Olds Lives Matter! Fun starts on page 13 (was: Am I Selling Out… or Buying In?)

[motorheadmike]

he most likely is going on 401, that is a major highway in Ontario it does go a longgg way.... 😊

Ironically I am picking the car up in Windsor and driving it home to Ottawa... which is almost the full length of the 401.

 

[pontiacgp]

Ironically I am picking the car up in Windsor and driving it home to Ottawa... which is almost the full length of the 401.

I am closer to Windsor than you are, I would be happy to do you the favor of picking up your car for you. You would only have to drive to Kitchener to pick it up in a few weeks after I test it for you....😎

 

[motorheadmike]

Late to the conversation, but:
"Why do we do what we do? As in what exactly are we after in the most primitive sense? And does it really matter how we attain it?"

Sounds like what you really want is one of the most badass cars on the block, you want it now, you want to be proud to be associated with it, and you want to wield it bravely.
You don't want to hide behind it like it's a social aid, or hold it over others like metaphorical superiority.

Only a small portion of this objective (albeit an important one) is fulfilled by the Hellcat. It's new, it's faster than fast, and it's ready to party.
What's left for you to do is own it. Own your ownership. Protect the joy that can come from it.

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

Comparison is the only reason your first post was anything longer than "Hey, guys, I bought a Hellcat."
Social division is one of humanity's signatures, and it's a clear and present hurdle in the car hobby. Domestic vs import, new vs old, budget vs expensive, built vs bought. We all pick sides.
But we all forget that all we're after is something that looks sharp and moves fast. And we're all part of every sporty car's target audience whether we accept the car or not.
You've grown to accept the car, and you've decided that you're able to afford it. Now just let yourself enjoy it.

No matter how "slow" the Monte ends up, it's still gonna look damn good. And no matter what others say, the Hellcat's gonna be as fast as the name implies. You've got family, you've got a life to live, and you don't need to clear any of that with us. I think most of us get so caught up dreaming up the exotic future that we forget about the present.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now on a personal note, I envy you. The Challenger is my favorite of the Neo Ponycars. And it brings me great joy to know that someone is going to give the platform a proper flogging in an autocross format. Every time I've run with a Challenger at Tire Rack, I've beaten it with my slapped together 216hp Buick Regal.
That. Should. Not. Happen.
So be sure to show 'em how it's done, Mike.

Ummmm... yeah! YEAH!

Seriously, that is a pretty philosophical, and accurate, view of the situation as a whole. But, let's not pretend that I haven't been here before with a LS1 Camaro or our TBSS - and in a snapshot in time and space those vehicles were among the best on the road. Both having been extensively modified, raced, and driven everywhere (including Power Tour and Drag Week). There is always going to be a bigger badder car coming out, yet it will always be limited by the person piloting it.

Look at the Optima Street Challenge - those are $100K plus race cars piloted by the folks who wrote the cheques, and only a few know how to truly leverage everything those cars can do. The rest are just poseurs seeking attention and validation while they understeer from corner to corner. A course fully lined with cones and chalk is like having training wheels on your bike with Dad still guiding your handle bars. It is all by design to pander to the egos of others.

That said, I badly miss auto-crossing. I still remember my last race about 6 years ago. It was always awesome to take folks for ride alongs in a "Grand National" - it is one thing to get a toot in one, it is whole 'nother thing to be wheeled around a race track at speed in it. The Hellcat is that same car for lots of newer enthusiasts going into 2020 and I want to do the same again. This is how you maintain the hobby.

PS. I've been beaten by a perfectly piloted Yaris... so the driver mod is real.

 

[motorheadmike]

Michael,

You have done the math for the financials. Decided this purchase won't deprive your precious wife and children of anything.

You're certain the premium unleaded this beast is drinking will eliminate any need for E.D. medication going forward.

Your other projects will still be there waiting for you when the desire to engineer something comes this winter.

Write the cheque.

If buyers' remorse sets in later, so what. You'll take it in the *ss a little but you'll have miles of smiles to show for it.

Something something... grabbed the wrong stick?

Yeah, I know that is slashing.

 

[pontiacgp]

I didn't get your pm letting me know when I am to pick up your vehicle...... 🤔

 

[69hurstolds]

Road out in front of motorheadmike 's house 10 minutes after getting it home...or maybe this is from yesterday... 😏

 

[1 RARE T]

I’ve never been so confused by a reply. 😢

 

[1 RARE T]

Oh, and I’m 1/2 hr from Windsor in case you need lessons in rowing those gears.

Maybe we can stop by that drag strip on your way home...............statute of limitations -b*tch!!!!

 

[motorheadmike]

Road out in front of motorheadmike 's house 10 minutes after getting it home...or maybe this is from yesterday... 😏

That was the wagon this morning.

 

[motorheadmike]

Oh, and I’m 1/2 hr from Windsor in case you need lessons in rowing those gears.

Maybe we can stop by that drag strip on your way home...............statute of limitations -b*tch!!!!

One of the benefits to picking the car up 500 miles from home is the car will have completed its break in period by the time I get back.