Man this is an expensive hobby... [Forums - Off Topic]

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Matatk	Man this is an expensive hobby...	#1
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Everyone says you shouldn't add up what you spend, but man this is getting pricey! LOL. I just ordered some new parts today (plus shipping): KYB shocks - $146 FP Regulator - $44 Rear Curtain Shade Clip - $17 New radiator two weeks ago - $130 Other parts for radiator change - $50 Not to mention all of the other stuff in the past year. Anyone else feel like that? (81c3...I know you do!!!) Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 20:23
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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CSS996	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#2
Mega Guru Central PA 3644 Posts Member since: 2007/8/31 0:00	You have a few years before you have to think about college for the little one... Don't sweat it! The only thing I really spent money on for my car was $950 for the wheels and tires I put on it. Such a deal! I guess neoprene bushings are my next purchase, as diagnosed by 81c3.
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 20:26
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#3
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	College? Sheesh. She's goin to the school of hardknocks for free! Maybe the Southern Hamtramck Institute of Trucking, or S.H.I.T. U., as we used to call it when I lived in Michigan....lol. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 20:29
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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NC Kid	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#4
Elite Guru North Carolina 1671 Posts Member since: 2006/11/27 0:00	150 dollars for four shox? Here the local tire shop is charging a hundred a piece PLUS labor. Something don't sound right.
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 21:23

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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#5
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: B1ack86v3tt3 wrote: 150 dollars for four shox? Here the local tire shop is charging a hundred a piece PLUS labor. Something don't sound right. Depends on brand, too. Bilsteins are around $350 I think if you get them online. KYBs are a good alternative for the price, which is why I bought them. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 21:25
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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pianoguy	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#6
Guru Emeritus Apple Valley, MN 14762 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	I spent $430 last week for a bra. No, not for me, for the car. I had bought a $69 cheapie last year, and it scratched the bejeezus out of the front end. This one had better be good.
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 22:25
	_________________ 1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#7
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: pianoguy wrote: I spent $430 last week for a bra. No, not for me, for the car. I had bought a $69 cheapie last year, and it scratched the bejeezus out of the front end. This one had better be good. Have you looked at getting the clear bra done? There are a few guys in this area who had it done and it looks great. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 22:31
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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pianoguy	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#8
Guru Emeritus Apple Valley, MN 14762 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	Quote: Matatk wrote: Quote: pianoguy wrote: I spent $430 last week for a bra. No, not for me, for the car. I had bought a $69 cheapie last year, and it scratched the bejeezus out of the front end. This one had better be good. Have you looked at getting the clear bra done? There are a few guys in this area who had it done and it looks great. Matthew If I ever get the front end repainted, I'll probably go that route - sounds like they have it down to a science now.
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 23:41
	_________________ 1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey
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TommyT-Bone	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#9
Chair-man of the bored Homestead USA 33760 Posts Member since: 2007/12/10 0:00	Any major repair is 1/3 the value of the car. Three major repairs and your into it more than the cars worth. Put the receipts in a folder and don't look at them unless you need it for something that is under warranty.
	Posted on: 2008/6/9 23:51

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pianoguy	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#10
Guru Emeritus Apple Valley, MN 14762 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	Argghhh, forgot, I bought weatherstripping last week, too. And I snagged a spare set of wheels for my Maxima on ebay. Expensive week :-P
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 1:44
	_________________ 1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#11
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	It all adds up once you start thinking about it - that's why I avoid thinking at all costs..... Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 1:49
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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CSS996	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#12
Mega Guru Central PA 3644 Posts Member since: 2007/8/31 0:00	It shows, brother... It shows.
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 1:53
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#13
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	I was expecting a response from you on that...after all, it didn't take much thought to put it all together.... OH SNAP. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 1:57
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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NC Kid	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#14
Elite Guru North Carolina 1671 Posts Member since: 2006/11/27 0:00	When mine is actually drivable, it's worth the cost :D
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 1:58

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crash	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#15
Guru WRIGHT CITY MO 63390 977 Posts Member since: 2007/12/15 0:00	Quote: pianoguy wrote: I spent $430 last week for a bra. No, not for me, for the car. I had bought a $69 cheapie last year, and it scratched the bejeezus out of the front end. This one had better be good. $430.00 for a bra woulndt size reduction be cheaper :tongue: :tongue:
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 10:46
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DaleD	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#16
Senior Guru Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 1389 Posts Member since: 2007/2/17 0:00	Speaking of bras... I have a gift certificate for $50 to Speed Lingerie. I'll gladly sell it for $25.
