More Weekend Antics

[ptimmerm@mashtun.JPL.NASA.GOV]

I have to admit this was a bountyful weekend for automotive antics.  
Here is one more tail. We had probably the biggest rain of the year
in LA yesterday.  I found myself in my 82 TQC, facing a freeway onramp 
with a 300zx stopped next to me in a turn lane.  He started inching forward,
indicating he wanted straight, so I followed. He started gunning the 
engine (help I'm scared!), so did I.  I never looked over, I watched 
the yellow, checked both dirrection and took the christmass tree by 
a half a car length.  Clearing the intersection I gave it a big run 
through second straight into the 90 degree corner in the pouring
rain!  I lifted before the corner,then steadied the suspension for 
the hard right in pooring rain.  I slid nicely across the expansion 
joints, and went for third. Looking back after merging, I saw the 300zx 
just coming off the corner.  I wondered if he ever saw the quattro label 
on my rear window, or knew what it meant.  Can you imagine a rear wheel 
drive car with big wide non M&S tires making that onramp at that speed.
I saw several spin out accidents on the freeway in the next mile, and
felt a little stupid for having played in the rain, but I survived it.

I have found the newer non-turbo 300xz is a close match in dry onramps, 
but wet!  This was one of those older japanese firebird immitations that 
were fat and flabby.  Too bad they last so long here in sunny socal. (no rust)

paul t-