Re: Thoughts on industrial design

On Sun, 27 Apr 2025 09:47:23 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

https://www.renehersecycles.com/driving-an-analog-car-in-a-digital-world/
>
Although I'm disposed toward Subaru among modern autos, his
1992 is in no way 'analog'.
Electronic not adjustable voltage regulator, electronic
ignition with computer real time monitoring/adjustment
rather than adjustable mechanical-actuated points,
electronic fuel injectors rather than carburetors.

Agreed.  If it has an ODB-II connector (for diagnostics), it's
probably digital because it uses the CAN bus (controller area
network).  ODB-II was introduced in about 1991:
"History of on-board diagnostics"
<https://www.autoecmstore.com/products/22611-ag024>

I drive a 2001 Subaru Forester S AWD manual transmission.  165,000
miles so far.
<https://www.fuelly.com/car/subaru/forester/2001/jeffliebermann/757955>
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/WiPhyFF25sbX28pZA>
I haven't had too many problems that are electrically related.  All
the black boxes are the originals.

The ECU (engine control module) is a mix of analog and digital:
<https://www.autoecmstore.com/products/22611-ag024>

The only major work was replacing the head gaskets:
<http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/Subaru%20Engine%20Rebuild/index.html>

When the weather improves, I'll need to deal with a "torque bind"
problem in the center differential.  I get to learn all about the joys
of "friction modifier".

He did dump the slushbox for an actual gearbox, which is nice.

Yep.  I looked around for a stick shift model.  Except for my first
car, all have been stick shifts.  Driving an automatic makes me feel
like I'm the passenger instead of the driver.  With a stick shift, I'm
part of the machine.  If I live long enough to need a new car, it will
probably be another stick shift.

--
Jeff Liebermann                 jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272      http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
Skype: JeffLiebermann      AE6KS    831-336-2558