SS--BLOWN

Yep, it's Petrucci. Probably my favorite guitarist at this point. My message indicator is from Monty Python where Concord gets an arrow in the chest and says, "message for you, sir." MJM

WD-40 Torch? Don't you have a toilet that flushes? LOL! Michael

That is brilliant! Michael

I'll go you one better: My Ringtone Part of the solo of "Universal Mind" by Liquid Tension Experiment. Bonus points to anyone who knows this guitarist. I am an attorney and you should see the looks I get when this thing starts blasting. Michael

Steering wheel's on the wrong side. Just Kidding. Michael

Do the following TODAY: 1. Change the locks on all the doors of the house. 2. Change the garage remote setting. 3. Padlock all other open spaces (fence gate, shed door, etc.). 4. Tell your neighbors that your wife has moved out and no longer has a right to be on the property, and ask them to inform you if they see any suspicious activity. 5. Call a lawyer. Sorry to hear about all this trouble. It will pass more quickly and painlessly if you take some control over the situation. Michael

You are correct, sir. Either been wrecked or a clone, eh?

What is the make/model/size of the top one? Thanks! Michael

No question: top ones.

Congratulations on a safe arrival! The worst part is over--the flight back won't be as bad. Make the most of it and take a lot of pictures! If all else fails, give up on solid foods and just drink beer. Michael

Funny! I'll have to use one of these soon. For me, it's a tie between #5 and #6. MJM

10-4. Where are you?

I've got a monster of black 2005 SS in Charlotte for sale. If you're interested, I'd work with you on transportation. Listing: Blown SS Michael

Or you could use your drag queen name, which is your first pet's name and the street name where you grew up. I'm "Duffy Champine," and I approved this message. Seriously, what is it with being friendly? I am going to Tokyo for the first time next March, so share some stories. Sounds cool in a weird way. Michael

How many times do you need to be told "good luck" for it to count?

WOW! You ARE zippy! Thanks a lot. Any thoughts on reasonable retail price? M

Buddy of mine is considering a NEW 2005 GTO that is still on the dealer lot. For price negotiaton purposes, it might be helpful to know how long this car has been sitting around. Sticker is $34,295 (ridiculous, I know). Can't get a new-car price for an '05 online, but Edmunds.com lists "dealer retail" on a USED 2005 with 1000 miles at $26,000. On the other hand, Kelly Blue Book lists retail at $30,000. What do you guys think he should offer? As for build date, the VIN is 6G2VX12U85L377101. If someone can find it, great. If someone can direct me to how to find it, I'll run with it. Thanks! Michael

Why New Orleans would choose a guy whose name is "Rain Again" is beyond me. P.S. I wrote that myself. Please feel free to use it.

How do you make THAT drink? Please post the recipe, with pictures! Michael

Free Legal Advice (You get what you pay for): First Amendment protects opinions. If Jon thinks the spindles are junk, it's his opinion, and no one can stop him from expressing it. As stated above, a LIE is a necessary element of a slander lawsuit. Truth is a defense. So as long as you're telling the truth or expressing an opinion, a lawsuit attacking your comments would be BASELESS and FRIVOLOUS. Jon and P: are you two in the same state as this whackjob? If not, he'd need to find a way to either sue you in your state, haul you into his state court, or sue in federal court. That's a lot of work for a meritless lawsuit. If his attorneys are foolish enough to entertain this, then his reputation and his company's reputation will FLAME OUT in a heartbeat. He'd be better off spending his energy on improving his product and serving the customers that make his existence possible. Just my $0.02 Michael

P: Thanks for the sympathy. I honestly am not trying to bash anyone so much as share some info on what went wrong. When it hits the street next week it should be rock-solid (crosses fingers). As Bullwinkle would say, "this time for sure!" Michael

TCS 2800 S-3 was the culprit!

The Swizzle Inn! Have a great time and "swagger out!" Michael

So here's the update. I was pissing and moaning about the tranny not being tough enough for a blown ride, but have just learned that the real culprit was the torque converter. Not sure exactly what failed in the unit but my tranny guy tells me that the effect was like "setting off a grenade" in the transmission. Lots and lots of damage in there. Apparently this converter had absolutely NO BUSINESS being in a supercharged set up. Not here to bash the converter manufacturer but the word "garbage" was used to describe what I had in there. Very expensive garbage, it turns out. I'm out another $3200 on this rebuild, on top of the tow from Raleigh, etc., etc. I'm dropping $1000 on a Vigilante converter this time. On the plus side, when it's back on the road, it should be about as bulletproof as one of these trannies can be. Michael

I think everyone's 2000 years late on this one. Come to think of it, there WAS no 06-06-06. We didn't start measuring the calendar in A.D. terms for several hundred years. Everyone PANIC! M