[barcode]

Visiting Delhi?
I think I saw the Falcon yesterday/day-before on the GK1 main road near Cocoberry!

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by barcode

Visiting Delhi?
I think I saw the Falcon yesterday/day-before on the GK1 main road near Cocoberry!

Yes, thanks for spotting. My younger brother was driving it in the last 2 days in that area. BTW I have my 2nd residence in GK2 which I keep frequenting.

[Guderian]

Hi dkaile,
It's been a long time on Falcon's thread !
How goes it ? Haven't seen updates here.

Couple of questions for you:
1. What is the RPM of the Fortuner at idle or at least what does Falcon show approximately on the meter ? Reason for this is that I've been trying to get the answer out of the ASC chaps - even the Tech Head only states it as between 700-800 RPM which I find odd as the range is too wide. The range should be in a band of 50. Say 750-800 or 700-750. I know the tachometer isn't very accurate. With the OBD tool Admiral records an idling RPM of 750.

2. Other than Dunlop & Yoko which other tyre brands have the 265/65/R17 size AT tyres ?

Thanks.

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Guderian

Couple of questions for you:
1. What is the RPM of the Fortuner at idle or at least what does Falcon show approximately on the meter ? Reason for this is that I've been trying to get the answer out of the ASC chaps - even the Tech Head only states it as between 700-800 RPM which I find odd as the range is too wide. The range should be in a band of 50. Say 750-800 or 700-750. I know the tachometer isn't very accurate. With the OBD tool Admiral records an idling RPM of 750.

2. Other than Dunlop & Yoko which other tyre brands have the 265/65/R17 size AT tyres ?

Heil Herr Generale',

No news is good news, I presume.

Well, the Falcon been seeing fewer updates because really it doesn't require any. Trouble free and issue less driving as ever.

Also peace time has made me enjoy the company of the luxurious 'Czech Maiden' more than the brute 'Spartan Warrior'. But worry not, as soon as you sound the war drums the Falcon will be roaring all guns blazing...

Here it is consigned to the dungeons and awaiting the next battle



But fully battle ready





With 12480kms on the Odo today, you can also make out the RPM needle at idle for your reference. It is very hard to ascertain the exact rpm though, seems to me at about 800rpm. Don't mind the low light high ISO photos. There are no scratches, its armor is all but shining.



And giving a solid 11.7kmpl on the cheaper oil



- Haven't really had the time to research for tyres yet. Though after reading Mannuj's experience, I would stick to the OE Dunlops at all costs. Though this online Indian site may provide some pointers - http://changemytyre.com/

[Guderian]

Originally Posted by dkaile

No news is good news, I presume.

Hi dkaile,
Many thanks.
That sure is some useful information.
Shall do my research on the tyres and circle back.
And - do keep udating this thread !

[Guderian]

Hey dkaile,
Couple of more observations !
1. Checked the tyre site. The guy recommends Bridgestone - and funny enough BS India doesn't have the size for Fortuners in India. So is the case with Michellin. Means that the guy must be sourcing grey market tyres. Avoidable at best I guess. Does that mean there is only Dunlop & Yokos of this size in India ? Interesting.

2. Your idle RPM snap seems to have been taken when the engine was cold. A question for you - does the idle RPM fall (or actually - does the indicator needle fall to about 750 - approx middle of the band between 1K RPM and 1.5K RPM) in the Falcon after the engine has run for a few KMs after a cold start/early morning start up ? I have seen this happening on the Admiral (with no difference in the performance or anything at all) - so wondering about the reason for the phenomenon...no satisfactory explanation from the ASC chaps either.

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Guderian

Couple of more observations !

1. Strange. That site has good reputation though. But you seem right in your observation that he might be importing those tyres or these tyre companies don't update their site with the tyres that they are officially importing. A authorised dealer might be able to provide more answers.

2. The rpm needle does fall very slightly after warm up but still not to the middle of the band. This happens with most/all modern vehicles which are ECU enabled where the rpm remains high on cold start and then drop slightly after warm up. In my Superb it is quite perceptible where the rpm starts off from 1100 band and gradually drops to 750 after 30~40 seconds on start up. Though in the Fortuner this is harder to judge just by engine noise alone. Will get back to you on this issue after more thorough research with the Fortuner.

[Guderian]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Though in the Fortuner this is harder to judge just by engine noise alone. Will get back to you on this issue after more thorough research with the Fortuner.

Great dkaile ! That way I'll get you to run the Falcon a little more.

Actually there is no change in the engine note/sound when the needle drops to about 750. Perhaps there is just a wee bit of settling down I guess - but then it happens only after a few KMs of running.

But yeah on the LoH's K10 Alto it is very apparent.

[Manuuj]

Dkaile it has been a long time since we had any updates on the Falcon. I know that there wont be any issues with the vehicle that will need reporting but how about some pics of it in action?

Any recent trips taken over the holidays?

[Guderian]

Originally Posted by Manuuj

Dkaile it has been a long time since we had any updates on the Falcon...

Hi dkaile,
I agree with Manuuj. Been rather quite here and what with Admiral also on 'coastal patrol only' status the Fortuner group seems to have Nilanjan's Bison and Manuuj's Yeti (God forgive him for that christening !) as the only blue water warriors.
What's happening to Raptor and how's the bird ?

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Manuuj

Dkaile it has been a long time since we had any updates on the Falcon.

Originally Posted by Guderian

What's happening to Raptor and how's the bird ?

Yes, it's been receiving a slightly step brotherly treatment in the family of cars. Nothing goes wrong with it. Will update the thread with some new photos soon.

[dkaile]

So with nearly 1.5 years under the belt and 14000 kms on the odo this is what happened recently -



Luckily not a dent but a major scrape caused by an erring truck driver. Hope to get it sorted out soon as the ASC. Otherwise the 'truck' is running like the day I bought it and looking like new too...

[dkaile]

Falcon once again out of the dungeons and sprinting new grounds. It crossed the 14k kms mark today in about 1 year and 8 months time. Little slow but that's the cost of owning multiple dream machines...



The interiors looking as fresh as ever



Classic rear much better the face-lift IMHO



Musings -
- Would like a better sound system after having been spoilt by the Superb's.
- The clutch is much softer than many others, definitely much better than the Germans.
- No niggles, no squeaks.
- After being spoilt by the plushness and comforts of the Superb, the interiors definitely feel spartan and hard. So does the bumpier ride. Have to get back to SUV frame of mind after continuously driving a luxury sedan.

[dkaile]

Finally rumbled down to the dealership today to get the scratch touched up -

My good man on the job


Scratch fixed. What would you say?


The Raptor ready to bite...


All done complimentary at the ASC.

[dkaile]

Got this in the courier today -







Good heavy chrome quality. Suits the personality of the Fortuner now.

Got it from ebay here - http://www.ebay.in/itm/140947727012?...84.m1497.l2649 for just 199/- bucks.