[Jim Richards]

As many of you know, my (or my wife's if you prefer) 73E will be out of commission starting Saturday. Expected completion (fingers crossed) is Feb '05.

How's a budding track junkie to survive? Karting? Sports car video games? Sitting in the 73E roller making vroom-vroom noises?

Let's think about some Dorki karting outings, OK?

And any of you guys familiar with video games more modern than Space Invaders, please advise on equipment (PC, PS2, X-box, ???), and games, OK?

Thanks for your help! And those of your who've seen me on the track...you know I need all I can get!

[cmartin]

Jim, GT4 comes out for PS2 soon. It's the talk of the town, a must see.

Karting sounds like fun too, although being 230lbs in a kart isnt a winning combination.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Let's think about some Dorki karting outings, OK?

Sounds like fun. Do you generally need any experience to do this? IIRC, it's all inside so no bad weather day

[jpnovak]

Jim, All of the above!

The local PCA should have a Kart season in the winter. It usually starts in Jan. I just got done with one here in TX. It was severly shortened since the facility is closing its doors. It is a great way to get faster. Its easier to explore the limits and really teaches you car control and taking a smooth line. remember its all about momentum.

I have a PS2 and like the WRC rally game, Gran Turismo series and F1 2001. All are very challanging with the stock controller. I am still searching for a good wheel. GT and F1 are the best for teaching a line, braking points etc.

Making noises, never hurts.

I think you will be spending lots of time building the engine - more than you realize. Make sure you write down a list and then call to get approx. times for farmed out stuff like machine work. This will help you effectively plan.

[cmartin]

You must first attend a HPDC, or have prior experience with other groups.

8)

[Charlie Stylianos]

Jim,

Try 'Need For Speed - Porsche Unleashed' for the PC.

Race 356's 2.7 RSR's, all the cool older cars and some newer on many famous tracks.

I've been trying to get my hands on it and finally DL'd it last night. Can't wait to play.

[Parenn911]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stylianos

Jim,

Try 'Need For Speed - Porsche Unleashed' for the PC.

Jim, I second what Charlie said. I have a well used copy that you can take out for a test drive if you want. This game is the ultimate Porsche game, you can drive pretty much any Porsche you can think of from 356 up to 996's. 8)

[BlackTalon]

You need to assemble a video game "cockpit" similar to Tischer's! That means a car seat bolted to a wood platform (sliders needed if you want your wife (or fellow Dorkis!) to practice as well), a pedal set bolted to the platform, a force-feedback steering wheel bolted to a table (with paddle shifters), a large screen monitor or TV set on the table top, a video game console or computer, and a surround sound system! Then, host a Dorki party every Saturday and Sunday! 8)

[Jim Richards]

Thanks guys. I'm going to by NFS:PU for the PC. I may also try some of the others that were recommended.

Dave, I LIKE YOUR THINKING!

[BlackTalon]

Jim, this set-up is on my to-do list this Fall. I have an old seat from my Talon that can be used. Of course, I should get the leather replaced first, as it is worn. I also have a steering wheel/ pedal set, with a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel. But I need a Porsche crest for the center... I have a table, but it is steel, and too heavy -- I may need to have one fabbed from fiberglass or aluminum; CF is too darn expensive! I may need to hire Vu to install a sound system. My computer is pretty old, so I need to rebuild it's engine, change to carbs, up the compression ratio and put in some more aggressive cams... I know, I know, adding a turbo or supercharger is less expensive, but I don't want to fry the hard drive! The 27 inch TV is fine for now, but I'll keep checking the classifies at Rennlist to see if anyone is selling anything a little more track-worthy...