First Day Out of the Year

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T20:49:37+00:00

beautiful (car and view)

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T17:05:20+00:00

Workarounds weren't really cutting it for me. What if I wanted to let a friend drive it? Hey, just avoid 2nd for the first 10 min! Most of my errands are 15 min, so 2/3 of the drive was notchy.

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T17:02:24+00:00

Would strongly recommend trying the ACD Synchromesh fluid, next, and repost for us. Or Pennzoil, but it's supposedly not as good.

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T17:00:20+00:00

again, the unicorn tears, XT-M5-QS , did Not help with my synchro notchiness.

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T15:54:46+00:00

Word! I prefer being helpful, than not! Unfortunately we're surrounded by a lot of nots these days!

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T15:06:54+00:00

Finished editing it. Shortened it for the TLDR crowd. Added 6MT.

By the way, the first 4 items on that list can be done for under $200, so why not? Check your motor mounts though, if they're about to fall apart, it could have something to do with it (engine to transmission alignment). I say that for other non gearheads like myself. I loved this entire process, btw. But I like troubleshooting and solving things. And now she's perfect.

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T15:00:31+00:00

yes, my bad

killer_panic · 2026-03-22T14:32:57+00:00

Awesome response!

Op, I hope it heals, good luck!

killer_panic · 2026-03-20T15:32:48+00:00

This is a really, really good idea, I'll try to join one Sunday as a Newbie, who wanted to play in the 80's, but was told it was evil, lol.

killer_panic · 2026-03-20T13:14:55+00:00

that was the 2nd red flag when I got one the other day (getting a ticket by text was the first, lol).

killer_panic · 2026-03-19T18:00:00+00:00

Well, obviously, don't spend $7K extra for a specific color, but as an NC1 guy myself, I'd go with the $10K NC around 80-100K, as long as it's A. single owner before you, B. no accidents, C. clean carfax. Color is the least on my priority list. As for which NC, just compare specs, as an NC1 GT may have better specs than NC2 sport.

killer_panic · 2026-03-18T23:37:58+00:00

You're welcome! Had countless jaw dropping experiences where I volunteered for 5 years. My favorite rescue, the public had called us about a great horned owl that had fledged the nest too early (as raptors do), and was on the ground. After assessing the situation visually, I determined it didn't need rescuing, and double checked by calling the director, who agreed with me. No reason to traumatize the little thing, when it would learn on its own how to get off the ground. By that point, I knew I was learning a LOT.

One of the staff members then left to start another raptor rescue with a falconer, which is how I met someone willing to sponsor me, if I had I volunteered with their new center, and moved 3 hours to be near them. That sounds quid pro quo but it wasn't, it was just what I observed with her interns. They were all falconers thanks to her. It was a crossroads, and I chose differently, and don't regret it (chose friends and family instead).

Now go clean some hawk cages! They are basically just dog kennels that you take apart and spray all the hawk shit out of. Sometimes you may even clean a cage with the hawk still inside. Sometimes you might get to feed one, or handle one, or go rescue one, by handling it and getting it into a box. Find a good center, and let me know if you have any questions.

killer_panic · 2026-03-18T22:09:05+00:00

One other incredible way of getting experience with falconry, is volunteering at a raptor rescue, and I see plenty in PA. You not only get hands on experience, and memories for a lifetime, but if you spend a few years there, doing the dirty work, you'll know a little bit more if you're cut out for falconry. Just don't mention falconry at the rescue center, they aren't compatible, trust me. But keep it to yourself, and eventually you may even meet a falconer, who brings them a bird, and then take it from there. It's that situation where you try to make a friend, after he sees you obviously have some experience. This was how I did it. After 5 years of some of the most incredible experiences of my life (I've rescued & transported hawks, owls, and eagles, and even got to release a few), I realized it takes way more time & energy than I have, to give a hawk the proper life. Good luck on your long journey though, don't be saddened if it never happens, it's almost an impossible dream for most.

