OK, that’s a cool approach, thanks! I’m gonna have to look at Local Classifieds & try to replicate to the best of my ability something that costs less than $640 Canadian (Google currently shows 500 US Dollar equals 639.28 Canadian Dollar)
I’m wondering If I should actually enter the redneck express from the GAR, with Otis, and Jake… his son who was named after the dog, but the V12 in it might not go over well with the rules.
4 Likes
Maybe the engine blew up, so it got rebuilt with an inline 6 sharing the bore/stroke of the V12? Essentially the V12 cut in half? Alternately, same strategy with a V6?
When he is taking such good care of it running red line for somewhere around 2000+ miles, followed by 20 years on a ranch, that couldn’t possibly ever happen. 
Could just drop a V-8 into it too, that’s pretty common.
2 Likes
TEAM OUTRIDERS
The Crew:
THE OLD MAN
Name: Blake Worden
Age: 56
Occupation: Retired
Place of Birth: Tatum Heights, MI
Blake Worden is recently retired from the Tatum Heights Motorpool, where he worked since 1991. For the past eight years before his retirement he was the supervisor of the department. His assets include a Petoskey XGV scan tool. This enables him access to the vehicle computer systems of any Petoskey up to 2001. It is also capable of scanning generic OBDII codes of any make or model 1996 or newer.
THE MECHANIC
Name: Luigi Fillipelli
Age: 49
Occupation: Tatum Heights Motorpool
Place of Birth: La Spezia, Italy
Luigi Fillipelli immigrated to the United States in 1989 fearful of a potential Soviet invasion. This never came to pass, but regardless, Luigi came to love his new home. He has been a US Citizen since 2004. Luigi primarily specialized in working on police cars while working for the city. This has given him considerable insight into the workings of the Petoskey Enforcer. With the Enforcer discontinued, he has put effort into learning about the vehicles that replaced it. While he works well with the newer designs, he does have a nostalgic feeling towards the old Enforcers. He and Marc Levinstein often enjoy ripping on each other, sometimes the language gets pretty heated but is always in fun.
THE CHIEF
Name: Marc Levinstein
Age: 53
Occupation: Tatum Heights Chief of Police
Place of Birth: Detroit, MI
Marc Levinstein was recently promoted to Chief of Police. His dedication to a force he served since 1993 made him a strong choice for the job. Marc has a reputation for being the fastest driver in the department. His aggressive driving style is contrary to his often soft spoken manner… when he’s not talking to Luigi that is. He will frequently make fun of Luigi for being Italian while Luigi will make fun of him for being Jewish. An interesting thing to note is that they never say anything behind each others backs. He carries a Ruger Security Six at all times. While always prepared to use it, he always hopes he never has to.
THE NEW GUY
Name: Zach Worden
Age: 21
Occupation: Half-assed student
Place of Birth: Tatum Heights, MI
Zach is the oldest of Blake’s three children. After graduating from high school, he was largely clueless about what to do with his life. He is currently taking college classes, not because he has any specific goal, but because he figures that’s what you’re “supposed” to do. At his mothers insistence, he is going along on this road trip, something he is not looking forward to. Blake is hoping this will prove to be a bonding experience and to also hopefully help him shape up.
THE CAR
1997 Petoskey Enforcer "Missy"
If this car looks familiar, that’s because it went through the Roulette Runner challenge and the Kinda Grand Tour.
The Enforcer first rolled off the assembly line in 1992. The car was received with mixed reviews as it still used the same engine as the outgoing Gran Romero. It wasn’t until 1994 when the 301 TriForce made its debut that the Enforcer really took off.
Initial sales were strong in the civilian market, but the car really hit it’s stride when sold as a fleet vehicle. The Interceptor variant featured more aggressive gearing and a tougher suspension setup.
While sales tapered off over the years, the Enforcer remained a strong seller as a police car. Major design updates were done every five years to keep the car competitive. Unfortunately even these periodic updates couldn’t outrun time forever, and the archaic body-on-frame sedan was finally axed in 2012.
