With Sidepipes, No One Can Hear You Scream

I'd driven at 80 MPH many many times before, but never in a small, crowded parking lot. Around a right angle turn. In an opposite lock powerslide.

I'm riding shotgun in a Factory Five Mark IV roadster in Wareham, MA, and Mark Smith the President of Factory Five is at the wheel. He's driving with one hand and speaking to me as casually as a Sunday stroll through the park. I am trying to look cool and not hurl all at the same time - but it isn't easy.

We'd read about Factory Five for years, and how their Mark III roadsters and world-class business practices had revolutionized the formerly shady (to say the least) kit car industry. One spring morning we finally decided to browse the showroom and grab some sales literature. As we eyeballed the Factory Five cars (Mark III roadster, Type 65 Daytona coupe, 1933 Hot Rod and their newest LS1/LS2 powered GTM Supercars) Mark Smith came out to greet us. And what a truly excellent guy he turned out to be. Gracious, smart, passionate - totally tuned in to the soul of an enthusiast.

For over an hour he gave us a personal tour of the spotlessly clean Factory Five manufacturing and warehouse facility (that looked capable of passing any modern ISO certification). The tour concluded in the shipping dock, where Factory Five engineering leader Dave Riha's Mark III roadster was parked. Equipped with a 32 valve twin cam 4.6 Ford V8, TKO 5 speed and the racing spec 3 link rear suspension - the car looked simply spectacular.

Mark motioned me to jump in, and I buckled into the Simpson 5 point racing harness. The 320 horsepower Ford barked to life and Mark lit out of the building with the tires ablaze. I was probably screaming, but with the sidepipes blatting away just inches from my ears, I can't be certain. For almost ten minutes, Mark subjected me to more lateral, accelerative and braking G forces than I'd ever experienced before. At the end of the ride, I was broken - but positively exhilarated.

What the Factory Five team has accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. They have built a successful company, renowned for excellent customer service, an empowered, passionate staff and they have developed a product that is without compromise.

For several years, my wife has been hinting that she might like a Mazda Miata as her Sunday driver. I'm going to start a grass roots campaign to convince her that what she REALLY needs is a Factory Five Mark IV. Wish me luck friends - and stay tuned!

For more articles and essays on our American Car Culture, please visit our website

How To Winterize Your Boat

Winterizing your boat is the single most important maintenance duty that you will have to perform as a boat owner. If it is done correctly, very little work will be required to get the boat ready for the water in the spring. Proper winterization greatly extends the life of the boat and its engine by protecting its components from freezing, corrosion and lying idle for long periods.

The first step in the winterization process is to ensure that the boat's fuel tank is full - leave just a little room for expansion - and add fuel stabilizer in accordance with the instructions on the product. If the fuel tank isn't full you run the risk of condensation forming within the tank which can lead to corrosion and clogging.

Turn off fuel valves and seal through-hull exhaust ports with duct tape. Replace the water separator and the fuel filter.

Protecting Your Engine

Run the engine for a while to warm it up and change the oil while it's warm. This allows many of the impurities in the oil to be drained away. Change the oil filters. If your engine uses coolant drain the current fluid from the engine block and manifolds and replace it with a propylene glycol based antifreeze.

When a boat is not being used, oil tends to settle at the bottom of the engine block, exposing the pistons and valves to air, humidity and other corrosive materials. To avoid this situation remove the spark plugs and spray "fogging oil" inside the carburetor and into each cylinder. Replace the spark plugs without reconnecting the wires.

Replace the engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. Dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center.

Outboards

Flush outboard engines with fresh water. Allow all water to drain from the engine and wash down the engine with soap and water. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. It is important to ensure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil in the cylinders. Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads, and lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or polish with a quality wax. Change the gear oil in the lower unit.

If your boat will be stored out of the water during the off season, disconnect the battery and store it at home. Boats left in the water should have the battery left in place on board and functioning so the bilge pump will continue to function if required. If you are removing the battery from the boat, ensure it is fully charged before stowing it away. Recharge every 30-60 days or keep on a trickle charger during the storage period and check the water level from time to time.

It is also sensible to remove any valuable marine electronics from the boat for the winter, and to store this equipment in a safe place to avoid theft and possible damage caused by temperature changes and humidity. The winterization process also offers an opportunity to inspect items like lines, flotation devices, flares, fire extinguishers, etc., for wear and tear and possible replacement.

Propeller

This is also a good time to check your boat's propeller and hub. Bent or nicked propeller blades will diminish performance. The hub may also be have sustained extensive wear. If this type of damage is apparent, replace the propeller and make any necessary repairs during the winterizing process.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Clean the boat thoroughly inside and out. If you store your boat with dirt, scum, barnacles and the like on the exterior, these impurities will be even harder to remove in the spring. After the exterior of the boat has been cleaned, apply a quality polish to the exterior surfaces to create a protective barrier against dirt and dust. Clean the interior, including all timber, vinyl and carpet.

To help keep your boat free from mildew, you may wish to install a dehumidifier or use a moisture absorber. Turn any cushions up on edge so that air can circulate around them, or better yet, remove them from the boat.

Drain and clean the bilges. (If your boat will be stored out of the water remove all drain plugs and put them in a place where they'll be easy to find when relaunching your boat in the spring.) Spray the bilges with moisture displacing lubricant and add a little antifreeze.

Empty The Head

Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Use an approved cleaner for your type of system, and let the solution sit for a few minutes before adding more fresh water and pumping it out again. Add antifreeze and pump the coolant through the hoses, holding tank, Y-valve, macerator and discharge hose. Check your owner's manual to be sure that an alcohol based antifreeze won't damage your system.

