More thoughts:
My nose is sunburned from keeping the moonroof open virtually all the time. Its turbulence and noise are remarkably low, and allows conversation without strain at freeway speeds.
The low bass response from the RF is stellar (think "old Procol Harum").
The heavy wheel/tire combo sucks, especially on unpaved roads. Just too heavy for proper wheel control. Solution to be ordered shortly. Kosei K8R, 17X8, 16lb is my current plan.
I'd like a little less nose-dive under heavy braking, because it uses up too much suspension travel when diving hard into corners.
My new one seems to offer similar potential MPG, except I drive this one harder more often. I'm headed out with wife for a short road-trip, and I've promised to not upset her with my antics.
We're currently not planning on heading into the mountains, instead an easy drive to Hampton Beach, NH.
I'll learn more.
The headlamps seem decently aimed, and provides good distance and brightness.
I continue to grow fonder of this version; mine.
24,555
114 days; Part II
I'm REALLY enjoying my Sport GTS; its handling, the silly-loud stereo, the power seat, the moonroof, and no TPMS lights on 
Gas mileage is whatever I deserve
I still hate them heavy feet. Spoke with the TireRack yesterday and am now considering the 17X7" options instead of the 17X8".
I'm just gonna hafta put up with the stockies until I'm ready to mount snows (still undecided about tire size).
All in all, WAY better than I anticipated. I'm still exploring the handling, but it sticks so well I find it difficult to justify the apparently insane speeds on public roads, even my little-traveled choices. 40 MPH corners feel like I can enter at 80 and exit fully floored (ask me how I know
).
The front Kumhos are starting to round out a bit on their edges but haven't turned greasy at all.
The fat tires let me use the brakes better than the S's 215/60s ever did, so I can carry stupid entry speeds before dumping some velocity with a big stomp of brake then get the thing aimed so I can mash the gas for exit.
Oh so much fun.
"Supple"; it feels supple, yet completely anchored to the pavement.
Limit-exploration continues........
25,417
Gas mileage is whatever I deserve
I still hate them heavy feet. Spoke with the TireRack yesterday and am now considering the 17X7" options instead of the 17X8".
I'm just gonna hafta put up with the stockies until I'm ready to mount snows (still undecided about tire size).
All in all, WAY better than I anticipated. I'm still exploring the handling, but it sticks so well I find it difficult to justify the apparently insane speeds on public roads, even my little-traveled choices. 40 MPH corners feel like I can enter at 80 and exit fully floored (ask me how I know
).The front Kumhos are starting to round out a bit on their edges but haven't turned greasy at all.
The fat tires let me use the brakes better than the S's 215/60s ever did, so I can carry stupid entry speeds before dumping some velocity with a big stomp of brake then get the thing aimed so I can mash the gas for exit.
Oh so much fun.
"Supple"; it feels supple, yet completely anchored to the pavement.
Limit-exploration continues........
25,417
Zeroing in on new wheels dimensions (current thinking the Enkei Tuning Fujin in 17X7.5", weight 16.8lb.
That size will take virtually any tire I choose, yet still provide sufficient width to stiffen the 50-series sidewalls I'll be eventually mounting. And attempting to peel off the rims.....
It will also save 10lb per vs the stock 18"s.
I think I'm going to use a 225/55 snow; might have to go to a 225/50 (which will be my 'summer' size).
Last tank 25.6 MPG; can't help myself.
25,574
That size will take virtually any tire I choose, yet still provide sufficient width to stiffen the 50-series sidewalls I'll be eventually mounting. And attempting to peel off the rims.....
It will also save 10lb per vs the stock 18"s.
I think I'm going to use a 225/55 snow; might have to go to a 225/50 (which will be my 'summer' size).
Last tank 25.6 MPG; can't help myself.
25,574
I got to watch the K hit 26,000 even (9/15, 03:43 hours); cool.
Then I happened to look down when it hit both 26,100 and 26,200; even cooler.
Finally got the tires to howl. I attempted a 15MPH-marked square corner at 40, and I had to stomp the brake pedal a sec to keep things aligned and scrub off some speed so I could successfully negotiate said turn.
Then this morning I got them to howl as I powered up an Interstate off-ramp.
Cool.
Last two tanks, first Mobil premium 27.8, the next Gulf 91-octane premium 29.2 MPG.
Apparently there's a moroco in the overhead lights/eyeglass holder, playing when I'm on rougher dirt roads.
26,282
Then I happened to look down when it hit both 26,100 and 26,200; even cooler.
Finally got the tires to howl. I attempted a 15MPH-marked square corner at 40, and I had to stomp the brake pedal a sec to keep things aligned and scrub off some speed so I could successfully negotiate said turn.
Then this morning I got them to howl as I powered up an Interstate off-ramp.
Cool.
Last two tanks, first Mobil premium 27.8, the next Gulf 91-octane premium 29.2 MPG.
Apparently there's a moroco in the overhead lights/eyeglass holder, playing when I'm on rougher dirt roads.
26,282
Image if you will (play along with me here):
You've had your AWD Kizashi for over 4 years and you've managed to keep it tires-down for the full 160K you've driven it.
Driven it hard.
Then you have it fully reconditioned, both mechanically and cosmetically, AND add a few thousand worth of suspension enhancements AND bigger/better wheels and tires.
How hard would you drive it then?
That's me, BTW
You've had your AWD Kizashi for over 4 years and you've managed to keep it tires-down for the full 160K you've driven it.
Driven it hard.
Then you have it fully reconditioned, both mechanically and cosmetically, AND add a few thousand worth of suspension enhancements AND bigger/better wheels and tires.
How hard would you drive it then?
That's me, BTW