A Cult Car
Thick sheet metal make it durable--so is the motor. Volvo took a V8 truck engine cut in half, to make this 4 cylinder engine. It has bearings and rods are designed for much heavy loads and this makes the engine nearly impossible to kill. People can get literally a million miles between rebuilds with regular oil changes and normal preventative maintenance.
The 5 speeds cars are fun to drive. Their durability means it is a smart economic choice to put money into them--they will last indefinitely if maintained. Parts are cheap. They are easy and simple to work on. Police just don't ever pull them over. It is because they like to stay at legal freeway speeds and purr along at 60 mph--so police expect them to be driven slowly. Finally, they are safe--built around a full roll cage. These are the reasons why there are so many are still on the road today.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Purchased: A 5th Virgo wheel for a spare tire
I want to buy a set of five Micheline Engergy Saver A/S tires. These tires are not in production at the moment. I've been waiting and hoping Michelin will start producing these again for the last six months. If not available, I will buy Michelin Harmony tires, mount them up, and use a five tire rotation. The Harmony tires are bi-directional offering greater flexibility in tire rotation.
Looking forward, what is next after this? I'd like a larger fuel tank--instead of 15 gallons, I want to carry 30 gallons. With Energy Saver A/S tires I should be able to achieve a range of over 900 miles. I was getting 32.5 mpg on my last set of tires which were 60% worn which reduces rolling resistance. I might see a slight reduction in fuel economy at first, but I expect it to improve as the tires wear in some. I'm hoping to at least maintain that 32.5 mpg and hopefully improve it. I'm sure in the long run I could see as much as 34 mpg with these tires and keeping my speed under 60 mph on the highway.
Other goals are installing two Ham Radios and two antenna mounts. And finding two four way switches for my power mirrors.
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