Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    mike-
    Ever since Mom learnt that I've taken up AutoX, the OBS seem to have become out-of-bounds.
    Ooh the thrill of sneaking... hee hee :D

    Dennis-
    WRX wheels and a CD player would be the most I'll be able to mod.
    "Go mod your own car!"
    Needless to say where that voice came from. ;-)

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good idea, bit. Everyone might want to go check the water level on your battery. Mine were low after about 3 years and the battery died because of that.

    Also check those tire pressures, including the spare. My Miata's donut was at less than half the recommended pressure.

    I managed to put alloys on my wife's car, but that's about as far as I'll likely go.

    -juice
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    after much stressing over how I was going to install my WRX 6 disc radio into my 1994 Legacy (you 95+ folks are a lucky bunch, I tell ya) I finally think I have all the pieces I need to make it as painless as possible. I have diagrams of both systems, and I ordered $38 worth of harnesses from http://www.scosche-cars.com. I now have a harness that will fit into the back of the new radio and give me a pigtail of wire, and I have a harness that plugs into my harness behind my dash that also gives me a pigtail of wire. I just match them up per the diagrams, and, hopefully, voila! I'll post the results on my website and link it to modifications when the time comes.


    Jim

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good luck.

    Wear safety goggles. LOL

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Sorry for the cross-post, but this thread on i-club had a great walk-through description of how the VTD AWD system works. Very fascinating:


    http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=226610


    Ken

  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I noticed something weird yesterday. My auto-dimming rear view mirror appears to have a line going through it. One side appears to be clear, while the other still has the "dimming coating" of the mirror. Any ideas?


    Mark


    Here is a photo of the problem.

    http://community.webshots.com/album/46250546JEhvOh

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Here are some shots of the SVX...


    http://isuzu-suvs.com/svx/


    image

    image

    image

    image


    -mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Nice find, Ken. I say put VTD in ALL subies, period. Interesting that it's 36/64 F/R, that is a heavier RWD bias than they claim! What he's doing seems very appealing (manual control for the torque split).

    Mark: the bottom half also looks darker. Perhaps they figure the headlights will be there?

    Bet you'll test that speedo's limits, mike. ;-)

    Looks schweet. You can clearly see the longitudinal layout of the engine. Subaru didn't take any short cuts on that car.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I believe Colin advised us many moons ago that VTD was an electronic version of the RA, 22Bs' etc. manually adjustable diffys. ;-)

    IMHO it's not accurate to quote torque splits of the RA and claim that's what the VTD can do

    -Dennis
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    looks to be in extremely good shape. Don't hurt yourself!

    Jim
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What's RA?

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm gonna be careful with it. Just call me granny. :) Still will need a nice 2.2l Turbo car for auto-x in a few years.

    -mike
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    Impreza Type RA, one of the baddest of the bad. http://210.254.95.20/showroom/imp_sti_ra/


    Jim

  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    the STi type RA is a stripped down no-frills rally homologation machine. it was/is the foundation of group N rallycars-- actually in the past GrN was more restrictive and the other than safety bits the type RA was it. today you can do a bit more in GrN but you'd still start with an RA.

    -Colin
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Mike: Great photos. Looks very clean. I'm kind of bummed to know that my 98 Forester has more miles on it than the SVX (going on 74K).

    juice: I agree that Subaru should make VTD standard. It's probably only going to be a matter of time, IMO. I wonder if we'll ever see a different system go into the MTs? I wonder if VTD-AWD could be implemented into a MT if the clutch pack in the VTD could work independently of a TCU.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It is spreading. The 2.5 GT model now has it as well, but still only with automatic.

    Reminder: chat tonight! We usually have fun and toss in some trivia if things get slow.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/70217/article.html


    Not bad, they love the interior, comparing it to class-leader VW. They also called it the most fun-to-drive in the class.


    On another note - the Baja starts at $23,995, about $2 grand less then most of us predicted. That bodes well for it's success. The Outback Limited, with similar equipment, costs almost $2 grand more!


    -juice

  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...the Edmunds.com 2003 Forester Road Test is up...here's the link....oh...juice beat me to it.

    Never mind. :-)
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    For a refreshing view of the automotive industry...

    http://www.autoextremist.com/index.shtml
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    since it needs not only hydraulics and electronics from the AT system , I don't think in its present form they could ever marry it to a MT.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    except for the small problem that the WRX STi Type RA has been using that type of center differential since '97, you might be on to something.

    ...it's not "VTD" but it is a planetary gearset with a multiplate clutch.

    ;-)

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    dunno. explain to me in 500 words or less why it would matter, using your intimate knowledge of the differences between a manual and an automatic AWD transmission.

