Cooler Rodeo
I am after an intercooler for my 2001 Holden Rodeo 2.8-litre
turbo diesel. I can't get onto one anywhere. Can you make/organize one? Any info
would be appreciated.
Jon Morrow
Australia
"Haulin' Arse!"and APS Rodeo intercooling Kits. If
you're on a budget, check out "The World's Biggest Intercooler Comparison - Part One" -
specifically the medium to large size intercoolers.
Easier Breathing Intercooler
I found your intercooler comparison articles ("The World's Biggest Intercooler Comparison - Part One"
very helpful. Is it possible to somehow increase the airflow of the 'coolers by
welding on bigger end pipes? Or is it the actual core that's restrictive? The
'cooler I'm most interested in is from the JDM VR4 as I'm currently in the
process of importing the car. Keep up the great work!
Eugene Dem
Australia
Compare the Series 5 RX7 intercooler to the Series 4 and you
can see that larger pipework can improve the overall flow efficiency of an
intercooler. This might not be particularly effective in all cases as, like you
mentioned, the core might be causing the bulk of restriction. Maybe weld on some
larger pipes and see how you go. If you do, please let us know the
result!
And the Mystery Intercooler Is...
In Part 2 of the recent intercooler test "The World's Biggest Intercooler Comparison" the intercooler labelled
"Volvo/Saab" is actually a Volvo intercooler. These were used on all B230 Turbo
engines in the 700 series cars (760 Turbo and 740 Turbo) and, I think, in the
900 series. It may also have been used on the 200 series Turbos not sold in
Australia. In Volvo circles this intercooler is/was known to be good for quite
high power usage (200-300hp).
Kerry Novak
Australia
Thanks for clearing that up. We'll update the details in the
article!
WRX Whipper?
When reading your review on the BA Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo "New Car Test - Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo"
I noticed some obviously misguided information. Don't get me wrong, the XR6T is
a nice car and it is about time Australia upgraded to something more hi-tech and
up to date. However, you mentioned that the XR6T will run 6-second 0 - 100s and
will outrun the Impreza WRX. The 2004 WRX is a 5.6-second 0 - 100 km/h vehicle
and the STi does 4.9-seconds, so I'd like to know where you get your facts.
Sounds like a selling technique... I've read online there was a test recently
done with the Evo, STi and XR6T and the Subaru was the winner. So, in my
opinion, the XR6T is good but not there just yet. Ford has a bit to go to keep
up with the little 4x4s.
Ben
Australia
Our Ford XR6 Turbo test went onto AutoSpeed in November 2003 and,
therefore, our comparison with the WRX was made with the vehicle available at
that time (which did not have variable cam timing etc).
The Amazing Resistor
I've been a member for quite a while and I enjoy reading pretty
much all the articles that you publish. I was surfing and discovered an
intriguing product on sale. Basically, it's a resistor that replaces the intake
air temperature sensor. It is said to lean out the air-fuel ratio and advance
ignition timing 1 to 2 degrees, creating more power.
I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on this as I recall
that there was an article somewhere on AutoSpeed that suggested a mod similar to
this. Is this a mod that is possible and safe on any car or is this person
trying to scam the innocent? Maybe you might even want to test it out on the
Maxima...
Andrew Hew
Australia
Modifying the signal from the intake air temp sensor has
been discussed at "DIY Modification of Car Electronic Systems - Part 2". Using
a default resistor value, however, seems a little bit risky. Varying the output
of an existing sensor maintains some ability to change for different ambient
conditions. A fixed resistor does not, which means you might be pushing the
boundaries of detonation in very hot conditions.
In the case of the Maxima, ignition timing can be easily changed across
the range by rotating the dizzy. Stay tuned for a future article on changing
AFRs with a superb DIY electronic interceptor...
Strong 'Box
I have a 383ci stroker in my VK Holden Commodore and would like
to put a 5-speed behind it. I was wanting your opinion on which 'box would suit
best; the motor puts out 470 horsepower. I would like a gearbox that won't break
and a price.