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 14:11
	_________________ Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#17
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: DaleD wrote: Speaking of bras... I have a gift certificate for $50 to Speed Lingerie. I'll gladly sell it for $25. Hmmm...speed lingerie - does that mean it's faster to take it off...that could work Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 14:22
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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DaleD	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#18
Senior Guru Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 1389 Posts Member since: 2007/2/17 0:00	Quote: Matatk wrote: Hmmm...speed lingerie - does that mean it's faster to take it off...that could work Matthew That was my first thought when I won the darn thing. Imagine my disappointment when I saw the website!
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 14:24
	_________________ Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#19
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Dale you need to get out more!!! Come to think of it...so do I Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 14:25
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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BrianCunningham	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#20
Senior Guru Boston, MA for the most part :) 7763 Posts Member since: 2007/12/30 0:00	You probaly don't want to know what my Penske coilovers are going to cost. http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... t_id=36256#forumpost36256 Then there's rebuilding the rear suspension with heim links. http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... t_id=36738#forumpost36738 And if you want sticker shock, take a look at my blower build-up http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... t_id=21583#forumpost21583
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 14:54
	_________________ Polo Green 95 LT1 6-spd http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevcp74/ 383 LT1/Vortech Supercharger/AFR heads/Rod end suspension/Penske-Hardbar dual rate coilovers/Wilwood 6pot brakes NCCC Governor: http://BayStateCorvetteClub.com
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#21
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: BrianCunningham wrote: You probaly don't want to know what my Penske coilovers are going to cost. http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... t_id=36256#forumpost36256 Then there's rebuilding the rear suspension with heim links. http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... t_id=36738#forumpost36738 And if you want sticker shock, take a look at my blower build-up http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... t_id=21583#forumpost21583 Showoff!!! I think that's gonna be so mean when you're done! I just can't see myself spending that much. I'd really love a C5 convertible or a C6 and if I were going to spend a ton I'd upgrade. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 15:05
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#22
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	Quote: Matatk wrote: Everyone says you shouldn't add up what you spend, but man this is getting pricey! LOL. I just ordered some new parts today (plus shipping): KYB shocks - $146 FP Regulator - $44 Rear Curtain Shade Clip - $17 New radiator two weeks ago - $130 Other parts for radiator change - $50 You're doing it the easy way. Bilstein shocks $300 Rear heim links $500 and it looks like I need an alum radiator too for $500 All that and not an ounce more HP to the wheels. What else are you gonna spend it on? Shoes?
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 19:05
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SpectatorRacing	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#23
Elite Guru 1721 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	Why would you guys do this to yourselves? Want to know what one race weekend costs? Trust me, you don't. I could go on a week long caribbean cruise or spend the same money to drive 4 hours away to drive in circles for 2 hours, stay in some shitty roach motel, each frozen burgers and hot dogs, drink canned budweiser, then drive 4 hours home. Makes sense, doesn't it?
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 19:36
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#24
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	I want to try and keep the fun cheap. A single day HPDE costs me about $400 for everything. That's without trailering, motels, special race fuel/tires, restaurants, crew. I see how it could skyrocket though. What are your registration fees for the events?
	Posted on: 2008/6/10 19:44
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BillH	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#25
The Stig Moderator Reno 22702 Posts Member since: 2007/12/25 0:00	A 2 day regional event in Calif., 1/2hr practice,1/2hr qualify, 1/2hr race costs: Infineon - $ 270 Laguna - 320 ThunderHill 230 The 2 dar rental of Infineon costs $17,000 ThunderHill is the least expensive because we own the track. Matatk's KYB's -$146 to purchsae 4, rebuilding one Koni double adjustable race shock -$170 (includes 2 dyno runs)
	Posted on: 2008/6/11 13:53
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#26
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	The difference between you guys and most of us, though, is that we don't race. There are always going to be more costs associated with that. I think the intent of my original post was that most average guys, who don't race and put their cars through extra stress, still spend a lot to maintain their cars just to keep them on the road. That's all. BTW, I bought a new upper rad hose last night....lol Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/11 14:58
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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Livin_the_dream	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#27
Senior Guru robesonia , pa 516 Posts Member since: 2007/12/3 0:00	As with any good hobby - don't keep track of the $- you'll go nuts . Whats important is what kind of enjoyment it gives you. I was keeping track of how much I spent in the garage but stopped - I am in the garage more than my house, its comfortable and I have most the stuff I need to work with. As soon as I build the loft in the garage for my bed I can rent the house-lol
	Posted on: 2008/6/11 17:04

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SpectatorRacing	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#28
Elite Guru 1721 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	Quote: Matatk wrote: The difference between you guys and most of us, though, is that we don't race. Why not?
