Well, isnt this a fine kettle of fish? :rofl: Hol-ee shit did this explode.
First off, thanks to those members who understood my post and the point I was trying to get across. None of it was an insult, it was simply the truth. As James said, I will not sugar-coat my thoughts or opinions. If they make someone feel guilty or angry, oh well.
O/P, Im not going to sit here and justify myself or my opinion to you. If you want everyone to kiss your butt, then go join another forum, 'cause this aint that.
As for the insults I got b/c of that post, "sticks and stones" right? Its the internet. Oh well.
FYI o/p , for the past 30 years Ive worked 50-60 hour weeks to provide my family a good home, raise two children, put both of them thru college and hopefully be able to enjoy the fruits of my labors in retirement in a few years. I would not and will not ever jeopardize any of our futures by spending too much building my truck, like so many members here and throughout the country have. As I said, just look in the Sale section and you'll understand what I mean. My truck (and my half ton) are a HOBBY, and I spend my time and money on them as I am able. Be on a budget and use your head. Buy your parts used. Do your own work.
As for "sponsors"....the more I thought about it, the more I realized I actually did get "sponsored" by some businesses during my quest to run low-12s in my truck back in 2009/10.
Eric Merchant at Merchant Auto did a LOT of work for and with me over the years. I guess he figured that me helping him at his shop and always saying positive things about my experiences with him was worth that.
Secondly, Nick @ DT wrote the "12.40" tune for me for a decent price, and I believe I repaid his kindness with the positive thread about that tune after I ran the number, and the business he got from that tune.
Thirdly, Rick @ Profab gave me a real good deal on my turbo mouthpiece, with the caveat that I help him with the install directions. I think he is still using them.
Fourth, Mark @ Danville did dyno testing and tuning on my truck for almost three hours one day, and cut me a hell of a deal. He wanted to see my truck run the number as much as I did, and was mystified as to how the hell I was doing it.
Fifth, this forum "sponsored" me during that time with their help and tips...all of which helped me reach the goals I set.
There MUST be a give-and-take when it comes to wanting "help" from others. You have to be willing to help others first, or have some skill/idea that can help them. You dont just go asking....
I never went looking for help, the help found me. Most of that was b/c of the relationships I had cultivated thru DP and DD, and also b/c some people wanted to help me reach my goal. (I think I still have the fastest stock turbo crew cab?) Plus, you had better show some sort of improvement as you go, and document everything and give credit where it is due. I always do that. But to all the people I listed above, and all the guys/gals here who helped me over the years, I cannot thank all of you enough. I am honored to be able to call you all friends.
As Pat used to say, "This forum has the fastest average MPH and ET" and "This forum has some of the smartest people in the industry". IMO, you should sit back, do a lot of reading, and learn before anything else. Going fast and getting noticed is a hell of a lot more than just throwing parts at your truck.
I'm going to finish off my Widowmaker Black Ale and then go get another one out of the fridge now. Enjoy your weekend, everyone. Tip your waitstaff.