Cefiro Searching!
I just reviewed the article about the Nissan Cefiro
The Cefiro Alternative.... Where can I get more info
about this car, who imports them and approximately how much do they cost? Any
info will be greatly appreciated.
Rod Pearce
Australia
The vehicle we drove and photographed was supplied by Yahoo Motorsport
(+61 8 8345 0939/ 0416 080462 www.yahoomotorsport.com) John Verban, from
Yahoo Motorsport, is always bringing in 15yo imports. For something
closer to Melbourne,
we suggest a web search under "Cefiro”.
Anti-Lag
Take-Off?
Re Michael's Speed Zone
- I just wondered if you ever found out anything about the Accela
anti-lag/launch control thing?
Rob
Plummer
UK
There doesn't seem to be
any further info out there. Have any of our readers had any experience with
aftermarket anti-lag systems?
Hi-Ace v Ferrari!
Re Driving Emotion. I’ve decided not to congratulate you blokes again because everyone else does,
but who else would tell me all about a diesel luxury van? Yep, I'd love to have
one - but maybe not admit it... Next you are completely honest and described
clearly the Evo Lancer, only to finish washed up and not being able to do the
mandatory rave about a Ferrari. Ten points for frankness. You've got me.
Shane
Quinn
Australia
Which Engine is Supreme?
Just a quick query re Driving Emotion. In your opinion how would a Ford XR6T with APS Phase 3 kit compare to, say, a
Toyota Supra TT with similar mods? I recall reading one of your articles a
while back and you said that the Supra had the best engine of any turbo car you
have ever driven - or something to that effect. In your latest Driving
Emotion article, you said something to the same effect about the APS XR6T...
Darren
Smith
Australia
Wow - tough call! The Toyota engine is
sweeter at high revs but we'd need a side-by-side comparison to come
up with a winner.
Ecotec Enhancement
Just
wondered if you have any articles or are planning any on performance
modifications to the Holden Ecotec V6?
Chris
Australia
Check out Holden V6s with Leon Vincenzi,
The Zero Cost Holden Intake Mod,
Exec Envy and
Positive Pressure
Super Sea-Doo!
I recently purchased a Sea-Doo
GTX 4-Tec Supercharged PWC and thought you might be interested in some of its
engine specs... For a PWC it surely has an impressively hi-tech engine. It is a
1500cc 4-stroke triple with 4-valves-per-cylinder but only a SOHC. It features
multi-point fuel injection, dry sump lubrication plus it has a supercharger (the
ones that look like half a turbo). The power is impressive - 185hp at about
7800 rpm. All in a 400kg craft... The whole package is very impressive and it
pulls hard all the way to the redline. There is also an RXP version that has
215hp and an intercooler mounted inside the intake plenum! When you floor it
from a standing start you really have to hold on to the handlebars! Overall it
seems to be a very well engineered piece of equipment from
Bombardier.
Curtis
Schur
Australia
Re Mitsi Engine Epic
Just a comment about the recent
article detailing Mitsubishi engines 2004 Engine Epic - Mitsubishi Engines... The 6A12 2.0-litre V6
twin-turbo actually makes a bit more power than you have listed in your
article. This engine is found in the 1992-1996 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 (E84A
series) and the 1994-1996 Mitsubishi Galant GT Sport (E74A series). I have also
read suggestions that a very limited number of Mitsubishi Emeraudes were fitted
with this motor - since the Emeraude is basically a ‘92-96 Galant with different
body panels (ie same chassis, engine, drivetrain, interior) that would make
sense.
In 5-speed manual trim, the
6A12 twin turbo makes 179kW (240hp) at 6000 rpm and 309Nm at 3500 rpm. The
automatic version makes a bit less power - 160kW. In New Zealand we are luckily
enough to have these cars readily available - a good condition manual ‘94-96
VR-4 would probably set you back around $10k NZD.
Simon
Lye
New
Zealand
JPC New Contact Details
Many of your articles refer to
“Melbourne's JPC workshop". I’m just
wondering if you have a website for them and/or an address and contact
details.
Jay
Australia
JPC (Johnson's Performance Centre) has relocated since some of our earlier
stories were done. Their current phone number is +61 3 9469 2566.
Bendy Beam Details
I saw you’re the best website
and read information about ‘Bendy Beams’. Is it possible to send me more
information on how to use these fiberoptic cables in a car? I am going to use
these materials in my project vehicle.
Lavassani
Iran
If you haven't already, read Bendy Beams
There's no limitation to how
you can use fibre optics - the cable can be bent almost to a right-angle before
snapping, so you can route it almost anywhere through your car. Great for
illuminating switchgear, gauges, meter, door handles, etc.
Spark Logging
I love the technical features and articles on your site. I was wondering if
you know of a Do-It-Yourself or inexpensive way to datalog spark plug firing
voltage during maybe a quarter mile run or dyno pull?
The unit would preferably interface with a computer to do the datalogging and
be able to handle 4 channels at once (as in all 4 cylinders). I imagine the
pick-up would be a clamp-on that would go around each of the spark plug wires or
- in the case of a car with a dizzy - just around the coil wire. Any ideas?
Thanks and GREAT e-zine!
Toma
Kicovic
Canada
You could log spark voltage characteristics using a high-voltage probe and
datalogging oscilloscope - refer to Using Oscilloscopes on Cars, Part 1
Need a Circuit
I've got Subaru Liberty Bilstien and I want to use the turn light indicators
(like Statesman, Fairlane, most late Nissans and a few others). I want to take
the indicator signal (after the flasher can) and use a small circuit to
illuminate the turn lights in the front ‘bar. As this signal is not at constant
intervals (depending on engine/alternator speed and electrical current) I guess
there needs to be a timing circuit in place which holds circuit of for, say, 2-3
seconds and switches off unless it receives another pulse to reset/restart
timer.
Help! I know the logic (I think) but I don't know the electronics.
Simon
Brown
Australia
Silicon Chip will be releasing an AutoTimer kit that will be able to do
this perfectly. Stay tuned.