Merc Murmur
I have recently purchased a 2004 CLK55 AMG convertible. The car is
magnificent but I’d like to hear more exhaust noise. The F1 CLK55 Pace car
always sounded awesome and I'd like to fit a similar exhaust system to my car.
Could you please advise whom I should contact regarding the supply of the same,
or a similar, exhaust as fitted to the F1 CLK55 AMG Pace car?
Bill Olsen
New
Zealand
Try asking your local Mercedes Benz
distributor - they might be able to give you a lead.
Blow-Off BS
Someone needs to learn more about turbo cars before knocking the usefulness
of items such as blow-off valves. Anyone with half a brain knows that it isn’t a
performance upgrade - it is more for the longevity of the compressor. Oh, and
those SUPA DUPA expensive blow-off valves you refer to are able to hold higher
boost pressures than factory ones can. Go back to school and the leave the
commentary to the experts.
Big Blue
USA
We are yet to see solid evidence that
a blow-off valve improves compressor life. One expert tuning shop we know has
measured pre-throttle pressure spikes that were CAUSED by an aftermarket
blow-off valve... Furthermore, you’ll be interested to note that Subaru fits a
(closed-loop) blow-off valve to their production engines for the purpose of
reducing induction noise. This is stated in the factory workshop manual.
If you have any proof that blow-off
valves extend turbo life – as opposed to theory – we’d love to see it.
Meanwhile, it’s a great way for many “experts” to make a few dollars...
Of course, if a blow-off valve
is leaking under boost pressure then – yes - it’s a good idea to replace it.
Boosted Audi
I’m just wondering if your article Audi DIY Boost Controller would be good for my car.
Would it use the same set up? I have an Australian 1996 Audi A4 1.8T.
Simon Kitchen
Australia
Yes, the same system can be used.
Sensational Super Seven
Great article of the Sirius Sports 7. I've wanted to build one of
these (or a variation) for quite a while now. The fact that you thought the live
rear axle was a bit of a let down interested me, because the
Westfield(www.westfieldsportscars.com.au)
has an option of IRS. From the looks of it, it isn't a great deal different from
your test car.
Keep up the great work.
Matt Ellery
Australia
Sprayed Fiat
I'm interested in your Intelligent Intercooler Water Spray (Intelligent Intercooler Water Spray - Part 1)
and want to ask a few questions. I'm using a Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo Plus and my
question are...
1. Can this product be used on my car?
2. If I bought it can people here install it for me - especially the
controller part?
3. How much horsepower increased can it gain?
4. Which one is better - the controller with box or without it?
Azmir Kamarudin
Malaysia
Yes, the intelligent intercooler water
spray can be used on your car. Any performance based workshop should be able to
install it – the boxed version is neater and easier to install. The power gain
varies from car to car – you might pick up a couple of percent, depending on
your existing post-intercooler charge-air temps.
Wheelie Good Calculator
Re the stories on your LS400’s new wheels
Buying Alloy Wheels on the Cheap...
There is a website I found with a tyre size calculator. You type in the stock
tyre specs and the specs of the tyre you want to replace it with. It gives you
sidewall size, diameter, circumference, revs per km and % error compared to the
stock size. It gives all measurements of the stock size entered compared to the
new size. You can enter multiple tyres for comparative results - which come in
imperial or metric!
Give it a try - www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc
Paul Dietrich
Australia
Sluggish Skyline?
In your Nissan Skyline R34 article (R34 Run-Out)
you say the Nissan struggled to better 8 secs to 100 km/h. So you mean to tell
me that an R34 Skyline is as slow, if not slower than a Holden Astra Turbo which
is quoted in mid to low 7s to 100 km/h?
Ryan Pendrey
Australia
Yep – that’s the 0 – 100 km/h time we
achieved with the auto R34 turbo. And that was after repeated attempts with different
amounts of stall. Note that we also stated what the R34
should run.
Soft Top Specialists?
I was wondering if you could direct me to someone knows how to convert a
sedan into a convertible with an automatic retractable roof?
Zafar
Australia
We don’t know of anyone –
readers?
Name that Electric Blower
I would like to know the name of an electric turbo on this page - Electric Boost
You have the E-Ram, Twin-Turbo Zet and Thomas Knight Turbo, but the last one I
don't know!
Jerexgrz
France
Dynacharger - see the Dynacharger at
www.turbodyne.com
Wave Rotors
I've been shown the light when it comes to brake rotors. Two words - "Wave
Rotors". They have been used on bikes for many years but haven’t really made it
to cars just yet. I have only found one place globally that make them for cars -
www.thebrakeman.com
If you haven't already, I suggest that you have a look. I'm actually writing
to you to ask if you know anyone in
Australia that
sells them - coz I just gotta have a pair! Also, have you guys done an article
on them yet? I reckon if you did they would really take off here.
Joshua Mclean
Australia
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