HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: dtian@utdallas.edu (Dan Tian)
Subject: Basic questions about 4-wheel drive v.s. 2-wheel drive
Organization: Univ. of Texas at Dallas
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 18:31:15 GMT

Please excuse me for my very basic question to the net. 
I'll appreciate it if someone can give me some
brief leads to the following questions (with e-mail preferred). 
(Obviously, I don't read about cars and this group very often.)

1. What is the major advantages of 4-wheel drive?

2. What I'll be missing if I buy a 2-wheel drive sports utility vehicle 
(e.g., Jeep) instead of one with 4-wheel drive? 
(I'am not an off-road fan. I like it because it looks neat.)

3. Is there any safety/fuel economy statistics about the utility vehicles?


thanks,


--dan--

dtian@utdallas.edu
From: dallen@iftccu.boeing.com (Donald Dallenbach)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Caravan Advice needed
Date: 25 Aug 92 16:13:49 GMT
Organization: Boeing Commercial Airplane Group

/ iftccu:rec.autos / msc@druwy.ATT.COM (ChangM) /  3:18 pm  Aug 24, 1992 /

	I am considering to buy a 92-93 CARAVAN. Consumer Report states
	that I should get a short wheel base with V6/3-sp automatic
	transmission. But I am also thinking about the long wheel base (GRAND)
	with V6/3-sp automatic transmission.

	I need some advice from the friendly net. My questions are?

	1. What is the power difference between grand and short wheel
	   base with V6/3-sp automatic transmission especially in the
	   Rocky Mountain area?

	2. What is the quality or reliability of the grand with v6/3-sp
	   automatic transmission?

	Please email to me if possible.

	Thanks in advance.

						Ming S. Chang
						(303) 538-1629
----------



***************************************************





I own a 1991 Dodge Grand Caravan LE purchaced new in Nov.   1990.
To  date,  the  only  repair  I've  had to make outside of normal
maintenance items  (oil  change,  lube, tire  rotation,  etc.) is
a broken windshield. All the critisism Consumer Reports levied on
it  has  not  materialized.  The  V-6   3.3   Liter  with  the  4
speed  automatic  is  a  great family cruiser which I also use to
pull a tent trailer  at  the speed limit  over the most demanding
mountain  passes  Washington  State has to offer.  My family also
uses  this  van    for    the    winter   ski  vehicle   reaching
summit  parking with the best of them.            
              
The main difference between the short wheelbase and the extended
version is the 14 inches added to the length of the vehicle.  
nother difference is the availability of an engine combination
other than the 3.3 Liter / 4 speed automatic transmission.  

My advice would be to take the Consumer Reports testing as 
subjectively as it was administered.  This is a very well mannered
vehicle easy to drive, and inexpensive to operate.  I highly 
recommend it.  One more bit of information; the short 
wheelbase Caravan is made in Canada and the Grand Caravan is made
in St. Louis, Mo. U.S.A..  You make the call!

                                             DLD

 
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: jchen@manticorectt.bellcore.com (C. Jason Chen)
Subject: Re: TOYOTA's timing belt
Reply-To: jchen@ctt.bellcore.com
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 92 15:57:00 GMT

In article <7740213@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM>, gregb@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Greg Begay) writes:

|> I just had a 30K tuneup done on my 90 Camry (4cyl.16valve).  The dealer 
|> recommended that the timing belt be checked and "adjusted" for an 
|> additional $60.  I told'em to go for it.  They (dealer mechanic) claim 
|> that if you check and adjust the belt every 30K miles, then the belt will 
|> last until 90K-120K miles, then it must be replaced.
|> 
|> What do you folks think, did my dealer give good info or did I waste
|> $60.
|> 
I am not an expert on auto mechanics. But from what I understand, there
is little to adjust for the timing belt. The belt won't move out of place, 
and there is no need to adjust tension. You probably don't have to spend the
$60 for the first 30k miles. 

In general, I believe that dealer scheduled tune-ups before 60k miles are
unnecessary, if can do the basic things such as change filters, oil, plugs,
and coolant. Modern-day cars have a lot of electronic controls. They either
work or break. Little adjustment or inspection is needed. You can save
hundreds of dollars on those meaningless inpections and adjustments and
those overpriced oil/filter change labor charges.

