Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 11:35:04 -0500
Reply-To: Derek Drew <derekdrew@RCN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Derek Drew <derekdrew@RCN.COM>
Subject: MPH at RPM And Michelin MXTs
In-Reply-To: <007d01c08b9d$cbf60c00$9a30a2d1@wd1000086onem>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
I stand corrected on the Michelin MXT s. I was extrapolating from my
experience with the MXLs which to me and others were wallowers and had
decidedly unimpressive traction ability. I should not have maligned this
tire without having actually tried it, which I haven't.
Possibly even the predecessor MXLs are good for some users too--possibly
they work better in a 2WD van and lighter versions that are not campers and
vehicles that don't really go off-road.
The MXLs are definitely wallowers, however, and you can see a multitude of
posts in the archives of people appreciating the surefootedness and
precision of light truck tires over these OEM tires after making a switch.
I do find it a little horrifying that these MXLs at their rated 836
revolutions per mile travel, at 4th gear at 4,000rpm, at only 69.49mph!
Thus, you can hardly break 70mph in these on the highway whereas with
today's speed limits it would be more customary to want the flexibility to
go, say, 76 or 77mph in 4th ideally, or in my view, at least the 74.32mph
provided by the BFG 27 x 8.50/14 All Terrain Radials.
As for driving about 4,000 rpm with a stock motor, I have found that the
oil temp starts to climb up rapidly after you pass about 3900rpm or just
before, so I don't cruise above that rpm. Somebody please tell me it is OK
to cruise at 4200rpm, oil temp no matter, and maybe I will start doing it.
This email corrects and expands upon points made in the original post
http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0101E&L=vanagon&P=R9406.
I haven't tried the MXTs, and based on feedback on the list they seem to be
a good choice.
07:52 AM 1/31/01 -0800, you wrote:
> > A comment on the MXTs. I have a set now. They take 50
> > PSI. I have taken them on some very nasty roads,
> > hundreds of miles. My guess is I have 1000 or more
> > miles of rough rocky road on them, and 30,000 total
> > miles. they have handled great, have decent tracrtion
> > for having conservative tread pattern, and have no
> > apparent signs of wear. They are a good tire and are
> > rated for the weight of the syncro.
>
>I agree... I am amazed at where they will go and have found they actually
>have surprisingly good traction on snow and ice though they are not rated
>M&S...
>
>Bill
________________________________________________________
Derek Drew New York, NY & Washington, DC
derekdrew@rcn.com
Email me for Viscous Couplings
Now syndicating 16" Trailing Arms, Fender Flares, Final Drive Ring &
Pinions
'90 Syncro Westfalia...
...seen off-road at http://www.tiu.net/~des/vw/drew/index.html
Also seen at:
http://4wd.sofcom.com/VW/snow.html
http://4wd.sofcom.com/VW/Campers/Campers.html
http://www.vanagon.com/syncros/trips/ranger-rover/index.html
http://www.vanagon.com/syncros/trips/peters-mill/index.html
Note: most valuable Vanagon sites on the planet (for owners) are:
http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?S1=vanagon
ftp://gerry.vanagon.com/pub/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro
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My refrigerator article:
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