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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

1827.0. "FIESTA RS TURBO." by WELCLU::DREW () Thu Jul 09 1992 01:45

    
    
    	As the driver of a "H" Reg Fiesta RS Turbo I am interested to know
    	if there is any way of making it quicker; without resorting to any
    	mechanical changes. By that, I mean no chips or nitrous-oxide.
    	All wastegate adjustment tips etc will be welcomed. I have had
    	conflicting advice on this matter, some people say adjusting the 
    	wastegate will give the desired result (exactly what do I have to
    	do ?), others say that the Fiesta engine management system was
    	designed to "freak out" if anyone even lifted the bonnet!
    
    	Can you help?
    
    
    	Cheers, Graham.
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1827.1DIR/TITFIXER::SHELLEYRKnocking on Heaven's daw-wawThu Jul 09 1992 08:2310
    Re: <<< Note 1827.0 by WELCLU::DREW >>>
    
    Sorry Graham, can't help. I think my RS is quick enough.
    If its a lease car, the insurance people won't be too happy if you 
    start tinkering around.
    
    Perhaps you should have tried dir/title as the Fiesta RS Turbo note
    is #1134.
    
    Roy
1827.2Legal power boostWOTVAX::MEAKINSClive MeakinsThu Jul 09 1992 10:079
    A minor, but worthwhile tweak maybe to have the wastegate adjusted to
    conform to the top end of Ford's spec.  When I had my RS Escort some
    time ago, it arrived with the turbo set to the lowest boost that Ford
    specified.  This wasn't unusual and it's a good way to reduce warranty
    claims.
    
    So, find out what the Ford spec is and get it adjusted, should make a
    noticable difference.  Anything else you do would probably invalidate
    your  insurance - think about the possible consequences of that....
1827.3BELFST::FLANAGANSir your shrubbery attacked meThu Jul 09 1992 11:0413
    I think the max psi you can safely extract without chipping and simply
    adjusting the wastegate actuator nut is about 8 to 9 psi.  If you try
    and go above this without a new chip in the EMU, then it will call a
    halt to procedings and shut down.  I'm running 15psi in my Escort with
    a BBR chip and new replacment little black box on the fuel injection
    metering head to raise the fuel pressure sufficiently to avoid pinking. 
    I've had faultless running since the conversion and it makes the car
    much more drivable.
    
    I wouldn't try and adjust the wastegate yourself without attaching a
    boost gauge.  It's probably running at about 6 - 7 psi at the moment.
    
    Gary.
1827.4FIXER::SHELLEYRKnocking on Heaven&#039;s daw-wawThu Jul 09 1992 13:069
    OK, so why are the standard settings at 7-8psi whenb the performance 
    is better at 8-9 ?
    
    Presumably for longer engine life. If as a result premature mechanical
    repair is necessary and it is discovered that the wastgate has been
    adjusted then the lease company will be unhappy about paying for
    it (this is only relevent if its a lease car were talking about).
    
    Roy
1827.5BELFST::FLANAGANSir your shrubbery attacked meThu Jul 09 1992 14:159
    There is no way of telling though if the wastegate actuator has been
    adjusted.  If the garage check the boost and see that it is at 8 or
    9psi, then they can't say that you have made it so. There is bound to
    be a flucuation on factory set boost levels.  Some cars may be at the
    lower end of the scale, with some being at the higher end.  When I
    bought my Escort, it was running 8psi.  I was told by BBR that most
    they see are set around 6 or 7psi.  Still I prefer my new found 15 :-)
    
    Gary.
1827.6gauge that boost!WELCLU::DREWThu Jul 09 1992 18:4612
    
    	Guys,
    
    	It  IS  a lease car, but as Gary says, I think that they would have
    	a few probs in proving that the actuator had been tampered with!
    	Point is, where can I get a boost guage from and how does it fit?
    	If it was set at 7psi, would I notice the increase to 9psi anyway?
    
    	Thanks for all your help so far, and sorry for my ignorance!
    
