To all Oppos who have to keep cool cars garaged for winter:

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu) 01/16/2019 at 15:26 • Filed to: Winter, winterlopnik, WAY2BLU

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How on earth do you all manage?? Heavy rain here in SoCal has kept me from driving my MR2 for, like, 2 days. Already displaying “sportscar withdrawal” symptoms.

Pictured: an MR2 in its best habitat

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:30

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It’s the reality of what happens if we don’t.  It ain’t pretty.

CalzoneGolem > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:30

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I cope by using mad snow drift yo.

Tristan > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:30

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When I lived in Minnesota, I found great joy in having a rotted out shitbox to thrash through the salty season while I could do big projects on my fun cars and take my sweet time without pressure to get them back on the road. It’s awfully nice to not have to hide the cars I care about nowadays, though.

Tripper > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:31

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I really like driving my R anger. Obviously not as much as the M3 or the 02, but I like it enough and it’s also got 3 pedals so I can get by when it’s not nice enough for the other two.

interstate366, now In The Industry > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:32

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Having a DD that’s faster in every metric and 95% as fun helps.

CB > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:34

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The alternative is to only own one car and Hoon it in the snow.

InFierority Complex > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:35

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I always looked at it as a good time to do maintenance and improvements each winter. You can save a bit of money on insurance and put that back into the car if you want. Not having it be drivable for several months gives some opportunity to do some pretty extensive projects without losing “driving time” in the spring and summer.

That said the winters have been fairly mild here for the past couple years so full hibernation hasn’t really been necessary.

way2blu does a rev update > Tripper 01/16/2019 at 15:37

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My other available daily is a Honda Fit...

...CVT-equipped. It’s fun, has paddleshifters and it’s pretty light, but the transmission overheats very easily. I autocrossed it a month ago and needed a full transmission service the day after. 3 pedals, and it wouldn’t have that problem :(

way2blu does a rev update > shop-teacher 01/16/2019 at 15:39

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That’s gnarly. Thank your for reminding me to get a thick powdercoat and rust-proofing on the underbody of my steel MR2 before taking it anywhere snowy.

way2blu does a rev update > CalzoneGolem 01/16/2019 at 15:39

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If I lived in a snowy climate, you bet I’d be doing snow donuts in the MR2 every day.

vondon302 > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:39

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I go out to the garage drink beer and whisper soon my precious soon.

Also seeing the salt eat away at my daily.

way2blu does a rev update > interstate366, now In The Industry 01/16/2019 at 15:41

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My Honda Fit is the same 0-60, lighter, and the CVT has paddleshifters that respond really quickly in “fake gearbox” mode. It meets those criteria.

Unfortunately, said CVT overheats in less than a minute if driven “enthusiastically.” Needed a full service after the last autocross, so I’ve been wary of having any fun driving it.

BeaterGT > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:42

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Having a fun “daily” doesn’t hurt b ut I drive the Corvette year-round. Winter days in the 40s and 50s aren’t all that rare anymore which helps .

way2blu does a rev update > CB 01/16/2019 at 15:43

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My MR2 would need some rust-prevention countermeasures, but that looks quite fun.

CB > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:44

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I’ll hopefully sell it before the rust gets too bad. And it’s a good amount of fun.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:44

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I think the ideal solution is just own two identical copies of a car. One that is driven all the time and just driven into rust/oblivion and then the other that is kept nice. Then the rusty one can be modded to all hell without any fears too. I do wish I had bought a Miata without rust back in the day though and then kept my old car as a winter beater the rest of the time. Or if I had bought the Neon sooner, that would have been an excellent winter shitbox. But since I already bought the Miata with rust, just driving it into the ground was definitely the best course of action. It was an enjoyable 4 years and worth the money. Much better having “winter” be this rain stuff instead though! Subaru is great for this, I can do full acceleration in the wet with no tire spin. It feels like cheating. 

way2blu does a rev update > vondon302 01/16/2019 at 15:44

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My steel-bodied, fender-liners-missing MR2 would last a few hours, maybe.  That looks rough.

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:45

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Yes, please do.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:47

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I got lucky, I had to push it in the garage because it wasn’t running 

way2blu does a rev update > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/16/2019 at 15:47

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So I guess I should make sure the MR2 is rust-proofed pretty well, add some winter tires, and...

