Initial Impressions

Well after waiting a week for my bank to clear some wire transfers from the sale of my RX-7, I went and picked up my SVX this morning at 7:15. 92 LS.

First thing I noticed was that the steering wheel is a bit annoying, im 6'4 and finding a good spot didnt happen, it either goes up to the dash or down on my knees, no in-between unless im missing something....

But after i got settled in it, and checked out where everything was, i started driving it back to my house....

I was very suprised how seamless the shifts are, not a jolt, or a jump in between gears, just smooth acceleration, i was very impressed, even on the downshifts its smooth.

I got on it once, from 40mph, once its rolling its not too bad for acceleration, i took it up to 87, and it was still quiet, smooth, and seemed like it still wanted to pull. I have to take it out after work, and hit a few canyon roads to see what i think of it tho...So far, tho, Im pretty damn impressed with the way this car moves for being 3500lbs.


Question: Were any years produced with 4 wheel steering?

[Mr. Pockets]

Congratulations, and I'm glad you decided to join us!

First of all, there are two controls for the steering wheel tilt. One actually adjusts and locks the column at a set angle and the other just moves it out of the way for easier entry/exit. I suspect that you found the latter. Don't worry - lots of people make this mistake.

Second, yes, some SVXs were produced with 4-wheel steering. If you ask Randy, he'll tell you all of them came with it in some form or another, but that's a discussion for another day. No 4WS SVXs were shipped to the US or Canada. I actually have an image of the rear steering gear in my locker, if you go take a look.

Yeah, it is quiet, isn't it? I love how capable this car is, while seeming to do it so effortlessly. No huffing and puffing, no screaming. Just fast. Mmmmmm...I miss mine.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Mr. Pockets
If you ask Randy, he'll tell you all of them came with it in some form or another, but that's a discussion for another day.

Don't start with me.

Congratulations. May you have many many miles of pleasure. I know I have. And that's 3,650 pounds, to be "exact."

[seasvx]

"hit a few canyon roads..." (ooo, jealousy rears its green head! sounds like fun!)

"Im pretty damn impressed with the way this car moves for being 3500lbs." (me too, always have been! welcome to the fraternity!)

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by Aredubjay



Don't start with me.

Congratulations. May you have many many miles of pleasure. I know I have. And that's 3,650 pounds, to be "exact."

How 'exact?' Subaru says the heaviest SVXs are 3,580 pounds.

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Mr. Pockets


How 'exact?' Subaru says the heaviest SVXs are 3,580 pounds.

That's what it lists as "curb weight" in my Service Manuals, if I'm not mistaken. The extra 20 pounds they say are in the heaviest must belong to the optional Trunk Monkey.

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by Aredubjay


That's what it lists as "curb weight" in my Service Manuals, if I'm not mistaken. The extra 20 pounds they say are in the heaviest must belong to the optional Trunk Monkey.

Extra 20...what are you talking about? You said it weighed 3,650 and I said it weighed 3,580. Where does an 'extra 20 pounds' fit into any of this?

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Mr. Pockets


Extra 20...what are you talking about? You said it weighed 3,650 and I said it weighed 3,580. Where does an 'extra 20 pounds' fit into any of this?

So, we've proven math isn't my strong suit. I just saw the 50 and 80 and meant to put 30, but it came out 20. I didn't even see the "5" before the "80" and assumed it was a "6." Anyway, my trunk monkey weighs <takes out calculator to make sure he gets it right, this time> 70 pounds!


I'll check, but I'm almost sure the manual says 3650.

[mbtoloczko]

I had my '95 L AWD weighed at the local dump scales: 3490 with 1/2 tank of gas (and no trunk monkey). Its a bit lighter than stock because of the aftermarket wheels and Stebro exhaust. I'd say a fully stock one weighs 3510. I think the LSL's and LSi's weigh about 60-80 lbs more with the leather power seats, speed sensitive power steering, and split folding rear seat.

[svxfiles]

Tancred, Welcome to the club, This is a special car, so enjoy. The steering wheel has three adjustments; under the steering column, at the base of the dashboard is the actual tilt control, on the left side of the steering column, is the telescoping release, and the pull lever that brings the whole column up so that a person can "spin"(pirouette) out of the drivers seat.

Note; girls get out of cars daintily, while guys drag themselves out by the steering wheel like the cavemen we are! YO, Green Eyes, get me a beer!

[LarryIII]

I really hate to do this but:
3650 - 3580 = 70 .

[LarryIII]

Tancred,

Welcome to our SVX family. I hope to have many miles of happy motoring.

PS: My neighbor (3 houses down the block from me) has 2 RX-7s. One is an early pointed nose type, the other is a later curvy one. Both are black. Both are garaged and in excellent shape. He works on them himself. He has test driven a couple of RX-8s and says he hates them.