    
    	Graham.
1827.7BELFST::FLANAGANSir your shrubbery attacked meThu Jul 09 1992 19:0012
    Graham the boost gauge has a rubber hose dangling out the end of it wit
    a T-piece at the end.  You just pop the rubber hose that comes from
    your inlet plenum chamber and goes to your ECU (this blows-up the ECU
    :-) and tells it what the boost is so that it can work out how much
    fuel to inject etc) off and connect in the boost gauge vie the T-piece.
    Then close the bonnet and bring the gauge in through a side window. 
    Take the beast for a spin and see what it's blowing.  The boost
    pressure will rise a couple of psi above normal with every gear change
    and will then drop down and sit steadily. Gauge your adjustment on this
    figure.
    
    Gary.
1827.8BELFST::FLANAGANSir your shrubbery attacked meThu Jul 09 1992 19:014
    Oh forgot to say... a couple of psi do make a difference, but who's
    counting ;-)
    
    Gary.
1827.9Puts the wind up me!WELCLU::DREWThu Jul 09 1992 22:4512
    Great,
    
    
    	!) Where can I get one?
    	2) How much do they cost?
    	3) Is there a Field service part number?	
    	4)Whatever happened to "old style" tune-ups IE. Slot mags and
        a whippy aeriel?
    
    	
        Graham.
           	
1827.101 speeding ticket is enough...WELCLU::OVERELLThu Jul 23 1992 20:395
    
    
    Hello Graham...
    
    I think I'll tell Dickie...........................only kiddin'
1827.11No such thing as TOO fast!WELCLU::DREWSat Jul 25 1992 21:1210
    
    
    	MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.....wastgate adjusted and all systems go!
    
    	Keith.....no good squealing mate...he's got to catch me first!
    
    	By the way, had any more train/engine management probs?
    
    
    	Graham.
1827.12Too GSi or to GSi..That is....WELCLU::OVERELLSun Jul 26 1992 11:159
    
    Morning...
    
    The second GSi2000 went back after it screwed up in London when Pete
    Sladden and myself went for a bite to eat after telling  the customer
    that we would only be gone for 20 mins.......finally got back to site
    about an hour later.
      So the car went back to Reading, and I now have a Honda Prelude (old
    style) which is a temporary replacement until I get a new car....
1827.13The phantom raspberry blower of old London town...BELFST::FLANAGANSir your shrubbery attacked meMon Jul 27 1992 14:245
    Graham did you get hold of a boost gauge to check the boost, and if so
    what psi did you adjust your wastegate to and can you notice a
    difference? ;-)
    
    Gary.
1827.14Respect is due, Mr Lister!WELCLU::DREWMon Jul 27 1992 19:3819
    
    
    Q. Did I get hold of a boost gauge?
    A. NO.
    
    Q. When I was adjusting the wastegate, did the spanner slip leaving me
    with no idea how much I had adjusted?
    A.Yes.
    
    Q. Does it now go like the proverbial rocket?
    A.Yes.
    
    Q. Am I a lucky b*****d?
    A.Yes.
    
    
    Keith, Honda Prelude...call THAT a car?
    
    Graham.        
1827.15:L-)FUTURS::WATSONFee fi fo fum,Tue Jul 28 1992 09:414
    Having driven both a Ford Fiesta RS Turbo and the Honda 2.3i Prelude, Yes I
    would call the Preluda a car.
    
    	Rik
1827.16he smiled to me at ***mph.BASCAS::BELL_A1two wheels and 138bhp....Tue Jul 28 1992 10:575
    
    having chased a Honda prelude at speeds far exceeding that of a Fiesta
    RSt's top end I would call the prelude 2.3i a rather nippy car...
    
    Alan.
1827.17From What Crap....DOOZER::JENKINSSuitably refreshedTue Jul 28 1992 17:094
    
    
    The Prelude is "booked" as being 2mph faster than an RS.
    
1827.18Tarttrap for the over 80's!WELCLU::DREWTue Jul 28 1992 18:104
    It might go faster, but you have to be a grandad or a hairdresser
    to drive it!
    Can anyone confirm that the prelude has a zimmer-frame as a no cost
    option?
1827.19NEWOA::SAXBYBorn again reincarnationistTue Jul 28 1992 18:197
    
    Re .18
    
    Have you seen the NEW Prelude? Everything you say of the previous
    models is true, but the new car is a bit of a change!
    