Make it AWD :D

Not sure how, but that’d be fun.

AestheticsInMotion > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:47

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I love my daily. Perfectly compliments the Miata. It’s a blast to drive in a completely different way from the roadster, gets decent mileage, and is supremely comfortable. Hard to go wrong with a tuned, boosted 5 cylinder wagon with a stick shift! 

And while I’ve driven it infrequently, the Miata has spent a bit of time on the road. Er... Off the road.

vondon302 > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:50

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That's actually last winter this year has been pretty light but they still throw salt like no tomorrow. Had a little freezing rain this morning and the first 20 minutes of freeway travel sounded like a gravel road.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:52

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SNOW TIRES!!!! And don’t bother to keep it in the garage.

Tripper > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:55

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To be honest I missed the M3 more when I had the S3 and no Ranger. The more I drive, the more feel and fun is the deciding factor as opposed to outright speed. If the car is doing most of the work, it’s not really that fun. What did the overhaul set you back?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:57

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I have no idea what you're talking about. I still daily my Ducati, even in 35 degrees and heavy rain. And if I don't feel like doing that, I drive my E55, even up to the mountain. I guess if it's really nasty out I'll use the R500. Or if I just feel like it because it's a damn nice ride.

way2blu does a rev update > Tripper 01/16/2019 at 15:58

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Totally agree there, I like to be able to use the full horsepower of an engine without things becoming unsafe. Most new cars are too fast in general to be fun.

It was less than $100 for the service and new transmission fluid (old fluid was cooked black and smelled burnt) but I’m sure the autocross shenanigans were wearing on the CVT belts too.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:58

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Dont even have to worry about rust proofing here in Cali, they dont use salt! Just gotta slog through the desert for a bit on boring straight highway and then you will find snow. 3-5 feet of snow above 7000 feet tonight in the Sierras. And AWD just takes away from a lot of the fun. I just have grip all day, its more fun to not have grip so that every turn is an adventure. 

PowderHound > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 15:59

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I usually drive it in the winter but it’s been in the shop for 3 weeks and probably will be for a few more weeks. Taking the bus and not worrying about idiots in the snow crashing in to me is nice though.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:01

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I haven’t driven the Ferrari since Dec 23rd :( :( :(

I really should be working on my winter projects with the car, but I haven’t.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 01/16/2019 at 16:03

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thats just laziness lol

way2blu does a rev update > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 01/16/2019 at 16:04

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My MR2's windshield trim is all-original and thus leaks in the rain. Believe me, I’d happily keep dailying it otherwise. If the rain persists, I’ll go get some new trim...

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:04

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It’s rough, though we’ve had a few days nice enough this winter where I’ve been able to take it out.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:04

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I just drive mine daily and wash them weekly.

 I buy vehicles to drive and enjoy, not to look at in the garage.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:06

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Why make it awd?

RWD+Snows is plenty capable and a hell of a lot of fun.

way2blu does a rev update > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/16/2019 at 16:08

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Well MR2s are pretty willing to rotate, thanks to the rear weight bias.

AWD lets one conduct the Scandinavian Flick , which would be even cooler with the MR2's weight distribution.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/16/2019 at 16:08

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You’re not wrong lol

I was gone for a week though. Then the next weekend I was catching up on life. Then I was out of town last weekend. Not good excuses, but excuses none the less

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:15

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You know you can do that in a RWD too right?

Hell, a FWD can even do it with a capable driver.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:22

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It’s easy enough in AZ, the temp never dips below 40F except on really cold days so I can even keep summer tires on the car all year. As long as I have a set that’s decent in the wet I can keep going, as we have monsoon seasons here in AZ as well, with 0 capacity for water drainage.

What I find puzzling is how many people here don’t actually keep cars in their garage. Nearly all garages I’ve seen is just full of junk. 

19JRC99 > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:25

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The fear of rust does well enough to discourage me. Also, all of my toys are terrifying in the snow. 

19JRC99 > vondon302 01/16/2019 at 16:26

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Welp, you just cursed us. They’re calling for 6" Saturday. 

way2blu does a rev update > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/16/2019 at 16:28

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I was under the impression AWD helped, though?

Last time I subjected my Honda Fit to autocross, I got the impression that it could oversteer pretty easily. Maybe I’ll have to find some snow and do some “performance driving research” in the Fit...

