HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: dilmore@cray.com (Robert J. Dilmore)
Subject: Re: chevy pickups going kaboom like a pinto
Organization: Cray Research, Inc.
Date: 1 Oct 92 11:02:30 CDT

In article <1992Sep30.231205.17769@elroy.jpl.nasa.gov> alan@elroy.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Alan S. Mazer) writes:
>According to the TV program, only 27 people are known to have died in 
>accidents related to the Pinto problem.  Over 300 are thought to have died
>from the pickups.  This problem is apparently much worse than the Pinto one.
>-- 
   What I noticed while they were running the pictures of the underside of 
the truck is that the Cat. Converter was right beside the gas tank. I wonder
why it explodes. 

Robert
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: alan@elroy.Jpl.Nasa.Gov (Alan S. Mazer)
Subject: Re: chevy pickups going kaboom like a pinto
Organization: Image Analysis Systems Group, JPL
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 23:12:05 GMT

According to the TV program, only 27 people are known to have died in 
accidents related to the Pinto problem.  Over 300 are thought to have died
from the pickups.  This problem is apparently much worse than the Pinto one.
-- 
 
-- Alan                        # Mountain Dew and doughnuts...
   ..!ames!elroy!alan          # because breakfast is the most important meal
   alan@elroy.jpl.nasa.gov     # of the day.
From: neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org (Neal Howard)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: FWD vs. RWD, Which is best.
Date: 30 Sep 92 00:23:57 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: CompuTrac Inc., Richardson TX

enough, enough, ENOUGH!!!!!!!

Everyone knows that this is such an opinionated topic and that each
automotive drivetrain configuration has pros & cons. The only way to
really decide is to try driving one of each and decide for yourself
which one turns you on the most. Personally, I think OWD (one wheel drive)
is the most exciting, so I'm gonna crawl back inside rec.motorcycles until
this thread is dead here !!!! B-}

Peace,
<--------------------------------------------------------------------->
< Neal Howard                         | '91 Harley Sportster XLH-1200 >
< email: neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org     | DoD # 686                     >
< CompuTrac, Inc. (Richardson, TX)    | '69 Cougar XR7-GT390          >
<--------------------------------------------------------------------->
Xref: sparky rec.autos:23209 misc.forsale:27717
From: hugh@wupost.wustl.edu (Hugh Chou)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,misc.forsale
Subject: 1987 Cressida for Sale - St. Louis area
Date: 2 Oct 1992 17:04:53 -0500
Organization: Washington University in Saint Louis, MO USA
NNTP-Posting-Host: wugate.wustl.edu
Summary: nice car!
Keywords: cressida,toyota


For Sale!! 1987 Toyota Cressida Luxury Sedan.  

Leather Seats, Only 36xxx Miles.  Power Sunroof, Doorlocks And Windows. 
Power Heated Outside Mirrors! Cruise, Technics AM/FM Cassette Radio, 6 Way
Adjustable Driver's Seat. Tilt Wheel, Automatic Climate Control, and
Delay Entry Illumination System.  Automatic Anti-theft Alarm And Alloy
Wheels.  Perfect. Priced Under NADA Retail at only $9195. 

Call Andrew at (314)935-4990 Days, Or (314)227-6731 Evenings/weekends. 
E-mail inquiries to:   hugh@wugate.wustl.edu

Xref: sparky rec.autos:23065 rec.autos.tech:13329
From: ejhupper@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu (Eric Huppertz)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
Subject: Touch-up paint
Date: 30 Sep 92 23:27:47 GMT
Article-I.D.: rs6000.1992Sep30.232747.13148
Organization: Illinois State University


Well, I got the touch-up paint from the dealer, then it
occurred to me that I had no idea what kind of prep was
needed.  I assume that I need to strip the wax before
I apply the paint (no rust except in one or two marks).
The yokel at the parts counter scratched his head for
a long time, and then guessed that I should try some
household solvent... Needless to say, I do NOT trust
this guy.  So I natually turn to the expertise on the
net, which so far has not let me down:

1:  What do I use to strip the wax off my car without
damage to the paint?

2:  What do I do about the couple chip marks with a
little rust? (if anything)

3:  Any further advice about touching up?

As always, thanks very much in advance!