This particular Enforcer was purchased from a city auction and was claimed to be an administrative vehicle. After some problems that should never have occurred at the 150k miles, a check of the vehicle computer showed the car had over 400,000 miles on it, not the 150,000 that the odometer showed. As a result, during the first run, two fuel injectors went bad, and another two were unplugged to keep the engine firing at a balanced pattern. Despite the weakened state, the car soldiered on to the finish. Even a valve dropping out of the head and rattling around the cylinder didn’t keep this car from finishing the run.
During the Kinda Grand Tour, the car was again used, this time using an engine and transmission from a 1995 Petoskey Stag Big Chief. The car did not finish with any notable place, but it did go through the whole trip without mechanical incident.
Which brings us to present day:
Car: 1997 Petoskey Enforcer
Engine: 432 CID V8 SFI*
Transmission: 4RE7*
Modifications: Engine and transmission swapped from a 1995 Stag Big Chief*, Dana 60 rear axle with Detroit locker, Ventnor hood ornament, Used push bar from a retired police interceptor, Undertray was removed due to stripped bolts, 17" wheels from a Gen IV Interceptor*, Brakes from a Gen IV Interceptor*, Aftermarket audio system, First Gen Tail Light Assemblies.
*Modifications came from previous run
In the months before the GW Tour, the old girl was looked over. An inspection of the rear differential showed some severe damage due to the factory gears not being able to handle the extra torque from the 432. Thanks to the use of city discounts and junkyard searches, Luigi managed to come across a Dana 60 axle to be used in the back. With a new ring and pinion set installed, the axle was ready to handle anything the car could throw at it. While at the junkyard, Luigi acquired a Ventnor hood ornament which was affixed to the car. The city recently replaced old car 109, since that was the last Enforcer, a lot of the equipment used on the car could not be carried over to the replacement. This included the push bar which would’ve been scrapped had Luigi not picked it up. Problems arose when removing the undertray in the form of a couple stripped bolts. It was decided to leave the undertray off for good. Finally, after a purchase on E-Bay, Luigi and Blake installed a custom audio system. One of the tail lights was smashed so a pair was also purchased from the junkyard. These were from a Gen I Enforcer but still fit in the car. With the mileage on the powertrain, an oil change was done as well as a filter and fluid change on the transmission. The car was greased up, lubed up, gassed up, the pisser fluid tank was filled, and the Enforcer was ready to go.
P.S. The car is named Missy because Marc named it before anyone else could.
13 Likes
Team Mountain Pass
Despite having failed spectacularly both times they’ve attempted competitions like this before, Pierre Mountbatten and Andrew Morgan have returned for a third attempt at Junkyard Racing glory…
The Team
Pierre Mountbatten, 53, is an Australian journalist who founded Mountain Pass, a magazine dedicated to cars that loved hitting the twisty “B” roads over bloated V-max queens and hyper expensive exotics. Pierre loves to attend ameteur hillclimbs where his heavily tuned Peugeot 205 GTi gets regularly thrashed by Mk 6 Golf GTi’s and RS Focuses. Pierre wants to win REALLY bad and is hoping their wildcard entry will see team mountain pass be third time lucky and take home the trophy!!!
Andrew Morgan, 42, joined Mountain Pass just as Touge in Japan was gaining traction with Western audiences and became their patron saint in the Mountain Pass offices. Andrew is an avid track day enthusiast and hillclimber who competes in an old, beaten up, S12 Gazelle which has been given a Panda Trueno paintjob. Needless to say he doesn’t win much! Andrew also really wants to win so he can get a raise and afford to build a replica FJ24E w/ turbo so his S12 can finally kick some ass!!!
The Car
Andrew has a mate, who knows a guy, who is related to guy who is a collecter of obscure race cars. In return for printing a softball story on the high value of the cars in his collection (which he is conveniently selling) the gentleman sold the keys to his most outlying shed for $499, thinking it was full of old Znopresk parts. However, when the boys came over and opened it they found, buried under old Italian radiators and alternators, a genuine Leeroy Racing Le Mans spare car!
