HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: seanr@lobo.rmhs.colorado.edu (Sean Reifschneider)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Subaru XT Turbo - Info on buying used wanted.
Date: 7 Nov 92 17:26:04 GMT
Organization: Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, CO

In article <Pu5mTB2w165w@bluemoon.rn.com> moonhawk@bluemoon.rn.com (David Culberson) writes:
>  I have an opportunity to buy a 1987 Subaru XT Turbo.  What kind of 
>reliability do these things have?  What are some common problems to look 
>for?  Are parts very epensive, and are they (relatively) easy to locate?  
>I like the look and feel of these cars, but I would rather not buy a 
>troublesome vehicle!  Thanks!

One of the problems with the subaru engines from the 85+ years is that they
have cam belts and require replacement every 60K miles.  I've got an '86
GL-10 Turbo Wagon.  If you experience surging under the Turbo, you need to
replace the O2 sensor.  Parts are relatively well priced, but the dealers
O2 sensor will put you back over $130, while one gotten from an auto parts
place with cost $45.  For consideration, my RX-7, the O2 sensor was over $140
from the dealer, and $75 from an auto parts place.

Sean
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Are there any Luxary AWD?
From: Karl Nordstrom <KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 14:57:53 EST
Organization: Penn State University

eliot@lanmola.engr.washington.edu (eliot) says:
>
>aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer) writes:
>>..the mag said that...that the system is incompatable with the braking system
>>so that the differentials release completely upon braking
>
>any tightly coupled AWD system is fundamentally incompatible with ABS,
>because ABS needs independently rotating wheels to sense lockup.  the
>release under braking is to allow ABS to work.  all the computer
>controlled systems do this, audi, subaru (yes, even the legacy),
                             ----- -----------------------------
The only Audi that uses the computer controlled cluch pack is the V8.
Isn't the Legacy with the automatic transmision the only Subaru with a conputer
controlled AWD system?

>porsche, benz.  the wonderful torsen diff. does this mechanically.

Torsen diffs don't have locks that need to be released under breaking to
maintain compatable with ABS.  They slip automatically.

>>..so..they took it out, tossed it into the turns like a normal porsche, only
>>they lightly touched the brakes, to turn off the differentials,

>not to turn off the differentials, mind you, but to turn off the differential
>*locking*....

In a AWD system implemented with a computer controlled clutch, when you turn
off the locking you turn off the AWD system.  In effect your left with a
freely spinning differential, like a conventional differential.

>in effect you will have a "loosely coupled" 4wd 911, i.e a 911 in which the
>four wheels can rotate independently under power.  The 4wd is permanent on
>the carrera 4, you cannot disconnect it without doing major surgery.

>since the differential locking is completely controlled by chips, it
>would be interesting to see if anybody will come out with a third
>party "handling" chip for the carrera 4.

It would convert the AWD Carrera 4 into 2 wheel drive, so you might as well
buy the cheaper Carrera 2.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rjwade@rainbow.ecn.purdue.edu (Robert J. Wade)
Subject: Re: shoud there be two different licences
Organization: Purdue University Engineering Computer Network
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 13:19:54 GMT

In article <1992Nov12.013141.7090@wam.umd.edu> jailbird@next02wor.wam.umd.edu (serial killer) writes:
>
>
>
>Hey people,
>
>What do you  think about this
>
>Should we have a one licence to operate a manual transmisssion and one for  
>automatic, ecept if you know how to drive a mnual you can drive a auto  
>with no problem.  I'm asking this because I almost crashed in to someone  
>who borrowed his friends car with a 5 speed which he didn't know how to  
>drive at all. He was going about 50 in 4th gear and downshifted into first  
>while his tires locked up.
>
>Why should a person be allowed to drive a 5 speed unless he has proven he  
>knows how to? This person could be endangering other people on the road we  
>speak


oh nooooooooooooooo!  sounds like someone wants to run for office!
and then what next...dirfferent license for 4speed auto...different license
for cars with different power steering ratios??  relax...people have to go
out and learn...what about the 16 year old who is out driving for his first
time alone...he/she will run into some situations that he/she does not have
experience at.
From: bdm@druwa.ATT.COM (Brian Millham)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Noise when turning left -- mitigates when applying brake. Huh?
Date: 10 Nov 92 18:01:37 GMT

in article <1dmv25INN4qj@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu>, aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer) says:
> In a previous article, stubbs@hawk.cs.ukans.edu (Jerry Stubbs) says:

>>probably your CV joints on the front axle.  time for a new car!

