GRM, and exposure to competition, has changed me.

Since reading GRM and being exposed to automotive competition has changed me. I used to think performance began and ended with power numbers. Since being on the track I've expanded that out to include suspension, tires, and brakes.

How GRM has changed me is now when I check out newer cars I judge their performance level intended by their engineers by looking at the size of the front brakes in relation to the rim mounted by the factory. If car has teeny rotors and 18 in wheels? Fashion accessory. If it has rotors that fill the internal diameter of the wheel, possibly right-sized brakes but at least the largest that would fit. If it has 17in+ wheels and the inside of the wheel is filled with rotor and beefy caliper? That puts a gearhead performance enthusiast smile on my face. Also, that model gets checked out for potential hidden prowess in the performance category.

How has GRM changed you in regards to your automotive pursuits, boondoggles, view on car performance?

Just to add to your comments, not only do such things effect performance more than all out brute force horsepower and torque, but it changes for every style of racing. Take an autocrosser and rallycross it.

Ask those variable.

How has GRM changed my views? Not much, but the influence on my decision making is definitely effected.

Mostly teaching me to think it through, and not always look for a marque specific vendor to solve a problem that could be corrected by going to the hardware store.

Cars can be built from dishwashers and file cabinets.

My dad got a subscription to GRM when I was 15 -- I've been reading GRM nearly half of my life (and I still have every issue). It's hard to say how it has changed my outlook, but I can tell you that it is largely responsible for my entire perception of the automotive world. No wonder my short, 14-year list of car ownership has items like: Miata, E30, WRX, and Mustang sprinkled throughout it.

GRM has taught me to be more of an enabler.

GRM has taught me that Crack Cocaine is not the most fiscally irresponsible thing I could be doing.

GRM has taught me to never underestimate the power of cheap. And that some of the best cars here cost less than the sum of the beers consumed during their construction.

Adding lightness.

GRM has taught me that you don't have to have a Scrooge McDuck swimming pool filled with money to have fun with cars.

The first time I went to the Challenge, I was absolutely floored by the level of awesomeness some of the competitors cars were achieving for $2009 and under. I mean, there were purpose built cars set up for handling, show-quality rides, weird little cars with engines/drivetrains that had no business being in those cars, a fully functioning Hybrid, and hot rods running 10-second quarter mile times, and all under the budget! It took me a while to process all of the awesome, and as a result, I'm now hooked on cheap speed.

I went further by buying a car really cheap right from the GRM Classifieds to build up in the cheapest way possible. So far, I have a grand total of $175 into a cool yet obscure project car that when done should handle really well and hopefully run 13's or better in the quarter mile, all for under $2k total.

Since I recently bought a house and got married, money is tight right now, so it's good to know that my car hobby can survive the tougher times without any issues.

I was pretty much like this before, so it just made me realize that I'm not a crazy cheapass

GRM has taught me:

When I see canoes, I automatically think of cheap iPhones and Nikes

When I see an E36 M3, I hold back from cursing

I have an urge to buy a Miata everyday

Atlanta is an AWESOME city to be an enabler in...

I used to think that my A6 BiTurbo 6 speed need more power and torque, I have since bought a bone stock 1.6 miata.

Way more smiles in the miata.

I sold my 350hp Subaru and bought a Miata.

GRM has taught me that the chance of somebody, somewhere having had the same problem I've had who is also willing to give good advice without being a jerk about it approaches 100%.

GRM has helped teach my wife that my "crazy" car projects are, at worst, mid-pack in terms of insanity.

GRM has infused the idea that making the driver better is the easiest way to going faster.

I've learned that Per likes Krispy Kreme donuts.

I've learned more than I'd ever want to know about Bob Costas and patios.

But most importantly, I've learned that just about any question can be answered with "Miata".

I drive a P71. I highly doubt I would be - and would have gotten such good advice on what to look for when buying one - without GRM, specifically this forum.

Otherwise, I wouldn't say GRM has changed me all that much, but it has strongly encouraged me to keep playing with cars for cheap.

DaveEstey wrote: I sold my 350hp Subaru and bought a Miata.

Somewhere, at some car meet, a teenager's head just exploded.

I have reaffirmed my cheapness and desire to go through cars like toilet paper. GRM is an enabler.

ddavidv wrote: I've learned that Per likes Krispy Kreme donuts.

...what was that, 10 years ago? sheesh.

Per Schroeder wrote:

ddavidv wrote: I've learned that Per likes Krispy Kreme donuts.

...what was that, 10 years ago? sheesh.

Dude, I've been reading the magazine like, forever.

I see Yugos in a whole new way.

93EXCivic wrote: Cars can be built from dishwashers and file cabinets.

+1

file cabinet metal can look really good

...and washing machine floor pans are nice and light

Per Schroeder wrote: ...what was that, 10 years ago? sheesh.

The internet is FOR-evar. I won't even tell you guys the name I used on usenet lists before becoming the wise sage you see before you. <- read with an abundance of sarcasm.