Re: Four Items - Kinda Long

[LToy@aol.com]

Our Texas-resident Cougar writes:

>Prob'ly true - but I would be reluctant to do so on a REALLY hot day 
>for a long trip.  IMHO, heat buildup is the main concern with running 
>tire pressures high. I do this for auto-x's in my 280 ZX but bleed'em 
>back to max/rated pressure afterwards.  But I'm in TX where the roads 
>should say "Sunbeam" and come with waffle marks across them.....

Actually, I think LOW pressure can cause more heat buildup problems due to
excessive flex and increased rolling resistance (= friction=heat).  "Try" it
sometime, just around town (BTDT--see, I get the "opportunity" of dealing
with a diff'rent rental sled every month or so--sometimes they're a bit low
on air)

>Double-clutching is a technique designed to match the engine and 
>transmission gear speed to the speed the car is driving **before **
>engaging the clutch.  I find that using this actually increases my 
>clutch life!  The procedure is most often used for downshifts 
>in passenger cars, as upshifts are normally not a problem. This also 
>implies that the driver is braking while shifting, making the 
>heel/toe technique desirable.  The result is that you can use full 
>braking from the brakes, PLUS full engine braking.  When done 
>correctly downshifting, it provides a smooth, continuous, impressive 
>braking surge that feels like you just hit 10 inches of water!  But 
>let's say you're just shifting down while double-clutching-

I think the idea behind rev-matched shifts (of which double-clutching and
heel & toe downshifting are two techniques--can be used together if you can
chew gum, pat your head, rub your tummy, AND walk down the street all at
once) is to 1) to lesses drivetrain shock (engine, clutch, tranny, final
drive, etc) when releasing the clutch on a downshift in preparation for a
corner and 2) to lessen tendencies to imbalance the chassis when at
threshhold braking (especially if you really goofed, and are already into the
corner before you shift--oops).  

>they're not too worn.  Audi uses thinner rotors than other manuf's, 
>and they recommend replacing rotors along with pads.  If thickness is 

Wait till you see the fender washers stopping our adnoH!  Talk about
thin...Audi has nothing to be ashamed about here (except when they tried to
use the same discs from year to year and let the weight get up there!)