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Builds Big Red Toy
- Thread starter The Phoenician
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #1,562
J, I met this 10# guy in Boston a few weekends ago. For $150 i could have had him for lunch. Of course if i had that kind of money i would have released him. Sorry for the pic quality, it really doesn't do justice to his size. Check out his claw.
In other news, been up for several hours getting the smoker going.
In other news, been up for several hours getting the smoker going.
- Joined
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FUN FUN!
The Luxor Steakhouse in Vegas once upon a time had a 25# lobster in their tank.. MONSTER! Not sure if its true or not, but they say after 4# the meat starts to get too tough and briny.
We go for the 1.5-2.5# range usually.
So, where the meat PORN? I'm up and hungry, need a snack before heading to the shop...
J
The Luxor Steakhouse in Vegas once upon a time had a 25# lobster in their tank.. MONSTER! Not sure if its true or not, but they say after 4# the meat starts to get too tough and briny.
We go for the 1.5-2.5# range usually.
So, where the meat PORN? I'm up and hungry, need a snack before heading to the shop...
J
- Thread starter
- #1,564
Been drinking since 9am. I didn't take any meat porn pics that I'm aware of, but I'm sure someone in the family has. I'll post up if I track it down. I'm gonna go lay down for a bit 
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- Thread starter
- #1,565
Took the 
to Enchanted Rock as part of a trial run to see how Big Red will handle the trip to Big Bend. The temperature was in the 40s with some rain along the way. Luckily it stopped raining by the time we got there. Spent the rest of the day hiking and enjoying the scenery. On the way there and back the EGTs were between 850 and 1100 on uphill climbs, but it kept it's momentum at around 65 to 70 depending on which side of the hill we were on. The trip itself was about 2 hours long and was quite enjoyable. We did some cave exploration, climbed a few summits and went down to the river bed. Heard some coyotes nearby though we couldn't spot them.Took over 100 pictures but I'll limit myself to the ones that matter to this forum. If you visit Texas, make sure to pass by this place, the drive alone with worth it.
I know you can't tell, but Big Red had to climb the back side of where the sign was so we could take this pic. Everyone else was posing on teh front side of the sign.
Found a good parking spot, as the rain stopped.
Made it to the top. Was quite happy considering a year ago I was relearning to walk without a limp.
Found the love cactus. Made a remark about this being the best place for a wedding. Guess who wants a wedding at enchanted rock?
This is one of the landmarks on the way there.
On the way back the EGTs were pretty much the same if not lower. It was also colder with no rain. I think next time I head out that way I might take Diesel my dog with me.
EDIT: forgot to mention how the tires handled. Though it was raining, it wasn't a strong storm and so far the tires are great. Much stiffer than the MTs they replaced, gives the suspension a sportier feel. I won't really know until I wheel them.
to Enchanted Rock as part of a trial run to see how Big Red will handle the trip to Big Bend. The temperature was in the 40s with some rain along the way. Luckily it stopped raining by the time we got there. Spent the rest of the day hiking and enjoying the scenery. On the way there and back the EGTs were between 850 and 1100 on uphill climbs, but it kept it's momentum at around 65 to 70 depending on which side of the hill we were on. The trip itself was about 2 hours long and was quite enjoyable. We did some cave exploration, climbed a few summits and went down to the river bed. Heard some coyotes nearby though we couldn't spot them.Took over 100 pictures but I'll limit myself to the ones that matter to this forum. If you visit Texas, make sure to pass by this place, the drive alone with worth it.I know you can't tell, but Big Red had to climb the back side of where the sign was so we could take this pic. Everyone else was posing on teh front side of the sign.
Found a good parking spot, as the rain stopped.
Made it to the top. Was quite happy considering a year ago I was relearning to walk without a limp.
Found the love cactus. Made a remark about this being the best place for a wedding. Guess who wants a wedding at enchanted rock?
This is one of the landmarks on the way there.
On the way back the EGTs were pretty much the same if not lower. It was also colder with no rain. I think next time I head out that way I might take Diesel my dog with me.
EDIT: forgot to mention how the tires handled. Though it was raining, it wasn't a strong storm and so far the tires are great. Much stiffer than the MTs they replaced, gives the suspension a sportier feel. I won't really know until I wheel them.
Last edited:
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I love those old historic courthouses etc.. This spring we are going to make it a point to hit all the old ghost towns in western WY..
J
J
- Thread starter
- #1,567
On the way back that courthouse and all the trees were lit. It looked really nice. You can see it for miles as you're heading back into town from the hills.
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That's cool. Sounds like your EGTs are good. Should make the Bend trip much more desirable.
J
J
- Thread starter
- #1,569
Yeah I'm looking forward to it. I've never been and I've been looking for an excuse to use the rooftop tent. I ordered the ladder extension a few days ago and I'm looking at which CB radio to get. I'm also curious to see what mpg the 4BT can give me with 6000+ LBS. I'm still surprised that a 4 cylinder engine can move such a heavy load with relative ease.
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A turbo is a WONDERFUL THING!
J
J
- Thread starter
- #1,571
Every Rubicon that sees me driving suddenly wants to race. Someone should tell those guys that's not what those rigs are built for.
In other news, i plugged in the engine heater for the first time this year.
In other news, i plugged in the engine heater for the first time this year.
maat
yeah nah maybe
Those poor little fellas. I believe its got something to do with small penis syndrome and having to feel like a big man.
I haven't used mine yet since installing. Did it help any? I always plug the 7.3 and CRD in when it gets before freezing resulting in an easier start.
- Thread starter
- #1,574
When you plug it in you can hear the element start. It won't show anything on the temperature gauge in the morning and it started just like any other day, so yea i think it helps. It's mostly to keep the coolant from freezing. Whenever I use it i usually find a drop or two of coolant in the driveway.
The use of a block heater is not to keep the coolant from freezing. The reason why we use coolant instead of water in our cooling system, among other benefits, is to prevent freezing.
The block heater keeps the block warm so that the motor is easier to start. Remember that diesel motors need pressure and heat to start? Starting is therefore difficult when it's very cold outside.
I've used mine in cold weather and it does make a difference. When I don't use it in low temps the engine will start but stubble for a short time while idling until heat starts building. I usually just increase the rpm up to 900 to 1100 with my foot during that time to help warm it up (I don't rev it). It will smoke white more during the warm up. I found when running barely enough battery that the cold temps are hard on those batteries and they struggle to turn over the engine. With the block heater plugged in and warmed up it was easier for the weaker batteries to get the engine started. Now with my current batteries (more CCA's) even when it's cold I don't have a problem spinning over the engine and getting the engine started.
How's your drivability now since you swapped your gears? Also looking forward to seeing how your tires handle out in Big Bend. That combo may be my next set.
- Thread starter
- #1,578
Johnny thanks for setting it straight. I assumed was for the coolant because you can feel the hose get warm. I've also never used coolant until moving to the states 
Btw do you still have the grid heater (whatever Cummins uses instead of glow plugs) on yours? I took mine out during the swap.
Btw do you still have the grid heater (whatever Cummins uses instead of glow plugs) on yours? I took mine out during the swap.
- Thread starter
- #1,579
Highway drivability is way better. The engine revs lower and you get faster speeds and lower EGTs. I had to relearn when to shift to find the sweet spot. I haven't wheeled it since regearing so I'm not sure how it's gonna be off road yet.
My CPL858 didn't come with a grid heater and I never felt the need to install one. I only plug my truck in when it's below 20* or so at night. She usually takes less than a crank to start, and when it's close to freezing then maybe 3 or 4 cranks, without plugging in.
