Xviper's profile

[repiv]

As per the following request:
Grandkids, eh? That's funny... for some reason, I thought you were around 40, but I guess you're probably a little older than that (although not necessarily :) ). If you don't mind, could you post a little something about yourself (in a different thread, so as not to hijack this one ;) ). Having never met you, I'm just curious what kind of person the S2K guru is in real life. :)

PS: I guess this is kind of an odd request; if you don't feel comfortable posting all kinds of info about yourself on the web, no prob :thumbup:
I would not have done this on the "other" forum, but here, I feel comfortable enough to oblige.

My real name is Dave. I came up with "xviper" because that was my last sports car ('94 Viper). I have 2 children (37 and 27). Both are married and my 37 yr. old son has 4 children. I'm a 57 year old Asian who grew up in Calgary from the time I was 2 years old.
I developed a keen interest in cars, motorcycles and aircraft from when I was a teen but could only indulge in the first 2. Being somewhat handicapped with a lack of money, I began to "wrench" on cars from the time I was 17 years old and have done so with all 34 vehicles I have owned to date. I have been blessed with owning some very interesting automobiles and motorcycles in my life and coming from a background of a "shadetree mechanic", I continued this trend even though I could have afforded sending them to the dealers. Along the way, I've learned how things work both from reading and from doing, sometimes learning from my own mistakes.
As a side note, you can click on the link in my sig to see the stuff I've done to my S2000.

I have a B.Sc. in mathematics but my love has always been in the biological and medical sciences. I worked for 20 years in medical research in the discipline of Pharmacology (high blood pressure drug research). My wife (2nd time around) of 28 years is also in medical research (biochemical genetics). When my employer retired, I became a firefighter in the Calgary Dept., where I've been for the past 15 years. My research job had no pension and it was this reason alone that I do what I do now. No regrets. It has been a wonderful career, filled with excitement and adventure. I'll be retiring in a couple of years from this job, but I'll continue to work part time to fill my time and provide me with a means to keep up with my car interests. I hope I can keep the S2000 as my retirement toy and continue to tinker with it to keep it running well.

I've been known to bend over backwards to help any and all car enthusiasts, strangers and friends alike. There was a time when I was fielding up to 100 PM's and emails a week from people asking for my help and opinion. I have even conducted lengthy long distance phone conversations with those who just had to get something answered immediately. I've done many maintenance items for S2000 owners I've met in my area and continue to do so. I guess I have found great satisfaction in helping others both in my job and in my own time. However, in my advancing age and from having witnessed some of the more unpleasant sides of human society in my work, my generosity both in real life and on the internet stops very quickly when someone shows they don't deserve it. I no longer have patience for those who display social ineptitude and the inability to relate to others in a pleasant, competent and responsible manner.

[s2keepup]

Thanks for posting this dave! I have to admit i didnt think u were NEARLY old enough to have a 37yr old son and 4 grandkids!

We appreciate all your input and incredible knowledge :thumbsup:

[Elroy]

Repiv - Dave,

It's was a pleasure reading this post and learning "more" of your skills and talents. If you don't mind, I would like to save this quote (i) and add it so of my favorites such as (ii) whereas these are quotes that I do believe in or have relevance to my life.

i "I no longer have patience for those who display social ineptitude and the inability to relate to others in a pleasant, competent and responsible manner."
- Revip

ii "The only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is for Good Men to do nothing... "
- Edmund Burke

J - Joseph

[Jesuis]

Cool, thanks for the bio, and thanks for all your help! :)

[kwando]

great for you to share your bio... i know that your write ups have helped me many times...

[ralper]

I've have had the pleasure of knowing Dave for a long time. He is far too modest. I have never met anyone so willing to share his skill and knowledge with others just for the satisfaction of knowing that he helped.

We are very fortunate that he is part of our community.

[raymo19]

We are very fortunate that he is part of our community.

I concur Rob! Well said.:rockon:

[Len44]

Hey Dave

Thanks so much for posting the bio-sketch. I have learned so much from reading your posts. Always succinct and clear.

Thanks for your generosity in willing to help so many of us. Your insights are extremely valued. Please keep on keeping on.

Thanks again!

Len

[C G]

I no longer have patience for those who display social ineptitude and the inability to relate to others in a pleasant, competent and responsible manner.

I love that!

