And, ta-da, our new water heater.
Photography by David S. Wallens
It’s back-to-school time, meaning that summer’s coming to a close–probably quicker than we’d like.
So, how did yours go? Make good progress on a project? Have some good showings?
With our Garage Rescue Miata, it’s been a little quiet since late June.
We can explain.
The night before our July autocross, we discovered a puddle beneath our 44-year-old water heater. So, instead of chasing cones, we were adulting that day.
We missed another autocross–a two-day affair by the SCCA at Daytona International Speedway early in August–to attend a Honda press event.
And some bad weather–or the threat of bad weather–kept us home for a few Orlando Roadsters meets.
Last weekend, though, we trekked up to Gainesville–a nice, two-hour drive each way–to promote the upcoming $2000 Challenge at their Cars & Coffee event.
Then we took advantage of some unseasonably comfortable conditions for a few evening drives.
We’ll be busy this coming weekend, too, as we’re scheduled to autocross with the Martin Sports Car Club.
So, what have you been up to lately?
And, ta-da, our new water heater.
Never seen a water heater that used PVC piping ...
In reply to Slippery :
That's how they did it, and it passed the city inspection so I'm guessing it's okay.
In reply to Slippery :
It's just the drip / drain pan line. That's fairly common for PVC these days. If the heater fails it could protect the structure some.
In reply to AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) :
Zoom in.
It's been a good summer for autocross for me. We've closed our office on Sundays, which is a huge development. I'm also down to working only one Saturday a month, so my goal for maximum possible seat time is on a new level.
Four years in, I'm continuing to improve my skills. I won the E Street class with my Miata the first day at Daytona. It wasn't my first class win, but it was my first one in our local SCCA chapter.
I picked up a manual transmission 08 civic coupe ("V-tec slow") for a daily driver, and alternate autocross car. I can also do some track driving now. My Miata doesn't have a roll bar, so that wasn't a possibility for it.
I got a good deal on some used stuff for the civic: a set of koni shocks, a Progress RSB, some Enkie wheels and a set of Yokohama tires.
Despite being really slow with only the 1.8, the first time out I finished second in H Street and second in the track sprint that afternoon at the Firm.
At the last Martin Sports Car Club event I beat all the other Miatas, and was getting closer to a fast MR-S that's been the dominant local competitor in E Street.
And best of all, I'm having fun with my friends! See you Sunday, David!
Had a good couple of track days. Not as much as I would've liked, but definitely pushed the car to its limits so maybe it's good I didn't have more. Found the bounds. Will now adjust the car.
Main issues are in the braking setup, the OEM sliders are ok on the street but just heat up like crazy even with ducting on track. BBK here I come! Also need a compound that's less rotor aggressive. The GLOC R6 are nice but I can see they're kind of eating the rotor, lots of rotor deposit on my wheels. I'll probably go with Ferodo offerings. The DS2500 and DS1.11 look to be good street/track compounds that should be easier on the rotors.
Found the oil cooler to be well worth the money. Very happy with it and keeps the car at much happier oil temps on track.
One introductory track event in February.
One autox in March.
Technically not Summer events but the season is hard to pin down here unless you go strictly by dates of the Solstice.
Getting some electrical work performed in the garage to enhance project capabilities going forward and support a mini split HVAC unit.
Found a set of the light 14" OE wheels for the Miata to replace the slugs it came to us with. Put on our first set of 200TW tires (Falken Azenis RT615K). It's a different car with good tires. Replaced both rear brake calipers and pads.
Shifter rebuild. Based on how old parts looked it was way overdue.
Missed three autox events. One canceled, one due to a sick pet, and one due to a positive Covid test for the Mrs. It's like lost sleep, you never make them up.
But... Made one this month, one scheduled for September, then two in October so optimistic for the remainder of the year.
Sold a motorcycle I'd owned for 23 years and never thought it would leave but (sorry George) all things must pass.
Going fast, kicking ass. We're 6 events in and I'm sitting in second overall and leading our combined ST/CAM/XS class. Best-ever season so far.
I also got my best-ever PAX finish of 2nd overall in a borrowed E/Street MR-2 Spyder. I was only 0.030 seconds out of Top PAX
Didn't get to the track as much as I'd like this summer. Conflicts with other vacations, kids activities, air force duty, etc. Have a track day in September and one more in October and that's it for the season. I'm getting more comfortable with slip angle in the 911 at track speeds, will continue to work on that. I'd like to shave another second of my PB this season, that'd be great...
Displaying 1-10 of 16 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
