--- RC Macaulay <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> He predicted the
> coming generations would be so accustomed to change
> that change would become a habit.
I can see some good coming from this, and also quite a
bit of bad. There is enough crap being floated around
by my generation today. Of course a lot of it is more
of the same. Gee, just thinking the phrase "more of
the same" brings back memories of the Bush/Kerry
debates....will the mental damage ever heal?
> I noticed when I tried to replace an electronic a/c
> thermostat and couldn't find the standard electro
> mechanical Honeywell round baby that has been
> standard for years.
And which lasts much longer than that electronic
wonder as well. :)
> Kyle Mc. mentioned older autos. Looking over the new
> stuff with the computers, I wonder if the Cubans
> could convert a new fuel injected computerized model
> back to the carb with distributor, points and coil.
You can do this with some engines, others no. If it
has a port for a distributor you can make it work with
points or HEI. As far as fuel injection to carburetor
goes, you can readily convert TBI (throttle body
injection) back into carbureted with a minumum of
hassle. If it is multi-port, you will almost certainly
need a new intake manifold. But anything is possible
with a good mind and set of tools. Mostly, this
applies to Chevy small/big blocks...easy and cheap to
work on.
If a carburetor starts to act up, you clean it or get
a rebuild kit. If a fuel injector or the computer that
drives it (or any of the myriad sensors which control
it) gets crunchy, you'd better have some serious cash
on hand. Especially if its foreign. Distributor points
are cheap as dirt, and cap/rotors as well. Ignition
module for my HEI dist ran about $30. Ignition coil
about $20. Got DIS? Distributorless Ignition System,
that is. Module costs a few hundred, if its not built
into the coil pack. Coil pack costs a few hundred. On
Volvo's each of the three coils costs a couple hundred
(!). And if the module and coil pack is all one
unit...you see where this is going.
> Hmmm. Maybe I better not scrap my old 1948 chev 1/2
> ton pickup w/ 6 cylinders.
That would definitely be a keeper, IMHO.
> Interesting thought I have regarding technology. We
> may be in approaching a technilogical future shock
> where segments of the industrial base cannot
> accelerate to the speed required to keep pace with
> change in the level of technology of the other
> segments. What will need to give ?
Well, this has also got to take into account the cost
of whatever new has come along where it concerns the
consumer. If someone comes up with a technology that
makes a nonpolluting, super-fuel efficient car
available with cutting edge technology but it costs
$500,000 a unit, obviously not many people are going
to even be able to buy it.
--Kyle
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