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    1. Home
    2. MybirdIStheword
    • Profile
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    MybirdIStheword

    @MybirdIStheword

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    Best posts made by MybirdIStheword

    • To my Oppos suffering from depression

      Which everyone forgets is a lot of people, since most don't talk about it. I've suffered chronic depression since middle school. I never really thought I needed therapy, I didn't want the expense, didn't trust mind-altering medication.
      This year, I finally had enough, gave in, and took meds.

      Sweet, sweet relief.

      I think of myself as someone deeply introspective, and I still don't think I need therapy. Right or wrong, I was just sure it was a chemical imbalance. Sure enough, there was an immediate difference on 10 mg of escitalopram (generic Lexapro) which actually isn't even supposed to have an immediate difference. I don't feel changed. For the first time in my life, everything is finally going right. The anxiety of existence is just gone. Like a patient with chronic pain, the abraded, raw feeling I had emotionally on a daily basis has evaporated.

      I thought the depression triggered the anxiety. Turns out it was the opposite. And I never even realized just how awful it was until it wasn't there.

      I'm no different. Just happier. I was so desparately worried about losing myself on these drugs. My family, friends, and girlfriend all agree, thank God. Just.... relief.

      Please, get help oppo. You don't have to suffer.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • New puppy

      We got a Scotty. His official title is Sir Angus MacGuffin, but we have been going with Gus mostly.0619210956.jpg 0619211303b.jpg I think Bonnie might understand that he is a puppy, but she isn't quite sure what to do with him. He is the calmest puppy we have ever had, and seems more interested in snuggles than playtime.
      0620211609.jpg
      He is currently asleep on the kitchen floor.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: Masks back on because idiots

      @midengine said in Masks back on because idiots:

      Because half of the U.S. won't get vaccinated, things are outta control. Fully vaccinated since April 14th, we're back to wearing masks in public. So much for freedom

      Well, studies are showing that the vaccine is 96% effective against all variants. So frankly survival of the fittest IMO.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • OPPO longterm review: 2018 Ford Focus ST

      Since my old article died on old oppo, and as I'd like to exit this car this year (for another post) I figured I would put this together if I had the time.

      0807191904.jpg

      For the TL:DR, I really, really like the FOST. I just don't love it.

      I bought my FOST new in August of 2018. They were being discontinued the following year, so I got a whopping 6k(!) off the MSRP. These were going for used prices, so I felt like I needed to pull the trigger. To an extent, I'm glad I did. This generation focus is a product of Ford Europe I believe, and they did a killer job. It's a bigger car than ever before, basically midsized as opposed to compact. And as an everyday hatchback, it does what I ask it to. Perfectly practical for everyday use. Pleasant to drive.

      Fun? Well...

      This is my second "hot hatch", formerly a 2010 Mini Cooper S. I really like the idea of a fun economy type car. And they do handle and feel great.
      The problem becomes the fact that it is my do everything car. Which means I need this car for commuting. I can't be blowing through tires and brakes, I can't accept really any risk that it can go down. And, mostly, it's front wheel drive.

      I might come across as a purist. But as you will see, I'm not. I've driven a manual daily since 18. My next car is going to be an automatic.

      0323211939.jpg

      Performance
      The problem is just as you'd expect. Too many compromises. And that's not to say that the focus doesn't handle well. It does. Cornering is incredibly flat. Now that the suspension is broken in, it isn't quite as amazing as when it was new, but there is no body roll. None. It feels every bit the performance car. Even the typical FWD understeer has a tendency to dig in after a brief moment and really turn the car. It's a similar story with the engine. Nothing particularly outstanding, but it is still just generally good. Predictable, broad power band. The transmission just works. 6th is still a bit short for 70-80 mph cruising, but I suppose performance is a trade off. Brakes are massive and predictably powerful. It's a delight, really.

      But.
      Flippin front wheel drive. The car just doesn't hook up. If you roll into it, the FOST has some real punch. That wheel hop though, it just really kills the enthusiasm I have. I really, really want hot hatches to make sense. I really want FWD to be "not that bad". But I just don't get it. Give me some sloppy V8 running on leaf springs, this just doesn't do it for me. You never feel like you are misbehaving. There's no fear. The car just...complies, or washes out if you push it. Maybe it's too good. But what I'm not having is fun, despite just how good it is compared to cars of yore.

      1114201252c.jpg

      Comfort
      Again, Ford really picked up the slack. Touchpoint materials are really nice (except the shift knob, I replaced that garbage). Switches feel excellent, and the car has full auto open/close power windows. Seats are very comfortable, rear legroom is fantastic due to scalloped front seats. I will say my biggest regret is the cloth interior. Nothing wrong with it per se, but man do I notice it every time I enter the car. I would have greatly preferred faux leather or anything for that matter. Also, there is some weirdness with the infotainment housing's plastic picking up fingernail scratches. Pedals and shifter are not as good as the mini's, but perfectly fine.

