HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: smartin@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (steven.c.martin)
Subject: Re: Pontiac Fiero problems?
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 14:13:03 GMT

From article <1992Oct4.193618.13440@cs.sfu.ca>, by ammann@cs.sfu.ca (Ammann Manuel):
> I've been offered two Pontiac Fieros.
> 
> 84 4cyl., loaded, emergency brake broken, 102,000km
> for about Can$2500
> 
The 4 cyl. 2.5 l engines from GM had some problems in 1984.
They were prone to cracked engine blocks and thrown rods.
This problem was worsened by the fact that the Fieros 
originally had only a 3 quart oil capacity which made
it easy to run the engine dry.  Not only that, but with
the tight engine compartment in the Fiero a thrown rod
would send oil out the engine and start a fire.  I think I read
about two years ago that 1 in 300 1984 Fieros had caught on 
fire.  GM has since had a couple of recalls to add a larger 
oil filter ( increasing the oil capacity) and to add a
shield to keep potiential oil spills away from the exhaust 
manifold.  Later year models have not had the same 
problems but were recalled for the same modifications.

Also, the rear disc brakes are adjusted when applying the
emergency brake (so I've been told).  If the emergency brake
is not working , you may have rear brakes that are out of 
adjustment or simply not doing any work at all (this happened
to me).  Worse yet, if the emergency brakes bind, the rear
brakes may not release properly and burn out the pads (this
also happened to me).  In this case braking power is severely
diminished.  New emergency brake cables will run around
$80 at the dealership.


> 87 4cyl, 5speed, NOT loaded, some scratches,
> 109,000km for about Can$3000
> 
> Both cars have no obvious other problems than the
> ones mentioned above.
> The prices look ok to me. Other opinions?
> 
> NOW:
> How good are Fieros mechanically? Are they 
> high-maintenance cars? Not reliable?
> What are typical problems?
> 
I have an 85 Fiero and other than the rear brake problems
it has been very low maintenance.  (I have 85 K miles)

					Steve
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: gds@cbnewsi.cb.att.com (glenn.d.strouse)
Subject: Re: FWD vs. RWD, Which is best.
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 18:12:20 GMT

In article <1992Sep30.005855.26366@cbnewsm.cb.att.com> newark@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (antonio.cruz) writes:
>
>>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
>++++


   I have a BMW 3 series, and in the owners manual it suggests adding 120 lbs. of weight over the rear wheels in winter driving. I have done this for the last
7 years now and have never had any problem getting around. I know the limits
of my car in winter driving and do not exceed them. I feel that common sense 
and good driving  make as much difference as does the FWD or RWD question.

  I should also add that a good set of winter perelli's help.

glenn


Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: kenny@osf.org (Kenneth Crudup)
Subject: Re: T-bird engine for Mustang? (Was Re: SHO Engine for Probe)
Keywords: Mustang T-bird V6 Why not?
Organization: Open Software Foundation
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1992 19:01:51 GMT

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.

Hell, I've seen so many instances of wasted automobile potential, all driven
by people who have been "easing into" their HiPo cars for years now. :-(

	-Kenny
-- 
Kenneth R. Crudup, Contractor, OSF DCE QA
OSF, 11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142	+1 617 621 7306
kenny@osf.osf.org			OSF has nothing to do with this post.
	    "Motor oil?!?! <splut> YOU GAVE ME MOTOR OIL?!?!"
From: barnesm@vavau.Corp.Sun.COM (Mark Barnes - SMCC/CTE/OS)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Good/Bad Mazda Dealers?
Date: 1 Oct 1992 01:36:10 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Distribution: world
Reply-To: barnesm@vavau.Corp.Sun.COM
NNTP-Posting-Host: vavau.corp.sun.com

>    Peninsula Mazda (redwood city)

I had had a problem with my '88 RX-7 since about 6 mos after I bought it.
(Strange clattering noise from steering in cold weather, regardless of Engine temp.)
I took it to several (3) dealers, who always said (5 times) they could not hear it.
I kept calling the Mazda Customer Service hotline to no avail.

My warranty expired.

I took my car to Peninsula Mazda (the 4th dealer).  The tech finally 'heard' it (amazing what
the expiration of a warranty will do!!!!) and said he'd heard it all several times before. He said
it was a faulty power steering rack.  They agreed to get into contact with the regional service
rep.  He said Mazda would pay for the rack ($600+) if I would pay for the labor.  I took it in.
When I got it back, nothing had changed, except I had a $350 charge on my Visa card.  I wonder
if they even did anything.  I wonder if they ever contacted the Field Rep.  I don't trust them.