> whoa!!..why so drastic??.why can't they just be changed?..is 
> there something that i'm missing(like the fact that you hate
> dodge, or just the ohmni, for example)or is there an actual

I changed the whole axle assembly on my 76 Caddy (with the help of
a friend), in less than 1 hour.  An easy job, but having the shop
manual helps.
--
Brian Millham     |Kitty      |Fletch |Dragon's Lair |Kick Man |New World
AT&T Bell Labs    |Ferrah     |Buddy  |Space Ace     |Sinistar |High Speed
Denver, Co.       |Dr. Pepper |       |              |         |
bdm@druwa.att.com |(ferrets)  |(cats) |(laser disc)  |(video)  |(pinball)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: lstowell@pyrnova.mis.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Rotary vs. Piston Engines
Date: 11 Nov 92 20:40:07 GMT
Reply-To: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA

In article <antkasx.721417575@gsusgi1.gsu.edu> antkasx@gsusgi2.gsu.edu (Ken A. Sturrock) writes:
>
>Mazda's exhaust systems have always been very good at cleaning up the exhaust
>as well as quieting down the noise. one of the problems with the original
>"thermal reactor" emissions system was increased fuel consumption.
>
  The other problem with the original used on the Cosmo and RX-2/3
  was that it sounded like a motorized "whoopee cushion", making
  some rather gross noises on trailing throttle.
From: mlee@cs.arizona.edu (Michael (Yuk-Wo) Lee)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Los Angeles Auto Show
Date: 10 Nov 92 16:18:20 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: U of Arizona CS Dept, Tucson


Does anybody has any information (time, location, etc) of the
coming Los Angeles Auto Show?


Michael
--

Newsgroups: rec.autos
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Top 20 Selling Vehicles of 1992
From: <KANTOLA@NDSUVM1.BITNET>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1992 14:57:40 CST
Organization: North Dakota Higher Education Computer Network


In article <1992Nov5.233244.18366@kakwa.ucs.ualberta.ca>,
fengxi@prancer.eche.ualberta.ca (Fengxi Zhou) says:
>And the chances are that the four japanese cars are assembled in US or Canada.
>I am not sure about Toyota pickups.

So, where exactly do all the major profits go on these U.S. assembled cars??

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: nau@ssesco.com (William Nau)
Subject: Re: Leather Seats
Organization: SSESCO
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 14:02:41 GMT

In article <lg5ebgINN1e8@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM>, tut@cairo.Eng.Sun.COM (Bill "Bill" Tuthill) writes:
|> Leather seats seem to be increasingly popular nowadays.  Maybe
|> it's because more people are wearing Nikes and Reeboks these days,
|> shoes that often contain no leather.  So the cattle industry has
|> been forced to find a market for cowhide.
|> 
|> Anyway, what's the verdict on leather?  I've found cloth to be
|> much more durable and comfortable than vinyl (or leatherette, as
|> pseudo-luxury carmakers call it).  Leather furniture I've sat on
|> in the past has always made me sweaty.  Are carseats different?
|> Can leather be expected to outlast cloth?  How much maintenance
|> does leather require?  I remember reading a thread a few months
|> ago concerning leather treatment.  And I never even wash my car!
|> 
|> Thanks,
|> Bill

The only advantage that I can see with leather is that, with proper care,
it may last longer.  It some very expensive cars, you can make a leather
seat seem more like a big easy chair than you could with another material.
Vinyl just plain sucks.  In general, cloth is my first choice.  A little
Scotch Gaurd and it's easy to take care of.  Much more comfortable at
temperature extremes (hot or cold).

-- 
William R. Nau
Supercomputer Systems Engineering and Services Company (SSESCO)
511 11th Avenue South, Suite 216
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415-1536
(612) 342-0003

nau@SSESCO.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: alc@gdstech.GRUMMAN.COM (Al Chang)
Subject: Re: help chrysler!!!!!!!!!!!
Organization: Grumman Corporation
Distribution: rec
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 14:00:31 GMT

In article <1992Nov5.4168.38886@dosgate> "karim rahemat" <karim.rahemat@canrem.com> writes:

   Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mark@wdcwdc.sps.mot.com (Mark Shaw)
Subject: Re: Survey impartiality (was Re: Profits to Japan?)
Organization: Motorola Western MCU Design Center, Chandler Arizona
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 21:45:04 GMT

In article (Dan Harling)write:
>In article <2AF94D2A.3410@telly.on.ca> evan@telly.on.ca (Evan Leibovitch) writes:
>>For years Consumer Reports has done surveys of owners to determine
>>reliability and owner satisfacion. Do you think there's a mystique
>>about Japanese cars that causes their owners to report fewer problems?