-Eric
(c)1992 Wild Bill's Flea Market and Entropy Regulation
-- 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 
+ Eric J. Huppertz   | Disclaimers: | Signature virus mutation: I will copy +
+ ejhupper@ilstu.edu |  the usual   | MYSELF into your .sig!!  Mwa ha ha... +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: tedebear@leland.Stanford.EDU (Theodore Chen)
Subject: Re: FWD vs. RWD, Which is best.
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 92 06:35:18 GMT

In article <stuart.717817096@yacht> stuart@ee.fit.edu (William Stuart) writes:
>  Somebody may correct me, but I cannot think of one Ultra-high performance
>  car that is not RWD.  STOCK, that is.  Or street prepared (SCCA definition)
>  I would arbitrarily classify Ultra-high performance as 0-60 in sub 6 sec,
>  1/4 mi. in sub 15 sec.  High slalom speeds too.

the daytona IROC R/T appears to fit your definition.
0-60 in six flat, ET of 14.7 sec.  dunno about slalom.
this is from car and driver, which drives the cars more
conservatively than say, hot rod.
-teddy
Xref: sparky rec.autos:22811 rec.autos.tech:13139
From: rosenblg@acf3.nyu.edu (Gary J. Rosenblum)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
Subject: simple starting problem
Date: 27 Sep 92 18:50:54 GMT
Organization: New York University


	simple question - from time to time when i try to start my car 
(whether it is cold or warm), all i get is a 'click' when i turn the 
ignition key.  when this happens, it can take one click, or twenty, 
then it starts up with no problem.  the problem goes away when i 
install a new battery, but starts again after about 2-3 months.  the 
battery voltage checks out, and of course whenever i take it to a 
mechanic he finds nothing wrong with it.  any ideas?  this happens in 
my 1987 toyota celica gt with fuel injection.

					gary
--

Gary J. Rosenblum	
UNIX Systems Manager			rosenblg@nyu.edu
New York University			gary@nyu.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rll@frieda.mitre.org (Roberto L. Landrau)
Subject: Re: MPG as f(velocity) relationship?
Organization: Research Computer Facility, MITRE Corporation, Bedford, MA
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 16:31:43 GMT

In article <1992Sep30.141424.16521@pmafire.inel.gov> russ@pmafire.inel.gov (Russ Brown) writes:
>
>Is a generalized relationship for calculation of mileage as a function
>of velocity for a given vehicle?  

Not that I know of.  There are too many factors involved.

>For example, if the Honda Civic HB gets 55 mpg in the standard highway
>mileage test, what would it get at 40 mph?

It would get rear-ended, at least around here.

More seriously,  I think your mileage will DROP at 40mph.  I heard
that part of the reason why the Civic VX does so well in the ``standard''
tests is because of its gear ratio.  At 60 mph, the engine is revving
at less than 2000 rpm's I think.  If you stay in 5th gear and try to
do 40mph, the engine may be forced to operate at a very low rpm, which
will reduce acceleration, efficiency, and unnecessary wear.  To
operate at 40mph, you'll probably need a lower gear and that will
reduce your mileage, most likely.

So far, I haven't heard of any Civic VX owners that get close to the
advertised gas mileage.  The only one who has claimed to get mileage
in the 50's was a car salesman driving a demo.  Most people are
getting numbers in the high 40's.  One of them is regretting buying
that model.  His mileage is only a few mpg's better than the Civic LX
sedan (~42mpg's) and he would rather trade those extra 4 or 5 mpg's
for the larger car.  The reason for the discrepancy between the test
mileage and the real life mileage is that in most highways, the VX
needs to shift in and out of overdrive to keep up with traffic and to
go uphill (from what I have heard).  If you find a perfectly leveled
highway with no slow-moving traffic (or enough room to go around such
without slowing down) then you can probably get the advertised
mileage.

>E-mail replies are fine.
>Thanks.
>russ@pmafire.inel.gov

Sorry I can't help you with your original question, but this may be a
start.  I remember reading that the power needed to push an object
through the wind goes as the cube of its velocity.  If a car needs,
for example, 10 hp to maintain 50 mph, it would need 80hp to maintain
100mph and 270hp to maintain 150mph.

Other things you may need are the relation between vehicle speed
and engine speed (i.e. final gear ratio) and a way to relate engine
speed and load to its efficiency.
--
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: uznerk@mcl.ucsb.edu (Andrew Krenz)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Anybody know anything about Shocks?
Date: 29 Sep 92 17:04:40 GMT

Okay.  I have an '87 Chevy Caprice police package, and I need to get 
new shocks for it.  I know someone else who has an identical car to mine
and he bought Bilstein shocks for it.  The car has an incredible ride now,
with almost no body roll.  The problem is, he paid about $285 for 4 shocks, 
without installation.  Is this abnormally expensive, or do most shocks cost
this much?  If not, does anyone know of a particular brand of shocks that
would give the car a stiff (police-ish) ride without having to fork out
so much ca$h?  Any help would be appreciated.