Water Tanks

Drain the fresh water tank and any hot water heater. Isolate the hot water heater by disconnecting the in and out lines and connecting them together. Pump non-toxic antifreeze through the system by turning on all the taps / shower until the antifreeze starts coming out. Add non-toxic antifreeze to the water heater.

Put it on Blocks

If you own a trailer boat, consider putting the boat and trailer up on blocks for winter to take the pressure off the tires. Inspect the trailer and tires for wear and tear. Grease the wheel bearings and replace if necessary.

If at all possible, store your boat undercover. If you need to leave it outdoors you'll require a boat cover. A good quality 8- to 10-ounce canvas boat cover should be adequate for most situation. Even undercover the boat should be covered to protect against dust and dirt, pests and bird droppings. For extreme conditions you could consider shrink-wrapping the boat. Do-it-yourself kits are available.

How To Install A Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover is an important tool for people who drive their trucks on a daily basis. It will protect your cargo, and will also help you conserve fuel. A locking tailgate is a device which helps keep the cover closed. In this article I will show you the first steps for installing a cover. In this example we will be using a Ford F-350, but the same basic rule applies to most trucks. Your cover is likely to come with a manual, and you will want to refer to it also.

The first thing you want to do is remove the cover and the accessories from the package. You want to make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer when doing this. You may also want to use a soft cloth in order to keep the rolled top from moving back and forth while inside the container. Connect the lock arm onto the bottom of tonneau handle. Once you have installed it the lock should be able to reach over the edge in order to lock the top. You can test the lock by using a key to make sure it works.

Now you want to take the cannister and place it on the rail of the truck. Place it in the area where you want it to be, but make sure you don't connect it right now. Take off the side channels and other things from the packaging to insure it is the correct length and will fit on the side rails. When you unroll the cover, it will move back inside channels that are attached to the side rails of the truck. This stops the cover from becoming loose due to wind. Take a measurement of your truck bed to make sure the channels will fit.

If the channels are too long, you may need to cut off the parts you don't need. Once you've attached them you want to make sure the tailgate has enough space to close. You will need to mark the spots on the rails where you will be placing the screws. You can add a clamp to the track while you are taking your measurements to make sure they are accurate. A grease pencil can be used to mark the locations. After this you will want to take off the clamps and get ready to drill the holes. Make sure you drill them in the correct location.

After this you will want to attach the track onto the truck bed rail. You will need to use screws for this. These are the basic steps for installing a tonneau cover, and should give you a good idea of what you will need to do.

Mazda MX-5 - Review

"The Mazda MX-5, also known as Miata in North America and Roadster in Japan, is a two-seater roadster built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. The model was introduced in 1989 and continues to be a best selling convertible." (Wikipedia)

MX-5 was left to be what it was from the beginning, expressing the revival of the classic roadster with modern means. So it has two narrow places, thin roof, rigid drive-train, better handle, round instruments and a great gear lever. Even the 1.6-liter engine is sufficient for normal needs. It is quiet and has a satisfactory tensile strength. If you change often the speed, you can get good values of acceleration. Fuel consumption of 8.7 liters remains within acceptable limits. To be complete we need to mention the following disadvantages of MX-5: the space for mineral water, which is only in the right front seat of passenger and the limited space for travel luggage that should not more than one bag.

The basic task of a sports car like Miata is to obtain smiles on the faces of people. In spite of everything, a roadster is as much about transportation for the spirit as it is about only getting you from one place to another. Miata have the essential qualities that divide sporting machinery from the rest of the herd. It is described with such characteristics as agility and affordability and when we talk about a sports car, it's a combination that's hard to beat.

Mazda MX-5 (Miata), the best-selling roadster of all time, has won the title of the 'Best Sports Car' in 2010, after a JD Power survey, which was about customer satisfaction in the United Kingdom. Over 17,000 car owners in the United Kingdom have participated in the annual survey. The owners of this model have appreciated the cars with maximum score for appearance, interior and exterior quality, reliability, performance, maintenance costs and the services after sale.

After counting the votes, Mazda MX-5 has achieved a satisfaction degree of 82.3%, ahead of luxury models like Mercedes-Benz SLK and Audi TT, and VW Eos, earning the title of the "Best in its class".

Mazda MX-5 owners for over 20 years have found this model as an affordable, durable and very enjoyable to drive roadster. During this period MX-5 has won over 160 awards and has sold 870,000 units, becoming one of the referenced models of the industry with fans across all continents.

Since the release of electric retractable roof in 2006, MX-5 series has become even more popular. Last year it held 22% of non-premium segment of sport models in Britain, the motherland of two-seater roadster, and was second in Europe with a share estimated at 12%.

"JD Power survey results are very important in Britain because the British people are very passionate about sports cars in general. But these results reflect more than the satisfaction with the MX-5's model. It demonstrates how easy is to use daily the roadster, because it combines low maintenance costs, legendary reliability and quality services to the excitement of a convertible sports car. No doubt it is still a very popular model" said Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda Representative in Europe.

Gain the Edge by Hiring Older Workers

Back in the 1970's, I went to work for a company that grasped the advantage of tapping the female talent in the population. They were aggressively recruiting qualified women into management and professional roles when competitors in that good ol' boy industry were still expecting them to stay in the kitchen.

My company was a good corporate citizen, but this was not about doing good. By being an "early adopter," they attracted the creme de la creme. Having capable women in responsible positions made them far more competitive than their contemporaries who were still making do with half the talent--the male stuff.

We are to that same kind of place in 2009. Only this time around, the competitive advantage is in hiring older workers.

Why?

