MATG XX - July 28-31 2016

[Bryan]

Who's in?

:mrgreen:

[Demon I Am]

I'm sure this will be the 11th time I've said I'm in, then cancelled. Need to figure out the kid/girlfriend/work situation. Plenty of time to commit/back-out a few times.

[kung fu jesus]

I may do up and back. Leave ATL in the morning, return in the evening.

[tsingson]

Is it that close Steven?

[WASABI]

This may sound like a dumb question, but can we get more info? I'm speaking from New England... I've heard of amazing time everyone has at MATG, and i have always wanted to go, but never really get the details (do people caravan down, stay in hotels/motels together,do dinner or party?). Do folks make the trip from as far away as I am up in these parts (MA/NH).

Thanks,

Jim

[kung fu jesus]

This may sound like a dumb question, but can we get more info? I'm speaking from New England... I've heard of amazing time everyone has at MATG, and i have always wanted to go, but never really get the details (do people caravan down, stay in hotels/motels together,do dinner or party?). Do folks make the trip from as far away as I am up in these parts (MA/NH).

Thanks,

Jim


Jim, this is a site that probably has the best information to your questions:

http://gapmiatas.com/

Josh Hankins is sort of the master of ceremonies, but it's all really loose and casual. It doesn't matter which forum you are partial to, it's a way to sort of explore a beautiful part of the country, on awesome roads, in you car. You can join on drives or organized events, or make your own plans.

To answer your questions specifically, yes, but everyone does it their own way. I used to caravan from Michigan in the early '00s. I have met people who drove in from New England, California, Colorado, even one from Alaska.

I normally go to meet friends I would only see here. Otherwise, I have my own stuff I like to do in that area besides driving (white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, etc.).

[kung fu jesus]

Is it that close Steven?

It's about a three hour drive one way for me, and a bunch of that is mountain driving so it's fun.

[tsingson]

Looks like mine is a bit farther.

[Bryan]

Steven is on the ball. Not too much else to say.

I've been there every year since '05 and this is my 10th MATG. For me, it's mostly a change to see people I don't see but once or twice a year.

[Bryan]

Early to talk about this, but...


Long story short, Fontana wants to move MATG to the first weekend of August next year, and are offering to keep pricing the same for the next three years. Should we choose to keep the event at Fontana during its normal dates [last full weekend of July], lodging prices will increase.


Thank you for taking the time to vote!


Click here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y953756) (or here, if you don't like hidden links: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y953756)

[kung fu jesus]

I don't mind the date shift, but I'm semi-local.

I prefer the autumn. However, if you are also a fan of mountain terrain, the Cherohala Forest is still one of the prettiest places I have visited coast-to-coast. Lots of world-class paddling for all stages (beginner through pros), Appalachian Trail, Trail of Tears, just a low-key area to get lost on the back roads. Cell service is still marginal, but better than it was.

[tsingson]

Just looked at the dates. I'll be in Philadelphia that weekend and then heading to Orlando after I pick up my wife and daughter from DC.

[kung fu jesus]

it's sort of funny, but it still happens to me...sometimes when you are there, you see a specific Miata that you read about or followed on a forum. You sort of get gobsmacked and have to go see it in person for whatever reason, get to put a face to the name/car. The opposite is true, too, someone recognizes you by your car and has to talk with you. I sometimes think it would be better if people just made little decals with their avatar and screenname, stuck it on the sail window or something. I see Bryan's car there and the first thought is,"oh! Bryan's here somewhere" or he passes going the other way, "there goes Bryan". I'll get somebody passing the other way yelling, "kung fu jesus!", and I don't know who they are, they recognize the car.

[theothersawyer]

I don't know why I've never gone to this when I live so (relatively) close!

[Bryan]

it's sort of funny, but it still happens to me...sometimes when you are there, you see a specific Miata that you read about or followed on a forum. You sort of get gobsmacked and have to go see it in person for whatever reason, get to put a face to the name/car. The opposite is true, too, someone recognizes you by your car and has to talk with you. I sometimes think it would be better if people just made little decals with their avatar and screenname, stuck it on the sail window or something. I see Bryan's car there and the first thought is,"oh! Bryan's here somewhere" or he passes going the other way, "there goes Bryan". I'll get somebody passing the other way yelling, "kung fu jesus!", and I don't know who they are, they recognize the car.
:lol:

This is probably one of the reasons why I just made my forum handle my name years ago. I'm easy to spot.

