Want some feedback and help.

Ok, so I hijacked a members thread with this the other day and said I would put this thread up like 2 weeks ago but have let it go. Anyway, I have a few idea's for things I want to see on the forum and am looking for as many suggestion on things you guys think would promote growth as well. I plan to put a year by year Spec's, Change, options and description sticky list in the main forum (one post for each year) for the Camaro forum and one for the Firebird Forum. I would also like a background write up on all of the more popular engines/powertrains used on F-bodys. Such as the LS1, LT1, TPI, TBI, 3.8, 3.4 , big block, small block. I also think we should have common problems for each gen and how to fix them sticky in the problem diagnostic. I think the Performance sub should have common mods and expected gains, why one should do some mods and not do others and again the mods sticky should have some info for each powertrain used with obvious info like gears and shift kit info that a few gens will share in common. I would appreciate any help any of you can offer in trying to get this up but honestly think we need more technical info on this forum and have quite a few of you that know a fair share about these cars. I think sharing the wealth of info will strongly promote growth and give this forum a good name and even stronger following. I know the goofing off and off topic threads are fun but we should promote helpful info as well. So lets hear what you guys think?

classifieds....worked for all of the other sites....

classifieds....worked for all of the other sites....I don't understand?. We already have a Classified subforum. Do you want a change made to it?

that stuff sounds pretty good, but heres my take on it. if we got a lot more subforums, that means it will take longer to look through it all. i like to pop in here, take a look around, see whats new, and then pop back out. and more subforums means that when the AF server is slow, it takes that much longer to see everything.

another thing is that some subforums will get less attention than others. if somebody posts something, it might not get the attention that it should.

but thats just my opinion. :)

that stuff sounds pretty good, but heres my take on it. if we got a lot more subforums, that means it will take longer to look through it all. i like to pop in here, take a look around, see whats new, and then pop back out. and more subforums means that when the AF server is slow, it takes that much longer to see everything.

another thing is that some subforums will get less attention than others. if somebody posts something, it might not get the attention that it should.

but thats just my opinion. :)
We are not getting more subs but actually the subs have no effect on AF moving slower. That just depends on the traffic at the time your viewing AF. Also the opposite is true about viewing because now instead of having just the Camaro forum or the Firebird forum its being viewed by both sets of members. This is not a thread to change anything back to the way it was but ideas/other things you would like to see. Once again to just make sure the point is getting across though, we are not adding more subs. We are talking about information you would like to see displayed in the current forums we have.

heres an idea: when you mouseover a link to a thread, a yellow popup box thingy shows the first post

heres an idea: when you mouseover a link to a thread, a yellow popup box thingy shows the first post
Actually that idea was mentioned to TS by Balls to the wall and unfortunetly Igor shot it down because it takes up alot of bandwidth to constantly displaying the first post. Good idea though and I have noticed it on alot of other forums as well.

I get bored looking through all the sub forums and stuff so lately I don't even check on other threads so I don't see a lot. I think there need to be some changes because there is too much goofing off (YES ME INCLUDED, PROBABLY MOSTLY ME) and to have a better technical area set up with mods specific to each sub forum. I would like to see like mentioned sub forums by generation or engine(s) and have mods who are knowledgeable about that in specific.

I like how in the s10 forum there is a sticky that shows common probs and how to fix them (with pics). That would be nice here. Like "how to get to the last spark plug", "fuel pump replacement", etc

Absolutely, we all love the fun threads and we can keep those but I agree that goofing around should be second place to good techinical info. If you look threw the majority of threads one or two members throw up helpful posts and then the thread goes in a comical off topic direction. I am not one to talk since I am usually one of the people helping this happen but I think all of us working together to post up some useful info that will help newcomers will make the forum look more professional.

I like how in the s10 forum there is a sticky that shows common probs and how to fix them (with pics). That would be nice here. Like "how to get to the last spark plug", "fuel pump replacement", etcExcellent suggestion, and I think fuel pump and tune up info should be stickied in the problem diagnostic forum.

I totally agree, and have mods who specialize in certain areas. With the mods we have now trying to cover every broad spectrum of questions, generations, and engines, not as many specific answers can be given from experience. Like you and Cuda for example, would make great lt1 mods, Luos as an ls1 mod...

mmm..not sure if something like this was already mentioned. but perhaps a premade list of problems and their solutions, perhaps with figure A. figure B. pictures. With the large amount of problems everyone here has worked out id say we have enough to make a pretty big list. this way instead of a newcomers having to search through threads that have results in goofing off, they can just go to the prelisted problems/solutions? i dont know..just throwing it out there.
also, im not saying it should be a mandatory, but it sucks when a thread is started about a problem, and then a solution is never posted. it'd be nice if everyone would make a final update on their problem and how it was solved/cost/etc.

