Category: Editorial

Running on Fumes: Improper sizing of…Everything.

One thing that I’ve noticed: a lot of people can’t size equipment right.

What I mean by this is the guys that are throwing a 70 trim journal bearing turbo on a small displacement motor and wondering why they don’t spool until 1k before redline. They always ask why their powerband is so bad, or nonexistent. LAWL. This is what I mean folks. It’s all about sizing. In the case of turbos, bigger isn’t always better. If anything, if you’re running such a large turbo on a small displacement motor, when it finally DOES spool it’ll probably just blow your tires off anyhow. More often than not, you’d be way better off getting a smaller ball bearing turbo and actually having a powerband while still having some response.

Having an aftermarket stall on a automatic is great also, but just like everything else, it’s got to be properly sized. Let’s say you have a 4400rpm stall on your daily driven car. Does this make sense to you? I guess most people tend to forget that if you have such a large stall, your car will barely move in traffic unless you are applying a gratuitous amount of throttle. Finding a proper sized torque converter is key if you plan on driving on the street without sloppy and jerky acceleration.

Let’s see. How about cams? I’ve seen guys with stock GSRs, stock valvetrain, with stock compression and Toda Vtec Killers. Hmm, why does my car produce 1ft/lb of torque at low RPM and stutter until I get to 6,000 RPM? Fail. There is no reason to get the largest lift/duration cams there ever was, because in that case, it just doesn’t work. Sure, you’ll have top end power for days but you’ll have to rev to 50,000k (exaggeration, obviously) to get the use out of them.

Of course, this is just a few minor niggles than bother me, but I’m sure I’m not the only one. Before you buy anything. Please for the sake of yourself and anyone else around you. Please either do research, or talk to someone that knows what they are talking about.

Thanks,

Greg

December 12, 2008
Running on Fumes: Automotive Appreciation

There’s no technical jargon or breaking news in this blog today folks.

It’s Friday, my brain is fried and I’ve come to realize something lately.

With everything automotive that I’ve been surrounded with in the past year or so, I think I’ve really taken it for granted. Once in a while everyone needs to slow down and realize how impressive some things are around them. I walk into work every morning and barely nod my head at the twin turbo ford GT, big singled Supra, or the RHD R32 Skyline I’ve gotten accustomed to seeing. If this was me a year ago, I’d be in pure awe of what I was seeing. It happens to everyone, but I never thought I’d see the day.

A quick glance into the parking lot and it’s a manufacturer fanboy’s dream. I’m not jaded, but I have noticed it lacks the usual “punch”, if you will. Whenever I drive around I barely notice the stares, double takes and occasional cameraphones being whipped out anymore. I don’t understand why someone would be interested in my car until I realize it looks like a purple and green children’s concoction.

I think every now and again everyone needs to take a look around and really appreciate what they see. Sure, 500hp is the new 300hp but it still takes work to get there. Far too often I see clean work often go unnoticed just because of a power number. Today, everyone needs to go outside to their car/truck/bike and appreciate it. Chances are you’ve forgotten how much it means to you.

Enjoy your weekend readers,

Greg Martin

December 5, 2008
Nissan 370Z: Love It or Hate It

Some love it, Some hate it. I’m very “ehhhhh” on the subject. I think it’s the headlights for me.

As many of you know, the Nissan 370Z was unveiled about a week and a half ago at the LA Auto Show. The new body style was a big deal for Nissan and Z lovers alike, with lots of industry events and parties celebrating the car’s launch.

Exterior

Appearance-wise, the 370Z has changed a bit. The new Nissan comes standard with 19″ lightweight Rays Engineering wheels and 14″ Brakes! Looking at it from the side, the 370Z definitely reveals it’s lineage from the 240Z’s of the ’70s. The new Z is shorter, over an inch wider, and almost 3 inches smaller from nose to tail, packing a shorter wheelbase as well. The rear track has been widened by 2.2 inches, which I’m sure translates into better handling.

Motor

I’m sure what everyone is mainly concerned about is the new performance. As evidenced by the name change from 350Z to 370Z, there’s now a 3.7 liter V6 under the hood which produces 332 horsepower and 270ft/lbs of torque. That’s up from 306hp and 268ft/lbs from the last generation VQ35HR.

The new motor utilizes 30% new internals and the 370Z also weighs 88lbs less. Power is sent through either a 7 speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6 speed manual. A new feature for the 6 speed is a Synchrorev Match feature that will automatically blip the throttle on downshifts for a smooth changedown. It’s like automatic heel-toeing! 0-60 times are quoted from Car and Driver at 4.7-5.0 seconds.

