IEBC Question
I have a few questions regarding the Independent Electronic Boost Controller
(IEBC). To program the unit, I just monitor my in-car boost gauge and set the appropriate levels? This doesn't take
into account throttle position or
anything does it? It uses
just a fixed program,
correct?
Daniel Brook
USA
The IEBC is programmed on the basis of injector duty cycle (which is directly
related to throttle position and engine rpm). Yes, the IEBC should be
configured with an eagle-eye on your boost gauge – and an air-fuel ratio meter is highly recommended.
Honda Squeeze
I am a loyal reader of your New Car Tests. Can you do a test on the Honda Civic
2006, please? I am a
Honda fan and would like
to read and squeeze any information about Honda from your website.
Kevin Baxter
Australia
The new Civic, in particular the updated hybrid version, looks pretty good - we’ll certainly contact
Honda for access to a press vehicle.
BF Bungle?
Re your BF Ford
Falcon XT review Ford BF Falcon XT Test. Are you sure you guys reviewed a BF
as the car pictured has BA taillights? BFs have clear brake lenses.
Justin
Australia
Yes, it is certainly a BF – as evident by the new interior door handles, wheel
trims and front bumper. We’re not sure about the taillight situation. Our test car
was hired so it is possible the BF lights had been replaced with BA lights after an
accident – or maybe someone with a BA hired the car and pulled a swifty...
Alternatively, the low light conditions during our photo shoot may be
responsible for creating an illusion.
Blown Boxer
I am beginning a project which involves supercharging an Alfa 33 1712cc boxer engine and I could do with
any help you may see fit to give. At present, Ive been offered two supercharger units - one off a 4AG 1.6 and the other off a 1G 2-litre. I'm inclined to
go for the 1G item as
its displacement
is greater. What do you think?
Neither? I know nothing of the Subaru
Vivio but I'm told by some that its supercharger is too small. Help please!
Shaun Perhat
UK
The ex Subaru supercharger is too small for the job – designed for a 660cc
engine making just 47kW. We imagine either the 4AGZE or 1GGZE blower is
suitable so long as you’re not chasing any more than about 150kW. For more info,
see Supercharger Steal - Part One and Supercharger Steal - Part Two
Re Radios
Re Driving Emotion... It might help others in the same position as
Julian to have a look at this site - www.eham.net - before buying new radio gear. In particular, this review/thread on eham re:
Yaesu VR 500 here - www.eham.net - gives you 'the drum' on the latest known
pitfalls of your equipment.
One other important note to probable scanner purchasers; make
sure whatever scanner you
get has a connection to allow hooking the radio up to PCs... This feature alone makes scanning a more dynamic experience
than relying on the radio's interface to adjust
and input stuff.
And, lastly, I do
implore people to explore shortwave radio preferably
on 'decent' equipment. A whole smorgasbord of private/pirate radio stations exist 'out there' that alone make a
lifelong impression...
especially on those types who have been brought upon a diet of Australian broadcast
media.
John Kirkham
Australia
Next Mods for Rex?
I own a ‘05 Subaru Impreza WRX with
a bigger top-mount
intercooler, APS air intake, boost controller, turbo-back 3
inch exhaust
and APS blow off valve. I am currently looking at fitting a bigger turbo - which would be a bolt-on
and suitable for a street application? Will I need to change the fuel system as
well? I have also been looking at aftermarket pulley kits - do they make a difference?
Rhett
Australia
For a street application, a ‘too small’ turbocharger is generally better than
a ‘too big’ turbo. If you’re unsure whether the fuel system needs upgrading, we
suggest running the car at full power on a chassis dyno and checking the
mixtures and injector duty cycle. Pulley kits? We haven’t tried one –
can any readers offer some
experience?
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