Jim De Arras

Still waiting to hear official word from Insurance Co. Went by dealer to charge Imola's battery a bit, something is running it down, I suspect the passenger airbag, but no real idea. I removed the fan belt, since the water pump doesn't turn and make a loud squeel when the engine runs, and I started the engine. Still quiet and smooth. I did a WOT twice, to redline, no problems, odd noises, etc. Turbos seemed to spool up and down fine. Ran 20 seconds, total, then shutdown to avoid overhearing anything.

I'm still encouraged! This might become a fun project before it's over.<p>Jim De Arras

<a href="http://www.imola.org">2000 00 Imola/Onyx/Alcantera S4</a>
MTM Stage II (Stage III on order)
MTM Full Suspension
MTM/Pagid Brake pads
UUC Short Shifter (original 20%)
Michelin Pilot Sports.
SmartTire Tire Monitor

Ted K

Haven't heard the history. What happened? From your conversation about the Insurance Company, I assume some pinhead took out a nice ride.

Jim De Arras

<center><img src="http://www.imola.org/images/DSCF0302s.jpg"></center><p>I rearended a minivan, an SUV, and an Isuzu Trooper, lined in that order. The Trooper stopped suddenly in the left lane of a 4 lane divided highway, because some actual pinhead suddenly decided to make a "U" turn from the right lane! Then the SUV stopped, then the Van, which I could not see around to see this happening, then I slammed on the brakes, but too late. Airbags deployed, front end smashed into van shoving it into SUV, which then rolled forward 10 feet into the Trooper.<p>Jim De Arras

<a href="http://www.imola.org">2000 00 Imola/Onyx/Alcantera S4</a>
MTM Stage II (Stage III on order)
MTM Full Suspension
MTM/Pagid Brake pads
UUC Short Shifter (original 20%)
Michelin Pilot Sports.
SmartTire Tire Monitor

noeltykay

8- (

Todd W

My UrQ took out only one minivan, and was written off. But hey, I still drive it! Thankfully not a salvage title.<p>Todd W

Jim De Arras

Damn trailor hitch on the VAN did me in!<p>Jim De Arras

<a href="http://www.imola.org">2000 00 Imola/Onyx/Alcantera S4</a>
MTM Stage II (Stage III on order)
MTM Full Suspension
MTM/Pagid Brake pads
UUC Short Shifter (original 20%)
Michelin Pilot Sports.
SmartTire Tire Monitor

LCP

It defeats the purpose of the bumper. If anything, there should be a statute requiring any bumper damage to a car that rear ends you to be paid for by the owner of the rear bumper regardless of fault.

Killer Bee

while i partially agree with your sentiments, at least from a logic point of view (should not drive with one on while not towing), can't say I agree with the statute idea. If you rear end someone, it's your fault.. period.. no matter how idiotic the person in front of you is. If they have a hitch on, definitely makes it tuffer on your vehicle (tho, look at the other side, minimizes damage if you are the one being rear ended...hmm.. trailer hitches on S4's ?). If we extend this reasoning (of a hitch being illegal while not towing ), how do you adress truck issues (say anything over 5 tons) ? Should they pay too for being rear ended? True, they are higher and hence that is probably the reason they don't fall under the same rules, but maybe that should be changed ?

As far as the hitch defeating the purpose of the bumper, can't agree with that sentiment either. Perhaps the US should beef up it's front bumper standards to match the Canucks.. i've seen some pretty hard hits from behind up here that resulted in lots of physical/cosmetic damage, but little or no frame/engine or tranny problems.

Don't get me wrong LCP, not *flaming* u, just offering a counter point. I definitely agree with your *sentiment* cuz a S4 was damaged/wrecked... maybe I feel it a bit more so.... cuz for some strange reason I'm partial to Imola

Peace brother,

Earnie

LCP

...which is completely circumvented by the use of trailer hitches. As much as I think the guy that runs into the rear of another vehicle is always at least 50% at fault, I know that in big city traffic, 3-5MPH bumper taps just happen.

Jim De Arras

There are many scenarios where a car can "appear" in front of you going way slower, without warning. Someone changing thier mind after siting in a left turn lane, and pulling out in front of you without warning. Folks entering the street without properly yielding. There are others, too.<p>Jim De Arras

<a href="http://www.imola.org">2000 00 Imola/Onyx/Alcantera S4</a>
MTM Stage II (Stage III on order)
MTM Full Suspension
MTM/Pagid Brake pads
UUC Short Shifter (original 20%)
Michelin Pilot Sports.
SmartTire Tire Monitor