Underbody inspections, doc says 'A-OK'

So I don't have any more videos today, but I do have a more in-depth look under the skin of Carmen, aka Ultimate 8v, aka, our newest project. Driving a car around a parking lot and having it feel 'solid' is one thing, but putting her up in the air and getting a good look at the condition of the unibody and floorboards is the only real way to know whether its rotten or golden.

Any car which has lived its life in the general Mid-Atlantic area has probably seen its fair share of poor weather and as such, probably is hiding some deep dark secrets. Rust. Every car I've owned has had some, and I figured this Corrado would be no different.

...and how nice it is to be wrong! Sure, there is some wear and tear. It's nearly 20 years old and it's not all that surprising for the undercarriage to show signs of being put on and off of lifts, and the banged up rocker panels so often seen when an emergency tire change is needed. But otherwise? Nothing much! I can honestly say this is the nicest car I have ever owned in terms of the actual condition of the car. This one my friends, is a keeper.

One thing I'm not sure about keeping, on this car anyways, are the MSW Type 55C wheels. MSW wheels were made by O.Z. Racing, and much like the old Fittipaldi wheels, were marketed as O.Z. wheels in Europe. Why they felt the need to re-name certain designs for the USA market I'll never understand. Don't get me wrong, I love the 55C and won't sell them, but I'm not 100% sold on the Corrado. I really want to get this car 'period correct' in terms of aesthetics, and I don't know if the big 17" 6-spokers suit the car.

They also rub the hell out of the inner fender area at full lock. Any thoughts? I'm partial to a Zender turbo or something similar if anyone has any they'd like to get rid of.

Another throw-back item are the DTM tips. I love em, and since not every single car is sporting them these days they are unique these days. The eagle-eyed among you may notice the 2.25" Techtonics stainless steel exhaust to which they are attached. Quality parts all over this car, and I haven't even detailed what's done to the engine yet. I keep pinching myself to make sure I didn't dream this thing up!

By the way, we did a little freshing up while we had Carmen in the air. Oil was swapped out for some of finest 5-40 synth that Total (Elf) has to offer with a MANN oil filter, and a MANN fuel filter replaced the Fram which was on the car. MANN filter, made in China. Indeed.

Oddly enough the side skirts and rear diffuser are starting to grow on me from the back angle here, from the front however, I just can't get down with the RS4 styled bumper. But like I said, looks will come second, getting the mechanicals finished up and reliable remains the priority.


_WRS