Am I even angrier than before?  You bet.


BTW: Avoid San Francisco Auto Mall like the plague.  They were dealer #3.  They
jerked me around, claiming they were trying to get into contact with the Field Rep.
Two months later, nothing.   They also inspected my brakes and found nothing wrong.
I took my car elsewhere and they quickly found the source of my problem.  The new
pads had been installed wrong.  It was a life-endangering situation.


>    Peninsula Mazda (redwood city)

I had had a problem with my '88 RX-7 since about 6 mos after I bought it.
(Strange clattering noise from steering in cold weather, regardless of Engine temp.)
I took it to several (3) dealers, who always said (5 times) they could not hear it.
I kept calling the Mazda Customer Service hotline to no avail.

My warranty expired.

I took my car to Peninsula Mazda (the 4th dealer).  The tech finally 'heard' it (amazing what
the expiration of a warranty will do!!!!) and said he'd heard it all several times before. He said
it was a faulty power steering rack.  They agreed to get into contact with the regional service
rep.  He said Mazda would pay for the rack ($600+) if I would pay for the labor.  I took it in.
When I got it back, nothing had changed, except I had a $350 charge on my Visa card.  I wonder
if they even did anything.  I wonder if they ever contacted the Field Rep.  I don't trust them.

Am I even angrier than before?  You bet.


BTW: Avoid San Francisco Auto Mall like the plague.  They were dealer #3.  They
jerked me around, claiming they were trying to get into contact with the Field Rep.
Two months later, nothing.   They also inspected my brakes and found nothing wrong.
I took my car elsewhere and they quickly found the source of my problem.  The new
pads had been installed wrong.  It was a life-endangering situation.

---Mark
From: bense@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Ron Bense)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: good sports cars?!?
Date: 28 Sep 92 20:53:04 GMT
Reply-To: bense@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Ronald Bense)
Organization: Carderock Division, NSWC, Bethesda, MD

In rec.autos, rjwade@rainbow.ecn.purdue.edu (Robert J. Wade) writes:
>In article <1992Sep28.171140.6052@mnemosyne.cs.du.edu> dpaper@nyx.cs.du.edu (Da
>vid Paper) writes:

>>hmm most good sports cars are RWD..
>>mustang, firebird *i think* camaro, vette, etc..

>hmm...the only *good* sports car you mentioned is the vette, *i think*  :)

I would say more along the lines of Porsche 911, 930, 959; Lambourghini,
Ferarri, and perhaps an American contender in the Vector. I'm with-holding
an opinion on the Viper, not having seen enough info about it.

Vette? If you think a sports car should have luxury items in it. (Sports
coupe would be better.)

Ron                          Think about this one (seen on a bumper sticker):
			     The road to hell is bumper-to-bumper
			     Make a U-turn to God.
The irony is priceless.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mbs@allegra.att.com (Mani B. Srivastava)
Subject: Opinion wanted on Mazda MX-6 LS and Honda Prelude Si
Followup-To: rec.autos
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1992 21:07:59 GMT

I am planning to buy a new car, and have narrowed my choice to
between a Mazda MX-6 LS (1993) and a Honda Prelude Si (1992),
but am having a hard time deciding between the two. Based
on the car alone I like the MX-6 LS better. However, I am concerned
about Mazda's reliability - Honda seems to be more reputed for
reliability. It may just be a latent bias on my part, particularly
knowing that MX-6 is a "domestic" car.

Therefore, I would like to solicit opinions on the two cars - and
in particular any positive/negative experiences from the MX-6 LS
owners. Any suggestions/opinions/comparisons would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,

Mani

===========================================================
name : Mani B. Srivastava
post : AT&T Bell Laboratories
       600 Mountain Avenue, Murray Hill, NJ 07974-0636
email: mbs@research.att.com
phone: (908)-582-7766 (W)        (201)-301-2093 (H)
===========================================================
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: george@lloyd.Camex.COM (George Pagan)
Subject: Re: tires for rambo lambo
Organization: Camex Inc., Boston MA
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1992 16:33:23 EDT

In article <1992Sep30.071556.2512@leland.Stanford.EDU> tedebear@leland.stanford.edu (Theodore Chen) writes:
>
>just saw an ad for tire rack where they advertise Pirelli Scorpion tires
>for the Lamborghini LM002.
>345/60VR17.... $1,255!  each!
>
>you could buy a set of Eagle GS-Cs plus a spare for your corvette
>and it would still cost less than one of those rambo lambo tires.
>hey, exclusivity ain't cheap.
>
>-teddy

