Clear Screen
I need to have a front windscreen with demister wires made for
my '82 Toyota Supra rally car. I read somewhere that a custom screen can be
made in China - the problem is I can't find the magazine I read it in! Do you or
your readers have any leads?
Michael
South
Australia
We haven't seen any literature covering this topic. Readers
- we're looking to you!
Ripped Off
Used
car prices: in Australia we appear to be paying way too much for used cars. I
have been looking at the Nissan Skyline prices in Australia and comparing these
to prices just across the Tasman. Some comparisons as follows...
| Kiwi 2000 GT-T 23k on clock NZD$35,000 | Aussie 30k on
clock AUD$45,000 |
| Kiwi 1999 GT-T 51k on clock NZD$23,000 | Aussie 68k on clock
AUD$33,000 |
| Kiwi 1999 GT-T 29k on clock NZD$29,000 | Aussie 11k on clock
AUD$40,000 |
| Kiwi 1998 GT-T 18k on clock NZD$28,000 | Aussie 39k on clock
AUD$39,000 |
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Considering that the Aussie dollar value is currently 10%
up on the Kiwi dollar this makes the comparison even worse. Do you know of any
reason for the great variation? Is it viable to import these vehicles from NZ?
Rod Wilmot
Australia
The reasons for the price difference? Lots - but we're not sure any are valid. Re info on importing a car from NZ - details on this can be
found at www.dotars.gov.au
Simple SR Swap?
I'm soon going to be doing a SR20DET swap to my 1993 Nissan
240SX (American market). I was wondering what SR20DET motor I should install and
what will need to be changed or upgraded from the stock
car?
Devin
USA
The S13 SR20DET conversion is usually fairly straightforward
so long as you have the appropriate gearbox, tailshaft, ECU, loom, sensors, etc.
Since your car is left-hand-drive, however, there might be some clearance
issues. Try contacting Adelaide Japanese Imports .
They do a lot of exporting and might know of somebody who's tried the same
conversion. The best SR? We reckon the latest is the greatest - the S14/S15
engine with variable inlet cam timing.
Prepare for Take-Off
I was wondering if you ever have thought of doing a
Do-It-Yourself launch control/anti-lag system for modern EFI cars? A signal from
the rpm wire could be used to cut power to the ignition and an on/off switch
could be hooked up to a sensor on the clutch. In this arrangement, when the
clutch is depressed, the rev limit would be about 5500 rpm and you could hold
the throttle flat to the floor for launch. You could also flat shift through the
gears. It would be pretty cool if you developed something like that which is
cheap and simple to make.
Andrew
New Zealand
The system you describe (aka 'stutter
box') is quite different to a proper anti-lag system, but it is a possibility
for future developments. We'll look into it.
Torana Tale
Very good article on the Holden Torana GT-R
(Holden Torana GTR XU-1). When the original GTR was
released to the public, Harry Firth already had a prototype XU1 on the road with
the bigger motor and experimental carbs. Later, I believe there was there were
four V8 versions manufactured and one was used as a tow car to Bathurst in 1972
or 1973. It was commonly known as the "Lockwood" in reference to the two small
Lockwood padlocks on the bonnet to stop anyone opening it without authority!
Ken Bowers
New Zealand
Gasket Swap
I just want to ask if the engine gasket of a 4G93 engine will
fit in a 4G91 engine (DOHC Mitsubishi).
Mario Samala
Bahamas
We're not sure. Try asking the question on a related
forum or at your local Mitsubishi dealer. Also, be aware that the gasket (we
assume you mean head gasket) might fit, but it may have a different thickness
affecting compression ratio.
Sipping Soarers
Re your Toyota Soarer 3.0-litre 6 cylinder test - Soarer 3-litre.
You stated fuel consumption was 12.7L/100km but it didn't say city or highway
cycle. I'm trying to compare to the SC400 report, which states fuel consumption
for both cycles.
Tom Fermanis
Australia
The 12.7-litre quoted figure is an average - some highway, some urban driving and some performance testing. Expect to achieve better when you leave
out the performance driving....
EXA TT?
I was contemplating making my Nissan EXA a twin turbo. I've
bought a T25 turbo from a S13 180SX along with injectors. I am thinking I will
need to do something to the computer - either put another chip in there or buy a
new system. Will there be enough room in the engine bay for the extra turbo? I
have already installed a top-mount intercooler with a blow-off valve and boost
controller. Is this going to be possible and how much do you reckon it'll
cost?
Mark
Australia
Two identical turbochargers are necessary to run a
simultaneous twin-turbo system and the T25 is too big for this configuration on
the E15ET motor - there would be huge lag. Good results might be
achievable with a sequential twin-turbo system but the cost and complexity of
such a system would be prohibitive. We suggest simply bolting on the T25 in
place of the existing T2 - we have seen impressive results from this mod.
Standard management should suffice so long as the fuel and ignition system are
in good condition. In any case, it's a good idea to keep check on air-fuel
ratios.
Fast Forester Coming?
Great mag - keep it up. I just wanted to know if you are going
to be testing the new XT Subaru Forester? I had a short test-drive in one the
other day and was quite impressed. Considering how upset certain people
were about your comment on the Astra keeping up with the WRX, I wonder how they
will feel about a family wagon keeping up with them? Considering the STi move to
a 2.5-litre, I wonder how long it will be before we see STi bits letting XTs
smoke local Rexs... And, while I am upsetting people, I saw on the Forester forum
an ad that had been in a US paper that stated that the Forester was quicker to
60 mph than the Nissan 350Z! The new Forester would have to be one of the
best sleepers around - ditch the Geolanders, tweak the suspension and do the
usual boost and exhaust mods and you would be laughing. Great for really fast
soccer mums!
Jason Martin
Australia
We'd love to test the new range of Subies but Subaru Australia hasn't
provided a car since our review of the '02 STi New Car Test - Subaru Impreza STi...
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