RE: batteries, good A/S V tires

["Lin, Gary" <Gary.Lin@xxxxxxxx>]

it was written:
> 2)  What is the correct battery "group" size and amperage rating for the
> car?  I've got an Interstate MT-91, which appears to me smaller that the
> mounting base area provided in the trunk?
> 
> According to the owner's manual:12v 66 A/H.  My battery:12v, 65 A/H, 320
> A. BMW original.  It's also smaller than the mounting base area.
<<

Seeing as to how I just got a new Interstate MT-91 (group 91 is the right
size) after the previous one gave it up after 6 years of use,
http://interstatebatteries.com/products/product_line/auto_other_new.htm
700 CCA, 120 min. reserve, and a 72 mo. warranty; the old one was only 50
mo.
Olympic Imported Parts (NCC advertiser) gives CCA discounts.
- -----

Also, I'm sure all you DC people are familiar with yesterday's snow.  I
stupidly took out the '88 325is with modified suspension and summer Yoke
Intermediates (worst combo for snow).  Yowza!  Fishtailing on gas, immediate
ABS, turned right around and got the beater '89 Accord.  Of course, bald
Yoke AVS A+4's don't go too far in snow (great dry though).  Managed to make
it to NTB.

Now I've researched (and I mean tried and researched) all types of A/S H/V
rated PERFORMANCE stuff in the smaller sizes, specifically 195/60-14, and
there just isn't anything out there decent.  How do I know?  Well, even a
beater commuter can still attack off ramps faster than anyone else. ;-)
AVSi's and A509's are great, but not A/S.  Everything else A/S in that size
in the Tire Rack ad isn't spectacular in the handling dept.  For this area,
I don't need full winter compound tires for our one time huge snowstorm, I'd
tear them up quickly.

Well I've finally found something.  NTB carries the Pirelli P8000 Vizzola, a
V A/S.  It was also known as the P5000, and looks like a P6000 (the big
block one, not the touring A/S P6000 Sport Veloce) with half the tread flip
flopped to make it directional with a 3/4" center rain groove. $30 more than
the regular H stuff, though NTB's 10% corporate discount and a $20 mileage
credit on the old Yokes helped. ;-)

Sidewalls are nice and stiff and it's pretty good in snow also.  Can't wait
to test the dry cornering.  If you need a V A/S other than the P7000SS,
XGTV4, SP4000, etc. check it out.  Comes with NTB's satisfaction guarantee.

Gary Lin    National Capital Ch.    '88 325is lachssilber
Metro Washington Council of Sports Car Clubs <CSP>
Conforti, BLiSS, Supersprint, ///M susp., AVSi's, Kumhos

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