Automotive

Up until around 2016 or so, I primarily drove these quirky "Turbo Mopars" employing Chrysler's 2.2L turbocharged powertrain.  My last daily driver of this type was a 1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z C/S.  The car was a bit of a basket case when I got it, but it was eventually sorted out: the frame was straightened, the floor pans replaced, and the powertrain and interior were upgraded.  It was a very fun and comfortable car to drive (for a Turbo-Mopar anyway).  Eventually I had to let it go, as it just wasn't practical to use a 30+ year-old car as a daily.

My previous daily driver from 1995 through 2002 was a 1988 Dodge Shadow ES.  It was laid to rest due to a fatal case paint peel and floorpan/frame rust.  It had been in a few collisions over its life and it just wasn't worth saving.  Prior to that, I drove a 1987 Dodge Shadow Turbo and a 1987 Plymouth Sundance Turbo.  I had a thing for these particular cars (the "P-body", in Turbo-Mopar parlance), especially the first generation (1987-1988).

Back when I first graduated from college, I strongly desired the ultimate first-generation P-body: the 1987 Shelby CSX.  After some searching and waiting for the right car in my price range, I found Shelby CSX #694 of 750.  It has mainly been a project car, though it has had to step in as a daily from time to time.  This is the last of these cars that I still own.

Chrysler had an interesting relationship with Carroll Shelby in the late 1980s.  While the resulting vehicles were never taken very seriously in muscle car circles, a great online community did form around them.  The discourse has moved from mailing lists to online Forums to (unfortunately) Facebook Groups, but the community itself still exists.  The Shelby-Dodge Auto Club still holds an annual convention to this day.

In the dark recesses of the Internet lies an ancient tome of knowledge that (according to the server logs) people still visit for some reason: Mini-Mopar Resources.

The Daytona: September 2, 2005

Posted on September 02, 2005.

Remeber the pics of that nice turbo? How about these? On the left is the "S60" turbo mentioned earlier.  On the right is the new "Super 70" turbo from Turbos Unleashed with their 3" swing valve bolted to a .63 A/R exhaust housing (compare it to the .48 on the S60).  Not sure how the lag is going to be, but I got my hands on an FM ported 2 piece intake and a Spearco, which will hopefully help out.

The CSX: July 29, 2005

Posted on July 29, 2005.

I got the 225/50 HR15 Kumho ECSTA 711s mounted on a half-decent set of 15x6.5" crabs.  The balance is not great, but boy can this thng handle now.

The Daytona: June 30, 2005

Posted on June 30, 2005.

Didn't come close to making it for SDAC.  Oh well.

The CSX: June 30, 2005

Posted on June 30, 2005.

Took the CSX to Ohio for SDAC15.  There was no way that my work schedule would let me finish it in time (it's not even close).  Had an awesome time as always, except for the nasty hangover on the last day (oops).  The car did OK, though I couldn't break into the 14s at all this year.  It just doesn't feel right at the top end and the boost always drops way off.  With the wastegate disconnected, it can barely keep 15psi when I wind it all the way up.  I tried wiring the wastegate shut, but that didn't help either.  At low engine speeds, it'll crank out 20psi with no trouble.  Not sure what the deal is, but I do think it needs a bigger turbo.  I have that TU S60 with the .48 A/R housing and clipped turbine.  The Daytona's engine has been collecting better toys since I got the turbo, so maybe it should get a true Super 60 instead.  It may be that I have the (modified) Talon BOV in the bottom hose and at high engine speeds, the IC starts backing up and the pressure in the lower hose goes insanely high and pushes the valve open.  I may try to remove the BOV and see what happens.

The Daytona: May 18, 2005

Posted on May 18, 2005.

The Daytona's been under the knife again.  The fenders and doors are off.  Sanded the doors and the new hood from Dave.  Totally stripped the weird peeling/flaking paint off of the fenders, only to find a gallon of bondo on the passenger side.  I'm not even going to bother with it.  The driver's side is in good condition, though.  I hate body work.