[JB 94 Laguna]

In (this thread too).

[Phatmiata]

Anyone from Florida going? Maybe I can caravan with a group, I dont wanna drive all that way by myself, I tend to fall asleep on long drives :fp:

[kung fu jesus]

15886

[kung fu jesus]

I remember the first time I drove down, I was coming in from west Michigan. I linked up with another pair of Miatas and started the drive down. We left early in the morning, about 5am, and passed a few heavy downpours. I also had the top down as I was nearly passing a semi whose rear tire exploded on I-75. By the time we reached the exit near Knoxville, I was already pretty beat and wanted out of the car. The lead Miata knew the roads pretty well and as soon as we reached the turnout at the bottom of the Dragon, the lead car took off hell-bent for leather. So, my first drive on TotD was while I was exhausted, pounding headache and pissed because I just wanted out of the car and now I had all these corners to deal with. :) When we reached the CRoT, I found the rest of my party and those we were sharing a house with. Those 10 minutes outside the car were great. Then I had to follow them tearing through the 28 to get to our rental. Pissed again, I was given a cold beer after plopping down on the deck outside and had time to relax for a few moments. The driver on that lead car is now my wife.

[Bryan]

FWIW, my wife's first [and only] time at MATG had us coming down US129 in her 2005 Altima at 11pm :lol:

Even though I'm about 6hrs out, I actually don't like caravan-ing much. I generally prefer to travel alone, mostly because I'm free to drive as fast or slow as I want, stop if I want, or just go on a one-stopper (I *have* to fill up at least once).

For example, I took this picture shortly after passing 100k on the clock down by Chilhowee Dam. I was still on the way in, and it was 1am. I wouldn't touch my pillow for another two hours.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/9394075476_da89bc2b16_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fj86my)DSC_0037 (https://flic.kr/p/fj86my) by Bryan Wyatt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/39576102@N00/), on Flickr

[Rogue]

I remember the first time I drove down, I was coming in from west Michigan. I linked up with another pair of Miatas and started the drive down. We left early in the morning, about 5am, and passed a few heavy downpours. I also had the top down as I was nearly passing a semi whose rear tire exploded on I-75. By the time we reached the exit near Knoxville, I was already pretty beat and wanted out of the car. The lead Miata knew the roads pretty well and as soon as we reached the turnout at the bottom of the Dragon, the lead car took off hell-bent for leather. So, my first drive on TotD was while I was exhausted, pounding headache and pissed because I just wanted out of the car and now I had all these corners to deal with. :) When we reached the CRoT, I found the rest of my party and those we were sharing a house with. Those 10 minutes outside the car were great. Then I had to follow them tearing through the 28 to get to our rental. Pissed again, I was given a cold beer after plopping down on the deck outside and had time to relax for a few moments. The driver on that lead car is now my wife.

So thats why, I thought you were just an ass! ;)
Good times…Sure miss them, and most of y'all.

[gapmiatas]

There's only 65 days remaining until MATG XX, and I thought I'd give you a list of the vendors who have signed up to attend this year.

- Bob Maurer Posters
- EcoTec Miata
- Fab9 Tuning
- Geri's Bazaar
- K Miata
- Palm Breeze Car Care
- Renew/Protect
- Ride Rage Powdercoating
- Superfast Miata
- The Dent Guy
- Track Minded Performance
- V8 Roadsters

They will all be set up in the Vendor's Area beside the General Store at Fontana Village. For more details, please visit the Vendor's section of the MATG Forum: www.gapmiatas.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=111

[kung fu jesus]

A little recon Intel. I was at the Fontana this past Friday through this morning.

They had some really strong storms Thursday. The roads are open, but there are still remnants of fallen trees in a lot of curves on the roads. I can tell there will be more cleanup to do, but extra caution should be taken for the debris that is laying where trees fell. The 28 from the 143 to the Fontana showed the most downed trees, but we saw downed trees in spots everywhere.

There were Ashplhund(?) tree crews and electric company line crews all over the region. I sat on the 129 next to Wheeler's last night from about 7:15-8p while a line crew repaired a broken line crossing the road. Both lanes were stopped. On Friday, they were using a pilot car to escort traffic back and forth in that area.

