tweakedlogic
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- November 4, 2003
- Messages
- 923
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- memphis, tn
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '92 XLT
I ask you this for your impartial opinion. The explorer is done (for now). If I ask on the other boards I'm a member of they will vote for their loyalty. You don't have that option. 
I have a problem... A sickness really. I love my man toys, all my toys, all equally.
In the stable I have:
2 in service motorcycles
3 motorcycles near completion (-$1000 or so each)
3 more far from completion, but doable
5 parts bikes
1 Explorer
1 sick but drivable Rx7, and one really sick, but my next track car.
1 91 Toyota Ex-cab no motor, been sitting for two years.
1 2010 TSX
This does not include other hobbies like bicycling and stuff. If it goes fast, I'm in!
My problem is this. I have three choices for my next big undertaking.
It turns out money doesn't flow so freely. And I only have one work spot in the small garage at the end of my drive. I have a self imposed allowance of $200 a week to spend as I wish. My wife gets everything else for everything else. I have a credit card for a buffer, but I have to pay it back.
The Toyota project I'm really excited about. Last year, I nearly finished the motor build. All that's left for the 22RE is the double valve spring, valve seals and then assembly of head and intake onto block. I have everything but the petals for the 5 speed swap. I have wheels and tires, but it needs body work plus, the carpet and seats re-installed, exhaust, plus cleaning/painting up of the various motor brackets and engine compartment that I always do when I build a toy. It's also either getting a slight TT lift or drop. Haven't decided. Needs about 12-15 man hours to do.
This option would be the most beneficial later on when I can make it my daily and save a **** ton on gas. And not have to use a hauler or drag a trailer for the bikes. It would also give me another cage to drive when I take down the Ex for her next mod. Alternatively, I can sell it when it's done and have some extra cash to throw at other projects.
Then there is my Rx7. Oh how I love her. So light on her feet. She dances through turns like Gina Davis. Always in a hurry, she makes 90 feel like 60 so she can make an early appearance where ever she goes. She actually cost me my license 12 times. Yes, twelve. Her ticker is tired though. I have a very recent rebuild waiting. the front cover needs to be replaced and I'm toying with the idea of just pulling the motor apart and porting the intake and exhaust ports. This new motor also gets a later generation intake manifold that does not bolt straight on. Other than that, it's a straight up swap that needs about 10 man hours to complete. Maybe more, I always underestimate. Definitely more if I port it.
I would really like to give her back her pep. It would also give me another cage to drive, but not haul. Will not sell!
Finally there is my wife's 2010 TSX. The TSX is nice, comfortable, good mileage, and it's our road trip car. Being fairly new to the flock it hasn't yet seen many upgrades. The next one is the stereo. It's getting either 2 Kappa 10s or one Kappa 12, component front and back speakers and dynamat. I already have most of the equipment except primarily for the box that allows me to use the factory head unit. A perfect one is elusive, so I have to decide on a compromise and buy a converter/controller, and related hardware, build the sub box and amp rack, install 2 sets of component speakers, and have it upholstered.
This option can be completed with the least hours needed, but requires slightly more capitol, and is a little more intricate.
Any of these options will require what ever vehicle to stick ass out of my garage because it's too short. So I can't close up which is a security issue in Memphis. I have lost many tools and go fast parts to light fingers while I sleep. When the garage was a carport it was much worse. I now have a cable lock wrapped around my tool chest and fastened to the wall. So every project will be essentially stuck for however long it takes to complete. I'll be honest, I don't have the diligence to work consistently on any one thing at a time except my job. Other things sometimes take priority, than another, then I forget, then it's too cold, then I'm too broke... you get the idea. I do finish eventually. But as you can see, I have a problem.
I tackling this with new determination. Finish one, on schedule, then another one. Stick to my $200 or less a week. Collect parts for the one project only. When said part arrives complete everything that can be done until the next part arrives.
Which option?
Sorry it's so long.
I have a problem... A sickness really. I love my man toys, all my toys, all equally.
In the stable I have:
2 in service motorcycles
3 motorcycles near completion (-$1000 or so each)
3 more far from completion, but doable
5 parts bikes
1 Explorer
1 sick but drivable Rx7, and one really sick, but my next track car.
1 91 Toyota Ex-cab no motor, been sitting for two years.
1 2010 TSX
This does not include other hobbies like bicycling and stuff. If it goes fast, I'm in!
My problem is this. I have three choices for my next big undertaking.
- Swap a motor w/ minor custom work in Rx7?
- Install high end stereo in the wife's Acura?
- Finish building motor and installing into Toyota truck that's been sitting for over two years?
It turns out money doesn't flow so freely. And I only have one work spot in the small garage at the end of my drive. I have a self imposed allowance of $200 a week to spend as I wish. My wife gets everything else for everything else. I have a credit card for a buffer, but I have to pay it back.
The Toyota project I'm really excited about. Last year, I nearly finished the motor build. All that's left for the 22RE is the double valve spring, valve seals and then assembly of head and intake onto block. I have everything but the petals for the 5 speed swap. I have wheels and tires, but it needs body work plus, the carpet and seats re-installed, exhaust, plus cleaning/painting up of the various motor brackets and engine compartment that I always do when I build a toy. It's also either getting a slight TT lift or drop. Haven't decided. Needs about 12-15 man hours to do.
This option would be the most beneficial later on when I can make it my daily and save a **** ton on gas. And not have to use a hauler or drag a trailer for the bikes. It would also give me another cage to drive when I take down the Ex for her next mod. Alternatively, I can sell it when it's done and have some extra cash to throw at other projects.
Then there is my Rx7. Oh how I love her. So light on her feet. She dances through turns like Gina Davis. Always in a hurry, she makes 90 feel like 60 so she can make an early appearance where ever she goes. She actually cost me my license 12 times. Yes, twelve. Her ticker is tired though. I have a very recent rebuild waiting. the front cover needs to be replaced and I'm toying with the idea of just pulling the motor apart and porting the intake and exhaust ports. This new motor also gets a later generation intake manifold that does not bolt straight on. Other than that, it's a straight up swap that needs about 10 man hours to complete. Maybe more, I always underestimate. Definitely more if I port it.
I would really like to give her back her pep. It would also give me another cage to drive, but not haul. Will not sell!
Finally there is my wife's 2010 TSX. The TSX is nice, comfortable, good mileage, and it's our road trip car. Being fairly new to the flock it hasn't yet seen many upgrades. The next one is the stereo. It's getting either 2 Kappa 10s or one Kappa 12, component front and back speakers and dynamat. I already have most of the equipment except primarily for the box that allows me to use the factory head unit. A perfect one is elusive, so I have to decide on a compromise and buy a converter/controller, and related hardware, build the sub box and amp rack, install 2 sets of component speakers, and have it upholstered.
This option can be completed with the least hours needed, but requires slightly more capitol, and is a little more intricate.
Any of these options will require what ever vehicle to stick ass out of my garage because it's too short. So I can't close up which is a security issue in Memphis. I have lost many tools and go fast parts to light fingers while I sleep. When the garage was a carport it was much worse. I now have a cable lock wrapped around my tool chest and fastened to the wall. So every project will be essentially stuck for however long it takes to complete. I'll be honest, I don't have the diligence to work consistently on any one thing at a time except my job. Other things sometimes take priority, than another, then I forget, then it's too cold, then I'm too broke... you get the idea. I do finish eventually. But as you can see, I have a problem.
I tackling this with new determination. Finish one, on schedule, then another one. Stick to my $200 or less a week. Collect parts for the one project only. When said part arrives complete everything that can be done until the next part arrives.
Which option?
Sorry it's so long.