    :-D

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Ok wise guy! I dunno, or I wouldn't have asked the question!!!! :)

    -mike
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Wow, the past few weeks have been crazy at work. We just had the ribbon cutting on our new microchip plant, probably the most advanced 300mm chip plant in the world. And I am off to Tokyo near the end of the month to evaluate new equipment. The great part is that I will have the opportunity to see two of the exchange students that we have hosted in previous years. One will come with her family to Tokyo, the other I will go visit in Nagoya (bullet train trip - Tokaido Shinkansen, for those who speak the language...).

    I will have to make at least one dealership stop during my tour....

    Also, although we have not told Emily yet, she is going to get her wish of a little sister (eventually). Yes, we are pregnant (well, sort of....). For those of you who are scratching your heads: after protracted indecision, we finally sent in our petition to the INS to adopt another international orphan. These days it might take up to two years for it to happen, but I see another trip to China in our future! And yes, Emily (now 6) will be with us to share the experience.

    Steve
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    So, is it just cost that would prevent SoA from putting a VTD-type AWD system in the manual trannies? I don't think they've even done that for the Legacy B4 RSK either.

    Ken
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Steve,


    Congrats on the good news!


    Interesting stuff on the 300mm fab. So, I'm assuming it's fully GEM compliant and all. Where is the plant located?


    When was the last time you were in Japan? Over the last few years, they've put in quite a bunch of new models. When I was just there in May, I had the chance to see one of these fly by:


    http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/shinkansen/shinkansen1.html


    If you're staying near Shinjuku in Tokyo, stop by the Subaru Building. It's just across from the west entrance. There's a small showroom in the lobby. You can get your hands on every JDM brochure there and talk to the pretty receptionists. ;-)


    Ken

  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    doesn't the regular 4EAT use some sort of electronics to allow its proactive power transfer - isn't that what the TCU does?.I would think the VTD does too. It may not be a big deal to have some sort of TCU in a MT, but its another black box which wasn't there to begin with. Main problem may be need for hydraulic source which is lacking in a MT.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Steve: that is totally cool. I hope the process goes well. I have friends adopting a boy from Korea (I think?) and it's taking forever though I'm sure it'll result in a happy ending.

    "planetary gearset" sound like something out of Star Trek. "Spock, quick, can you fix the planetary gearset?"

    Ken: that train looks like the GM dustbuster minivans! LOL

    Oh well, form following function isn't a bad thing.

    -juice
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I work for IBM in Hopewell Jnct., NY. The new wafer fab is unbelieveable. The dedication ceremony last week got some national press time. I spent a few hours in it last week dealing with some of the automated inspection, measurement and defect classification tools and how we might incorporate Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology into it. Yes, SECS-GEM, overhead delivery of FOUPS - it looks like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie!

    I have not been in Japan (other than airport stops on the way to other Asian destinations) since 1990. Beth and I once took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (& Nara) for some siteseeing. I was checking schedules on the JR web site last week and looking at the new equipment. Very sleek... While in Tokyo I will be staying out in Tachikawa (western edge of the city on the Chuo rail line. I did not know that Subaru was in Shinjuko - about mid-way between Tokyo Station and Tachikawa!!! Gee, what can I buy and have shipped home???

    On the adoption, we are now reviewing and need to pick an agency that would represent us overseas. Lots to consider, but we are now committed.

    Steve
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Your question to me strongly suggests that you too are in the semiconductor world. Tell all!!

    Steve
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Safe travels and much luck during the adoption process!

    Friends of mine adopted a little girl from China a few years ago. It took an incredibly long time, but the outcome and rewards have been wonderful. They belong to a web site containing adoption stories and a contact list for other parents of adopted children from the same province. Send me an email if you would like the URL.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A neighbor from across the street did the same thing. Her little girl is happy and well adjusted, and she likes my Subie (very important)!

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Steve,


    I thought my question would trigger a response! ;-)


    I'm a product manager at Agilent Technologies in a division that creates automated test equipment for memory products. We're particularly strong in the flash wafer sort are -- hence my familiarity with 300mm and SECS-GEM.


    I've never set foot in a fully automated 300mm fab, but I can imagine how futuristic it would be. The one interesting thing about the 200mm to 300mm transition is the effect on the "human" element. One reason why factory automation is needed in 300mm fabs is due to the fact that the FOUPS are now too heavy (according to SEMI standards) for an operator to carry.


