Blow-Off Valve Sounds
Great site, found it not long ago and have been reading thru the tech articles, very good :). I've got a suggestion for one, a lot of people, me included would be interested in an article about blow-off valves, as in makes a factory standard sound like their expensive friends. Most people I know would love to do this but are unsure about it, for instance I have a 94 Twin Turbo RS, so many hoses etc and have no idea where the blow-off valve is for the life of me... Anyway just a suggestion.
Again thanks for the great site.
Dean Cogger
New Zealand
You might like to look at "Psssshhht!"
Gear Ratios
I'm a new subscriber, and am looking for an article on gear ratios etc that will explain exactly how to work out how a change to gear ratio/final drive/tyre size will affect road speed and speedo accuracy. What is the formula for working out road speeds in gears based on tyre size etc.
Adrian Burford
South Africa
We have not done a story on gearing of the sort that you suggest, however we have now put it on our list of stories to consider doing in the future.
Hell, It's for Petrol-Heads!
With respect, you seem not to be catering for the "small car driver" ... those people who prefer to drive around in the Barinas, Daewoo Matiz's, Daihatsu Sirions etc etc. It seems that if it does not have a turbo fitted, or has the price tag of "tens of thousands of $$$'s", then no coverage is given to it. It's always turbo this or turbo that. I for one, will not be renewing my membership, if I am to be subjected to the "the turbo charge of editorial" that too often is featured. Your newsletters are well written, but alas, they are aimed at the "rev and petrol heads", and do not cater for others.
Bryan Harvey
Australia
AutoSpeed is a performance on-line magazine, so we certainly hope that our content is (largely) aimed at "rev and petrol heads"! You may wish to subscribe to the free newsletter at our sister site, www.autoweb.com.au if you want more consumer-based car information.
Anyone for a BBQ?
Damian Van Loon
Australia
Surface Finishes for Low Drag
I have a read al lot about shark skin here in Europe. This shark skin was developed in a German university and is now produced by 3M. But they currently don't sell it, cause, as they say, it's still to be tested. But they use it to reduce the air resistance of airplanes (Airbus) etc. Reading a bout this shark skin, I got the information that a smooth or even a polished surface is not good for air resistance. My hobby is sailing and I know that often sandpaper is used to reduce the resistance between water and the boat's surface. Do you have any information how rough the surface (eg of a hose) should be to have a minimum of air resistance?
Thanks in advance.
Jochen Herrmann
Switzerland
Funny you mention this, because we did some research on this topic for a proposed Smart Technology story, but unfortunately we could find little other than the material has also been used in the production of Olympic-level swimsuits. Anyone?
Spending Money
Hey guys, great online magazine you've got going here. Just a quick question. I own a 1999 Nissan Pulsar 1.6 (GA16DE). I've fitted a 2-inch exhaust with extractors, cold air induction, Unichip, enlarged throttle body, 18mm rear swaybar and a strut brace. I am looking at further increasing the performance but as I am only 19, forced induction or a motor swap are off limits for the time being. I was looking at getting the head port and polished and wondered if you guys think that this would be worthwhile?
Luke
Australia
To be absolutely and devastatingly honest, we think that the money that you have outlaid would have been better added to the purchase cost of the car and used to buy a faster car in the first place. However, if you want to continue spending money on what you have, we would suggest a new cam and some simple (ie cleaning-up) headwork.
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