Because they bring a lot more to the dance. Here's how:

YOU GET MUCH MORE THAN YOU PAY FOR. It's like getting a Ferrari for the price of a Miata. Forget the foolish business about "overqualified." Many older workers are ready to throttle back but not ready to stop working. They will step into a non-management job after years of running the whole show and be content with that. A former neighbor, a retired Army colonel and high-end management consultant, is happy as a clam driving a bus for the local transit authority. Would a twenty-something with no experience dealing with difficult people do as well?

And if they ARE willing to manage for you, the value of their experience is exponential.

OLDER WORKERS HAVE BETTER WORK HABITS Inaccurate stereotypes lead hiring supervisors to assume that older workers can't perform the way younger workers do. That they will miss work or not get as much done. Assuming the superstar whose resume you're about to toss will do that, when you have no idea of her personal work history, is absurd. She may have missed two days in 30 years. Don't rely on unfounded assumptions to rule out older workers.

A recent study of the work habits of 3000 rank and file employees in 39 different organizations found that those younger than 26 were substandard on all six categories: work standards, safety awareness, reliability/follow-through, attendance, punctuality, and avoidance of disciplinary actions. Workers in the 26 to 45 age range were average on all six. Of the six categories, workers ages 46 to 55 were above average on four. And workers over 56 were twice as far above average on four of the six and above average on a fifth. If your hiring needs lean heavily on work habits, you should be looking for people with gray hair. Unless you're selling body piercing or long boards, you shouldn't be ruling them out for any job you have open.

YOU BROADEN YOUR DEMOGRAPHIC APPEAL. Unless you're selling youth-exclusive products, having someone on staff who does NOT answer "Thank you" with "No problem" is a plus. If you want to appeal to the full range of customers, you need a full range of ages to serve them.

Two weeks ago, I was checking out at the grocery store I've used for five years. The checker, who was young, talked with the woman behind me in line--a co-worker--the whole time she worked on my order. Then part of the order never made it back into my basket--or to my car. I had to go back to the store a second time for it.

The young checkers again barely acknowledged me. Not "I'm so sorry this happened." Just "Well..uh... do this and this and this and then stand in that line." It was a very long line.

I solved the immediate problem after a bit of a wait. I solved the rest when I walked out the door. I will never go back there.

Lots of older customers vote with their feet. Don't let them walk out forever because you have the wrong people serving them.

THIS IS THE AGE GROUP WITH THE MONEY The biggest irony in all this is that the over 50 crowd is the population that actually has money to spend. They own upwards of 70 percent of the financial assets. Their per capita discretionary spending is two and a half times the average of younger households. They hold almost half of all the credit cards in the United States.

You need people who think like them on your team so you can capture that business. THIS IS A GROWTH MARKET. Leave your competitors to duke it out over the twenty-somethings whose credit has just dried up.

To curry this market, you need to have a connection to it. Your marketing, strategic planning, and customer service functions need people who can relate because they are over 50 themselves.

We can look in other directions for why to employ older workers. Those are more in the realm of ethics and law. We don't need to go there. The competitive advantages of hiring highly qualified older workers are more than enough to justify doing it.

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Lloyd

The Benefits of a Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel

Long known to the Mitsubishi eclipse, Eagle Talon, Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evolution communities Fidanza aluminum flywheels are an outstanding modification to any turbocharged performance vehicle. The benefits are twofold. The first, is while reducing unsprung weight to your vehicle's engine it can run faster and more efficiently thus creating more power. Two, your engine can also rev higher and faster thus increasing more top end power. But don't think this is only for turbocharged vehicles Fidanza aluminum flywheels are a wonderful addition to any performance vehicle looking to seek that extra edge for racing. Either in the quarter-mile, time attack, or club racing circuits. Many spec racing Miata series winners use Fidanza flywheels as well to improve the efficiency of their vehicles to go faster than their competitors.

Now there are a few other companies that produce aluminum flywheels such as a Centerforce and advanced clutch engineering. Both of these companies are clutch manufacturers primarily therefore their flywheel research and development is a secondary facet of their business. Whereas Fidanza's primary goal and only desire is to build quality strong and durable lightweight aluminum flywheel's. I've always said if your going to be a bear be a grizzly bear so make sure you by the grizzly bear. Flywheels by Fidanza are the grizzlies of the flywheel world. A great time to install this part is when you are changing the clutch. You will have already taken the off the engine and transmission so you might as well spend the money on the flywheel now and install it at the same time. You don't want to go back later have to redo all that work. Or worse pay someone else twice to install the flywheel and clutch on separate occasions. If don't have enough money to buy the flywheel after purchasing a clutch make sure you wait until you can purchase both parts and do the install for each simultaneously.

Now not here's the best part about Fidanza flywheels they are also the most cost-effective flywheels on the market even Jim Wolf technology which is a Nissan 350Z only manufacturer of flywheels cost up to three times as much as a Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel. That's just crazy talk, why would you buy an inferior product that costs more? I don't know about you but my car is my baby I put the best parts on it and I don't waste money on things that are going to break. So if you're the same as me and you love your car, I suggest buying a Fidanza aluminum flywheel.

Disposable Car Mats

Disposable mats are generally used by car manufacturers to keep a car fresh and tidy. These inexpensive covers are a must to maintain new cars until the date of sale and delivery to the customer. These mats are also used to protect freshly shampooed car carpets. They stay dry even if the carpet retains moisture from shampooing.

Car manufacturers can get these disposable car mats customized. The mats can be printed with the company logo and a personalized message to the customer. Some companies also have their contact address or telephone number printed on the mats. Used in this manner, it becomes a functional advertising tool.

Disposable floor protection mats are a great inexpensive way to keep vehicles clean. These are not generally used for regular usage by car owners. Certain occasions that incur a lot of usage may warrant the use of disposable car mats.

