Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Ed, just get out a tape measure and measure the diameters of the tires on the vehicle. If they are off by less than 1/2" you should be fine. The milage wear shouldn't be that significant.

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I think that was before my time.:) TV show I guess??
    IIRC, the tires cause problems (diff, etc.) when you replace with a different size or different treads, not when you replace them due to normal wear or a flat. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

    Too bad you were away for the Pine Barrens trip. You would've like it. The blue OBS in the pics is mine.
    Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's all about the diameter. I had replaced a tire on my Trooper that had an ir-repairable flat with a tire from my old rodeo, same size, make, model tread, and what I thought was the same amount of wear. Turned out that the tire was 1/2" smaller than the other 3 and this caused a whine in my TOD (Isuzu AWD system) until I put the spare tire in it's place.

    -mike
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    My thinking is this. This AWD (WAD for some) system has been around for a while and has proven to be very reliable (i.e. Consumers reports, etc). I would have to think that your situation is not unusual and that people are running around with different "age" tires as well as different tire pressures which should have a similar effect. If this truly was an issue, then it would show up as a reliability hit. How many people put the temp spare tire on an OB without disengaging the AWD? (Thanks to all of you I know not to) I would not worry too much about the new tire / old tire issue.

    -Greg
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Here's the info from Subaru.com/Owners/Subaru Care/Car Care Tips:

    On All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, it is extremely important that the rolling or outer circumferences of the tires be within 1/4 inch of each other. This means that you must physically measure the size of the tire. This is best done with the weight of the vehicle off the tire and at the tread centerline. Also be certain that the tires are properly inflated since this can affect your readings.

    If you need to replace just one tire, the same holds true. The measured difference in circumference between the replacement tire and the other tires on the vehicle cannot exceed 1/4 inch.
    Depending on the vehicle mileage, it might be better to replace all four tires.

    If the vehicle mileage is low and the tires have been rotated and driven at the proper inflation pressures, then you may be within the allowable 1/4-inch difference in circumference.
    If the difference between the new/replacement tire and the current tires is within this 1/4-nch maximum, then the tire should be compatible. If it is not, then other tires will need to be replaced to conform to the 1/4-inch rule.
    Exceeding this 1/4-inch difference in tire circumference can place unnecessary wear on drivetrain components, possibly causing them to wear out prematurely.

    If your vehicle is AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with an automatic transmission and the temporary spare tire has been installed, put a spare fuse (15 amp) inside the FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) fuse holder (refer to your owner's manual for location). Confirm that the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) warning light comes on before you drive the car. Installation of this fuse deactivates AWD to prevent possible damage to the drivetrain components that can result due to the use of the smaller temporary spare tire. After re-installing the conventional tire, remove the fuse from the FWD fuse holder to restore AWD operation.

    bit
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Hah! After your time, maybe. here are some other gems from the same show:

    "Ah, beer. the cause of, and the solution to, all life's problems!"

    "mmmmmm.......forbidden donut......."

    "mmmmmm.......makin bacon on the beach........"

    "I fear to look, yet I cannot turn away!"

    and of course,

    "Don't have a cow, man!"
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    So that last paragraph is interesting in what it doesn't say. I have a manual tranny and a temp spare. What do I do if I install the temp spare?

    This also brings up the question of a full size spare. As I posted last week I did a test fit and indeed I can fit a regular tire and wheel from my GT in the spare tire well.

    bit
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Loosh - Doh!

    bit - I think it doesn't apply to the manual because of the mechanical VC vs. the computerized AWD system.
    Dennis
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    You might want to check with tire stores to see if they have any used Geolandars. I had a similar situation as you where my sidewall had a small puncture rendering the tire useless. My tires at the time had about 35K miles on them. I was worried about the difference in diameter but balked at the idea of having to dish out the money to buy 4 new tires prematurely. Luckily, the store manager knew that he had some used Geolandars at a nearby store. He had them brought in and the treadwear was a lot closer than the brand new spare. Bought it and had it installed for about $30.

    You might want to check with a large chain store to increase your chances of finding one.

    Ken
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    think about this. 1/4" in Circumference (i.e. 2(3.14)R). Playing with the numbers and assuming R=12" then the tire radius only needs to wear 0.04" (1mm for some) before we break the 1/4" rule. Am I off here or is this tolerance too tight? Bit - what do you think? Wouldn't different tire pressures alone account for this change? Am I completely out of wack???

