HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: rec.autos




  I've seen a number of people (myself included) who had something on their
minds when they got out of the car, and ignored the little beeper. The ignition
switch cutoff is fail safe. I prefer it.  If I want to have the lights on
without the engine running, I can always turn on the ignition switch.

       Thatch Harvey
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: chenh@neptune.ecs.csus.edu (H. Philip Chen)
Subject: Synthetics  [Re: Mazda Protege: Problem with engaging 1st and rev. gear.]
Organization: California State University, Sacramento
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 92 23:14:07 GMT

tedebear@leland.Stanford.EDU (Theodore Chen) writes:
::[...]
:
:this works for getting it into first.  but reverse is fairly
:stubborn, and there's a fair chance of getting the grinding noise
:with the approach you described.  it's pretty much become a habit
:for me to shift into third or fourth before going for first/reverse.
:haven't been having many problems with getting first, but reverse
:still hangs a lot no matter what i do.  maybe i should get some
:of that redline MTL everybody keeps talking about.  how much does
:it cost?

I got mine for a little under 7 bucks a quart.  But I dunno if the 
RL-MTL is gonna help your tranny by getting into reverse any easier. 
Good luck!


-phil

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: atovorni@engr.UVic.CA (Andreas  Tovornik)
Subject: Re: Formula (was Re: BETTER? 92 Camaro...)
Reply-To: atovorni@engr.UVic.CA
Organization: University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 00:58:09 GMT

In article 5951@zds-oem.zds.com, easton@zds-oem.zds.com (Jeff Easton) writes:
>In article <1992Nov7.005416.1675@sol.UVic.CA> atovorni@engr.UVic.CA writes:
>>In article 1dcj7lINNpop@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu, aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer) writes:
>
>>>HUH??? a FORMULA w/o an auto?? never laid eyes on one..i was thinkin
>>>that they were never actaully made...WOW..i'd love to drive this once.
>>
>>That's right! She's a rare one in the States, but most of the ones 
>>that were imported to Canada came with a 5-Speed. My '87 also has the
>>five speed with a stiff hydraulic clutch. The newer ones are easier
>>on the left leg, but I'm used to mine. The original owner of my car also
>>equipped it with(among other cool junk) disc brakes all around, 16" 
>>wheels, 245/50/VR 16 Gatorbacks, 5.0 Litre TPI V8(the manual tranny was
>>not available with the 5.7), Full analog instruments, top of the line 
>>Delco stereo, T-tops, cruise, PWR locks and windows(no PWR mirror or
>>seat), performance suspension, etc,etc,etc(!)
>
>  According to the Pontiac catalogs, the only engine not available 
>with the stick was the 5.7L TPI (i.e. any Formula 350)
 
That's right. GM couldn't find a 5-speed box that would handle the 5.7's 
torque when pushed to the limit that would fit in the transmission 
tunnel.

>  Also, the 4 wheel disc's were standard on any Firebird with a TPI
>engine (5.0L or 5.7L).  It looks like in '89 they started putting
>bigger discs on the rear, along with dual exhaust past the cat's.
>It was good for another 10 hp.

On my build sheet rear discs are an option.

Hmmm. I have seen some TPI examples with (ugh) rear drums, but this is 
Canada. What year is your Pontiac catalog for? I thought the dual cats
were standard on the GTA and optional on TPI FORMULAS & T/A's

>  Was positraction standard on TPI equipped Firebirds as well?

On my build sheet it's an option.

>>Are you foaming at the mouth yet? :)

>  Who, me? :-)

At least I was when I first saw it on the used car lot! :+)

>>Torque Monger
>
>
>-- 
>  ___  ___    Jeff Easton             easton@zds-oem.zds.com
> (__  (__     Zenith Data Systems     j.easton@mi04.zds.com
> ___) ___)    Saint Joseph, Mich.     easton@andrews.edu
>Monte Carlo   Z-LS/20 - Choice of a quiet generation

Torque Monger
From: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Stick VS Auto.
Date: 11 Nov 1992 00:36:12 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
NNTP-Posting-Host: thor.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, 891078p@ace.acadiau.ca (Trevor Perkins) says:


>    here we go again !  Ok.  How would you like to be driving along and have 
>a drivers ed car suddenly swerve into your lane because the driver, first 
>time on the road, is too busy trying to find the next gear instead of 
>watching where he/she is on the road !!!
>    Learn your basic driving skills on an auto and then switch to a manual 
>if you so choose.  It is much safer for all concerned ( everyone on the 
>road ) this way.
re: the parking lot crap we have to go through.