The use of disposable car mats protects cloth, vinyl, and leather car mats from dirty footwear, chemicals, and grease that can soil car mats. Disposable car mats can also be used if car mats are damp for any reason. They act as an insulator and ensure that the mats do not get further dirtied due to usage while wet.

Disposable car mats are manufactured using materials like specially processed paper, specially processed plastic or functional fabric. While the paper and plastic ones act as an insulator from moisture, those made with special fabric can absorb and encapsulate liquids at a significant rate. The advantage of fabric disposable mats is that they absorb moisture and also have a moisture-resistant barrier.

Such mats are used by car owners when they foresee heavy usage and the possibilities of spills and excess dust. Visits to the beach, drives through snow when footwear can bring in a lot of slush, etc., are occasions when the use of disposable car mats protects the regular car mats from damage.

Disposable car mats are made in such a manner that they stay securely adhered to the desired surface. This is very important if the car is exposed to spills, etc. These mats act as an excellent form of protection for the car's carpeting during bad weather, oil changes, etc.

Finding High Performance Car Parts

We all know that there are high performance car parts that will improve the performance of your engine such as turbos, superchargers, manifolds, NOS kits etc. The thing a lot of want-to-bee's don't understand however is every part of your car can be upgraded with high performance car parts to improve its performance. You can replace your stock rims and tires, a better exhaust can make a significant difference to your horsepower, new suspension will dramatically improve handling, and you can even fit new or reshaped body panels to improve the aerodynamics of your car and to improve its appearance.

There is a difference between High Performance Car Parts and After Market Parts

Many people think that after market parts and high performance car parts are the same thing, and they are dead wrong! By definition high performance car parts are after market parts; but not all after market parts are created equally - just because something looks right does not mean that it will do what you want it to. If you want your car to run faster, sound better have more grunt etc or even if you want to make improvements or changes to the body work you want to know that the parts you are using are going to last and perform properly in the long run.

If you buy just any after market part you may get the look you are after but not the quality, you won't know if that part is really up to the task. If you purchase high performance car parts you know they have been specifically designed for the task and that they will be able to cope with the demands you will put on them.

The 3m Clear Bra - A Full Review

The 3m clear bra is a fantastic invention for any car-lover who treats his prized possession like a true friend. A man's best friend in this day and age is not always the family dog. Sometimes a car can replace a great pet and nothing hurts more than noticing that first scratch or dent on your favorite automobile. However, traditional protective bras are not the most appealing option for car owners who feverishly want to guard their investments at all costs.

The trouble with the traditional protective covering is simply due to the fact that it literally covers the magnificent machine. No real car lover wants to hide his prized automobile under an ugly rubbery surface. It doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on the perfect finish only to cover it up with a protective layer. Unfortunately, many car owners had no other choice, either carelessly letting the car suffer with chips and scrapes or grumpily hiding the beautiful finish.

No more such dilemma. A car lover can now choose a 3m clear bra that protects the car by creating a transparent barrier between the car's finish and the natural destructive elements. The 3m clear bra is simply a protective film that is literally painted over the car's exterior. This product is commonly used on trucks, cars and vans of vehicle owners who cringe at the thought of a pebble getting near their priceless object.

Some may wonder if the product really works as well as the traditional protective cover. The 3m clear bra will protect the vehicle from chipping. The material was originally designed by the aviation industry to protect aircraft propellers from chipping. Certainly the material will be equally effective at preventing chipping on vehicles as well.

The 3m clear bra is perfect for protecting headlights as well. The protective layer is commonly applied to the front of the vehicle and on the lenses of the headlights. The winning point of this material is that it is virtually undetectable while working wonders. The original design of the vehicle is not altered in any way. The owner has the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the car is protected while having the luxury of enjoying his vehicle in its original state.

Another concern is the clarity degree of the 3m clear bra. How clear is it, really? The manufacturer of the product boasts that the material is virtually undetectable unless the vehicle is very white in color. The clear coat is slightly visible on a stark white car when very closely examined but it is not detectable from a normal distance. You will see a faint line where the 3m clear bra stops but that is definitely better than an ugly bug shield or paint chips.

New Mazda Cars Launched In The Market

You would have been overwhelmed with the new cars which are available in the market if you have started to take a look at few of them. Other than American cars, you have Africa, Europe, Oceanic, South America and of course Asia that produces some of the most popular cars in the world. These cars include the beloved new Mazda! There are several different kinds of Mazda's available; it is going to be a hard choice to pick the best one for your requirements and lifestyle.

However, there are a couple of new Mazda cars you should be taking a look at if you'd like to purchase a new car or finance/lease one! First are the 2010 Mazda CX-7, 2010 Mazda CX-9, 2010 Mazda MAZDA3, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2010 Mazda RX-8 which is one of my favorites simply as it is a true sports car through and through! The new Mazda cars actually start at a pretty sweet price - around $15,000 and they go on up in price of course! You can even add on various components and accessories that would also up the price, but when you begin so low, it's nevertheless a really nice deal!

Rather than purchasing your new Mazda online or on a website like Craigslist or some other classified site, it is actually suggested to buy it from a Mazda dealer. When you purchase from a dealer you have many advantages which come along with the new Mazda. First off, when you purchase a Sydney Mazda you could be assured that this car would forever be taken care of as long as it is under warranty. This means that if you ever have any problems you could take it into the Mazda dealer or Mazda service to get it fixed. This is a lot better than taking it to a non-Mazda service center since you would be covered under your warranty.