    Tachikawa is a bit outside of central Tokyo, but it's a quick ride to Shinjuku on any of the Chuo-line express trains. If you do plan on taking a lot of trains in Japan, particularly JR, you might want to consider getting a Japan Rail Pass. There are several types, but the standard one gives you unlimited rides on all the trains including the Shinkansen. One round trip between Tokyo and Osaka will pay off the cost of a one week pass:

    http://www.japanrailpass.net/


    So, what do you do at IBM?


    Ken

  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Emily is from Hunan Province. It is about 800 miles inland from Hong Kong and Shanghai in the mountains. The population is generally taller than the coastal average, I have been told by as much as 4" or so. At 6.5 years old, Emily is a giant compared to many of her classmates, and very healthy. Hunan women also have a reputation for fiery tempers. When you mention Hunan girls to a former mainland Chinese resident, you often get the comment 'spicy girl', along with a comment about "you will have your hands full with that one". Emily is no exception. 6 going on 16....

    Maybe we will request a different part of China this time around!!!!

    Thanks, Karen. Can you sent it to me?

    Steve
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Hi guys, would,nt you just know it, this was the day I had a free hour between chores before heading back to the lake, but the #**!!:# Hamsters at Edmunds decided this was the day to go on hunger strike.

    Took almost an hour of messing around just to read the backed up post in this one thread.

    Hope everybody on the crew is having a safe and happy summer.

    Cheers Pat. (frustrated in the great white north)
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    formerly known as HP. I did some work with your ATE systems years ago - HP82000 - in our failure analysis lab.

    Because the wafers in 300mm fab are so 'sealed in', the clean room requirements (on the people) are more relaxed. Much less garmenting required, and a generally happier workforce.

    =========

    OK, a funny story: for those of you trying to figure out the secret code that Ken and I are speaking in, SECS-GEM (pronounced SEX-GEM) refers to an emerging protocol for automated equipment communication and robotics interaction. Factories that can operate with minimum human hands. Not just production, but inspection, investigation and action on non-conforming product. The stuff of science fiction.

    But the problem is that not everyone follows these standards exactly. Many companies have some twist. I was in a meeting two years ago when, with a perfectly straight face, a foreign engineer from a supplier asked one of our equipment services engineers (who happened to be female) if she required "special SECS" or if "straight SECS" would do. Oh how language can get in the way.....

    Steve
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    That happened to me in the wine business with hilarious results. Well, to me anyway....

    "Would you like to taste my Beaune?"

    "Oh you have a great Beaune there, I must have more!"
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Steve,

    You got it right -- or to be more exact, the Test & Measurement, Semiconductor Components, Chemcial Analysis and now spun-off Medical Devices divisions of HP. Ah yes, the good old 82000. It's evolved into the Agilent 93000 today.

    I've always wondered why they couldn't come up with a less controversial-sounding acronym than SECS-GEM. However, we all do need a chuckle once in a while too.

    Ken
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Congratulations! A good friend of mine at work just returned (on 7/4) with her daughter, Lila, from China. She's a beautiful girl.

    I wish you the best on your new addition!

    Patti
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Thanks, but as Karen Carpenter said, "We've only just begun". Hold the congratulations until we have jumped tall buildings, run faster than speeding bullets, incurred major bureaucratic nonsense from state, federal, and foreign governments, etc., etc.

    Few adventures are more frustrating or gut wrenching than adoption, whether it be domestic or international.

    Steve
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Alright then. How about "good luck"?

    -Dennis
  • ffsteveffsteve Member Posts: 243
    Since Hong Kong was mentioned above, I'll offer an advertising slogan once used by their flagship airline, Cathay Pacific, which carries the designation CX.

    Slogan was "I like CX".

    Enough said.
    Steve
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    As per my July statement, I was awarded 400 Subaru points (yes, it was a crazy shopping spree), but none of the coupons came in yet. All payments were made on time.

    Is anyone else in the same situation: no long-awaited and well-deserved coupons from the July statement?
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    My bummer is that I had major travel expenses in late July/early August that earn nothing!

    Jim
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    If you do not receive a coupon certificate by next week, can you please contact me? Let's give them until next Tuesday?

    Thanks!

    Patti
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Jim-
    I too was wondering what happen to points earned up till 31Jul02.
    Got my statement from MBNA and no points :(

    Hind-sight: Current Subaru MBNA card holders should have been given the opportunity to apply for the new card before it kicked in 01Aug02.

    -Dave
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    image




    More at http://isuzu-suvs.com/autox


    -mike

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hey Pat, good to hear from ya.

    Dave looks like he's having fun, and that Outback looks right at home, without even too much body roll.

    paisan: you got shelf space for all those plaques you've been winning? :-)

    -juice
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