>    You keep saying " It's Their Choice ",  so don't condem people if their 
>choice is to not learn a stick.  If it limits their choice of cars etc. that 
>is their problem.  It's never to late to learn if some day in the future 
>they change their minds.
 
i condemn noone for choosing not to learn a stick. i think it is sad that
many view this as not being a choice, since they are taught on autos by
the powers that be deciding that it is better for them to learn on an auto
and therefore MAKING EVERYONE drive an auto.  Driver's ed implies that
education will be given.  Education is generally something that opens up
choices for one..as driver's ed is "taught" now, it actually closes doors
for many, by teaching them that an auto is easier, sticks are too complicated
to learn so just take the easy road with an auto(bull!..sticks are no more
complicated..ok..maybe a little...harder to learn..not to use provided it
is in good working condition).  this is easy to cure.  Choices require
knowledge, and that part is what is missing from DE.  could be easily 
replaced.  people who just hate sticks..no problem..keeps them cheaper 
for me..people with disabilities..different question altogether.  people
who simply cannot handle having to think about shifting at the same time..
well..let's not open that can o' worms!  The only thing driver's ed teaches
is the rules of road signs(which most people already know, and are not at
all hard to figure out), some simple rules(common sense, mostly, but does
need to be stressed for some of us more absent-mindeds), and not to speed
(DUH!).  it's almost a waste.  teaching of sticks would make it more
creditable, and open up the choice..be nice to see a real system like they
(tend to have, i've heard) in Europe instead of the "go the easy route, and
send in two proofs of purchase" system they have now...but the sticks are
SO SIMPLE to fix! 
DREW
-- 
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????-----whatever!
From: hhtra@usho21.hou281.chevron.com (T.M.Haddock)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: FLAME! Only a Manual!
Date: 12 Nov 92 18:30:47 GMT
Organization: Chevron

In article <1992Nov10.233727.11527@syacus.acus.oz.au>, steven@syacus.acus.oz.au (Steven Malikoff) writes:
|> PS.  A friend of mine, also with a WW2 left-hand drive jeep, has taught
|> his nine year old neice to drive it. ..She has no trouble at all! 

 How does she reach the pedals?  None of the 9-10 year olds in my 
 neighborhood can reach them and still see out the windshield.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Minivan experiences
From: <KANTOLA@NDSUVM1.BITNET>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1992 16:08:27 CST
Distribution: na
Organization: North Dakota Higher Education Computer Network

In article <PHILG.92Nov8175747@zug.ai.mit.edu>, philg@zurich.ai.mit.edu (Philip
Greenspun) says:
>
>Due to Ford's inability/refusal to fix my (under warranty) Scorpio, I
>rented a Dodge Caravan AWD this summer and drove it 3000 miles (from
>11,000 to 14,000).
>
I believe your comparison is very unfair considering you are comparing a sedan
with a minivan.
>
>It was a lot better than my Ford and only about half the price.
>
>Philip Greenspun
>MIT Department of EECS

Also, you should keep in mind a Scorpio is a Merkur, very different from the
American Ford.  I have read a few articles on the Merkur XR4TI and almost all
clearly stated how hard it was to obtain service and esp. parts since the home
office and plant is in Europe.
From: jacquier@gsbux1.uchicago.edu (Eric Jacquier )
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: What Snow Tires Are Best ?
Date: 5 Nov 92 18:33:05 GMT
Article-I.D.: midway.1992Nov5.183305.4942
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations

(kevinh) writes:

>(Damon Francis Gentile) writes:
>|> I have decided on getting
>|> 2 snow tires this year.

>No point, get 4 or none. With two tyres (and RWD) it's either 
>traction/no steering or steering/no traction. 

I wouldn't be so extreme. His car (Fiat X1/9) has a central engine.
The weight repartition is outstanding. 4 tires are better than 2, cer-
tainly, but he is going to get a great improvement with even 2 tires.
Would the non-snow tires be all-seasons?

However, I guess if he only buys 2 snows, won't they have to have the
same dimensions as the remaining tires in the front. That does
limit his flexibility to go back to 145-snows.