If you do need to pay anything, it'll be much less expensive than if you have gone to a non Mazda dealer! Also, when you purchase a new car from Sydney Mazda you could really rest assured that it is a NEW Mazda and not a used one. It is never been driven off the lot, besides for a demo drive, and it has never been pre owned unless it's stated as so on the sticker. Finally, when you purchase from a Mazda dealer, you can even get the new Mazda for cheaper than you will get anywhere else. You can get financing choices or leasing alternatives instead of purchasing the car outright.

Bravo to you if you do have $15,000 to put on a car, but many individuals would instead have another monthly option available to them, and that's where the dealer comes into play! You simply would sign up for X amount of years for the car if you are leasing or financing it and pay the car payment once a month. The financing option is usually a better way to go as the price fluctuation ends up charging you less in the end. All the cars mentioned above can be financed at Sydney Mazda! Be sure you ask them about the Mazda service to make sure you are under warranty with the car you get and ask how long the Mazda service lasts for and what it covers!

How to Install a Manual Boost Controller Without Blowing Up Your Engine

Prior to installing any manual boost controller, it is important to have already added a high flowing exhaust and an aftermarket air intake/ air filter. This will ensure the car is able to breath, and will allow the turbo to spool easier.

It is imperative to have installed an aftermarket boost gauge. Most stock boost gauges are not accurate, even at stock boost levels, and lose further accuracy once stock boost is increased. Without an aftermarket boost gauge you risk damage to the engine from overboosting.

How It Works:

The wastegate actuator determines your stock boost levels. The boost controller interrupts the pressure line that runs into the wastegate actuator, allowing you to increase boost over stock levels.

Step 1:

Find your wastegate actuator which is usually attached to the turbo, unless you are using an external wastegate. The wastegate actuator will have a vacuum line port that runs to a boost source. The boost source is usually either the turbo's compressor housing, the intercooler pipes, or the intake manifold. This vacuum line is where the manual boost controller will be installed. If there is a T fitting in the vacuum line between the boost source and the wastegate actuator, it will have a separate vacuum line that runs to the boost control solenoid. If you have the T fitting, remove the line that runs to the solenoid, but leave the solenoid plugged in.

The barb on the boost controller that connects to the wastegate actuator will have a small hole drilled into it. It is important to leave this hole open, and never switch the wastegate barb and the boost barb.

Boost controllers typically come with approximately 3 feet of vacuum line that you can cut into 2 pieces of desired lengths. The first piece will connect from the boost barb on the controller to your boost source. The second piece will connect from the wastegate barb on the controller to the wastegate vacuum port. Tip: if you have difficulty sliding the vacuum lines onto the barbs, use a little bit of oil to lube the barbs. Block off any open boost sources with vacuum caps and use cable ties to secure all vacuum line connections. We recommend using Premium Fuel with all turbo cars, especially once you have increased your stock boost.

Step 2:

Now that the boost controller is installed, it's time to test the car. We recommend leaving the adjustment knob exactly where it was when you received and installed your MBC when you begin testing. Turning the adjustment knob clockwise increases boost, turning the adjustment knob counterclockwise decreases boost. This step is very important to keep an eye on your boost gauge to make sure you do not overboost and cause any damage to your motor.

Drive your car in an isolated area where you will be able to stop and go several times without interfering with traffic. Slowly press the gas and watch your boost gauge climb. If the boost gauge does not hit your target, increase the boost. If the boost begins to exceed your target, decrease the boost. Repeat the steps as necessary. It typically takes between 5 to 10 adjustments to get the boost exactly on your target. We recommend starting by adjusting the boost knob in 1/2 turn increments, and as you get close to your target you may need to make smaller adjustments. Never adjust more than 1/2 a turn at a time.

Each car has a maximum safe boost level, depending on upgrades to the vehicle and the characteristics of the fuel system, specifically how much fuel your pump and injectors can provide. It is important to research and know what the maximum boost level your specific car can safely run.

This guide serves as a basic starting point for manual boost controller installation. If you have an external wastegate or twin turbo vehicle, the installation technique may vary slightly.

Mazda's Miata Starts Off Empire

Car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for an affordable sports car. Over the years, many companies have tried to fill that niche, with varying success. Indeed, it takes a brave and intelligent manufacturer to come up with an attractive, pleasurable and cost-conscious sports vehicle. Luckily, Mazda was able to do just that.

Plans for a unique open two-seater began around 1981. With a team based in both California and Japan, a design focused on a compact, streamlined, easy-to-handle, and overall unassuming sports car began to take shape. Around 1989, to the delight of millions worldwide, the Mazda Miata was born.

The very first Miata was extremely small in size and the complete effect was certainly remarkable. Take the wheelbase, which was just 89.2 inches and stretched to a total of 155.2 inches. The highly engineered steering combined with the smaller disk brakes worked like a charm. The interior amenities were minimal, but sufficient. The idea was to keep the design simple and clean-looking. The very early models did come enhanced with air conditioning and a good sound system. All in all, it was a durable sports car equipped with the necessities.

The car's light weight was a huge advantage when considering the engine options. Just over 2,000 pounds, the Mazda Miata did not need a big engine to produce the speed and excitement of a large sports car. At first, the Miata included a 1.6 liter, 116 horsepower engine and it revved from 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds. Obviously, by today's standards this doesn't seem all that incredible, but at the time it was a notable achievement that guaranteed a good time.

Indeed, the popularity of the Mazda Miata extends across the globe. This is evidenced by an increasing number of Mazda Miata clubs in places like Sweden, England, and New Zealand. Come see what all the fuss is about for yourself.

