5th Gear:

Torch,

2000 Ford Taurus with a Duratec...

What colors it? What shift was it built on? Oh, Jimmy assembled this one? Ok, that’s a different part then.

Which BMW feels the least BMW?

I’ve read - probably here - that GM’s next full size will be aluminum. Ram seems to be on a slower redesign cycle (well, not slower than Ford HD at 15 years, but that’s different), so it might be a while longer for them.

This and it’s replies are spot-on. Moisture and debris trap, crimp point and... in the case of Ford Super Duty’s, OPEN CELL FOAM around the lip between the inner and the outer sheet metal. Sponges belong in the kitchen sink, not trapping water and dirt against the inside of my truck bed.

While I like both companies, I try hard to stay away from the cool-aid.

Awwww, please don’t not stop!

At least it’s a manual...

Ummm, so, we’re going to have to deduct this from your paycheck...

This is exactly right. All airframes have a design life. Normally you add up all of the different loading conditions you might see, accumulating “damage” as you go (spreadsheets!), ask what kind of life you need and then design accordingly. The design life of some airplanes is a very very long time in normal usage.…

Remember that diesel engine turbos have been running at much higher pressures for decades. (Higher temps too, under max loads. (When not talking race car.)) Cooling and oiling systems to keep the turbo alive are pretty well settled.

Did this one come standard with cheeseburger wrappers on the passenger side floor?

If it’s a warhead, there are still conventional explosives onboard - the small explosive lens that surrounds the tamper / pit and provides the compression necessary for the boom. (Note: Not easy to detonate and will only cause you-know-what if done in a very specific set of circumstances. None of which are found in an…

Wait. A sailboat NOT under sail power? Be still my beating heart.

You may be right - and based on the rumored (I think I read it here) fairly-large number of managers being shown the door, it’s looking more likely.

Pro...um... tip:

I agree. I know people (including congresscritters) like big conspiracies and evil masterminds so they have someone for their two minutes of hate, but I don’t think knowledge went to the top.

And the same is true for pretty much every car ever made. Drive it spiritedly (that’s a clumsy word, let’s use Jaloply instead) and it burns more fuel. Drive it like the old lady next door drives her Buick and it burns less. (YMMV, based on old-lady details.)