Fall may have officially arrived, but for those of us in Texas, the cooling temperatures are often a distant promise. In fact, as September wanes, the Lone Star State still finds itself basking in the sweltering heat of 90-degree days. Yet, this didn’t deter my friends and me from embarking on an unforgettable camping trip.

The last weekend of September marked our journey to the Sulphur Springs campground, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where the Colorado River flows serenely through the property. While some of my friends had a relatively short drive from Austin, my journey was a bit longer… 4hrs. With the rising gas prices, I maintained a steady 65-70 mph, managing a meager 16 miles per gallon. But finally, after that long drive, I was one of the first to arrive, and promptly set up camp to savor the approaching sunset.

As fate would have it, my Land Cruiser’s refrigerator wasn’t functioning properly, failing to reach the desired temperature. I decided to cook my meats first to prevent from spoiling. On the menu for the evening: patty melts. I relish the art of cooking, and had prepared a loaf of bread the day before. The meat, sourced from Butcher Box, and the vegetables and cheese, generously contributed by Tony, ensured a delectable meal. Just as I was finishing up, the rest of our group arrived – perfect timing, indeed.

As night fell, the temperature dipped ever so slightly. I no longer felt the oppressive heat, but my allergies began to act up. Surrounded by the wilderness of the Hill Country, I was transported back to my childhood days living in Austin when allergies were a common struggle. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to pack my allergy pills, so I had to tough it out.

The following morning, I awoke at 8 am, granting us a brief window before the scorching sun and UV rays would descend upon us. Breakfast consisted of Tony’s omurice, and when I asked him where he’d found the recipe, he casually replied, “Just watching a bunch of TikTok videos.” It’s fascinating how TikTok’s brief, 6-second video clips have become a source of culinary inspiration and life hacks, underscoring our ever-shrinking attention spans.

Between breakfast and lunch, we engaged in heartfelt conversations. Some of us ventured out to fish, while others, including myself, sought refuge by the river. The river’s refreshing cold temperature was a surprise amidst the scorching 100°F heat. It provided much-needed respite before we headed back to camp for lunch, where I savored a mouthwatering quesadilla crafted by Ryan.

After some camp banter, the relentless Texas heat began to bear down on us. Seeking relief, we returned to the river, this time with an awning in tow. There, we enjoyed a siesta until dinner time, with occasional off-roaders and hopeful fishermen setting up their gear in the distance.

Dinner brought us succulent steaks, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables, reminiscent of hibachi-style dining. However, the highlight of the trip was the peach cobbler pie Philip masterfully prepared in a Dutch oven over a bed of coals. It was a tantalizing delight, perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, kept cold in Michael’s trusty refrigerator.

Later that evening, we gathered around the campfire, indulging in card games and meaningful conversations. It was a time to bond with friends without the distractions of cell phones or the pull of social media.

As my allergies worsened the next day, it became clear that it was time to bid our idyllic campsite farewell. But not before indulging in a hearty breakfast of Filipino lovingly prepared by Philip and Kris – rice, tocino, red hot dogs, eggs, milkfish, and tomatoes. It was a culinary journey that transported me back to the Philippines.

I am grateful for my friends and the opportunity to share these unforgettable camping experiences.

As we wrap up, don’t forget to mark your calendars for December 3rd – AE86 Matsuri Weekend at the Houston Police Academy. We hope to see some of you there, sharing in the joy of automotive culture and camaraderie! https://texasae86matsuri.wordpress.com/

I’m currently in the process of diagnosing an issue with my car’s transmission, specifically the inability to shift into 5th gear and reverse. Working on it yourself offers invaluable insights into the mechanical components, and a deeper connection with your vehicle.

The tools required for this job isn’t special. However, I highly recommend using a shop press with a wide enough gap for 1st gear to fit between the H-beams of the press. While a bearing puller might seem like an option, I advise against it due to feeling more sketchy.

I successfully disassembled the transmission by following a comprehensive YouTube video by Ezekiel and referencing the PDF repair manual for the T50 transmission.

During disassembly, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the orientation of each part, differentiating between front and back. Disassembly is relatively straightforward; the real challenge lies in reassembly. I also took the time to paint, and tap punch the backside of the components.

With the gears and all other parts removed, I meticulously examined them to identify any apparent issues. Unfortunately, nothing glaringly obvious or broken emerged. My best guess is that the shifter sleeve may be worn out.

Regrettably, my transmission is over 30 years old, and many of its parts have been discontinued. Consequently, locating replacement parts may prove to be a costly and arduous endeavor. If possible, consider sourcing a used transmission as an alternative to buying all the components needed for a rebuild. Cheaper that way.

My next step involves ordering the worn shifter sleeve, and a gasket kit to address the issue.

Stay tuned for further updates. On December 3rd, there’s an AE86 Matsuri event. Here’s the link to sign up! https://texasae86matsuri.wordpress.com/

In the world of racing, regular maintenance is often considered a non-negotiable task. However, there comes a time when even the most meticulous upkeep can’t shield your car from the relentless wear and tear of a competitive environment. For the past three years, my transmission has been great on the racetrack. Yet, as with all mechanical components, things fatigue, and it was finally time to confront some issues.

During my last track event, my transmission’s quirks became evident. Reverse and 5th gear became elusive, 1st gear a started grinding sound upon initial engagement, and my clutch pedal felt unsettlingly soft. I needed to tackle the issue myself before my upcoming trip to London.

Having spent many years working on my AE86, I had grown familiar with its design. What continues to amaze me about the AE86 is its inherent simplicity and accessibility for DIY car people. Unlike some high-performance machines that demand specialized tools or proprietary equipment, the AE86 can be worked with 100pc craftsmen tool set, and the occasional tool rentals from Autozone.

At the moment, I’ve swapped in a spare transmission, ensuring my AE86 is race-ready for the upcoming event in NOLA. Spare parts like this can be a racer’s lifeline, you always need spares.

As I embark on the task of tearing down my original transmission. My suspicion leans towards the shift sleeve, but definitive answers will only surface as I press out the gears and delve deeper into the internals. By the time this blog is published, I hope to provide you with substantial updates on my transmission’s journey back to optimal performance.

Dec 3, 2023 is Thaison AE86 matsuri even. Link below:

https://texasae86matsuri.wordpress.com/