3D logo animation samples

All models and animations were created by me in Lightwave 3D

If you need a 3D logo or animation, check out Vis-Fx.com for custom graphic design!

Unorthodox Underdrive Pulleys

Adding to the ongoing wish-list for my 2007 Si coupe, I came across a set of lightweight underdrive pulleys for it. Anything that reduces extra spinning mass is a winner in my book.

The manufacturer claims:

• Each set comes with a crank pulley and alternator pulley
  
• 4-8 hp gain (depending on application) plus torque gains across the entire RPM ranges
  
• Better throttle response
  
• Smoother engine operation (each pulley is engineered to exacting standards for weight distribution)
  
• Small underdrive (10 to 15%) on the crank pulley to further improve power output
  
• Accessories (like alternator) still maintain factory spec output

I could live with getting another 5 or 6 horsepower, plus, there's the bling facter:

Si Performance and Handling Upgrades

I may as well make a wish list for the parts I want for my 2007 Civic Si Coupe..

All prices are either from CorSport or SCTuned (priced and available as of today)

• Fujita Short Ram Intake - $209 (SCTuned)
  
• Vibrant Race Header w/High Flow Cat - $643 (SCTuned)
• Vibrant Streetpower Cat-back exhaust - $483 (SCTuned)
• Power Rev Racing (P2R) Throttle Body Spacer w/2 gaskets - $120
  
• Ingalls "Stiffy" Engine Torque Dampener - $150
  
• CorSport Short Shifter & Aluminum shifter cable bushings - $95
• Progress front sway bar - $136 (SCTuned)
• Progress rear sway bar - $140 (SCTuned)
• CorSport rear lower tie bar - $69
• Eibach Pro Kit springs (1" drop front/rear) - $219
• Samco Silicone hose set - $129

So, about $2,300.00 worth of performance and suspension goodies that i'll be working towards in coming months...  All of which should make my Si even more fun to drive!  With everything said and done, I'm hoping for about a 40 horespower gain overall (including gains fom switching to royal purple), a firmer suspension, and much tighter shifts.

Eventually, I'll want the hondata reflash to really take advantage of the other mods and increase my useable power band, but I'm not too keen on voiding my warranty just yet.

2007 Civic Si performance upgrades - Fluids and Lubricants!

I finally got around to signing up on the 8thCivic.com forums, something that I've been avoiding like the plague. I know me, and if I start digging around and looking at what others have done to thier Si's... I knew i'd get the urge...

and so it begins...

Out of all the available performance mods you can do to your Si, I started with probably the most important, yet one of the lowest power yields (maybe) - I changed my oil and filter. However, instead of going back with a crappy filter and conventional oil, I chose a NAPA Gold (Wix) oil filter and Royal Purple fully formulated synthetic oil.


Why this choice? Well for starters, I work at a NAPA, we carry both product lines, and I get a discount! Plus, I really prefer the Royal Purple over other synthetics due to it's proven durability and other redeeming qualities:

• More Horsepower (est. 5-7 hp gain)
• Saves Fuel (less friction, less strain, more efficient)
• Longer lasting than conventional oils (little to no viscosity breakdown)
• Reduces Wear
• Reduces Emissions

Yeah, yeah... other synthetics claim the same (and some DO deliver), but after being in the auto parts game for a while, you come to know which stuff if good, and I'm telling you... Royal Purple is good stuff.

As for the oil filter, I firmly stand behind Wix. I have repeatedly seen/heard of Wix filters straighten out a "bad" oil pump by stabilizing the engine's oil pressure. They manage this feat by NOT skimping on the construction of the filter internals. They use much more filter element material than most others, they have a METAL inner core to prevent filter collapses, plus they incorporate a nice retention spring for most filters. By the way, never use a Fr*m oil filter if you care about your high performance engine!

After Oil and Filter, my next step is to use Royal Purple's Synchromax (high performance manual transmission fluid), and add Royal Purple's Purple Ice to my Si's coolant system. The Synchromax tranny fluid offers similar gains in horsepower plus reduces heat and friction. The Purple Ice is a "Super-Coolant" additive that will reduce your radiator temp, conditions your water pump seals. The Purple Ice is HIGHLY recommended if you live in a hot area, as it will greatly improve your car's coolant system.