	Posted on: 2008/6/11 17:34
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#29
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Too expensive!!! haha Actually, I really want to try autocross. If I could find somewhere around here to try it (and someone to help me my first time) I'd give it a go. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/11 18:39
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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BillH	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#30
The Stig Moderator Reno 22702 Posts Member since: 2007/12/25 0:00	Quote: Livin_the_dream wrote: As with any good hobby - don't keep track of the $- you'll go nuts . Whats important is what kind of enjoyment it gives you. I was keeping track of how much I spent in the garage but stopped - I am in the garage more than my house, its comfortable and I have most the stuff I need to work with. As soon as I build the loft in the garage for my bed I can rent the house-lol I'm working on my house so I can sell it and get a garage when the market comes back a little. The current house has a 2 car. My next purchase will have or I'll build a 30 x 50 min. and I could care less what the house will be.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 15:14
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CSS996	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#31
Mega Guru Central PA 3644 Posts Member since: 2007/8/31 0:00	My kinda guy... Unfortunately my wife and kids feel differently about the subject. All I need is a ten car garage, a cot and a toilette. And that's ALL I need.... And this thermos.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 15:17
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#32
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: CSS996 wrote: All I need is a ten car garage, a cot and a toilette. And that's ALL I need.... And this thermos. You might want to add toilet paper to that list. Did you ever watch that show on PBS where the modern families tried to live like settlers on the plains, and they couldn't figure out what to do without TP? They had an outhouse, but that was it... LOL Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 15:22
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#33
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	Quote: Matatk wrote: The difference between you guys and most of us, though, is that we don't race. But you know you want to... :tongue:
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 15:25
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#34
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: CentralCoaster wrote: Quote: Matatk wrote: The difference between you guys and most of us, though, is that we don't race. But you know you want to... :tongue: I know - look up....duuuuuuuuuuh! Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 15:33
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#35
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	An observation... you spent quite a bit on your exhaust and wheels and lights, but not on driver improvement. Improving the driver is like modding your car, and every car you'll ever drive in the future. On your C4, when you sell it, you might as well throw those mods in the garbage, because you won't recoup them. A friend of mine was complaining about being broke all the time, yet they make $40K/year and their rent is only $500 and they have no car payment. I checked their credit statements and they spent $450 eating out in one month, and most of it was garbage fast food that isn't adding anything to their quality of life. They might as well take up smoking. If you want to give autoX or HPDE a try, your best bet is to just show up. I waited and waited and waited for that right time to show up with some friends so I'd have a wingman, but every time people would chicken out or bail at the last second. So I figured, "why am I not doing what I want, because of other people?" So I showed up. And I found there was plenty of other people there on their own, their first time out, looking for someone to share that with, and there was plenty of experienced others willing to help. Then pretty soon, you'll be one of those guys on the greener side of the fence, wondering what the hell took you so long.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 16:59
	_________________ 1985 Z51, ZF6
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BrianCunningham	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#36
Senior Guru Boston, MA for the most part :) 7763 Posts Member since: 2007/12/30 0:00	Well put Central. Learn to use what you have 1st.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 17:24
	_________________ Polo Green 95 LT1 6-spd http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevcp74/ 383 LT1/Vortech Supercharger/AFR heads/Rod end suspension/Penske-Hardbar dual rate coilovers/Wilwood 6pot brakes NCCC Governor: http://BayStateCorvetteClub.com
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pianoguy	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#37
Guru Emeritus Apple Valley, MN 14762 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	Quote: CSS996 wrote: My kinda guy... Unfortunately my wife and kids feel differently about the subject. All I need is a ten car garage, a cot and a toilette. And that's ALL I need.... And this thermos. [Navin R. Johnson]Well I'm gonna to go then. And I don't need any of this. I don't need this stuff, and I don't need you. I don't need anything except this. [picks up an ashtray] And that's it and that's the only thing I need, is this. I don't need this or this. Just this ashtray. And this paddle game, the ashtray and the paddle game and that's all I need. And this remote control. The ashtray, the paddle game, and the remote control, and that's all I need. And these matches. The ashtray, and these matches, and the remote control and the paddle ball. And this lamp. The ashtray, this paddle game and the remote control and the lamp and that's all I need. And that's all I need too. I don't need one other thing, not one - I need this. The paddle game, and the chair, and the remote control, and the matches, for sure. And this. And that's all I need. The ashtray, the remote control, the paddle game, this magazine and the chair. [walking outside] And I don't need one other thing, except my dog. [dog barks] I don't need my dog. [/Navin R. Johnson]
