Rare and different. Two words that epitomize the Nissan Silvia S15. It carries a mystique almost as captivating as Nissan’s Skyline GT-R. Nissan ceased production of the Silvia S14, known in the U.S. as a 240SX, at the end of 1998. America never received the Silvia S15. Like its Skyline […]
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Camshaft Tech 101
While performance camshafts are the most important component selection on an “All-Motor” build, many underplay the importance of proper camshaft selection on forced-induction applications. However, the reality is that a proper set of cams might easily add 100 horsepower or more at the wheels without changing boost pressure. With or […]
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FUEL SYSTEMS 101: Ensuring Your System is Well-Fed
Your car’s fuel system encompasses the following components; the gas tank (or fuel cell), the fuel pump(s), the fuel rail(s), and the injectors. There are two main types of fuel delivery found in modern engines: the return system and the non-return fuel system. In a return-type system, the fuel not […]
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Test & Tune: 2011 Mitsubishi EVO X GSR | Big Power Gains for the 4B11
The Mitsubishi EVO X is still one of the most popular choices for tuners and for good reason. The 4B11T long block has proven to be stout, capable of handling in excess of 500-plus horsepower regularly. Additionally, the GSR model’s five-speed manual transmission is able to hold equivalent power levels […]
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ENGINE 101 PART 2: Engine Basics for Dummies
Now that you know all of the basic parts of an engine and what they do, it’s time to understand how they work together in a system. Almost all cars use 4- stroke engines to turn the chemical energy of gasoline into power. Manipulation of the 4-stroke cycle is essential […]
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ENGINE 101 PART 1: Engine Basics for Dummies
DO YOU FIND THAT YOU’RE ADDICTED to the thrill and speed of driving fast, but don’t know the first thing about what’s actually going on under the hood? Do you want to know more about what’s happening without having to attend Auto Shop 101? Are you intimidated by the tech […]
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SUSPENSION 101: Everything You Wanted To Know About Vehicle Handling
Making your car handle well is a really complicated task if you overthink it. Ride frequencies, roll centers, camber curves, scrub radii; it’s enough to make you build show cars instead. So, I have an easy solution for you: ignore all of that stuff. Odds are that you can make […]
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Chassis Tuning 101: Minimizing Flex Improves Performance and Handling
TAKE TWO NEARLY IDENTICAL VEHICLES equipped with the same drivetrain, brakes, suspension, and aero. Set both vehicles to have the same exact final weight and weight balance. If the only difference is the rigidity of the chassis, do you think it will make a difference on the race track or […]
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AVO Turboworld FR-S / BRZ Turbo System
There are few (if any) naturally-aspirated vehicles on the road that wouldn’t benefit from forced induction for increased output. This is particularly true of vehicles with plenty of potential right from the factory. With neutral and predictable handling, a low center of gravity that rivals all but the most exotic […]
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Straight Flexin’: The Benefits of Polyurethane Suspension Bushings
When cars get old, things begin to rattle, vibrate and become loose. Most people looking to improve the suspension of their vehicle seek out performance upgrades such as a set of adjustable coilovers, sway bars and even adjustable arms. Few people realize that trying to improve a vehicle’s suspension without […]
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Speed Shop – Wastegates: Getting Wasted
Wastegates are the mechanical devices that keep your turbocharged engine in check. Based on the strength of the pressure signal it receives, a wastegate lifts its valve to relieve exhaust flow away from the turbine inlet of the turbocharger. This allows a wastegated turbocharger system to set a target boost […]
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Flex-Hone for Brake Rotors
Dingleberry hone, ball hone, glaze buster or bead brush. Whatever nickname you might have for the tool, the original Flex-Hone was designed in 1972 to refinish cylinder walls in automotive applications. Used by machine shops, do-it-yourselfers and just about everyone in between, the Flex-Hone tool allows users to achieve a […]
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Mountune MP275 Power Package for Ford Focus ST
For most of us in the tuning market, warranty claims become a huge hassle when the dealer denies service based on modifications. Although some dealers are “mod-friendly”, service managers come and go and usually the hook-ups don’t last long. In the aftermarket world, tuning companies looking to offer a factory […]
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Science of Performance Spark Plugs
Today’s performance spark plugs perform feats never before attempted by spark plugs of years past. Factory engines and race engines are pushing more horsepower per liter than ever before thanks in part to forced induction and direct injection. Both of these technologies put an additional stress on the engine’s ignition […]
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Nano Paint Protection
Prudence demands that you protect your investments. When that investment is your vehicle’s paint, it’s easy to see how difficult it is to defend. Rock chips, oxidation, ultraviolet light, bird droppings, sap, tar, brake dust…the list is long and harrowing. Fortunately, paint-protection technology has come a long way. Prior to […]
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