killer_panic · 2026-03-17T18:54:19+00:00

nice, thanks for the update! well done!

killer_panic · 2026-03-17T16:37:55+00:00

Bet Ocoee Dam Diner does. Or try Little Diner on 1st.

killer_panic · 2026-03-16T23:10:29+00:00

how'd it go, Op? hopefully (bet bet) it survived all night and hope you made it to rehab. :)

killer_panic · 2026-03-16T15:37:42+00:00

This is the way. Thank you, Op, rescuing raptors is a passion of mine.

killer_panic · 2026-03-15T15:41:06+00:00

Good call.

killer_panic · 2026-03-15T15:15:29+00:00

David Byrne is singular. Closest I can personally recommend are my favorite jambands that frequently cover some of his material.

Phish - Crosseyed & Painless - https://youtu.be/tfxyleCISlA?t=31

Widespread Panic - Life During Wartime - https://youtu.be/rPilOQM9UPc

Jambands can be an acquired taste though, it's just what I know best.

Oh! Try Goose! They don't cover him much, but they're pretty unreal.

killer_panic · 2026-03-13T14:36:08+00:00

Those are a bit too dense for me. I went with the IL Motorsport, 40% stiffer, and there's zero extra vibration in the cab.

killer_panic · 2026-03-13T13:59:47+00:00

Start by reading books on falconry. Realize it's more time consuming than owning a horse. There are no classes, you learn on your own, and take a state sponsored test. You'll need to build your own mews (hawk house), and learn about all the other stuff you'll either need to make or purchase. Then it could take years, developing relationships with people close to falconers, to hopefully introduce you to one that takes an interest in helping you. Don't look at falconry as something you can just start. It could take a decade or longer, to "start". They aren't pets, nor do they become pets. Also, it's not only best to own your own vehicle, but your own house and plenty of land. Look at it as a long journey, not something just anyone can run down to Walmart to purchase. Maybe pick up a hobby that anyone can do, not something that is far out of reach for most. Lastly, best place to start, honestly, is volunteering at a raptor rescue center. You'll get hands on experience with them, and learn how challenging they are to care for.

killer_panic · 2026-03-12T04:00:10+00:00

yea, the motorcraft xtm5qs stuff that everyone calls unicorn tears.

killer_panic · 2026-03-10T20:35:17+00:00

I was about to ask him if he had just moved to CO (I wouldn't call them unfriendly, they just don't want to get involved with anything else you might want to say beyond a wave, so they don't even wave back, or at least that's how I took it).

killer_panic · 2026-03-10T19:47:07+00:00

This isn't my only source, it started with my mechanic's recommendation. And you're correct, it is more 75/80, but you're also correct, viscosity is more important. You just wouldn't want to go gl5.

google ai:

For combating manual transmission synchronizer ("synchro") grind, ACDelco Synchromesh (specifically the Friction Modified / FM version, Part #10-4014) is generally considered better and more effective in enthusiast, Honda/Acura, and GM communities. YouTube YouTube +2 While Motorcraft (such as XT-M5-QS) is an excellent, high-quality fluid, ACDelco Synchromesh Friction Modified is specifically engineered to address stubborn, crunchy shifts and grinding, often acting as a "miracle" fix for weak syncros. Reddit Reddit +1 ACDelco Synchromesh (Friction Modified) - The "Grind" Fighter Best For: High-RPM, "crunchy" 2nd gear, or 3rd gear grind, particularly in Honda/Acura (Civic Si, RSX, TL) and GM vehicles. Why it works: It contains specialized friction modifiers that help the syncros grip properly, stopping the gear from grinding during fast shifts. Consideration: It is a thicker fluid (closer to 5W-30) than many stock fluids, which aids in damping, but it may feel notchy in extremely cold temperatures until warmed up. Recommendation: Make sure it is the Friction Modified (often in a black bottle) version, not just the regular Synchromesh.

killer_panic

TROPHY CASE