    Mark
1827.20Honda Pension..sorry "Prelude"!WELCLU::DREWTue Jul 28 1992 20:426
    No, I havent seen the NEW Prelude....next time I pass one I will slow
    down for a look!
    
    Keith, your car is a 2.3, arent you being stung for tax?
    
    Graham.
1827.21surprised ?? it took a week to get over it..ODDONE::BELL_A1two wheels and 138bhp....Wed Jul 29 1992 12:1812
    
    re .17
    picture the scene
     a Porsche 911 turbo, a Honda Prelude 2.3 (may have been 2.4) andm me
    (I'm on a slightly tuned superbike) at approx 150mph (my speedo
    reading) the porsche pulled over and dropped back at approx 155mph the
    prelude driver was looking at me and smiling. ittook alot of effort and
    hard acceleration for me to actually pass him. Needless to say I've
    never had this problem with any Ford...
    
    Alan
    
1827.22That was no smile it was a grimace !!UFHIS::GVIPONDWed Jul 29 1992 12:285
    
    Al this proves is that the Porsche driver does after all have some
    sense and life preserving instinct, and not which motor is faster.
    
  
1827.23the only difference was me.....ODDONE::BELL_A1two wheels and 138bhp....Wed Jul 29 1992 12:347
    
    re-1
    nah...it proves that the Porshe driver never had a point to prove.
    
    Alan
    
    ps the other 2 were 'racing' before I joined them.......@140+mph..
1827.24150+ in a Prelude? Ummmmm....NEWOA::SAXBYBorn again reincarnationistWed Jul 29 1992 12:354
    
    It also suggests that motorbike speedos aren't very accurate either! 
    
    Mark
1827.25wheel slippage is a problem..ODDONE::BELL_A1two wheels and 138bhp....Wed Jul 29 1992 12:407
    
    Mark,
       we all know that legally a road going vehicle has to have a speedo
    calibrated to �10%, and my bike is 'technically' legal, as checked by
    Hampshire Constabulary.
    
    Alan.
1827.26NEWOA::SAXBYBorn again reincarnationistWed Jul 29 1992 12:468
    �    <<< Note 1827.25 by ODDONE::BELL_A1 "two wheels and 138bhp...." >>>
    �                    -< wheel slippage is a problem.. >-
    
    Sounds like fun at 100+ MPH! :^)
    
    Mark
    
    PS Is �10% true? I thought speedos were only allowed to OVERread?
1827.27physics, ??ODDONE::BELL_A1two wheels and 138bhp....Wed Jul 29 1992 13:3714
    
    re -1
    tyres slip at moderate speeds. Their ability to move a vehicle forward
    is by friction 100% friction would be detrimental to speed/performance
    as the tyre would stick and have to be pulled from the surface of the
    road. Therefore with the wheel slipping (as designed to do) the fun
    factor is nothing more than normal motorcycling pleasure.
    
    The Road Traffic Act and Contruction and Use Act I belive state that
    manufactured vehicle velocity reporting devices (Odometer, 'technical
    name') will be calibrated to within 10%.
    
    Alan.
      
1827.28But it isn't that quick!DOOZER::JENKINSSuitably refreshedWed Jul 29 1992 17:2010
    
    I think the new Prelude is a rip off of the old XJS design
    which sort of means I like it :-(
    
    The Prelude develops 160bhp and has a power to weight ratio 
    similar to a Honda 50 ;-) The Porsche on the other hand has 
    about 250 bhp and probably a power to weight ratio similar to 
    you on the bike.

    Richard.
1827.29In a hurry to pick up his pension?WELCLU::DREWThu Jul 30 1992 01:1217
    
    
    	Re.21
    	
    	Are you trying to tell me that a Honda Prelude is faster than 
    	a 911 Turbo....?
    