    -greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    FWIW, the front axle has an open diffy so I'd put the new tire up front, at least for now.

    I'd expect the center coupling allows more play than the LSD on the rear axle.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    sorry

    -greg
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I can verify that on my Trooper a tire 1/2" smaller (double the 1/4" rule) did cause problems with my AWD system. While not the same as the subaru one, they are similar. I had whining noises, and problems changing from 4wd Lo to AWD modes as well.

    -mike
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    So that was 1/2 inch diameter or circumference?

    bit
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It was 1/2" lower in diameter top-bottom which caused the problem.

    -mike
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I will check the diameters when I return from my next road trip (again in Worcester today and tomorrow).

    bluesubie: It's "The Simpsons," dude! There's a recurring character named Dr. Nick Riviera who's a real quack - the guy everyone goes to when they can't afford the real doc (Dr. Hibbert, a Cosby-like guy). Dr. Nick's standard line when he walks into an operating room - or anywhere else for that matter - is "Hi everybody!" Everyone else responds "Hi, Dr. Nick!" in the manner most kids' show hosts are greeted by their child audience. You have to be there.

    CAVEAT: Please don't take my response as open season on Simpsons riffs.

    Ed
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    My choices for vanity plates are being submitted today as follows:

    1) T-REX
    2) SOOBYDO
    3) WHEEEEE

    BTW, I also debadged the SUBARU letters from the center of the tailgate so that all that appears is the WRX (Impreza in smaller case) badge on the left rear. It really cleans up the back end and makes it easier to clean as well.

    Stephen
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    This week's topic:


    My vehicle is better than yours because....


    Brag about your ride on Tuesday, May 8, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET in the new News & Views Weekly Chat

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I was at an I-Club meet yesterday, and saw an RS wearing a tag that said "UBSLIPN."

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Stephen, I think any one of those 3 will work nicely. I'm about ready to debadge my RS, I think I'm going to delete everything except the pleadies cluster on the grill...

    -Colin
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Damn. That was Mike Moran. I was looking forward to seeing him again. Oh Well. :(
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    AWD 4ME

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What about SCOOBDO? The B is pronounced "Bee" any way. People might not get it.

    Bob - that was Mike's car. I've actually driven it - quite fun. I've been too busy to keep up with i Club, what'd they do?

    I still like SNOPRBM.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, folks, if I were download Subaru music, what tracks would you recommend?

    I think there is a theme from the Crocodile Dundee movies, what else? Does the WRC have theme music? Anything else related to Subarus besides the wonderful Scooby Doo theme?

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Have you heard the iClub theme song?

    http://www.ampcast.com/pummelthemonkey

    (near the bottom)


    Not bad!


    -Colin

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Scooby Snacks - Fun Lovin' Criminals
    Rapture - Blondie (says Subarus)
    Making Love in a Subaru - Dr. Domento (haven't heard it though).

    Dennis
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I listed the vanity plates you guys talk about on my personal list and verified that they are still available in WA State as of today, but the 3 I chose are my favs.

    Juice: I like the idea of a Sooby dedicated disc or tape of music. Hey, let me know if you can make me a copy. I'd gladly send you the dinero for your time and CD (or tape). It would be cool to have and I don't have a CD burner (yet?).

    Colin: I was a little "on the fence" about debadging but now that I've done it, I like the result. I thought about taking the WRX off too but I realized I like the badge. I didn't know until I looked closely but there is a blue color ring around the border of the silver WRX badge. It looks great against the silver of my wagon's rear :-) I'm also thinking of replacing the pleides symbol in the front grill w/the STI pink one.

    Stephen
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Besides the fact that you can be proud it's a WRX ;-) the WRX badge is in fact much cooler than the 2.5RS badge.

    I'm not sure what I've been waiting for, I debadge most of my vehicles.

    -Colin
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Well, since there's some new people on board now, I'll post our Outback license plate. An explanation is in my profile link.

    SU BEAR U

    -Brian
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    Well, I think I posted this before, but, (I can't resist), size does matter.

    Take a piece of string for an accurate measure. 1/4 to 1/2 inch difference should be fine.

    Patti
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    I tried to respond to your message today (from work and then home) and it kept coming back undeliverable. Can you call me tomorrow? Just tell the Reps. at the 800 number that I'm expecting your call.