Interior

Inside is arguably the most improved aspect of the 370Z. The A-pillar was minimized, the seats have stronger seat bolsters, and instrumentation is now bigger so it’s easier to see what’s going on in the car. Nissan also stepped up the game and now offers an “Intelligent Key” feature which means you no longer have to fumble around in your pockets for a key. Just walk up to the car, step in and go.

Other interior appointments include a highly stylish gauge cluster, center gauge pods, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, an iPod interface, and an option for Nissan’s Navigation unit with real-time XM NavTraffic and 8 speaker Bose system.

Parting Shot

All in all, I think I can look past the headlights and see what Nissan is doing here. They definitely stepped up their game on the New 370Z and I think it’s going to sell very well. It’s a great value considering starting price is only $29,000. With a bigger motor, stiffer chassis, nicer interior and a better weight distribution, I think that Nissan’s new offering is going to get bought quick.

December 3, 2008
Crazy Motor Swaps: LS1 Skyline and 2JZ Camaro

I think I’ve officially seen it all…

Sure, swapping a Chevy motor into a fox body is old news, but how about a Chevy LS1 with a pair of turbochargers hanging off of it? In an R34 Nissan Skyline. Or how about the reversal of that and throwing a 2JZ-GTE into a First Gen Camaro. What the ‘eff is going on around here? I know this may be old news to some, but I’m going to cover the Skyline and a particular other vehicle anyways.

The GT Autosound LS1 TT R34. Might be a mouthful, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t a handful as well. Some may call it a sacrilege, but I just call it badass. Do what you gotta do to make power in my opinion. Sure, you can make all the top end power in the world with an RB26, but since this car is used for drifting, it needs all the torque it can make. I do believe the Chevy LS1 fits that bill. Small block torque with a turbocharged punch up top? Yes please. 800+ lbs/ft of Torque FTW.

If that wasn’t odd enough, how about a reversal of the last car. How about a fully built single snailed 2JZ-GTE motor from a MKIV Supra popped into a……..’67 CAMARO?! If the last one didn’t get people into an uproar, surely this one must. I have to honestly say though, regardless of powerplant, this is one of the cleanest works I’ve ever seen. Blending newschool with the oldschool, this EVS Motors built Camaro not only packs a 1,000+HP punch, but but also has a completely custom interior, Navigation, Power windows, Rear view camera, HIDs, and a completely custom sound system.

You never know what you’re going to find nowadays, and I’m curious as to what is to come of the future. I think in the future once people realize you can think out of the box for vehicle swaps there will be a surge of new powerplants in inconspicuous vehicles. LSX Powered 240sx?…. Mmmmmm.

November 25, 2008
Turbodiesels – Not just for your Truck.

I honestly think the Turbodiesel is the way of the future.

Countries with astronomic gas prices have been using them for years…why has it taken so long to catch on in the United States? The UK has diesel powered EVERYTHING and 40% of new cars sold are Diesel Powered. Sure, we have them in our Turbodiesel Powerstroke/Cummins powered trucks, but what about the economical reasoning behind it? There’s a common misconception about black smoke being emitted from Diesel powered vehicles. Most people seem to think that because there is black smoke, it is “dirty”. In fact, diesel burns MUCH cleaner than gasoline.

Let’s use the BMW 123d for our example. A Turbodiesel sportscar you say? Blasphemy! I think not. Here’s some numbers to boggle your mind for a moment. How about 201 horsepower and 295ft/lbs of torque. A top speed of 148mph? Perhaps a 0-60mph time of 7 seconds dead. Sure, they may not be blockbuster statistics, but how about this one: 54.3 Miles Per Gallon. While the BMW is one of many examples, I know that the US will see a surge of Turbodiesel powered vehicles in the future.

The Diesel Powered Audi R10 TDI racecar won LeMans in 2006 and surely that must be saying something. A race of that caliber has always been dominated by Gasoline powered vehicles. I don’t think the problem here is performance. Sure, you’ll miss a little bit, and perhaps wringing out a Turbodiesel to a 5k RPM redline isn’t quite the same as the 9k wail of an RX7, but you have to see what you’re gaining. Honestly, I could give up a little bit of performance for a ridiculous MPG number. Gas isn’t cheap, nor is it going to last forever.

November 24, 2008
Why don't we get these? European Hot Hatches

It’s just not fair. I’m not too sure why we don’t get hot hatches over here, but it’s just not fair.

Take a look at the Ford Focus for example. Sure we have it, but over here, in all honesty it’s a box of fail (sorry Casey) compared to what already exists in Europe. At its peak the USDM Ford Focus was pumping out a whopping dismal 170 hp for the top of the line SVT motor. In Europe, they replaced the 2.0 liter 4 banger for a 5 cylinder turbocharged 2.5 liter which produces a very stout 225hp and 236ft/lbs in stock trim for the ST model.