-- 

C. Jason Chen                 
**************E-Mail: jchen@ctt.bellcore.com
**************V-Mail: (908)699-6993
**************P-Mail: 444 Hoes Lane, 1E229, Piscataway, NJ
From: rfadler@uswnvg.com (Rick Fadler)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Another Sport/Utility Vehicle Question
Date: 1 Sep 92 23:31:32 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: US West NewVector, Inc., Bellevue, WA
Originator: rfadler@nv2.uswnvg.com


Has anyone out there towed rather large trailers with a sport/utility
vehicle? If so, how did (does) it perform?  I'm really interested in how 
Jeep Cherokees work, but am also interested in other vehicles as well.

I'm thinking of buying a Jeep but have recently heard some horror stories
about their inability to tow heavy loads without overheating.  I'll be using
my new vehicle to tow my boat (3000lbs) frequently over mountain passes and
don't want to have to worry about overheating.

Thanks for any advice.

Rick
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
From: txa95@isuvax.iastate.edu
Subject: Moving a car to California!
Reply-To: txa95@isuvax.iastate.edu
Organization: Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 16:00:27 GMT


I am going to move my 84 Honda Accord from Iowa to California. I heard that
there is some strict smog check in California and no out-of-state car can
survive it. What will happen if my car fails? Can anyone in California give
me some hint? Thanks in advance.

-Martin
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: sjs@netcom.com (Stephen Schow)
Subject: WANTED: Info about BMW 325i,325is
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 92 16:43:27 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 

I am thinking about selling my Toyota 4x4 and getting something posh.  I went
around and looked at cars and one car that keeps getting my attention is the
BMW 325is.  I LIKE IT!

Anyone know much about it or the 325i?

How much are they typically?

What's new in 93?

etc?

Thanks in advance
-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Schow    | But you don't have to use the claw, if you
sjs@netcom.com | pick the pear with the big paw paw......
               | Have I given you a clue......?
               |                       - Baloo the Bear
------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mperlman@nyx.cs.du.edu (Marshal "Airborne" Perlman)
Subject: Re: Radar Detector: which one?
Organization: University of Denver, Dept. of Math & Comp. Sci.
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 92 17:47:42 GMT

bill@unixland.natick.ma.us (Bill Heiser) writes:

>leo@avs.com (Leo O'Donnell) writes:
>>    Recently, I've found that my favorite way to drive to work
>>    has become inundated with speed traps. There seems to be
>>    two kinds; side of the road, and sneak up behind. I'd like
>>    to keep my driving-record clean, so I'm looking to buy a
>>    detector. There are a lot to choose from. In your opinion, 
>>    which one should I buy?

>If they sneak up behind you, chances are a detector won't help.  They
>won't be using radar, but will clock your speed.

Your best bet (well..his actually..since the message isn't really directed
at him) is to buy a police scanner.

If you learn and listen enough..you'll start to understand some of their
special codes. The deal is...most of the times...only a few cops are out
for blood <i.e. traps>...they are usially out doing real stuff..and if they
see some dork make an illegal UTRUN..they'll grab him..but back to the
guys that stake you out:::

First of all....MOST cop cars/bikes have a loran typeof device or something
to tell the base where they are...when a cop is doing a stake out...his
signal is sometimes shut off/blocked by a wall/etc... and it is either
not moving or is not existant..so the unit will tell the base what he is
doing <so they dont think he is being lazy [donut run!]>..he'll usially
say something like "4-Charley TW"...and i've found in a few counties
TW is traffic watch..i.e. he is getting his cancer..i mean radar out.

Also..if you listen long enough..you'll start to learn where they like to hide!

AND best of all..just listen and get the general view of things..where
i live..most of the time...the units are not any where near my house..and
if something does happen..they say "station 42..for unit in the south...911 
hangup at xxxxxx"..and the closest guy to 'the south' <where i live> is 5
miles away...
--
No part of Marshal may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
translated, transcribed, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means manual,
electric, electronic, electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical, optical, or
otherwise, without prior explicit written permission from CPEX development.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: ar12@quads.uchicago.edu (Richard Nixon)
Subject: Re: Strike at Saturn?
Reply-To: ar12@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 04:49:07 GMT