    Thanks and sorry!

    Patti
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The I-Club had a meet at Patapsco State Park, near Baltimore Sunday. I dropped by to chat for a few minutes. One of the guys from the Fall Follage Tour was there (stocky Asian w/beard, working on PhD, computer geek from Reston VA. area). He's got a turbo now installed on his RS, and some neat sounding pipes.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    So I get my GT tomorrow. But I can't drive it. I have to wait for the seller's lender to send me a release of lien before I can get tags for it. Up to 2 week wait! I am so bummed.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    OK...it's official (like I didn't suspect this all along) Seattle is the second-worst place to drive in the country, with us wasting 53 hrs a year in traffic jams!

    The Texas Trans. Institute did a new study for this year's rankings. They have been doing one since 1987. There are three sections to the studys w/ratings in each. They are as follows:

    Travel-time index
    Congestion-cost index
    Travel-rate index

    Seattle ranked 2nd in the first two and 3rd in the last. LA was 1st in all three w/San Fran #2 in the third index.

    Travel-time index rating for LA was 2.03 and Seattle was 1.81 meaning that if it took an hour to drive somewhere in free-flowing traffic in LA, it would take a little more than 2hrs @ rush hour. Likewise in Seattle it would take a little less than 2hrs in rush hour.

    Congestion-cost index rating for LA was 56 hours a year spent waiting in traffic jams. Seattle hit the dubious 2nd place distinction @ 53 hrs. LA would waste about $1000 in fuel idling in traffic and Seattle about $930. OUCH!! (and I have to use prem now w/the WRX)

    Travel-rate index rating for LA was 1.55, SF was 1.45, and Seattle kissed the heals of SF @ 1.44. This means compared to normal driving (incl some congestion)it would take 55 mins longer to get somewhere in LA @ rush hour, 45 mins in SF, and 44 mins in Seattle.

    So your Eastern seaboarders quit your whinin'! :-) It could be worse! BTW...I quit doing the
    I-5 shuffle chosing back streets instead. I get home faster and have a better view in the process.

    Stephen
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I think this is a good time to mention that I drive home 16 miles every day and it takes me 25 minutes. Sometimes 30. ;-)

    Every once in a great while (like once per quarter, perhaps) I'll get stuck in traffic due to an accident, which may add 5-20 minutes to my trip time.

    I couldn't live with that kind of traffic!

    -Colin
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    I commute 20 feet from my bedroom to my office.

    bit
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    That's not bad... wait on the carpool much?

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If I drove to work it would take me 2+hrs each way to go less than 25 miles and then it would cost me $40-$60/day to park. I've sat at traffic lights in NYC and for a 1 block move I've watched a traffic light change for 45minutes, the SAME LIGHT. :) The only saving grace in NYC is that we have a great subway system, although the suburbs are mostly busses which are only marginally better than driving yourself.

    -mike
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Mike: Yeah, Seattle has been draggin' its feet for years re: light rail, or extended monorail, or subway!

    Mike in CA: Yeah...baby! I could get into that kind of commute! Ever run into any obstacles that might slow down your commute some??? :-)

    Oh well, at least it's beautiful in the Emerald City so I can spend time looking at it (if I'm not stuck in the center lanes that is). Actually, like I said earlier, I take side streets that get me to work faster and the sights are better.

    Stephen
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    PALMDALE, CALIF., May 6, 2001 -- Subaru Rally Team USA took top honors in this weekend's Rim of The World round of the SCCA ProRally. Subaru Rally Team USA driver Mark Lovell and co-driver Steve Turvey piloted their 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STi to first place overall and first place in the Open Class. In a dominating performance, Lovell and Turvey finished more than 8 minutes ahead of the second place Mitsubishi of Rhys Millen and Ken Cassidy. The win was strengthened by another best-in-class victory by Subaru Rally Team USA driver Karl Scheible and co-driver Brian Maxwell, as the duo scored first place in the Group N category. This marks the second consecutive back-to-back win for Subaru Rally Team USA and a remarkable debut for the 2002 Impreza WRX in SCCA ProRally competition.

    "The new Impreza WRX performed flawlessly, I'm very pleased for the entire team," said driver Mark Lovell. "For a car to win its first race right out-of-the box is truly remarkable. We're confident we've assembled the best team to challenge for the 2001 Championship."

