First Post on OPPO, AMA

"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002) 12/02/2016 at 12:16 • Filed to: None

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I’ve been lurking for some time but I finally decided to write something about myself. I started reading Jalopnik around 2010 between coffee runs at my first internship. I have been hooked since and eventually found my way to OPPO. I’ve owned two Miatas and still have one sitting in the driveway. I DD a pre-dieselgate TDI and recently acquired my childhood dream car, a lovely 348 ts. I have no plan or outline of posts I would like to write so I’ll likely post random topics very sporadically. You have all been warned. Anyways, it is a slow day and/or I’m counting the time until my boss leaves so ask me anything!

Potato pics I took last weekend for your time:

S65 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:19

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Yeah boy

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:19

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That’s definitely one of their simplest designs yet also one of their best.

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:20

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I was wondering when you were gonna post, that is an excellent looking car. Congrats on the dream car, I think we both know what it’s like to get the car we’ve lusted after for a long time.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:20

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That makes two 348's on Oppo, I think Chan has one too.

S65 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/02/2016 at 12:23

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HE’S GOT A 355

S65 > E90M3 12/02/2016 at 12:23

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HOW DOES IT FEEL

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:24

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Very good looking car.

E90M3 > S65 12/02/2016 at 12:26

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Amazing. Sure you’ve read this and this about me finally getting my dream car.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > S65 12/02/2016 at 12:27

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I WAS CLOSE.

S65 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/02/2016 at 12:27

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yes, but YOU WERE WRONG

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > S65 12/02/2016 at 12:29

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YOUR LIFE IS WRONG.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3 12/02/2016 at 12:29

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It has been a long few weeks. Better late than never!

$kaycog > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:30

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Welcome to Oppo! We love having a new victim friend here.

S65 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/02/2016 at 12:31

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.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:31

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Welcome! Gorgeous motor you’ve got there, enjoy it!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:32

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post random topics very sporadically

You’re going to fit in just fine...

Sweet ride!

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:32

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nuqneH?

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > S65 12/02/2016 at 12:33

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Words really can’t describe it. I’ve had the car for one month now and still can’t believe it is sitting in my garage. Knowing I would one day buy this car kept me motivated through college and definitely drove me to work hard. No other feeling quite like accomplishing a goal. The car drives phenomenally too! I will write a review once I have a little more seat time.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > S65 12/02/2016 at 12:34

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My citroen won't start > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:34

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Welcome! Stay away from the basement.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:35

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you have good taste

enjoy oppo, our beer, and the basement

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:36

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Yesss, a 348! Where are you located? Pics look like CA.

Congrats on the dream car and tell us all about your hunt/purchase experience!

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > S65 12/02/2016 at 12:36

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A 355 with the wrong transmission.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 12/02/2016 at 12:37

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Yep, 355. Same chassis, I think. Both are incredibly red though :)

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 12/02/2016 at 12:39

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Thank you! I looked and test drove it and knew it was the one almost immediately. It was quite the process to buy. I will make a post about that one of these days haha

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 12:43

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Thank you!! Yep, SoCal. A little southwest of DTLA. Took my first drive up to Malibu last weekend. I will definitely post about the hut and purchase. It was quite the process. At least to when you are used to buying cheap cars off CL.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/02/2016 at 12:43

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Thank you!!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/02/2016 at 12:44

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I love the 80's coke fueled Testarossa style side strakes haha. But the profile is simple and classic. I’m simply in love!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 12/02/2016 at 12:46

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Thank you, I get lucky every once in a while. There will likely be a few beerlopnik posts soon.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/02/2016 at 12:46

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Thank you!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > My citroen won't start 12/02/2016 at 12:47

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I heard that is where the fun is at?

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 12/02/2016 at 12:48

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Sorry, I do not speak klingon. Maybe if you say it slower and, like, 5 times louder I might understand.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > $kaycog 12/02/2016 at 12:49

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Thank you! Always a good feeling to be welcomed :)

My citroen won't start > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:51

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The “fun”. Sure.

Nothing > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:52

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Congrats, I love that era, anything from 308-355 just looks proper to me. Someday, for me...maybe someday.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:54

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Slowly, loudly, and angrily is totally in the spirit of Klingon!

