Jazz - No Blues
I would just like to thank you helping me purchase my new
car... I read your article on the Honda Jazz (New Car Test - Honda Jazz VTi-S)
and was impressed by what was said. I bit the bullet and decided to go for the
VTI-S as it offered a lot more power and a more distinctive look. I love the
performance, handling, fuel economy and, most of all, the look... it's a
sensational looking car that's very different. Many thanks to your article and
website.
Nick Goulimis
Australia
V6 Swap
I just found your informative site on the net. I have a 1990
model V6 Holden Commodore and want to replace the old V6 with a later model
Ecotec V6 from a VS-onward. Do you know anybody who might have first-hand info
on this swap?
Alan Goodwin
Australia
Have a read of Holden V6s with Leon Vincenzi. Leon
Vincenzi would be the man to talk to.
Hitting the Track
I have a couple of questions regarding my recently purchased
and mildly modified 1988 Galant VR4. My mild mods (exhaust, filter and boost)
achieved 212hp at the wheels. While I realise this is nothing special, my intent
for the car is to learn to circuit race - therefore I don't see too much point
in having power beyond my driving ability. What I am concerned about is
reliability. I want to protect my engine, clutch, driveline, brakes, etc from
the rigours of track work so that I don't have to be concerned about the drive
home from the track. What are some smart (read relatively inexpensive) ways of
protecting my investment? Also, will a factory clutch plate be good enough for
track work or motorkhanas? What is a good way to step up without sacrificing
daily drivability? Finally, underbonnet heat seems to be a problem here in
Brisbane - what should I be thinking about in regards to bonnet vents (ie
placement, size, etc)?
Brett Clarke
Australia
An oil catch can, fuel surge tank, quality brake pads and
cooling ducts, and top-notch intercooling are very important when
taking a streeter onto the track. The VR4 gearbox isn't as fragile as some
others so you can probably get away with running a massively upgraded clutch - although remember that some clutch slip will help preserve the gearbox. If underbonnet heat is
an issue in everyday conditions we suggest a pair of bonnet vents (similar to as
fitted on the VR4 EVO RS).
EWP Revisit?
I was wondering whether sufficient time had passed since June
27, 2000, to allow you to release your report on the Davies Craig water pump and
controller (Testing the Davies Craig Electric Water Pump - Part 1)? I must say I
was disappointed to read that legal action was threatened if you published the
results.
Andrew Oldfield
Australia
We doubt whether the results of our EWP testing will ever be
able to be released.
Cleaning the Dags
I was wondering if you could help me with a slight problem. I
recently bought a Mitsubishi Magna Sports and bought a new exhaust system for
it. I have fitted it all (I used to be a mechanic) except for the muffler. I
need to cut some of the bumper and was wondering if there is a kit you can
purchase to clean things up after the cut. I would appreciate any information or
knowledge you have on this matter.
Dave
Australia
Use a sanding roll or fine burr in a die grinder at low speed. We have seen exhaust
shops use this approach.
RWD Road Rocket?
I'm in the market for a RWD performance car that I can drive
everyday but something that I can also take out onto the track and compete in
motorkhanas with on the weekends. I have $15,000 to spend.
Attila
Arva
Australia
For 15 grand we reckon a SR20DET 5-speed S13 Silvia/180SX with some mods
would be a good choice. S13s are relatively lightweight and the SRs make good
power with minimal mods. Some suspension work would be advisable if you plan to
tackle the circuit. Another option is a Series 4 RX-7 with a few mods. Compared
to the S13, though, these are heavier and more expensive to bring up to the same
level of all-round performance.
Easy Turbo Conversion
I own a Holden VL Commodore with the RB30E engine and am
confused about the turbocharging concept. I have seen many of these engines
turbocharged without changes to the internals, so what are the bare necessities
for a turbo conversion (apart from the turbo, intercooler and blow-off
valve)? Could you please send me a list of parts and prices to turbo my VL
- just the standard features, because I cant afford all that chrome
stuff!
Niall Campbell
Australia
The essential stuff is a turbocharger, an appropriate
exhaust manifold (or turbo adapter plate) and oil and water lines for the turbo.
The air intake and exhaust will generally require alteration as well. In most
instances, the engine management and/or fuel system will require upgrading to
cope with the forced induction.For all the details and costs we suggest you
contact a local go-fast workshop.
Peak Hold II
About your 'Add a peak hold feature to your boost gauge'
article (Do-It-Yourself Peak Hold)... For the last two
years I have been using a tyre air pressure gauge (actually an inflatable
mattress gauge, since they go from 0 to 20 psi) to measure boost on my '02
WRX. I painted green, blue and red stripes on the stem around my car's 16.5 psi
limit so that I know at one glance where the boost went. It works fine and
a hold feature is built in as well. Total price is 8 Canadian dollars for the
thing (about US$5) plus a few feet of nylon tubing, a restrictor and a T
splice.
Patrick Girard
Canada
What's Up?
What's with AutoSpeed these days? This week we've had
Response, 3 feature cars, 1 Daewoo test and 1 interesting article on
intercooling. I'm sick to death of reading about how such and such has bolted
such and such on to his car, providing a nice balance of everything and making
for a nice drive. Such and such is now selling his car.
I'm also sick of reviews of every different spec Magna there
is. This policy of reviewing anything that comes through the door for free is
ridiculous. If I was the editor of a dirt bike magazine and reviewed all these
different makes of the one brand of scooter just because I could get a ride on
them with no hassle, do you really think I should? You're a *high performance*
magazine, or so the blurb as the title for this web page suggests...
I probably sound a bit angry/crazy but it's only because I love
the good features, like the interview with Harry Watson, the Spin Circuit,
intercooling and the rest. It just seems like you can't be bothered on the
content front these days. Thanks for listening to me vent.
Charlie Driver
Australia
Actually, that week (Issue 259) had Response, 2 feature cars (one Aussie
car and one Japanese car), 1 Daewoo test, a special feature on Whiteline's MY03
WRX suspension upgrade and two technical features - the do-it-yourself peak hold
article and Intercooling Plan of Attack Part 1. Obviously, different stories
will appeal to different folk - for example, the Harry Watson interview that you
liked has rated quite poorly...
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