..jykkan 2021cc tiistaina pukkiin, öljyt pois ja pyttysarjan vaihto järkevämpään.
Samalla lyheni työntötangot 10mm, muuttui keinut 1,25->1,1 ja säätöruuvit taas swifel mallisiin. Nyt on geometria parempi ja työntötanko paljon keskemmällä suojaputkea. Laskennalliset puristuksetkin pieneni 9,62->9,38. 1955cc taitaa olla tänä vuonna se hitti koko....
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..aamulla 2387cc nro2 pytyt MK-koneistukseen lyhennettäviksi. Ja illalla 8-tapitus 1955c nro2 vauhtikseen. Nyt on molempien pannujen alakerrat valmiina Rintakari-tasapainotus reissuun... hyvät hommat
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.. Ensimmäinen 84mm iskulla oleva pannu odottelee lähtölaukausta. Nyt tuli kiva setti GENE BERG osaa. Kampi/vauhtis paketti on ollut tasapainotettuna hyllyssä vuodesta 2006. Kannet, udobekkerit, pintapellit ja Idat löytyi tammikuussa.
Toki inventoinnissa puutteita löytyi, mutta ei mitään isompaa.
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..keltaset ookoota. Seuraava pannun 2021cc muuttaminen 1955cc kokoseksi. Sitten on 30heppasten vuoro. Toinen mummaovaaliin ja toinen jycan ovaaliin pumpulla...
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..kolmen tunnin kiemurointi ja johan käy. Hieno paketti ei vuotoja ja vastaa kaasuun ookoosti. Sysääköhän baja tällä yhtään?!?
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Volkswagen of America, Inc. has harmonizing blast-offs with extravagance accordingly of its joint venture with Bliss Spa. At the North Scottsdale Volkswagen dealership, customers can take pleasure in selected spa treatments after test driving Volkswagen vehicles, enter to win a complimentary manicure, facial or massage, and sample brownies in the Bliss "You Be The Fudge" contest. The cool package was announced last Saturday, June 7, 2008.

An air-conditioned tent will be put up on site where Volkswagen customers will take delivery of flattering Bliss product samples and experience a soothing hand/arm massage as well, right after a test drive. Customers won’t depart with a grumbling stomach, as all customers are welcome to pamper in chocolate fudge brownies to distinguish which recipe will triumph the Bliss Scottsdale "You Be The Fudge" contest. Customers can enter to win one of three Bliss Spa treatment giveaways just by showing up as well.

"Volkswagen is excited to partner with a like-minded brand such as Bliss. Volkswagen welcomes opportunities to show our customer appreciation and we’re happy to collaborate with Bliss to offer unique and exciting amenities to our customers visiting the dealership," says Mya Walters, Manager Lifestyle Public Relations, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Volkswagen has a long-standing connection with Bliss through its infamous Blissmobile — a 1966 Volkswagen MicroBus decked out in blue accents and eyelashes. The Blissmobile travels to major cities complete with a brownie buffet inside ready to crown the next title in the "You Be The Fudge" contest, serving up Bliss products to people on the street

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The world premiere of the new Volkswagen Scirocco stunned the world as the German auto manufacturer presented the 239 kW (325 PS) version of the new Volkswagen Scirocco at the well-known GTI Meet at Wörther Lake. A team of iconic drivers will begin the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in the sports version of the Scirocco for two days later. The new Scirocco, consequently, will be the main attraction at two trendy occasions for car fanatics at the same time. Volkswagen will be showcasing the racing version of the Scirocco GT24 at Wörther Lake in a world premiere.

"This car doesn’t need to be driven to look fast. The Scirocco GT24 with the blue-white finish sits so low on its extended wheel wells that a hand will not fit between the wheel arch and the tyre. Yet the race car remains unmistakeably a Scirocco from every angle. Just even wider, even longer and even lower," says Volkswagen Chairman for Development Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, who will not be sacrificing the chance to get behind the wheel in the race to be held in the Eiffel.