The car was coated in a thick coat of dust, the fibreglass body had some crazing but the car was surprisingly complete. The gentleman wasn’t too happy with this result but he knew he couldn’t back out of the deal; besides the car had no provenance since it never raced anyway. Pierre and Andrew pushed the car out of the shed and loaded it up onto the waiting tilt tray.
Upon getting the car back to Andrew’s workshop/garage, the pair set about servicing the old girl. The oils and fluids were drained, genuine oils and fluids replaced them and all the filters were replaced. All the brakes were pulled apart and inspected with the wheels taken off, new rubber installed and the bearings regreased. All the visible wiring was checked and a new battery installed. The fuel tank was drained, cleaned out and filled with fresh 91RON unleaded. The exhaust was checked for holes and the cabin was thoroughly vacuumed. The fan belts were replaced and all the bulbs were checked with blown bulbs and fuses replaced. Finally the car was washed and then the big moment arrived… Would it start?
It took a few goes but in a surprisingly short time the V12 fired up and the garage rang to the sound of 12 angry, carb fed cylinders. Andrew and Pierre took turns driving the car up and down the street. Since the car was in Le Mans trim the clutch wasn’t too heavy and the interior was surprisingly comfy given it’s racing specs.
The biggest problem? There was no way to legally get this car registered so Pierre visited a wrecking yard and sourced a V12 engine plate from an old Ambassador, then he bought a '79 Coyote off Gumtree and re-birthed the Le Mans racer as a limited edition V12 Coyote! The transport department were fooled and the car was now, theoretically at least, registered and ready for action!!!
So will Team Mountain Pass finally win? I certainly hope so!!! 
11 Likes
Just under a week left for submissions.
4 Likes
I still plan on submitting, just haven’t changed the truck to fit the rules
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I’m also planning on submitting something to this challenge with a band of 3 characters.
It’s a car in AEA lore, but the one I havn’t told about… The great '90s crap-fest! The decade in which quality steadily declined for AEA. But it’s an “almost but not quite definition Lemon” with AWD and 300hp and a host of quirks, crap, and previous owner’s abuse.
Stay tuned… for the next episode of Pit Stop US right here on Automation Discourse!
[Editors Note: Show Title not finalized until I post the first RP chapter]
[Editors Note 2: Decided on official Title, updating now, just before I leave for work]
5 Likes
Can it be in UE4, Kee won’t work for me and no challenges use UE4.
Unfortunately, I have the reverse problem. UE4 is so unstable on my system that I have a difficult time completing one single car. So this has to be Kee.
Welp so much for that, I hope some other challenge like this comes by.
Team Kim and his Comrade
The Guys
Owner, operator
Kim “Fat Kim” Kessling
Age: 42
Occupation: Manager at a local restaurant.
Kim works as a manager at the local posh restaurant. He’s been a gearhead since he was born. But his particular preference is not of expensive, luxurious or cool automobile. He prefers the car that can only be describe as either a real hooptie or a proper autoshite. His current collection of automobile is indeed worth about jack fucking shit. He’s also quite fat.
Tagged along amateur mechanic.
Benigno “Pinoy Blanc” Vega
Age: 36
Occupation: IT Tech Support
Benigno Vega, also known as Pinoy Blanc. He’s Filipino as the name suggested. Works IT during weekdays, he’s a keen mechanic during weekends. He also has an appetite for absolute hooptiefest of an automobile. He also likes to drink the particular type of wine so much that his friend call him Pinoy Blanc. He appears to like the idea of putting a tank in a mall very much.
The Car
1988 Bonchon Masterpiece. Also known in South Korea as Bonchon Exempla. It’s the first luxury Korean automobile to be sold in North America.
This particular example is incredibly special. It’s the rare, 2 years only trim. The Bonchon Masterpiece Turbo. It’s a 2.5-litre Inline 4 with turbo forced induction blowing through a single SU type carburetor. Producing a hot for it’s day 130hp and incredibly unreliability reputation.
The Masterpiece is a really rare automobile. At least most of the engine parts can be sourced from a much more common Mitsushita Lorux Compact Truck. But the previous owner (who happens to also be a hooptie enthusiast) thrown in a lot of spare parts that’s unique to this car as well.
