| Author | Message | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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Wow, it's really nice. Someday I would like to own one, I think it would compliment the hard braking and turning Ferrari very well. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
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You're right, BretM... Most, if not all, Cobra (replicas) are brutally fast, yet "classic" at the same time. Just finished helping my father build his Everett-Morrison Shelby Cobra replica this past year (took nearly 15 months to complete, but it sure was fun to build!). In my opinion, Everett-Morrison offers one of the best replica / kits out there. Their chassis is incredible. Their factory is located only about 2-1/2 hours south of us, so it made picking up parts, chassis, body, etc. very convenient. They always have several cars in various stages of assembly in their manufacturing facility. Great guys -- very knowledgeable and helpful. Here's their website for more info: http://www.everett-morrison.com/ My dad chose the 460 powerplant along with a few "extra" options (he's very picky about details and good looks). His cobra always has a crowd around it at every local car show. Driving down the road, nearly everyone honks, waves, or gives the "thumbs-up". The exhaust sound is incredible to say the least (extremely loud); and that's just the beginning of the fun! It will flat out haul, but yet is very easy to drive just loping around in traffic. With that kind of weight-to-horespower ratio, along with the rear end torque, these cars are a blast to drive. Here's one pic of the car (have many others too):  Building a car like this is a very rewarding experience -- if you have the time and money, I'd highly recommend the cobra. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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I'll still stand by the fact that a 427 Cobra replica will kill any of these cars for a fraction of the money if drag racing is your thing (on the track it would still probably win, too for that matter). A 2200lb car with a 427, 428, 460, if you were to supercharge any of these engines (NA they'll run well under 4.0 seconds 0-60) it would be insane. So the Cobra replica 1)costs less, 2) gets a lot more respect 3) is a hell of a lot faster. Usually the fast jap cars use the argument that they cost less than Ferraris, Lambos, other fast cars. It seems that they've been beaten in their own game here. Sincerely (narrow minded) Bret | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
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FWIW, the Skyline is the general model, the hot versions are the GTR and the GTR VSpec. The quoted horsepower on this and other high performance Japanese autos is 280 but it is generally a given that they are a bit higher. (The agreed limit is 280 in Japan.) The GTR is more grand tourer than the WRX STi and the Evo series from Mitsubishi as they are in the same neighborhood with HP and close to 1000 pounds less. I have driven the STi, sure was a blast but alas, it only comes in a tin top. As for the new GTR in the US, unsure what we will see here given the overall financial strength of Nissan and the lack of interest in real performance cars in the US in general. (All FChatters exempted from last comment...) | ||
| Michael (Mtabije)
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Yeah, the Skyline is like the GOD for import scene kids. There is a company in CA, I think, that imports the Skyline in limited numbers. Infiniti is supposedly gonna rebadge the Skyline for US shores and have a "detuned" engine or the same engine as the upcoming Nissan 350Z. The Nissan Sylvia is supposedly a fast ride too, we got a wimpy version here from 1989-1996? called the 240SX or how I like to put it SUX. Anyway, I remember there were Turbo kits for the car to help out the poor horsepower output. On the plus side, it was RWD. | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
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Frank, Just FYI I've been in a local owner's Skyline. It's a VERY VERY fast car, RHD 500+hp hitting AWD. It cost him $85k plus the extras came out to $120k. Can get (some of his) parts at his local Nissan dealer. He got what I would call curb rash, and bent his A-arm in the process. If you ever get to see one up close you'll notice why they generally aren't sold here, all the crash/chassis protection surrounds the engine not the passenger compartment. It's all computer controlled... every nook and cranny has a PC or sensor in it. That's why this guy liked it, he's a computer guy, he'd would never even have interest in owning a Ferrari, that's pretty much a direct quote from him about it. Just thought I'd share... -Ben | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
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Don't laugh to much about those rice burners. The Nissan Skylane and Subaru WSC STi are fine cars that out perform most exotics for 1/4 of the cost. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
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www.Crutchfield.com has a wide selection of low profile speakers that should fit. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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Im looking for quality speakers too but my choice is severly limited due to fitment issues. Audi rear deck speakers are low profile or something like that and regular speakers wont fit. The stock rear deck speakers keep blowing and its a pain to drive 30 mins to greenwhich to have them replace it under warranty. The only brand that makes replacement ones is MB Quart, which are really good speakers, but thats all i can find. | ||
| D Jenn (Denman)
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I was actually into the car audio scene and spent quite a bit of my money on my systems. When I was younger I was the type that had the system blaring with my windows rolled down thinking I was cool. Now when I see other people doing that I think how annoying that is. I guess I'm getting old. I'm still into car audio but I customize my systems for quality and not for quantity anymore. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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Yeah, those systems are popular. At least 10 of my friends have systems in their cars. One kid wont stop till he has the best. Whenever someone gets a new system thats better than his he will go out and spend $1k on a new one. I think he now has 2 JL W3 12's, and 2 JL W3 10's in a custom made box with like 1000w going to it. Thats just for bass, he has a whole bunch of interior stuff like tweeters and 6x9's. All of that seems a little excessive. I would be happy with a nice set of interior speakers, which is what im currently trying to find a god pair of. | ||
| Timothy J. Dressel (Tjd)