There is paving work underway on the Cherohala. There is one crew working spots on the NC side, about 10-15 minutes from the Snowbird, the other is on the TN side, about 10 miles from the Bald River Falls turnout. The NC side uses a pilot car to escort one side at a time.

The Dragon was open and the road was mostly clear. The storms have dropped branches and chips in some corners. Some of the heavy bikes were having problems with the debris. There is a log laying just off the road on the TN side where a small apron would be. Drive heads up more than usual. The storm that came through Friday night shook out more widow makers and took out some more power lines.

I am happy to report the switchbacks on Wayah Road are brand-spanking new! The fresh asphalt is glorious in an area that was previously a little dicey. It ends near the Macon Co. Watershed.

The rains are producing some awesome paddling conditions! We kayaked the Nanthahala and the waters were higher and swifter than normal, it was AWESOME. I know most of us go to drive the roads, but t the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers offer some of the best rafting and paddling spots this side of the Mississippi. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a treasure, and a great way to escape the heat. There are many outfitting companies in that area that can rent you the gear for all sorts of levels and experience, guided or unguided. Let me know if you need a recommendation!

[Bryan]

Looks like I'll be installing a rollbar in my car at Fontana this year :)

[kung fu jesus]

So, it is 138.2 miles from the Shell station in Robbinsville to my front door. I would estimate 50 miles of multi-lane highway @ 60+, the rest are two lane back roads. I come up through Blood Mountain, doing part of the Suches Loop, aka, the GA Dragon. The 19 is an expressway here in Atlanta then becomes a 2 lane around Dahlonega. I take that till it merges the 74, jog right, go through Murphy, then pick up where the 129 splits off at Topton and on into Robbinsville. It's a nice drive. :)

[JamieH]

I'll be there this year. I'll be staying at the Two Wheel Inn in one of the apartments (last minute reservation). Caravaning with my friend Zach and likely some other people on the way.

Looking forward to having fun and maybe seeing any of the other MR folks that will be there. Think I might actually be mindful of when the dam photo happens this time.

[Bryan]

Well, if you make the photo, I'll be the guy in the pink shirt with the umbrella, probably directing traffic.

[Unk577]

I'll be there this year. I'll be staying at the Two Wheel Inn in one of the apartments (last minute reservation). Caravaning with my friend Zach and likely some other people on the way.

Looking forward to having fun and maybe seeing any of the other MR folks that will be there. Think I might actually be mindful of when the dam photo happens this time.

We'll be staying there as well. We'll have multiple miatas, truck and trailer, and I'm hoping a Grom so we can drop some knees:slayer:

[TNRooster3]

I am planning on driving up this year with our Miata Club. Will be staying at Robbinsville.

[Demon I Am]

I'd love to, but the house buying fund says no.

[Shandelle]

There'll be a rumble coming across the mountain early Friday morning :D

[TNRooster3]

Just four more days 'til MATG. :carwash:
Can't wait to see that old Fire Breathing One!:frantic:

[Bryan]

Still need to wash the car, change the oil, and change the brake pads. Oh well.

[kung fu jesus]

Clutch slave should arrive tomorrow. Need to wash, but looking at the forecast rain is predicted.

I think I met Steve(?) from V8 Roadsters at AMP earlier this year. We had a brief conversation, but I had to cut it short because I had just spun a bearing and I was borrowing someone's rig to tow it home. Super nice gentleman, wish we could have talked longer.

[TNRooster3]

Still need to wash the car, change the oil, and change the brake pads. Oh well.

Maybe I'll run into you again this year. Be careful on the way down.

[TNRooster3]

Clutch slave should arrive tomorrow. Need to wash, but looking at the forecast rain is predicted.

Maybe we will finally get to meet each other in person.

[kung fu jesus]

I'll watch for you.

[TNRooster3]

Packing up, car is ready, will be heading east :onthego: in the morning. Hope to see you guys up there, be careful.

[kung fu jesus]

Tentatively leaving about 7am Saturday. Somebody north of me wants to follow, wants to be at the Fontana Dam for the photo. I should be in the area around 10a. I'll probably leave after dinner, unless the rain is there all day. I bring a go bag just in case.

[NCGreasemonkey]

I so want to be there so y'all can see Noir and myself. But I work this week-end. Will someone pop-a-top for us and a meeting in the near future? JFK. Come on! I want you to show me how she is in an HPDE before you 'retire'. :whistle:

[kung fu jesus]

It's a pretty easy drive for me, as I think I mentioned. It's not 4 hours of interstate like you piedmont guys have. I basically hit the mountain within an hour of leaving, then spend the next two weaving around a bit.

