April 28 , 2006

The toys of summer: MC is rollin’ in style

The weather is warming up and MC students are tuning up their cars and making them shine. Marietta may not be the ideal scene for anything fast and furious, but even this small college town has car-enthusiasts. The Marcolian asked students to showcase their four-wheeled pride and joys and answer a few questions about the cars that they love.

2003 Mitsubishi evolution VIII

Owner: Jordan Mueller, Junior
Years owned: 3

What modifications have you done to your car?

There are many modifications to the car. The biggest being a GT35R turbo kit. With this kit my car now runs around 500 horsepower. Recenty I have added many carbon fiber exterior accessories to the car.

What is your favorite thing about your car?

The way it handles. The handling is very precise do to the fact that it was intentionally designed for rally car racing. Also it’s very versitile. It can go from being an ordinary everyday driver to being a serious competitor on the track.

What is your least favorite thing about the car?

The transmission seems to be the weak link in the car. It doesn’t hold up to the power modifications that I have already done.

Is this your dream car or is there another car out there more your style?

I’m never selling it. I plan to pay it off, keep it street legal but use it specifically for track use. The one and only time I thought of selling my car is for a twin turbo Toyota Supra.

2006 Ford Mustang GT

Owner: Tim Byers, Senior
Months owned: 6

Have you made any modifications to your car?

I haven’t made any modifications to my car yet. I do plan to tint the windows once I move to Texas after graduation. I plan to do some engine work once I have another car to use as my daily driver.

What is your favorite thing about your car?

My favorite thing is that it is a 5-speed manual transmission. A sports car just isn’t a sports car if you have an automatic. Another favorite of mine is the customizable gauges. There are 125 different color combinations that can be employed, ranging from red to green.

What is you least favorite thing about your car?

It might be cliche, but there isn’t really anything about my car that I don’t like or would want to change. I ordered it new from the factory so everything is just the way I wanted it to be.

Is this your dream car or is their another car out there more your style?

I don’t know if this is my all-time dream car., but it definitely is for this point in my life. I plan on holding on to this car well into old age so I don’t regret selling it someday. As long as Ford stays true to the Mustang spirit, I will be a Mustang guy.

1999 Lexus GS400

Owner: Tyler Snell, Junior
Years owned: 1.5

What modifications have you made to your car?

There is a KNN air intake on it along with new performance tires. I haven’t done too much yet but I plan to add more. Next I want to add a catback exhaust and tune the ECU (engine control unit). Those are the next two modifications that I will make to my car before I do anything else to it.

What is your favorite thing about your car?

It goes zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds. It also has a top speed of 155 miles per hour. What more is there to like?

What is your least favorite thing about your car?

It only takes premium gasoline. If i don’t drive fast consistently, than the car only gets 22 miles to the gallon.

Is this your dream car or is there another car out there more your style?

My car is everything I’ve ever wanted in a car. I will probably end up driving this car into the ground before I would ever sell it. Although I love my car, if I had the chance I would buy any type of Ferrari. I am a sucker for anything and everything Ferrari.

1999 Mercury Cougar V6

Owner: Sarah Smith, Junior
Years owned: 1

What modifications would you like to do to your car?

I’ve been looking at several different bodykits. I also was looking into getting a carbon fiber hood. Right now I do have a Pioneer soundsystem in it, along with new speakers. The windows were tinted by the previous owner.

What is your favorite thing about the car?

I like how fast it is. The car has really good pickup from a stopped position and it has a lot of zip when I’m trying to pass slower drivers. It is also a very reliable car and does not shake when I reach high speeds.

What is your least favorite thing about your car?

I think that the only problem I have with my car is that I’ve been having battery troubles. The car doesn’t start all the time and it only takes minor tweaking of the battery wiring to make it start.

Is this your dream car or is their some other car you want more?

This car was my dream car in high school and it’s my dream car for now. Ever since I got the car I wondered ‘well what now’. I do really like older Mustangs like the ‘67 Mustang my mom had when I was growing up. I am also a fan of big trucks.