Porsche Pen: Too Pompous for Perfect Placement

I noticed Suncoast had a gorgeous white Porsche pen but it was the “short version.” Thinking quickly, as I always do (cough), I searched the web for the long version… And what luck! There is was in all of it’s extra-length glory on eBay (I have really wanted a nice pen to keep in my car).

The pen comes in a nice nondescript box. The barrel of the pen is cararra white while the top and bottom are a brushed aluminum. The top of the cap is meat to pay tribute to the center lock wheels gracing the Turbo S models. Over all styling and the pen’s action are both exceptional.

The only draw back to this pen is that it actually doesn’t fit in the 991’s pen holder (located inside the glove box). That’s a head scratcher to me; why would you make a brand specific pen that doesn’t fit the corresponding car’s pen holder. So into the center console goes until I can figure out something better (and just so we’re all clear… I won’t figure out anything better). Anyone want a pen?

SNES Classic Acquired!

I missed out on the NES Classic but I wasn’t about to make the same mistake with the SNES classic. My friend, Jesse, did some expert-level reconnaissance and we selected the Ceder Hill Walmart as our aquisition target. We set up shop around 6 pm, knowing that the units wouldn’t be released until 12:01am. It was a wait we were willing to endure.

And it wasn’t bad at all. For starters, they let us “camp” in the back of the store by the electronics section (so much better than waiting outside). Also, have you been to the Ceder Hills Walmart? Wow. Game changing. It’s like someone cared. Also, friends! Hanging out with friends (even in a line) is just fine with me.

This story has a happy ending. We all got our SNES Classic systems. Afterward, I even drove by Best Buy where I found people camped out for these little beauties. Poor saps.

The SNES Classic includes exactly what you’d expect: A tiny replica of the original SNES unit, two controllers, a power and HDMI cable.

The menu options are well configured and the games played exactly like I remember. I hate to be the bearer of bad (good?) news but the games also look exactly like I remember (minus the scan lines- an option you can add in setup if you’d like). The controllers seemed a little stiff (possibly edging into unresponsive territory) so hopefully they will break in a bit. I don’t think I’ll spend a ton of time playing on the SNES Classic but it’s definitely a cool little toy.

RS Side Skirt Installation – Porsche 991

Sometimes I just put a part on my car because I want to put something on my car. There is a strong possibility this is one of those times. While I wouldn’t call these an impulse purchase, I bought them because I thought they’d be fun to put on and because they were fairly inexpensive.

While I do think they look better than the stock offering they do very little to alter the car’s aesthetic. There’s no chance anyone will ever call out “Nice side skirts!”

Porsche Turbo S Exclusive Series – 1/18 Model

I was pretty excited when they released the Turbo S Exclusive Series. Realistically there was no way I was getting one (that didn’t stop me from being outraged that, once again, only people who bought a 918 were eligible). So I settled for the next best thing- a 1/18 scale die cast model from Spark Models:

This is normally more than I’d spend on a model, but I have a certain affinity for white Turbo S cars. The detail level and over all quality on this car is outstanding. I wish the doors opened, but, as in real life, I guess I’ll just have to be satisfied with peeking through the windows (the interior is also well executed). Production on this piece is limited to 1,911.

Leather Sun Visors with NO Warning Labels (Porsche 991)

I will freely admit that I look for stuff to modify on my car. There is an ongoing forum thread about removing the warning labels on the sun visors. With just a little denatured alcohol and some patience you can have sticker free visors! I was absolutely planning to jump on board and then I had an idea: Suncoast sells OEM sun visors without warning labels (imported from countries where they’re not required). Even better, I could upgrade my vinyl visors to real leather (I have been on a quasi-quest of sorts to replace plastic parts on my car). It’s pretty easy to guess which direction I went…

Installation for the sun visors is about as simple as installs get. Obviously there’s not a huge difference between the vinyl and the leather sun visors but having the stickers gone is really nice.

MACarbon – Carbon Fiber Chrono Cover & Door Handle Inserts!

Yes, it’s the part in our show where we install more carbon fiber. I have been contemplating another purchase from MACarbon for awhile now but it takes a bit of time to work up the courage. This time around I bought a carbon fiber chrono clock cover and inserts for the interior door handles.

Installation was pretty straight forward. The chrono trim clips gave me a little bit of trouble, but I eventually got it sorted out. The handle inserts were heavenly. Here’s a quick installation video:

Since I’m planning to keep this car until the 992 series are in their second year (probably 2020) I decided to splurge a bit on additions (I’ve got some leather parts coming in the next few weeks). I think these particular mods are pretty subtle but I am really enjoying them.

Tag Cloud Added

I realize I’m about 10 years late to the party but I added a tag cloud to my blog (it shows up in the sidebar). My next big project is going through all the posts and adding tags. I don’t know how the cloud will work with entries that are marked as private but if you suspect you can’t see something then you’re probably right.

GT3 Carbon Fiber Mirror Installation

Another upgrade for the 991! This time I decided to add the GT3 carbon fiber mirror housings.  Certainly not cheap (I ordered them from Suncoastparts) but compared to offerings by other companies like MACarbon or Techart they seemed like a steal.

Installation was fairly difficult because I couldn’t find any good assembly / disassembly documentation online. Eventually I figured it out and made this video below:

At first I wasn’t really digging the look of the carbon fiber. In retrospect I have no idea why since I think they look really sharp now (it’s been about a week since the install). Great upgrade. Not a DIY for everyone, but somehow I muddled through it.

The carbon fiber almost makes the mirrors look like little ears from the front. All business from the side.