Possible Directory of Parts

[MICAH1]

I guess this is directed more towards Gary. Since finding this site one thing I've noticed is we all do a lot of trial and error to update and enhance the performance or apperence of our OPEL GT, Manta, 1900, or what ever. We all reference this site or people from this site to make these legends better than they were when they rolled of the line in Germany. So Gary..... how about a directory to reference, that will cut the chase on the best or most compatible part or system for these cars. I know that the search function will give us all kind of information and answer all kind of questions, but how about a directory of the best and most proven? We see different ways to port the intake manifold but Bob's example is boilerplate. Something like this won't solve all of our OPEL needs but it might cut down on some of the money we spend to purchase an idea or illistration from a catalog or the internet that does not fit or measure up when we install. Hope someone else will kick in their two cents.

[Gary]

First off, I moved this thread to the site feedback forum. (It really helps the moderators out and helps others to find replies when posts are added to a relevant forum.)

I agree with your post and I have been chomping at the bit to move forward with the development of this site.

One of the steps we took to make it easier to navigate was to change the forum format to one that follows the Factory Service Manual layout. (BIG thanks to Super Moderator Keith for moving so many posts!!) This helps to organize the posts according to subject. Which in turn helps with future reference.

Otto has been adding things to the FAQ forums Which could turn into a "Best Of" section. So we are moving in that direction. The under used "Opel Parts Review Section" www.opelgt.com/rp could also be used for feedback on purchases or projects.

I intentionally have not made many changes to the site over the past 8 months in anticipation of the release of vBulletin 3 (the forum software) which is a complete rewrite of the script. The first vB3.0 "Release Candidate" was recently released. (Finally!!) The Portal (main page) program just released their upgrade on Sunday.

So now the fun begins. Moving 24,000 posts and 3,800 members to a new database. (we have over 80 megs of attachments) Once this transition happens (hopefully over the next 2 weeks) we will start to add all those things we all have been wishing for.

As always comments and suggestions on how we can improve or add to this site are welcome.

[madhatterpdc]

If I read your post correctly, I thought the "Opel Parts Review" Section of this site was intended to fit that need.

After re-reading, I think that you may talking about stuff other than what might be available from a retailer. Would the Toyota rearend swap or the Chevy S-10 clutch swap might be candidates for your directory? I think that one problem that we may encounter with attempting to tackle a directory like this would be the number of options that are actually available. For example, intakes (factory or ported factory, side-draft or down draft, single side draft or dual side draft, 32/36, 38, 40, 45, Holley 500, Steinmetz, Lenk, custom, eBay, swaps meets, word of mouth)

Or something like:

Carbs:
Downdraft
Weber
32/36
38
Holley
500cfm 2bbl
Sidedraft
Weber
40
45
Etc.

Is that what you had in mind? That is a daunting but worthwhile project. I think a good way to start this might be with an open thread, have everyone dump ideas into it, and then select an individual to sort it all out, and arrange it hierarchically.

(edit: I had organized the list above to look like a table but it looks like it didn't take, sorry)

[MICAH1]

Gary, sorry about not placing the post in the right form. Thanks for the move, will try to not let it happen again. I have read so many post of people purchasing parts for their OPEL and then buying the same item again but different type or model until they get the right fit or sound. Have done this myself a few times and am trying to be more selective about my part purchase. Gary, this site is my OPEL bible and what you have created is OUTSTANDING...... it is my blueprint to anything I do to my OPEL.
Much Thanks.

Madhatterpdc, your example is close to what I had in mind.

[Gary]

Maybe I should not have added "projects" to that list for the Opel Parts Review.

I am hesitant to add too many sub-forums as it could add to confusion to navigation and be a nightmare to moderate. Right now, If you are looking for Weber 32/36 info you can go to 6 - Engine --> 6C Fuel System and do a search of that forum using keywords for Weber 32/36. That way only posts in the Fuel system Forum with the Words Weber and 32/36 will appear. The site search engine is very powerful. The more specific you get, the less posts to sort through.

Some other ideas:
People can start rating threads more If you see a 5 star rating for a thread, it probably is important.

The Moderators can make important, common threads a "Sticky" This will hold it at the top of the index for easy retrevial.

We (the Moderators) can start (or continue) to move more important posts to the Tech Reference Library forum FAQ's.

Something like madhatterpc suggests could also be done in in an Encyclopedia module with either a description or a link to a post under a topic. The new portal has on that is much better than the old.

[Gary]

Originally posted by MICAH1 Gary, sorry about not placing the post in the right form. Thanks for the move, will try to not let it happen again. I have read so many post of people purchasing parts for their OPEL and then buying the same item again but different type or model until they get the right fit or sound. Have done this myself a few times and am trying to be more selective about my part purchase. Gary, this site is my OPEL bible and what you have created is OUTSTANDING...... it is my blueprint to anything I do to my OPEL. Much Thanks. Madhatterpdc, your example is close to what I had in mind.

OK it all clear to me now... The Opel Parts Review section is where we can review and comment on purchases. The good and bad, compare prices, etc. It will be more visible once we add a block on the main page. (BTW, no biggie with the misplaced post. Just wanted to point it out as a reminder for others)

[MICAH1]

Thanks for analyzing and sorting this out.....

[Gary]

You're welcome. At first I confused the Opel parts reference directory with a forum threads directory. But we did get a few ideas on the table.