RallyWrench > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:33

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Last time I drove the 911 a couple of weeks ago was in the rain, I miss it. It ain’t weather keeping me out of it, in fact I like driving it in the rain to get familiar with the handling safely at lower limits.   it just needs work to smog and I can’t afford the parts or time right now. It needs hundreds of dollars and a solid two days of my time. Also every major appliance in my house has failed since Christmas (see: parts money) so my truck has been indispensable. Soon...

jebidia24 > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:35

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I use the time to do some upgrades and often some much needed maintenance.  Winter is great for getting projects done with no fun distractions.

vondon302 > 19JRC99 01/16/2019 at 16:37

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Hey I didn’t put snow tires all the way around on the P71 for nothing.

;)

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:41

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This drove me crazy last spring. I had put my 996 away in a place that I literally could not retrieve it until the snow fully melted. When we were still getting heavy snow in April I was miserable and anxious to drive it. This year I’ve got decent all seasons on it and it’s in a very accessible garage so I will use it throughout the winter. But not as a daily, although I’d like to get there. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 16:47

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If you set a FWD right coming into a corner, they will oversteer. If they do tend to understeer, a little e-brake application can get the rear to rotate without locking the rear tires.

When I push the van in rally-x a simple lift off throttle coming into the corner gets the rear to rotate, setting it for the corner, at which I can go WOT.

I just find AWD utterly boring, no offense, I just feel like it’s a cover for learning actual driving skill.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 17:10

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It sucked.

The BRZ does double-duty now that the Miata is gone.

19JRC99 > vondon302 01/16/2019 at 17:14

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I work out in the open a lot. I’m not looking forward to it. 

interstate366, now In The Industry > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 17:18

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Compared to my Prelude, my TL is over a second faster to 60, has about 100 more HP, a better power to weight ratio, and one of the best AWD systems in the business compared to the Prelude’s FF layout (granted, 90s Hondas are among the best at overcoming that), and is much more comfortable: quieter ride, heated/ventilated seats, better stereo. It’s a 6-speed auto, but the manual mode changes the behavior of the transmission and it’s fun. The Prelude’s advantages are weight, fuel mileage, and relative rawness.

DutchieDC2R > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 17:18

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I have a cool car and I drive it in the winter. Granted, its a FWD, front engined one AND Holland winters are nothing to write home about, but still. 

V12 Jake II- New and Improved! > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 17:48

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I just had to find a car that I actually liked enough to daily over the S600. Right now it’s an LX470, but I also really liked the LS430 I had before the truck. I miss driving the Benz but it’s worth it not having to deal with ABC for a few months out of the year honestly 

MM54 > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 17:50

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I hate it so much, just like I hate winter so much that I’m ready to snap by the time spring rolls around most years.

vondon302 > 19JRC99 01/16/2019 at 18:20

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Ugh. Used to be a muffler shop mechanic. Hated this time of year.

19JRC99 > vondon302 01/16/2019 at 18:25

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Last year I got the “joys” of shoveling and salt spreading instead of working in the shop.

Granted, I’d just started. I’m really hoping I don’t have to do it again this year. 

TahoeSTi > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 18:33

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Easy buy a fast awd car and put snow tires on it. My M ustang sits in the garage all winter while the STi plays in the snow.

bshappy > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 18:46

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Have you seen most east coast FJ40s?! I look on Craiglist, then I look at the salt on the roads, then I look at my truck and the decision is easy. I could never do that to her.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 19:14

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By having a ‘winter’ car that’s got 4WD, handles snow well, and will end up with neck-snapping acceleration.

Longtime Lurker > way2blu does a rev update 01/16/2019 at 20:03

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Out of sight. Out of mind.

A fun daily helps immensely. My Ranger is very fun.

It helps when you have a love/hate relationship with your sporty car. When I drive my BMW I love it, when I'm not driving it I hate it.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > way2blu does a rev update 01/17/2019 at 01:08

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Drink, do random family things as excuse to avoid situation in the summer. Do home projects, car projects.... I’m going nuts I meet a girl that likes cars and  counting down the days till I can bring it out.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > way2blu does a rev update 01/17/2019 at 09:36

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Magnum and the R6 are garaged.  I’m lucky that I get to drive work vehicles all year, so I’m not doing too bad.  The best day of the year though is still when I wake both of them up after a long hibernation!