Starlet Slip-Up #1
Re the recent Toyota Starlet GT article Super Star-let... The 4E-FTE engine is 1.3
litre - not 1.5 litre as stated.
Graham Anderson
Australia
Starlet Slip-Up #2
In the Super Star-let article (Super Star-let)
you mention a “1.5 litre DOHC 4E-FTE engine”. The 4E-FTE engine is a 1.3 litre
unit. Was this engine re-bored to 1.5 litre to squeeze 131kW from it? Not a wise
idea – you’re better off doing an engine swap.
Janitha
Sri Lanka
Well spotted. The engine is the
factory 1.3 litre 4E-FTE. Article now fixed.
Speedo Corrector Will Work?
Do you know if the Speedo Corrector will work with the BMW/Mini Cooper?
Tony Wattwood
USA
We can’t see any problems but you
should first identify the road speed signal wire and take some multimeter
measurements - as discussed in the book Performance Electronics for Cars (Book Review - Performance Electronics for Cars)
500 Times Better!
I just wanted to let you know that you guys are doing a top job with
AutoSpeed. Excellent reference articles - it’s just great. About 500 times
better than the magazines out there - at a fraction of the cost.
James Wade (One Happy Reader)
Australia
PC Control Vote #2
Re "PC Control of Kits?" (Response)... I think PC control of the
kits would be a great idea. Sure, the maps are simple, but it would still be
excellent to be able to view the entire map at once, or to display a few and be
able to compare them at a glance. And just think of the potential of real-time
logging and processing of the data... If Silicon Chip is willing to perform this
development, it would certainly be a bonus to have the option of PC control.
Nick West
Australia
If there is enough demand it is
possible that a PC interface will be introduced. However, there are no plans for this to occur.
Beefy Applause
I read your article on Daihatsu engines (Engine Epic - Daihatsu, Suzuki and Isuzu Engines)
and was wondering if they made a 1.6 litre turbo engine? I have a Daihatsu
Applause and I’m looking for something a bit beefy to dump in.
Isaac
Australia
We aren’t aware of any Daihatsu 1.6
litre turbo engines. The most powerful 1.6 is the HD-EG (as fitted to the
Japanese spec Charade DeTomaso). This engine develops 92kW.
Capri Capers
I have read your article on the Ford Capri Club Sprint (Capri Eye Opener)
and wonder is you can put me in contact with the owner. I have a Ford Capri and
am looking to customise my XR2 Ford Capri Convertible (turbo). If you can help
it would be appreciated.
Anne Beach
New Zealand
The car was modified by Damian at
G-Tech Performance (contact via www.gtech.com.au). The owner is
Damian’s cousin.
First Car Pursuit
I have contacted you before about buying a first car. As yet, I haven't been
able to decide on something that is good looking and has a decent semi powerful
engine. I also want a car that is about 1995 to 1998 and with a maximum price of
about 10 grand. I have looked at the 1996 Ford Falcon EF XR6, 3.0 litre
1991-1992 Soarer and the 1992 Subaru sports wagon. I was wondering if you have
any suggestions of a different car?
Doug
Australia
We assume a turbo car is out of the
question as a first car. Check out the VQ30 powered Nissan Maxima (which was
released with a manual gearbox), Nissan Bluebird SSS, Magna Sport, naturally
aspirated Cefiro or Skyline, Ford TX5/Mazda 626/MX-6 V6, Calibra V6 and almost
any early ‘90s Honda. There’s a fair range of vehicles there!
Looking for a Centre
Re your article about replacement wheel centres (Custom Wheel Centre Rings)...
Where did you get these made? I would like to get a set for my recently
purchased Toyota Celsior and yours look perfect!
Brett Cashmore
Australia
The company responsible for those
wheel centres is listed at the end of the article - www.depuluwheels.com
Monster Mini Conversion
I have enjoyed reading your 2004 series on Japanese engines. I am currently
searching for a suitable engine for a conversion into my 1969 Mini. I know of
many examples of G13Bs and 4E-FTEs being used. I was wondering what you think
would be suitable as far as size and horsepower is concerned. I have been
thinking about a 1NZ-FE with turbo, K3-VET and K3-EV2 in addition to the 4EFTE.
I am aiming for a reliable and compact engine that will enable me to run a 13
second quarter mile (this has been done with a 4E-FTE conversion given minor
tweaks).
Douglas Fimmell
Australia
The 4E-FTE and G13B conversions
have one major advantage – they have already been done, so you should be able to
obtain info and advice. But for something different... Check out the late-model
Suzuki MA15 (from the Ignis Sport and current Swift) or MA16 (from the current Liana). The
Toyota 1NZ-FE, K3-VET and K3-EV2 are also good choices. But for a 13 second pass,
you’d need to do quite a lot of work to any of these engines. The 4E-GTE is
probably the best platform to run that sort of time.
Thirstier Prius?
I read with interest you articles on supercharging a Prius. I know that the
focus was on improving on-road performance, but I was a little disappointed that
there was so little mention of fuel consumption changes (if any) after the
modifications were made. I would think that with the real improvements made to
on-road performance, a same or minimal increase in fuel usage would be of great
interest to everyone - from the motoring public to the auto manufacturers.
Do you have any comparative before and after fuel consumption figures?
Craig Dunn
Australia
The supercharger didn’t stay on
the Prius long but in that time, fuel consumption remained very similar to standard. We don’t have
any back-to-back comparative figures - but we will have for the upcoming turbo conversion!
Swifter Suzuki
I am currently driving a Suzuki Ignis Sports (Swift Sports) and it feels like
there is some restriction. Do you have any recommendations or advice to improve
power?
Davin
Singapore
You might pick up some extra power by
installing a free-flow exhaust and cold air intake together with altered engine
management (perhaps an interceptor). We aren’t aware of any bolt-on upgrades –
can any readers help?
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