      Comfort fails due to skinny tires and stiff suspension. No surprises there, but Pennsylvanian roads are what they are. And having a car this stiff tires you out, fast. I am reminded of this every time I drive someone else's vehicle. There are some annoying faults of mine, such as needing to remove the rear headrests to fold the seats due to the low rear roofline. But none are really serious issues if this type of vehicle is what you want.

      Reliability
      nothing major to report. Mind you, only 22k miles in 3+ years of ownership. I had a small A/C leak fixed under warranty, a known headlight fogging issue also replaced under warranty, and I had my washer fluid cap disintegrate for some odd reason, also well known apparently. I haven't bothered the dealer and will replace whenever I actually remember.

      Also of note, my fuel economy is trash. 20MPG on premium. Highway is actually pretty good, but I rarely drive highway. The gas tank is unfortunately small at something like 12.5 gallons and I fill it constantly.

      Overall score: 8/10
      As a car, the Focus is great. It does everything you could reasonably ask it to do. As a concept, my opinion is that it is deeply suboptimal. Knowing the reality of the situation, I have no real complaints outside of the small gas tank. If these cars are your thing, doubtless you will be happy. I can say that it has never really given me an "I love this car" moment, but I have never regretted my buying decision either. I only feel that perhaps it's just the wrong car for my use.

      It hopefully worked out for me in the end (stay tuned), but I can't help but wonder, given how good economy cars have gotten, if I should have just gone for a boring DD and saved money for a pure toy instead.

      posted in Best of Oppo
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

      This event has consistently been getting bigger every year. They started charging to get in, but that may be to make up for last year.
      0724211220.jpg
      Some personal highlights for me. Tried not to include anything featured previously.
      0724211231a.jpg 0724211231_HDR.jpg 0724211231.jpg

      0724211238_HDR.jpg
      0724211238.jpg
      New Bronco! I want it,
      0724211241.jpg

      0724211243.jpg
      0724211313_HDR.jpg 0724211251.jpg
      0724211252.jpg 911 ass comparison
      0724211314.jpg 0724211315_HDR.jpg 0724211315.jpg 0724211321.jpg 0724211321_HDR.jpg 0724211321b_HDR.jpg 0724211321a_HDR.jpg 0724211322.jpg
      This... This so much. Someone has very good taste. And, they drive it. Lots of brake dust.
      0724211322a.jpg 0724211322b.jpg 0724211328.jpg 0724211324.jpg
      Uhh, imported Griffith? There were two!
      0724211329c_HDR.jpg
      0724211329b_HDR.jpg 0724211329a_HDR.jpg 0724211330_HDR.jpg 0724211334_HDR.jpg 0724211336.jpg 0724211337.jpg 0724211421a_HDR.jpg 0724211421.jpg 0724211420a.jpg 0724211420.jpg 0724211422a.jpg 0724211421a.jpg 0724211422b.jpg 0724211423.jpg 0724211423a.jpg 0724211426_HDR.jpg 0724211428.jpg 0724211429.jpg 0724211429a.jpg 0724211430_HDR.jpg
      Uhh a freaking Alpine!0724211431.jpg 0724211431b.jpg 0724211431a.jpg 0724211431_HDR.jpg 0724211431c.jpg 0724211432a.jpg 0724211432_HDR.jpg 0724211432.jpg
      Pretty sure that's a replica.
      0724211437_HDR.jpg 0724211437b_HDR.jpg 0724211436.jpg 0724211436_HDR.jpg 0724211438a.jpg 0724211438.jpg 0724211438_HDR.jpg
      Whoever bought this RWB got it built in the worst shade of pink.0724211441_HDR.jpg 0724211441.jpg

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • Big Ol' drum brake

      0210221051.jpg
      Elevator motor. Got to do a building tour for my new job, saw this bad boy.
      Sorry no posts. I'm waiting on some nice weather to finish the 'bird, and I've been working on my DIY game console project nearing completion. More to follow once I emerge from my hibernation cocoon.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • New wheels on

      Sparco pro corsas
      0323211911.jpg 0323211911a.jpg 0323211939.jpg
      I like em, but my options were limited.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • Re-introduction

      Since I didn't bother (nor cared to) backup my kinjoppo posts, and due to a lack of anything better to do on my lunchbreak, I thought I would do the best thing: talk about myself. Everyone loves that, right?

      My car love goes back to preschool, where my mom would buy me hotwheels cars to surprise me after school. My chosen career path? Monster truck driver, apparently. Hey, it still could happen...
      You know the story. Played all the racing games, go karts, bumper cars, whatever I could get my hands on. It started to wane a bit in my later years, due to Pittsburgh not being much of a car town. At least it wasn't back then.

