[V8] Fulda report

[dsaad at icehouse.net]

Well - since I put on the Fulda Extremos, I have been touring (well - speeding
really) up through central Idaho. I have the front pressure at 36psi now but I
think that needs to go closer to 40psi to firm up the handling a little.
The V8 performed in its usual spectacular fasion - 140MPH was reached breifly in
a high meadow (6000+ feet). Normal cruising on these tires is quiet and
comfortable but they do handle a lot different than the old Goodyears and that
will take some getting used to.

Then came the rain. 1.5 inches in 40 minutes last night. Again the trusty V8 did
its thing without complaining. I was driving during the entire storm and had to
ford many a river. I know the alternator was under water quite a bit so I guess
I can expect some trouble there shortly but it never so much as hiccuped when I
needed it. I had to run the A/C too to keep the windows from steaming up but I
did not notice any belt slippage. I did notice a little trouble getting into
reverse a time or two. This is pretty normal - I know there is a problem with my
reverse syncro but I wonder if the clutch got wet and caused hard shifting. All
seems well today though. When I realized the clutch is basically open to the
world, I tried not to shift if I was in deep water but it was un-avoidable a few
times.

Anyway the V8 has risen another notch by proving to be reliable under fire (or
rain as the case may be :-)

Dave