Why do we do it, and why do we feel the need for speed?

[cudaken]

 OK, I am feeling down big time right now. Look's like the new Blowen 440 long block may have big problems. With out the blower there is $7000.00 in the long block and after only 85 miles she may be f--ked. For details look in the performanes center under junk 440.

My number matching BB block ran great with 206,000 miles on her. Used a quart of oil every 1400 miles and had good power. When I yanked her to paint the engine compartment I was just going to do a rattle cam rebulid. Ever hear the saying "if it's not broken, don't fix it"? Boy I wished I had left it a lone.

But NO, I feelt the need for speed. Sold the perfect good BB and bought the ill fated 42sick. Ran great and would melt the tires on a 15 MPH roll with 2.76 sure gripp. Problem, would burn a quart of oil every 75 miles?

Then the next engine, the current 440 and GMC 6-71 Blower. Huffer as yet to be ran on the 440 and it look's like that maybe the 440 is junk after only 85 miles.

Why the hell do we do it? Good looking Charger, that I understand. But why do we need the feel of speed? Is it bragging rights, or just the rush of being put back in the seat.

When you get right down to it, what we do hurts are MPG, makes them harder to drive and how often do you need 500 HP or 250 HP unless you are racing the car at the strip?

Reflecting on what I have done I wish I had left well enough a lone, did not smoke like the 42sick and no death rattles like the currnet 440. Right now I be happy with a stock 383 2 barrel that had no problems and did not smoke. Would say 318, but would need a new trans and drive shaft.


                                            ken

[bluesfool]

Because we're not smart enough to know better? 

[Ghoste]

I wish I knew Ken.  It's a stupid hobby in many ways but in many other ways it's so much more than a hobby.  It's a lifestyle and a culture.  It's addictive.  I tried to walk away once and couldn't.  I give up and give in.  I need the adrenaline rush.

[69charger2002]

for me it's more the feeling of owning the cars, than having one that can blow the doors off another one. i have been to the track, it was fun, and of course i wouldn't want my car to get waxed by a modified hyundai. but you know what? it's not that important. i spent my money building/buying more cars than just dumping all my money into one bad ass one. i'll tell you this, when i get my brother and wife to drive with me to a car show, and they(people at the car show) see that all 3 cars we pull up in at a given show are all mine, they freaking FLIP OUT. no one cares if i have 600 hp. yes i do have some 440's, they are mostly stock and very reliable. my point of this overdrawn post now is that speed is addictive, but if you can control the urge, you can have LOTS more fun with that same amount of money you throw away for bragging rights or the "feeling in the seat"
just my $.02
some people live for speed, and speed only, not me. i am more about show/beauty of the cars.. and since i did things a different way than most, it looks like i'm rich when i show and post these pics of my cars, but guess what? i'm NOT.. just a normal(WHAT?!?) 28 year old that loves mopars/chargers

[ChargerBill]

It is kind of a sick obsession and you're right...it makes no sense. I think it's the feeling you get when your behind the wheel, the smell of unburnt fuel, the sound of open hedders, the feeling of being pushed back into the seat...it's kind of intoxicating. Maybe we like it so much because we are able to make these things go fast while most people can't even change a flat. I can't help myself...that's all i really know about it.

[Badbob]

I get that need, on a circle track, in a 737, on a boat with twin 502's, the dragstrip, the street or on my Harley. I crashed at 70 MPH on my Harley in july, the Need For Speed will return.

[ChargerBill]

Actually Bob, that last one looks REAL bad. Glad you're still here bud...God speed on the recovery.

[Blown70]

I think part if it is nostalgia.... maybe it is the first car we remember.  Maybe we saw a kick a$$ one and want that.  I rember a neighbor had a YELLOW 69 2nd fastest car in the area.  Only was out done by one other car. 

Personally I am doing what I  have always wanted.  I could give a crap if I go to the drag with her,  I will just to toy around. 

I have always wanted a supercharger so..... I will,  I wanted a hemi  Heck why not combine the two..... Everyone I speak to says a Hemi is a perfect engine to supercharge....

I think we do it for a bunch of reasons.... I want an AAR cuda one day   Heck I might just settle for a clone..... Just because I like the look.

BLOWN70

[Badbob]

Thanks Bill, I was lucky and I heal fast.

[Blown70]

Yes BOB,  Be a bit more careful next time.  That looks like it did not feel good for a few days or week maybe more...

[RallyeMike]

Reflecting on what I have done I wish I had left well enough a lone, did not smoke like the 42sick and no death rattles like the currnet 440. Right now I be happy with a stock 383 2 barrel that had no problems and did not smoke. Would say 318, but would need a new trans and drive shaft.

Life's too short. Blow it up, put out the fire, and build a BIGGER ONE!!!!   

Will the next CudaKen post be: "I'll never drink again"..... ?

Keep the faith.

[chargermick]

It's because we are Men! We have BIG egos, and we usually think with the wrong head. And that's exactly the way we are supposed to be.lol

[Blakcharger440]

I love the look and sound of the old mopars. It also brings back good memories when I see them. I also like feeling the rush of torque that a well built 440 will put forth to the pavement! I like going to car shows and seeing the old mopars and knowing that they are still around.....