whatsisname

G'day, Shane, Chad, Martin, Matty, Brendan, Ryan, Steve, Vu, Krishy, lads, many thanks for all your kind words. The article turned out really well, a few minor technical spec's and details lost in translation but all in all it turned out better than I could have hoped for. In all honesty, the thanks goes to Guy Bowden, Jason Round and the writer - who's name escapes me at the moment. And Shane, mate I have not forgotten my EH trophy, not at all ! I've been trying to get some spare time to head down to the workshop (assuming it's still there and they haven't got sick of it gathering dust ) for the last couple of months. I'm hoping I can get away from work early tomorrow and will head that way in an effort to pick it up. If any of you are heading down to the Adelaide Hills Tarmac Rally, I'll be marshalling at the Myponga stage on Saturday morning - don't you just love 5am starts. If you are down that way be sure to say g'day.

I drove a few different Stag's, a couple of ST215's, and then the 246... the VSC system and N Edition suspension gives it a clear advantage over the rest. Outright acceleration was much of a muchness between the lot, but through the twisty stuff the 246 N was a clear winner.

Yep, agree with you both. I wouldn't say no to owning almost any of the Japanese import turbo wagon options. They each have their good and bad points, and in most cases it's only a matter of time and money to rectify the bad ones. Here it is. Not to everyone's tastes, but I like it:

As a current M35 owner I can understand you taking offence at my comments, but in all honesty, I don't think you'd find many people that didn't already own one (and therefore be defending their choice) that would disagree with my comments. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking the car and it capabilities, I am merely stating it is not the most visually appealing of the options on the market... and it is arguably worst looking than a base model R33 Skyline. I agree in part to your suggestion that the R33 isn't the most appealing shape out there, however, it is not a simple box shape, nor does it have a bland overall shape and terrible looking front grill. The factory R33 optional bodykit design is reasonable and gives the car more visual appeal than the Stagea. As for the ST246 Caldina; I'll have to spend more time behind the wheel before I give a response, I've not driven the car more than a few kilometres so far. I will point out one minor thing, the Caldina boot is very accommodating, and with the ability to fold the entire rear section behind the front seats flat means outstanding load carrying capabilities. My version is the rarer N Edition, which means the interior and handling is not to be ignored - a full factory Recaro interior is not what I would call bland, nor is the cabin - mind you it isn't to everyone's taste either. Go and look at the N Edition and see for yourselves. I also could not agree more with you, Pixel8r, the Stag shape does grow on you - in my case it was the older version. At first I though they looked like poo, but over time and with more exposure to them I started to come around, and if it weren't for them getting on a bit I would've been happy enough to get one. End of the day, I like almost all of the import sport wagon offerings, it just so happens the ST246 GT-Four N appeals most to me for a price I was happy to pay.

Guys, don't take this the wrong way, as I most certainly understand the appeal of the Stag (particularly the 260RS) but as a near life long Nissan man, Skyline owner for almost 12 years, and someone that was dead set keen on adding a Stag to the stable when the time came to get a family truckster... I just couldn't get over that simplistic box shape and front end that only a mother could love - the M35 truly is a shocker. The options out there on offer are quite good for sports orientated wagons, Liberty GT, Forester GT/XT, WRX wagon, Legnum, RVR, Caldina and more. In the end I found the mix of decent performance, interior, reliability and ease of servicing (if you do your research and find one that has been looked after - even the most reliable car can be a POS if it has been serviced by a monkey) fuel economy, insurance costs, and rarity, meant the ST246 Caldina GT-Four N Edition was the one for ME. Note that I said GT-Four 'N' Edition. The N gets front and rear torsen LSDs, full Recaro interior, upgraded suspension, and a number of other upgrades over the non N Edition. The biggest downside from a pure performance perspective is the ST246 was only released with a 4sp automatic, but for my needs, I preferred an auto anyway. If I want to go faster and do my own gear shifting, I'll take the '33.

