Insight edges closer

[Ecky]

Which tires are on the car?

[aerohead]

They're Bridgestones.Around 165 60-70R/14s.
38-psi F
35-psi R
I'll look more closely 'n get that data.

[Ecky]

Bridgestone Potenza RE-92 165-65r14 is the ideal tire for the car, as you might already know, and it sounds like you've already got them. Other tires such as the Michelin Defenders offer more grip and significantly less road noise for a relatively small hit to MPG, but in terms of economy, the Potenzas are at the top of the heap.

As far as I'm aware, they're the lowest rolling resistance consumer tire on the road today.

[freebeard]

How are they for stopping distance?

[Ecky]

Couldn't day, never seen any data about that but I have no personal complaints about stopping distance.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Bridgestone Potenza RE-92 165-65r14 is the ideal tire for the car, as you might already know, and it sounds like you've already got them. Other tires such as the Michelin Defenders offer more grip and significantly less road noise for a relatively small hit to MPG, but in terms of economy, the Potenzas are at the top of the heap.

As far as I'm aware, they're the lowest rolling resistance consumer tire on the road today.

yes,sidewall says P165/65R 14 78S Bridgestone Potenza RE-92s.
The car rolls at the least provocation.I've never seen anything like it.
They're worn and checked a bit and I'll replace with same thing if I can get them.It will also keep the Cd and R-R identical to OEM.
I want to do 75-mph and 80-mph testing at some point,which would be risky with the current tires.
As to braking,the front rotors on this car are warped a bit so I'm trying to baby the brakes as much as possible.Any expense I can prevent will help with the September trip.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by freebeard

How are they for stopping distance?

If we can find an original CAR and DRIVER or ROAD & TRACK road test review from 2000,they will have this data.

[aerohead]

Strand's Automotive said they don't do hybrids and sent me to Tommy's High Tech Auto yesterday.
They scanned the car and came up with 3-error codes,all with the IMA system:
*voltage controller
*voltage controller fan
*IMA pack
*We discussed my economic realities and the check engine light/title transfer-registration.
*I dropped the car off there this morning.
*My neighbor followed me into town and gave me a ride back home.
*Tommy's will keep the car for a week and see what they can do with a $600 budget.
*If they can't get the check engine light to go off,I'll apply to the Department of Public Safety for a waiver/time extension.
*This will allow the title transfer and Dennis can move on with his life.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had to drive to the Sanger Post Office to sign for some registered mail yesterday.The IMA pack showed 100% and the hybrid boost seemed to work the whole way up and back.
It's quirky.'hope they can sort things out.

[Ecky]

Without a working hybrid battery, the 12v system will not charge. I believe you can get a refurbished battery for around $500. Or, you can bypass the hybrid system, which will re-enable the 12v DC-DC converter, but you'll still have the CEL. Someone over on InsightCentral might have a way to spoof the signal to the ECU, and make the CEL go off, allowing you to drive it like a conventional gas car with a super efficient alternator.

[brucepick]

The RE92 tires are available at Tire Rack, about $79 each.

As for battery issues: get busy on InsightCentral.com and find the recipes for grid chargers.

Look for the thread under Gen 1, Modifications and Technical Issues.
I think it's a sticky there.
Many batteries have been brought back from near-death by good use of a charger and discharger.

I haven't seen any new replacement IMA batteries for anything like $500. More like $2000. Used or refurbished ones will likely soon have the same issues as your ailing one. The remedy in any case, is occasional and appropriate use of a grid charger, and sometimes a discharger is needed. If they were built into the car - and if owners were told to use them 2-3 times yearly - hybrid batteries would last several times longer than they do.