Greetings Oppo: a new car nerd has entered the fray

"hexadec" (hexadec) 10/29/2020 at 11:51 • Filed to: None

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Hello and greetings Oppo-nauts, I am Hexadec, a early 30's car nerd with a track habit, motorcycle fetish, and a very tolerant wife.

It all started when my mom brought my home in a Olds Toronado and continues to this day. I’ll cover some of automotive adventures and history to get your appetite wet. I hope to share more rather than passively watching the rest of you have fun.

My first real car (after a couple of crap Jeeps) was the pinnacle of my Gran Turismo fantasies: a Subaru SVX. It was fine but quickly burned through a front diff and numerous parts leading us to part ways after 18 short months.

However, it really started for me when I sold my Lancer (not an Evo, and auto) to finally buy my first manual/ enthusiast car: a Merkur Xr4ti

It was amazing, yet crap. The water line to the turbo would explode monthly, there was no intercooler, but I added a sweeeeeeeet side pipe for maximum rally action. It was perfect and flawed at the same time. After this foray into German-ish autos, I was hooked and my wallet has been empty ever since. After the Merkur was an Audi 5000 CS Turbo. An awesome vehicle with locking diffs, defeatable ABS (button on dash), and great wooshing noises. With some more boost and a stealthy turn-down exhaust it was a fun rally machine. I painted it with my car club and added some Hella rally lights, then promptly sold it.

Next up was a more modern Audi, a TT quattro with the 180hp 1.8T. It was the vehicle I went to college with, drove so many race tracks, and put the most miles on in my life (nearly 100k). It went through so many wheels, suspensions, and coil packs that it is hard to recount all of it. It was the most complimented car I have ever driven and was tons of fun. (I find car guys compliment the faster cars, but everyone (including females) comment on the cute ones more).

At this time I was working for a dealership and got involved in the VW TDI cup series that lead to some other stints driving other people’s race cars for no money. But it was great to finally get behind the wheel of actual racing cars.

After kicking the Audi to the curb, it was time for some variety. I had a DA Integra with a B18, then a Del Sol that I adored, and a S13 240sx for a while. I never did much beyond a autocross during these years while finishing college. This is where it all starts to pick up pace. I say this despite the fact I had over 20 cars at this point.

I needed a new whip and my good friend was trying to sell his built A4. So I knew what I had to do. It had a rods, a GT3076R, front mount, water meth, and nothing else. It was the optimal sleeper with nearly 400whp on max boost and nothing giving away to secrets under the hood. This was the car that got me back to track driving. It also reignited my love for rally lights on street cars.

When I inevitably parted ways with that Audi, I was chasing (one of) my dream cars: an E46 330ci. I finally found one after a lengthy hunt and began wrenching on it. Suspension, brakes, and minor stuff to make it track ready. It was going to be the all-rounder. I was hyped for its first track day at Dominion Raceway.

It failed at the end of day 1. I was coming out of the last corner onto the straight when a new, strange sound erupted. I was trailing oil and connecting rod as I pulled off track. It need a new engine. I replaced it and kept driving, but met a person at another HPDE. We decided that a track/race car would be the thing to save our street cars. So we picked up a S13 and started racing in Champcar.

It was brilliant, way too much tire, not enough power, and low operating costs. After a bit of this, you know the inevitable outcome, was we need a faster car. And we began eyeing up a clean E46 coupe sitting in my garage. Naturally we sold the S13 and prepped the E46. Last weekend was our first race with the car and it has been a great next step for our racing.

I now have a Audi A3 TDI which I have been too busy to take a picture of still. I will try to get some event details and other car-related things out soon. I still have not even talked about motorcycles or F1 so I have plenty of backlog.

Thanks for reading/ looking at my pics (thankfully not in a Jalopnik approved slideshow) and my rambling.

Good luck, and keep it shiny side up!

dogisbadob > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:33

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welcome to oppo

nermal > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:40

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Please identify your favorite form of wiener -themed transportation. The HR dept needs to add it to your file.

Future next gen S2000 owner > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:43

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Derpwagon > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:44

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Welcome. 

hexadec > nermal 10/29/2020 at 12:47

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I gotta keep it real, the OG wi e nermobile is best wiener transport.

Goggles Pizzano > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:49

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Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:49

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ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:50

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Did someone say rally lights?!

Also, welcome!

ClassicDatsunDebate > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:51

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Great write-up.  Welcome!

boredalways > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:52

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Welcome to Oppo. And prepare for the unexpected:

hexadec > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 10/29/2020 at 12:55

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Yaaaassssssssssssss, and thanks.

Chariotoflove > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:56

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Welcome.  You seem to have the right combination of personality flaws and poor judgment.  You’ll fit right in.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:56

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As one of the more recentish additions to the Oppo fold (nearly got a year under my belt actually, keep forgetting that), it is my duty to warn you to stay out of the basement.

With that fleet, I’m positive you’ll love it here. That is a seriously Jalop/Oppo repertoire of vehicles. Just how many vehicles have you owned? Also, good job figuring out the byzantine Kinja posting system and image rights.

I’m Who, our resident Cruze enthusiast and color connoisseur extraordinaire.

wafflesnfalafel > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 12:58

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hello! My FIL had an XR4ti just like that when I met my wife -  same color, full double wing, etc.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:00

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Aaaa h, I need 2 more of these hellas on my Mini...for now.

hexadec > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 13:03

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Oh gosh, between flips and other group owned vehicles it has to be about 30. One day I’ll make a post listing all of the cars I can remember and maybe even in order.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:08

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Welcome. I think you’ve already got more Oppo cred than most of us!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:10

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Welcome! So much great car stuff you have done/have going.