EJ
From: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: FLAME! Only a Manual!
Date: 7 Nov 1992 18:41:52 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc5.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, atovorni@engr.UVic.CA (Andreas  Tovornik) says:

>In article 1dck4tINNqj3@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu, aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer) writes:
>>
>>In a previous article, atovorni@engr.UVic.CA (Andreas  Tovornik) says:
>>[repeated stuff deleted]
>>
>>>And driving TRABANTS!
>>
>>haha..nicelyput!!!
>>
>>*****WARNING: REAL LIFE EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW!! STOP NOW IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT!!
>>(you gotta make sure to put this stuff on these to protect these peeple!! ;-)
>>
>>>Yeah...My mother's not willing to try either. When her car was in the shop,
>>>I said that she was welcome to use mine. I had to drive her all over town
>>>because she never could be bothered to learn how to REALLY drive(ARRRGH!)
>>>
>>
>>this is a real life example of what i have been stressing.  EVERYONE should
>>LEARN on a stick, as they can then drive EITHER!!..at their WHIM...but, 
>>those who never learn on a stick, are relegated to the (monotonouosIMHO)
>>life of driving an auto only, and, whenever circumstances call, are left
>>looking like idiots because they have to  be either taught, or they have
>>to beg someone to take the time to drag them around, or they claim to be
>>able to, and screw up the equipment!....if everyone were required to learn
>>to drive a manual, then they would have the choice, but as it is now, have
>>NONE!!...geez..how can anybody be so blind???
>>DREW
>>apologies for the cut stuff..it's in other articles, tho.
>
>Apologies accepted. Sorry 'bout the flame. Thought you were a cretin
>because you were unclear. Forgive me?
>
>I believe that EVERYONE should also know how to double-clutch effectively.
>It makes HIGH PERFORMANCE much, much smoother!!! :+)
>
>Torque Monger
>
hmm..if i had the damn $$$$..or someone to teach me, you bet i'd learn,
but as it is, i learned stick b/c that is what we had(and because that
is what i wanted!), unless you count my driver's ed(snicker) course, but
noone to teach double-clutching..i wish someone would teach me to speed
shift to..just for the fun and novelty..but..i know no one who knows..
they all want to use those blasted 2pedal junk boxes...ah well..;-)
DREW
-- 
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????-----whatever!
From: wallich@ncd.com (Ken Wallich)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: convertibles, plastic windows, and rollbars
Date: 6 Nov 92 00:12:35 GMT
Reply-To: wallich@ncd.com (Ken Wallich)
Distribution: na

K.Buck@ma30.bull.com (Ken Buck) writes:

>In article <1992Oct30.055202.553@meaddata.com> dlovely@meaddata.com
>   (David Lovely) writes:
>>Rule #1:
>>	Don't buy a convertible with a plastic rear window!
>>	Too much distortion, they become opaque with age.
>>	Another advantage of glass is that you can usually
>>	get a rear defogger.  The only glass-windowed
>>	convertibles that I know about are:
[...]
>>		BMW.

>i'd consider a 'plastic rear window' to be a 'drawback' but not necessarily
>a reason to 'not buy' a given car that you otherwise like.  [...]

Add also to the list the SAAB convertible.  Granted it's more of an 
'opening' than a window, being about the size of most moonroofs, but
it is glass with a defroster.

I wasn't aware BMW had a glass window on any of its convertibles.  My
1987 325i (the first year of the newer design) had a plastic window,
and I believe the wierd looking 1986 325i with the factory approved,
but not factory installed top has plastic as well.  In any case, the
ones you're most likely to find will have a plastic.

I'd agree with Mr. Buck, partially because I like his first name, but
also because the top on my 325 held up just fine during the 3+ years I
owned it.  I didn't have a garage to put it in for the last year I
owned it, but I kept it covered all the time it was home, and when it
wasn't raining, I put the little window cover BMW provided over the
rear window when it was going to be parked outside.  I cleaned it
regularly with just water and a little vinegar, and took care to make
sure there was a soft cloth placed where it might abrade (with the BMW
top, the window folds in half, and with plastic-on-plastic, it could
abrade).  Other than that little bit of attention, I treated the car
normally, and other than a little distortion, the window worked just
fine.

I wouldn't have wanted to see the price tag for replacing it, but I
also wouldn't have wanted to give up any of the storage space I gained
from having such a compact top.

I'll agree with David that if you don't take extra care with a plastic
window, or don't want to, then you should stay clear of them :-).



