Feed Me a Diet of Peanuts!
Great articles on the peanut projects Peanut Projects - Part One. The Mitsubishi Magna - which is a very nice car to start with - has great potential for around town and
comfortable cruising.
The R32 GTSt Skyline is a fantastic car and I just wanted to add a couple of
points. The tuning is easily done using the previously covered Power FC and airflow
can be addressed using Z32 and Q45 airflow meters that have built in settings in
the Power FC. On top of this, Skyline GT-R cams are a common upgrade for a
meatier idle and improved power - although best left to the mechanic or more experienced modifier. Some people even do a 2.4 litre conversion when the
inevitable engine rebuild comes around using other RB26 internals. The only
downside with the older Japanese imports is their ageing shocks that leave a lot
to be desired - they fade so a little concentration on handling is in order,
especially anti-roll bars.
Keep 'em coming!
Geoff Williams
Australia
Making a Better BA
I read the article on the JMM BA Falcon BA-LLISTIC
One thing that I wondered about was the camshaft timing (VCT). I remember
reading that, from factory, the two cams are phased simultaneously (ie there’s
no overlap change).
From reading 21st Century Performance it seems there should be good gains to
be had from independent phasing. Obviously this would be a relatively tedious
engineering process, but one with good gains and I expect Ford may do it
themselves in the future of that engine.
Just wondering, wrt the JMM BA - is the UniChip capable of doing this? That
seems like an obvious thing to do - would you concur? What are your thoughts?
Does any computer or workshop do VCT remapping?
Nathan Veitch
Australia
The current Falcon management system
does not have the capability to control individual cam timing - adding an
interceptor can’t overcome this. The only workshop we have seen
experimenting with different cam overlap on a BA Falcon is Nizpro (using a MoTEC
ECU).
Navigate Me
I am a final year Multimedia student studying at the
University of
Gloucestershire. For my dissertation
I am carrying out ‘An investigation into the usability of satellite navigation
systems in premium brand cars’.
I would be grateful if you could suggest any archive material from your
publication that might be of relevance to me, including any independent/industry
research on the subject that would of assistance to my analysis. At present I am
finding it difficult to find published material specifically on satellite
navigation in cars, whereas there is an abundance of information on marine,
aviation and geographical satellite navigation systems. I am particularly
interested in comparative studies between satellite navigation systems in
different makes of car. However any information on the subject would be
extremely useful to me.
I will be happy to share my findings with you and your readers upon
completion of my dissertation. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Evan Lewis
UK
Perform a search on AutoSpeed using
the words “VDO Dayton” and, of course, “navigation”.
Statesman Slip Up
In your Statesmen WL V8 Road test (Holden WL Statesman V8 Test)
you mention the Ford Fairlane Ghia V8 as being AUD$2000 dearer which is
incorrect. It is in fact AUD$540 cheaper. Could you please update your
review?
KaanAustralia
You’re absolutely right - we mistook
the Fairlane G220 price for the base Fairlane V8 price. Article now
changed.
Which A’PEXi For Me?
I've noticed that everyone seems to have A’PEXi Power FCs to suit 92-96 model
Subaru WRXs. I was wondering if these will work on a MY00 WRX?
Daniel Hetherington
Australia
Different Power FCs are listed for the
pre MY97, pre MY99 and pre MY00 so no, they wouldn’t be interchangeable.
What to Do?
Just wondering if you could help me in what would be the best way to start
doing up the performance of ’94 Mitsubishi Lancer 1500cc? Is a bolt on turbo
available and is it a wise move? What work am I looking at, or am I better off
investing in something else?
I considered doing an engine conversion to maybe a VR4 or an Evo 1-3 but,
obviously, it comes at a high price. Any ideas of anywhere in
Sydney who have reasonably good
prices for conversions? This was my ultimate goal and I can find engines at
cheap prices, just no one to fit them at a good price...Otherwise its back to
square one on working on the 1500... Thanks very much for your help.
James
Australia
First you need to decide what sort of
performance you want (ie 0 – 100 or ¼ mile) and how much you have to spend. You
may find it’s a better financial decision to invest in a different car – maybe a
VR4 or Lancer GSR Turbo.
Nano-particles?
I'm currently working for AMRC with Boeing looking into incorporating
nano-particles in the coolant system of our machining centre.
The coolant used in the system is basically semi-synthetic cutting fluid
concentrate made up of mostly hydrotreated mineral oil.
The aim is to reduce the machining temperature at interface between tool and
workpiece
Which type of nano-particles is suitable for this application?
Kin Teo
UK
No idea!
Blurred Focus
Just a quick note to alert you to an error in one of your reviews. In your
review of the Ford Focus ST170 (New Car Test - Ford Focus ST170)
you claim it has the highest specific output of any NA on the market at
63.5kW/litre. However, the Honda Integra Type R (Aussie model) has 73.5kW/litre
while the new Type S has 77kW/litre.
Matt Hawkey
Australia
Thanks for that – article now altered.
It should have been qualified by “the highest specific output of any
non-variable cam timed NA 2.0...”