Not many of these are left in the country. But Kim and his mate really wanted one of these just to show that there’s one still exist. Most of these have been scrapped since before Clinton administration. They totally don’t expect the car to finish, let alone win. But the crap cans community they’re in already is in the process of betting on where they’ll be stranded.
The car cost them 350$.
12 Likes
Team BuzzBomb
The Team
Driver: Katie Ng
Age:22
An enthusiastic, if over eager, Tech student from Van Nuys, California. Katie is a lover of athletics, movies, and all things quirky and curious.
Passenger: Melissa Kim
Age: 20
Katie’s room-mate and best friend, Melissa is a History student, originally from Springfield, Illinois. Probably the more level headed of the two, Melissa is also an avid golfer and pianist.
The Car
1985 ZAF 1000
A communist relic from the former Yugoslavia, this 1.0L I3 two-stroker was built between 1965 and 1990. this particular model is from towards the end of it’s life, and features such modern luxuries as a 2 barrel carburetor and some semblance of power steering, but that’s it.
the total cost for this beast was $75.
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Hey, it’s almost my first car! Lol… $75 for a '76 Subaru 1400. Except I didn’t have the luxury of power steering.
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Team Kent Croissants
A group of South-Eastern Brits on a holiday driving a 90’s French hatch-back in a short space of time what could possibly go wrong.
Damien Taylor - navigator on the trip only because he did the Duke of Edinburgh, has a tendency to glaze over when he isn’t directly involved in the conversation. Sleeps like the dead and will not be happy if woken up from his slumber by anyone other than his girlfriend who for this trip is at home.
Aaron Robinson - skeptical of the car choice, actually remembered to bring tools unlike the others, best of the lot with any kind of mechanical savvy. Glad to make conversation with other teams, designated support for when things get a bit tipsy at the camp site.
Jordan Hopkins - studies art at university and regrets it, he was the person who brought up the idea of the challenge and helped liked the car mainly because it was yellow and matches his jumper. Dislikes sitting in the back of the car and gets surprisingly drunk considering his awkwardness.
1993 Ceder Friala MK4 1.7 SE
A rather bright yellow example of a pre face lift MK4 Friala will be taking the 3 boys across 2000+ miles (hopefully). Chosen by Jordan because of its fuel economy and spritely engine it should prove itself on this voyage. Unknown to the 3 boys it was the 5th 12 valve Friala sold in England hence the limited edition yellow paint.
The milometer says it has done 95,000 miles however Aaron isn’t sure on that one due to the slightly squeaky interior and the fact that the rear left door handle didn’t work amongst other things. But engine wise everything seems fine, he’s also glad that he picked the slightly sporty model over the other options that were available because of the sunroof (even though it doesn’t fit quite right).
–
A blanket has been put in the rear of the car so the air pushing through the leaky sunroof doesn’t freeze whoever is in the back seat to death, pasta in the boot and the music playlist is set, the 3 are ready to go.
6 Likes
Team Redneck
Otis 47
22 years after the GAW Otis is still telling stories about participating in that race. He still races on occasion but has become mostly a has been at this point.
Jake 17 : Otis’s youngest son named after the dog that when along for the ride and has been following in his dads footsteps as far as racing and tinkering. His experience is mostly limited to dirt tracks and a few incidents in which the Sheriff invited himself over to dinner. (nothing like comming home after some shinanigans and finding the Sheriff parked in your spot and sitting at the dinner table)
The truck, it is the same truck that Otis ran in the GAW well for the most part, many of the parts that were stripped were put back in. In late 2012 the engine finaly gave out in a real bad way with 3 connecting rods sticking out the side of the block. So they swapped a 4.5L V8 out of a 2000 into it.
After 22 years on the farm the truck is in real rough looking shape its been maintained well just flogged hard for years.
Old picture from the GAR
Jake: Hey dad, you know how you are always telling us about that time you raced across Europe?
Otis: Uh yeah.
Jake: So I just read about something similar comming up, and since my car is still in impound by the Sheriff I was wondering if I could use that old truck in the barn from when you raced it.