Mazda Speed 6 - The Ultimate in Midsize Sedans Now Has Ultimate Body Parts at Partstrain

The Mazdaspeed 6 offers the optimal balance between performance and sophistication," said Weldon Munsey, vehicle line manager for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "The turbocharged engine, with its broad power band, excellent fuel economy and eco-friendly emissions levels, is unmatched in its class, while the sport-minded, luxurious cabin helps deliver a car driver will find hard to exit."

Mazda's own innovative technologies, including the newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine with maximum output of an estimated 274 hp and all-new active torque split all-wheel-drive system, make the MazdaSpeed 6 the company's highest performance sedan and push the Mazda brand DNA element of spirited dynamic performance to its ultimate level.

With a 274-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive, the 2005 Mazda Speed 6 has power from the direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine channeled to an all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system for traction and handling in all conditions.

Exterior highlights include an aerodynamic front bumper and lower grille section, a five-point upper grille section that also serves as the air intake for the engine's intercooler, the flared side skirts. It also includes the custom 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tires, the aerodynamic rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe and a highly effective yet compact rear lip spoiler.
The interior is spacious with high-quality interior materials for a lush finish, custom six-speed shift knob and semi-bucket sport-type front seats for excellent side support.

It packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine with direct fuel injection and some 274 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission is mandatory. Also standard are a limited-slip differential, up rated suspension, 18-inch wheels, antilock brakes and antiskid/traction control. To match its performance persona, the MazdaSpeed gets its own front and rear fascias, plus special sport bucket seats and metal-look interior trim. Automatic climate control and 200-watt Bose CD stereo are also included in the package.

A new six-speed manual directs the engine's efforts to both axles via standard all-wheel drive with three torque-apportioning strategies: normal, sport, and snow. Standard equipment includes the 270-horse turbo engine, the manual transmission, and Mazda's new Active Torque-Split AWD system, which can send up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels.

The 2005 Mazda Speed 6 has direct injection to a turbo application. Injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber increases both fuel mixture loading efficiency and torque. As a result, the turbocharger delivers much of its 15.6 psi of boost from approximately 2500 rpm. The single-scroll turbocharger maintains exhaust temperature, allowing for reduced thermal capacity of the exhaust system, which, in turn, minimizes harmful emissions and allows the MAZDASPEED6 to meet both LEV-II state and Bin 5-A Federal regulations.

Whether you choose the muscular refinement of the MAZDA6 Sports Sedan, the well-executed mix of spaciousness and assertive style of the MAZDA6 5-Door, or the utility and sophistication of the MAZDA6 Sport Wagon, Partstrain gives you the finest Mazda Replacement and Performance Parts unmatched anywhere else.

Simply click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/Mazda and choose from its extensive stock of Mazda body parts like fuel tanks, spoiler, radiator, electrical parts, engine parts, hood, hubcaps, condenser, bumper, catalytic converter, exhaust, fender, grille are available to you in great discounts and wholesale deals at Partstrain.

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Rumored - Saturn Sky Death Imminent

General Motors launched a set of sexy roadsters a few years back under the Saturn and Pontiac banners. The Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice along with the Opel GT and Daewoo G2X were developed to bring excitement to each brand, two-seat rear wheel drive sports models with a flair for styling.

Alas, the fortunes of the Saturn Sky and its siblings appears to be coming to a quick end. GM Inside News, an independent voice that analyzes the big automaker, is hinting that the Sky will be no more, exiting the scene in the very near future.

Let's take a look at the reasons why the Sky will likely be no more:

Too Expensive To Build - The Sky's Kappa II platform is too expensive to build. In fact, if reports are correct, the automaker is losing at least $10,000 on each vehicle sold. Never a significant seller, the Sky is an attractive and fun model, but trails the Mazda MX-5 Miata in most rankings.

GM Is Bleeding Cash - General Motors is bleeding through cash this year, at a rate much higher than they thought possible at the beginning of the year. With gas prices topping $4 per gallon, the automaker is scrambling to switch over to a fuel efficient fleet, trimming low performing and expensive inventory in the process.

High Gas Prices Have Changed Everything - In times past when GM could absorb the losses on the Sky, Solstice, GT, and G2X, lower gas prices kept demand for its profitable SUVs and big pickup trucks high. These bigger vehicles are the most profitable for GM and could offset the loss from selling the little roadsters. No more. With sales plummeting, GM has few golden models to rely upon to bolster its line up of loss leading, image roadsters.

Though the Sky isn't a pig on fuel, cash strapped consumers who can still afford a new car are going with much more fuel efficient and practical models. In heady economic times a roadster would sell, but these times are anything but that.

It is unfortunate to hear that the Sky, Solstice, GT, and G2X will be cut, but given the fortunes of General Motors, it seems to be a wise decision from a business point of view.

Checking Your Tires

Regular attention to the tires on your automobile will save you money, improve vehicle handling, and improve safety.

Tires should be rotated every second oil change; that is, tires should be moved to a different position on the car. This will ensure that the tires wear evenly and provide their maximum life.

Inspect the tread on your tires. They should be wearing evenly and not be too worn. If the tread is disappearing, or has worn away entirely, then the tires are unsafe to drive on as they may burst while driving. Visible threads are a sure indication that you need new tires. If the tread is wearing unevenly this may be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. Other indications are that the car pulls to one side or the other, or simply feels "squirly" on the road.

Keeping your tires properly inflated is essential to extending their longevity and saving you money. Under inflated tires increase road friction and therefore hurt your gas mileage. They also flex more than properly inflated tires and this makes them more likely to fail. Consult your owner's manual for proper tire pressures.

When shopping for new tires, keep in mind that cheap tires will affect your gas mileage and may not be as safe. Also be sure to get tires that are appropriate for your local weather conditions. The tires that originally came on the vehicle may not be the best for your area. Blowouts are dangerous, and looking after your tires will help insure the safety of you and your family.