>Frankly, yes.  This is not as unbelievable as it sounds.  A very
>thought-provoking discussion on this subject took place in the
>rec.autos hierarchy several months ago.  In case you missed it, here is
>a recap (as I remember it):

>............ stuff deleted...........

>             , it is quite conceivable that opinion polls like those
>taken by Consumer Reports could be *highly* affected by prior
>expectations on the part of car owners, which are in turn highly
>influenced by prevailing popular opinions.  Since the claim that
>Japanese cars are better than American cars is both popular and
>long-lived, this would tend to be the dominant factor in an opinion
>poll.

I agree whole-heartedly with this position.  One of the reasons I stopped
taking Consumer Reports was the rather biased manner in which they gather
data.  Most of their data stems from questionaires sent in from subscribers.
You can bet that someone who thinks their car is junk is going to respond.
In fact, the whole premise behind Consumer Reports is to look for the worst
in a product.  Average users are not going to take the trouble to report.
On the other hand someone who is riding their "Japanese horse" will also
respond with glowing results (and will overlook the minor problems).  The
only value of the Consumer Reports frequency of repair analysis is to
identify the type of failures most reported.  This charts are not very
good at predicting the overall quality that a new buyer might expect.

I have owned several cars that many people would consider "poor" US 
designs (i.e. Chevy and Pontiac) and have not found them to be that way.
The only American-made car that really irked me was an '85 Pontiac Grand Am,
but that was more the result of a truly poor dealer.  By the time I 
found a good dealer, I was so mad that I had vowed to never buy another
Pontiac until that particular dealer (Sun Pontiac, Mesa, AZ) either goes
out of business or changes ownership.  In hindsight the car was pretty
good.

I have also owned or worked on several Japanese cars, and the general
quality level is falling (at least in comparison to their competition).
For example, I was appalled to be working under the dash of a Nissan
Pulsar NX and found that all the structural metal was rusty due to no
treated for corrosion!  I also owned a '75 Honda Civic that burned a
quart of oil every 100 miles when it only had 55K miles on it!  

In general, when it comes to cars, most people believe what they want
to believe.  About the only thing you can get people to agree on about
a specific car is what color it might be painted (then again, that is
also up to interpretation!).

Mark
From: schludermann@sscvx1.ssc.gov
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Oil-Synthetic versus Regular?
Date: 10 Nov 92 19:25:26 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory

In article <27365@oasys.dt.navy.mil>, odell@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Bernard O'Dell) writes:
> In the December issue of Automobile on page 48, there is an
> article entitled " Coming to grips with a slippery subject"
> all about whether synthetic oil is better than the regular stuff--
> concludes that synthetic oils in general, especially Mobil 1-
> Advanced Formula is superior to conventional lubricants. The only
> surprise is that users are instructed to change the oil at the
> normal recommended intervals. Thats because you need to get rid of
> contaminants that are held in suspension by the oil's detergent
> additives. So if you want to extend service intervals greatly by
> using synthetic oils, you're out of luck. Other bad news is that
> synthetic-lubricant oil changes cost substantially more.
>
  To extend the drain interval use hyper filtration and oil analysis.
If the synthetic you intend to use is 100% (the base oil that is) 
synthetic then the drain cycle is unlimited. If the lubricant contains
petroleum with free radicals floating around (up to 50% of the base lube
could have the potential to be reactive, it depends) then it must be
change when the additives are depleted. This is why synthetics are
better they are stable in normal engine operation temperatures in the
presence of water, oxygen and combustion products. The usual contaminants
that force changing of a synthetic are fuel & dirt. If the fuel system
is operating properly, no problem. To control dirt a filter system that
can control particulates orders of magnitude below normal engine clearances
is needed. Usually this is submicronic and a bypass system. An oil analysis
costs $8-$20 depending on how much data you want.
 
> Ending with the comment, "Synthetic lubricants will keep will keep
> it on the road a good long time. Right now they are the slickest
> act in town".
> 
  most synthetics have a film strengh 4 time that of petroleum some much
higher and are shear stable (will not break down mechanically) under those
loads. Friction ratings vary but are good.