As for HPDEs, I usually won't drive a pupil's car unless I know it. I will drive a couple of friends' cars because I know them and help them make the repairs and modifications. It's sort of a touchy liability thing. :)

[TNRooster3]

On the way to MATG XX via back roads, broke down in Athens, TN yesterday, when I engage clutch engine dies and will not restart. Did fine at first but each time we stopped along the way noticed it was having more trouble starting until it finally died. When engine cools down it will start up and runs at cruising speed but once it warms up and you have to stop at a light or stop sign it tries to die and if it does die its hard to get started, turned around and came back home via interstate but last 20 miles was side roads with traffic lights, parked it and waited on a tow, just now got the car home 9 - 10 hours later. So once again I missed another MATG.

[kung fu jesus]

Bummer. :( Any codes?

[TNRooster3]

Don't have a code reader, garage I use was closed for the weekend, had it towed to my house, will get it to the garage 1st thing Monday morning. Guy was trying to help said he could see the crank move when I pushed in the clutch, thrust bearing failing?

[kung fu jesus]

Wow! Really? If it is that noticeable, the crank movement, I'm surprised it didn't seize.

[TNRooster3]

Wow! Really? If it is that noticeable, the crank movement, I'm surprised it didn't seize.

I called my mechanic and told him what they said and he didn't think so either, they are closed for the weekend and will look at the car Monday. I didn't sleep any Thursday nite and not much last night either worried about this, thrust bearings means engine rebuild.

[Phatmiata]

I think that Steve made some mods to that engine at Track Dog Racing. Maybe they might have some insight. Other than that not sure why it would need anything major as the miata only had like 35k miles when I sold it to Steve years ago.

[kung fu jesus]

I'm leaning towards something electronic, honestly.

[TNRooster3]

I think that Steve made some mods to that engine at Track Dog Racing. Maybe they might have some insight. Other than that not sure why it would need anything major as the miata only had like 35k miles when I sold it to Steve years ago.

Yes I had kept up with the build before I bought it, most of the engine mods were to the air intake side, swapped '99 head and intake with port work, coolant re-route, valve springs and over sized valves, fuel rail and fuel pressure reg. had to be swapped to match the '99. Also while it was pulled they did a timing belt and water pump even though it did not need one. As far as i know nothing was done to the lower half of the engine. Someone said an aftermarket clutch could cause problems, but I don't know much about it or know why it would.

[TNRooster3]

I'm leaning towards something electronic, honestly.

I really really hope so. Thx

[kung fu jesus]

No point stressing about armchair diagnostics. The car made it to where it needs to be and you are safe. Big picture. :)

FWIW, I only hung around a few hours and drove back home. I took advantage of many people being at the dam for the picture to run the dragon. I came upon an ND on the way in.

The ND is impressively quick off the line, but I gobbled it up in the corners. Sure, my NA is modified, but it's a nice measuring stick. :)

Interestingly, I think there were fewer NAs than other models.

There was also a small contingent of Integras and Slingshots(?) up there too.

[TNRooster3]

No point stressing about armchair diagnostics. The car made it to where it needs to be and you are safe. Big picture. :)

FWIW, I only hung around a few hours and drove back home. I took advantage of many people being at the dam for the picture to run the dragon. I came upon an ND on the way in.

The ND is impressively quick off the line, but I gobbled it up in the corners. Sure, my NA is modified, but it's a nice measuring stick. :)

Interestingly, I think there were fewer NAs than other models.

There was also a small contingent of Integras and Slingshots(?) up there too.

Yes my wife said it was a bad situation but could have been a lot worse, and we could have been still stuck in Athens. The NA is my favorite of the 4 generations, but to be honest I have not driven a ND as yet. Anyone know how many Miatas showed up this year?

[MiataQuest]

Yes my wife said it was a bad situation but could have been a lot worse, and we could have been still stuck in Athens. The NA is my favorite of the 4 generations, but to be honest I have not driven a ND as yet. Anyone know how many Miatas showed up this year?

I have been to Athens many times. My father-in-law lived outside of Athens before he passed away.
There are some great driving roads there. We would spend the day north of there jet skiing on Watts Bar lake.

