Wanting More on Magna Sports
I’m writing in regard to your article New Car Test - Mitsubishi Magna Sport 3.5 Sports Model...
I know it was a long time ago (1999) but I was wondering if you could please
answer a few questions...
I’m looking to buy a manual Mitsubishi Magna Sports from around this time.
Could you please tell me the difference between the TF, TH and TJ versions? Was
the follow up article mentioned at the end of your test ever published? If so,
what was it called and where can I find it? Did you ever try the manual version?
If so, how does it compare? Are there any specific things I should be looking at
when inspecting these cars (other than the usual things)? Any other information
would be much appreciated.
Daniel Hyde
Australia
We did not end up receiving another
TH Magna Sports for test so there was no follow-up. As far as
we’re aware, there are no specific problems related to these cars. You’ll be
pleased to hear that we’ve decided to put together
an article dedicated to the second-hand Magna Sports range – so stick
around!
Elise Experts?
Got any suggestions where I might get work done on a Rover K-series engine
from a Lotus Elise (I’m in Canberra)? I’m specifically after cylinder head
porting, but also general tuning, parts and just people that know about this
engine.
Barry
Australia
We don’t know of any local workshops
to suggest – can any readers help?
Spacer Search
Re the article on Phenolic intake manifold spacers - Cool Stuff - Manifold Insulators
The guy’s website and email (given at the bottom of the article) are no
longer valid. I tried to reach him. You may want to mark this in the article.
Any idea how to contact him? I'm trying to track down a good source of the
phenolic sheets.
Jim Tapp
USA
Sean Morgan (author of the article)
can now be contacted at sales@outlawengineering.com and check out his new site
at www.outlawengineering.com These details have
now been updated in our original article.
Move the AFM?
I just have a quick question that I hope you, or one of your readers, can
help me with... I have a Holden VL Turbo that is stock apart from a small
front-mount intercooler and I have been given advice to move my airflow meter
from its stock location (before the turbo) and plumb it between the intercooler
and throttle body. I would have thought it doesn't matter where it was as the
amount (or, more specifically, mass) of air passing the meter would be the same.
Do you have an opinion on this?
Steven Colverd
Australia
We can’t see any
reason for moving the airflow meter.
Looking for a Replacement
Great mag. I actually purchased my last car (a 3.5 litre manual Mitsubishi
Magna) after doing a lot of research - mainly on your site. So keep up the good
work! Now I'm in the market for a new vehicle. I have done a bit of research but
I haven’t been able to find, let alone think of, a car that would suit my needs.
I'm after something with the practicality of four doors (I do a bit of country
driving as well) and also something that can shovel it on track days, hill
climbs and motorkhanas. The Magna has served me well with practicality and
performance, however there is only so much you can get out of a large FWD before
you have to spend an arm and a leg on handling mods. I have considered the AWD
Magna (relatively new and in my price range at about AUD$20,000) but,
unfortunately, they only were made in auto. It would be much appreciated if you
can point me in the right direction.
AFA
Australia
Hmm, a late-model car with four doors
that goes well at track days... The first car that springs to mind is the Subaru
WRX. This car really has dominated its market and killed the opposition. You
might also want to consider the Liberty B4 twin-turbo, LS1 Commodore (we assume
BA XR6Ts are a bit out of the price range). Note that Ralliart Magnas are also
starting to drop in price – you can get one for around 25 grand. The LSD/manual
gearbox version might be worth a look if you’re happy to put up with its
low-speed torque-steer...
Import Car Regs?
With the recent change in rules governing ‘grey’ imports are you contemplating
writing an article to help guide the uninitiated through the new rules? Is it
more practical to go to a registered importer and pay a little more for the
import? Your answer to these questions and many more not covered here would be
greatly appreciated.
Steve Tait
Australia
All is answered at www.dotars.gov.au. There is less risk involved in buying a car with registration direct
from the importer. This avoids any unforeseen problems with the car and/or its
associated paperwork. But, yes, you will generally pay more taking this
approach.
Good Reading
I am chasing a second copy of a book “ZOOM - EFI Tech Special" that I got a
few years ago. It was advertised in Silicon Chip magazine. I'm not sure
whether you can help.
Additionally, I recently purchased a copy of Julian Edgar’s “21st Century
Performance” book and find that it suits me to the ground. I found the book well
written and presented. Being of an engineering background, I found the myriad of
coloured diagrams, illustrations and photos essential for the learning
experience. It has always been disappointing in the past to find technical books
of this nature filled with reams of text and only the imagination of the reader
left to work out what was meant. This is a reference book and will live on
bookshelves for a long time.
I also have the new book "Performance
Electronics for Cars" .
I wonder if you might consider producing an article or series of articles
along the lines of "Preparing the BIG ones" with reference to V8 Supercars -
they must be some kind of car and the technology implemented fascinating. The
guy in the street (us common folk) would find it intriguing.
Bill Kelson
Australia
Try Silicon Chip Publications - the Tech Special was produced under their auspices. Re a
technical series on Supercars - when we have previously covered race car technology, we have found the articles have been poorly read.
Pic Permission
AutoSpeed – and Julian in particular - I am wondering if I can have
permission to use some of your photos in my club magazine? From MX-5 to the Max
I would like to use three photos. They would be published in MX-Tra - the
magazine of the Mazda MX-5 Club of Victoria. Credit would naturally be
given.
Matt King
Australia
As long as credit
is given, that's fine in a club magazine
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