114 days; Part II

Anything related to the Kizashi can go here, but please look at the other headings first. Your topic may fit better under something else.
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

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.




52,023
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

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
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

Glorious dirt-road driving conditions, and I've been taking advantage of it ('cause it doesn't last). More time spent with VSC off........




53,555
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

I've had the GTS since July 21, 2015.
I've averaged:
-3,848 miles per month
-950 miles per week
-135 miles per day.

The GTS is fun to drive.........
Last tank 23.6 MPG.




54,037
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

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
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

Yesterday I noticed it's been 11,490 miles since my last oil change. That's alotta miles.

I made an appointment for next Tuesday......
(No loss).




55,195
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

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
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

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.
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

Been a while.


On 5/18/16 at 56,527 I installed a set of Kumho Ecsta PA31 225/50 R17s.
They stick.

I haven't yet really toyed with them on dirt.
I'll be getting back to you on that.




56,628
WESHOOT2
Posts: 1976
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

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.......




57,329
Post Reply