Today I... "Redux Edition"

[79GoldnTan]

Good for you. Been trying to get it here. They won't budge on price, 1400 feet of driveway, there's a ready poles that carry phone line and power and I put an extra conduit in from pole to house 22 years ago when we built. No cable here then but it go's right by my driveway. Gonna keep after them. Dsl sucks

[TATurbo]

Today I...
was wondering...Does my new (to me) daily driver qualify as a sleeper?

IMG_5949 by Tom Sherer, on Flickr

IMG_E5891 by Tom Sherer, on Flickr

 

Thanks guys.  Yeah, those pics are from our trip to Nashville TN last month.  This is my second modern Challenger.  I absolutely love these cars. Best highway cruiser I've ever owned or even drove in.  They are super solid and comfy with a tight, but not harsh suspension setup.  They are big, and heavy for sure.   But, with almost 500hp, a TR6060 trans, and 3:90 rear it's a blast to drive. 

Anyway...Nobody answered my question.
 Do you think this car qualifies as a sleeper?

The grill and hood are the same as the base challenger. The only giveaway is a little Scat Pack Bee badge on the fenders.
But then, is any Challenger a sleeper?   
I need help settling this.   

[FormTA]

I say no. Even a V6 model looks fast.

[ryeguy2006a]

Sorry Tom, I agree that the challenger isn't a sleeper. 

[nas t eh]

Is a modern Mustang or a Camaro a sleeper? Nope, so why would a modern Challenger be one. In fact, they are the opposite, they look fast but many are not as fast as we expect, because now we expect all Challengers to run sub 10 sec. like a Demon and when one can't it is a disappointment.

Given how fast some mini vans, SUV's and sedans are now, there are no sleepers.

You want a sleeper get a Tesla 3 and pull the badges off it. In fact, don't line your Challenger up against a Tesla unless you want to get spanked. Watch out for old diesel trucks too.

You know what could be a sleeper, any old car from the 60's and 70's like a Lemans, Tempest, Firebird, Camaro, Mustang, Challenger or Barracuda with a swapped in Modern drive train. Put a Hellcat drive train in an old Challenger or Charger, leave the 318/340 badging on it. Now you have a sleeper.

There was a guy putting a old Firebird body on a Tesla platform, that would do it too.

[Casey]

I wish I could send more than positive energy and well wishes your way.  That's what I got, so I'll put it out in the universe for you and your partner there.

Thank you, we need it!

Turns out the AirBnB wasn't as the listing led you to believe, and to top it off the other guest was violently ill and constantly in/out of the shared bathroom for the 30 minutes we were there.  Being immunocompromised that definitely wasn't going to work out...  Thankfully the host was understanding and refunded the difference that AirBnB didn't want to refund.  Though now we're stuck scrambling for another place, and had to stay in a questionable hotel last night.

[Casey]

Also I have to concur with everyone else, a sleeper is something most wouldn't expect to be fast.

So usually anything that isn't a coupe, convertible, or German saloon.  You could even make the argument that a slow car that looks fast(all those 90s and 00s sport coupes, for instance) wouldn't be a sleeper since most of the general public would assume they're fast, though maybe to enthusiasts that know how slow they are stock one might consider a heavily modified example a sleeper.

So it's up to some interpretation and perspective, one could even argue a heavily modified Corvette or pony car would be a sleeper among much more expensive cars one would expect to be faster.

[Nexus]

Casey

Keep your head up, and continue the search. Something will present itself that is suitable for you two. This will only be a short term struggle until you're able to get settled. I've been at it now for 7 years and each year is slowly better than the last with my life reset.

Charger question.....my opinion matches everyone else....it's not a sleeper but it is still a really cool car!!!  Congrats

I've wanted one of those since they came back out with them but as a daily driver, it doesn't fit my lifestyle so I went the Chevy pick up route!!!

[Casey]

Thanks Charlie, I'll try my best!

[5th T/A]

Casey,

I am really sorry to hear you and your significant other got thrown a curve ball. I hope this is just a short bump in the road. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Also new picture “ is cute”,  not that there was anything wrong with the old one.

[5th T/A]

Tom,

Any Dodge Challenger is not a sleeper. It looks like it’s going fast when it’s sitting still. Being silver in color it might not get the same attention as a bright neon color, but still will get you noticed. It is the most accurate reincarnation of a 70’s muscle car, despite being 13 years old the styling still looks great.

If I was 30 years younger and money was no object I would have one, preferably a Demon. But then my drivers license would be on borrowed time. Instead I will live vicariously through you!