--
Ken Wallich
wallich@ncd.com  
ken@wallich.com
From: lutz@hepburn.anes.upmc.edu (John Lutz)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Top 20 Selling Vehicles of 1992
Date: 5 Nov 92 21:43:42 GMT
Distribution: rec.autos
Organization: none


>>>>> "mopar-mainiac" == HERBERT DASILVA <hsd@swl.msd.ray.com> writes:

 mopar-mainiac> hsd@swl.msd.ray.com (HERBERT DASILVA) writes:

>  3. Honda Accord		This is the list of top 20 sales of
>  6. Toyota Camry		The Globe lists their source as
> 11. Honda Civic
> 14. Toyota Corolla
> 18. Toyota pickup

>  4 out of the 20 are Japanese imports, the others are domestic.

 mopar-mainiac> are 5, not 4 Japanese imports in the top 20, so just save the
 mopar-mainiac> flames, OK?  :-)

Well, not really. I know for a fact that the Hondas are built in Marysville
Ohio and I believe the Toyotas (at least the sedans) are made in the States.

-jl
John Lutz                               University Anesthesiology
lutz@hepburn.anes.upmc.edu                3471 5th Ave. Suite 910
(412)622-1018                           Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3221
"Look, it's trying to think." - Albert Rosenfield 

--
John Lutz                               University Anesthesiology
lutz@hepburn.anes.upmc.edu                3471 5th Ave. Suite 910
(412)622-1018                           Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3221
"Look, it's trying to think." - Albert Rosenfield 
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: eliot@lanmola.engr.washington.edu (eliot)
Subject: Re: Are there any Luxary AWD?
Organization: clearer than blir
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1992 20:01:00 GMT

In article <92316.131239KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu> Karl Nordstrom <KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>>Audi quattro!!  the cars that started the ball rolling.  The company
>>with the most experience with the most refined AWD system your money
>>can buy.
>
>Well which is the better system, Porsche's or Audi's?

the porsche system is clearly more complex and sophisticated.. computers
controlling multi-plate clutch packs for the differentials.  the one found
on the carrera 4 is much toned down from the ultimate one found in the 959
which boasts variable torque split.  (all other systems have a fixed torque
split until one or more wheels lose grip, whereby some form of limited slip
device re-distributes the torque)

the system found on the 5 speed audi quattros (i'll get to the slush
ones in a sec) are simple *and* effective.  the torsen differential is
fully mechanical but is truly a wonderful device.  most formula 1 and
indy cars use it; so does the much hyped desert storm vehicle, the
humvee.

the slush quattros (V8, 100) use computer controlled multiplate clutches
for the center differential.  in this respect they are the same concept
as the carrera 4.  the subaru legacy (slush) and svx also use this.

to answer your question, theoretically speaking, porsche has the most
advanced system in the 959.. light years ahead of anything that
anybody else would even consider building.  the 964 (carrera 4) is
more modest and in my judgement slightly more sophisticated than
audi's best.  

however, as mercedes has shown, complexity and sophistication doesn't
necessarily convert into on-road superiority.  audi's simple torsen
based system, together with 12 years experience in tuning AWD
suspension is extremely effective and not many people will argue with
that.  (the latest disasters are a different story though.. i'm
referring to the 90Q).

one magazine tested the 20 valve turbo quattro koop against the
carrera 4.  the carrera 4 won the comparison, but it is hard to make
firm conclusions about who has the better system, since the cars are
so different in layout.

ok, ok you've got the gun pointed on my head now... i'll give the
prize to porsche, but i'll give audi a close second.  i'd say that if
you were torn between buying an AWD audi and porsche, don't let the
AWD system be the deciding factor....

ciao,

eliot
From: kalin@math.psu.edu ( kalin )
Subject: the eternal head gasket story -- need some advice..
Organization: Math Dept
Distribution: usa
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1992 01:37:14 GMT

Well, here's the scoop. I blew the head gasket two months ago.
Must be a tiny, tiny hole, cause there is no mixing of fluids.

Got the part. To get it installed, I have to dish out $300,
since all places calim a minimum of 10 hrs work @ $30/hr.
Since I don't make $300 in 10 hrs, I decided to do it myself.
I have done this about 8 years ago and don't really remember
what the tricky parts were. I have one of the thick manuals
with pictures and sequences and specs, so I'll start on it 
next month. Need any advice as to what to look out for and
what not to do. If this is important the car is a Mazda 626,
carburated.

thanks 
kalin


From: leonglaw@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com (Lawrence LEONG)
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 14:14:48 GMT
Subject: Re: Oil-Synthetic versus Regular?
Organization: HP Singapore
Newsgroups: rec.autos

In rec.autos, schludermann@sscvx1.ssc.gov writes:

[...]

