Checking in and saying hi from the Western New York region. I have been on various online forums since about 2005, mostly automotive, and I was pleased to find one that is centered around garages/workspaces. My name is Norbert, I'm in my mid 20s, currently engaged to my girlfriend of nearly 10 years (met in high school), and renting an upper apartment in North Buffalo (currently in the market for a long term, 4 BR home in the suburbs). I work as a mechanical engineer for a medical products manufacturer here in Buffalo, but I spend any spare time I have wrenching on some sort of vehicles. Over the past year I have done a few small things to improve comfort in the relatively uninsulated garage. Overhead fluorescents, small gas heater, just the basics. Since we are renting I prefer not to invest in a temporary place. But, I'm saving all the "hopes and dreams" projects for when I am a homeowner.
The apartment I rent includes a 2.5 car garage, of which the neighbors use one spot. So, I have a meager bit of space to put all my stuff in. Enough room for 1 big vehicle and all my tools, equipment, and parts.
A picture from when I just moved in, July 2012
I don't always just work on cars; I consider myself relatively handy and enjoy cobbling together some other things from time to time
Past vehicles have always been dedicated daily drivers that I taught myself to work on. I used to have a Sentra SE-R Spec V that was reliable, fun, got me through college and was easy to work on.
Finally bit the bullet in 2011 and bought a 2001 BMW 540i/6 Sport. Have always loved the styling and didn't want the insurance and maintenance bills of the M5, so this worked well. I enjoyed it for about a year and a half before getting tired of the maintenance costs on the German drivetrain and lack of power.
It was good at doing this, but it wasn't really cutting it.
http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/525857_10100577718369708_1533211193_n.jpg
I had ideas brewing for this:
So I took the BMW off the road and bought this
http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/431736_10100789069650048_864390332_n.jpg
Then did this
which led to this
and then this
Old 4.4 DOHC Aluminum V8 next to the "new" powerplant...6.0 iron, OHV
Also bought and rebuilt every piece of an E39 M5 Limited slip diff, with E46 M3 3.62 gearing.
The workspace was limited for most of the winter. The empty spot is used by the other tenants.
http://sphotos-a.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/188980_10100996126865728_1131271280_n.jpg
Finally got it on the road in May 2013 and did lots of these. For those who didn't recognize the new motor in the picture, it's an iron version of the 6.0 LSx engine, mated to a 6 speed T56 Camaro trans. 370whp/374tq
I enjoy going to shows with my fiancee (shown) and best friend, who owns a 2000 Anthracite Silver M5.
Sorry for the long winded first post, I look forward to spending some time here and using the great resources!
The apartment I rent includes a 2.5 car garage, of which the neighbors use one spot. So, I have a meager bit of space to put all my stuff in. Enough room for 1 big vehicle and all my tools, equipment, and parts.
A picture from when I just moved in, July 2012
I don't always just work on cars; I consider myself relatively handy and enjoy cobbling together some other things from time to time
Past vehicles have always been dedicated daily drivers that I taught myself to work on. I used to have a Sentra SE-R Spec V that was reliable, fun, got me through college and was easy to work on.
Finally bit the bullet in 2011 and bought a 2001 BMW 540i/6 Sport. Have always loved the styling and didn't want the insurance and maintenance bills of the M5, so this worked well. I enjoyed it for about a year and a half before getting tired of the maintenance costs on the German drivetrain and lack of power.
It was good at doing this, but it wasn't really cutting it.
http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/525857_10100577718369708_1533211193_n.jpg
I had ideas brewing for this:
So I took the BMW off the road and bought this
http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/431736_10100789069650048_864390332_n.jpg
Then did this
which led to this
and then this
Old 4.4 DOHC Aluminum V8 next to the "new" powerplant...6.0 iron, OHV
Also bought and rebuilt every piece of an E39 M5 Limited slip diff, with E46 M3 3.62 gearing.
The workspace was limited for most of the winter. The empty spot is used by the other tenants.
http://sphotos-a.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/188980_10100996126865728_1131271280_n.jpg
Finally got it on the road in May 2013 and did lots of these. For those who didn't recognize the new motor in the picture, it's an iron version of the 6.0 LSx engine, mated to a 6 speed T56 Camaro trans. 370whp/374tq
I enjoy going to shows with my fiancee (shown) and best friend, who owns a 2000 Anthracite Silver M5.
Sorry for the long winded first post, I look forward to spending some time here and using the great resources!
I'm not having the first beer until the keys are in my hand!