[Casey]

Casey,

I am really sorry to hear you and your significant other got thrown a curve ball. I hope this is just a short bump in the road. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Also new picture “ is cute”,  not that there was anything wrong with the old one.

Thank you, that means a lot!  We're trying to find an apartment as we speak, hopefully can find one soon!

[TATurbo]

Thanks everyone!
This is why I asked...I appreciate the input and it sounds like we are all on the same page. 
The thought crossed my mind walking towards it in a parking lot one night.  To my eye it looked sleeperish 'cause of the base model hood and grille.   But I sorta came to the same conclusion...A sleeper it's not.
 
Oh, and  I'm pretty careful on picking when, where, and against whom I'll try to leave on a light on.  I don't really street race anymore.  But sometimes you're at a red light and you need to get a jump in order to get over a lane for a turn or somethin'. Right?   I'm very aware of how quick Tesla's and Diesel trucks can be.  I'm certain most modern cars could smoke my TA for sure.

Thanks for the input!

[gm muscle]

Yesterday, I replaced the fan clutch in the T/A. The ambient temperature rose to 109 and I figured it would be the perfect day to test the cooling system. I'm happy to report everything worked flawlessly...with city driving and A/C on, the car's temp never climbed higher than 200. Even at a full stop in traffic, the A/C blew cold (gotta love R12).

[72projectbird]

Snapped a pic of my 71 in front of town hall.

[Gene-73]

Nice pic and great location!
It's been a long time since I've seen an early second gen with louvers on the rear window. I had the same setup back in the day.

[737driver]

Yesterday I got some pics of my 72 Firebird from paint jail. It spent some extended stay in paint jail, in fact I was hoping to have it back in March. There were a few holdbacks but nothing that really bothered me.

 The color is a Mazda color called Soul Red. It is a 3 stage paint application and really turns out good. I will probably pick up in a few day and begin the last phase of restoration.
Jim

[Gene-73]

Outstanding choice of color!! I've seen that Mazda color around town and am just amazed at how bright red it is. It's going to be stunning on a second gen!

[Jack]

X2 nice to see another different Red early 2nd gen.

[roadking77]

72 PBird, nice shot of your car in front of town hall.

Jim, Car looks outstanding. At first I thought there was a big strand of buffer pad or something on the top of the quarter then I realized it was the photographers reflection.  I have said before that you have hit the paint shop lottery. I like how your 'paint jail' is a couple of extra months, LOL. It was worth the extended wait. FWIW, my motor shop has the same delay problem I think. I dropped my motor off in Jan, expecting to have back by April (his previous turn around time). I am still waiting for any bit of progress.

[twov8sandat4]

In between my fight with my brakes, i did insulate the interior on Sunday in preparation of installing the Vintage Air A/C.

[ryeguy2006a]

Amazing color choice!! It really pops on the body lines of second gens.

[scarebird]

...The color is a Mazda color called Soul Red. It is a 3 stage paint application and really turns out good. I will probably pick up in a few day and begin the last phase of restoration.
Jim

My wife bought a 2015 Mazda 3 in that color, it was a dent magnet, hit at least 3 times...     

[RamblerRacer]

This is more like "yesterday I" but we got in around 12:00 last night.

I went (x4) rounds in Pro Bracket with some luck and driving the finish line well.
Ended up losing in R4 with my .030 light to my friend's .017.
We typically try not to run against friends but we were on a ladder after R3 and we got paired up in R4 the way it was set up.

In the lanes


Our pit area


Heading out


JT

[5th T/A]

Rambler,

Congratulations on making it to round 4. Sorry you didn’t get further, but if you going to lose, better it be to a friend.

I have said this before, I like your car and have been a fan of AMC.

[Jack]

X2 hopefully your friend will get ahead further.

[RamblerRacer]

Ah I failed to mention my friend went on two more rounds to take the final.
Thanks for the positive reactions to the post.
These things are typically won or lost by hundredths or thousandth of a second.
It was good to go some rounds for a change.

JT

[roadking77]

Went to NAPA today to get some parts so I can finally get the rear put back together and installed on the 79. Just a young guy at the counter. I told him I needed a gasket for a 1979 Trans Am. He messed around with the computer for a few minutes with a perplexed look. Finally he asked his associate for some help. Said that there was no Pontiac Trans Am in the system. The Associate told him to type in Firebird first and VIOLA! it worked!!  Kinda thought it was funny, but then realized this fellow was probably born after the last Firebird rolled off the line.

[ryeguy2006a]

But did you tell him whether or not it had AC and 2wd or 4wd first?? Come on Kerry!

[Jack]

I thought you were going to say he asked which motor you had... but I get the Trans Am thing, not many cars have three names now.