In addition to this, the 325 PS Scirocco will be driven as well during the race by legendary drivers such as world champion Carlos Sainz and Hans-Joachim Stuck, three-time winner of the 24-hour Nürburgring race. Before I forget, "Striezel" Stuck won the very first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 1970. The Scirocco GT24 is competing thirty-eight years later today. Everyone is looking forward to this event for another thrilling moment to be placed in history books once again.

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Without having to merge the Scania (SCVb.ST: Quote, Profile, Research), MAN (MANG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and VW truck brands, Volkswagen can mangle benefits from joint truck operations, according to Martin Winterkorn, VW Chief Executive on a newspaper interview.

"We do not need to merge the three brands to benefit from synergy effects. We will not make one single company out of three strong brands, says Winterkorn.

According to reports, last March, VW agreed to take majority control of Sweden’s Scania and is the biggest investor in MAN with a stake of approximately 30 percent, prompting speculation VW could elevate its MAN venture to a majority and form a massive automotive group as well. Furthermore, according to the VW Chief Executive, the approach is to employ a variety of brands while saving money on joint technology and purchasing. Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker, also makes light commercial vehicles in Europe and heavy trucks in South America.

The Auto Channel reported that Volkswagen’s largest shareholder, Porsche SE, has stated that it plans to lift its stake to a majority once it clears anti-trust obstacles, but Winterkorn said VW would still set its own course.

The headlines accounted Winterkorn would not rule out MAN’s taking over VW truck operations in Brazil at some stage, quoting him as saying: "That is certainly one of several imaginable options.

"Porsche SE, under whose roof the VW stake is being administered, will not make operative decisions for Volkswagen as an automotive company even in the future. Volkswagen’s heart will continue to beat in Wolfsburg,” added Martin Winterkorn.

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Volkswagen’s dual charged TSI engines have bagged the "International Engine of the Year Award" in the category "1 litre to 1.4 litres" for the third time. It wasn’t a twist of fate for those who doubt the capabilities of the 103 kW (140 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS) TSIs. These two are charged by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, are among the most efficient petrol engines in the planet today…Now that’s the bottom-line! Oh yes, they really deserve it.

The motto for these engines is "maximum dynamics with minimum fuel consumption". And that’s the reason why the jury, consisting of 65 journalists from 32 different countries across the world, has unanimously agreed with the result according to one jury member. Dr Rüdiger Szengel, Head of Petrol Engine Development, accepted the award for Volkswagen.

"Our TSI engines have set the standard since their introduction in the performance class of 90 kW to 125 kW. They achieve new levels of economy for petrol engines while providing performance that offers real fun. We take it as a compliment to the entire development team that our TSI has won again in the displacement class to 1.4 litres,” says Dr Rüdiger Szengel.

Furthermore, an additional honor highlights the Volkswagen Group’s huge proficiency in building engines. On the other hand, Audi notched first place in the category 1.8 litres to 2.0 litres with the 2.0 TSI.

Volkswagen has done it once again; for the third time around…Hopefully, by next year, we’ll see the Volks at the winning spot again. Congratulations and cheers!

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When it comes to quality and practicality, Volkswagen cars are among the most preferred vehicles in this type of category. Just recently, the Volkswagen Rabbit became known as Consumer Reports’ top-rated inexpensive hatchback following tests of six models for their next issue. The VW Rabbit outplayed the Mazda3, which is the formerly top-rated hatchback of Consumer Reports’.

The Auto Spectator reported that the VW Rabbit was evaluated next to five other multipurpose small sedans; the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra, Mini Cooper Clubman, and the Scion xD.

"With agile handling and a versatile, well-finished interior, the Rabbit feels solid and is a pleasant car to drive. The Rabbit has commendable fit and finish, a versatile interior, and agile handling," says David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Furthermore, the Rabbit earned an "Excellent" total score in CR’s tests. In fact, the Rabbit is the model in the range to notch this kind of rating. On the other hand,  the Subaru Impreza and Matrix were graded "Very Good" overall, while the Astra and Mini Cooper achieved lower rankings, although they were included in the "Very Good" range. The xD was the lowest rated vehicle in the group, scored "Good" overall.

According to CR’s experts, the vehicles in this group performed double duty as people and cargo haulers with four doors, large tailgate openings, usable back seats and seating for up to five.

