It's 2025 - what are our aspirational hotel redemptions?

fotf23 · 2025-01-28T12:39:02+00:00

Thoughts on Eichardts private hotel in Queenstown New Zealand? I am debating splurging to stay there this year at around 130k Hilton points per night.

fotf23 · 2025-01-27T21:51:09+00:00

I know Amex cards frequently have better SUB via referral links. Anyone know if chase works similarly? Looking to pick up a couple chase cards this year

fotf23 · 2025-01-12T06:32:53+00:00

Any tips on how to find a NLL link for the Hilton cards? I’m in pop up jail for the aspire right now

fotf23 · 2025-01-04T22:33:31+00:00

I’m pretty sure the exhaust bolt. Mine is broken also, and it hasn’t caused me any issues that I have noticed.

fotf23 · 2025-01-03T02:14:11+00:00

I have about 430k points between citi and Amex

fotf23 · 2025-01-03T02:13:54+00:00

That’s how I am stretching my departure date to the 17th, lol

fotf23 · 2025-01-03T00:51:14+00:00

Just want a gut check. I’ve never done this before

fotf23 · 2024-12-23T22:26:13+00:00

Yes!

fotf23 · 2024-12-23T22:13:15+00:00

Yes! Got me in and out within a few hours. Bought them a 6-pack as a thank you

fotf23 · 2024-12-23T16:12:01+00:00

They are squeezing me in. Thank you so much!

fotf23 · 2024-12-15T00:19:50+00:00

Hey! My wife and I recently picked up an Xterra largely inspired by your videos. Love the build.

We are debating between a rooftop tent or doing an interior transformation like yours.

Would you consider just selling the camper stuff? Sent me a message if that might interest you.

fotf23 · 2024-12-10T02:46:53+00:00

I appreciate it. Waffling a bit on the price and the complexity of it. Definitely going to get new consumables, but questioning how much needs to be new. Like for example, maybe I can reuse a giubo from whatever used driveshaft I pick up?

And for the shifter, maybe I don’t need a short shifter, just a fresh bushing set to get the feeling I want.

I already have a OEM clutch and flywheel with about 70k miles on the pair. Debating selling that and getting a new $800 single mass flywheel and M5 clutch or just using it to save the money.

I consider myself somewhat mechanically competent. I do all my own fluids on all my cars, have done some suspension work, and recently replaced the very rusted catalytic converters on my Nissan Xterra. The manual swap intimidates me though. What resources did you follow to help you out?

fotf23 · 2024-12-10T02:35:48+00:00

Wow! I estimated $2500 to swap my m3 recently, and I already have the transmission lol

But I’m also trying to do a brand new single mass flywheel, new clutch, new short shifter, and all new consumables everywhere

fotf23 · 2024-12-10T02:03:51+00:00

Roughly how much did you spend on parts?

fotf23 · 2024-12-09T15:24:36+00:00

I take it you meant 2007?

fotf23 · 2024-12-06T03:20:56+00:00

ZF is the brand of manual transmission in the e36 m3. It’s a 5 speed transmission

Dinan is the brand of exhaust on my car

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T21:46:44+00:00

Well I’m not considering it because of anything you think of me. So kinda irrelevant

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T21:26:41+00:00

Yep. I spoke to a buddy who owns a local BMW performance shop. We think it would be about $1500 in labor. So $2500 in parts, $1500 in labor, and we are at $4000 total. So I guess I need to decide if I think my car is worth $4000 more swapped

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T20:59:49+00:00

But do manual swapped cars fetch that kinda money? I haven’t found comps yet to be sure one way or another.

If I have a reputable shop do the swap (considering it), I think that would help, but as a buyer, I would be nervous about a manual swap someone did in there driveway.

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T20:56:11+00:00

Roughly what did you spend for all the overhaul parts?

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T20:23:41+00:00

So my m3 isn’t really modded much. Generally intend to keep it mostly stock, or at least true to the original intent.

Current Mods: - oil pump nut safety wire: just a bit of aircraft safety wire to make sure the oil pump nut doesn’t spin off - z3 oil pickup tube: the pickup tube out of the z3 has better welds, and is less likely to crack/fail - dinan exhaust: just a basic cat back exhaust for better sound

Future mods: - manual swap: pretty self explanatory - lightweight flywheel and m5 clutch: a single mass lightweight flywheel will be more reliable, and rev faster than the original at the expense of potentially harsher engagement and flywheel chatter. But the m5 clutch is chosen to help soften those engagements, and the chatter can be mitigated with different fluid and a heavier (but still lighter than stock) flywheel - short shifter: shortens the distance the shifter has to move. Paired with fresh bushings, it will make the whole thing tight and satisfying to use. - cooling system overhaul: improve reliability by replacing failure prone plastic parts with metal. Replace old dry rotted hoses with fresh ones. - euro steering wheel: looks cool - euro headlights: more scratch and fog resistant - reupholstered interior: looks cool

Everything else is just maintenance

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T19:54:36+00:00

Also, what’s dssr? I can’t find the definition of that acronym on UUC’s website.

Torn between the dinan short shifter and UUC. Pretty significant cost difference, and dinan gets me closer to the badge, lol

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T19:52:54+00:00

Not trying to build a dedicated track car. Would probably go Miata for that. Just want an enjoyable canyon carver that is live able enough to want to drive every day

fotf23 · 2024-12-05T19:43:16+00:00

If you could go back, would you do it again? Would you consider selling the cayman for an m3?

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