600 miles to 1K break in, in the MTS! Pics and good read!
 

Ok, So I got a few days off and decided to finish the break in of my car. The first 500 miles was just going to work on the highway, which I am kinda happy for. City driving is the worst and I wish that upon nobody! (even taxis)

Anyways, odo reads 550 and change and I'm about to get stationed in TX for another month at work, away from my brand new car. As promised I drove from Denver to Aspen, since I have not been there yet.

I took I-70 west, to Copper MNT, then headed South on exit 195 to 91 south. I ripped it a little bit, but caught up to a dual way construction zone which had to let traffic pass both ways. Everyone was getting antsy to say the least, but I relaxed and looked at the environment.

Took 91 down to 24 E through Leadville and continued to 82 West to Aspen. When they say this car is a "momentum car" it is no joke, I managed to pass a car before a bend, and then the oncoming traffic basically slowed down for me because they knew I was "committed" on the pass, thank god. Made that then went W on 82 to take these pics before entering the sickest mountain road in the US (had to be carefull because of cyclists and very narrow roads, which was only about a lane and 1/2 give or take.

Here is where I insert 1st pics:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...g?t=1339038960

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...g?t=1339039037

Ok, then journey continues and gets sweet!

Blasted up the gulley a little bit more, and I get to a construction check point, they are doing road maint, (that is ok because this road is close during the winter and is understandable)

I get to the first Constitution point where they stop all the cars going in between the passes, and come to a stop. I come to a stop behind a Prius form Indiana. I'm chillin and the guy gets out of his car and comes up to me and says: "how is it", I'm like: "It's a dream!"

It turns out he is a salesman for and Indi dealership on vacation which had all his cars already pre-sold, and he was so stoked he still took the time to come out of his car and give me "PROPS"!, ( his wife was riding shotgun and was probably not amused lol!)

anyways,

we continue to sit there for about 20 minutes to let the rest of the oncoming cars go through..

guess what went through?

(this is me entering aspen, and cars coming out of aspen, and it's a beautiful day so... while I was waiting my chance to get the mountain pass I saw about 1 million dollars plus just roll by me. :O.... I had a big grin on my face.

It was all the big German Names, Bimmers, Benz's, Porsche's,< old guys, with wives in hand, they were having fun I could tell! This is a good day!

They passed, a few concrete trucks too, a lot of construction was being had, as this road is only usually open during summer months.

THEN, we get the go ahead, we slide out, slide out is an afterstatement.

I'm not joking, this is like 12,000FT independence pass, you go over the edge, you die, no reset button, not even go to jail and and try three times to roll a double.

K.

I discovered two methods of toe-heel shift, depending on how hard you are entering corner, and how big your feet are haha. (and what kind of shoes you are wearing). That is biggie!.

Then, I took a legitimate U turn corner which was posted at "10 mph", I had faith, trusted, did it, and WALLAH! I slid, I was so happy, it wasn't the scary slide, but everything I read with skepticism. I did it, and was very happy.

+3000 confidence.

So, therefore to make a long story short, I got great practice on heel-toe shift... a true mountain pass, (respecting cyclists) and not trying to run into oncoming traffics. A trueley enlightening experience! (No cops, cuz it was too narrow for them to hide!)... hmmm... talk to geography majors to plan your cruise to eliminate po-po's!

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...g?t=1339039171

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...g?t=1285769758

Sorry I cannot deliver moar pics, I was riding solo!

Thanks! :wub:

Nice pics and story, You can leave your FR-S at my place when you deploy it will be well loved! hahaha

Where did you get it from BTW? I just can't stand waiting for it anymore I at least have to see one of these things in person

A true ninja will have no problem handing over the keys. ( we are ninjas after all!) ;)

Great story!

We love the photos showing the countryside. Take more pictures on your next adventure!

Go Scion @ Arapahoe, I'm in SE Denver, between Aurora and Centennial, in unincorporated Arapahoe County FTW.

Thanks, I have your T-Shirt, I wear it a lot!, <3. Thank you Sir. :respekt:

I totally went there a couple months back and no one was even in the scion section nor did they care to help me out! I guess I was too intimidating in my motorcycle gear lol. Thanks I will head over there again and speak with them:thumbsup:

Yeah, it happens, sometimes you have to take what you want. I sold cars for many years in the early 2000's, and got grilled on survey's. The point is we are a different breed. I got offered a job while I was buying this car, and despite nobody knowing anything about the car from sale to delivery does not shock me. I'm just happy they listen'ed to my request of no holes drilled in my front fascia.

I gave them all top ratings on my phone call (which I got totally slammed on during my few years as a salesman, I feel them, when you have to eat or die, it comes to a crunch, and it is hard...... I will leave it alone at that... I gave 5 stars on everything for karma, but it wasn't so oh well, I'll leave the better man this time! :thumbsup:

another funny thing, I put deposit down, but when I picked up the car, the lady (who was fleet manager) left the company... still boggled....

What road exactly were you on near Aspen? I've driven around there before but only during winter. I'm debating going up to CO for the weekend with my FR-S that *should* be here Friday, but I'm a bit hesitant to put it through mountain driving right away, even if I keep it under 4k and go light on the brakes.

Oh duh, independence pass, you said that, but I missed it. Still, what do you think about mountains during early break in?

The road you want is "82", it's only open during spring summer and fall, not winter, which is most of the year. Granted spring is early and fall is late. I got a hold of it early summer, and construction crews were still doing work. But, the sections I had were totally worth it. And if you are form New Mexico, I totally recommend the San Juan LOOP. It's closer and more nuts! I have to get there soon, but I have to book a hotel room too! Only viable during summer months, because in winter everything is closed! (bring camera for epic shots!)

I know this was directed @YukiHachiRoku but I just wanted to make a quick note: engine braking (closed throttle deceleration) creates exactly the vacuum condition that helps seat piston rings. Mountain driving can be a great place to do this. It's easy to avoid steady state throttle and load conditions, there are plenty of opportunities to pull good vacuum, and you get to have fun in the process. This is definitely a good way to break-in an engine!

just get more than 500 miles on your car without beating on it, then gracefully ease into the rest, you'll be ok! Just don't abuse it recklessly and you'll be OK!

I have yet to red-line the motor, and it is more than willing. IMHO, the sweet spot in a tight twisty road is in between 4-6K. This motor has a lot of torque down low, which I'm not used to driving a honda, or STi which was usually at high RPM's anyway's lol... it is a great car you can enjoy on your own drum beat- not the other guys'. Aloha! :D