I hope to go to MATG next year even if my car is not finished with the mods I plan. As long as it can get it all base-lined for the trip. I also need to get the existing low powered, low tech turbo system dialed in.

I will take a stab at arm chair diagnostics...
I think it is low voltage. So inline with KFJ's thinking.
So it is either bad battery connections, battery, or the alternator.
I think the reason your car starts after the motor cools is because the battery recovered a little bit over time when it is not being used.

[TNRooster3]

I have been to Athens many times. My father-in-law lived outside of Athens before he passed away.
There are some great driving roads there. We would spend the day north of there jet skiing on Watts Bar lake.

I hope to go to MATG next year even if my car is not finished with the mods I plan. As long as it can get it all base-lined for the trip. I also need to get the existing low powered, low tech turbo system dialed in.

I will take a stab at arm chair diagnostics...
I think it is low voltage. So inline with KFJ's thinking.
So it is either bad battery connections, battery, or the alternator.
I think the reason your car starts after the motor cools is because the battery recovered a little bit over time when it is not being used.

Two other couples in our group stayed with us when we broke down. First thing we did was pull the battery and swap it for a new one and checked all battery connections. Had a new starter put on it a couple of weeks ago to. Read somewhere that sometimes as a cam sensor gets old, it begins to mess up after the engines warms to normal temps and will quit sending to the computer. That is why it will not start when hot, but I would think that also would make an engine die going down the road to once it warms up?

[kung fu jesus]

Total number of Miatas, not sure. It seemed like a decent turnout.

The Fontana had vendors that were showing off their swap kits. It's the first time I have seen Miatas with K, LS, LF, Ecotec, and I think J engines all in one place.

[TNRooster3]

Wish I could have made it.

[kung fu jesus]

I still think the autumn is a better time to visit.

[TNRooster3]

I still think the autumn is a better time to visit.

One of my friends that couldn't go this year, he has an NC and knows what happened this week to us, says he wants to do a trip back up there this Fall, and I am in.......one way or another!

[TNRooster3]

Bunch of the guys we were on the way up there with are sending me a bunch of pix, I can share some here if folks want me to.

[NCGreasemonkey]

Hmm, thrust bearing you normally will hear a death squeal from before the lock.

You were on the road and this happened? Having a moment here. Is the 96's MAF a heated wire or the old-school vane MAF sensor? Heated wire type you have a critter on your wire! Quick Dry electronics cleaner from any local auto parts house and you are good. Just don't spray into the butter-fly passages.

[kung fu jesus]

Bunch of the guys we were on the way up there with are sending me a bunch of pix, I can share some here if folks want me to.

Post them up!

[TNRooster3]

Well the tow truck just now picked up the car, the Rooster is on the way to the shop. Hopefully we'll find out what the problem is later today.

[Bryan]

I missed out on a lot of Friday because I was sick. Was supposed to lead two drives and didn't do either.

Got a pink rollbar for my trouble :lol:

[TNRooster3]

Post them up!

OK here are some of the pix I was sent:

16314 Thursday morning meeting before we head out to East TN/ NC.

16315 On the road.

16316 Stop for lunch in Dunlap TN

16317 1631816319 Friday at Fontana

1632016321The K Miata folks.
1632216323 More from K Miata.

[TNRooster3]

More pix from MATG XX:

1632416325 Couple of shots of cars at Fontana.

16327 Of course there has to be a shot of the Dragon.

16328 And somebody always looses one, not one of our group, heard at least nobody got killed.

16329 Day #3 starts out, going on some runs.

163301633116332
On the road again.

16333 Some of our group ran into Cam from Ontario, he tagged along with us for a while.

[theothersawyer]

I see Kevin Bandy's car! For those of you that don't know he is doing a 7,000 mile cross country road trip in his Miata and documenting the whole thing at

www.themiataroadtrip.com (http://www.themiataroadtrip.com)
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/576ffc6bb8a79bc1087a99f7/t/57702d5e579fb31316472567/1469810364232/?format=1500w
https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13903203_10208531707704125_3122867309821376719_n.j pg?oh=e8d4648ed076e808d24ebe0e877de7f4&oe=5817D302

[kung fu jesus]

I followed this car on my way out of the area. He was wheeling it pretty well for pulling a trailer. He gave be a wave and a thumbs up when he turned off 28 and onto 143.