Not only did they get the bigger motor, but the Focus also has a 6 speed and looks so much better (IMO) as well. It also returns miles per gallon figures of 30.4 with mixed driving. What are you doing Ford? We can’t even get the right version of the Focus over here for God’s sake, something we already have the groundwork for. Based on current conversion rates, the Focus ST would sell at around $22,850.

Next up is the Clio Cup, produced by the French manufacturer Renault. While it’s not turbocharged, as compared to the other hot hatches in this article, it still pushes out an awesome 200hp all motor from it’s 2.0 liter mill. While 200hp doesn’t sound incredible, it’s run through a 6 speed manual and returns 33.6 Miles per gallon. Based on current conversion rates, the Clio would sell at around $18,700.

Moving along is my personal favorite, the Vauxhall Astra VXR. We actually do get this vehicle under the Saturn Astra guise, but not exactly the way the Europeans do. In Europe it is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged motor producing around 237hp and driven through a 6 speed tranny. We don’t quite have that option yet, but I believe in the near future the motor from GM’s HHR SS might be powering the Saturn Astra Redline. I surely do hope so because the aftermarket for the Astra VXR in Europe is ridiculous. Currently the top of the line Astra retails for $18495. I suppose we will see what the VXR retails for if it ever comes to fruition in the US.

November 20, 2008
Top 5 Flying Cars

If the movies are any indication of what’s to come, where in the hell are my flying cars?!?

For decades, Hollywood has teased audiences with hypnotic visions of an automotive future which has sadly yet to come true. It’s incredibly frustrating to walk into a movie theater and have your mind blown by fantastic images of flying cars only to come crashing back to reality on the ride home in your Ford Focus station wagon. Talk about a buzz kill.

Think about how awesome it would be to hop behind the wheel of one of these bad boys and fly to work. It would certainly make your morning commute a helluva lot more interesting, not to mention faster…unless you take the Magical School Bus, which would just be stupid.

1) Delorean from Back to the Future. “Where we’re going we don’t need roads.” Anybody that doesn’t think this is the coolest flying car since Chitty Chitty Bang Bang needs to drive 88mph and rethink their decision. Not only can the Delorean DMC-12 travel back in time (convenient for creating paradoxes and multiple sequels), but it also runs on garbage. Thanks Mr. Fusion!

2) Spinner from Blade Runner. While Blade Runner is heralded as the crowning achievement of sci-fi cinema, nobody ever mentions how badass the cars are. The Spinner police cruiser driven by Harrison Ford is pants-wettingly awesome. If you’ve got to bring the law to the lawless in a dystopian wasteland, you might as well do it in style. Get yourself a Spinner!

3) The Jetson’s Flying Pod-thingy. While I’m sure Flying Pod-thingy isn’t the technical term, the Jetson’s always had a pimp ride. Who wouldn’t want to fly around with smoking hot Jane riding shotgun and the ability to eject Elroy and Judy when the mood strikes? What I wouldn’t give for ejectable seats and a hot cartoon wife…

4) Taxi Cab from the Fifth Element. Leave it to the French to create a taxi cub that actually looks cool. This futuristic piece of cool comes courtesy of visionary French director Luc Besson from his crazy and overlooked Bruce Willis actioneer, The Fifth Element. Not only can it fly but the backseat once carried a half-naked Milla Jovovich (yummy!), which pretty much makes it the greatest car ever created.

5) The Mach 5 from Speed Racer. While the Mach 5 doesn’t technically fly, it’s able to flip around and drive up walls, which is close enough. Plus I have an unhealthy love of all things Speed Racer related and the only other flying car that I could think to include on the list is from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and that’s just not going to happen. So you get the Mach 5 instead. And honestly, in the long and storied history of Speed Racer, I’m sure at some point the Mach 5 has probably flown anyway. So there, take that haters!

November 17, 2008
What is Gymkhana?

Gymkhana

For those wondering, Gymkhana is basically a mixture of autocross and drifting, with other additional skillful maneuvers thrown in as well. Cones represent obstacles to navigate through. The “obstacles” involve many highly difficult driving maneuvers such as 360 spins, parking boxes, and figure eights…in other words my daily commute. For those of you talking trash about your epic driving skills in a parking lot, if you think you’ve got the guts, take it to a Gymkhana event and see how you stack up.