      Then I got my license. Was like I woke back up. It was exactly what I had hoped for.

      Scraped and saved, and bought myself a Porsche 944 n/a as a highschool senior. No looking back at that point.

      Unfortunately that car died from a combination of sams club tires, sleep deprivation, and a wet/oily road surface. RIP my beloved Stacy.

      Following that, I bought myself a '10 cooper s R56. It sucked and I wont forgive Mini nor BMW.

      Currently have my restoration+ project, a 1979 Firebird Trans Am, 403 3-speed auto car. Been trying to get it legal for 6 years now, but hey it was pretty rough and I am working out of an open air Pennsylvania driveway. Specs are as follows:
      Rebuilt Oldsmobile 403 engine, kb hypereutectic pistons , 9.5:1 bored .024 over. Comp 260h cam. Pertronix HEI coil and module. Hooker competition headers. Trans go shift kit, Pro touring f-body subframe connectors and solid body bushings. Pypes 2.5 inch x flow exhaust w/glasspack style (street-pro) mufflers.
      Makes 309 crank horsepower, but 425 lb/ft of torque.
      1104201714.jpg

      Looks great in pictures, but it's pretty rough. About a 20-footer. Currently needs front suspension bushings, wheel bearings, front calipers and a powersteering rebuild and mechanically it will be pretty thoroughly overhauled at that point. Longterm plans are a 5 speed manual, rear discs, a better diff, fuel injection, and a nicer stereo on top of a cosmetic restoration.

      Also, I have my lovely '18 FOST. I put mud flaps on it.
      1114201252c.jpg

      For the future, I plan to do some hyper mega crunch saving (which I have done successfully before) in order to have enough cash to partly finance both a house, and a Caterham Seven. Being that I am still fresh in my new career, I expect this will take several years (curse you student loans) but my eyeball math works out.
      Here's to hoping everything goes back to normal. Should you have any questions regarding buying/maintaining a 2nd gen f-body, feel free to DM me. I am still a somewhat amateur mechanic but I know a great many of the pitfalls of these cars.

      Hopefully my posts begin to transition from wrenching posts, to event posts....

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • DOTS: Slammed Horizon

      20220225_123157.jpg
      I'm sure this is somebody's thing, right? This car is OPPO for sure.
      Also, bonus DOTS as I am putting a refundable deposit down on a Bronco.
      20220225_164215.jpg

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • COVID update: whelp it looks like I survived

      To your detriment oppo
      1212201340.jpg
      Still got some minor flu-like symptoms, but according to the county I should be able to be in public. Gonna give it a few more days for giggles.

      Good news though, nice 60 degree day today. Gave the ST a bath, and went for a walk. I also like to periodically fire up the 'bird during winter to cycle the fluids, and my tinkering must have paid off. Once it got gas, it snapped right to life. Idle settings were correct and everything. Engine is extremely happy, wants to run.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword

    Latest posts made by MybirdIStheword

    • RE: ‘Keep pushing’

      @Gabriella alt text

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: The only acceptable CyberTruck

      @HammerheadFistpunch cybercar?

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: holy crap (9 engines in 600k miles)

      @davesaddiction well they were talking about a hybrid, which I want but probably couldn't afford. The way things are going just wait a couple years.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: holy crap (9 engines in 600k miles)

      @davesaddiction I think it's just the same 2.3 that's been in the mustangs for years now. Good reports all around on those, minus the whole focus RS headgasket thing

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: holy crap (9 engines in 600k miles)

      @davesaddiction what's up?

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: Acquired: Lotus Elise, with a 1700-Mile Introductory Drive Home

      @t0ast oppo has been buying some really sweet rides lately

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: This or That 200 [Capitalist Pig Edition]

      @Exage03040 I'd either rent out the yacht, or live on it like a houseboat.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: Not a Fan of the Carrera GT

      @Wobbles-the-Mind I like the front and rear styling separately. I don't think they should have been combined on the same car.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: Well, because nobody's posted this abomination yet

      @mocamino said in Well, because nobody's posted this abomination yet:

      I actually don't mind the Trans Am conversions they make. I wouldn't spend the money it takes to create one, but I think it at least looks decent. That attempt at a Chevelle, however....

      The versions I have seen based on the 1969 t/a styling aren't bad, I think because the underlying car is the same generation. The 2nd generation looks nothing like the 1st generation camaro body-wise.

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword
    • RE: Well, because nobody's posted this abomination yet

      @e90m3 said in Well, because nobody's posted this abomination yet:

      @MybirdIStheword Sweet hat.

      cbe5654b-01c8-41d4-a595-3ed438279e25-image.png

      (In Mr. Regular's voice) "I put a picture of my car on my hat so you know it's my car. Lemme talk to you about how rare it is."

      posted in Oppositelock
      MybirdIStheword
      MybirdIStheword