CAT600

Brian, Thanks so much for taking the time to input, really appreciate it because it takes a bit to put yourself out there on these somewhat sensitive issues. For some time I think my heart has been trying to hang on and "convincing" my brain to fall into line, but just like that famous line in "the Matrix" something just doesn't feel quite right, "like a splinter in your mind" Letting go won't be easy, I'm just lucky to have had so many great experiences with the Falc's, and such a great car to continue on with in my automotive journey! Daniel

If only it were so! Nothing special here, an offshore mechanic on a wage, it pays well no doubt but the cars have been my life so far so prioritizing them over family or travel was an easy decision. But time marches on, things change and I met the right lady so it's time for the next chapter... Love to keep all three but it's not possible unfortunately, either financially or time commitment wise. Daniel

Thanks Sutty... yep its hard and while definatley not going to shed everything I really want to hang onto both my workshop (got plans hahaha) and the R35 so somethings gotta give. The unfortunate thing is that while the Twin Turbo (FG) is easier to live with every day (it drives like a totally stock FG plus 600-odd hp) my heart is with the AU so its a bloody tough one were only one to stay... thats why im dicing with moving the Ford thing on altogether and just diving into a new chapter of life. .. I spoke with Brian not long ago and his perspective was somewhat similar to mine. I see his 1000hp Ford weapon on Carsales and it just makes me wonder "Do I want to do it that way or do it now when I feel I can exit a little easier on the conscience?"... I guess I would hate to do it too late? Here is some pics of the Fords... Might help understand my reluctance to let go... not that I expect owners of R35's will fall in love with my Taxis but the amount of work that has gone into making them reliable at this kinda power is huge My humble little 780rwhp AU: Ford GT Supercar wheels with 295/30/19 R888's 5.0L of supercharged Quad cam PPG T56 dogbox, Corvette ZR1 front plate with oil pump and input shaft lubricataion: Halfway across Aus.. averaged 15L per 100 full of gear (like 2.5T worth) @ 700rwhp Heathcote Park at the Forum nationals: The 1000rwhp twin turbo FG: Engine built at home in my shed: 8 piston Brembo's: On a 9 sec pass, there is plenty more left in this car should end up in the mid-9's Fuel system: [/url] Engine Bay: [/url] Photo shoot for a local mag: The three muskateers: Twin Turbo's racked up!

Domino: Yes mate im hearing you on the backwards step, and even moreso knowing what it takes to get a Falcon to run mid 10's on street tyres (ok R888's but thats how I roll hahaha) and even with Coilovers and 380mm 8 piston Brembo's still fall so far short in suspension engineering it just gives me all the more respect for the team of little white-coats in Japan that designed this amazing vehicle. Its like they gathered round and said: "how do we build a stock car that will impress Daniel Otway?" Just got so much respect for the car. Mike: Yep love that Aurora Flare!... I really wanted Silver but the Blue just grabbed me and I got it for a great price (136 + ORC when it was just 8 months old) the best bit was that I drove that exact car when it was new, the previous owner bought it with 400-odd kms on it and some of them were mine.. couldnt justify the 192K driveaway price when new but what a bargain I got!!! The Fords are awesome for what they are, very easy to drive but I have had big plans for the GT-R and once I get my teeth into cars I go hard! Any more thoughts guys keep 'em coming! Daniel

Cheers Mike, the other side of the argument is: "the cars are already modded and well set up so if you are wrong......" Most feedback so far seems to be that generally people dont look back, ive never made the transition before from one marque to another so its a real leap of faith for me. I know its not forever but if I give up what I got it will sure feel close to impossible to get back there should I be wrong. Maybe diving in headfirst and not looking back is the way to be... if I shell all the Ford projects I could go pretty hard on a '35 Mwahahahaha Daniel

Thankyou... that's where my mind is at right now. My supercharged AU T-Series Falcon is a T56 6 speed (PPG H-Pattern) and has run 10.07 and is the fastest manual modular V8 (think Boss V8) in Aus by a fair margin, while my twin turbo FG XR8 @ 9.83 secs is the fastest ZF 6 speed auto currently and are both fantastic street cars running R888's full time with 700-1000rwhp depending on tune and fuel. While I know I can do more and go faster etc etc I kinda feel like ive reached the end of what I can (or want) to do with them. Either im really ready for a change or im thinking of "going out on top" in my minds eye... thats how I see it from my POV. My close friends tell me ill regret it and that selling later when I "know" im ready for a change is smarter, but in between ill be left wondering when. Grrr, its hard when you have two good choices hahahaha

Thanks Jason, Yes Josh (Prescott) told me about your R35 he said you were very happy with it, the same car as mine colour and all. My DD FG Falcon has run 9.8 @ 145 with a bit still left in it and is quite reliable so its not about power or speed so much its about AWD powerdown and the fact that its not built on Taxi underpinnings... such a great platform to start with as you say. Daniel

Funny thread title considering I only just joined! But its not about the R35... its about whether I should stay with the Fords or cut my ties after 15+years of doing the Falcon thing. Over the last 6-7 years in particular ive had some pretty hardcore Fords and have a very active membership on Australian Ford Forums but having owned an MY11 R35 for the last 14 months im at a bit of a crossroads as to whether to stick with the local product or move forward in evolution so to speak. I have to downsize the "fleet" and seling the R35 just doesnt sit well with me as it feels like im taking a step backwards but the 2 bigbanger Falcons I own have essentially been finished and all the hard $$$ have been spent on them so it would make sence to just keep them and enjoy them (which I do), then later on sell up and get back into a GT-R... that would seem the logical step but when is the right time to "move on"?..... maybe I am already there? So while it seems like one of those annoying rhetorical threads where the OP can only answer himself, I guess im looking to hear from any other non-Nissan dyed-in-the-wool members on here that have been in a similar situation with Fords, Holdens, Rexies or Evos (or anything else) that made the call to jump over for good or ill. While I feel like I will lose out either way im really feeling like diving into the GT-R scene with both feet!!! Daniel