[Bryan]

I didn't get to see you this weekend, Steve! Doesn't help that Friday was all but lost for me.

For the record, there were at least 4 accidents involving MATG attendees this year. Two of them were not able to drive their cars home.

[theothersawyer]

I followed this car on my way out of the area. He was wheeling it pretty well for pulling a trailer. He gave be a wave and a thumbs up when he turned off 28 and onto 143.

He drives at the Jzilla events!

[kung fu jesus]

I didn't get to see you this weekend, Steve! Doesn't help that Friday was all but lost for me.

For the record, there were at least 4 accidents involving MATG attendees this year. Two of them were not able to drive their cars home.

1-2 wrecks is average. I saw more than a couple NDs that were not being handled well at all. :shrug:

I arrived when everyone was heading for the dam for the picture. I took advantage of the roads being clear during that time and arrived back to the Fontana just before they finished up. I ate lunch, went for another drive, and headed on another route towards home.

[Martin]

I see Kevin Bandy's car! For those of you that don't know he is doing a 7,000 mile cross country road trip in his Miata and documenting the whole thing at

www.themiataroadtrip.com (http://www.themiataroadtrip.com)
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/576ffc6bb8a79bc1087a99f7/t/57702d5e579fb31316472567/1469810364232/?format=1500w
https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13903203_10208531707704125_3122867309821376719_n.j pg?oh=e8d4648ed076e808d24ebe0e877de7f4&oe=5817D302
He lugs a Pepsi machine with him? :teehee:

[TNRooster3]

He lugs a Pepsi machine with him? :teehee:

I checked out his MiataRoadTrip site and he hasn't posted anything from MATG except when he first got to his motel?

[theothersawyer]

Correct. He is limited on internet/wifi, battery life, and time to edit! I'm sure we will get more updates soon! He has been posting photos on Facebook and Instagram though!

[JamieH]

Day 1:

We left around 7:30am and around 10am we stopped at an oddly nice rest stop on the way there.

http://i.imgur.com/XnS9t4O.jpg

And I took a couple of pics of the scenery on the way.

http://i.imgur.com/Q1xDdLf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jYHisNk.jpg

We got to the Two Wheel Inn and checked in around 3:30. Here's the view from the upstairs apartment.

http://i.imgur.com/fWbP9vS.jpg

After that, we decided to do a quick run up the Dragon, but we got hit by some heavy, though short, rain. It stopped by the time we got to the overlook.

http://i.imgur.com/FPpIXBA.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/GnMYXKx.jpg

We then headed to Fontana to grab some dinner. On the way we stopped at the lake for some pics.

http://i.imgur.com/7d7HJHM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3ai2hjU.jpg

While there, a fellow I met two years ago at the event pulled up.

http://i.imgur.com/QHASeBw.jpg

We originally got to talking because of us both having black NAs on silver Chaparrals. I continued to see him here and there all weekend long. He had RE-11s on his car, so I'm sure he enjoyed the roads.

Once at Fontana, I saw a Laguna Blue on silver 6ULs that I would lust after all weekend long.

http://i.imgur.com/tRyPwyA.jpg

I also saw a car that's popular over on the Miara subreddit.

http://i.imgur.com/WGRw6O2.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Yx1J0Vu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ItkLm6W.jpg

After eating we called it a night. With the roads being soaked, there wasn't much point to driving on them.

[JamieH]

Day 2:

We got up early to do the Donut Run. Was great fun and there was some fast folks. Had to stop at the large pull off at the end of the Dragon to let a good portion of the crowd on the run catch up from getting stuck behind traffic.

http://i.imgur.com/RYchEeq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UuIou1P.jpg

On the way back from the run, some of the faster folks made a stop on one of the longer pull offs on the Dragon where a bike cop was sitting.

http://i.imgur.com/6VfwEXC.webp
http://i.imgur.com/RhC2c3U.jpg

We soon left and everyone went their separate ways. I stopped at the Motorcycle Lodge and had a look around. Here's some highlights.

http://i.imgur.com/C7fL18H.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VlbXVc6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/J1aonxO.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/OKYY0U3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/hdR8Rle.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3E3vzYV.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MDlFIzX.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VwebEHA.jpg

After that, I figured I'd run down to Fontana and try to get an event shirt. Couldn't find them, but I saw this K swapped wide body NA.

http://i.imgur.com/iOWe0o0.jpg

[JamieH]