In article <1992Aug29.035447.15270@leland.Stanford.EDU> underdog@leland.Stanford.EDU (Dwight Joe) writes:
>In article <1992Aug28.164502.26612@midway.uchicago.edu>
>ar12@midway.uchicago.edu writes:
>>I just heard some bits & pieces about a strike at Saturn- what's the scoop?
>>Once again the UAW rears its ugly head-eh? While we're on the topic let me
>>say that the situation discusts me- regardless of who people want to put the
>>blame on for the decline of the American auto industry (polititians, the
>>Japanese, Management, etc.) the truth is that a large part (if not the
>>majority) of the blame lies with the UAW, and if the reason isn't self
>>...
>
>Really?
>
>Mr. Andre, where's your G*d d*mn horn when the Japanese are forcing
>the prices of vehicles like the Pontiac Grand Am to be jacked up
>by 100% over the USA price?  I rarely, if ever, see any arguing that
>the pricing system in Japan should be made fair.
>
>By the way, where's your G*d d*mn horn when the Japanese laugh
>at the inscription on the head of the Statute of Liberty because
>they think that it's a joke?  You know.  "...send us your tired, your
>poor, your wretched refuse from your teaming shores..."
>
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Seikatsu no imi wa nan desu ka.            \|  |`      | Don't buy from Toyota;
>Shitte itara oshiete kuremasen ka.          | -+-      | especially, don't buy
>                                           /| / \      | from Capitol Toyota in
>Copyright 1992.                                        | San Jose, California.
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

^^^Don't tell me, let me guess: a union man?
 
Andre

From: wesf@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com (Wes Fujii)
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 18:48:39 GMT
Subject: Re: Law regarding speeding ticket ?
Organization: Hewlett Packard - Boise, ID
Newsgroups: rec.autos

Basically for the "Wasting of Natural Resources" fines cover are speeds
that are higher than the current Federal Speed Limit but are on highways
that the state previously had posted for higher limits.  In Idaho, it
covers speeds over 55 to 65 that were previously posted at 70.

Now, if you go 85, that's 15 over 70 and that's considered wreckless...

Wes Fujii

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Wes Fujii               *           JAPANESE BUSINESS MOTTO           *
* Boise, Idaho            *        You can buy anything you want        *
* wesf@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com *             with a lot of money             *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rll@frieda.mitre.org (Roberto L. Landrau)
Subject: Re: THE DOOR HORROR
Organization: Research Computer Facility, MITRE Corporation, Bedford, MA
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 11:54:11 GMT

In article <Btz98H.EBn@acsu.buffalo.edu> v087mxgb@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Shawn E Thompson) writes:
>similar sick story: (deleted)
>Some comedian (I can't remember who), had a plan:
>give everybody a splatball (paint-ball) gun. Every time
>some idiot does something stupid you shoot his car. Once 
>a cop sees this cars with red splotches all over they 
>figure "hey, that guy's an a$$hole!" and give him a 
>ticket.  
>Shawn Thompson

They tried this in LA a few years ago.  Unfortunately, they used
lead-paint :)


--
The opinions stated above are not necessarily my employer's.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Roberto L. Landrau    KC1YP    landrau@mitre.org  rll@linus.mitre.org
The MITRE Corporation  Bedford, MA 01730          rll@linus.UUCP
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: andy@b30.ingr.com (Andrew Brezinski)
Subject: Re: Laser RS Turbo...C/D's Best Bang for the Buck Winner...
Keywords: Or are they mistaken in all this???
Organization: Intergraph
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 14:19:16 GMT

In article <1992Aug21.130742.5474@metter.fmpmis.metter.com> virgo@metter.fmpmis.metter.com (curious vIRgO) writes:
>
>Hello, fellow auto-philes:
>
>Many of you,I am sure, have already read Car&Driver's latest issue and are
>aware that this year's "Best Bang for the Buck" was the Plymouth Laser RS
>Turbo. So, any ideas?? Comments??? Opinions???? Flames?????

First of all, that was Motor Tend, not Car & Driver.  And the contest is
called just plain "Bang for the Buck (Three)".

