WRX and RS Suspension Kit
Whiteline suspension has just released a new suspension kit for the Subaru Impreza WRX and RS Liberty (Legacy). The KCA319 Anti-Lift Kit uses revised mounts for one of the bushes in each of two front suspension arms. The new mount uses polyurethane bushes and slightly moves the pivot point. Fitting the kit adds 0.5 degrees positive castor to both front wheels, in addition to introducing a substantial amount of anti-lift. The kit is claimed to provide superior traction, better turn-in and reduced understeer. Retail price of the kit is $A329, with overnight freight in Australia $A9 and air freight anywhere in the world $A25. AutoSpeed is planning to purchase a kit and carry out a full test of the product.
Contact Whiteline on +61 2 9820 2666
or go to www.whiteline.com.au
AutoSpeed's Wrecker Crawl
Rare in Australia is this imported-from-Japan Ford 3.8 litre factory blown V6. The engine features alloy heads, an air/air intercooler, and a Holden-style Eaton blower - it looks a very nicely integrated package. Adelaide's Japanese Motorpsort (+618 8260 6919) has the engine (complete with auto trans, loom and computers) for just $2500.
Cool Stuff
The full range of APEXi intercoolers is available from JAP Trading. The air/air cores feature a unique design where air is channelled through the finned sections. Fins are also used both within the tubes and between the tubes. The intercoolers are typically huge - 237 x 610 x 136mm for the Skyline GT-R, and 200 x 500 x 68mm for the Nissan 200SX and the Impreza WRX. Other cars covered include the 2 litre Nissan 180SX and the Skyline GTS-T. Prices start at around $A1800.
Also from APEXi are complete upgrade kits for Japanese turbo cars. The kits contain a new exhaust manifold, turbo, external wastegate, new filter, gaskets, and the nuts, bolts and brackets needed. If you want to mix and match your own, there's available a variety of exhaust housings, compressor housings and rotating assemblies. APEXi also has recommended components for each level of power upgrade - even dyno graphs of the results are included in their catalogs.
The full range of APEXi gear is available from: JAP Trading on + 61 3 9879 7799.
Dax Kamala Wows Japan
The first two examples of the stunning Dax Kamala have just been sold in Japan. Produced by UK company DJ Sportscars International, the 795kg Kamala packs a 254kW (340hp) Ford Cosworth turbo four under its incredible bodywork. Huge Ford disc brakes are fitted front and rear and Ford-based strut suspension is used all 'round. The Kamala is a Do It Yourself kit car - just the thing for those evening hours!
Got to www.daxcars.co.uk for a look - you won't be disappointed.
Keeping Your Commodore
EFI Direct - developers of KalMaker software - has released a plug-in Mem-Cal that they claim improves Holden security. The Secur-a-Chip (Jeez - where do they get these names from?!) changes how the standard VR-VS Commodore Theft Deterrent Module works. Normally, the car can be started an hour after key-on - even if the right "Smart" key isn't used. But with the Secur-a-Chip Mem-Cal plugged in, the engine is prevented from running unless you start the car immediately after keying-on. If you don't start the engine after a certain length of time, the car is completely immobilised until you disconnect the battery. Then the process begins all over again! The Secur-a-Chip costs $95 on an exchange Mem-Cal basis.
Contact EFI Direct on 0415 252 342 or go to www.efidirect.com.au
EFI Hardware
Centrifugal Air Pumps Australia is branching out from their mainstream blower business. Recently they've added the range of SX Performance fuel injection pumps, filters and regulators. These US-manufactured goodies feature high quality anodised aluminium construction and full specifications. First off the rank is a range of in-line filters. Having a pressure drop of less than 1 kPa (0.15 psi) at a flow of 12.6 litres (7.7 gallons) a minute, the filters use either 10 micron disposable paper or 60 micron reusable stainless steel filter elements. One model even has a pop-up indicator that warns when filter replacement or cleaning is required! The filters cost around $196 each.
Also from SX Performance comes two EFI fuel pressure regulators. The 15401 maintains a stable fuel system pressure of 3 Bar (43.5 psi) for flow rates up to a phenomenal 11.3 litres (5.1 gallons) a minute, while the 15402 is adjustable for fuel pressures between 2.4 - 6.2 Bar (35 - 90 psi). Both regulators have a vacuum/boost port allowing appropriate pressure compensation to occur. The 15401 uses -6 AN inlet and outlet fittings, with the 15402 using -10 AN inlet and -6 AN outlet fittings. The regulators cost around $A280 each.
To provide these muthas with enough fuel you're going to need a big pump - and the SX Performance 18201 is certainly that. With a 12 volt input it flows more than 5 litres (2.3 gallons) a minute at 3.1 Bar (45 psi). The pump is machined from 6061-T651 alloy and has a protective anodised finish. The pump can be mounted in the tank or externally and uses -10 AN fittings. It costs about $A390.
Talk to CAPA on +61 8 8582 3499 or go to www.capa.com.au for more details.
Camry Sporty
Toyota is to release the Camry Touring in Australia during the first quarter of 1999. The new model uses a revised suspension package, four wheel discs with ABS, alloy wheels and some cosmetic changes. The car is fitted with the standard 3 litre V6.
Quickies
- The FAI 1000 Classic at Mount Panorama, Bathurst is to have a field of 48 Falcons and Commodores. Racing takes place during the period November 12-15. Go to www.fai1000.com.au for more details.
- The Australian importers of Seat are considering selling the car door-to-door - a bit like Daewoo, which currently sells Avon-style in the UK and New Zealand. Seat salespeople are to be armed with a laptop PC and a demonstrator car.
- Subaru Australiaproduces a free magazine for owners. Called Symmetry (no, don't ask us why), the first issue contains a variety of features - from cooking recipes to a story on Possum Bourne's Team Subaru. See your local Subaru dealer to get on the mailing list.
- While on company magazines, Ford also produces one for company car drivers. Called Talkback, the magazine is available free and usually has some good stuff in it. Email talkback@ewa.com.au to subscribe.
- The Hyundai XG press release lists the car as having either an iron block 3 litre V6 or a 2.5 litre all alloy V6. That's fine - but we're a bit worried by both engines being described as having a "six stroke" configuration!
- We're off to a booming start - in just the first week over 1100 members joined AutoSpeed, and our daily readership has surpassed all of our expectations. Thanks for your support.
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