-Andrew Krenz
uznerk@mcl.ucsb.edu


Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rajiv@hilltop.mitre.org (Rajiv Kohli)
Subject: Lemon Law on Diamante, What the Lawyer wants to charge! HA!
Organization: The MITRE Corporation, Bedford, MA
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 20:33:21 GMT

I was gonna take my car into arbitration and thought of consulting a lawyer.
Actually I thought that it would cost somewhere in the ball park of 1K-2K. 
Wrong! Simple estimates are for 50-100 hours @ $150/hr. So for 100 hours of writing
letters back and forth it would cost me $15K. But isn't that the cost of the car
after one year. I bought the car at 19K. put 16000 miles on it.

So I figure
	$19000-(16000*.25)=15000
	Now why would I pay $15000 to get another headache for $19,000 or get my
	$19000 back at a risk.

	I am better off letting the car run off a cliff and take a loss.

	Actually, I went to the Nissan dealer for a trade in for Maxima SE. He said
	after appraising it that it would be $5000 out of pocket for me and then
	came down to 3000, which I believe means about 1500-2000. I thought it would
	be good to get a new car with a very good rep. But I couldn't convince my
	wife who thinks Diamante style stands out. I think it does and so does the
	quality.

	Second the Nissan dealer said that I could trade in for a demo G?? model
	which has 5K miles on it for about 1K. The only diff being the 160HP over
	190HP with the SE.

		Am I missing something. Or is the dealer trying to incite me.

	Suggestions!

	Please pardon the indenting, it may be off
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rajiv Kohli		Email: rajiv@mbunix.mitre.org Tel: (617) 271-3506
Mitre Corporation 	Intelligence System Integration and Support
202 Burlington Road 	Bedford, MA-01730 Mail Stop: K 306
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 @                               _                                  ,,       
 \\   _   @'                    ( )_                       .      _  \\     
  \\_( )_//                    / Y |                   .      /--( )_//     
    | Y/--                    /\   /               .        '//  \~ \       
    |_/       _ / o"         ( _\ /            .                   - \      
  _ //\      | | |    .       \_\\\        .                     //  \\--,  
 /_// /      | | |      .    / \ \\\ .                           \\         
/ // /_______|_|_|__________/_/_\ \_______________________________\\_______
-------------------------------------------- Play Cricket -----------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.vw
From: jag@cbnewsg.cb.att.com (j.goldberg)
Subject: Used Car Recommendations < $15K
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1992 23:41:14 GMT

Hey, all:

I was looking to buy another car.  Currently, I have an '86 Jetta, and am
thinking about something either more sporty or more luxurious (maybe both).

In the running were a new Miata or Saturn SC2, but I thought I could get
more car if I bought a slightly used one.

I would like to know if anybody has any recommendations for a car that I 
could buy for $15K or less, that would be a very nice ride and low
maintenance (my Jetta has been a nice ride, but not low maintenance :-).

Please send mail, as the volume of rec.autos keeps me from reading it often.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

	TTFN,
		jay

Jay Goldberg
UNIX System Laboratories
jay@usl.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving,rec.autos.sport,rec.autos.tech
From: tinov@woods.ulowell.edu
Subject: Re: body work help... anyone????
Organization: University of Lowell
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1992 18:54:59 GMT

Thanks to all who replied to my question about body work.

I wrote:

>I need some help here....

>Washing my car, I accidentally took some of the shiny finish
>off of my plastic bumper.  The bumper is color matched to the
>car, by the way.  So now there is this really dull section of
>my bumper.

>Is there ANYTHING on the market that will put the shine back
>on my bumper.  I am considering trying waxes, etc. but am not
>too sure they will work...

>As stupid as this may sound, it is not a joke.

Well, since it is a new car (warranty still good) I took it to 
the dealer and got some answers.  about a month ago my bumper was
hit in a parking lot (while I was shopping of course).  No damage
since it is flexible plastic but there was an obvious mark left.
The dealer told me that when the bumper flexed from the hit, the
clearcoat cracked and then when I washed the car, the clearcoat was
lifted up.  He said it was not covered under warranty but should 
be filed as an insurance claim.  So I got an estimate ($200) and then
conferred with a friend in the business and he agreed.

So now, if anyone knows of a good clearcoat touchup, let me know.
I'd appreciate it.