Otis: So when and where is it?
Jake: Next week.
Otis: Next week! It will take at least a week just to tune the susspension to match the new engine, let alone knock the dents out, or pull the front driveline out lighten it or anything.
Jake: Don’t worry dad, its more of an endurance thing so we can take it as is.
Otis: Endurance huh? So who is going to drive it, repair it… Nevermind, I have an idea… WE are going just like when Jake and I went years ago.
Jake: Dad???.. There is no way I am sticking my head out the window and barking at cars!!
Otis: Of course not… You will be driving, I will be sticking my head out the window and barking at the cars. Lets go make a list and run this by your mother.
Jake: I already told her, shes getting the camping gear together now.
Engine complete with transmission and wiring harness and computer…
Engine hoist (dismantled)
Rear axle…
Tools
Front CV shaft…
Bailing wire…
4 rolls of duct tape…
2 gallons of engine oil
2 gallons of gear oil
2 gallons of un-diluted anti-freeze
5 gallons of water (can be used for drinking)
Tools
Tent
Tarp
Case of TP
2 sleeping bags rated for 0C
Blankets
2 air mattresses
Camp stove
Camping dishes
Camp sink (yes their bringing a kitchen sink)
More tools
Large ice chest with food and drinks.
Portable in car coffee maker
2 duffle bags with extra cloths
shovel
2 spare tires
Ammo can full of random nuts and bolts
Jake: Do we have everything.
Otis: God I hope so, who would figure that we would completely fill a long bed 3/4 ton truck, its starting to look like the Clampetts.
12 Likes
Pit Stop US Part 0
This is Pit Stop US with the crew…
Nathan - Age = Barely 30 years old. Has a knack for fixing electronics, but never actually makes stuff work better.
James - Slightly large and probably in charge. Age = Early 40s. Worked as a mechanic in the UK for a few years. Good at wiring stuffs.
Charles - Older, Wiser, but not-quite the mentor. Age = Um, old as dirt. (mid 50s) Generally the sensible one, not easily angered.
Pit Stop US is a “semi-professional” Youtube show (sort of the combination of Roadkill and Top Gear UK.)
[Yes, there will be a camera van following the trio, but the camera guys are strictly there to film, they will not interfere, nor help out in any way.]
James and Charles are waiting at the meeting point for Nathan to return with the selected car.
Charles: “How bad do you think it will be?”
James: “Well, knowing Nathan is choosing the car, it’s probably going to be quite bad.”
C: “Yeah. sighs What’s your guess on what car he’s bringing?”
J: “Probably something quite slow. It’s probably got less than 150 hp. Or something with a completely trashed body.”
C: “I think that’s a given, with the budget we gave him.”
J: “Oh, look here he comes…”
Nathan pulls up, revving the engine.
James: “The bloody hell did you get?!”
“An AEA Corzippa” Nathan said while turning off the car and getting out.
“Oh, boy…” Charles replied, dissapointed and reluctant to even touch the car.
James: “Why the hell did you get THAT piece of junk!”
Nathan: “Na, na ett - Three. Hundred. Horse Power” He said as if that was all that mattered.
James: “That’s gotta be one of the worst, and I really mean WORST Cars American Eagle ever produced!”
“But! 300hp and All Wheel Drive with a 5-speed!” Nathan said, leaning on the driver door glass.
James: “Just look at this thing! It already looks like it’s going to fall apart!”
Nathan: “It’s barely broken-in, that’s normal.”
Charles: “There’s already rust on it for being ‘barely’ broken-in.”
Nathan: “shh-shush… It’s got leather seats”
James: “Those are Vinyl Seats! Look,” he said, walking closer the open driver door, “They’re all ripped up!”
Charles: “James, you left the lights on.”
Nathan: “I did? Oh,” He got off the window and leaned into the car to turn them off. He turned the switch a few times. “Uhh… Um, they are off.”
Realizing what this meant, James started laughing, then laughed a little harder. “You mean to tell me we’re going on a roadtrip with a piece of crap with the lights perpetually stuck on?”