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Willis, Michael, Thanks. I probably won't be using "rice out" around work. --tim d | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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As long as the "rice" reference is toward vehicles, I'm cool with that. | ||
| Michael (Mtabije)
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Nika, don't feel old because you listen to the Offspring! I remember entering my twenties when the song "Self Esteem" came out....but I betcha your song from them is "I want you bad" LOL hehehehe | ||
| Michael (Mtabije)
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Tim, It all depends on peoples sensitivites. When I was in college and had that too much gung ho idealistic spirit, I thought everything was political and over analyzed peoples thoughts, motivations, and words, if you asked me back then, I would've been offended. Ask me now, the spark is still there, but it doesn't turn me into an inferno....I guess living in the "real world" makes you more understanding and not so defensive...at least for me. As long as your intentions were directed at the cars and are not racially motivated, then it's okay- heck I've seen non Asians with Mustang GT's trying to "rice out" with Japanese stickers....LOL, I mean PEP boys does sell "Powered by Ford" window stickers....makes me laugh. | ||
| Steve (Steve)
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Tim it's either rice rocket or getto cruiser , take your choise. | ||
| Timothy J. Dressel (Tjd)
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Willis, Michael, Recently, one of my co-workers (not Asian) took offence when I used the term "rice rocket." I was clearly referring to cars and not people. Is this term likely to be offensive to Asians? --tim d | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
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huh? sorry Willis had to turn down my stereo! Soooooo true! At THAT volume all you hear is bass.....definitely nothing that resembles music in any way, shape or form. The next genration of hot rodders MUST be deaf! ....and I like loud music - I am the biggest "The Offspring" fan out there! lol I feel old. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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Speaking of things that don't make the car go fast. What about those crazy sound systems some people put in their cars? I've seen some setups that actually filled up the trunk and even the back seats. You could feel them coming from at least a mile away before you see the car. Now, I enjoy a good stereo in my non-Ferrari cars but I don't feel compelled to burst my eardrums or force my favorite tunes upon ten thousand people within a mile radius around me. | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
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Well, most don't have the disposable income to purchase one or the other. I have owned both and could have at any time in the past 10 or so years. My requirements are pretty simple, fast, well handling and reliable 2+2 convertible. The list of cars I would consider owning are pretty short, the Mondial was not on my original list because in my ignorance, I assumed that they were all relatively slow compared to what I could get for the money and mods by going with an Eclipse GS-T cab. (And mine was dynoed locally at 290+ hp.) I also believed that a car that didn't leak (oil or rain), was inexpensive to run and had modern features across the board (engine, suspension, interior) was what I really wanted. Needless to say, I changed my mind and decided what I really wanted was a car that is fabulous to drive and sounds great, everything else is secondary. After spending a bunch of time researching, I found that the Mondial T was perfect for me. The real lesson I learned is that every car nut deserves credit for their passion...regardless of what I think of it. I personally don't understand the desire toward old muscle cars or "ricers" limited to graphics and sound but then again, most probably wouldn't understand why I think I got a deal when I spend less than a grand on upkeep! | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
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Don't get me wrong - when I was a young thing - I had a 1990 Suzuki Swift GT with Jackson Racing add ons. I do appreciate performance - but within reason. I didn't need NOS to go quick or stickers.....and I certainly didn't spend more than the car was worth. I do miss that white/florescent orange race car | ||
| Itao Geni (360modenawisher)
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They don't have the disposable income to buy the Ferrari in the first place. Therefore, they buy more of the economy car and invest in that over time. After a while it is true that they probably could have bought a "nicer" car if they would have waited...yet how patient were you at 16,17,18 years old? Regardless it comes down to passion...it's just that different generations have unique ways of communicating that passion...and normally, different generations don't understand why others do what they do. The Sport Compact Scene is going to continue to explode and grow. However, as these kids age, they will be stepping "up" and into more expensive (hopefully RWD) cars...one day, perhaps even their highest hope would come true...that they could own a Ferrari. Just remember that when they see a Ferrari, they are awe-struck for the most part. You should be happy that another auto enthusiast truly appreciates what you're driving. | ||
| Red Lindell (Redhead)
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Erich is correct...It is Hall of Shame # 10 Sorry.... | ||
| Red Lindell (Redhead)
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Becker--- Go to hall of shame 8...there is a F355 on it.. The kid that used to own it lived in the SF bay area. He was still in High School when he owned that car..Heared that he wrapped it around a pole... http://www.riceboypage.com | ||
| Erich Walz (Deleteall)
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If you check out the rice-boy page you'll see a Ferrari made the Hall of Shame (Vol.10, I believe). Why? He put Porsche "Turbo" script on his stock 355! Well, at least he didn't put a Type-R or VTEC badge on there. | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
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PLEASE TOM - no reminders!!!  Nika Anti-Visa Bill Fan club | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
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I assume thats 50k CND? What is that worth anyway in real $ - 25k | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
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I just don't see the point in dropping $20,000 into a $15,000 car. Anybody have the reasoning? I interviewed a guy who said he spent $50,000 on his HONDA. For $50,000 a nice 308GTS could of been in his driveway. To each his own - I say.....I will never figure that out | ||