Byron Rich
Australia
Check out"Gearbox Swapping"You
might also want to talk to Castlemaine Rod Shop (+618 35472 2853) and
Dellow Automotive (+618 29774 4419) to discuss details and prices.
Which Way to Go?
I currently own a VL Holden Commodore with a standard RB30E.
I'm looking to replace it with an RB20DET. Do you know of any way of getting
hold of one? I'm in Melbourne, Australia. Or would I be better off putting a
turbo on my RB30? I've had suggestions of putting a T4 or RB25DET turbo on my
existing engine. Any information would be greatly appreciated
Glenn
Australia
RB20DETs can be freighted from Adelaide Japanese Dismantlers
(www.adelaidejap.com.au) or other Japanese importing wreckers.
Go for the 158kW silver rocker cover version from the R32 Skyline if possible
(it has a larger turbo etc and makes more power). Another alternative would be
to transplant a factory RB30ET from a VL Turbo. Then again, it would probably be
more cost-effective to sell your existing VL and buy a factory VL Turbo. We
wouldn't bother trying to turbocharge the atmo engine.
Pics'n'Posters 4 Me?
I was wondering if you could kindly send me some pamphlets,
brochures, posters or stickers for any of the following cars: Nissan Skyline,
Toyota Supra, Honda Integra or Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. If you could kindly send
me those things I would be overwhlemed and will gladly forward your internet
address to all of my friends.
Kyle
Australia
AutoSpeed doesn't stock posters etc. The images we run on
this site have been taken with our own camera equipment - you can print out our
on-line pics (but only for your own, single use) if you want...
Cool Buy!
With regards to the intercooler comparison article "The World's Biggest Intercooler Comparison - Part One"... I recently purchased a
Nissan Pulsar GTi-R intercooler to fit to my Ford KH TX3 at the bargain price of
$150 from Yahoo Motorsports (www.yahoomotorsport.com).
This would have to be close to the best "bang for your buck" out of all the
'coolers reviewed, wouldn't it? Keep up the good work with AutoSpeed. The
article on the HSV testing day was also an interesting read.
Daniel Streefkerk
Australia
At $150 a GTi-R intercooler would certainly be up there for biggest 'bang
for buck' - what a bargain!
More on the Controversial Zed
Your critical article on the 350Z "Driving Emotion" certainly set the cat amongst
the pigeons! Like you, I continue to be amazed at the totally blind brand
loyalty expressed by many of these critics. As you so correctly observe, many -
no - most would not have even driven a Z, let alone a Z and an HSV over
any same road.
Almost certainly they wouldn't have driven either on your local
challenging and unforgiving road.
At least you can rest easy in knowing that
these blind zealots are not confined to AutoSpeed's readers. I note that any
critical comment passed by a road tester in other Australian car mags is
immediately followed by a string of invective-filled letters that usually skirt
the real facts and become a personal attack on the author. Actually, now that I
think about it, it does seem to be restricted to the Aussie magazines and that
is a sad indictment on our logic. Although, to get a positive slant on the
issue, I guess it does show that at least we are fiercely loyal - just a bit
stupid and unrealistic...
I've owned too many cars to admit to and I've loved
lots of things about most of them, but they have all had their faults. Probably
my favourite was the Sierra Cosworth 500 as a road car. I put a chip and new
wastegate valve on it - went like a dog shot in the bum and yet was very placid
and comfortable to drive. Until it started to rain. It was a real worry in the
wet because as soon as boost came on it would just break traction in any gear
and start to go sideways. Another favourite was a Peugeot 505 STi that I turbo'd
- a real sleeper that was so comfortable, bloody quick, stopped and handled but
it was very inconspicuous. Ah, yes, then there was the Maserati Biturbo - very,
very quick but Italian. And...
David Seldon
Australia
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