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 17:24
	_________________ 1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey
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SpectatorRacing	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#38
Elite Guru 1721 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	I'm tired of saying it becuase nobody cares, but every now and then something makes me think that it's worth the 4 minutes to type this up... Just friggin' GO to the track. Go Autocross. Go do an HPDE. Do SOMETHING. You will not regret it. There are no excuses other than laziness to not try it at least once. Of the 15 people (who didn't already do events) that I've brought to the track all but one of them still goes to varying degrees. One guy I brought swapped the auto transmission out of his Mustang for a 5-speed the very next day after his first event, and turned his drag car into a road racer over the rest of that summer. He now crews for a pro team in Charlotte. The one guy who doesn't go just didn't like it. He didn't feel comfortable so he didn't go back. If that turns out to be you, fine. I have no problem with that as long as you've tried. Yeah, it's expensive. But your first time out is virtually free. I can get track time around here about any weekend for $140 or so. That's not cheap, but it's not very expensive, either. A day at an amusement park will run you $50, and it ain't even CLOSE. How much will you spend for a round of golf? How much were your clubs to begin with? Don't be the guy that doesn't want to go to the track until the new supercharger is on, or the new Brembos are in, or the coil over suspension is on the car. I know that guy. He finally brought his EVO to the track last month and guess what? It broke becuase it had lots of extra power and no added robustness. Change your brake fluid, check you pads and wheel bearings, put the excuses away and put on your big boy pants and go to the damn track! Ok, I'm done. Back to your regularly scheduled programming. CC - BTW I misread your post when I sent you my dissertation the other day. I thought you wanted to know how much it cost to go racing, sorry for the life story.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 17:48
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#39
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	No, that email was good actually. I like to see what's out there, and sometimes you don't get that sticker shock until you're halfway in and realize you have to spend more. Having some semblance of expectations helps me keep my plans in check. I even feel bad about upgrading the rear suspension so early on, but I just don't like the quality of the stock pieces. Maybe I'll leave them on the shelf until I have more experience and am capable of noticing the difference. The more I USE my car, the harder time I have spending any money on it, because I have to justify it, is it going to give me some performance I can use? Is the part that I'm replacing limiting me in some way? Is it going to start a cost domino effect with replacing more stuff, or make the car less practical for other stuff I use it for? My criteria before that were, "looks cool, sounds good, can I afford it?"
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 18:16
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#40
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	One suggestion I have is sign up for your first event months in advance. Send your check and put it on your calendar in big red letters. Then you have all that time to accept the fact that you are finally going, anticipate how you'll do, fix any misc things to get your car ready, tell your friends, and you eliminate a lot of the excuses that might prevent you from going. The money is already paid, the time spot is reserved, and you'll have a timetable for any b.s. on the car, unlike now, where you fix it "when I finally get some time". I changed my shocks out at midnight the night before my last event. I could easily have wasted that much time on here and then had an excuse not to go. Also I spectate at everything before I try it. It answers lots of questions, is usually free, and shows you that it's no big deal. Those guys on the track aren't superheroes, one of them probably dry-cleaned your clothes last week and the other guy manages your local pizzaria.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 18:22
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SpectatorRacing	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#41
Elite Guru 1721 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	A very good rule of thumb for a DE car is to upgrade as things break. You wear out a set of brake pads, buy more aggressive ones next time. Radiator's clogged, buy a dual core for better cooling, etc. It even works on race cars...The Spec 2 team car broke two pushrods (yeah, I know - ???) so while the intake was off we put on a miniram. Or superram. Or whatever the hell the TPIS part is. I don't know your l98 lingo yet. We had to remove the oil pan to get all the pieces out so we added a Canton pan and an Accusump. Of course you can take this too far...I spun a rod bearing in the LT1 and it became a 383 with a lightweight flywheel and a racing clutch.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 18:30
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SpectatorRacing	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#42
Elite Guru 1721 Posts Member since: 2007/12/29 0:00	Quote: CentralCoaster wrote: One suggestion I have is sign up for your first event months in advance. Send your check and put it on your calendar in big red letters. That's not a bad idea. I'll have to suggest that to the next guy who wants to get into it. Quote: Also I spectate at everything before I try it. So thaaat's how you got into midget jello wrestling...
