Minor Upgrade to RSX
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive, news, technology
In an attempt to extract a few more modest horses from an already ample performer (that’s my RSX Type-S, for reference – see autocross times from last week) i received and installed a new AEM v2 short ram intake this evening. Nothing special here, it’s just a more efficient way to cram gobs of air down the intakes throat; thus producing more power to the wheels – that’s the cliff notes idea anyway. Many people on the auto forums (who have no lives) will squabble over the benefits of a short ram intake (filter inside the engine bay) versus a cold air intake (filter outside of the engine bay). It’s obvious that a CAI (cold air) system will produce more power consistently as the SRI (short ram) systems tend to suffer from something called “heat soak”. This typically occurs when it is a very hot day outside and the engine heats up to normal operating temperature…it doesn’t take a doctorate to figure out that if the air filter is sucking in piping hot air next to the engine that performance will suffer. Yes, a bit, however anyone running an SRI also doesn’t have to worry about water getting sucked in by the filter in a CAI setup and ruining their engine. Anyway, this is more details than i’m sure anyone cares to read about but i chose the SRI type of setup for a couple reasons: A) don’t have to worry about water B) easier to clean the filter, do not have to take front bumper of car off every time C) heat soak will really only be a factor on very hot days, probably over 90 degrees, which there are not too many of these types of days in MN D) Finally, the new v2 system by AEM is dyno proven to produce nearly the same level of power as a cold air system without the issues stated above.
Now, enough with that, here are some pics of the car when i bought it with the stock setup, the new setup, and the box filled with the heavy plastic crap i took out. I bet it’s a net weight savings of nearly 8lbs, which also helps. 
Below is for those of you who need to be actively involved in your blogging. 
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Amery Airport Autocross
Posted by admin | Filed under automotive, friends, news, racing
I attended an autocross event yesterday that took place at the Amery Municipal Airport that was organized by the Minnesota Austin Healey club. This event was the most enjoyable autoX event I’ve ever attended…granted I’ve only been to a few so far, this one will probably be pretty hard to beat. The autoX section of the event was on the main plane parking area that was open and flat and after you were done driving that section, got a time from start to end, you got to go WOT all the way down the taxiway that the planes typically use to exit/enter the hangers to the runway. I think my best trap speed was my second run in the morning for about a 101 or 102. There was a guy with a radar gun at the end to register peoples top speed at the end.
I will post my lap times, penalties (for hitting cones), and top speed, and where i finished in the pack when i get it from the event facilitators. In the meantime, i have finished processing and editing all of the 400+ photos i took at the event. Click on the picture below to view all of the pictures.
UPDATE: Full autocross event results have been posted, click on the read more link to view the entire post including the results.
Brake Crazy
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive, friends, news
Last night we worked on the RSX. Like most Japanese cars, not the easiest to work on and i expected that given that I’ve worked on plenty of Acura’s up to this point. Brake pads and speed bleeders went in without much of a fight however, a good thing to know when doing rear pads in an Acura is that you don’t compress the caliper piston back in after putting the pads in like the front, you actually need a brake piston tool that will allow you to screw the rear piston back in. Strange for this procedure to be so much different than the fronts, but after we figured this out via clubrsx.com we were able to get them back in. Exciting. Another tool we did not have that hindered our work on the brake lines were line wrenches that are speccifically designed to remove brake lines. So, we had to pass on upgrading the lines for now.
Also, if anyone was curious about knowing if the Motive Produccts Power Bleeder system works on an RSX, the answer is no. The universal pressure adaptor you need to put onto the brake reservoir did not seat properly and ended up losing pressure while blowing brake fluid all over the place. These power bleeders work awesome on some cars where an adaptor has been specifically designed for the car. In my case, we had to try to use a universal adaptor which didn’t work. Old school brake bleeding worked though.
My ride is now over at Z-Tech auto with my buddy Ken (owner) who takes good care of me. Their shop is excellent and their customer service is top notch. If you ever need any work done on your ride, i highly recommend them. They didn’t even mind installing aftermarket/owner supplied parts. Most shops bawk at this.
Now, what to do about these black fingernails and hands…tried every kind of cleaner around and they are still nasty. Anyone have recommendations?
Surly Darkness & Stuff
Posted by mike | Filed under news, spirits
First, let me say that yes it’s my birthday, i received a lot of wishes from people on FB, and some nice cards; thanks everyone! So, i guess being 30 feels like 29…never knew. So, i was lucky enough to pick up 6 bottles of Surly Darkness last October on D-Day at the brewery. The last time I’ve had the pleasure to experience this beer was October of last year, on tap at the Muddy Pig. Well, i decided it was time to crack one of these bad boys. Well worth the wait, it is as amazing as i remember. This is still definitely a top 3 beer in my opinion. Liquid chocolate candy bar. Hit the read more link below for an impromptu review.
Golden Gopher Football 2009
Posted by mike | Filed under news, sports
Well, luck has found me and i was selected (from the waiting list) to obtain a couple of season tickets in the new TCF Bank stadium on the U of M campus for 2009. I have not been this excited about Gopher football in….well, never. It will be a magical and historic first game on September 12th, 2009.
TCF Bank Stadium June 09
Link to the TCF Stadium website.
PMP Certified…FINALLY!