The tires used on the LM002 are line with Kevlar which makes
these tires BULLET PROOF. Which is perfect for commando type battle.
BTW- If your rich/crazy enough to buy an LM002 then I guess that the tires
would be a drop in the bucket
Are the GS-C bullet proof?
George Pagan 	   george@Camex.COM     | This article was presented to you in
DuPont/Camex Inc.  75 Kneeland St.      | .: :: ..  VIDEO BRAILLE .:. :.. ::.
Boston, MA  02111  (617) 426-7550 #292  | :: .. :. ::. :.: .:.: ::: ..: :.. .
The pride of Puerto Rico....well sorta. | > Insert standard disclaimer here <
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mark@wdcwdc.sps.mot.com (Mark Shaw)
Subject: Re: downforce and cornering g's (was which car handles the best?
Organization: Motorola Western MCU Design Center, Chandler Arizona
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1992 21:04:13 GMT

In article <BvFII3.43B@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>, mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar) writes:
|> In article <1992Sep30.194233.17558@gmuvax2.gmu.edu> tsuit@gmuvax2.gmu.edu (Tom Suit) writes:
|> >In article <selpJCq00iUyM5oFRp@andrew.cmu.edu>, "Daniel M. Deright" <dd36+@andrew.cmu.edu> writes:
|> >> In regards to Dave Paper's comments on downforce
|> >  
|> >    
|> >> >Ummm I hate to clarify something..
|> 
|> OK, enough of this stuff. Let someone who is a mechanical engineer 
|> and has taken way too many physics courses explain this.
|> 
|> To start simply, Force=Mass*Acceleration. OK, good. Now, believe it 
|> or not, there is no such thing as centripital force. Thats right. 
|> When a body is moving in a circle, it is accelerating towrds the center 
|> of the circle. That is way a `force` can be felt by occupants in a 
|> car when it turns; it is the force of the accelerating car seat pushing
|> on your body, which causes you to accelerate towards the center of the
|> turn.
|> 
|> Now, when a car turns, the tires are exerting a force on the road to
|> accelerate it in the direction of the turn. This force is given by
|> F=Normal Force*Coefficient of Friction. Now, for a level road, that
|> normal force is going to equal the weight of the car plus any additional
|> down force produced by wings, spoilers, etc. The coefficient of static
|> friction for rubber on cement is about 1.0. 

The only general case where tire coeff. of friction reaches 1.0 is for
worn tires on dry surfaces below about 50km/hr.  At higher speeds the
coeff. of friction drops to about 0.9 at 130 km/hr.  New tires actually
have a lower coeff. of friction of about 0.85 (slow) to 0.75 (fast).
Race tires can achieve coefficients to 1.5, but they are also designed
to run hot so they are more "gummy".  0.9 is a practical coeffient for
most cars/tires and tends to explain why some many cars fit into the
0.8-0.9 g handling on 200-foot radii.

|> This means that the total
|> force of the tires is going to be F=1.0(Weight of Car+Added downforce).
|> Since the weight of the car=mass of car*gravity, it can be clearly
|> deduced that acceleration of a turning car can be greater than one
|> `g`, or the acceleration due to gravity. 
|> 
|> I can get much more specific, but probably no one would understand it,
|> or care for that matter. For any physics gurus out there, please 
|> ignore my somewhat simplified approach.
From: hhtra@usho21.hou281.chevron.com (T.M.Haddock)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Ultra-high?
Date: 2 Oct 92 19:45:15 GMT
Organization: Chevron

In article <6953@transfer.stratus.com>, cdodson@beast.cac.stratus.com (R. Craig Dodson) writes:
|> In article <1992Oct1.171536@usho21.hou281.chevron.com>  
|> hhtra@usho21.hou281.chevron.com (T.M.Haddock) writes:
|>
|> You forgot one key category . . .
|> > 
|> >      Level      0-60   1/4          Examples 
|> >   -----------   ----   ---   ------------------------
|> >   Performance    <8    <16   Most Sports Models (not Sporty)
|> >   High           <7    <15   Mustang, Camaro, Eclipse
|> >   Very High      <6    <14   Vette, 300ZX, Porsches
|> >   Ultra High     <5    ~13   Ferraris, ZR1, Porsches 
|> >   Mine           <4    <12   F40  (I just have $999,999 to go) :)
|>     Superbikes     <3    <11   FJ1200, ZX-11, CBR1000, etc
|> 
|> Maximum performance for 1/2 the price of the cheapest car on this list !