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 18:42
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#43
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: CentralCoaster wrote: An observation... you spent quite a bit on your exhaust and wheels and lights, but not on driver improvement. Well, my upgrades were done for several reasons. One is cosmetic. The other is safety. The headlight upgrade was free (included with car). The rims are something I wanted to look good. I would put my stock rims back on to autocross. Exhaust was rusted out - I could spend $250 on stock mufflers, or $450 on a nice stainless steel exhaust. I upgraded to C5 brakes because I thought that the stock ones were crap. It seems that you want to criticize my upgrades, and I don't know why. As far as my driving - I'm not a race car driver. But I drive everyday for a living, often at high speeds. You have no idea what kind of training I have in that regard. I would love to take a Skip Barber driving class or some other thing like that. I think it would be fun as well as educational. As far as the cost of autocross, that doesn't bother me either. This is my hobby and I know that it takes money. I can afford it. If I couldn't, I wouldn't have the car as a "toy" in the first place. What I stated is that I would like to have someone to go with. No one likes to go it alone their first time. I am all about learning, too, so it would be nice if someone could show me the ropes. I, unfortunately, don't know anyone around me that does autocross. Sure I can just show up, but I haven't even looked to see what events are around me. Is that my fault? Sure it is - just means I'm not dedicated about it yet. I have a brand new baby and a family and a house and other priorities in my life at this point. Those take precedence. I can still enjoy my car, in my fashion, and at my leisure, and I don't need to race it to do that. Just because someone doesn't race their car, it doesn't make their car or the driver less capable, and that seems to be what you are implying. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 19:15
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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CentralCoaster	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#44
Senior Guru San Diego, CA 9454 Posts Member since: 2007/10/28 0:00	Quote: Matatk wrote: It seems that you want to criticize my upgrades, and I don't know why. You said you wanted to go, but this, but that... My intent was to show you that you already have the money to do it, you're just spending it on other car things that aren't necessities either. And that I learned my lesson waiting for others to go with, it was a waste of time, it's not a high school prom. A novice at a HPDE, will spend half the day with an instructor that can show them the ropes and answer questions. Some groups charge a little extra for it, maybe $30, but its absolutely worth it for a first timer. FWIW, everyone thinks they're a pretty good driver, even the guys getting in everyone's way at the track. Autocross is cheap, but the lack of seat time, and having to pick up cones in a hot parking lot pissed me off.
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 19:52
	_________________ 1985 Z51, ZF6
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Matatk	Re: Man this is an expensive hobby...	#45
Webmaster SW Chicago Burbs 22805 Posts Member since: 2008/1/7 0:00	Quote: CentralCoaster wrote: You said you wanted to go, but this, but that... My intent was to show you that you already have the money to do it, you're just spending it on other car things that aren't necessities either. It was never a question of money with me. I can afford anything I want for this car. If I want to, I can go and buy a new C6 right now. But that's not practical. This is a hobby for me. That was the original intent of this post - to show that as a simple hobby, things can add up. It had nothing to do with racing in the beginning. Just because you don't think something is a necessity, doesn't mean someone else feels the same way. That's the beauty of this game. I get to do what I want, and you get to do what you want. But personally, I don't criticize others for what they want, because it's their car. If someone wants a body kit - go for it. You want chrome rims - go for it. You want a supercharger...you guessed it - go for it. It's all personal preference. Matthew
	Posted on: 2008/6/12 20:12
	_________________ 2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP
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