Day 3:

Two years ago I was neglectful of when the dam photo happened. This time I thought I'd check it out. I wanted to wash Betty before I got there, but just didn't have time since I slept in. So, I got there 20 minutes before 11 and there was a long line to park for the photo.

http://i.imgur.com/dh8EKlf.jpg

Once parked, I took a few pics of some Lagunas. First, a fantastic NC license plate

http://i.imgur.com/r7Alf3p.jpg

And next, that same Laguna from the first day.

http://i.imgur.com/sko5GdZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3dBeu7K.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/HoD8hK7.jpg

I also grabbed a couple pics of all the cars lined up.

http://i.imgur.com/I41W5rS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Y1UeiQa.jpg

Afterwards, I went to Fontana for the free lunch and to check out what was there.

To start. there was this mint '95 Laguna being sold with a matching HT for $7,200 (or $6,600 w/o).

http://i.imgur.com/tZ113Yv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/0xQeOSS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Mkp96Md.jpg

Parked next to it was a 5.0 swapped NA.

http://i.imgur.com/QkgkPnG.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/04q5wjt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XisRAA5.jpg

There was a lot more cool cars that I should have gotten pics of, but I was ready to head out. And on my way out, I spotted this.

http://i.imgur.com/pQaXtr9.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XLmUQDb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/GT7EKnX.jpg

R32 4 door GT. I'd already seen it elsewhere but it was on the move.

Once I left Fontana I went to killboy's shop, Tail of the Dragon for a few minutes to just chill. While there, I heard a horn and then a loud crunch.

http://i.imgur.com/T3e7sT3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TFNHFwS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lXuZ4VT.jpg

To say the owner of the ND was upset is an understatement. So, what happened? He was backed into by a truck right there in killboy's lot.

Well, once the ND was moved and things calmed down a bit, I left and made a run on the Dragon. Ended up seeing my friend parked with some of the people from the Boone area he knew sitting and watching cars. So, I hung out with them for a bit. Afterwards we went back to killboys to sit and get some water. Then a very nice and very well modded GTR pulled up right next to where we were sitting.

http://i.imgur.com/jBoVAkr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Rfkvpm3.jpg

From what I was told, it was owned and driven by the owner of Forged Performance.

I saw something that caught my attention parked over at the Motorcycle Lodge.

http://i.imgur.com/hBTHejG.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/GqfKDpL.jpg

A Laguna on blue RS-8 Wats.

I walked by over to killboy's and after a few minutes, a very clean red S14 pulled in.

http://i.imgur.com/HuZudOg.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/JTD3v2M.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZzJxdLo.jpg

And it was a wee bit not stock.

http://i.imgur.com/BDrKsB6.jpg

We then decided to head up to the overlook where we ended up watching the sun set.

http://i.imgur.com/7yfvt24.jpg

We ended up hanging out at killboy's place afterwards for a good bit. We mostly ended up helping a WRX owner we drove with on the way back from the overlook. We had to make a bodge repair to get his car driveable so he didn't have to leave it at killboy's and not need a ride back to the place he was staying. The coolant hose coming from the turbo suddenly exploded while the car sat shut off. The best guess was he didn't let it idle long enough to cool things down after driving back down. Anyways, we managed to scavenge a section of hose from an oil breather hose, and with the help of some zipties, and topping the coolant system up with some water, it held well enough to get him "home."

And that was my Saturday.

[JamieH]

Day 4:

Woke up and 1st washed the wheels on Betty. So far the GS-1 pads dust more than stock Akebono's (which is fine since they works so much better). With the wheels clean, I drove down to the self wash across the street from The Hub. Rough looking place, but it got the job of knocking the dirt mostly off done. I then quickly took her up 143 to blow dry her off. Once back at the Two Wheel Inn, I used some quick detailer to rub out any water spots left, pull up any more dirt, and wipe off whatever bug guts I could.

We then went to The Hub for lunch. Which was OK, but the cool thing was that the guys from Fab9 were there too and ended up giving us a couple of T-shirts. That was totally cool of them.

