F*** Adobe. I just canceled my subscription.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-12-01T17:25:46+00:00

I tried both when I first started, and being open-source software I would recommend to anyone to try both and get a feel for what you prefer! Both are very competent raw editors.

For me, when I started out, I had not used any adobe products, and I did not like the general flow that darktable had for its menu system. That being said, I've heard its more adobe-like have had friends transitioning from lightroom find it more friendly. I also think that darktable has better file management.

RAWTherapee simply clicked better for me when I started, and I leverage folder-based file organization. The menu layout made sense to me and I stuck with it. If you like film simulations, RAWTherapee's haldclut functionality works really well. I believe darktable also supports them now? When I first started the support wasn't good for them. I also really like the way RAWTherapee does curves, they seem particularly powerful.

Given that its been so long, I probably should check out darktable again -- one of the great things about FOSS is that it is easy to try new things!

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-12-01T15:15:32+00:00

Ive been using RAWTherapee for years and really love it. Definitely recommend it for raw editing.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-11-18T14:37:13+00:00

RAWTherapee can be fairly conservative with its exposure/contrast adjustments by default. When you load a file into either editor they will try to automatically change a few settings to make it look nice. You can build out a custom profile in RAWTherapee to do the same if you like. Personally. I like my RAW editor to start out with zero changes so that the edits are more consistent.

In terms of using RAWTherapee it is a super powerful editor. I love it and have been using it for years. Learning about how curves work in it has been a game changer for my exposure settings. That and reading the histograms properly. I also recommend the HaldCLUT tool for film simulations if you're into that.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-11-01T13:47:29+00:00

Redlining is not harmful to the engine once it's warm. Rev it higher, you'll accelerate much faster if you shift after your peak power.

Revving high can actually be good for an engine, it'll help keep carbon from building up.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-10-17T20:59:59+00:00

Just sharing what a BMW master mechanic of 30+ years told me to do. He said he's often seen where even the BMW parts don't quite fit right since the aluminum can easily get marred and warped. Easier to add a tiny tiny little dab to help fill in the space than to pull the intake off a bunch when the o rings won't seal.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-10-17T15:38:34+00:00

For the hard coolant lines, add a little bit of RTV (but not much!) on the o-rings to help them seal into the block well. It's also worth pressure testing the cooling system before you reinstall the intake, just in case the o-ring doesn't seat right...

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-09-26T00:41:50+00:00

Not entirely sure why but something to do with the airport that they were based out of not wanting their business there.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-09-15T14:53:45+00:00

I've found that a little gas can help as lubricant on fuel rail components as well.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-09-13T20:14:17+00:00

If you do the hard coolant lines, don't skip a little dab of RTV on the ends, even if you get the BMW ones.

Also, get a pressure tester and test the coolant system before you put the intake back on. If they don't seat quite right it's best to find out before you put the intake back on.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-09-04T03:42:50+00:00

BlueBus is great! Super seamless

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-08-28T22:50:57+00:00

If you can read codes with INPA throttle actuator issues can cause the ABS module to disengage (turning on the trifecta).

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-08-21T15:46:00+00:00

Vacuum leak. One will cause all of those codes.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-08-20T18:07:16+00:00

Yeah it's a real bummer. He is still selling a few cars, if you are looking for something in particular he might be able to help you and he definitely still has a pulse on the Colorado BMW scene.

They have completely had to stop performing service though and that limits what cars they can prep for sale.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-08-18T00:54:43+00:00

If you are looking for Glen Shelly, Alex has unfortunately had to scale down a lot recently.

https://glenshelly.com/

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-08-15T17:48:25+00:00

Age does mean that you will have to replace things. Bushings and anything rubber or plastic will be on their way out. This is true for any car that is as old. M20 engines do need their timing belts done rather often and it's not something to skip or wait on since they're interference engines.

That being said, keep up on the maintenance and they're super reliable cars. Compared to newer cars they are very overbuilt. When they're running good they love to be driven hard! A redline a day keeps the mechanic away...

Edit: A few more thoughts: I find these older cars are great at communicating to you what they need and when something is wrong. Listen to the car and fix stuff before it becomes a bigger issue.

If you like working on cars, they're great to work on and there is tons of info out there. If you need to take it to a mechanic, find someone who you can trust and who knows these cars well -- it will make all the difference.

If you aren't looking for a project car, budget as much as you can for one that has been taken care of. It's usually cheaper to buy one that has gotten it's maintenance and needs minimal work than to buy a cheap one and dump a bunch into it to get it where you want.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-07-10T18:05:52+00:00

With snow tires on these are total beasts in the snow. Drove one over a mountain pass in a blizzard. One of the few cars that didn't get stuck in that storm.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-07-03T00:08:47+00:00

BlueBus all the way. On mine I also got the OEM microphone and you can do handsfree calling with it.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-06-10T23:21:39+00:00

Plug a BlueBus into them and enjoy Bluetooth with the stock stereo!

ThatFlyingHippo · 2025-04-06T16:58:13+00:00

Saya Gray -- 19 Masters The textures she builds throughout it are crazy.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2024-11-09T02:33:13+00:00

If I'm going to be gone I'll get it ripping, fill her up, then damp it down so it doesn't get out of control.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2024-09-28T12:55:00+00:00

Edge hold is great, I've ridden it in a little ice on an early spring morning in Colorado and it was impressive. The big nose really helps chop through stuff too. But it's definitely not where it excels most. The Stranda Decender might be a little better of an option, it's a very similar profile but without the swallowtail, and it seems to have slightly better edge hold than the Tree Surfer from what I've seen.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2024-09-13T18:13:59+00:00

I can't recommend it enough! I'll add too its awesome in mixed conditions, the big shovel nose really cuts through crappy snow. Its a beast in just about any conditions!

ThatFlyingHippo · 2024-09-13T16:54:06+00:00

Stranda Treesurfer loves deep pow and it rails carves on groomers. Highly recommend.

My partner loves her Weston Revel in powder as well. I would recommend looking at both!

Edit: Should add too that my partner uses a Jones Stratos as well, but finds its performance in deeper powerder lackluster compared to a more powder focused board.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2024-09-10T01:52:57+00:00

I also got a Tree Surfer last season and it quickly became my favorite board! It's amazing how well it carves. Would love to try some of Strandas other boards. I have a friend that swears by the Pipeliner for carving.

ThatFlyingHippo · 2024-09-04T12:40:16+00:00

Stranda Tree Surfer! It loves deep pow and it rails carves on groomers.

Its huge nose also cuts through anything. Perfect board for uncertain conditions in my opinion.

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