"As gas prices continue to soar, hatchbacks make sense for anyone used to the utility of an SUV but ready for a smaller, more affordable and efficient alternative," Champion added.

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Came across this picture in thesamba.com and couldn't resist of linking it in here.
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Some pictures of Pete's recently acquired new ride, a '66 Standard Bug.


Wasn't too easy to analyze the car in all that snow :)


The '66 Standard as it arrived.


After an hour of melting things were looking better. The car turned out more solid than anyone expected. Probably doesn't require any welding to pass the MOT.
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Got to say that Petersen Automotive Museum was a disappointment. While I liked the displays like the Hot Rod or Kustom shop there wasn't much interesting apart from couple of Hot Rods/Street Rods. I know it's called "Automotive" not "Hot Rodding" museum but it wasn't much as I was expecting from the publisher or leading Hot Rodding publications for past 70+ years. Not sure about the gift shop neither, maybe there could have been cooler merchandise if they had brought something from the vast amount of material Petersen has published over the years.












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Just what the doctor ordered in the middle of Nordic Winter.


LA Kings vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks in Staples Arena, made a trade with my wife about hockey vs. Winternationals, got to see drag racing if I went to see hockey with her. I guess life could be worse, huh? :)


Fast and Furious display at Universal Studios, entertaining.


Bump cars at Disneyland, I guess this is where most immigrants take their driving lessons? Well based on some of their behaviour on freeways.


That's something I don't have to take lessons nor read a book :)


Cool Ford panel van near Hermosa Beach, looked like someone practically lived in it. Saw few really cool vintage driver cars.


Like from the movie "The Duel".


Now I can reuse line from "Beavis&Butthead do America"; "is this the god damn?" Pretty awesome scenery. The build in 1930's is an unbelievable effort (along with the new bypass bridge seen in Discovery Channel documentaries).


So if you're dog on foot and after dark?

Driving Shots
I love the South West desert, unbelievable rugged terrain, awesome colors (even through dirty windshield). I like how much it changed during the drive. I am a big fan of Travel Channel's World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides program (the US episodes) and it was pretty cool to see some of the scenery presented in the series.
















One of the 3 Cal Look Volkswagens we saw in traffic outside the DKP Cruise or shops.
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Managed to squeeze in a day in Winternationals for our holiday. I haven't followed any sort of drag racing for years but got huge kicks from the nostalgia display and Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying.

Nostalgia Display











One of my all-time favourite race cars. I remember how in mid 80's I bought huge pile of discount auto books from mail order book shop (Roadster in Seinäjoki if I remember correctly) with money from summer job at construction site, among the books was Petersen's History of Drag Racing and I kept coming back to the black&white picture of this car again and again. Luckily it didn't materialize as me buying a Mopar :)










Picture for you know who :)
















My favourite gasser along with Mooneyham&Sharp coupe but I like this one more in the later blue disquise.





Pits











White Fords for Alhoracing..



Racing Shots

The snow-topped mountains in background are just surreal considering it was over +20C at the track.


That elderly gentleman acting as a starter just oozed authority :)




Garlits' dragster a moment later..










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get the picture?
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We had agreed to checkout an old vintage vw splitscreen van and were hoping to find an oldtimer in good shape. Previously received snapshots sent to us via e-mail looked promising, but they did not prepare us for the earthshattering shock - this beauty was no lemon! All of the doors shut like the one in a safevault. The hinges did not squeak for mercy, the original seats are in pristine condition and the paintjob was awesome, when one takes into consideration it is more than 50 y. old.
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we took the 912 porscha out of the garage...its heading to kangasniemi as well... theres some machining needed for the brakes...and some other stuff as well... the 3.0 engine is half teared apart... i still like the body very much, and it can keep the sad sun burned look for now, but im not out of the ideas...thats for sure. i got two wheels from the UB-52 (check out tomi s. blog its pretty cool) and after one minute they looked pretty niiiice. (a bit alfa romeo style)
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thisis soooo rad. rat rod of all time. this one needs some tubbing, and a pan from a vw-ghia...and ...
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