Michael_N > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 12:57

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Welcome! And I have to ask, how does the 348 drive, ride and handle? I’ve heard people lament it but I always thought it was extremely beautiful, much more so than any of the cars that followed it. The TS has a special place in my heart as well as a black one was the first Ferrari I ever saw. It was at a gas station here in Maine and my Dad asked the owner if I could sit in it, he obliged, but repeatedly had to tell me not to put my foot in the footwell and not on the bit of plastic that the door jamb slides over (can’t think of the right term for that) Something that my 6 year old brain grappled with. Anyway, great car and welcome!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Nothing 12/02/2016 at 12:58

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No power steering, gated transmission, 1-2 dog leg, heavy clutch, etc. It is a hard car to drive, but, when you get everything right, all is right in the world.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Michael_N 12/02/2016 at 13:06

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In traffic, the car is horrible. I live outside LA so I have to time my drives just right. On an empty canyon road, pure bliss. The car is hard to drive but it really rewards you when you get everything right. No power steering so there is an unreal amount of feed back. I can probably cancel my gym membership and just drive the car 3 times a week though! I know what you are saying about getting in/out. There is about a foot of width you need to clear between the seat and the ground. It isn’t easy, either. I also fell in love with the 348 when I was six. It was actually a black car as well. I was walking with my mom downtown one night and the car screams past us. he had to be at redline or close to it. At that point, I told my mom I wanted a Ferrari when I grew up. She told me to work hard every day and I could have one. Starting at that point, that’s exactly what I did haha.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > My citroen won't start 12/02/2016 at 13:07

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Is there candy provided, at least?

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 13:08

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Better than the wrong engine ;)

EL_ULY > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 13:10

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Hello, I am ULY. Awesome car dude! Why doesn’t this have the badge on the front fender?

Michael_N > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 13:13

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That’s a phenomenal story!

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 13:20

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My first model car was a yellow 348ts.

Good on you for working hard every day for your dream car. I did too, but not quite every day...LOL. But I put in the blood and sweat where it counted and I’m sure you did too.

Let me know if you’re ever in the Silicon Valley up north.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > EL_ULY 12/02/2016 at 13:21

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Thank you! I’m not sure if the scuderia shields were offered as an option from the factory that year. There are aftermarket options available. I’ve seen a few in person and they do look good. It is a one owner car (well, two now) so I’m very torn on doing upgrades vs keeping it original. I have a slight case of ADD though so they will probably be added at some point.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Michael_N 12/02/2016 at 13:25

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It’s amazing how seemingly small experiences during childhood can have huge effects on one’s life. I am just very fortunate that some of the risks I took to get here panned out. A little luck can go a long way!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 13:31

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Every day, except when I didn’t hahaha. You gotta take it easy some days or else you will burn out.

They are beautiful in yellow! A solid choice for a first Ferrari, for sure. I go up to the bay a few times a year. Next time I go to Napa I will take an extra few days and drive the coast. I will let you know. I would love to go for a drive!

EL_ULY > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 13:40

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nothing wrong with that. I am a mod for Live and Let Diecast . If you’re ever around those parts and want to contribute, I could hook you up :]

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 13:45

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Scale model. LOL

The F355 is my first real F-car.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > EL_ULY 12/02/2016 at 13:48

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That is a beautiful model!

I have a decent Hotwheels collection somewhere in my mom’s basement. I want to make a display case for them at some point. If (big if) I ever get around to it, I’d love to post about the process. I will let you know!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 13:53

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Missed the model part :p. Mine was an F50. I think it was purple. I had a yellow and red also, can’t remember the order though. Too many years ago haha.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 14:14

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Awesome, congrats on the car. It’s beautiful and a hoot to drive I’m sure.

You had mentioned that you’d write a post on the hunt and the purchase – that’d be awesome. Not really that I have the ability to follow this dream, but curious what your budget was like, what else you considered (if anything), and what kind of research and budgeting you did for maintenance and upkeep going forward. Quite a few lust-worthy cars from decades past out there at attainable prices these days (which are also sure to appreciate with time) – but the risks and costs of ownership are the main drawback for many I guess.

Anything unexpected/weird/unique you’ve learnt from owning the car? For most people who are just used to average everyday cars I’d imagine there’d be things that stand out to be unique/different (like the e-brake being on the outside of the driver’s seat on some exotics, the toolkit comes in a case nicer than one for the engagement ring I got my wife!, etc.).

Enjoy your dream car being a reality!

