[Heathkit] Automotive RFI

[Drew P.]

Bob wrote:

When I keyed the 8 watt 6 meter radio in my old Honda Accord, all the dashboard idiot lights would light up - even the oil pressure light!

Drew

"Actually, I ran one for over 8 years, and even with all the PCM, ABS,
and "other" computers, NEVER had an issue, even with a 250W output,
either on HF or on VHF.

The "only" reason I let it go, is that it became TOO expensive to keep
feeding it fuel!  Darn things weigh approximately 5400 pounds, and that
4.6L engine with the "Interceptor" chip in the main computer, results in
about a 10 MPG in traffic!

It produced over 20MPG on open highway.  Just DON'T punch it!  It sure
starts to suck down the fuel then!

I had over 176,000 miles on it.  The State runs their "cruisers" until
250,000 miles, and then auctions them off.  They STILL continue to run!

The "problem" "children" were the Chevy Caprice Classics built for the
law.  The engines were Corvette engines - BUT - they had the "standard"
transmissions.  Never lasted more than 18 months!  Less if you made a
"habit" of punching the gas from a dead stop.  Then you could bank on
replacing the transmission within 6 months!  They were NOT
re-buildable/repairable as the Ford transmission is very easily done.

So far my Honda CRV does just fine!"