[ryeguy2006a]

Today my wife and I have been married for 10 years! Crazy how fast that went by.

[roadking77]

Congratulations Ryan   

"Crazy how fast that went by"   I think I have soup cans in my pantry that old, LOL

[Jack]

Congrats Ryan. For some reason I though that you were only married for 4-5 years.

The crazy part is that not many marriages last 2 years, you must be doing something right, keep it up.

[ryeguy2006a]

We were dating for 5 years prior to our wedding, with 2 years being engaged. So in total we have been together for 15 years. Being that I'm 33, and she is 32 we are closing in on being together longer than we have been apart. Crazy how far we have come in 10 short years. 

[b_hill_86]

We were dating for 5 years prior to our wedding, with 2 years being engaged. So in total we have been together for 15 years. Being that I'm 33, and she is 32 we are closing in on being together longer than we have been apart. Crazy how far we have come in 10 short years. 

You guys are kinda the opposite of my wife and I. We’ve been together for almost 14 years but only married for pushing 6. I’m 35 and she’s 33. Congrats!

[b_hill_86]

Went to NAPA today to get some parts so I can finally get the rear put back together and installed on the 79. Just a young guy at the counter. I told him I needed a gasket for a 1979 Trans Am. He messed around with the computer for a few minutes with a perplexed look. Finally he asked his associate for some help. Said that there was no Pontiac Trans Am in the system. The Associate told him to type in Firebird first and VIOLA! it worked!!  Kinda thought it was funny, but then realized this fellow was probably born after the last Firebird rolled off the line.

As long as he wasn’t a jerk about it. I try to find part numbers to give them before I go in to avoid those kinda issues. Recently I called my local Autozone to rent an A/C flush kit. I’d spoken to the manager before to confirm they have one and she told me to call a day in advance cause they don’t normally stock it. So I call and talk to this girl. Tell her what I’m looking for, she looks, says they don’t have it. I gave her a part number of a similar product cause I got the impression she didn’t know what she was looking for. “Yea I can order that” she says. I asked, “to rent or to purchase?” She replied a little snotty, “to purchase. We can’t rent that”. So I explained again what her manager told me. This time she very snidely said “Yea I heard you the first time. Why don’t I just read you what tools we rent for A/C and you can tell me if it’s what you want.” I was peeved at this point but kept my mouth shut. She read through the list and at the last item she paused and says “Actually I found something that looks like the other part number you gave me. It’s not the exact same one but it’s basically the same.” I asked, “To rent or to buy?” She said, “Yea, you can rent this one. You were right.” She didn’t apologize but I could hear it in her voice she knew she messed up so I let it slide. Mistakes happen too, but she didn’t need to be nasty about it.

[roadking77]

Heading to a show tomorrow, cleaned up the car, then the wife and I went for a short ride to get some petro. On our way back, about 2 miles from home an accident happened right in front of us. If I had been 5 seconds more it would have been us that got hit. Lady with 2 small kids in the car pulled RIGHT into the path of traffic T boning a car. Pieces were flying everywhere I didnt think anything hit my car, but my wife said she heard something. I did a quick once over after I got home and things were fine. I wasnt too worried at the time, I was more concerned for the lady and her kids. Pretty busy highway, I ended up directing traffic for about 10 minutes until the FD,PD showed up. 

[scarebird]

My 1971 Lemans was stumbling on acceleration.  A compression test showed #7 Intake 20% low, as did a leak down test.  I had solid roller lifters and was afraid I had too little lash and burnt the valve.  Cylinder heads were removed and taken to a shop where they were cleaned and tested - and pronounced perfect.

Evidently the tests were in error.  I replaced the solids with Johnston hydraulics and in the process of replacing the heads noted a wire was severed leading to the distributor from the PCM (engine has Edelbrock ProFlo 4).  Wire repaired and now car runs superb.  May explain horrifying mileage also.

[5th T/A]

Kerry,

Wishing you safe travels and an enjoyable show tomorrow!

Glad no one got hurt. While late model cars are so much safer, it seems more and more drivers are distracted or just don’t take diving seriously.

[roadking77]

You are so right Larry. It was at a T intersection, we were on the 'travelling' portion of the highway attempting a left hand turn, traffic coming at us in the opposite direction. The lady that was stopped at the T pulled right into the path of 2 cars, hitting the second one in line. We saw the whole thing like slo motion right in front. I thought for sure they were going to hit us, we were that close. There was no logical reason why she pulled out 
Same intersection has a wreck at least once a month, fatalities in the past. Makes no sense as its open and well marked.