Dave, thanks for posting the bio. This fills in a number of questions I never would have thought to ask. In fact, I've seen a lot of it before in piecemeal and I've wondered it I even remembered it correctly. It truly is nice to know you a little better.

[batguano]

Dave is indeed one of the good guys. Thanks for all your helpful input. From one vintage to another, salute.

[karwath]

So the guy in your avatar isn't you?! :D

Seriously, thanks for sharing some personal information. I appreciate all of the technical and DYI stuff you have shared with the entire S2000 community. Personally, I find it helpful, and it makes the S2000 owning experience more enjoyable..

:thumbup:

[repiv]

So the guy in your avatar isn't you?! :D

I guess the cat's out of the bag. :D My avatar pic was sent to me in an email gag attachment. It was a PowerPoint presentation that was a phony ad for a Sony internet camera. In the end, that was what everyone looked like when the picture was developed. My wife saw it and said it had the same goofy expression I put on when asked to smile for photographs. I started using it ever since.

[SondraS2k]

:handshake: Nice to get to know you better, Dave! You're one of my fellow old schoolers (I'd say you and I are some of the oldest alumni here, maybe the only ones who still remember the days at honda--acura.net!) that I'm truly glad have stuck around and made S2KCA your home. It's been a real pleasure to see folks like you come around and see the vision that Greg, Brad, and I had when we created this club.

You're also proof that chronological age doesn't have to equate to old. Your eldest child is a year older than I am, and I *never* would have thought that you were old enough to be one of my parents. In short, you're cool, and you transcend age. You rock :D

Thank you again for all that you give to the S2000 community. It's people like you and the giving, sharing spirit that keeps me here and makes my car more of a gateway to a better life than just a piece of machinery.

[Looter]

:rolleyes: Dave.....What a great post...Someday, I hope to meet you at one of our events....You have been a mechanical aspiration of mine, with this car for the 4 years that I have owned mine....I would have "NEVER" attempted some of the things that I have done, if it weren't for your posts...from you know where....and now on here...!!!:thumbup: S2KCA....is blessed with having you over here..... Thanks, for being part of this great site......:bow:

[s2k 4 me]

Nice to know more about you Dave, next time we go though Calgary we'll have to meet up. My wifes family is split between Calgary and Edmonton. We should do this on a monthly basis for 1 member who is willing. :thumbsup:.....................

[s2kmark]

Dave,

I have missed you on the "other " forum. Thankfully, I have found you here. You have always been a wealth of knowledge.

Mark

[MtnHome]

Well, that explains everything, from the extended vocabulary to the encyclopediac knowledge of cars (beyond the S), to the curmudgeonly attitude about snotty punks with attitudes.

And I thought it was just a good dictionary and other reference works, along with a dose of common sense.:poke:

Do us all a favor, please, and don't fall so in love with your Fit that you abandon the S, and us. :D HPH

[repiv]

Nice to know more about you Dave, next time we go though Calgary we'll have to meet up. My wifes family is split between Calgary and Edmonton. We should do this on a monthly basis for 1 member who is willing. :thumbsup:.....................

When you come this way, shoot me a PM and if the Bow River don't rise and the Chinook stays under hurricane strength, we'll meet up and hoist a drink or 2 (and it doesn't have to be alcoholic, either).

[repiv]

Do us all a favor, please, and don't fall so in love with your Fit that you abandon the S, and us. :D HPH

Not much chance of that. The Fit is my wife's. I get to drive it when the fuel tank's empty. She won't even let me put an intake on it.

[EODS2000]

Just wanted to say thanks. Your write-ups have filled countless hours for me here in Korea. Your friendly, helpful attitude was the major deciding factoring for me joining the club. This club is full of so many friendly and helpful people. I can't wait to get home.

[Wanderer]

Let me add my thanks and appreciation to that of the rest of our community that have posted. Your technical expertise is always greatly appreciated. I look forward to the time when we can meet in person and hoist one or two, and of course, talk cars!

[C G]

:handshake: maybe the only ones who still remember the days at honda--acura.net!) .

I remember those days too...:crazy:

[Chris S]

Dave, thanks for posting - it's great to learn more about you. We're all very lucky to have you here sharing your wealth of knowledge, and greatly appreciate your contributions!