Posted by mike | Filed under career, news
After a long fought battle with PMI and their testing material, i passed the PMP exam on Saturday, June 27th 2009. I worked on this certification for about a year between the rigorous application process, to the classes, exam prep, and studying. In the end, i would say the knowledge and structured PMI methodology I’ve been able to use in practice has been invaluable. I use the information i have learned from this experience almost every day of my job. If you are currently working in a PM role professionally or have many hours of PM work under your belt, consider getting certified. Cerficiation will provide another benefit to a potential or current employer should you have it. A link to the standards body PMI.
Home 2009 Upgrades
Posted by mike | Filed under news
Last month we decided for the first project of 2009 to rip out all of the carpet upstairs (minus the bedrooms and bath), rip out the entry way flooring, all of the stairs, and put in 3/4″ Brazilian teak solid hardwood. While we were at it, we also decided to repaint, replace all of the old oak stained trim, doors, and closets. It’s been pretty crazy for the last couple of weeks. Hit the read more link to see some pics of the progress of the project. This spring we also plan to start on replacing the deck in the backyard.
The Little RSX-S That Could
Posted by mike | Filed under automotive, news
Being such an avid road racing fan for several years, I’ve found it very difficult to figure out how I can participate and start to learn the principles of road racing.
The first and foremost thing I knew I needed was a car that would be capable of autocross and track events; one that would probably be able to outdrive me at first but something I could grow into and could upgrade if I wanted to. This past fall I found an ‘06 Acura RSX Type-S for a good deal that was in nearly new condition. I flew out to Philadelphia to purchase the car and drove it back to MN. I was able to sell the old TL…family sedan, about the farthest away from a track car as you could get and now I was ready, at least I had the hammer…I just needed the nails and other required items.
I was able to find a Zamp RZ-5 race helmet that was on closeout for a steal; almost over $300 off retail. It’s painted in Ferrari colors and looks really sharp…yeah, I don’t have a Ferrari but I LOVE them and I can dream right?! It’s my intention to get the helmet signed by Jamie Melo and Mika Salo at the ALMS race out at Road America this summer. Both of those drivers race for Risi Competizione in the ALMS GT2 class. The helmet meets all standards needed for road racing including SA2005 and FIA approvals. It also has posts needed for a HANS device.
So, what’s left. Well, if you’ve ever driven a car capable of cornering well, you know that it’s difficult to stay planted in the seat. I’m usually either laying on the door or sitting in the console and have a stranglehold on the steering wheel for leverage. This is not an optimal situation. To alleviate this problem I needed a 4 point harness. I was able to find one at Soloracer.com that would bolt right into my car with a minimal amount of modification or effort. It’s made by a company called Schroth who also makes the HANS devices for all of the different race series, so they are a very reputable company.
What’s left? I need to get my race tires/rims fixed up and purchase some DOT4+ rated brake fluids so that my brakes won’t catch fire or smolder. 
I also need a set of rotors and brake pads that are geared for a more industrial/race setup. Drilled rotors and ceramic race pads are probably what I’ll have to get eventually. I don’t think I’ll need this for the first few days of instruction but if I decide to get more serious I’ll probably have to drop some dime on these items.
BIR has road racing class/track instruction for entry level drivers at a very reasonable rate. The catch is that it’s really only affordable if you bring your own vehicle. $250 with your vehicle or $800+ to rent a spec Ford racer from the race school. Either way it’s not that expensive considering most other full day programs around the US are $1500+ and do not include plane tickets, meals, or anything else that would be required.
With my brother living up in Brainerd, this summer is shaping up to be one of the best on record for the “fun factor”. Free golf and road racing, what could be better?
History Made – Inauguration 2009
Posted by mike | Filed under family, friends, news
Yesterday, on the 20th of January 2009, the world saw history on the soil of the United States. Our 44th president was inaugurated in a wonderful swearing in ceremony.
I couldn’t help but feel optimistic, full of pride, and proud to be an American yesterday when i woke up for i knew what was in store and for the changes that would occur in our country for years to come. I feel that there has not been this kind of enthusiasm and excitement in US politics since JFK. There were over 2 million people that stood outside in freezing cold DC temps to witness the inauguration, that is amazing.
I hope you all are as excited as i am for positive changes and strong leadership in the US for the next few years, regardless of your party affiliation, it’s an exciting time for America. It will be a very challenging but fruitful future for the US should we execute well on our objectives. I also believe slowly we will begin to repair our world image and demonstrate the kind of quality decisions, exceptional attitudes, and vibrant economy the US is capable of.
Barack, lead us strong and true….
Surgery Update
Posted by mike | Filed under family, news
I had to go into surgery yesterday for what’s known as a bilateral sportsman hernias. Yeah, fabulous description huh? It turns out that i tore my abdomen wall in 3 spots on the right side and a single larger tear on the left side. They remedy this by stitching up the torn muscle and also applying a mesh patch behind and in front of the abdomen wall where the injury occured. These patches essentially allow the skin and muscle to grow through them to create a stronger abdominal lining than the areas without (once all healed of course). Yesterday was good as the novacane that they injected int he surgery area was long lasting and didn’t start wearing off until last night. I’m now trying to only take the Percocet narcotic that was proscribed when needed…the stuff really whacks me up. Over the next couple of days there will be plenty of pain, bed rest, ingestion of drugs, and of course sleep. Should be back int he full swing of things in 2 weeks though, so it’s not a very long recovery time. I can start running again in 3 weeks! 
If you are interested in learning more about this crappy problem, you can read everything you would ever care to know about it here: Sports Hernia
