I thought I’d try an online service log for Irene. If I like it, I’ll use it for the other cars to.

• 2/15/2007 - 174,000 - spark plugs, ngk bp8es $6
• 2/21/2007 - 174,500 - oil change, 4.5 qt. mobil 1 synthetic. Mann filter ~ $40
• 3/15/2007 - 175,200 - sealed up downpipe to turbo connection by machining $10
• 5/16/2007 - 176,080 - Big checkup and improvements.
• New header build
• New turbocharger T4
• cometic mls head gasket install
• re-seal head: cam seals, anarobic sealant under cam box, valve cover gasket, intake and exhaust gaskets.

Testing Irene at Pueblo Motorsports Park

I finally got a chance to take Irene out to the race track. The snow finally melted enough to put on the race tires and go make some laps. This was the first time I have had this car on a road race course, so I was a bit cautious at first. But everything was going very well and soon I was pushing the car pretty hard. The motor ran perfectly cool, the transmission was working great, the power was smooth and strong, and the new Hankook RS2s were really gripping well. The only weakness was the tiny factory Volvo brakes, though they were working OK. They just were never designed for braking from 100+ mph lap after lap. The rotors were a bit blue and very checked after the day was done. But the brakes did keep working without too much fade. I am running PBR Ceramic pads, and they seem to be a decent pad for street/track use and getting the most out of these undersized brakes. I didn’t drive really aggressively into the braking zones, and bigger brakes would have allowed for much later and harder braking. But as long as I didn’t stomp the pedal like Fred Flinstone at the end of every straight, the factory brakes were holding up OK.

Above, some pictures from the track. I kinda liked the look of the big wing on the roof. Not for the street though. I’ve worked hard to get rid of any hints of the boy racer hundah look.

My hard working front brakes and Tim working on the PorChev

The weather has been interesting this year. We are nearing the record for the most consecutive days with snow on the ground in Colorado. The record is 63 days set in 1983, and right now we are at 45 days, and there is enough snowpack to keep us going for at least another week. The average temperatures have been very cold. It is definitely getting a little old. I usually spend the winters riding bicycles and enjoying the sunshine. It hasn’t been very easy to be a bicyclist this year.

This week I took a drive in the mountains to see the sites with my family. It is just amazing how much snow there is around town. Here are a few pictures I have collected over the last week or two. I know these pictures look like something from Minnesota or Wisconsin, but really this is just Colorado. I’m sure the mountains give it away. Its just hard to believe.