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 14:18

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Welcome! Love the car, my dream is a 355 one day.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 14:19

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Also, Welcome to OPPO

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 12/02/2016 at 15:10

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Thank you!! I will write a post (or posts) on everything above but I will spill some details now haha. Although I always wanted a Ferrari, I was worried about the long term ownership costs and how quick they have been increasing in value. I was a little worried I’d have to put this on the back-burner until later in life. Because of this, I was looking at pretty much everything else. Morgan 3-wheeler, 911's (997 or 996 turbo), V8 vantage, GT350, M5's, Lotus (Evora and Exige), CL65, Z/28, classic cars, and so on. I had a budget of 45-65 depending on the yearly maintenance budget. I looked at all cars in this price range. The only cars that ever felt special were the M3W and a Carmax E60 M5. Neither screamed dream car to me though. I also had a chance to buy both a 355 and a 328 earlier this year from a contact thru a friend. Both of these also did not feel right and didn’t pull on my heart strings. I still wanted a 348. One day I stumbled across this car at the local dealership and I set up an appointment to view the car. After the test-drive I knew it was the one.

The car has a ton of quirks that I mostly write-off as “Italian engineering”. Enough for several posts. I will definitely post about them in the future. I also want to cover the research, purchase process, and maintenance. Sorta like a half baked Doug with worse grammar haha.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 12/02/2016 at 15:15

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Thank you, I feel welcomed! My dream engine swap is a 355 into a Miata. I will call it the MX-355. The engine note of the 355 is my favorite out of pretty much any v8.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/02/2016 at 15:16

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Thank you!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 15:20

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Awesome, looking forward to hearing more about your experience throughout the entire process! Definitely a better choice than a M3W or E60 M5!

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 15:52

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Welcome to Oppo! The 348 is a lovely machine.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 12/02/2016 at 16:35

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Hopefully I don’t go bankrupt along the way haha

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 12/02/2016 at 16:35

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Thank you!

nermal > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 16:47

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How’s you mustache? Got any pictures of your Hawaiian shirt collection?

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 17:08

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Here’s a vote for keeping it original, or at least mod it in reversible ways.

Pretty sure the factory SF shields were not available for the 348. Even for the F355, it was only avaliable as an option on the very last model year.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > nermal 12/02/2016 at 17:11

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Come on, it’s a Ferrari. Loafers and a khaki suit over a wifebeater undershirt. Only the classiest.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 17:20

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Can’t forget the gold chain!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > nermal 12/02/2016 at 17:23

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Growing a mustache is not a power I possess. I’m more of a board shorts, bro tank, and flip flops kinda guy. haha

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 17:27

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Makes sense. The aftermarket shields are thinner so you do not have to indent the fender. I’m not sure if they use adhesive or a rivet. Anything I do to the car will be reversible. The only maybes are the shields and a Capristo exhaust. Honestly though, I’m not sure if either mod fits the vibe of the car. It will be at least a year if I do decide to start tinkering.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 17:43

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I’m surprised the 328 did not appeal to you. But then again, the F355 is repeatedly testing my tolerance for old car problems.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 18:11

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I’ve been following along, a bit! I’m generally a patient person and can tolerate a lot of little things (DD an 11 year old VW). I will just have to see how things goes. Maybe I’ll get a Toyota to DD in a few years. That way, only one of my cars is a PITA. LOL

There was just something about the 328. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. It was a handful to drive, like the 348, but didn’t seem as rewarding when you got all the stars to align. The F355 was a lot of fun but did not steal my heart. I might be a weirdo though haha!

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 18:46

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I’m trying to go the other way. DD a 10-year-old Honda, looking to get into the Jag XJ club... haaa ha ha.

The F355's steering honestly isn’t anything to write home about. It’s possible that it’s good, but the soft suspension can’t keep up. The Porsche Cayman I used to have was much more thrilling to throw into turns, but that was a much more modern car.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/02/2016 at 18:53

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Unsolicited opinion: Before the shields, I’d go for the silver horse on the back like on the 348 Spider. Really nice accent for the rear grille.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 19:03

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I really want an XF R but I don’t think it is in the cards. The lack of steering feel was my biggest issue on the 355. The car had really old tires so I just figured that was the problem. It’s interesting to see you feel the same way. After leaving somewhat disappointed after not buying the 355, my friend tossed me the keys to his Cayman gt4. That car cheered me right up! It is unreal how much fun that little car is. It is my new benchmark for cars. Hopefully they depreciate in about 5 years because I need one eventually.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/02/2016 at 19:08

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This is the correct answer. I’ve been thinking about switching the horse since day -1 haha

pip bip - choose Corrour > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/03/2016 at 06:33

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welcome victim , i mean friend!

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/05/2016 at 08:22

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Thats......interesting to say the least lol. The F355 is still one of the best looking Ferrari’s ever IMO, so I’d leave that engine right where it is!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > pip bip - choose Corrour 12/05/2016 at 11:33

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Thank you!