TireSmoke.org

I made a note somewhere that I had 57k on the odometer when I installed the ZZ383, and last year's oil filter had 61k marked on it. I'm at 64k now.

2017 is upon us and I've already had the car out for a few drives, even to work, and everything is running tip-top. I got a $60 gift card for Walmart at Christmas from Gwen's brother and his wife, so I decided to use it for spring tune-up/clean-up. Picked up some Pennzoil 10W30 and a filter, a set of AC R44LTS spark plugs, a bottle of brake fluid, some Wax-as-u-dry and a few microfiber towels. I'm guessing the plugs were the ones I had in there when I first installed the ZZ383. They looked pretty mint, #8 a little darker than the others, but not bad. Threw them in the boxes for the new ones, as they are certainly serviceable spares.

The front brakes started squealing at the end of last year, but I had a set of pads in inventory. I've had them on the shelf since Lyndhurst, so I'll them NOS.. The pads that were in there were the ones I installed back in 2001 when I re-did the front suspension. Not sure how many miles, but 16 years seemed good enough. They still had some life, but were definitely worn down. Picked up a caliper hardware kit from autozone with new bushings and o-rings. Didn't touch the rotors, they looked fine.

I need to pick on some new slicks/drag radials, and I'll be race-ready.

-Dave

No real issues to report, but this past weekend Gwen and I took a longer drive in the Chevelle, using the Presque Isle Casino as our destination/turn-around point. Didn't take any freeways at all on the way there, just 2-lane state routes, and only hit the freeway from the Casino to Ohio Rt 7 (PA-OH border) on the way back, cruising at 70-80 on the freeway. After 207 miles, it only consumed 11.3 gallons, calculating to 18 MPG!! I only really got on it a couple times, but wasnt really sissy-footing it either. It's truly a pleasure to cruise in.

Still need to pick up some drag radials. I used Tony's Nitto 555R's a couple times and they didn't work as well as my old bias-ply ET Streets. I think I'm going to try the Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S drag radials. I really want to get away from changing tires at the track.

-Dave

Just in time for July 4th, fresh meats, ready to be smoked!! Mickey Thompson ET Street Radials, P275-50-R15. They're a tight fit. Probably can't carry anything in the trunk with these mounted. The old bias ply slicks were 26x10.5. MT calls these 26x11.5. I'm going to start off with a minimal burnout and work my way up as needed.

-Dave

They look awesome, that should do the trick.