XXQUICK6XX said:
I just blame the economy for this. Ever since 9/11 the event took a turn down but I will always try and support as many as I can get to between work, family, And time frame. Not to mention the overinflated price of gas. I still say it is ruining the economy.
Steve
I gotta disagree with ya there Steve. Other events are booming (non buick events). The TR has lost alot of its appeal these past few years as the turbo technology has become popular with the V8 crowd. Not to mention the lack of parts available and the difficulty finding a nice TR for a reasonable price. Why would a enthusiast buy and work on a TR when an LS1 or V8 mustang is cheaper, newer (financing requirements), and has more potential power wise? Theres a bigger aftermarket, parts are still available at the dealer, and the online support is MUCH better. Theres also alot more shops who specialize in the mustang/F body/Corvette.
Theres also going to be a naturally decreasing number of TR's on the road every year. Aside from the very few that get restored every year, there are a bunch that get parted, wrecked, stolen, junked, or just plain retired to the barn.
I jumped ship on the buick stuff because despite my best efforts I couldn't get mine to go fast. Every shop that touched it messed it up worse. I have no problem admitting I needed more tuning experience but when theres no one around to help when you're stuck, what do you do? Not to mention I spent an insane amount of money on a car that might go mid 10's at best. Not much return on the investment in my book. The LS1 is a better engine, has a huge (and growing) aftermarket, has shops dedicated to building them, and is cheaper. The power potential is much greater, and you don't have to spend a trillion dollars finding a stage 2 block to go faster. My block is $600 new, you can get them cheaper used.
I enjoyed the buick events, even if I got ass raped buying tickets to go WATCH the nationals in BG.