Tail of the Dragon time in the Challenger

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by NC20RT, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    ^^ I do like you do on the highway. ANYTHING but that miserable 4 cylinder mode. During our drive the other day I just let the car do it's own thing in Sport mode with no shifting by me.
     
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  2. 68MOPAR

    68MOPAR Full Access Member

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    I went to CARMAX today, just to see what they would offer me on my 2020 RT? I love the car, but I've got it in my head that I need a 392 HEMI, which I don't. As a 1/4 mile contender, the 345 HEMI us equal in performance to the 1970's era 426 HEMI. That's enough power for anyone, but the prospect of MORE power is nearly irresistible.
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2021
  3. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    Not to get off-topic about my TOTD post, may I ask what Carmax offered you?
     
  4. 68MOPAR

    68MOPAR Full Access Member

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    I didn't stick-around long enough to talk with them. The idea is that you set an appointment, pull up to the staging area and they come out to meet you... Well, that didn't happen. It was as though I never made the appointment. They wanted me to go inside and wait until a representative could meet with me.o_O What happened to "curbside service"? That's when I decided to leave.

    New San Juan (aka Orlando) has become a shit-hole! If you know anyone thinking of relocating to this area, advise them to avoid doing so. There are so many people living here now, that no one values your business. The attitude here is that there's always another sucker on the way. Good service happens on an individual level only, and good luck with that.

    I'm actually looking at a 2021 Camaro SS convertible in the Crush color. I'm just not too jazzed about DI engines. I like the Camaro's smaller size, less weight and the prospect of moving back into a convertible. I love to circular AC vents! The Ford Mustang has them as well. The one thing that kills it for me with most new sports cars, are the Euro-trash headlights. MOPAR is the only one still using circular headlights, which I'm sure will change with the next iteration of the Challenger. Sorry... I'm babbling.
     
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  5. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    I've been wanting to drive the Cherohala Skyway so I might be tempted to drive up and join you guys for that one.

    Running through The Dragon in 2018 convinced me that I'd made the right decision putting the Barton shifter in my Challenger. An absolute blast and it made me completely forget about how my left knee felt the day before in a nasty traffic jam.

    And you're absolutely right about the motion. At 62, I know I feel it a whole lot more than I used to. My wife just asks each day what route we're taking and then decides on which Dramamine to take.

    BTW ... my avatar photo is from either Killboy or 129 (can't remember which) from my 2018 run through The Dragon. The group of cars that I ended up with in 2020 were so busy posing for the camera that we didn't get any shots worth purchasing.
     
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  6. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    ^^^ I figured your photo was TOTD. Those are rather unique.
    Being 'busy' on the Dragon is no fun. About 13 years ago we had a Z3 and went with a Georgia BMW club to the Dragon on a Saturday. Literally a traffic jam and no fun at all. We went ourselves later during the week and it was so much better. It's nice to live so close.

    '02 Z3 in 2008 002.jpg '02 Z3 in 2008 001.jpg
     
  7. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    Nice!!

    The Foothills Parkway from US129 to US321 in Wear's Valley doesn't have the switchbacks of The Dragon, but it has some pretty darn nice views.

    The only thing close to The Dragon here in Florida is ... a parking garage. But we do get great views of the Atlantic and/or Gulf.


    37CD77FC-9B33-4587-BBFD-F79A1D4F1E2F.jpeg
     
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  8. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    ^^^ Yes, nice shot! My wife and I grew up and worked in FL (Tampa Bay area) before retiring here to NC in 2002. I would say we covered about 90% of the state while we lived there. We certainly miss it during January and February which are the nasty winter months here.
     
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  9. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    The picture was taken just on the Madeira Beach side of John’s Pass.

    I’m blessed to have access to what used to be my grandparents’ place on Treasure Island. Makes for a nice escape from the “brutal” day of Winter in the Northeast….of Florida.
     
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  10. Farmer Fran

    Farmer Fran Full Access Member

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    Funny you say this...

    I bought a 2020 Camaro 2SS in March of 2020, just before COVID got going. Fast forward to April 2021 and the engine blew up with 11,000 miles on it. Traded it for my current Scat Pack.

    That said, I really did like the car but my warning before you buy it - take a good long test drive. The interior is super cramped, the trunk is about useless with the top down and nearly useless with it up. The tops have a lot of problems - mine was replaced for the window delamination at a few 100 miles of ownership. The 2SS vert is not light, mine came in right at 4000lbs (just the car). And it did not handle any better than my current Challenger on normal spirited driving. The vents were neat especially with the built in temperature control.

    Oh and the injectors have a tendency to go bad and they are not covered past the 3/36K warranty. They are classed as emissions not powertrain.
     
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