[s2k 4 me]

When you come this way, shoot me a PM and if the Bow River don't rise and the Chinook stays under hurricane strength, we'll meet up and hoist a drink or 2 (and it doesn't have to be alcoholic, either).

Sounds good, its lookin like we wont be up there this summer due to the Grand Canyon trip and S2kdays.............But lookin like next June her brothers gettin married so we'll may drive the S up for that.

[JonBoy]

Dave, I think you need to meet my Dad. He's built or worked on just about everything, from diesels to racecars, and he's only a few years younger than you (54). No formal training whatsoever on cars - he's a well site superintendant during the day. He lives in Lethbridge, so he's not too far away. He's currently working on a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (swapping parts from the one I wrecked to the replacement I found for him) and an SCCA and PCA Porsche 944 racecar with a 968 motor in it. :thumbup: I'll bet he'd love to pick your brain sometime...

[repiv]

He lives in Lethbridge...
Windy city. :tumble: A 944 Turbo was one of my favourite cars of the day. Was a mean machine. Could do 170 mph. Never could afford it.

[bimdub]

I love you Dave!.......and I know all about the fielding of stuff....I tend to do this on smog realted wuestions on the BMW 320 forum thatI am a member of....although lately it has gotten easier....as they tend to search a lot more!

[hamrhd]

Hey Dave. Nice to know more about you. You and a few others remember pulling your engine out of the car with a big horizantal tree branch and a come along. I started building my own engines, moding my intake (three twos or two fours) when I was still a teenager. Continued to do that until guys with no knowledge went out and bought GTO'S and Hemis that could blow by me with (god forbid) automatics. Sort of took away the whole reason for building hot rods when you friends dad's car could blow your doors off. Thats what got me into sports cars where more power wasn't always faster. I have done what you do with my circle of friends and still take pride and joy in figuring out whats wrong and fixing it. As the youngens say "you rock" Keep it up. It gives your life more meaning and happiness when you help other people and don't accept payment. Doug

[uwimage]

Hey Dave! Thanks for the bio!

I can't tell you how happy I am (and I'm sure everyone here) that you found this site! I really love it here for a lot of the reasons you listed...it's really just a non-profit car club for friends. If you're ever down Texas' way let us know...we'll throw a good old Texas BBQ for you! (I go to Ottawa every year or so to visit my sister, brother-in-law and nephews but it's too cold ;))

Take care...and know you are always welcome here!

-Thomas

[rockfish]

Dave - Thanks for the bio and your contribution to the S2k society

[darkearth]

Dave,

I have missed you on the "other " forum. Thankfully, I have found you here. You have always been a wealth of knowledge.

Mark

what he said^^ one of the nicest guys on earth!! He had helped me in out person (twice) even though he had no reason to and i learned alot. Thanks for helping me out with everything:thumbup:

[Java]

You mean that is not your real picture as your avatar? I am sooo surprised. LOL

Thanks for the write up.

[tmarshall]

Thanks for sharing. I think it says a lot about you, that you're willing to share, as well as a lot about this club and site providing an environment where you feel comfortable to do it. Thanks again.

[Jacques79]

57! I thought you were like 30!

Have you ever thought about selling your S2000 and buying something else?

[repiv]

57! I thought you were like 30!

Have you ever thought about selling your S2000 and buying something else?

I get the "itch" from time to time but in the final analysis, there's really nothing out there that will give me what I want and need that can meet or surpass the S2000 in qualifications.

[equinoxiq]

and considering the cars that you've owned in the past that is definitely saying a lot

[Jerome]