    "Scoring consecutive wins is a tremendous accomplishment. We've definitely raised the bar for the other teams," said Karl Scheible. "The conditions at the 'Rim' were incredibly tough, but the new Impreza WRX proved to be the class of the field."

    Subaru Rally Team USA also swept the top spots in last month's Oregon Trail ProRally in Tillamook, Ore., with Lovell scoring first place overall and first in Open class, and Scheible finishing first in Group N and fourth overall. The Rim of The World victories catapult Subaru to the top of the points and manufacturer standings in both the Open and Group N classes.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Patti,
    Once your house is back in order you need to join us in the Pine Barrens with a VDC or LL Bean for some off-roading! :)

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    That's great! :):) Saw that in Yahoo too this morning. But... what's with the European Rally Team? So far, because of either crashes or mechanical failure, the results have been pretty poor so far.

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Stephen- Not so fast Batman... you western seaboarders don't have the rotten traffic market cornered by any means. Although Seattle certainly ranks right up there, you failed to mention that you have company. Atlanta tied Seattle for 2nd in the number of hours wasted annually in traffic jams (53 hrs). In addition, Atlanta tied LA for 1st place in the amount of fuel wasted due to traffic (84 gals) with Seattle coming in a close 3rd (81 gals).

    -Frank P.

    FYI: I'm not proud of any of these numbers and am happy to report that I'm doing my share to reduce them by starting a carpool with a co-worker.
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Your all making me feel really lucky as I drive 20 miles to work through beautiful country roads with veiws of the Catskills, farms, etc. The only real traffic I see is the occassional school bus. Don't mean to depress anyone. Downside - no Starbucks to visit on the way.

    -greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Stephen: I too like the WRX badge. It's the ever-so-subtle details like that I like. Bob had to point it out to me.

    Bob - that's gotta be PiperCub (Scott). He's got a turbo and absolutely NO muffler!

    Loosh: that'll be a long two weeks, but if you wanted to do any mods while it's off the streets, now's the time. I know, funds are limited!

    You commuters have to get on an alternate work schedule. I now start an hour earlier, but it saves me 20 minutes driving. Plus I get a day off every two weeks - schweet!

    That plus I go on Clara Barton and Canal Road, so my commute is through trees and along a canal, with a view of the Potomac. I see kayaks, bikers, and the Watergate and Kennedy Center coming in. Not bad.

    Good to see the new Impreza is doing better in the US than in the WRC.

    -juice
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I hope to join you all SOON at an event. I keep hearing "any day now". I'll keep following the events to try and horn in on one!

    Thanks!

    Patti
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I tried carpooling to work a couple of years ago, but did not like it. By time we would collect or drop everyone, it was almost as long as if I traveled alone. Also, one of the cars in our carpool was old Chevy Tahoe -- not much saving on pollution I guess. Ever tried riding on the back seat of the Tahoe? Pass the dramamine please!

    Plus, you really cannot sing along with silly songs on the radio while in the carpool -- a big downside in my books :-)
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Kate: Well...you could sing those silly songs, but I venture to guess you wouldn't be long for the carpool. The others might vote you off like Survivor :-) (...I'm sure you have a lovely singing voice though...)

    Juice: Yes, alternate work schedule is the name of the game but it seems as traffic gets worse, the span of alternate traffic times where traffic is less is becoming narrower.

    Frank: I'm didn't see any info about Atlanta's rankings in the study I was quoting from (Texas Transportation Insitute) except that it ranked 9th in the travel-rate index. Anyhow...you're right there certainly aren't any brownie points being awarded for a higher ranking!! I just wish Seattle would get off its butt and do something about the mess. One of the major obstacles is that we've waited so long that the cost of any mass transit is excruitatingly expense.

    Stephen
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I carpool with one guy-- he lives 1/2 mile away and works 6 feet from me. It's silly not to! Because of scheduling things we can't achieve 50% fuel savings, but we probably have reduced it by 40% or a bit more.

    He autocrosses too, so he's fairly tolerant of my new suspension's less-than-friendly ride. ;-)

    -Colin
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    A WRX drive event like SOC had would be nice. :) SOA could rent Flemington Raceway for the day like you did when you showed the dealers the VDC.
    Dennis
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