After lunch we headed over to killboy's. Got to see a BMW i8 in person.

http://i.imgur.com/0lMfy0f.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rUYMbjT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sC4UxQd.jpg

Also, a red turbo FRS.

http://i.imgur.com/Grisoki.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WyjtrXw.jpg

We then rode up to the overlook again.

http://i.imgur.com/oYetgea.jpg

For the most part Sunday was a pretty chill day. Most of the folks that were there for MATG had left or were leaving. Which means we got in some pretty good runs. We learned something very interesting and super hot about Betty. Something I hope to share once my friend gets the video edited and uploaded to youtube.

[JamieH]

Day 5:

Check out was at 10am. We soon had everything packed and ready to head home. Before doing so we went to Tapoco for lunch. Which didn't start til 11 and we were about 7 minutes early. No big deal, pretty nice to just spend time looking at the scenery.

http://i.imgur.com/5iShJ1D.jpg

So, we ended up splitting a medium pizza, it was very delicious and filling (I had bacon and pepperoni). All I can say is don't pass up eating at Tapoco. After eating we grabbed a few pics.

http://i.imgur.com/DAE7Vrg.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/CSb8aPs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/W9gQIVJ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5ewQ2g7.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/uNXuCpf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/t8x2obg.jpg

We then headed back up to killboy's shop. While there this time we grabbed a couple trinkets. The we ran up to the overlook one more time.

http://i.imgur.com/C6Zw5xk.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/crt1X7I.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/h7R80bU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pFolF4A.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xQ7WXWU.jpg

And that was my MATG weekend for 2016. Some good food, lots of great driving, lots of good fun, lots of good people and cars. Hope to do it all again next year!

[Bryan]

The Laguna you were looking at was owned by Jason Bell. He's from up near Milwaukee.

That R32 is owned by CJ. He used to have a slammed 93LE:

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7405/9399146029_464514806c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fjz5DT)DSC_0139 (https://flic.kr/p/fjz5DT) by Bryan Wyatt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/39576102@N00/), on Flickr

Also, I'm the guy in the pink shirt with the umbrella :oops:

[TNRooster3]

Shop called said they thought it was an ECU overheating, pulled the stock ECU and plugged in the Megasquirt-ECU and it starts up and running for over an hour with no issues. I never tracked the car and left the stock ECU in it and don't really know much about ECUs, but if I understand it correctly, the after market computer/ ECU is for tracking and doesn't read all the emissions sensors, so there could still be a sensor problem. Anyone run into these stock ECUs overheating?

[kung fu jesus]

Yeah, I don't like that diagnosis. If they opened the stock ECU, they could see heat damage or corrosion. If it's over-heating, it's likely from corrosion, water damage. I would probably be looking for a spare 96 ECU. I know that is a funky year for the ECU, so match the part number.

[TNRooster3]

Yeah, I don't like that diagnosis. If they opened the stock ECU, they could see heat damage or corrosion. If it's over-heating, it's likely from corrosion, water damage. I would probably be looking for a spare 96 ECU. I know that is a funky year for the ECU, so match the part number.

Just drove it back from the shop, they want me to drive it around for a few days and see what it does. Even with the Megasquirt ECU part of the time it idles normal and then the Idle is going up and down part of the time so there is something else the matter. They checked the Mass Air and the Cam sensor while they had it and they check out, they are stumped if it's not the ECU. They are really good guys, been using them for a while now, couple of them are friends of a friend, but Miatas they do not get many of. They said they didn't really fix anything and only charged me the towing bill of $40. Why is '96 a "Funky" year for the ECU?

[kung fu jesus]

Idle air control valve. The '96 was year one for OBD2, the Mazda ECUs between 96 and 97 are a little glitchy/inconsistent. I might suggest borrowing another ECU. I'm surprised there are no codes.

[TNRooster3]

Idle air control valve. The '96 was year one for OBD2, the Mazda ECUs between 96 and 97 are a little glitchy/inconsistent. I might suggest borrowing another ECU. I'm surprised there are no codes.

I pulled the stock ECU and opened it up, looks almost new inside, so that's not the problem. Idle air control valve? Any way to test it to see if it is going bad, is it something that can be cleaned? There was no check engine light during any of this, and no codes, but we did pull and replace a battery at the start of the trouble.

[TNRooster3]

Do I need to move this discussion from the MATG XX thread and take it over to my build thread?

[Bryan]

Not a horrible idea, but it's not bugging me.

[Greasemonkey2000]

Great pics Jamie, thanks for the documentation of MATG! :drinkto: Wish i could have gone.

I had no idea they made four door skyline's, that would make a AWESOME daily. :)