Make It For Me!
Hi there - I've been a long time follower of your brilliant articles and low budget how tos. Anyway, I came across this website for an electric supercharger from the 'States called an E-RAM (www.electricsupercharger.com). I thought you might like to do an article on it, since it's a little like the TurboZet (which I could tell you weren't overly impressed by). The E-RAM product certainly looks a little better, but what I'm really interested in is if you guys could looking into building a cheap DIY version of it using locally sourced bits and pieces (that's what you guys do best!).
I own a Holden VL Turbo and just about all the mods I've done to it have come from you guys - needle valve boost control, mandrel 'pieces' 3-inch exhaust, cold air induction using stormwater piping and blocked over-boost valve. Basically, no bullshit mods that I'm very happy with. At the moment I'm looking to do a few more little mods without going intercooling, so when I came across this electric supercharger idea I wanted to know more - that's why I'm turning to you.
Keep up the great work, thanks for all the DIY projects and design me a cheap electric supercharger that will go beautifully on my VL Turbo! Thanks again.
Matthew Roper
Australia
The E-Ram certainly looks interesting. We'll keep it in mind for a future story but, sorry, we won't be making our own version anytime soon. As you can appreciate, the time to design such a device, source the parts, assemble it, test it on various cars and asses its durability would be pretty massive. Why don't you just add a 'cooler push the boost up a bit further on your VL-T!? Easy.
Misguided Speed
Hi, can I pay for Malaysia traffic fines in Singapore?
Tecksoon
Singapore
Er, sorry, we don't know - we're based in Australia!
Too Much Speed
Would your DIY Rev Switch work on a 2001 6-cylinderCamaro to shut the engine down at 70 mph? Any info would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance.
Adrienne Caveny
USA
The rev switch cannot be used in this way (not without an awful lot of design work anyway). An electric speed alert system should be available off-the-shelf in your area.
Column Comeback
I had not logged into AutoSpeed the last few weeks and was looking forward to the upfront, honest, at times humorous but always entertaining editorial columns. Imagine my surprise when I read that there would be no more regular columns. Come on, you have got to be kidding. It is these very editorial columns that create the link between the reader and the editorial staff; call it a trust relationship. I have always read the AutoSpeed editorials and articles and have come away with a great respect for the contributors and editorial staff who have always come across as great supporters of the AJA code of ethics that states "Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism." I believe that you do yourself a disservice by eliminating this column.
Stan Krainovic
Australia
Due to demand we are now continuing our 'columns', though in a different format to previously and no longer on a routine basis. These will now take on the form of an opinionated article - as seen in Julian Edgar's Re-Invention of Engine Management Modification.
Good Oil?
I've been using 5W30 oil in my AU Falcon for the past 80,000 kilometres. Do you have any information relating to long-term wear using this light oil in the Falcon?
Kevin De Mamiel
Australia
Sorry, we have no specific related information at this time. We suggest talking to the service division at a local Ford dealer and asking their experiences - might be worth a shot.
45 Grand Fun?
After reading your article on the Falcon XR6 Turbo, I started to wonder. Considering its price of $45k, how you think it compares to other cars for the same money; Nissan 200SX,Commodore SS and even a second-hand HSV Clubsport, in terms of performance, running costs etcetera?
If practicality were not an issue, which would you choose for $45k? Cheers.
Matt Watson
United Kingdom
Wow - that's a tough question to answer without some set criteria.
Certainly, the 200SX and Integra Type R don't offer a much in terms of practicality, but all of the big Holden and Ford sedans do. The XR6 Turbo (at just under 45k) is probably the best value new car in this bracket given the SS is considerably dearer - but, then, there is the relatively bare bones SV8 model available for 40-odd. A second-hand HSV makes a lot of sense - especially if it's a standard one with good service history. You can't really go wrong there. Running costs, however (mainly fuel and tyres) are pretty horrific for the LS1 vehicles - and the XR6 isn't too far behind. Even the Ralliart Magna can't be dismissed in this segment - it's got a fantastic 180kW V6 but, unfortunately, it struggles with its FWD chassis layout (especially in 5-speed manual/LSD form). The ground clearance of its front spoiler is also ridiculous. Lastly, despite being common as muck, the Subie WRX still offers good overall bang-for-buck, and - like a 200SX - is fairly easy to power-up.
Love Ya
I would just like to compliment you on the wonderful site. I have been browsing for three days now and am just amazed at this DIY dream come true. Keep up the outstanding job!
Joel Stith
USA
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