Some Easy Steps on How to Install Seat Covers in a Car

Installing seat covers in your car is an important thing you need to consider because the covers will protect your car seat in a good way. In this case, you have to know that those covers are really useful in giving the best protection so you can make the seats durable so you can save more. If you would like to install the covers at your car, it is important for you to check this article out that provides better explanation for your needs.

1. The first step you need to consider is to take the headrest off the seat. To take the headrest, you could do this thing with pulling up on the headrest that will stop you at the highest adjustment.

2. The next step you must do is to tilt the seat forward. In this case, it is better if you do not slide the entire seat forward unless it is difficult to reach the back of the seat so you can do the process installing in a good way.

3. Another step you must perform is to put the seat cover over the seat. Also, you must slide it down over the entire seat starting at the top. This process could be a hard thing to do but you can do it in a good way. Also, you will know that this process will make the snug look better. If you are capable in doing this thing very well, you will be sure that there are no wrinkles at your seat cover.

4. Then, you must pull the cover over the seat's base. In this case, you must to stretch so it is able to reach completely over the seat base. Just be sure that you do this process rightly so you can make it functional for your needs.

Car Reliability Ratings 2010 - The 10 Most Reliable Convertibles at 4 Different Age Intervals

Convertibles are fun cars to drive. Many people, teenagers to middle-agers, await the first warm day of spring to take a spin through the country, to downtown, or on an outing. And a chance encounter with friends in the city or suburbs will result in a lively and carefree conversation lasting minutes to hours.

In this article, I list the 10 most reliable of these transports to fun from the fast lanes of modern life. I do this for each of four different age intervals, followed by a list of those most consistently reliable convertibles that appear in each of the preceding four 4-year age intervals.

For the age interval 0-to-4 years, the 10 best convertibles, together with their 2010 Car Reliability GPA for this age range, are:

Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus SC, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00,
The V6 Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
The Honda S2000, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
The 4-cylinder Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.67,
Toyota's Lexus IS300, IS350 convertible, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 3.50,

The V6 Ford Mustang convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Nissan Z convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Porsche 911 convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00.

Of these 10 most reliable convertibles, Toyota Motor Corporation accounts for 4 and Honda Motor Company, Ford Motor Company, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Nissan Motor Company, and Porsche AG each account for one.

For the age interval 2-to-6 years, the 10 (13 by tie) best convertibles, together with their 2010 Car Reliability GPA for this age range, are:

Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus SC, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00,
The 4-cylinder Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
The V6 Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
The Honda S2000, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
Toyota's Lexus IS300, IS350 convertible, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 3.50,
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a 2010 GPA of 3.25,
The V8 Ford Mustang convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Porsche 911 convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 2.67,
The rear-wheel-drive BMW 325i, 328i convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 2.50,

The BMW Z3, Z4, with a 2010 GPA of 2.50,
The V6 Ford Mustang convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 2.50,
The Volvo C70 convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 2.50.

Of these 13 most reliable convertibles, Toyota accounts for 4, Ford and BMW AG each account for 2, and Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Porsche AG, and Volvo each account for one.

For the age interval 4-to-8 years, the 10 best convertibles, together with their 2010 Car Reliability GPA for this age range, are:

Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus SC, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00,
The V6 Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
The Honda S2000, with a 2010 GPA of 4.00,
Toyota's Lexus IS300, IS350 convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.75,
The 4-cylinder Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.75,

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a 2010 GPA of 3.75,
The BMW Z3, Z4, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The V8 Ford Mustang convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
The Volvo C70, with a 2010 GPA of 3.00,
General Motors Corporation's Chevrolet Corvette convertible, with a 2010 GPA of 2.75.

It should be noted that General Motors' Chevrolet Corvette has a GPA of only 1.50 for the most recent 4-year age range.

Of these 10 most reliable convertibles, Toyota accounts for 4 and Honda, Mazda, Ford, BMW AG, Volvo, and General Motors Corporation each account for one.

For the age interval 6-to-10 years, the 10 (12 by tie) best convertibles, together with their 2010 Car Reliability GPA for this age range, are:

Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus SC, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00,
The Honda S2000, with a 4.00,
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a 3.75,
Toyota's Lexus IS300, IS350 convertible, with a 3.67,
The 4-cylinder Toyota Camry Solara convertible, with a 3.25,

The BMW Z3, Z4, with a 3.25,
General Motors Corporation's Chevrolet Corvette convertible, with a 3.00,
The Jaguar XK Series convertible, with a 3.00,
The V8 Ford Mustang convertible, with a 2.75,
The Mercedes-Benz SL, with a 2.50,

The Mercedes-Benz SLK, with a 2.50,
The Porsche 911, with a 2.50.

Of these 12 most reliable convertibles, Toyota accounts for 3, Daimler AG accounts for 2, and Honda, Mazda, BMW AG, General Motors, Ford, Jaguar, and Porsche AG each account for one.

The consistently most reliable convertibles, those that are common to all four of the above age intervals, are:

Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus SC, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00 over a 7-year data history,
The Honda S2000, with a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00 over a 8-year data history,
The 4-cylinder Toyota Camry Solara convertible,
Toyota's Lexus IS300, IS350 convertible,
The Mazda MX-5 Miata.

In addition, the V6 Toyota Camry Solara convertible has a 2010 GPA of a perfect 4.00 over a 5-year data history.

Apple's Face Time Marks Another Old-News Innovation

When it was first introduced, anyone with a mind to look into the features of the new iPhone 4 were assuredly bombarded by the smarmy gushings of the Apple executives in their 'feature ad' for the new device, the same sort of sales technique they employed with the release of the iPad, as well as the new MacBook Air.

