Missed out on the oppomeet. The Z had brake trouble that left me on the freeway and was having some back and forth with the tuner regarding the tune.
Another friend had planned a little trip a while back. As nerve wracking as it was given the distance and the recent problems, I figured this may be one of the last chances I get with this car. I spent a bit of time working on my old tune and fixing up some small concerns.
Once again, a nice eclectic group of cars. JDM H22 swapped prelude, 964 911, turbo 2.7L E30, and of course the 2jz swapped 240z. Given the past week I spent with the car, I figured I would give the keys to a friend and sit down to play with the laptop. Got the suspension a little better dialed, and the cruise really dialed. Had a bit of a problem with running rich on decel, but otherwise the tune was running decent. We took off from the park and ride and headed east with a full tank of gas.
Over the pass, and a stop at the Thorp Fruit Stand and Antique Mall. Nice place to stop and stretch the legs and quickly adapt some ear plugs. Then a quick blast through Canyon Road. We were held up by a line of cars, a slow car in front caught up to a slower car which caught up to an even slower car. I imagine since each subsequent car thought they were being held up none wanted to move for our little group, skipping every single turn out and passing lane. My driver decided to make a long pass, afterwards we had a nice long chat about responsible passing, and when to safely pass, “with great power comes great responsibility” (lol). However to highlight the extent of how slowly they were going we made it to our destination 20 minutes ahead of the remainder of our group.
Managed a few shots while waiting at our destination Bale Breaker while the car ticked cool.
Not a real aficionado of the gold stuff, a bit too hoppy for me, but they had an excellent sour a couple last years ago I was sad to hear they didn’t have.
Did the factory tour and my friend pointed up and remarked on the “big ass fan,” I chuckled and then he pointed out that, that is the actual name.
Great logo and name recognition lol.
Afterwards a member said we had to stop for tamales, there was a James Beard award winning place down the road. I was stuffed from food truck food, but managed a bite and regretted stuffing my face earlier. Memories of street tacos and food in Tijuana came flooding back with the small bite I had. Definitely a point to look forward to when I start attending school this fall.
We drove back through highway 12 towards packwood. Very scenic drive, the scenery change is inspring, and the roads are smooth and curvy. The only problem were the people who adamantly refused to move, last time it was almost awe inspiring how friendly and aware people were, we made really good time, this year there were some people who couldn’t see they were holding up 10 or so cars, I’m sure the loss of the Noble with its large GT wing was a factor although leading the group I was hoping the angry panda eyes and bash bar would instill a bit of movement. After stopping to wipe the bugs off the widnshield, we gave up as more RV’s and campers decided to hit the road to find camp sites. After sitting behind cars and trucks for a good two hours we finally got on the freeway. Golden hour had set in and I roused myself from my seat and took some rollers.
Quite proud if I say so myself especially considering I was strapped in to a 4 point harness.
Put the car back to rest and we met back up for a late night dinner.
It will take a while for my hearing to recover, definitely need to consider a muffler next, any suggestions? Currently after the turbo a universal cat and a ultra quiet resonator, I have a dynomax bullet sitting in a box but I don’t think that will do much.
Overall I think another perfect day.