Dave, Thanks for posting your bio. It is nice to know you better! With all the great complements already posted above (which I agree with), it is difficult to come up with something original to say in the way of thanks for helping me, my S, and the S2000 community.
I did not enter the Honda S2000 world until July 2004 when I bought a used 2002 S with 11,800 miles. I was not even in the market for a second car, but a longtime friend induced me to take a test drive in what ended up that day as being my '02 S2000. I was car crazy even in Junior High School (my folks drove Packards). But it was not until I received my High School graduation gift of a new 1955 Chevy Bel Air that I really started learning how to work on my own cars. In 1959 I discovered sports cars (same friend had a Jag XK120) and how well they handled compared to the 1958 (Paxton Supercharged) Pontiac Star Chief hardtop I had at the time. The '58 Pontiac was soon traded even for a '58 Corvette (270 hp) with a 4.11:1 positraction rearend. Drag racing was the name of the game for me then. By 1961, I had started racing Corvettes in SCCA B/Production (won outstanding novice); then bought a new competition '62 Vette and race it in 1962 (won about half of the races). In 1963, I bought another new competition Sting Ray Vette and won the 1963 SCCA SW A/P Divisional Championship. During that 1963 race year, I raced against a C. Shelby AC Cobra four times. The Cobra had about the same horsepower as my '63 Vette, but it was 800 lbs lighter and spec'ed wider tires. I won the first two races against the Cobra only because he spun out in the first race and broke a tie-rod in the second race. In both those races (we started from a dead stop on a grid) I beat the Cobra to the first corner. He followed me for around four laps then went by me so fast on the straight that I looked at my tach to see if my engine had quit! The next race weekend the Cobra showed up again, but he did not break anything and did not spin out. At the end of the feature race he had the length of the straightaway on me, and we had lapped the entire field. I knew then that the Corvettes were no longer competitive in SCCA A/Production class. Since I could not afford to purchase a racing Cobra ($10,000 in 1963) that was no good as a daily driver, I quit SCCA racing. My last Corvette was a 1967 Coupe (400 hp) which I never raced (wish I had kept that one!). I had a series of hot cars including my suped-up 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 w/30, all of which I did most of my own mechanic work on. When the 1971 smog standards greatly reduced the horsepower of all the new cars, I lost interest on working on or improving performance of my subsequent cars. At my age of 71 years, I am still not interested in doing most mechanic work, but want to ensure that the work is done correctly. That is until the Honda S2000 came into my life. Here I go again.... just like that teenager hopping up that little '55 Chevy over five decades ago.
I can certainly relate to your wish not to sell your S2000. Mine is not for sale either! I too hope to have the pleasure of meeting you in person.

Thanks Dave!!

Jerome
NW Arkansas
Black Stealth S2000

[repiv]

Jerome, you most certainly have a very colorful automotive background. My hats off to you and may you continue in this love interest for many long years to come.

[C G]

Jerome,

Not to hijack this thread but you really need to post much of what you said here in the Racing Resume (http://forums.s2kca.com/showthread.php?t=951&highlight=racing+resume) thread. BTW, the first car I tracked was a 64 Vette.

[whitemike711]

repiv you are the man

[photodavo]

Jerome,

Not to hijack this thread but you really need to post much of what you said here in the Racing Resume (http://forums.s2kca.com/showthread.php?t=951&highlight=racing+resume) thread. BTW, the first car I tracked was a 64 Vette.

Ditto that - Jerome, you might want to post a soft copy of what you gave me at S2KDays in Texas. :) Thread jack complete.

[dlq04]

Dave, thanks for sharing your past. It's always nice to know fellow members better through the exchanging of information and experiences in the S2000 community. It’s a diverse group ranging from owner’s who seem to have no appreciation for what a technological marvel this car is, to owners such as yourself who have added to my appreciation of this wonderful car we share. :thumbup:

[mlc]

The best compliment I can give is anytime I am reading about someone having a problem I always read there issue and then just scroll down until I see those big a$$ checks to see what you have to say on whatever it is. Then I go back to the top and see what everyone else has to say.

It's just easier to get the correct info first!!

Thanks for all of the good information. It definitely makes owning this car more fun.

mlc

[dlq04]

mic, I think you ment to say you check for big a$$ cheeks. :)

[Jerome]

Dave and others, Sorry that I got off track. It won't happen again.

Jerome
NW Arkansas

[CMan]

Dave and others, Sorry that I got off track. It won't happen again.

Jerome
NW Arkansas

I don't think they minded Jerome. I enjoyed reading about your racing exploits and would love to see you post some more about them.

[medicalstudent]

Dave and others, Sorry that I got off track. It won't happen again.

Jerome
NW Arkansas

I agree with CMan. Loved your racing stories and your original SCCA card. Nice to meet you in person (Curt's shop in Houston).

[repiv]

Dave and others, Sorry that I got off track. It won't happen again.

Jerome
NW Arkansas

With as much life experience as you and I have, it's our privilege. ;)

[Jerome]

Thanks to C G and photodavo for informing us about the Racing Resume thread. I did not know it existed. Thanks again Dave for your kind reply.

Jerome
NW Arkansas