I just rang Shannons (along with a number of other specialty insurers) today for a quote on a multiple car policy. Over the last 12 years of import ownership, I’ve had my share of good and bad experiences. I’ve seen almost everything, companies with seemingly outstanding customer service and very comprehensive and competitively priced policies, only to be let down when renewing my policy despite no claims or issues from my end at all. Sometimes it’s all comes down to the actions of other policyholders with the same car. That all said I found Shannons to be very competitive by comparison to a number of other insurers in the market. It also pays to shop around every few years; you never know how cheap another insurer is prepared to go, one insurer offered $100 off after I said the quote was too steep. It also helps to combine multiple policies through the one insurer – cars, contents, etc. Limited and Extreme Limited Use is another option for those with once in a blue moon garage toys – up to $300 difference in some cases.

Thanks for the heads-up Adrian. I've been buying mine from Peter at Scotchers. Any idea what blend the Liberty is 91/E?

There is nothing particularly special about this camera phone photo, but for some reason I really like it

So the Willall and GW runs were damn close - 316 vs. 311. The low tyres pressures (resulting in excessive tyre distortion – a sure-fire area for dyno losses) and reduced boost pressure would easily account for a slightly lower than normal figure. At this point I’d like to borrow a line from Sesame Street, and announce that the info’ above was brought to you, Chad, by the letter E, and the numbers 8 and 5 1:18’s and beyond are there for the taking.

It is hard to predict what the Australian/global collectable car market will be like in the mid to long term future, but one thing is for sure, what is popular and desirable to the current younger generation will be even more so when they reach an age where they can afford what they desired in their youth. It is for this reason and the fact that they all have historical significance in Australian motorsport that GT HO's, XU1's, A9X's, GTS Monaro's and the like are so sort after and expensive in today’s market. The genuine Australian delivered R32 GT-R's (all 100 of them) will only go up in price due to their rarity and link to an unforgettable era in Australian and global motorsport. I say global because even Nissan Japan recognised how significant the R32 GT-R was in Australia and transported the R33 GT-R over to Australia to take a bunch of photos of the car driving around Bathurst and then placed them in the sales brochures upon the R33 GT-R’s release in Japan. The other rare GT-R models will also appreciate, the N1, the V-Spec 2, and so on, the rarer the model the greater the long term value. All lower specification models below the GT-R will struggle to generate interest as the years roll on by, particularly the non-turbo variants and the later V series cars. If I were buying a car to enjoy on a regular basis and use as a primary or even secondary mode of transport to ‘tinker’ around with, I would still be happy to buy an N1 as a base. The important thing would be to avoid making modifications that were irreversible. If I were looking to buy a late model Skyline with the hope of making money out of it in the Australian market in the future, the R32 N1 would high on the list. There is no reason one should avoid buying a particular car as his or her everyday car or his or her weekend 'toy' just because it could be worth quite a bit to someone one day. If this were the case we wouldn't see many R35 GT-R's out and about, and every R35 Spec V would be wrapped in cottonwool and sealed in a vault. James, for what is it worth mate, I say buy the N1, enjoy it, look after it as best you can, play around with it without ruining it, and enjoy the smile that appears on your face each time you remember how rare a beast you own.

Thanks Nelson. Chad, how does your EH Enhanced Automotive Mainline dyno run compare to your PGA Graham West Mainline dyno run from earlier this year - have you made any significant changes since then? I've had runs of 366, 364rwkw on a Mainline and a few runs of just under 350rwkw on a Dyno Dynamics over the year - two weekends ago the most recent. From what I've seen over the last 10yrs of dyno use and across a range of roller dyno's, most are within 15-20rwkw at worst.

I did indeed mate. I've changed my sig (last year from memory) but I still view the dyno as another tool for working on and improving one's car... it just happens to double as a bit of fun Chad, 300.6 is still over 300

No problem at all. Thanks mate.