    	Honda Prelude - 130mph - 8.3 0-60mph - #19675
    	Fiesta RS Turbo - 128mph - 7.5 0-60mph - #12730
    	Porsche 911 Turbo - 168mph - 4.8 0-60mph - #78319
    
    	In the value-for-money stakes, dont the figures speak
    	for themselves? (7 GRAND buys you - .8 second SLOWER to 60mph
    	and only an extra 2mph top end)!
    	As for the 911, well we can all dream...............
    
    	Graham.
1827.30FUTURS::WATSONFee fi fo fum,Thu Jul 30 1992 09:2710
    Where did you get the figures for the Prelude ?
    
    For the 2.3i (off the top of my head)
    
    Close to 140mph (138 ?)
    0-60mph somewhere between 7.5 and 7.8
    Cost �18,500'ish.
    
    Also the 0-60 for the 911 seems a little slow, Road & Track managed to
    get an ``old'' turbo from 0-60 in under 4.5 secs.
1827.31NEWOA::SAXBYBorn again reincarnationistThu Jul 30 1992 09:4810
    
    Road & Track - Ha! They got a bog standard Calibra 16v from 0-60 in
    7.something low seconds. No way!!!!
    
    However, the figures for the Prelude in .30 look better than in the 
    preceding note. And 140 + 10% does come out at 154 mph, but how did
    a Prelude keep up with a Porsche 911 or a superbike on acceleration
    that close to its maximum speed?
    
    Mark
1827.32911 turbo!EEMELI::HAUTALAGasManThu Jul 30 1992 10:347
    
    If one wants to compare Honda and Porsche it should be NSX, not
    Prelude. Prelude could never beat 911. NSX is more sport, but I
    would still choose Porsche.
    
    
    Hannu
1827.33it 'redlines' at 11720 btw...ODDONE::BELL_A1two wheels and 138bhp....Thu Jul 30 1992 11:0613
    
    yo lads (and lasses)
    
    no one (or I wasn't anyway) comparing the 911 to the Prelude. I was
    only trying to say that I followed this thing for 2 miles at speeds
    that I feel inappropriate for a Fiesta. The Porsche driver seemed happy
    to 'push' the Prelude until I joined them. I have no doubt that the
    Porsche had loads in reserve, where as the Honda probably had **** all
    (read: nothing). It's just that this was/is the first time time that
    I've had to use 9,000rpm to pass a car (and a prelude at that).
    
    
    Alan.
1827.34OkEEMELI::HAUTALAGasManThu Jul 30 1992 11:339
    
    re -1:
    
    Got it.
    
    
    
    
    Hannu
1827.35RUTILE::BISHOPWhat the HELL are you talking about man!Thu Jul 30 1992 11:358
    I've had a 2.3i Prelude (93 model) up to 200kph (approx 125/130mph)
    on the autoroute whilst on a test drive for a minimal time only.
    Although prefectly comfortable at this speed i wouldn't say it was
    'cruising'. More like 'giving it's best'. Still a wonderful car, and
    the price difference between the UK and France is ridiculous. 18 grand?
    Only 13 here! ;-) Makes it almost affordable! ;-)
    
    
1827.36And you would still have change from a shilling!WELCLU::DREWFri Jul 31 1992 10:436
    Arent we all missing the point here........
    
    The only time a Prelude is driven fast, is when it's geriatric owner
    is late for a dominoes game at the local "rest-home"!
    
    G.
1827.37so little power..so much time ?WELCLU::OVERELLSun Aug 02 1992 23:169
    Talking of rest homes....how is life at Foulness, and do they let you
    out on your own now Graham.......
    
    Is their any truth in the rumour that Fords now offer an optional
    cryogenic chamber, so that XR2 drivers who want real performance will
    still be alive in 2050. By then they should have a sports hatch that is 
    competitive without the need for boyracer mods.......
    
    ...or is this just a pipedream..?
1827.38"Honda, I shrunk the performance!"WELCLU::DREWMon Aug 03 1992 17:5119
    Keith,
    
    	Who said anything about XR2s..were talking RS here old boy!
    
    	As for the other-place, well, lets not go into that, eh?
    
