Big Boss
Have you heard anything about a new tuning device for Fords called
"BossEdit"? It sounds similar to LS1 Edit for Holdens and I think CAPA are
developing it.
Carl Talbot
Australia
We have heard about it but, at present, we can’t give you any further
information. We hope to cover it in an article soon.
No More Bikes!
I really enjoy getting your articles each day. One of the highlights is the
Response article each week. It is great to hear some of the views of other
readers and the varieties of opinion. You generally do a good job of putting a
wide variety of interesting letters in the mix. However, I for one have heard
enough about the motorbike vs car handling issue. Whilst the original article
was somewhat interesting, it’s going on adnausium with my interest ending after
about the 2nd response.
I would assume that most people subscribing to AutoSpeed are car enthusiasts
not bike enthusiasts (hence the name AutoSpeed, not BikeSpeed). It’s simply not
on the radar as a point of interest.
I am not having a go - I am just annoyed that I have to skim through or
overlook an article that I normally really enjoy.
Craig Dunn
Australia
And – Again – No More Bikes!
Dear Response, how long before the bike/car debate is going to stop filling
the Response section? I have raced sidecars, open wheelers, tin-tops and boats -
let’s get back to some varied content please.
Scott Bell
Australia
How long? I think your email will be the last on the topic!
B4 Enhancement
I am interested in the EcuTeK program for my Subaru B4 (as covered at
B4 and After). My concerns are: Does the
change in program alter the engine’s reliability? Does it increase fuel
consumption? Is it necessary to have a blow-off valve? And, finally, does it
affect insurance premiums?
Peter Fallon
Australia
We wouldn’t expect any change in reliability so long as the engine doesn’t
detonate – a factor that applies even to the standard car. Fuel consumption at
wide-open throttle will be increased because MRT richens the mixture. However,
the overall rate of fuel consumption is probably near to standard. A blow-off valve is fitted from factory but there’s no need to change to an
aftermarket valve. Re insurance – we suggest you contact your insurance company for details. As we said in our article, the EcuTeK upgrade (at $1550) is not cheap but it
is very effective.
Terrific TDis
Have you guys test driven any of latest VW Golf TDi's yet? I would be keen to
hear your points of view.
I have recently driven the Golf TDi 1.9 DSG gearbox and was so impressed that
my MY01 WRX is for sale. The gearbox was fantastic, the fuel economy looks
fantastic and the torque was very impressive. I can't wait to test drive the 2.0
16V version with DSG.
If you can get your hands on one I am sure the readers would be impressed
with a new car review. Keep up the good work.
Jason Seagg
Australia
Stay tuned – we’ve got a test of the VW’s cousin, the 103kW Audi A3 TDi 2.0,
coming soon.
Machining Madness
A previous Response feature mentioned disc brakes losing their longevity due
to machining.
My father was a diesel mechanic during the 1950-70s; he often
commented/moaned about the regularity of items being over-serviced in modern
motor vehicle maintenance, that were just a plain rort and sometimes were not
really as necessary as manufacturers stipulated.
Disc facing/machining was one of them. He'd say it reduced the effective
contact area of the brake pad and disc by removing the grooves which the pads
were always 'meant' to conform to over time. The pad was the
consumable/throw-away item - not the disc as well. New pads apparently would
quickly groove themselves into fit with the older un-machined disc face.
I always thought this was one of his more feral automotive opinions. Each
time my car's brakes needed new pads, it was out with "And don't waste yer money
on refacing either, once you start machining discs, you've got to keep doing
it!"
Maybe he was right... who knows? Never was that game to prove it.
John Kirkham
Australia
How thirsty?
I am considering a non-turbo 1989 Nissan 300ZX or a non-turbo S13 Silvia. I
understand that the 300 is a 3 litre 6 cylinder engine, which would obviously
gobble down the fuel quite hungrily (I read somewhere an approximate figure of
about 7.5 to 8km for a litre of petrol). Forgetting all else and just judging by
the fuel economy, either for the 1.8 or 2 litre non-turbo Silvias, how much
better fuel economy could it offer me? (This is, of course, based on
Grandma-style driving and not revving the hell out of the engine.)
Considering the ridiculous way that the fuel prices are going up I need to take
this into account. Some information on this would be much appreciated.
Sam
Australia
We're not sure of the exact figures, but we'd guess a 300ZX would achieve about
12 – 13 litres per 100km consumption. The non-turbo Silvia would offer about 9-10 litres/100 km. And be aware maintenance is a lot
more expensive on the Zed.
Unsung Warriors
Just a quick suggestion for some cars to add to your Weekday Warrior lists
Weekday Warriors - Part One!!
How ‘bout a Pug 306 GTI-6 or S16? These li’l flyers are now available for
anywhere up from about AUD$10k! The GTI-6 is a real a bargain! Also, from the
same stable is the 205 GTI (harder to live with) and the 206 GTI (still on the
high side in $$).
Yes, I am biased towards the little Pugs as I formally owned a 405 Mi16 which
was a hoot to fang - if a bit underpowered. The little ‘uns are a BLAST and
somewhat underrated in my opinion!!!
Cameron Tuesley
Australia
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