Vin

tino@ray,met.fsu.edu
tinov@woods.ulowell.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: barr@tramp.Colorado.EDU (BARR DOUG)
Subject: Re: MPG as f(velocity) relationship?
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1992 16:38:56 GMT

In article <1992Sep30.141424.16521@pmafire.inel.gov> russ@pmafire.inel.gov (Russ Brown) writes:
>
>Is a generalized relationship for calculation of mileage as a function
>of velocity for a given vehicle?  
>
>For example, if the Honda Civic HB gets 55 mpg in the standard highway
>mileage test, what would it get at 40 mph?
>
I have seen some test results on this, and for the car in question,
(a Cadillac, of all things), 30 mph gets the best mileage. This was
with an automatic transmission. I suspect that with a standard transmission
even lower speeds would give better mpg (assuming you stay in top gear). 
Remember, air friction increases
with the SQUARE of the speed, so the slowest you can go with the fewest
revolutions per mile will give the best miles per gallon, all else being
equal.  At some speed the engine will cease to operate efficiently at slow
rmp's and miles per gallon will begin to decrease with slower speed.


Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: stiegg@aix.rpi.edu (Gregory Mark Stiegler)
Subject: Saabs, tires, and performance mods
Summary: Looking for tire and perf mods
Keywords: Saab, tires, performance
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1992 15:39:10 GMT


After 2+ years my '80 900 Turbo is finally back on the street.  I'm looking
for some suggestions on a good all weather/performance tire (I'm sort of
looking at the Yoko A378s).  Any info on them, or suggestions (preferably
something in a reasonable price range) is appreciated.  Also, I currently
have 2 sets of Inca alloys, any remarks on putting a 205-60 on them, being
they are only 5.5in x 15in rims?  Anyone interested in buying a set of Incas?

Also, I'm looking for any and all information in regards to suspension
and engine upgrades, I'm planning to auto-X the car and any advice would be
appreciated (I'm use to racing RWDs).

Of course an obvious question is engine performance upgrades.  The '80 Turbo
engine is a B-block, really no computer influence, and no knock sensor.

  Thanks to everyone,
    Greg

stiegg@rpi.edu


-- 
===========================================================================
  "Bureaucracy is a challenge to be conquered with a righteous attitude,
     a tolerance for stupidity, and a bulldozer when necessary"
                  -- Peter's Laws
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: newark@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (antonio.cruz)
Subject: Re: FWD vs. RWD, Which is best.
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 00:58:55 GMT
Summary: Sand bags...


>But couldn't a RWD neutralize the snow advantage simply by stacking a couple
>hundred pounts of sand bags in the trunk (over the rear wheels)?
>	Dave

I once had three spares and a bag of cement in the trunk for added weight. 
I got poor gas mileage and less slipping in snow.

++++
Tony
++++
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: tmkk@uiuc.edu (Khan)
Subject: Re: downforce and cornering g's (was which car handles the best?
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1992 18:33:16 GMT


In article <1992Sep28.133110.20448@mnemosyne.cs.du.edu> dpaper@nyx.cs.du.edu (David Paper) writes:
>
>Ummm I hate to clarify something..

Then don't. ;-)

>but if you have taken a basic level physics course, you would know that a
>car can never obtain more than 1g, in actuality, .9 is VERY good, as i
>think the dodge viper gets umm .93 or something..
>
>1 g would pick the car up.. and 2g' just doesn't exist, not in lateral
>motion anyways..
>
>sorry guys..

Sorry Dave, but you must have missed a day or two of your physics class.

First, let's review some basic physics, with handwaving as necessary.
The lateral accelerations come from friction: friction between the tire
and the surface of the road. Friction is a function of two things: the
coefficient of friction u (mu), and the normal force N. The normal force
is the force with which the road pushes up on the tires of the vehicle,
and is equal and opposite to the downforce the vehicle places on the
road.

In saying that the car can never achieve greater than 1g of lateral
acceleration, you're assuming that the only downforce acting on the
vehicle is that due to gravity. You're forgetting the downforces active
when the car is at speed and air flows over spoilers and airdams, adding
additional downforce (and causing a corresponding increase in the normal
force). Thus, a car CAN get greater than 1g of lateral acceleration, and
I understand that NASCAR and Indy cars often *do*.
From: david.bonds@cutting.hou.tx.us (David Bonds)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: simple starting probl
Date: 5 Oct 92 10:53:00 GMT
Reply-To: david.bonds@cutting.hou.tx.us (David Bonds)
Organization: The Cutting Edge - Houston, TX - 713-466-1525


  >the Auto parts store, and purchase a Battery cleaning tool with the wire 
  >brushes.  One end cleans the post, and the other cleans the cable.  While you
  >are there, get a package of battery washers (green and red felt things that 
  >have some chemical in them).  Also, if you don't have one in the garage, pick
  >up a 10mm end wrench.  Without the wrench, this will cost you all of $5, and
  >take about 15 mins. at most.  In  case you really don't want to do this a few
  >years down the road, buy a can of permatex or whatever battery protectant
  >spray.

