Small Cars with Big ‘Uns
Re your recent "Small
Cars with Big Cubes" series (Small Cars with Big Cubes - Part One and Small Cars with Big Cubes - Part Two)... I applaud your inclusion of an Alfa
in this article, albeit
one with the somewhat unique design influences that are only found in
‘80s
and early ‘90s model Alfas. However, it would have been good to see a review or the inclusion
of a 147 or 156 with the
V6 motor. The 147 GTA -
now that’s a small car with big cubes! I
was also surprised to see the inclusion of the Mazda 323 - 2.3-litres in a
car that size is almost the norm these days. Other than that, good articles most of the time, keep up
the good
work.
Robert
Australia
Searching for Nissan V8 Info
I am looking to fit a VQ/VH45 into my 240Z (primarily for race). Do you
have any performance
specs and details of where
to get the go-bits from?
Rick Graef
Australia
We don’t have any more information on the Nissan V8s than mentioned in the
articles Import Motors '05 - Part One and 2004 Engine Epic - Nissan Engines.
More on that Driving Emotion
I just read Driving Emotion by Julian Edgar. Maybe the biker was trying to keep his licence. Maybe Julian drove better than he rode. Or maybe he was just f&^%ing with him.
Bikes aren't faster through corners (about the
same, maybe slower) because cars have a bigger contact patch on the
road - in a corner, bikes
only have about 2.5cm of rubber on the road. If you
talk about performance, talk bikes - no CD
player, no air con, nobulls&^*
- just you and the road. Bikes have only what's required for speed (and maybe some
flashy paint).
Hooligan
Australia
Pug Muck Ups
I just though you might want to know about some errors in
the latest Pug 307
review (Peugeot 307 XSE). Firstly, you
say "The Peugeot 307 XSE 5-peed manual"
- which I though was rather
amusing! And you say "the factory figure 0-100 km/h
figure is 8.9".
Love the mag. Any chance of an article about DIY spring and damper install?
Andrew Lamb
Australia
Much appreciated - article now fixed. Do an
AutoSpeed search on springs and dampers and
you’ll find plenty of interesting stuff – but, no, we haven’t yet done a DIY
conversion. We’ll put it on our ‘to do’ list!
10k to Spend...
I just turned 18 a week ago and I’m on the look for my first car.
I have a budget of around
ten grand and have already narrowed it down to three particular cars
- the Nissan Skyline R32, Nissan Silvia and Toyota Soarer (1987). I like all of these cars for different reasons but I’m still having trouble picking the right one. I
would appreciate it if you
could give me some guidance.
Justin
Australia
If you haven’t already, check out road tests of each at Burger With the Lot, Loose Change Luxury, The Family R32, Pre-Owned Performance - Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-t, Silvia Surprise, Nissan S13 CA18DET, Nissan 180SX SR20DET. Assuming you’re talking
about the turbocharged versions, we reckon the R32 and S13 are the better choice
in terms of parts availability and resale value. But take it on a car-by-car
basis – the quality and price of these cars vary hugely.
Interesting AFM Application
There is always something interesting to read/see at
AutoSpeed. I thought I'd ask if you have
checked out the TechEdge air/fuel ratio meters and the Megasquirt DIY EFI computers? Also,have you heard of problems with repositioning vane type airflow meters so
that they are on the pressure side (of my supercharger)?
Howard Hartman
Australia
No, we haven’t encountered either of those products. Interesting
question re using a vane AFM – we’re not sure if it will/won’t work but a good
first step would be to block the inlet/outlet ends and pressurize the AFM body
to see if there’s any leakage.
Need a Switch
I saw some article with the little sensitive vacuum/pressure switch Powering Up the Pressure Switch. I require a vacuum switch that switches open or closed at a
light vacuum (close to
atmospheric). Switching polarity doesn't matter as I can plumb up the vacuum switching valve to suit (NO or
NC) which I am using the
switch to control. Any other kits to
give progressive PWM to a vacuum switching valve from open to shut relative to a) manifold vacuum and
b) rpm.
Scott Wiggins
Australia
ounds like
you need the Silicon Chip Independent
Electronic Boost Control (IEBC) to give variable duty cycle control.
SeeAutoSpeed Shop This uses a
fuel injector input (which is derived from a combination of engine load and
rpm).
High Voltage Relays
In response to the "Using Relays"
article (Using Relays)...
I have an imported 24-volt Nissan Patrol with a third auxiliary 12V battery in the
rear for stereo, car fridge, etc run off a 30A 24V – 12V battery
charger. My intended list of modifications will require the use of relays running 24V accessories from 12V 'triggers' and vice versa.
(For example, switching on/off 24V cooling fans from a 12V source or converting my 24V central locking to '12V controlled' remote
central locking etc).Can I use 24V through 12V relays or do I need to match the relay depending on what voltage will be used to switch it?
Jeff Dean
Australia
We suggest using relays with 12V coils but higher switching voltages (eg 24
or 36V DC). Don't forget to make sure current capacity of the relay is sufficient for the application.
MAP Finding
In your response column of Issue 358 (Response), Shaun O'Brien is after
an inexpensive MAP sensor
available in Australia...
I believe the Motorola
MPX4250A-MPXA4250A series sensors fit the bill nicely.They measure 2.9psi – 36psi absolute and have a conditioned output between 0-5V. They are available from
www.partsvault.com which are based in Australia and I imagine they
shouldn’t be too much more than AUD$30, considering they are about
US$15 from suppliers in the US.
Geoff
Australia
Yes, we have seen these items in the past
but the cheapest we’ve been able to get them locally is AUD$70+.
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