>Also, I canna' understand why C/D always throws a car out of class(price,
>model,etc.)in with a group of cars that are pretty much the same in class.
>First, it was the SHO Taurus against the Maxima SE/Camry SE. THIS time,they
>put,what I consider,affordable sports/GT models adn then throw the curve
>by smooshing in a Mazda RX-7 R1(then again, I may be screaming for naught,
>I canna' remember the price for this car, but I assume it's WAY out of league
>with the others...please correct me if I'm wrong, and spouting off for
>naught...again).
>
>curious"Ever know of a '74 240Z that can do 160 mph,stock??"virgo
>-- 
>
>Paul "Axel" Virgo
>Metters Industries
>Arlington, VA 22202

Talk about out of class.  They put a $38,000 Saab 9000 Turbo in there.  In
fact, the Mazda RX-7 R1 at about 32,000 (as tested) was the third most
expensive in the field of 16.  You'll also note that they changed things
this year for this particular test.  The previous price ceiling was $35,000
(increased to $40,000).  My personal opinion was that they did this for one
car and one car only, the Corvette, which declined the invitation anyway.
I think Chevrolet has been embarrassed in the previous two BftB comps.
(It's too bad, to:  I like the car.)  

Finally, I don't find the price differences between a top-of-the-line
Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, and Ford Taurus to be that far apart.  But the
Taurus will kick the others' ass on the dragstrip.

Andy Brezinski
Intergraph Corporation
Huntsville, AL 35894-0001

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: andchan@newton.amath.umanitoba.ca (Andrew Chan)
Subject: Which car vax to use?
Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 1992 23:30:19 GMT

I have a relatively new (1991, non-metallic paint) car and am wondering
which car vax I should use.

Plain old car vax?  NuFinish?  Luster 7?  Colorcote?

Up here in Winnipeg, it is too cold for vaxing a car outdoors during
winter, so I get to vax my car only once or twice a year (within the
4 month window during summer).  I wonder if those "once a year" products
actually work.

Thanks...

-- 
We are a rare as well as an endangered species.  Every one of us is,
in the cosmic perspective, precious.  If a human disagrees with you,
let him live.  In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another.
							- Carl Sagan
From: jtchew@csa3.lbl.gov (JOSEPH T CHEW)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: front disc brake question
Date: 3 Sep 92 18:24:24 GMT
Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory - Berkeley, CA, USA
Reply-To: jtchew@csa3.lbl.gov
NNTP-Posting-Host: 128.3.254.198
Summary: The number to call is BR 549
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.3-4   

>Taurus Front Brake Rotors have a recall

Some of them, anyway.  Mine wobble around on my own dime.

Their customer service number is 800/392-3673.  Be ready with 
your Vehicle Identification Number, which is the only sure way 
of searching their database for the recalls, etc., that apply to 
your specific car.  While you've got them on the line, make sure 
they've got your name and address so that they can notify you of 
future recalls -- worth checking even if you bought the car new.

Hee haw...
--Joe
"Just another personal opinion from the People's Republic of Berkeley"
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
From: rll@frieda.mitre.org (Roberto L. Landrau)
Subject: Re: TOYOTA's timing belt
Organization: Research Computer Facility, MITRE Corporation, Bedford, MA
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 10:47:36 GMT

In article <leonard.714663922@aix3090b.uky.edu> leonard@aix3090b.uky.edu (Leonard Lauria) writes:
>what about the eclipse/talon/laser?  free wheeling or not?
>leonard

The 1.8l 8v engine is freewheeling.  The 2.0l 16v engines are not.

I saw an Eagle Talon cylinder head after a mechanic installed the
timing belt incorrectly.  Not a pretty sight.  Seven out of 16v were
bent and crushed.


--
The opinions stated above are not necessarily my employer's.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Roberto L. Landrau    KC1YP    landrau@mitre.org  rll@linus.mitre.org
The MITRE Corporation  Bedford, MA 01730          rll@linus.UUCP
From: hale@gws.tcom.stc.co.uk (Dave Hale)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Honda CRX
Date: 26 Aug 92 09:13:08 GMT
Reply-To: hale%mother@tcom.stc.co.uk
Organization: bnr

I am considering buying a 1991 Honda CRX Vtec.
Are there any owners out there that could give me any info/ recommendations etc.

Replies by email would be much appreciated on : hale%mother@tcom.stc.co.uk

Thanks in advance.