“How much did you pay for this,” asked Charles.
“Uhh, five hundred dollars,” replied Nathan.
“Good God, the previous owner should have payed YOU $500 to take the car from him,” Barked James, “And refunded you for the damage done by the ‘custom’ racing stripes!”
Charles piped in again, “Do you know the milage or the maintinance history?”
Nathan: “Umm, One hundred…”
James: “One Hundred?”
Nathan: “…Thirty one…”
Charles: “Thirty one?”
Nathan: “…thousand miles.”
Charles and James together: “A hundred thirty one thousand miles?! [131,000miles]”
Nathan, with the silver lining: “But the timing chain was aparently done at 89,000! So its got that going for it.”
Charles, slightly relieved: “Ah, that’s good. But these things had problems with the all wheel drive system at 90,000 miles. Do you know if the differential fluid was changed, or the seals were ever done on the AWD system?”
Nathan replied, “Um, well, I know the kid I bought it from installed the aftermarket headlights and taillights.”
“Well, what’s the worst that could happen,” Nathan asks, “It’s not like a kid would trash a 300hp car just because it has turbos.”
Both Charles and James quizically glare at him, as Nathan had inevitably invoked bad karma.
“Well, It’s a good thing I packed my essential roadside repair kit then, as we’re definately going to need it,” said James. “What did you bring for food and comforts,” he asked Charles.
“well, I got myself a pillow. This old body can’t take the abuse anymore, especially with that car. And I also packed some waters, veggie chips—”
“Veggie chips!” exclaimed a disgusted Nathan, “Do you really have to bring your smelly, ‘healthy chips’ this time?”
“Try them,” asked Charles, “you may just like them!”
“Alright, alright,” James chimed in, “We’ve got, mostly what we need, so let’s get this hunk of junk to the event… In One Piece. For that, I’m driving! Old man dirt gets shotgun.”
“Buhht, hey, I bought this car,” Nathan challenged, “I should get to drive it first”
“You already did,” answered Charles, “And I’m an old man, I need to sit in the front for my back. You’re young, squeaze in the back.”
“Well… you’re not wrong,” shrugged Nathan, “Ok then.”
And with the car loaded, the trio drove to the event, the Corzippa’s interior squeaking and rattling. all the way there.
Technical Specs
1998 AEA Corzippa GT2
131,000 miles on the odometer
2-door 4-seat Coupe
3.3L V6 SOHC 2-valve
Twin Turbo
300hp Factory
Factory AWD
(Car is not quite lemon enough to be officially classified as a lemon, but is well known for being unreliable)
Previous Owner’s Modifications:
Crappy rattle can racing stripes (partially to cover up rust)
Chopped off the mufflers and added a pair of glasspacks
Aftermarket headlight and taillight assemblies
9 Likes
I thought that only happens to VWs - though at 131k, a VW would probably be through another two or so timing chains…
EDIT: @findRED19 Huh, must’ve missed something - I had the old lore in my head about timing belts needing replacement and chains being essentially maintenance-free…
Well, just about every modern engine I know that has SOHC or DOHC (especially dohc) needs the timing chain done before it fails (which is usually around 100k to 120k miles). My early 2000s Alero 2.2L i4 dohc 16v, the 90’s and early 2000s Taurus 3.0L V6 dohc 24v just to name 2 examples off the top of my head.
And the Corzippa is an unreliable car in company lore, so to keep one alive, it takes a lot more maintenance with shorter intervals, thus the 90k ish timing chain replacing (among many other flaws and quirks of the car).
Edit: @bastormonger chains do stretch over time, but the main reason they need to be replaced before they break (or when they get stretched) is because most dohc engines are “interference” engines meaning the valves at their fullest open position extend into the same space the piston may travel into. Thus if the timing chain is too loose, or breaks, the valves could (and most likely will) open at the wrong time, sending them crashing into the piston and causing lots of damage.
To contrast, most American pushrod v8 engines do also have a timing chain, but are usually “non-interference”, and the chain is considerably shorter, so it will not stretch as much when they get worn out.
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