| 89MondialCab (Jmg)
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Having been around and actually helped modify "ricers", there are more than a few that I would put on the track against just about anything. Just remember that some of the cars are real and some are posers...kinda like a real Ferrari and a Fiero kit. An AWD Eclipse with 400+ hp? A stripped out Civic with an Integra R engine? It may not be what you want to drive in but don't challenge them at the strip or at the track...you may lose you pink slip. I think Wm hits the nail on the head when he compares this to the hot rodders of old... Remember, not every hot rodder became a classic, there was a lot of crap built in backyards that simply faded away. And don't forget that the classics of then are simply museum pieces to today's kids...they grew up with high-revving front wheel drive cars, not rumbling 8s. So maybe instead of picking on their rides and how much they spend to make them what they want, remember others have passion too. Give 'em a little credit! I am sure the Honda guy who spends $300-500 on his 30k would get a kick out of us spending $3k-10k! | ||
| Becker Cu�llar (Becker)
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Check this hall of shame it's kinda funny, some take it to the extreme http://www.riceboypage.com Cheers | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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Yeah it's weird how they describe them that way, in a sense I guess it's true. Maybe we here on FC are just relics, not able to understand how a coffee can exhaust sounds good to some people. These rice mobiles for the most part seem to me to be shoddy craftsmanship, nothing well put together like some of the old muscle cars. I just don't see how taping things on to your car makes it cool. Alright, I'm rambling here, I agree with Willis. What I don't understand is why these kids get a Honda Civic, put like 15K into it, instead of buying a Shelby Cobra replica, a corvette, even a mustang. There are so many cool older cars if you know what to look for. One kid at my highschool had a restored (him and his dad did it) Mach 1 Mustang, that things a thousand times cooler than any rice mobile. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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I don't think a Honda Civic with 30LBs worth of graphic tape and logos, useless wings, and coffee-can exhaust would be a classic in 10 year's time or anytime. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
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Aren't these guys (and gals, i guess) the present day equivalent of the hot rodders of yore; taking a relatively common car, for which aftermarket parts are plentiful, and on which much work can apparently be done by those of modest to high mechanical skill, resulting in a car that is more for the youth oriented (no pun) driver; involving kids, hangin out, bein cool, draggin (or whatever its called these days)and in which no self-conscious adult would be caught dead? | ||
| D Jenn (Denman)
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Willis, once you add that coffee can exhaust to your Maxima, then your a ricer. | ||
| D Jenn (Denman)
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It seems that the ricer phenomenon came from the need to distinquish a relatively inexpensive, and common vehicle without a lot of funds. Funny thing is the amount that these guys end up sinking into their cars could've bought them a Ferrari. Reminds me of that lowrider truck phase prevalant in the eighties. So goes the way of the ricer... | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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There's some interesting sites dedicated to the "Ricer" phenomenon. While it started with the Japanese econocars, this had spread to domestic cars also (domestic rice). I've seen a Mustang (not even a GT) with a huge, poorly made sheetmetal wing bolted to the trunk lid and really skinny wheels. There's a few "rice" Dodge Caravans around here too. What's distressing now is that the Japanese automakers are cashing in on this craze and are now creating what I call "OEM Rice". Whatever happened to good taste? To be fair, my 95 Maxima SE grocery-getter comes with a small wing on the trunk lid. It wasn't an omittable option for the SE so I had to live with it. Does that make me a Ricer?  | ||
| William_Huber (Solipsist)
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Is that Uncle Bens or Minute Rice? | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
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Yes it's funny to me when front wheel drive car owners put wings on the back of the car. That places down force on the rear and causes the front end to lift which results in a loss of traction. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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I think they are called ricers because the cars are from japan, and rice is the staple food there, im assuming here (but my 8th grade math teacher always said its bad to assume because it makes an ASS out of U and ME). Dont be fooled, there are some cars with body kits and 18in wheels that actually have some engine work. I dont think there are that many near me (NY) but there are alot in socal and places like that. Sometimes i wonder what those people are thinking. How do they see out the window with such dark tints, and how much is their higway mpg reduced but those huge wings. I only respect the ones that have a little more than just a rear section muffler. I almost beat a manual civic with a body kit and dual (i was shocked too) exhaust from 10-40mph in my auto 94 accord with 4 people in it. | ||
| Michael (Mtabije)
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Okay, Willis, I guess since you and I are Asian, we can't be too offended by calling cars "ricers"!!! LOL Anyway, I've read in other forums that ricer can apply to any kind of tacky car trying to look like the latest import craze, and that it is not directed toward Asians- however the origins of the word is bad. I'm sure most people don't intend it to be negative. I need a laugh, so I will go check out the link. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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That's "click" not "clip". I seemed to be all thumbs today. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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There we go, just clip below. http://www.cvsr.net/createaride.html | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
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Found this while surfing the net: WWW.cvsr.net/creataride.html Have fun playing with the various features! |