 Oh yeah, forgot all about those!

 Let's see.. it was about 1976...  (hey, you started it!)

 I was in the Marines, stationed at Cherry Point, NC, nestled in the
 middle of a National Forest/Game Preserve, miles from the nearest 
 big city.  Many guys got motorcycles and formed a loose riding club, 
 held "poker" rallies through the forest, beer parties at trail's
 end, ya know, MANLY stuff.  Most everyone rode Hondas (750s and a
 few Gold Wings), Triumphs, Yamahas, etc.  Then this one guy showed
 up with a Kawasaki 900.  Being lean, mean, fighting machines, noone
 could resist the challenge.  Well... after being humbled, we were
 offered rides.  I still remember dumping that clutch at about 9000
 rpm...  Man, everyone should experience wet pants once in their life!

 Happy Motoring!

 TRAVIS
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: skevos@seas.smu.edu (Paraskevas Evripidou)
Subject: Questions about remore radar detectors.
Organization: School of Engineering and Applied Science
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1992 14:36:48 GMT

I have a few questions about remote radar detectors. I  am referring to
the type  that has the  antenna installed somewhere  under  the hood or
front bumper and the receiver-warning part goes inside the car.

- Is there a place (i.e certain magazine etc) I can find more 
  information about them?

- Are these type of detectors as good as the normal type?

- Any recommendations about specific makes and models would
  be appreciated. Any makes that I shall stay away from?

You can post on the net or mail to me directly. I would post
a summary of all messages mail directly to me.

Thanks

Skevos Evripidou
skevos@seas.smu.edu
From: mpitche5@mach1.wlu.ca (mark pitcher 9208 U)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Porsche 911 info wanted
Date: 30 Sep 92 21:01:16 GMT
Article-I.D.: mach1.BvEt25.6pD
Organization: Wilfrid Laurier University


	I'm looking at getting a Porche 911 in the near future, and want to
know anyones opinion on it if they've owned one before. I'm looking at a
late 70's /early 80's model, and that's all i've narrowed it down to right
now. What years are recommended? Turbo? Common problems? Current prices?

	Please let me know by E-Mail at MARKP@NONCOMF.TDKCS.WATERLOO.ON.CA


-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

						-Mark A. Pitcher
From: seeree@vulcan.ral.rpi.edu (Sanjeev Seereeram)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: FWD vs. RWD, Which is best.
Date: 28 Sep 92 18:38:58 GMT
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY



As you indicated, there might be some uncertainty as to the
advantages/disadvantages of FWD over RWD in eterms of handling.

The short answer (to the best of my knowledge) is:

FWD cars are OK for low speed maneuvers, and usually provide
a safer (read, understeering) handling as the (lower) cornering
limits are reached. This is probably better for the majority
of drivers out there today. The weight distribution of FWD vehicles
also give them an aadvantage in getting going from low traction
surfaces such as snow or mud. 

RWD designs provide much better handling at higher speeds, and
therefore are the choice for higher performance vehicles (let's
not consider AWD for this discussion). They can be tuned for a more
neutral cornering attitude as the limits are reached (all four tires
near their limits of traction equally) or even an oversteering
attitude, which (besides being a lot of fun) can be used by EXPERIENCED
drivers to achieve fast lap times. 

Even shorter answer:

FWD:   Chevy Citation, Ford Escort, Chevy Cavalier, ...
RWD:   all Ferrari's, Lambo's, Aston Martin's, Corvette's, BMW's, ...

Disclaimer: There are very good FWD sport's cars out there too.



Just my tuppence worth ...

Sanjeev
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: yerazunis@cthulu.enet.dec.com
Subject: Wideband Ka, the Valentine One, and Leaky Detectors.
Organization: Turing Police
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 17:40:20 GMT

More experience on Ka-wideband detectors:

Talked with Mike Valentine yesterday, about some (what I thought was) strange
behavior in the Valentine V1.