Relevant Info 
Wix Oil Filter: part #51356 (napa # 1356)
Royal Purple SAE 5w-30 High Performance Motor Oil (4.5 quarts)

Purple Ice: part # 01600

www.royalpurple.com

www.wixfilters.com

Pan's Evacuation to Longview, TX

When we were forced to evacuate from Hurricane Gustav, my daughter and I went to my hometown, Longview, up in NorthEast Texas.  We have family there, and we hadn't seen most of them since we evacuated for Hurricane Rita  :-(

Naturally, we had to take Pan, so I made sure to grab some photos of her while we were up there.  She did really good in her cat-nip laced carrier... you know... "Pandora's Box"

As a reward for her good behavior on the 215 mile trip, I bought her a new feathered-ball-dangle-stick ....toy:

There were a LOT of people in and out of this VERY strange house (to Pan, anyway)...  so she ended up getting spooked  quite often at all the noises and voices...  I tried to grab some photos, but this the best one I managed to get..  Not a very good shot, but you can still see a little bit of a fluffy tail.

Pan played a LOT with the new toy, and her favorite, a plush giraffe...  Below, Pan is ready to pass out from all the activity.  Oh yeah, she got a nice blue collar, too!

Getting in trouble while playing with the giraffe:

Pandora Pics

Some photos of our kitten, Pan... (Pandora)

These were taken when she was about nine weeks old, and still battling earmites.

She's a cutie, and just happens to be sitting in my lap as I write, looking up to me as if to say, "why are you not feeding me right now?"

More photos in a bit...

Massive GM Recall due to Fire Risk

General Motors made the announcement today to recall 857,735 vehicles due to an apparent fire risk involving a faulty windshield washer circuit - according to Federal Safety Regulators.

The affected vehicles include year 2007-2008:

• Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban
• Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT
• GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and Saturn Outlook
• Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne
• 2006-2008 Hummer H2
• 2008 Buick Enclave

Get to a dealership soon if you own one of these.
Fire go burn.

Hurricane Gustav: Evacuation Woes

I really, really hate hurricanes.

After Rita nearly wiped out our community though (other surrounding areas weren't so lucky), I don't take them quite as lightly as I had in years past. Now, with Gustav bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico, and a potential projected path into my back yard... It looks as if though I'll be packing my stuff, grabbing the kiddo and the kitty, and making my way north yet again.

The good side of this - because there's already enough bad - is that I will get to spend some much needed time with my family in Longview, Texas.

For now though.. it's a wait and see situation. Word is, State officials in Texas have passed down orders to start turning off Water, Gas, and Electric utilities IF they call for a mandatory evacuation. I'd like to know what the hell people are going to do if they are the ones that HAVE to stay (police, medical, etc.) They say it is to nip a lot of problems in the bud, but seems like they are simply freaking out a bit early.

Pandora the Cat

Weedhopper is proud to introduce....

PAN!

As you can see, she's a solid black, 4 month old furball, and she's full of life. (sorry for the poor image quality, taken with phone)

After a successful battle against fleas and ear mites, we had her spayed along with vaccines, etc.. She was born outside, and the people we got her from really hadn't taken very good care of her.

But, I'm pleased to say that she has recovered nicely, and other than being shaved in a few odd spots, Pan is a very healthy, very happy kitty! So, all said and done... Other than a major dispute over the bill from the vet... all went extremely smooth.

More to come about her (and the vet) later.

2007 Honda Civic Si

Say hello to my little friend..

In July of 2007, I traded in my Galaxy Gray 2006 Civic EX for it's big brother, the Si.  I will be posting more here about my car, but for now you should visit my other website to read more about this awesome little ride. Pictures and specs and links, oh my!

Kicking Things Off

New blog, blank canvas, and all that that may imply. Fresh starts are supposed to be a good thing, but I always seem to find them awkward at best.

Never mind that, though. I WILL find stuff to talk about... after all, I do have a cat named Pan (Pandora), and when all else fails, she - I'm sure - will provide plenty of material. Besides future appearances by her, I do also plan to post some of my original artwork, photographs, rants, raves, insights into my Bass Guitar affliction, and more than likely posts related to my Gray Baby, a 2007 Honda Civic Si.


In other words - just another butt-crack of a blog among the masses of asses.