It was nice to finally spend a weekend not doing house reno's! It was also great to catch up with some familiar faces and meet some new ones. My apologies if I didn't manage to match the face, name, and forum name, or I have forgotten to mention you below. Thanks to the all that put in the time and effort to organise the SAU entry, well done. I can see SAU becoming a regular EH entrant and in time possibly taking out a club award. Well done to Ryan and his better half, and Luke, for the trophy winning efforts, and Chad, Damo, and Anthony for your efforts on the dyno. Chad, you might not have reached the lofty heights set by Alex’s VLT (near enough to 580rwkw on Sunday) by there is nothing wrong with over 300 on a very warm day! That Meguiar’s detailer stuff works well mate, look at how glossy your beast is in Troy’s photo. Dion, good to meet you, and all the best with the repairs mate. Pete, thanks for the input over the weekend, I owe you big time mate! You will please to know that not only did Jodi win a bunch of trophies for her outstanding XU1 but she then proceeded to drive the car home from the show – she also gave me thumbs up whilst cruising alongside for the first part of the journey. Ruby, keep the change mate, just add it to the club coffers. Dave, Damo is on the money, basic details are in my sig'. Thanks for all the kind comments guys, much appreciated.

Pete, I spoke with Luke, and John Munro, both guys have other commitments and therefore are unable to make the show as a competitor. I faxed my entry form in early last week and have paid in full - internal / both days. I will be good to go by Friday arvo' and aim to have the car there not long after. Shane/Ruby, if you guys could PM me a mobile number and I will do likewise, just in case we need any last minute info'/extras/whatever. Cheers, Matt

Pete, will give it a shot mate. I have to head over his way tomorrow so will see if I can track him down and ask. If you can PM me his surname it will make the job easier, I'll know exactly which section to look for him. I have filled in my entry form and will fax it off shortly.

Sounds good, Shane. Will get the ball rolling tomorrow at work.

I'm a whiz at filling the 33 via jerry can these days :-)

I like all of the suggestions listed above, as well as the frequency suggested for dyno days and car shows. How about a regular SAU Poker night?

I've done the Autosalon thing, which was a cool experience, but Extreme Horsepower is probably more my scene. I'd be happy enough to enter my car as part of the SAU display inside. If you already have my model covered no problem, I'll just come along as a spectator.

It's owned by David. I've known him for a few years, we chat from time to time at the gym. He is a member on SAU. His brother owns a 911, I think it's a turbo.

Yep, that's their standard spot - just after the dip on the left hand side heading away from the RAAF base. I've seen them hiding in that spot quite often.

Craig, wasn't me, the 33 was home in the garage that day.

I agree Pete. Their new forward line looks ominous! Fev and Bradshaw deep and leading out from the goal square with Browny roaming up on the 50. Amon Buchanan (sp?) will be a handy addition at ground level too. I still think frontal pressure and run in numbers (Cats, Saints etc.) will make it tough for the Lions, but they have the potential to make top 4 no doubt. Oh yeah, one other thing in the list of Fev's ‘alleged’ Brownlow night indiscretions, he got Adrian Anderson (AFL Operations Manager) and James Brayshaw (Roos chairman) in a headlock... now that is funny 

If the e-mail about Fev's indiscretions on Brownlow night doing the rounds is true then Carlton really had no option but to move him on. There was no way the guys would have had team cohesion from that point on. I highly doubt Judd and Gibbs would have wanted to play alongside him again – he physically and verbal trashed their other halves according the info’ . Pushed Twiggly over and flashed his ‘member’ at her suggesting she perform a less than m..oral act in public. And managed to upset Gibby’s other half enough to bring her to tears. He did even worse than that too, sexual assaulting a female footy journalist is no joking matter. The Lions now have a potent forward line, but they still need to get the ball down that end. Black, Power, Rich and co are the key to their success in 2010.