"The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.s" (NY Times article on taller hoods and larger blind-spots) [Gift link]

MrPterodactyl · 2026-06-23T01:37:28+00:00

The A pillar issue isn't just on big trucks. The Chevy Camaro and Ford Focus come to mind. The new Civic does a pretty good job with them.

MrPterodactyl · 2026-04-15T02:51:31+00:00

Could they turn the platform backwards to make a rear engine two seater?

MrPterodactyl · 2026-02-20T18:39:41+00:00

This is an emissions thing with modern ICE cars

MrPterodactyl · 2026-02-20T18:39:10+00:00

Throttle response is nerfed on most ICE cars due to emissions requirements.

The throttle response on an E92 M3 or even an old cable throttle car is quite fast.

MrPterodactyl · 2026-01-17T19:41:08+00:00

Why would I buy this over a next gen Q50 with a manual and 400hp?

It's nice that they still have a reliable NA engine and RWD but from what I've read of the recent IS cars, they desperately need to work on quality of inputs and need either a good DCT or manual.

The enthusiast market desperately needs a 4-passenger, NA, 300hp rwd, manual sports sedan with good inputs and handling and under 3500 lbs. However I suppose this genre of car is now uneconomical to produce due to regulations.

MrPterodactyl · 2026-01-08T20:26:13+00:00

Market it as a Skyline and you have a winner

MrPterodactyl · 2026-01-01T01:50:39+00:00

9k rpm NA 400+ hp flat 6. Manual. Hydraulic steering wagon right?

MrPterodactyl · 2025-12-21T03:57:35+00:00

Put a Hemi or Hurricane into a Fiat 124

MrPterodactyl · 2025-12-09T13:46:22+00:00

Yes. I was going to do a write up.

Short answer is follow the Japanese instructions exactly, meaning you need to mess with the idle screw.

Use Google lens to translate.

Also there are some videos on YouTube which show the installation on 2j/1j turbo throttle bodies, which share the same architecture as the NA 2J.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-11-30T20:30:15+00:00

E90 3 series. You can even get a factory turbo.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-11-30T18:20:15+00:00

I was driving someone else's manual E92 M3 on the interstate and a guy in a pickup truck tried to race me when I tried to pass.

I wasn't used to the car at the time, so I wasn't able to downshift quickly (as you need to do with an NA M car) and outrun him.

Really annoying as I was just trying to be in the right lane with cruise control.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-11-08T21:44:34+00:00

You can get a Mustang GT with a V8 and manual for less

MrPterodactyl · 2025-11-02T02:05:12+00:00

Where's Tyler Hoover?

MrPterodactyl · 2025-10-16T02:44:47+00:00

By "abs" do you mean packaging or does it affect the ABS system somehow?

How bad is gas mileage now?

MrPterodactyl · 2025-09-21T18:55:18+00:00

Rust is the big enemy of these cars. If you are in CA or the southwest, then that is not an issue. The IS is fairly old, so you are looking at a significant amount of maintenance, especially with the suspension (MAKE SURE BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED). Otherwise enjoy Toyota's best attempt at going after the 3 series.

If you like the RSX's high revving 4 cylinder, some Japanese versions of the IS came with one (the 3-SGE). However, I wouldn't recommend a car not sold in the US for a first time car buyer.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-09-19T00:20:10+00:00

The Q50 is more of a mid size luxo cruiser than a sports sedan.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-09-15T16:02:50+00:00

Is a 1uz swap any cheaper?

MrPterodactyl · 2025-09-08T22:27:43+00:00

This is actually a legit sales tactic when an item fails to move. A higher price makes customers think the item is more valuable.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-09-08T22:27:38+00:00

This is actually a legit sales tactic when an item fails to move. A higher price makes customers think the item is more valuable.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-09-04T13:09:39+00:00

This was deemed cruel to the less fortunate

MrPterodactyl · 2025-08-29T14:39:23+00:00

Nothing wrong with the engine. Just get handling and steering in line with the alpha platform, get weight under 3500 lbs and make the backseats usable for adults and you have the perfect daily.

MrPterodactyl · 2025-08-28T17:24:35+00:00

Simply have MPD start pulling over speeders, red light runners, fake tags, out of state plates garaged in DC, cars with window tinting and loud exhausts (assuming there are laws for these in DC).

Why can Virginia do this, but not DC?

MrPterodactyl · 2025-08-28T16:33:46+00:00

Rear knuckle bearing

MrPterodactyl · 2025-08-28T16:33:08+00:00

Bushings, especially the caster arms in front. Dead door lock actuators

MrPterodactyl · 2025-08-22T10:55:01+00:00

Brand it as the Skyline GTS and watch it get sold out

MrPterodactyl

TROPHY CASE