Car Culture in Columbia? (Lexington, York: living in, floor, cars) - Columbia - Lexington - Irmo - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Captain Worley · 08-11-2008, 10:38 AM

There are a lot of smaller shows around fairly often. You just have to keep an eye out on the "What's Happening" section of The State. At the intersectio of L Avenue and Charleston Highy in Cayce there is a stereo shop across the street from a performance shop. Both locations have shows fairly regularly.

mettler · 08-11-2008, 10:51 AM

that is a good hot rod shop as well.

Captain Worley · 08-12-2008, 07:41 AM

Must be. I see some serious looking iron parked there. Almost makes me wish I hadn't gotten rid of my 69 Charger.

There were some great speed shops in Columbia back in the 70s.

mettler · 08-12-2008, 07:45 AM

They have a dyno there that you can rent out, or pay them and they will tune your car - which is nice. USC has a dyno too, but it isn't set up. If you know the right people you can arrange a run on it. USC needs to get its auto-engineering stuff going again. That dyno just collects dust.
Herman, out at NAPA on shop road did all my block/head work when I was building my engine in my garage. He is a good guy and is extremely reasonably priced.

ranger17 · 08-12-2008, 10:06 AM

i think many of us wish we still had our old "_____" that we ran in our youth. Problem now is it can be "cheaper" to build & run a hot tuner car then trying to find old school muscle anymore. And these little 4-pops can hold their own with any stock/built classic. Heck i've been in a 10sec Camaro and used to run a hi-11sec Pinto on the street; those were the days. But now i look at the car my daughter's bf is considering ( a Honda that can be dialed up to 630hp ); makes one think twice about picking a race with that "honda with a fart can"

Hopefully down there it's "ok' to run tuners in same crowd as older rides; let everyone get their props for their hard work, plus makes it enjoyable for any cruises when you have a wide range of styles represented.
thx for all the info

Captain Worley · 08-12-2008, 10:22 AM

My first new car was an 89 Civic Si and it is the only one I wish I had back. It was a great car and could keep up with the carbed Camaros of that era. TPI was another deal entirely.

Tuner cars are OK if they don't look ridiculous. The 630hp claims are a little overblown, I think. That'd be pricey, although turbos could work wonders.

ranger17 · 08-12-2008, 10:59 AM

i hear ya on any car being "too much" in style. As for the hi rated hp, there are "dyno monsters" out there that will push ratings into this level, sometimes nothing more then to show what their equipment could do.. But to be remotely "streetable" and reliable, they can be dialed down ( boost adjusted, etc ) into the 400 range. But this particular car, and a few others I have seen specs on, are legit. Put 25k into a motor and run 20 psi, doesn't matter what brand it is.... the hp will be there. And i guess you can throw big $$ into any motor to run fast; it sometimes is the body one puts it in that determines the overall value ( and again up here older cars are harder to find ). I think that's one reason tuners are so popular, they are inexpensive; not to mention light.
Though i'd be more comfortable running a rat motor at 500 hp then a 4-pop.

Captain Worley · 08-13-2008, 09:31 AM

I always thought a turbo'd fuel injected datsun 1200 or B-210 would be a lot of fun, but most of those have rusted away.

I used to have a turbo Shadow that was fun (and quicker than the Charger), so I know the allure of turbos. I'm just not comfortable with more than 125 hp/liter on a street motor.

ranger17 · 08-13-2008, 09:37 AM

it's also a different feeling with a smooth modern front driver pulling hard, compared to old school rough big block pushing you hard.
New ways can be fun, but old school really puts a smile on the face

pitney · 08-17-2008, 10:14 PM

There is a "car show" every month in Columbia/Lexington. I heard it is held at Fat Boys on Hwy 1 once a month. I have heard, but cannot confirm, that there is a "drive in" at Fuddruckers once a month also. Charlotte usually has at least two car shows a year. Great swap meet at the same time as the car show. If/when you know you are coming down, let me know and I'll ask a guy who goes to the local car shows for more info for you.