I just noticed most of the tire studs are missing from my fronts; looks like the rears have retained theirs.
I assume it's from pushing the front end very very hard when in 'cornering mode' -- I peel them right out......
Last tank Mobil premium 26.8 MPG.
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114 days; Part II
The marbles on many dirt roads are currently marvelous, if one likes the sensation of traction loss.
I do.
Drove 101 miles --mostly dirt-- this morning just getting to work.
My perception of the Kizashi is that it grows smaller the harder I push it, more nimble-feeling, like we're dancing (at ludicrous speeds). Placing the car becomes easier, sliding more predictable and progressive with the VSC disabled.
I push it very hard.
Last tank 23.8 MPG. Yep, hard.
52,445
I do.
Drove 101 miles --mostly dirt-- this morning just getting to work.
My perception of the Kizashi is that it grows smaller the harder I push it, more nimble-feeling, like we're dancing (at ludicrous speeds). Placing the car becomes easier, sliding more predictable and progressive with the VSC disabled.
I push it very hard.
Last tank 23.8 MPG. Yep, hard.
52,445
It's time for tires (I'll be getting pictures up soon of the stock 18"s w/mounted tires for sale). I've decided on the Kumho Ecsta PA31 in 225/50 R17.
Its weight is 24lb, just like my snows; the 18" OEM is 26lb..
Its section width is 9.2"; the 18" OEM is 9.3".
Its tread width is 8.4"; the 18" OEM is 8.7".
Its diameter is 25.9"; the 18" OEM is 26.3".
Its RPM is 802; the 18" OEM is 794.
It's obviously very close dynamically to the OEM 18"; it's just the sidewall height that lets the 50-series squirm around a wee bit more before taking its set; I'll pump up the PSI........
Last tank Citgo premium 26.0 MPG.
55,090
Its weight is 24lb, just like my snows; the 18" OEM is 26lb..
Its section width is 9.2"; the 18" OEM is 9.3".
Its tread width is 8.4"; the 18" OEM is 8.7".
Its diameter is 25.9"; the 18" OEM is 26.3".
Its RPM is 802; the 18" OEM is 794.
It's obviously very close dynamically to the OEM 18"; it's just the sidewall height that lets the 50-series squirm around a wee bit more before taking its set; I'll pump up the PSI........
Last tank Citgo premium 26.0 MPG.
55,090
May 10, 2016 55,495 miles got me oil changed.
Got pics of me for-sale wheels-n-tires up!
Got 23.3 MPG on me last tank.
Got virtually NO tread left on me left front tire, because the on- and off-ramps around here are all righties.
The guy at the dealership tin-snipped the dangling flex-coupling stainless steel mesh, relieving me of the fear of that snagging something and tearing off the exhaust......cool.
55,849
Got pics of me for-sale wheels-n-tires up!
Got 23.3 MPG on me last tank.
Got virtually NO tread left on me left front tire, because the on- and off-ramps around here are all righties.
The guy at the dealership tin-snipped the dangling flex-coupling stainless steel mesh, relieving me of the fear of that snagging something and tearing off the exhaust......cool.
55,849
I'm still trying to figure out how to (get away with) buy a set of lightweight (18X8" 18.7lb Fujin; yes I know its the same wheel I bought in 17") wheels with a 23lb 'summer' tire (anything other than a snow tire is considered a 'summer tire' here).
I'd still save 12lb per corner.......and maintain the superior handling benefit of that fat low sidewall......
'If I buy summers for my 17's I'll save between 15--16lb per corner.
I am NOT giving up the measureable change in acceleration and wheel control that diet provides.
After more careful consideration, I feel that the only correct 18" choice would be the (fabulously expensive) OZ 17lb choice.
Thatsalotta light.
But I apparently haven't shaken our money tree hard enough, plus it's that pesky surgery bill, and the needed hearing aids and eyeglasses and hip replacement.
But I digress.
I've ordered the new Kumho Ecsta PA31 in 225/50 R17 94V, and I look forward to peeling the shoulders off of them soon.
The new tires --and their superb balancing-- run smooth, straight, and quiet from 0 past 110MPH.
Stick is excellent, and yesterday they ignored the at-times heavy downpours. Dirt traction so far is sufficient as I learn them. Gas mileage since I've installed them coincident with a switch to Shell premium has risen to 29.4ish MPG. Nice.
Next, new windshield.......
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Stick is excellent, and yesterday they ignored the at-times heavy downpours. Dirt traction so far is sufficient as I learn them. Gas mileage since I've installed them coincident with a switch to Shell premium has risen to 29.4ish MPG. Nice.
Next, new windshield.......
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