    	By the way, I looked up "Prelude" in the dictionary;
    
    
    	ADJECTIVE:Common English Slang;PRELUDE:"To drive slowly without
    	regard to other road users." VULGAR SLANG:"slang nickname for
    	the brown stuff found in the bottom of toilets".
    
    	Never mind.................
    
    	Oh yes, whats this story about the 200ZX? Maybe you had better
    	reply in a mail!
    
    	Graham.
1827.39:-)FUTURS::WATSONFee fi fo fum,Mon Aug 03 1992 18:1910
                    -< "Honda, I shrunk the performance!" >-
    
    Q: Name every non-turbo production car that can produce >90bhp / litre
    A: Honda *
    
    Q: Which car in standard form has more power ?
    	1: Honda Civic VTi.
    	2: Ford Fiesta RS Turbo.
    
    	Rik.
1827.40Absence makes the farts go HondaDOOZER::JENKINSSuitably refreshedTue Aug 04 1992 13:076
    
    Q: Name some manufacturers with cars having more than 100bhp/litre
    A: Vauxhall, Ford, Nissan, Mazda etc
    
    Q: Name one that doesn't
    A: Honda
1827.41ESBS01::RUTTERGee GIGO gum !Tue Aug 04 1992 13:186
�    Q: Name every non-turbo production car that can produce >90bhp / litre
    
    How about production cars that produce more than 90 lb/ft torque per litre,
    do Honda still fit the bill ?
    
    J.R.
1827.42Good....for shopping!WELCLU::DREWTue Aug 04 1992 18:267
    	Re .39.
    
    
    	How much is a Sickvic (Civic) VTi ?
    
    	G.
    
1827.43Source - What crap!DOOZER::JENKINSSuitably refreshedTue Aug 04 1992 19:043
    
	Civic Vti
        �14,750            1600cc 158 bhp    128mph   0-60 7.8 
1827.44A-lice in Hondaland!WELCLU::DREWWed Aug 05 1992 02:163
    
    
    	substantially more expensive...and slower!
1827.45Stop BITCHING GirlsWELCLU::YOUNGFri Aug 07 1992 21:2817
    
    
    A-lice in Hondaland... I like it Graham!!
    
    I have driven Grahams Turbo and it is not only quick but very flexible
    and very tight handling!! (how close to that road cone did you say we
    were Graham?)
    
    I haven't driven a honda civic or prelude so I can't comment.......but then
     again I don't particularly want to!
    
    Anyway isn't the Turbo discontinued the equivelent is the RS 1800
    with the well recognised ZETA engine (16valve 130bhp and bags of torque
    and much smoother)
    Don't know any more detail but sounds interesting!
    
    Richard
1827.46Traffic cone......what traffic cone?WELCLU::DREWMon Aug 10 1992 00:1614
    Richard,
    
    
    I dont know how close we were to the roadcone...I was in
    "crash-position" with my eyes shut!
    You are correct about the RS1800, I have seen a couple on the road and
    they look like a more subtle version of the Turbo (no bonnet grills
    etc). First reports say that they are more refined but slightly slower.
    
    As far as the Fiesta handling goes...anything has got to be better than
    a Mk1 3.0 Capri......mind you, I have yet to drive a RS3100...that
    could be fun!
    
    Graham.
1827.47LARVAE::HUTCHINGS_PManchester CityMon Aug 10 1992 11:368
    Driven both capri's...
    
    and they BOTH handled like an ice cube on a skating rink..
                                                              ..
                                                                .
                                                                 ..
                                                                   .
                                                                    ..
1827.48Capri HandlingWELCLU::YOUNGMon Aug 10 1992 11:5410
    
    
    Capri's handle like an ice cube on a skating rink?
    
    I beg to differ!
    
    I don't think mine was that good!!!!! 
    
    Richard  8*)
    
1827.49Scoobydoo!WELCLU::DREWMon Aug 10 1992 20:0110
    You think the Capri was bad...........
    
    
    ever tried a VW Transporter at 100mph?
    
    .......or a Honda Prelude at 30mph......(sorry guys..i wont start that
    again!!!!).
    