My E46 ZHP says hi through the fog (taken yesterday from my window, but same today too) !

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:11

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That would indeed be fascinating to me who has only ever owned one car, pictured. That just seems like an insane turnover rate, especially per year. Assuming you are 35 and got your first car at 15 (ambitious, I know), that’s 2 cars bought a year on average. How many do you usually own at one time?

For Sweden > nermal 10/29/2020 at 13:14

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Always the weinercopter

hexadec > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/29/2020 at 13:15

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Historically it has been 1-2. But it has picked up a bit in recent years once I got a garage. Including motorcycles does not help since they are easier to move and hide from the wife.

hexadec > For Sweden 10/29/2020 at 13:16

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Ahem, wiener-drone.

hexadec > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 10/29/2020 at 13:17

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Thanks, it is a lot of volume just spaced out car stuff. I love your ZHP, been stalking for a while. 

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:18

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Welcome. A racing buddy of mine drove the TDI cup for year, and then decided he probably wasn’t going to make it as a pro driver and went back to college.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:21

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Welcome to both Oppo and the rally light club. Are those Rigid lights?

hexadec > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/29/2020 at 13:26

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Oh no, they are Amazon specials. 4 for 50. I pulled them apart to silicone every gap and they have been great after that.

hexadec > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2020 at 13:27

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Yeah they were interesting race cars. Used R8 rear brakes on the front IIRC. And so quiet on track, they were all stock so you could hear just tires. Reminds me of formula-e these days in terms of noise.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:29

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That’s a pretty impressive figure. You must have a very patient wife. Hehe, maybe all motorcycles look alike enough for the occasional change-up to go unnoticed.

jminer > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:41

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Welcome to oppo! Sounds like quite an automotive history, I am very excited to here more from you.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:55

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Welcome aboard!

I notice a distinct lack of Swedish cars...

Stef Schrader > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 13:59

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Nice! Welcome. Very jealous of the TDI Cup.

Jim Spanfeller > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 14:08

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Welcome to Oppo! You have had quite the car-owning history, I see. Have you been lurking for a while, or are you completely new here? Either way, it’s always good to have more people here.

I’m awesomeaustinv, around here I’m mostly known for my Lego bird watching hobby ( https://oppositelock.kinja.com/bird-watching-with-awesomeaustinv-episode-2-1843354474 ) and my 1966 Fo rd Thunderbird, aka “Phoebe” :)

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 14:11

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Nice!

hexadec > Jim Spanfeller 10/29/2020 at 14:24

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Thanks, very long time lurker but I am trying to share more and consume less so now was the time for me. Lovely Tbird, I want one as my cruiser at some point. I’ll even take the Halle Berry years if I can’t find an old one.

Jim Spanfeller > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 14:31

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Looking forward to more posts from you :)

Right now is a good time to be buying Thunderbirds, as fourth-gens like mine are still cheap, and so are the fifth and later generations. For whatever reason, they’ve managed to fly under most collectors’ radar until now, but they really are great cars, and you can park them next to cars that cost two or three times as much without it looking out of place!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 15:13

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A guy who likes motorcycles and German cars? I think we’ll get along  swimmingly. My current stable

For Sweden > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 15:26

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There is noting unmanned about that weiner.  That weiner is all man

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 15:57

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Welcome! W as expecting to see a motorcycle because of the opening statement but is leaving slightly bummed at no other mention .

hexadec > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2020 at 16:03

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I do apologize . Here is a pic to make you feel better. My current bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6. I think my taste in bikes is a bit more conventional than in cars.

hexadec > For Sweden 10/29/2020 at 16:12

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That is the secret ingredient: man.

functionoverfashion > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 16:17

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Welcome to one of the best corners of the internet. I’m sure you have some good stories to share, bring it. 

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 17:07

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Niceeeeeee, Appreciate it! :)

We have a few riders on this mainly car based place. Always glad to see another contribute .

CB > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 17:24

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Welcome to Oppo! Stay out of the basement .

Love the livery on the 3 series and I’m guessing you’re in the best Carolina?

Taylor Martin > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 18:19

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Sounds like you bring a bundle to the table, with an impressive automotive record very few on here could match ! Welcome aboard, H ex.

hexadec > CB 10/29/2020 at 19:07

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Of course, best Carolina is anywhere not in SC (lived in Columbia for 2 years so I think I can get away with that).

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 20:06

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Welcom e to Oppo, glad to have you with us! You’re welcome for all the Hyundai Accent and weird Euro/JDM kei/Eastern Bloc content I post on a regular basis :P

fhrblig > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 21:21

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Welcome! As an old dude that’s been here for nearly 13 years, let me be the first to say “ stay the hell off my lawn” . I’m also really bad at being an enthusiast, because while I love cars I only ever own beigemobiles and the worst versions of iconic vehicles. You know, like when I owned an ‘87 CRX, but it was a 74-hp DX with an automatic.

Man, I don't think I'll ever get tired of looking at the XR4Ti. Those were one of my favorite cars.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > hexadec 10/29/2020 at 23:30

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I loved my FZ6, it is a great all around bike. It does everything decently.