I totally agree, and have mods who specialize in certain areas. With the mods we have now trying to cover every broad spectrum of questions, generations, and engines, not as many specific answers can be given from experience. Like you and Cuda for example, would make great lt1 mods, Luos as an ls1 mod...
Its not a appointing more mods thing. Although I am sure we will probably be adding a new one in the near future but you don't need to be a moderator to be helpful. Infact the way you get made a moderator is by being helpful and offering your advice. That being said, I would love to have a third gen owner mod appointed but for the present that isn't going to happen within the next few days but will probably come to be. I think that any and all of us knowing a specific platform well should be able to help out with technical info.

Ahh, okay.

This is the only forum I have been on so I dont really have any great ideas, I do agree that we do goof off to much and need to keep it to a min.

sorry my mistake. I didnt even notice that the classifieds werent a sticky anymore. +1 for the mouse over link thread preview. Was a FAQ section already mentioned or no?

Can there be a sticky placed in the classifieds that says to put either WTB(wanting to buy) or FS(for sale) in your posts and the description? That would be a good thing.

sorry my mistake. I didnt even notice that the classifieds werent a sticky anymore. +1 for the mouse over link thread preview. Was a FAQ section already mentioned or no?
Yup, thats in the works,.

Edit- I will add the WTB/FS thing to the sticky thats in there.

maybe put it in the description of the sticky.....you know very few people actually click on and read through the "PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" sticky at any forum....or maybe its just me...lol

hmm haha the specs of each year sounds really awesome. maybe we can snake a big block of text from some F-body site..and we customize it to our own liking, with people contributing..etc etc, and a mod can make sure of what people comment and update the original post? i know theres a LOT of sites that talk about F-bodys but a lot of them actually contradict each other.. maybe we can make one that sort of makes sense.. (since we all own or hope to own..or owned one) :D from 69..all the way to 02! and maybe further :o

69?, What happen to 67 & 68? Did we forget Korn and Willie?

maybe put it in the description of the sticky.....you know very few people actually click on and read through the "PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING" sticky at any forum....or maybe its just me...lol
:lol: good point, I didn't even read it and I wrote it :uhoh:

John I've been meaning to pm you since Monday. I've been trolling through the miniature library at home, but I just can't really come up up with a format yet, esepcially one that can flow the same over 35 years of changes. 3rd gens alone would take a long time to condense.

Also trying to make it a unique format, there is another site I pop my head in every once and a while and they just got this type of idea up and going.

i agree with others that a faq's thread would be a good addition ( i mentioned this in the last "suggestions" thread). in that thread it could be devided into the 4 gens, then have specific technical (common problems w/ solutions for different engine combos, etc) and historical info (different changes in drivetrain, exterior, etc and production figures) for each gen. i think doing it by gens is better than year by year. recal data could be a useful addition also. i have an extensive f-body library at home along with my own personal experiances with them so i will be happy to help in anyway that i can.

Thanks for the help guys, I am going to start work on it tonight, so if anyone has any useful info let me know and it can be included and will make sure the members gets credit for there help. I hope to have this up within a few weeks but am going to do research to be able to get in as many facts as possible,

Ok, so I hijacked a members thread with this the other day and said I would put this thread up like 2 weeks ago but have let it go. Anyway, I have a few idea's for things I want to see on the forum and am looking for as many suggestion on things you guys think would promote growth as well. I plan to put a year by year Spec's, Change, options and description sticky list in the main forum (one post for each year) for the Camaro forum and one for the Firebird Forum. I would also like a background write up on all of the more popular engines/powertrains used on F-bodys. Such as the LS1, LT1, TPI, TBI, 3.8, 3.4 , big block, small block. I also think we should have common problems for each gen and how to fix them sticky in the problem diagnostic. I think the Performance sub should have common mods and expected gains, why one should do some mods and not do others and again the mods sticky should have some info for each powertrain used with obvious info like gears and shift kit info that a few gens will share in common. I would appreciate any help any of you can offer in trying to get this up but honestly think we need more technical info on this forum and have quite a few of you that know a fair share about these cars. I think sharing the wealth of info will strongly promote growth and give this forum a good name and even stronger following. I know the goofing off and off topic threads are fun but we should promote helpful info as well. So lets hear what you guys think?


Finally... half the reason i dont post much anymore is cuz every thread goes off topic by the end of page 1, but I've said that before. I'm pretty busy with work lately, but I'll be working on a 3.8 thing. Would we be allowed to include links to other wites (fullthrottlev6, thirdgen, etc) that would be helpful??

I think its best if we use our own info rather than promoting info on a competing site. Thats almost like giving the members the idea that they have more knowledgable members than we have and a easy way to go there. I would like to have a page that would promote just the opposite, other forums linking to us.

Maybe we could have a page that lists some popular sites to buy parts, replacement or aftermarket. There are a lot of sites out there and sometimes its hard to tell who has the quality parts and reliability that we are all looking for. Dunno, just a thought.

That is fine by me.

As far as the year by year thing...

IF IT WERE UP TO ME: Have a information section at the top of the browser, with a link for each generation, within each generation go into the details and have links to common problems, common mods and performance upgrades and their effects.