    
    Graham.
1827.50TASTY::JEFFERYI do not think you wanted to do that!Mon Aug 10 1992 21:081
I thought the Transporter was great!
1827.51NSDC::SIMPSONMon Aug 10 1992 22:4213
RE: -.1

Ditto, they handle like a dream!

How about a Mk III Cortina '72 model which would do 360 degree pirouettes
anytime the road was slightly damp (happened 3 times before I parted with it). 
On a 150 degree bend on a major road near the Old Kent Road it did this -
without touching any of the cars parked on either side. As a debutant I thought
that it was my driving - but soon get to know better!

Cheers

Steve
1827.52HOW DID YOU GET THAT FLAME OUT OF THE EXHAUST?WELCLU::DREWTue Aug 11 1992 19:319
    
    
    	HAS ANYONE TRIED SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR (VERY LOW!) AT 45MPH IN
    	A TRANSPORTER.............I HAVE...........ITS QUITE AN EXPENSIVE
    	HOBBY!....BUT FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
    	GRAHAM.
    
1827.53you never know who'sin front..WELCLU::OVERELLWed Aug 12 1992 22:2326
    
    
    Graham...
     Not wanting to pi** on your bonfire, but I have been reading the VTEC
    note. It has entries from a Dec employee wanting to know how to remove
    the rev limiter to allow for greater performance..(not that it needs
    it...but thats another bag of worms ) anyway he has a company car.
      the last entry in the note (when I last looked) was from a guy
    called Chris Palmer..and guess who he works for.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
     He used to work at DECpark for Insurance...and now works for
    carfleet..caretaking Hilary Bailey's job...So be careful what you post
    here....
    
    
    See you on the road...But dont try and catch me
    
    Keith.
1827.54OOOooooops!WELCLU::DREWThu Aug 13 1992 18:5614
    
    For the record.......
    
    my car is standard, factory issue.
    
    
    Now, about that 427 cubic inch motor you had in the Cavalier
    Keith.........!
    
    
    Graham.
    
    
    
1827.55No modification neededBELFST::FLANAGANSir your shrubbery attacked meFri Aug 14 1992 14:565
    Yes Graham I told you that there is a lot of fluctuation in factory set
    boost settings.  Just turns out that you have been lucky and got one
    that is on the upper edge of the envelope ;-)
    
    Gary.
1827.56I should be so lucky, lucky, lucky!WELCLU::DREWFri Aug 14 1992 18:564
    
    
    
    	Yes....25 psi worth of "lucky"......I wish!
1827.57fiesta is fun?EEMELI::HAUTALACats In The CradleThu Nov 12 1992 13:486
    
    	Any comments about Fiesta RS with 1.8 litre 130hp engine?
    	If the price will be reasonable here in Finland (for lease)
    	it could be a possible candidate as next "leasemobile."
    
    	Hannu
1827.58KERNEL::SHELLEYRFri Nov 13 1992 09:4615
    Hannu,
    
    I currently drive the RS turbo and will be interested myself in the
    1800 in a few months time when my lease is up for renewal.
    
    The reports I've read suggest that the RS 1800 is much smoother than
    the Turbo but not as quick.
    
    I'm tempted to move away from Ford to something like a Sunny GTi or
    Clio 16v, but as with these frosty mornings I'd miss the convenience of
    a heated front screen.
    
    Roy
    
    
1827.59Darling, don't turn right until you have toDUBSWS::KANE_BFThe clot, thickens....Fri Nov 13 1992 10:453
    I luv watchin Ford drivers belt along with supercilious look on visage
    'cause their windscreen happens to be nice and clear, while for the most
    part of the journey the side windies remain igloo-esque.
1827.60Tank driver replies.....VOGON::KAPPLERMiss Lilly kissed me!Fri Nov 13 1992 12:536
    Why would one need to turn right? Or left for that matter?
    
    If one needs to turn right or left, one must have set off in the wrong
    direction in the first place.........
    
    JK
1827.61KERNEL::SHELLEYRFri Nov 13 1992 12:586
    Unless the side windows are completely iced solid, it is very easy to
    wind both side windows down for sideways vision when necessary.
    