Dave Hale
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving,rec.autos.sport,ny.general,capdist.misc
From: sontakke@helix.enet.dec.com (Vikas Sontakke)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Need Help on FUEL ADDITIVES
Date: 4 Sep 92 20:36:18 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation


In article <420011@hpwrce.mayfield.hp.com>, kinch@hpwrce.mayfield.hp.com (Kinch Malapitan) writes...
>Fuel Additives:
> 
>1. Do they really work ?             
> 
>2. What is the best (most efficient and least damaging) fuel additive ?  
>   A mechanic suggested I get the "STP" brand and when I was in the store
>   counter ready to pay for this, I was told that this is a crappy product
>   and suggested "SI-1" (or SI1) because it has to do with some chemical
>   that prevents rusting or something to do with some kind of film that
>   may be created inside the fuel tank if "STP" is used... Does anyone
>   know anything about the side effects of using fuel additives ?
> 
>3. Should fuel additives be used (i.e. for example, to help prevent clogging
>   of the fuel tank) ?

I like SI-1 (made by Redline) and Techron (ProGard, made by Chevron).  Chevron
has published lot of research in reputable automobile related journals.  It is
endorsed by some auto manufacturers such as BMW.

Techron is available at many discount dept stores such as Sears, K-Mart.
SI-1 is sold only where Redline products are available i.e. at racing parts
shop.

Vikas Sontakke		Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard MA.
Internet:		sontakke@helix.enet.dec.com
    uucp:		{decvax,ucbvax,allegra}!decwrl!helix.enet!sontakke
			sontakke%helix.enet@decwrl.dec.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mfolivo@sactoh0.sac.ca.us (Mark Newton-John)
Subject: Re: PURPLE TAIL LIGHTS?!?
Organization: Sacramento Public Access Unix
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 92 07:24:09 GMT

The puplr taillights in question have what are called "blue dots"
installed in the main taillight lens.

I believe you essentially drill a hole into the taillight where the
bulb is, install these little blue lenses, and when the brakes are
applied, actually, whenever the bulbs are on, from a distance, the
blue lens blends in with the red taillight lens to give that unreal
purple taillight color.

Personally, I've always thought they were cool, but I don't know
about putting them on my Audi turbo.


-- 
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Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.sport,talk.politics.drugs,talk.politics.misc
From: jgd@dixie.com (John De Armond)
Subject: NHRA announces Piss Testing
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 92 02:34:46 GMT
Organization: Dixie Communications Public Access.  The Mouth of the South.

In the August 14th issue of _National Dragster_, the National HotRod 
Association, under the mis-labeled headline "NHRA to Begin Substance Abuse
Testing", announced that they will start random drug testing against
participants at National events.  Participants will be forced to consent
to piss testing as a condition of being allowed to compete.  FirstLabs
of Ambler, PA has been chosen as the testing lab.  Dr. David M. Martin,
an independent drug nazi, er, drug testing program adminisrator will
oversee the program.  He can be contacted at 800 732 3784.

National HotRod Association can be reached at
2035 Financial Way,
Glendora, CA 91740
(818) 914 4761
(818) 914 8963 (fax)

Chairman of the Board is Wally Parks
President is Dallas Gardner
Vice Pres, Competition is Steve Gibbs


I urge anyone concerned with this intrusion into the personal lives of 
NHRA competitors to contact one of the above people and register your 
opposition.   I also urge you to consider this program when you are
deciding where to spend your recreational dollars.  The motorsports world 
has to date managed to miss the Drug War on the Constition hysteria.  
Let's not let NHRA become the first.

John De Armond
(Up to now) Proud NHRA member
-- 
John De Armond, WD4OQC               |Interested in high performance mobility?  
Performance Engineering Magazine (TM) |
Marietta, Ga                         |Interested in high tech and computers? 
jgd@dixie.com                        |Write me about PE Magazine
Need Usenet public Access in Atlanta?  Write Me for info on Dixie.com.

-- 
John De Armond, WD4OQC               |Interested in high performance mobility?  
Performance Engineering Magazine (TM) |
Marietta, Ga                         |Interested in high tech and computers? 
jgd@dixie.com                        |Write me about PE Magazine
Need Usenet public Access in Atlanta?  Write Me for info on Dixie.com.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: paal-sb@hsr.no (Paal Steinar Berg)
Subject: Alfa supercharger
Organization: Rogaland University Centre
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 09:27:46 GMT

Where can I get a supercharger for my '80 Alfa 2-litre engine?

Have anybody tried this, and what are your experiences

Paal		(paal-sb@hsr.no)
Newsgroups: rec.autos