Testing the Response Time of Popular Wideband Controllers For about a year, AEM electronics has wanted us to get the word out about its X-Series Wideband UEGO AFR sensor controller and gauge. This new series is promoted as being the world’s “fastest responding wideband” in independent testing. AEM Electronics asked […]
Read More
Intake and Muffler Upgrades Breathe Life into the 2016 Mazda MX-5
Let’s not kid ourselves, the Mazda MX-5 is not and never was a fast car. Quick? Yes. Fun to drive? Absolutely. But certainly not fast. This enlarged go kart of a car consistently delivered smiles to owners everywhere over the past 16 years of production, due to its excellent handling […]
Read More
What’s Inside Your Oil Filter? Use This Method to Find Out
You think throwing a rod while driving on the freeway is scary? Imagine complete engine failure 30,000 feet above ground in an airplane. While you let that frightening visual sink in, know that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces some of the strictest regulations on aircraft repair and maintenance. So […]
Read More
Quick Tech: Preemptive Lubrication to Reduce Engine Startup Wear
It’s the moment of truth. You’ve invested countless hours and spent tons of money on your new engine and now you’re about to start it up for the first time. Not to add to your stress level during this time, but did you know that the greatest amount of engine […]
Read More
Ford EcoBoost 1.6L Analysis | Turbocharged, Direct-Injection & CCVTC
Up until the release of the EcoBoost engine series, DSPORT has not had a reason to get excited about the four-cylinder offerings coming out of Detroit. Today, the EcoBoost family of four and six-cylinder engines from Ford are not only getting us excited, but they are also convincing generations of […]
Read More
Weld Tech 101 | Learn the Basics to Start Welding
Have you ever looked down at your phone and thought “How the hell did I survive before this amazing invention?” Seriously, I probably know two or three people’s phone numbers and get step-by-step directions to at least 50-percent of the places I go. Put aside the constant social contact through […]
Read More
How To: DIY Paint Chip & Scratch Repair
It’s going to happen. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, there’s going to be an incident that causes a paint chip on your vehicle. It can happen in your garage, at the track, in a parking lot…anywhere. Recently our GT-R received a nasty chip on the edge […]
Read More
Three Ways to Fix a Damaged Thread | Insert Tech 101
Strippers can be expensive. Stop thinking rap stars, lap dances and sports celebrities. We are talking about a “stripper” in terms of a hole that has had its threads stripped out or damaged. In addition to being expensive to repair, strippers also require a great deal of time and usually […]
Read More
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata ND Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bushings Installation
Polyurethane Bushings: Getting the Most Out of Your 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata If you’ve had a look at issue #170, you’ve seen the benefits of making the switch over to polyurethane suspension bushings. When we tested Energy Suspension’s Hyper-Flex polyurethane bushings on our 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, we found notable […]
Read More
Alignment Tech | Optimize Your Handling Performance
If you’re running “hellaflush” levels of negative camber on your streetcar and deem it fast, you should be ashamed of yourself. Extreme camber and an ultra-low ride height may sound like a good idea to some, but there’s a harsh reality that too often goes unknown. This kind of setup […]
Read More
The Proper E85 Fuel System Starts at the Tank
Do you believe in miracles? What about a performance fuel that delivers race gas performance at a price below four-dollars per gallon? If you look at performance shops around the country, you’ll find more and more enthusiasts making the shuffle to E85. E85 is a blend of 85-percent ethanol and […]
Read More
Exploring the Limits of the EVO X Engine | 4B11T vs 4G63
Change can be difficult. While few embrace it, change must happen in order to evolve and improve. When EVO fans discovered their beloved 4G63 would be replaced with an all-aluminum engine, outrage ensued. Many questioned why Mitsubishi did away with an iconic and nearly indestructible engine that has set records […]
Read More
Racepak IQ3s & G2X | Affordable Dash and Data Logging Solution
Steetable convenience and track-worthy performance, most might tell you that you can’t have both. This battle of comfort versus performance frequently leads automotive engineers and enthusiasts to search for a healthy balance between the two. When looking into aftermarket display and data logging solutions, many include options designed strictly for […]
Read More
Scion FR-S/BRZ Intake Test: Pt 1 | Testing with the Factory Programed ECU
I hate this! What the Hell? How is it doing that? This trio of phrases was also heard on our dyno starting back in March. The cause? Our Project Scion FR-S was not cooperating with what was supposed to be a simple intake system showcase. The reason? Big government! The […]
Read More
Ecutek FR-S | Reprogramming the Power-Limiting Factory ECU
Purchasing an ECU refresh solution is not an option for FR-S/BRZ owners. Instead, it should be considered a requirement. In fact, it should be the first performance part purchased for the vehicle. The reason is simple. No significant power gains can be realized on the FR-S/BRZ platform with the factory […]
Read More