> One of the best explanation of synthetic oil versus regular oils
> that I've read--I often have wondered about this issue.
> 
> If I had a new car, I would use the synthetic--
>
  If your engine/transmission/suspension/drive line are mechanically
sound then synthetics are worth while. Don't use it in dirty worn 
engines, etc.

> The next question is what, if any, are the differences between the
> synthetics, like Mobil 1-Advanced Formula or the new Castrol Synthetic???
> 
mobil 1 was originally a synthetic hydrocarbon, new formula I don't know.
castrol is ester based (good base oil) but I think it's been cut with
regular petroleum. Can anyone help me out on this?


> Bern O'Dell--
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mark@wdcwdc.sps.mot.com (Mark Shaw)
Subject: Re: Ethanol blended gasoline
Organization: Motorola Western MCU Design Center, Chandler Arizona
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 00:50:19 GMT

In article <1992Nov5.163654.5934@ncar.ucar.edu>, cbh@windsurf.scd.ucar.edu (Cris Hannu) writes:
|> In article <1992Nov5.123259.2473@infonode.ingr.com>, greg@cherokee.b23b.ingr.com (Greg Moritz) writes:
|> > sborders@nyx.cs.du.edu (Scott Borders) wonders:
|> > > I'm surprised to see that ethanol blends are more expensive than
|> > > pure gasoline in some areas.  Here in Omaha, Nebraska, ethanol
|> > > is always a few cents cheaper than the equivalent octane gasoline.
|> > 
|> > This is because ethanol gasoline is usually subsidized (expecially in
|> > farm states like Nebraska).  The subsidy is in the form of reduced 
|> > or eliminated taxes paid at the pump.
|> > 
|> > The last time I saw the numbers, Ethanol was only competitive with
|> > Gasoline when Petroleum was priced over $40 per barrel.  Petroleum
|> > today is around $21 and heading down.
|> > 
|> > There are qualitative reasons for using Ethanol, however.  By burning
|> > a gallon of Ethanol, we reduce the amount of Petroleum that we import
|> > by about .6 gallons.  
|> 
|> I'm not so sure about this.  I, for one, get worse gas mileage running with
|> the *blended* gas.  I was getting about 23 mpg with *normal* gas now I get 
|> about 20.  The gas is a 15% MTBE blend.  So, doing some quick math, say I've 
|> got a 20 gal. tank...  I could've gone 60 miles further with normal gas (3*20);
|> 15% of 20 gallons is 3 (hey there's my 3 mpg loss!), so I've got to buy more
|> of the blended gas to get the same distance as I got from the normal gas.
|> Unless this mixture is actually burning cleaner, I fail to see the *benefit*
|> of running blended fuels.


Be careful when you make your comparisons.  Typically the blended fuels are
pushed in the winter months to counter the worse atmospheric conditions of
temperature inversions.  Long before these blends came out, I always experienced
a 2-3 mpg (from 26 mpg) loss in economy in the winter months.  This is mainly
due to extended choke operation and higher losses during warmup.  You really
need to run two tankful back-to-back over a short time frame while the weather
conditions (and your driving patterns) are the same.  I would expect some loss
but not 10-15%.  I do not see much difference here in AZ.

Mark
From: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: FLAME! Only a Manual!
Date: 13 Nov 92 04:24:57 GMT
Reply-To: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc5.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, mchaffee@ux4.cso.uiuc.edu (REAL LIFE?!?!  HA!!) says:

>aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer) writes:
>
>
>>In a previous article, hhtra@usho21.hou281.chevron.com (T.M.Haddock) says:
>
>>>In article <1992Nov10.233727.11527@syacus.acus.oz.au>, steven@syacus.acus.oz.au (Steven Malikoff) writes:
>>>|> A question for those who drive automatics: Have you *ever* seen a racing
>>>|> car (F1, Indy, Stock, Rally, etc.) that has an auto transmission?
>>>
>>> Drag racers do as well as several SCCA Showroon Stock classes.
>>>
>>>
>>> In a somewhat similar train of thought...
>>>
>>> Why did GM only put automatics in the Buick Grand Nationals and 
>>> the GMC Syclones and Typhoons?  I've always thought this strange.
>>my thoughts..no proof..
>
>[Drew suggests more people might want auto.'s, a manual couldn't handle the
>power, a special manual would have to be made and a capable auto already ex-
>isted]
or, more precisely, the manuals that do exist, are too specialized, and
cost more to convert to this special(limited production) application.

