Re: 4K headlights and Blizzaks

[hroth <HDROTH@BROWNVM.BROWN.EDU>]

Many thanks to all those who replied to my inquiry about boosting the
power in my 87 4K's Hellas. After checking that the voltage could take
the increase, I replace my 45/65 watt low/hi beam halogens with 55/100,
which I bought at a local foreign auto parts specialty store. They were
made in Korea by a company called Phoebus. I had a hard time finding them
and many store clerks responded incredulously to my suggestion that such
hi-power halogens even existed. The package is marked with the disclaimer:
"For off-road use only" to cover their butts, I guess. ANyhow I am VERY
pleased with the results. They extra power makes up for the decline in
brightness cause by the excessive pitting of the exterior glass on the lights
that I noticed on closer examination. Finally I can see well at night. BTW,
if any of you owners of newer models are listening, headlight covers would
seems a wise investment.

I also purchased a set of 4 Bridgestone Blizzaks for the 4K. These are an
odd kind of tire: they are treated as a winter radial for the first 3 winters
only. After that time their special soft high-traction tread wears off and
they become a plain vanilla M+S radial. Tire changes and balances are free
for these three years (or, more accurately, included in the initial price).
Compared to the new Dunlop D/60's installed in September:

1. Blizzaks give a much softer ride. Handling and cornering seemed pretty much
the same (which is excellent in the D's).

2. Blizzaks require a longer distance for stopping (by about 30%) on dry
pavement. In ice and snow it's another story (see below).

3. Blizzaks give much better performance in snow and ice conditions. The D-60's
were terrible. The Blizzaks gave me first-gear traction and handling in third-
gear.

So far they seem worth the investment. I paid $69./tire at the local Firestone
dealer and $8.99/wheel for mounting and balancing.

Cheers,

Hal Roth