The weird situation is this:  what appear to be false alarms on Stalker band. 
These falses often happen when counter-commuting (i.e. expressway
driving in city, you have open road because you're going against rush-hour
traffic, but there's very heavy rush-hour traffic coming in the other
direction)

Mike Valentine explained it as follows (quotes as best I can remember them):

"Ka-band is the Love Canal of microwaves.  The problem is this: almost all
detectors use a local oscillator frequency of something close to 11.55 GHz, 
so that X band is picked up with on an IF frequency of around 800 MHz on 
the first harmonic, and K band is picked up on the second harmonic at the 
same IF frequency.

The bad news is that the third harmonic of 11.55 GHz is 34.65 GHz- which 
is smack-dab in the _middle_ of Stalker band.  Thus, if an X/K band detector
is leaking a little, it shows up as a Stalker false.  The Valentine One
has proprietary software in it to differentiate between leaking detectors
and real Stalkers.  Without the software, you'd get a false alarm on 
Stalkers every five minutes or so.  With the software, it should happen
on the average of one a day, but it varies wildly with the traffic 
situation.  You might go two weeks with nothing, then get five in one
day.  It's totally random due to the distribution of "leaky" detectors
out there, and the density and traffic patterns around you.

[end of misquotes from Valentine]

-----

Maybe _this_ is why the Passport 3200 wideband has the wideband-disable 
switch?  I find it easy enough to look at the front panel on the 
V1- if it shows wideband, it's either Stalker or a Stalker false, and I can
modify my behavior accordingly- especially now that I *know* what's going
on.  The false rate at it's worst is still only a few per cent of the 
typical X-band false rate due to door openers and burglar alarms.

	-Bill

Copyright 1992 William S. Yerazunis (aka Crah the Merciless)
All rights reserved, no responsibility taken.

     "Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it."
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: jlaplant@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (John R Laplante)
Subject: Steering Column Repair after theft
Organization: The Ohio State University
Distribution: usa
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1992 18:19:07 GMT


I have a 1980 Buick which was recently stolen (yes! a 12 year old car).
It was abandoned and recovered. The body appears to be ok, and it starts.
however, the thief used the old GM method of breaking the steering column
on the side opposite from the key ignition. I believe that the turn signal
still works. Foolish me, I left it at the impound garage for the weekend so
they can give me an estimate on monday. So, I haven't really looked it
over (whatever other electrical damage may be done). The whole column
doesn't appear to be destroyed -- for some reason they left part of the
column on the ground, which i now have -- it's about a 3 inch square --
just enough to uncover the switch.

I've called a few shops, and most are reluctant to give me a quote, saying
"well, it depends on what the damage is" (as if i didn't know). So, could
jsomeone tell me how these things work/don't work, and how the damage may
vary? some said "oh, you're going to have to get a new (junkyard) steering
column," and others said "well, maybe we can fix it without putting in 
a new column." What makes the difference? this is an old cheapie car, so
it doesn't matter to me, if, for example, a new column is neon-green against
a brown interior. In fact, I'm toying with just leaving it like it is and
putting a club on it to maybe deter joy-riders (whom I thought took
the car in the first place). Gtting a new column, plus an after-market
column anti-theft box (200) and a new vent window is, well, maybe 600, 
which is maybe a third of hte value of hte car, if not more (and no
insurnace to pay for this). Thus, I'm looking for the cheapest way to
get these things taken care of. Any suggestions?

 
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: Andrew Cohen <cohen@cubic.com>
Subject: For Sale: 1985 Renault Encore
Organization: Cubic Toll Systems (Tolls R Us)
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 92 06:37:35 GMT
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6E88DF403020403@andyc.cubic.com>
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d7
X-Xxdate: Fri, 25 Sep 92 14:35:48 GMT

	I am posting this for a friend
	- PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS ACCOUNT -

	1985 Renault Encore
	o Black
	o 3 Door Hatchback
	o Automatic Transmission
	o Sunroof

	Asking $900 OBO

	For more info, call Mike at (516) 884-7514
	Delivery in NY/Long Island area available.
From: mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: FWD vs. RWD, Which is best.
Date: 2 Oct 92 20:14:26 GMT
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center

In article <1992Oct1.234325.8379@sol.UVic.CA> atovorni@engr.UVic.CA writes:

>Now what does IMHO mean...I hate jargon!
>

It means `In My Honest Opinion`


-- 
|       Michael G. Mshar        | My Life-Long Goal: To keep common sense    |
|   mmshar@mn.ecn.purdue.edu    | alive and keep the idiots from taking over.|
|  mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu   |     \\President, Nice Guys Anonymous//     |
|____>>> United States Steel, Mechanical Engineer, Technical Services <<<____|