gsr355

I'm a Mercedes mechanic, so seeing and driving them all day long makes it difficult to get any Mercedes, although the C32 is a fun car. I seriously considered getting an subaru sti, but I have a feeling I will grow out of the look really fast. Great suggestions though, keep them coming. Anyone have a E46 m3 here? How do you like the car? Since gas is getting so expensive in the bay area, I should really consider the mileage my future car will get also. I remember I use to really enjoy shopping for cars, but it's now becoming more annoying than enjoyable... something is really wrong with me... hahah

The lotus is a good idea, but the ones I've seen for sale are over 30,000.

For the first time in my life, I don't know what car I want or should buy. Here's some background information... Cars I've owned in the past are 85 Corolla sr5, 96 Integra GS-R, 1995 M3, 1993 Honda Civic, of course a 1973 240z, and my recently sold 2000 ML320. So now I don't have a car, and I would like to buy something that I can keep for a while. I'm 28 yrs old, and will use this car to commute about 50 miles a day and go up to the snow a few times a year. I'm really at a lost as to what car might fit my criteria and lifestyle. I can just go get myself a civic and call it a day, but being single, I would like to be able to drive a nicer car on dates. I will only buy a used car and don't mind spending up to 30 grand for it. Any suggestions on what i should buy? Some of the cars I thought about getting are e46 m3s, Audi S4, Porsche 911, CLK 500, etc... As you can see, I'm leaning towards European cars, but will consider Japanese cars also. The ability to go up to the snow is not so crucial, because it's really only a few weekends out of the year. I know it's hard to make suggestions based on this information, but anything would help. I'm really at a lost... thanks

Where did you get the block off plates from? I need to get some for my swap also. Thanks.

hi, i'm not sure if this is the correct place for this post, but i need help finding a 5 speed transmssion from a NA 280zx for my L28et swap. if anyone knows where I can find a good transmission, please let me know. I've been looking on craigslist, but nothing has come up recently... which junkyards are good in the bay area for these? Simon

While i was removing my dash, i found this switch burried behind the climate control panel. What is this switch for? thanks Simon

my experience is limited, but i was in the same situation you are currently in. while going to tech school, i was working for an independent mercedes repair shop. at the time, my school had multiple tool programs with snap on and matco, both offering tools at 50% of retail (up a certain amount of course). they also allowed students to buy tools on credit, but i think the interest rate was close to 24%. i ended up maxing out my allowable tool purchases with snap on and some with matco. having your own tools gives you good bargaining power when looking for an entry level tech position. most employers require their techs have their own tools. also, most tool trucks will carry your debt from the tools you purchase off their truck interest free, you'll just have to make weekly payments. regardless, tools are a must in this trade, so buy as much as you can at your school's discounted price. another thing is always buy snap on if you can afford it, their hand tools are just far better than their competitors. i found myself re-buying snap on tools to replace the matco tools that i bought previously. good luck

i just bought a 83 zxt to swap into my 240z, but i want to get it running good before i do the swap. I just bought the car, so i don't know much about the past work done on it and problems with the car. The owner actually said the car ran perfectly fine one week ago, and only started doing this after a potential buyer went to look at the car while he was gone and was able to pop the hood and look around since the car wasn't locked. The car starts and runs smooth and good at idle, but when the car is cold, it'll backfire sputter when revved. before it warms up, the rpms won't go past 1500rpm or so without heavy backfire and misfire. if i let the car idle for 10 mins and let it warm up a bit, it'll rev to 3000rpm before backfiring and missing. boost hit a max of 1-2 psi. I'm leaning towards fuel related problem. where should i start? Thanks.