>
>>DREW
>
>Without denying these (which are all probably true), let me just add that an
>automatic actually allows better performance in turbocharged cars.  At launch,
>there is no sensible way to bring up boost before take-off with a stick, but
>all you have to do on an auto is lock the brakes, hit the gas, let the boost
>come up take your foot off the brake, stomp the gas, and hold on.  During 
>shifts, there is *NO* way to keep up boost on a manual; an automatic has no
>problem as the RPM's, load, and thus boost are kept up.  Even though, I would
>still rather have a stick with most turbos (Saab, Maserati, etc) because damit,
>the autos don't perform *THAT* much better, and the sticks are SO much more
>fun!

there is a way to keep boost on a manual..it doesn't fall..because of a thing
called inertia(yeah..the same thing that creates lag..)..you CAN shift fast
enuff to keep boost to an acceptable level(unless you just need to junque the
linkage...)...rpm drops still in an auto, and along with it, the boost..
and yes, autos launch harder, probably, with less damage..but this is still
not a recommended practice..and they still SUCK for passing fun(BTW the
diamond cars try and alleviate this with a switch on the auto..it kicks it
out of OD if you KNOW you are going to pass..kinda redundant, since you could
just shift..but..nifty..)  i still contend that turbo manual is the ONLY FUN
combo!....(which is not to say i'd not own a gift turbo auto! ;-)

>BTW, Drew brings up a good point about the clutches on Laser/Talon/Eclipse.
>Has anyone heard anything about the durability of the 5-speed drivetrain on
>these?

thanx!
DREW
-- 
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????-----whatever!
From: cka52397@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Slartibartfast)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Q on 93 Toyota Corolla/ Geo Prizm
Date: 11 Nov 92 23:06:27 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana

In article <1992Nov11.014322.20506@tandem.com> norcott_bill@tandem.com (Bill Norcott) writes:
>In article <5708@sumax.seattleu.edu>, smorris@sumax.seattleu.edu (Steven A. Morris) writes:
>
>|> For some reason the PRIZM is cheaper.... I think GM is really hurting
>|> for sales.
>
>I think Toyota is price gouging.  They Corolla costs about $1500 more
>for what is essentially the same car as the Prizm.
>

	And to top that off, the Corolla consistantly outdoes the Prizm on
quality tests, Go figure!
-- 
***RUSH***YES***FLOYD***PEARLJAM***METALLICA***STING***PAULSIMON***REM***U2***
*  "We are going to have the best educated American people in the World!" ;-)*
*   Vice President Dan Quayle  September 21, 1988 ;-)  Clinton 1996! ;-) ;-) *
*******(c-amin1@uiuc.edu)***Chintan Amin***UniversityofIllinois***GoIllini****
From: lstowell@pyrnova.mis.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Are there any Luxary AWD?
Date: 12 Nov 92 19:15:48 GMT
Reply-To: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA

In article <1992Nov11.231339.16648@nezsdc.icl.co.nz> derek@nezsdc.icl.co.nz (Derek Tearne) writes:
>
>Bzzzzt! Wrong.  I think you will find that the first sports sedan with
>4 wheel drive was the...
>
>Jensen Intercepter FF.  
>
>Unfortunately you can't buy them anymore.
>
    Does anyone know of an earlier one?

    As an added bit of trivia, the Ferguson FF awd drive system on
    the Jensen was ALSO used on Andy Granatelli's STP car which was
    kicking some serious butt in the 1966 Indy 500 until a bearing
    failure retired the car.    

    Oh, and it was an AUTOMATIC....able to tolerate the 1100+ 
    ft/lbs of torque the STP car could easily generate.

    Not that the Chrysler V-8 in the Jensen was a slouch.....

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: 00bndaniels@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Is GM going bankrupt ???
Date: 11 Nov 92 00:18:31 GMT
Organization: Ball State University, Muncie, In - Univ. Computing Svc's

I am curious to know if a rumor the GM is going bankrupt is true 
or not?  I live in Indiana where GM is a very big employer.  I am 
curious to know because if GM is going to go under, it could have 
a devistating effect on the state's economy.
Any insights greatly appreciated,
Barron Daniels
student at Ball State University,
Muncie Indiana
Xref: sparky rec.autos:26198 rec.autos.tech:15164