Ken Block took the Gymkhana idea a little further and created an insane course at El Toro air station in Orange County using everything around as an obstacle, including an aircraft hanger and a house. Vehicle of choice? 530AWHP Crawford tuned STi. Yep…that’ll do it. Four sets of tires well used in my opinion.

November 13, 2008
Acura NSX: The Everyday Supercar

The NSX.

First off, back to basics. We all know the Mid-engine NSX (“New Sportscar eXperimental”) was rare to begin with, and with a price of 85,000 greenbacks, it wasn’t exactly in everyone’s price range. The Acura NSX was set to be the everyday supercar.

The NSX had a cutting edge ultra-rigid and ultra-light aluminum monocoque chassis, aluminum suspension, titanium rods, forged pistons, and not only that but it had rock solid reliability as well. Although the price was a little steep, most consumers didn’t realize what the NSX was capable of.

With a suspension directly tuned by the legendary Ayrton Senna, and a high output Naturally aspirated V6, the NSX had a Ferrari rivaling performance for a much cheaper cost. While it already had scalpel-sharp handling and the instant power response you would find in an everyday supercar, Acura saw room for improvement.

The NSX-R

Along came a universal idea: take what’s already good and make it better. In 1992, Acura decided to roll out the NSX-R. While the NSX was intended to be a ultra high end sports car, engineers had to make some compromises to make it suitable for daily driving, taking away some performance edge.

The NSX-R cut out the slack. Starting out with a base NSX, the sound deadening, audio system and A/C were the first to go. The heavy leather seats were next, replaced by a carbon fiber Sparco racing seat. Next up were the stock rollers. Although not heavy to begin with, the stock wheels were replaced by aluminum Enkei wheels.

All of this weight reduction shaved 264lbs off of the NSX, bringing weight to a scant 2700lbs, however, this NSX wasn’t just stripped. Honda replaced the original springs and dampers with new ones with stiffer rates to reduce a common mid-engine problem of snap oversteer.

One of the last and most important things done was a final drive ratio change. With a higher final drive that meant the high revving V6 could stay in its powerband longer, at the expense of top speed. Production was limited to 482 examples, and was only produced for the Japanese market.

The Spoon NSX-R GT

The legendary Honda tuner Spoon decided to skip the already limited NSX, and take an even more limited NSX-R as its base. How do you make a car that has everyday supercar ability and TRULY make it special? Not too much is known about this car, as it is shrouded in secrecy, but one thing for sure is known. Forget that lowly 270hp, Spoon decided to take things to the next level and strap a large turbocharger to the motor to produce a rumored 420hp.

[Photo Credit to: Robert Kerian]

This NSX has been sighted at Twin Ring Motegi tearing up the track. The aggressive styling of the bodykit is sure to produce a huge amount of downforce. Spoon is rumored to be producing a copy of this car for consumers soon for a starting price of $150,000. Not a big price to pay for an everyday supercar, in my opinion.

November 12, 2008
The Forgotten Gem: Chrysler Conquest

Low. Black. Popping. Crackling. Whistling. Half mechanic and half bionic, the Chrysler Conquest was a vehicle some revered in an almost mythical sense. The name itself struck a tone of confidence in an owner. Created by Mitsubishi, but being imported and sold under the Chrysler name, the Conquest is also often overlooked as one of the great Japanese sports coupes. Reactions range from confusion, to pure fright as the loud blowoff valve vents off pressure into the atmosphere. Quizzical looks and turned heads are produced anywhere you go as if the Conquest name has been completely forgotten.

Performance

Touting a powerful 2.6 liter turbocharged motor, sending power through a 5 speed transmission to the rear wheels through a factory Limited Slip Differential, the Chrysler Conquest was an overlooked gem. In 1988 the Conquest truly became a driver’s car. An optional handling package became available with staggered wheels, 8 inches wide in the front and 9 inches wide in the rear. Not only did that allow for better road gripping prowess but the package also included gas adjustable shocks. Just remember this is 1987 we’re talking about folks. Boost builds and hits like a hammer, pinning you into the seat until the next gear, and you can very easily find yourself overwhelmed and sideways in an instant.

Personal Opinion

I had the pleasure of riding in a mildly modified example and the results are impressive to say the least. Fitted with a small 16g turbocharger yet essentially stock, the car put down over 315ft/lbs to the wheels — that’s V8 territory! To put this into perspective, the stock vehicle makes just over 180 to the wheels. Driving one is a purely visceral experience as so many noises and sensations penetrate your brain. Due to some simple mechanical problems, you can find many Conquests in very good shape as the owners have simply abandoned fixing them and listed them for sale instead. Simply put, the Chrysler Conquest is a very affordable diamond in the rough for someone looking for cheap rear wheel drive fun.

November 5, 2008