AWD meets.... interesting

So I attended a meet recently that was set up by some guys from NASIOC (Subaru thing basically). Needless to say, there was a large turnout for such a spur of the moment planning. But, I noticed that many of the cars that showed up were not WRXs, STis, Outbacks, etc.... but there were a lot of other manufacturer AWD vehicles there. No bitterness (except the occasional RSX owner who would troll by and scream out crap.... RSX owners were apparently never hugged by their daddies) and it was actually quite interesting hearing just how damned much an EVO, STi, and yes, even an SRT, have in common. Basically, even though it was a Subaru meet, any AWD could come, and many others that did, werent even AWD, heh. It was simply fun. I told them I was gonna bring my VX next time. They had NO CLUE what that was, believe it or not. One older fellow there (with an SRT) knew about the VX, but said he hadnt seen one in years, haha. It should be a treat for them.

If you get a chance to do an AWD meet, check it out. There is a lot of cockiness from the cats who are teens to mid 20's, but thats to be expected with any ride. Good times though. I will start to post any planned AWD meets that I hear about here if there is any interest.

From hosting a couple years worth of rallycrosses at my place I found the Subaru crowd to be much like this group, a diverse cross-section of pretty decent folk. We usually got a good spread of rally enthusiasts of course with a mix of other makes as well, and it was always a surprising ego boost to be able to impress 'em with the VX on the course. The last event I ran the Dragon in found me within a few hundredths of a second from the two leading drivers, both in Subarus. Not bad for a 4000+ lb. full-framed truck!

You'll have a great time taking the VX to the next meet to be sure. Get some pics and share! :)

I'm still a NASIOC member -even though I've been a Subaru driver, I'd say that 10% of members have never even owned one. It's a very diverse group to be sure.
I post over there occasionally.

My one complaint with NASIOC, and Subaru "enthusiasts" in general though, is the one-upmanship factor.
"I'm a better driver/tuner/mechanic..."
"My car turns 12s/11s/10s..."
It just gets old -everyone has something to prove, and despite a lack of technical savvy, many continue to throw money and parts at their cars in hopes of making them 500hp monsters.
It's not unlike a Jeep club in many respects.

You will rarely hear a NASIOCer ask for help with basic tasks, for fear that the "senior" members will crucify them for being "ignorant".

"search noob" is the typical response :p I'm on there also, but only in "Teh OT".

You will rarely hear a NASIOCer ask for help with basic tasks, for fear that the "senior" members will crucify them for being "ignorant".

Ya, I have seen some members pull rank and start getting obnoxious with people who ask very simple questions. In their defense, and I notice this a LOT now, people are not using the SEARCH tool to find a thread with the answer, and that REALLY can play on one's patience when reading a forum, heh.

I was actually afraid to ask much about going to Stage2 and other inquiries about turbobacks and downpipes, and bladdidy blah blah. A few weeks of personal research, phone calls to Cobb and such.... I probably know more than them now, heh.

However, I had a serious question about wheel size vs offest vs lowering vs tire size that was quite complicated. I did my research, posted my question WITH the research I did and nobody blew up, and I got my answer. Question on forums used in the proper manner, hahaha. God.... I wish people would do that on my work forum.... *sigh*.

Our fine little VX forum.... unmatchable. :cool:

You are right though mbeach, many members either are "looking to buy" or "driving an EVO, RSX, or SRT". All members aside though, I just know that the few cats that I was able to meet locally were down right cool. I am gonna attend another meet next Thursday evening. I miss the whole meet thing.... only had a few of them around here for the VXs and I always found them fun and informative, cause someone always something more than you. ;)

At a personal level, the VX forum really is head and shoulders above most others.
Only a couple of Nissan forums even come close -I think that it has to do with the age of the enthusiast's cars. With the exception of the new Z, Nissan hasn't made an attainable performance car since 1999. Most big Nissan fans own cars that are more than 10 years old. They're not out there looking for the latest and most-expensive toy. I think that it just makes them more down to earth.

As for NASIOC, I'm a "Scooby Specialist" with a reasonably early membership date -however, since OT posts count, there are many clueless "specialists" out there -beware of some of their advice. If your post count didn't come from Tech than it doesn't matter.

Auctually OT post dont count now days. Don't know if they ever did. I only have "22" and they made a limit of atleast 10 non OT posts before you can post links.

Hilarity usually ensues in OT when a noob asks how to post a link and every one berates him with "OT post's count doulbe on thursdays" :p

Aye, I hear ya there. I am generally a lurker there. My plan is to learn from "other's" mistakes, and so far it's paid off quite well, quite fast. If anything, I usually just post in the local area threads. It seems, if you do have some questions, people local to you are more willing to help instead of flaming you.... probably because they are sure you will run into them eventually and be in a position to thank them with a right hook. ;)

Looks like I am gonna have to actually contact Cobb or TireRack about something though. Nobody on the boards appears to know the answer (or I am being told to do it and learn by trial and error, haha). Drove the VX in to work today since my WRX wheel/tire setup is being UPS delivered today. 18x7.5 Motegi Track wheels with 225/40YR-18 Yokohama AVS Sport tires. Thinking of getting the Cobb springs afterwards, but unsure of the drop on the larger wheel. The research shall begin today. I want to get this all done so I can get the VX in the shop for the blower install. Baby syeps and one thing at a time.... *sigh*