS

RIP Messrs. Lake and Glenn. You both made my world a better place.... HS

That's a lovely memory of your friend. My condolences. RIP, Mr. JK. HS

Interesting. Effectively engine mounts at the rear of the car that act like a variable shock absorber. That's a lot of technology for an engine mount, but it's pretty cool as well. Looks like Honda has been using it quite a while...they never cease to amaze me. The famous GM LS motors are basically knock-offs of Honda technology. On my car, I went with a motor plate at the rear (racing hard core is plates at both front and rear) and it definitely provides more torsional stability in the front of the car especially at hard launches...early on when I'm really thumping the motor. That means less drama getting the power to the wheels and keeping everything as stable as possible. Cool stuff. HS

Oh no! Please accept my condolences on both counts. We love our pooch and have had some close calls. Really tough stuff. HS

Brutal for the families and their fans. RIP... HS

Took the big girl to the Quick 30 event at Royal Purple Raceway for quarter mile fun. Broke into the 8's straight off the trailer. Ran strong with no drama....a good day. HS