    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--

More interestingly, Castrol sells 3 types of synthetic engine oils here:

    GTX (now GTX2)
    Neutron
    Syntron (believe this is Syntec in US)

Anyone know what the differences are?  For what it's worth, GTX and Syntron 
are about the same price of the new Mobil 1, Neutron is slightly cheaper.

lawrence
From: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: BETTER? 92 Camaro or 92 Iroc Daytona??
Date: 6 Nov 1992 01:53:57 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc5.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, atovorni@engr.UVic.CA (Andreas  Tovornik) says:

>In article 7824@zds-oem.zds.com, easton@zds-oem.zds.com (Jeff Easton) writes:
>>In article <1992Nov4.200129.28498@sol.UVic.CA> atovorni@engr.UVic.CA writes:
>>>
>>>
>>>CAMARO!
>>
>>  And he better hurry as they seem to be dwindling on the car lots
>>around here, in anticipation of the '93's comming in January.
>>
>>>Just say NO to FWD!
>>
>>  Problem is, if your not too fond of the F cars or the 'stang, the 
>>RWD choices are getting quite limited these days...
>>
>>>
>>>Torque Monger
>>>
>>
>>-- 
>>  ___  ___    Jeff Easton             easton@zds-oem.zds.com
>> (__  (__     Zenith Data Systems     j.easton@mi04.zds.com
>> ___) ___)    Saint Joseph, Mich.     easton@andrews.edu
>>Monte Carlo   Z-LS/20 - Choice of a quiet generation
>>
>
>In that case, get a used PORSCHE 928 that was well maintained.
>I know it's European, BUT It gives good vibes! :) :)
>
>BTW, I could walk into the local PONTIAC dealership out here
>and buy a new FORMULA cheap! Out here, people keep their old 
>cars FOREVER because rust is minimal here on Vancouver Island!
>No demand!
>
>My old one still has lotsa life left, so I'll pass for a few years.
>The one in the showroom is loaded but without Auto or Air. It even
                                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HUH??? a FORMULA w/o an auto?? never laid eyes on one..i was thinkin
that they were never actaully made...WOW..i'd love to drive this once.

>has the LEATHER INTERIOR!!
         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~another definate negative...along w/ lack 
of a/c..does anyone else not like leather??..my question is, would it
wear to you in a couple months?..the ones i've sat on were always too
slick..they didn't hold you..almost as bad as vynal..but if they would
hold you in a couple weeks, i'd take it! :-)
DREW



>
>You'll unfortunately have to pay the Canadian price, though. :+(
>
>Torque Monger  
>
>
-- 
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????-----whatever!
From: earlyd@newt.ee.byu.edu (David Early)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Advice - 1984 Pontiac Sunbird
Keywords: Advice, Pontiac, Sunbird, 2000
Date: 11 Nov 92 18:49:34 GMT
Organization: Brigham Young University, Provo UT USA


In article <1992Nov10.154053.27357@gvl.unisys.com>, yavo@ivy.unisys.com (Steve Yavorski) writes:
>I am in the process of acquiring a 1984 Pontiac Sunbird (2000) 4 door
>
>I am soliciting the net to find out the type of problems that I could
>run into with this car.  Consumer Reports gives it a below average
>
>Steve
>

I drive a 1984 Pont 2000Sunbird wagon (4doors), 1.8L non-turbo
automatic. (Same as yours, different body.)

The car has 103,000 miles on it and I can honestly
say that asside from cosmetic 'problems' (The car orignally
came with a few screews missing on interior pannels) the car has
been virtually trouble free.  It has lost a little power over the 
last 40,000 miles or so, but doesn't burn oil.  It wasn't the pepiest
car to begin with, and is still very drivable.  We drove it from UTah
to New York a year ago and had no problems.

My understadning is that the car is NOT freewheeling.  I replaced
my timing belt at 90k.

One thing we ended up doing is getting the MacFerson(sp?) struts replaced
at about 60k.  Some weird problem that was covered under an extended warenty.

All other work I have done myself.  Some of my mechanic friends have said that
this particualr 4-banger was very well engineered, and I would agree, but 
results may vary from car to car.  GM has a consistency problem.

My expereience with the car is that if it made it through 55k miles without
any major problems, it is probably OK.

Dave Early

PS  It won't blow up if you go over the speed limit because you can't
go over the speed limit. ;)

PPS I have found that my car 'eats' tires.  If I get a good michilen or
Uniroyal, my tires wear much better than cheaper brands like Kelly.  My
uniroyals are at 35k now and have plenty of tread left.
Newsgroups: rec.autos