I normally drive just enough over the speed limit in DC not to be run over, but slow enough not to get ticketed. As I was climbing the long grade past a river that might have been the Potomac on a highway that resembled the DC Beltway, a new Jag, who had been frustrated by being caught in the usual rush hour traffic, came zooming up the grade at over 100. Weaving in and out of traffic, he cut in front of me and a l m o s t clipped me. If he had, there's no doubt I would have been pushed into other traffic and at the least a huge backup would have formed, at worst, they'd be using a can opener to get me out of Strider. I was pissed. Normally these things don't get to me - you can't drive 130 a day and let morons get to you. But today I had enough. I floored Strider, keeping the silver Jag in sight. I know the Beltway and knew that there was no way he could continue that speed by the time my exit came up. I'll cut to the chase and say I caught up with him, because this is not about him, it's about Strider.

Coming up the long grade, Strider downshifted into 3rd and accelerated. Before the top of the grade, he was in fourth and chugging. I looked down and saw 80. The car was smooth as silk. Then 85, then 90, then 95. Still, rock solid and pulling. The wind noise was higher, but the ride was fantastic. I don't know if Strider has ever gone this fast before and I worried about his age. But even with over 400K, he hummed along, searching for the silver Jag, who by now, was caught in traffic. I got the license # and though it seemed a bit of hyposcrisy since I was allegedly driving so fast myself (at least I didn't change 3 lanes of traffic at 100), I called #77 and reported a dangerous driver to the hiway patrol. Just as I got his plate, he passed the car in front on the shoulder, scaring the crap out of the driver who swerved dangerously.

After that, his engine idled smoother than ever.

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1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

Too bad Strider wasn't equipped with a GAU-8/A. All that speed would have been unnecessary.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Hi Ho Strider!

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'87 300SDL

dieselbenz

With a GAU-8/A, "Strider" would have to be re-named "Warthog"... Wonder if a 30 mm would be be capable of "adjusting" the jag drivers attitude towards every one else's safety. Does anyone know if #77 works in Orygun as well? Good job on calling that one in... and remaining cool at the same time.

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83 300 D Turbo 330k mi.
83 Honda GL-650 Silverwing 40k mi.
81 Rabbit Diesel Pickup 170k mi.

Nice run but the Jag wasn't trying.

An older XJ8 will fly pass 100 with ease and totaly destroy any diesel short of a Renntech tuned E320CDI. They have a 300hp 4.2L V8 with a 5spd auto on back. They sound sick when you get on them and move.

At least you reported the jerk.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

What exactly does #77 do? Does that notify the police? I have never heard of that.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

I bet the 6.5 L V-8 Detriot Diesel Turbo in my Grandma's 1/2 ton Chevy could roast that jag if put in the right body with the right tranny!!

Not in a truck body though, Way too much wind resistance...with poor weight balance. (that's why 2wd truck owners always carry weight in the winter.)

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-Matt

EPA Section 609 Certified MVAC Technician
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Oil Burner Kartel Member #10

Ahh the smell of Diesel Fuel, it's like coffee in the morning!

My Car:

1982 300SD Turbo Diesel (231,500 miles!) RIP

1984 300SD Turbo Diesel Custom (235,500 mi on driveline.) - On Road!!

www.icsrepair.com

I've got state police programmed in my phone as the 2nd number. 1st is newberg/dundee dispatch

Today must have been a day for the benz's to show their power...I had the 300SD over 100 on a couple occasions on the freeway/highway when traffic allowed. Helps combat the horrid running that comes about for sitting idling in traffic so much

Doesn't run much different...I drive hard usually.

Cool, you can use your speed dial to report yourself for speeding.

Yep.

Its mostly for reporting people who are UNSAFE drivers....not just fast. I won't report someone if they are just going fast as long as it seems as though they have it under control and its in a smart place...not in a neighborhood full of kids or where visibility is limited. Its uncommon that I have the oppertunity to go much more than 5-10mph faster than the right lane anyway...traffic...

Don't get me started on my local PD...ugh.

Better watch out...........we'll be visiting you in jail for a year if your friends downtown happen to witness this escapade.

I make it a personal rule to never speed in city limits/anywhere "they" have juisdiction. They are going to have to call up the big boys from OSP if they want to play off the gridiron.

Besides...I keep an ear to the ground

My dad and I have clocked our cars at 120ish mph on a deserted freeway near the city (its 4 lanes, usually empty, walls on both sides, no place for cops to hide....)

We maintained that speed probably 1.5 miles or so before letting off, but if need be, these cars can be pretty darn fast!

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

With stock tires and 3.07 gears, the 617 would be turning about 5250 rpm at 120mph. If it didn't hit the IP rpm limiter, you would have seen the pistons blowing out through the middle of the hood.

So, either you have some taller gears (like 2.47) or the 120 was more like 105 (4580 rpm).

BTW my 300SD has been revved above 5k. It sounds very...interseting but the rev limiter does allow it to make atleast 5200 in my case? I haven't tested the limiter...just between shifts when needing to make some smoke.

They might not be as smooth as a I-6 but I am impressed with the ability to rev.