I've been told that petroleum jelly is great at keeping battery terminals
from corroding, just put on the inside of the cables (where they contact
the terminal), and you shouldn't have any problems with corrosion til you
need a battery replacement anyhow!

- Dave Bonds 
- Internet : David.Bonds@cutting.hou.tx.us
---
 . KingQWK 2.00 .6 # 145 . And Adam asked "What's a Headache?"
                                                                           
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving
From: lpickup@xanadu.btv.ibm.com (Lance Pickup)
Subject: Re: NJ's Guv Jim says no to 65, was Re: speed limit
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 92 18:18:22 GMT
Distribution: usa
Reply-To: lpickup@vnet.ibm.com
Organization: IBM Technology Products

In article <1992Sep29.155533.7838@porthos.cc.bellcore.com>, whs70@dancer.uucp (22501-sohl) writes:
...
|>                                             Those that favor keeping
|> it 55 rely on the old theory that if the everyone is driving 65 now when
|> the limit is 55, then they will all go 75 if the limit is 65.  That
|> has not proven to be the case at all in those states (over 40)
|> that now have 65.
...
It hasn't??  Not that I'm against 65 or anything, but in the states
that I've driven in which have 65 (mostly VT, NH and the states down
the east coast: VA, NC, SC) people sure aren't going 65!

--
    ...Lance

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lance Pickup                VNET/IBM Internet: lpickup@btv
IBM/Vendor Systems                   Internet: lpickup@vnet.ibm.com
Technology Products
Burlington, VT                          Phone: (802) 769-7104 (tie 446)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: smith@ug.cs.dal.ca (Sean Smith)
Subject: Re: T-bird engine for Mustang? (Was Re: SHO Engine for Probe)
Keywords: Mustang T-bird V6 Why not?
Organization: Math, Stats & CS, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1992 21:25:50 GMT

In article <1992Sep28.190151.26868@osf.org> kenny@osf.org (Kenneth Crudup) writes:
>In article <BuoyvL.384@cs.dal.ca> smith@ug.cs.dal.ca (Sean Smith) writes:
>>I'm sure that there's a market for people like me, who want a Mustang,
>>find the 4 too wimpy and would probably kill themselves with 225 HP ... 
>>I'd like to ease into it.
>
>I don't get this argument. You can "ease" into any car. Drive with some
>sense. Provided you aren't brain-dead (I've got about three other exceptions,
>but I won't start a flame war), you'll be "eased" into your car in no time.

	I do drive with some sense.  However, there is another reason for 
wanting an intermediate Mustang - I'm 23.  'Nuff said.

	Sean

-- 
Sean Smith - Dalhousie University               Bill and Opus in '92 in the US!
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada                    Don Cherry for Prime Minister in
01SSMITH@AC.DAL.CA or smith@ug.cs.dal.ca	'93 in Canada!
Disclaimer:  These ideas are mine...ALL MINE!!  'Cause noone else'd want 'em.
From: ggg@hpsad.sad.hp.com (Gary Goodlund)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 20:03:20 GMT
Subject: Re: Tire width vs wheel width question
Organization: HP Signal Analysis Division - Rohnert Park, CA
Newsgroups: rec.autos

Hi Grant,

I would check with the local tire shop that carries the tires you're 
interested in buying.  They will have a cross-reference list that shows
what fits where.  

One item you'll want to keep in mind...  If you change tire size, changing
width versus aspect ratio won't hurt you if you keep the outside circum-      
ference the same.  If it changes, your speedometer will indicate wrong. 

Other than that, buy big fat gumballs and don't worry about it. :^)

bye for now,
     Gary
From: cf947@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Chun-Hung Wan)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Right hand drive cars
Date: 28 Sep 1992 02:41:27 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: cf947@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Chun-Hung Wan)
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu


I come from a country that drives on the left hand side.  I want to buy one
back but none of the car dealers here import right hand driven cars.  Are
there any places where I can go and convert the car?  Also, is it legal to
drive a right hand drive car or at least get a permit for doing this on a
temporary basis?
-- 
A motion picture major at the Brooks Institute of Photography, CA
Santa Barbara and a foreign student from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"The mind is the forerunner of all states."