NastyZ28.com has a nice details section, but it's all 2 gen.

MY problem is that my maro isn't stock, so not too many places answer my engine questions in FAQ's and the other questions I have. And when I do find info that helps, it's so far above my level of comprehension I figure that my situation couldn't possibly be that bad.

So... Yeah, I'm all for a new format with maybe the detailed info available in links say in the top 3rd of the screen, and the threads in the bottom or something like that.

I like to joke around as much as the next guy, but think the banter thread is too much of a PIA. Would like to see individual threads marked as serious or joking, and when someone hi-jacks a thread the post should be deleted, or the thread starter could delete it. There's some DAMNED good info here, but sometimes it's easier to look elsewhere to find it.

I also don't like the search feature... and it only goes so far back.

I'm sure I'll think of more...

Maybe we could have a page that lists some popular sites to buy parts, replacement or aftermarket. There are a lot of sites out there and sometimes its hard to tell who has the quality parts and reliability that we are all looking for. Dunno, just a thought.

A little deeper on that...

Have a list of parts suppliers / links and who has dealt with them and how they rate them. Also tell if they deal only with certain generations, etc. Mosstly EVERYONE has parts for 1st gens, early 2 gens are hard to find stuff for, especially 70's.

formula...i had this idea that AF could deliver something i like to call E-beer everytime you visit the page. i could elaborate but.....i dont think i have to say much more. golden idea?

I guess for technical purpose's we can link tech sites in a sticky link thread but I do not want anyone to link competing forums. Also I could really use a e-beer right about now.

Maybe we could have a page that lists some popular sites to buy parts, replacement or aftermarket. There are a lot of sites out there and sometimes its hard to tell who has the quality parts and reliability that we are all looking for. Dunno, just a thought.
I'm all for this idea

with gas prices being where they are. perhaps a suggested list of safe and legit ways to increase gas mileage, and vice versa(a list of products people are dooped into buying to improve gas mileage/performance). maybe order the list in order of price/quickness? and not just the obvious...dont accelerate too fast, make sure your tires are inflated, etc. actual things you can do to your car to improve gas mileage preferably without decreasing performance and speed. thought id mention it.

How about a rating system for the classifieds? Each time a sale is made the seller and buyer get a point and they make comments on how the transaction went. The points are displayed right below the persons name on the left when they make posts. Thats one thing I like about some of the other sites. Its kinda slow in there right now but hopefully that will change. Then maybe divide it into parts wanted/for sale and cars wanted/forsale. Some forums divide beyond that but I dont think its neccessary. At least not for our size right now.

you mean like the way you rate sellers/buyers on ebay with paypal? that type of thing?

exactly. Doesnt have to be as elaborate. Just something that will show a little history of the buyer/seller. Like I said there isnt a whole lot of traffic right now but it will be usefull in the future.

ooh. my bad on the 67-8. just cuz the 69's the most popular 1g camaro :D.. god i want one @_@ yenko camaro...
:drool:

John, the two forums appear cluttered with the subforums man.
Not sure if it is just me, but so many things are being moved into subforums while leaving the shadow topic in place.
I do believe a classified section for both is a great idea, but personally I think it was better before.
Constructive criticism.
Just me maybe.

I understand where your coming from Curtis but like I said to a few others. I think once us and the members get use to the system if will work much better for us. The current platform using both members for advice and knowledge. I am currently leaving the redirect links behind due to the fact we are getting use to using this system but in the future if each member puts there thread in the correct forum, they will generally have member who have knowledge/interest in those area's going into those forums and this also allows both Camaro and firebird to have there individual forum. Any change takes a little getting use to but I think that everyone will grow to like it given a little time.

I really don't care, I tend to check everything anyways.
Just takes longer is all.

Any way to have the firebird forum look like the Camaro forum?? Showing at least the last thread to have a post? Do you know what I am talking about with that?
Oh...and sorry. I skimmed most of this thread, probably missed the concern about the same thing.

I really don't care, I tend to check everything anyways.
Just takes longer is all.

Any way to have the firebird forum look like the Camaro forum?? Showing at least the last thread to have a post? Do you know what I am talking about with that?
Oh...and sorry. I skimmed most of this thread, probably missed the concern about the same thing.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean but the thing is that when two forums are linked into a specific sub. That sub has to be present somewhere. It has to have a physical location in one place or the other and the reason it is in the chevy section and under camaro is because alot of the threads that are being moved into that area such at the banter threads which are off topic contain a large amount of posts and cause a large amount of forum traffic. If the subs were place in the physical location of the Firebird forum those posts would be take away from the camaro forum and placed in the Firebird section. Making the Firebird forum appear like the heavier trafficed area of AF and the Camaro forum would no longer be the busiest forum on AF which I thought to be unfair. So while the last post can be seen on this end cause it is under this forums heading the other end is a link to the subs and not the actual subs themselves. Unfortunately until V-bulletin updates this system its the only way to do it.

Gotcha!