again. as usual.

Posted by Ron as Miscellaneous at 11:23 PM EST

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Today, heck, this week has been pretty slow at work. I’m doing about half my usual workload, which one would think I’d be insane to complain about, but I’ve discovered that the only thing worse than work, is boredom.

My first test of the day didn’t even arrive until 9:30. I would have been glad to do a test on just about any vehicle, but instead, I got a real treat. The car in question was a 1993 Mazda RX-7, in Brilliant Black. I’ve always liked the 3rd gen RX-7, having admired them from afar many times, but I was not at all prepared for the experience of being in one and driving it on a dynamometer.

In short, I fell in love with every aspect of this car, and now know that someday, I simply must add one to my collection. The shifter is smooth as silk, the engine willing, and the suspension tight. I’m given to understand that they handle like a dream, thanks to a balanced 50/50 weight distribution front to rear, though I didn’t get the chance to find out.

The interior very much reminded me of my dad’s ‘99 Miata, but with a roof; that is to say, the car fits like a glove. If I were any taller, it might be a tight fit. Sometimes I enjoy being short. I enjoy full instrumentation in a car, and this one had plenty, though not a turbo boost gauge, unfortunately. The seats, of which there are only 2, are all business; well-bolstered for high-g manoevres and thinly padded, though extremely comfortable.

Anyway, as you can tell, I got quite a thrill from this machine, which I thought about for the first time today. I’ve had the feeling before with other cars, such as after my first SVX encounter back in 1998, but I never really thought about what was happening inside my brain until now. It was a sort of euphoria, and the closest thing I can think of to describe it is the feeling you get when you are infatuated with another person. When I realised that, it then struck me as odd. It’s just a machine. Why does it make me feel this way?

Obviously, I don’t actually love it, since it is merely an object, but it is something that bears further investigation.

That last point is purposefully ambiguous; I fully plan to investigate the psychological and physiological reasons for my reaction, but, knowing me, it also means that I will likely own one someday.

Posted by Ron as Fire-in-a-can, Work at 7:57 PM EST

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Only a few days after I got Alice back, I had to tow her back to Planet Motorsport because she was haemorrhaging Redline Heavy Shockproof from the gearbox, leaving puddles everywhere.

For scale purposes, that white thing in the corner is about 4 inches long. That’s a significant amount of fluid (I use the term ‘fluid’ rather loosely; it has the consistency of paste when cold). Definitely indicative of something wrong under there. So I had a look while I was at work, fearing the worst.

As you can see in the picture, there is a significant leak at the driver’s side front axle seal. Apparently, front axle seals are the Achilles’ Heel of this gearbox, and as such, Planet Motorsport stocks them. Iain had her patched up and ready to go within a day or so. He even offered to cover the tow, but I’m already covered through Canadian Tire Auto Club.

I picked up the car at Iain’s house last night, and so far so good. He still wants me to come back for a checkup at 1,000km or so, which I will be happy to do. There was also mention of how busy he is. I considered asking him for a job, but I feared a repeat of what happened last time, and have already made plans to move to Sault Ste. Marie again, in any case.

Posted by Ron as Fire-in-a-can at 6:35 PM EST

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