2008 Tail of Dragon trip

[FTD]

People stationed with cameras to sell photos to you?! Like Six Flags. My how times have changed.

Originally Posted by FTD

People stationed with cameras to sell photos to you?! Like Six Flags. My how times have changed.

The photos are great. I bought a few from 2 different guys last year.

[gmboxster]

Are you guys still planning on the TOD trip ? Gas prices could be $4.50 / gallon or more by then.. OUCH.

[RandallNeighbour]

Well, boys and girls, I'm going to have to bow out on the trip this year. I was going to grin and bear it on the outrageous fuel costs and the tire wear getting there and back, and then Hans' diagnosis of my worn suspension squashed it financially for me. I need about $3000 worth of work on the car, and a chunk of that is what I had saved up for the trip.

I need wheel bearings (both sides) and one control arm up front, and a control arm in the back (it's creaking). The struts up front are original and since Hans has to tear down the wheel carrier to swap out the bearing, it makes common sense to replace the struts while I'm at it.

Hans made another good point as well. He is recommending I replace the trailing arms as well in the back because they're original as well and go out on cars of my age and mileage. Add to that another lower control arm because it's original as well and it will go out sooner than later like the other, and the price rises even more.

Since struts up front will cost about $500 for Bilstein HD's I think I'll just get a set of KSport coilovers and have him install them while he's in there.

All I can say is that I will miss seeing you all and driving with you, but there will be other trips. I've fretted over my worn suspension for a long time, so this should get it in good shape for the long haul and I won't have to worry what's going to go out next on this car (except for the intermediate shaft, the transmission, the RMS, and the top transmissions!)

Ah, the joys of owning an old Boxster just keep piling up, eh? :ah:

[Adam]

Man, Randall, that thing has been a money pit. How many miles are on that thing now 106k? Ever consider upgrading to a newer less problematic boxster? With all the money you've dropped on that 2.5L you could've had nice shiny S a long time ago no?

[RandallNeighbour]

I'm in too deep. I do not have an addiction. The addiction has me in its grips. 105k, by the way.

Probably should have bailed two years ago and I'd be driving a newer S. However, I do not want another 986. I only want a 987S or a CaymanS.

So I will repair what I have and dream of bolting a 3.6 in it one day. I do have a black hide of leather to do the interior in and that's cheap so it will keep me busy for a long time.

All you guys with boxsters with 80k+ need to bail on the car sooner than later and get another with much lower mileage on it.

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Well, boys and girls, I'm going to have to bow out on the trip this year. I was going to grin and bear it on the outrageous fuel costs and the tire wear getting there and back, and then Hans' diagnosis of my worn suspension squashed it financially for me. I need about $3000 worth of work on the car, and a chunk of that is what I had saved up for the trip.

I need wheel bearings (both sides) and one control arm up front, and a control arm in the back (it's creaking). The struts up front are original and since Hans has to tear down the wheel carrier to swap out the bearing, it makes common sense to replace the struts while I'm at it.

Hans made another good point as well. He is recommending I replace the trailing arms as well in the back because they're original as well and go out on cars of my age and mileage. Add to that another lower control arm because it's original as well and it will go out sooner than later like the other, and the price rises even more.

Since struts up front will cost about $500 for Bilstein HD's I think I'll just get a set of KSport coilovers and have him install them while he's in there.

All I can say is that I will miss seeing you all and driving with you, but there will be other trips. I've fretted over my worn suspension for a long time, so this should get it in good shape for the long haul and I won't have to worry what's going to go out next on this car (except for the intermediate shaft, the transmission, the RMS, and the top transmissions!)

Ah, the joys of owning an old Boxster just keep piling up, eh? :ah:

I'll sell you the suspension pieces you need off of NickCats' car... say $100???

You will truly be missed this time around since you were responsible for the inaugural trip last year. Let us know when you'll be in the Chicago area so we can meet up for some pizza and beer.

[RandallNeighbour]

I will be in South Barrington October 16-19. Let's plan on dinner on the 18th!

[NickCats]

Randall,

That sucks you won't be able to join us ! I have marked my calendar for the 18th, though...

Nick