    Roy (Supercillious Ford driver :-) )
    
    
1827.62blind grandpa drives in mistEEMELI::HAUTALACats In The CradleFri Nov 13 1992 13:0310
    
    How about power windows? Are they handy, if you need to open side
    windwows while turning left or right? 8-)
    
    My first car was VW Beetle and wintertime driving was like %$�&!
    Fortunately I remembered well the lay of the land!
    
    
    
    Hannu
1827.63DUBSWS::KANE_BFThe clot, thickens....Fri Nov 13 1992 13:085
    Is it true that one cannot order a new Ford with heated front screen
    _and_ electric windows, as the former option prompts the premature
    demise of the latter's motor ? ;-)

    Mike.
1827.64KERNEL::SHELLEYRFri Nov 13 1992 14:059
    Someones been winding you up Mike.
    
    It is true that HFW uses a lot of current but most cars with this
    option have leccy windows as well.
    
    Because it acts so quickly you can turn off (in fact mine times out)
    the heated front screen after about a minute or so.
    
    Roy
1827.65I'd be happy to have a rear heated window.KERNEL::SALMONJJason SalmonFri Nov 13 1992 14:357
    re.62
    
    I still drive a Beetle and You're not far wrong, if you turn the
    heating on before the engine is sufficiently warm you end up freezing
    the windscreen on the inside never mind about the outside.
    
    Jason.
1827.66s'like lookin out of a sieveDUBSWS::KANE_BFThe clot, thickens....Fri Nov 13 1992 15:0513
    re: .64

    Roy my note was meant to imply that the lecky windows' motor burnt 
    out prematurely due to said Ford owners doggedly thumbing the lecky
    window button [remember the windows are frosted], in an attempt to see 
    out whilst turning :-). Oui ?

    It would've been a good joke had it been written properly.

    Mike.

    p.s. I drove my mate's Ford at night, and found those wires a bit
    irritating. A good idea badly executed I'd say.
1827.67KERNEL::SHELLEYRFri Nov 13 1992 15:2111
    re .66
    
    Ahh! I see where you're coming from. 
    
    I like your analogy about the sieve. My advice to anyone getting
    a Ford with a heated front screen is to drive one at night as street
    lamps and headlamps can be a bit dazzling and you may not be prepared
    to live with it. It is probably for this reason that they are not
    available from many other manufacturers.
    
    Roy
1827.68But then us mods are bett.....DUBSWS::KANE_BFThe clot, thickens....Fri Nov 13 1992 15:467
    Gosh !. Here I am trying to solicit the emotional wrath from a Ford owner
    and all I'm getting in response to my petty attacks, is polite and
    logical reasoning. What happened to the days of "eff-foff to another
    topic you Citroen drivin gi...." ;-) 

    Mike.
1827.69Focus on the roadWELCLU::YOUNGMon Nov 16 1992 11:307
    
    I used to drive a Ford with HFW. and although I found it distracting at
    first....it catches your eye then your eyes focus on the wires and not
    on the road...can be dodgy, but I found I soon got used to it and after
    a while you don't notice it at all.
    
    Richard
1827.70SUBURB::THOMASHThe Devon DumplingMon Nov 16 1992 12:2611
	I didn't get used to it, although I only did 200ish miles with the 
	hire car.

	Because of the "getting-used-to" factor with some people, I surprised 
	they have these on hire cars.

	Having you distracted, or vision distorted, whilst driving on unknown
	roads sounds like a recipe for disaster.

	Heather
1827.71Another Ford special?NSDC::KENNEDY_CIt don&#039;t mean nothing ...Wed Nov 18 1992 14:367
    
    Quote (without permission):
    
    If your car is fitted with a heated front windscreen then none of the
    conventional radar detectors will work efficiently.
    
    Interesting?
1827.72FORTY2::PALKAWed Nov 18 1992 15:108
    re .71
    
    Sounds reasonable to me. The wires would probably screen the radar
    signal, though not as much as solid metal. A radar detector that had a
    remote sensor (mounted in the bumper or some other suitable place not
    screened by metal work) would not be affected.
    
    Andrew