The Civic is back, still haven't been on track though

The Civic is back!

I finally got the call from Choo: the Civic was ready to be picked up! Well, almost ready, I had to help him bleed the brakes before I left. When I was done, he told me to take a drive around the block to make sure all was OK... well, it wasn't. The car was scary to drive, it was moving all over the road. I knew the car was not aligned, but it was really horribly out of alignment. I drove home slowly, avoiding the highway, and hoped all would feel fine after a wheel alignment. My guess is that there were several degrees of toe in. I went to BG Auto, my usual spot for alignment, and the owner set the car up the way I asked (0 toe in the rear, 1.75 degrees of negative camber, 1/8 total toe out in front with a little over 3.5 degrees of negative camber). The car felt totally normal on the drive home, which was a relief. Now all I need to do is get to a track! Before the season ends, I hope to attend Carl's Mosport event at Thanksgiving and maybe some more local events as well. 

I am eager to see how the upgrades affect the on-track experience. The car now as a different final drive of 4.764 instead of 4.389, an 8.5% difference. Also, I had Choo install the OEM K-series limited-slip differential. He also installed adjustable upper control arms and replaced most of the bushings with polyurethane pieces. In the 15 minutes I drove on the street after the alignment, I haven't really noticed much difference. That's OK, because I was happy with the way the car drove before I brought it to Choo (until a loose bolt messed up my subframe).

On Labour Day Weekend, we went camping with the M3. I noticed excessive tire wear on the inside of the front tires, so I bought new front tires from Carl and got the car aligned. The car drives nicely and I love driving with the windows down so I can hear the sound of the engine. 

As for the replacement winter car project, I am still waiting to hear from my insurer about the indemnity we will receive, but I'm keeping my eye on used Subarus, looking for a deal. 

Laser alignment at Auto BG

Cool retro TRD stripes

The state of the Civic when I got to Choo's house

Cool yellow V8 S4

Amazing-looking E28 5-series. I love the wheels.

Huracan Performante on Parc

Actually, I was photographing this Ferrari when the Huracan came by

The F8

Carl's Civic Type R beside the M3... the Civic looks bigger

E92 M3 in the neighbourhood

M3 getting an alignment

The same E24, I love that it's white and manual

Tasteful Civic EK on Parc

This is one of the coolest Hot Wheels ever!

Saw this nice AP2 S2000 when picking up some parts at the Honda dealership

Early MGB at Canadian Tire

Super nice JDM style Integra Type R, with a DC2 license plate

Cool Fiesta near our campground

The M3 and our giant tent

Lovely Dakar Yellow Z3