rickb@tekig1.UUCP (02/14/84)
I was at my friendly local Dodge dealer talking to the "Daytona
Specialist" about the improvements slated for the Daytona/LASER
next year. Apparently the boys at Dodge/Chrysler are re-designing
the head, as well as modifications to the fuel injection,
turbocharging, and computer engine control, to get the horsepower
up from 141 to 192! Now, that would make the Daytona/LASER a
VERY good match for the H.O. Z/28, the Mustang GT, and the SVO
Mustang. Of course, who knows what tricks GM and Ford have
ready for introduction next year!!
On another subject: For anyone out there who owns a Daytona
or a LASER (I own a Daytona Turbo), I have managed to get information
about the computer diagnostic system on them. To get the computer
into diagnostic mode, shut the ignition off. Then, cycle the ignition
key on, off, on, off, on. ("ON" meaning to the "IGNITION" position).
Now, watch the POWER LIMITED light. It will flash diagnostic codes
telling you what the computer has found wrong. I have a complete
list of the diagnostic codes, and will send them via mail to anyone
who is interested. The diagnostic system can come in handy for
pinpointing problems if you should be unfortunate enough to have
any.
I am so far VERY pleased with my Daytona. The engine runs VERY
smooth, and starts easily. The power that the turbo engine puts
out is quite impressive - I have a ball blowing off Porsche 944's,
Mazda RX-7's, and Rabbit GTIs, as well as late 60's ponycars with small V-8's.
The car handles nice - not as nimble as some of the other cars
I tried out, but certainly adequate. The interior is comfortable,
and the dash layout seems well thought out. The transaxle doesn't
shift quite as nice as I would like, but I'm getting used to it.
Also, the clutch took some getting used to. To make clean shifts,
it has to be pressed ALL THE WAY to the floor. I took it in and had
it checked out, and apparently, that is the way that it is supposed to
be. The fit and finish of the exterior is what I would class as
"fair". The body panels line up quite nicely, however, the quality
of the paint job is not near as nice as I would have liked. I will probably
end up re-painting it a little later on in its life. Interior fit is
"good", although, I did have some problems with rattles in the dash, which
took 3 service visits to get cleared up. Another trouble spot has been
the reclining seat back adjustments. They tend to get latched at
different positions on the inboard and outoard sides of the seat, which
results in a rather uncomfortable driving position. The problem is
still not rectified - however, replacement latch units (on order) should
solve the problem. Fuel economy has been better than I expected. I drive
a long way to work every day, and climb some rather steep hills. I have
been averaging 25-27 MPG. On highway trips, it gets about 38-40.
All in all, I am quite happy with the car. It has enough guts to
be a thrill to drive, yet gets reasonable mileage. The handling is
good, and the styling is appealing to the eye (at least to my eye,
anyway).
Rick Bensene
Tektronix, Inc.
Beaverton, Oregon
...tektronix!tekig1!rickb