It's pretty hard to sit and listen to almost any pitch job, and for me, to see a product pitched by the guys who are among those who absolutely stand to gain the very most from the success of said product is a few degrees harder to swallow. They all seem to be holding back the urge to gleefully shriek, "CHA-CHING" at the end of each of their overplayed musings about how the new touchscreen interface "just feels right." It's certainly tough to ignore hard-hitting bullet points like that, fellas.

The real thing that irks me about Apple's hold over the American subconscious is that they have this entire image that seems to be predicated upon being at the 'leading edge' of computing. They're 'hip,' and hipness is nearly synonymous with 'new.' Now, far be it for me to criticize the overall quality of their products, but to put their innovations anywhere near the 'bleeding edge' in your mind is to dull the actual bleeding edge to an acuity roughly equivalent to the narrow end of a wedge of cheddar cheese. Their business model simply precludes utilizing the newest stuff, and rather focuses on honing a product, quite finely mind you, around a specific arrangement of just less than current technology, and to cling desperately to that basic setup for as long as is fiscally responsible, or maybe a bit beyond that.

Because we seem to have this hair-brained association of hipness and newness, people can listen to corporate executives gush about how incredible it is to video chat over cell phones, when the very same technology has existed in Europe and Asia for at least a half a decade. That bears repeating: one half of a decade. Five years is at least two eternities in the tech world, and here we are 'oo'-ing and 'ah'-ing over something that your typical Japanese grandmother would hardly even snort at.

Ultimately this points to a pretty clear lesson about the power of marketing. Apple has done nothing if it hasn't marketed a very clear image to the US, and even the rest of the world. It's an image that they will surely ride right into the stratosphere of profitability, but will likely forever sit at the backseat in real computer hardware sales, unless they get to changing how they treat their business model.

High Performing Auto Parts for the World's Best Selling Sports Car - the Mazda Miata 2006

A risky venture in 1989 yet the shrewdest move for Mazda, this little Japanese roadster eventually chalked up 700,000 sales worldwide as it capped the Guinness Book of World Records world's best-selling sports car. Mazda is now looking toward the 1 million mark with the third-generation, 2006 MX-5.

The 2006 Miata will make its debut in Canada this August, It will be called the MX-5 Miata for a year or two, but Canadians and Americans can look for the Miata name to disappear after that, unifying the vehicle as an MX-5 worldwide.

It will be wider and more muscular in appearance with a prominent front and rear fender arches that recall the same style on the flashy RX-8; a more smoothly tapered nose and tail; the inboard placement of the headlights and taillights; and a particularly appealing revised grille.

The body structure is now 47 per cent more rigid, and has a lower center of gravity that should enhance handling. One unusual feature of the '06 Miata is the convertible roof, which, is a manually raised and lowered metal top.

A stiffer unibody structure serves as the chassis foundation, with a double-wishbone suspension in front and multilink system in the rear. Larger front-brake rotors and 25-percent-stiffer calipers help extract optimal stopping distances from the four-wheel single-piston-caliper disc system.

Power is enhanced with its new 2.0-litre engine rated at around 160 hp and balance will be improved by moving the engine 135 mm rearward to create 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.

A newly developed six-speed manual transmission will be available, along with the standard five-speed manual. An available six-speed automatic transmission can be manually controlled by the shift lever and by steering wheel-mounted paddles.

For all of these technological wonders from Mazda, Partstrain offers the most impressive line up of Mazda Miata Performance and Replacement Parts. Suspension, spoilers, front and rear fenders, tailgate, hoods, hubcaps, electrical parts, engine parts and many others are the best in the industry. These heavy duty and highly reliable parts are available at
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BMW Convertible Models Made In The US

European manufacturers have made convertible car models for many years, even for the american market. One of these is BMW. Have you heard about the Z3 roadster? This was the first mass-market and assembled BMW convertible in the United States. We saw this model on the market in 1996, just after it was featured in the James Bond movie, Golden Eye. The production ended in the year 2002 and before that many variants were introduced. The coupe version was also introduced in 1999 after having been manufactured and assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In the late 2002 the Z4 model - the successor to the Z3 model - was introduced in the Paris Auto Show.

The engineers which developed the Z3 used the E36 of the BMW 3 Series as a platform. The l name of the platform that resulted out of this was referred as the E36/7 model. The rear semi-trailing arm suspension from the E30 model was used rather than the more sophisticated multilink suspension from the E36. At first, just the 1.9 L M44B19 straight-4 engine was offered, though its 138 hp made the vehicle less of a performer than many buyers wanted. Feedback from customers told that the interiors of this model were not good as it was in the other models of this manufacturer. Especially bad looking was the plastic rear window even in comparison to to the glass unit found on the much-cheaper 1999 model Mazda Miata.

In 1997, this little four was complemented by a larger straight-6 engine In the North American market, the 2.8 L M52B28. This engine, taken from the 328i, was especially attractive with its 189 hp. As the four was retired a 3.2 L S52B32 I6 engine was used in the M Roadster that came in the year after. In 1999, the 1.9L 4-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.5L straight-6, producing as much as 170 hp. Curiously, this BMW model was badged as the '2.3'.

Outside of North America a 2.0L straight-6 was used instead of a 1.9L 4-cylinder. All of the engines were replaced when the car was freshened for a few years later; more precisely in 2001. The range now consisted of the 2.2 L M54B22 (available outside of North America), 2.5 L M52B25, 3.0 L M52B30, and (for the M Roadster) 3.2 L S54B32. All three of these straight-6 engines lasted through the end of the car's run the year after. Except for the plastic window, the whole interiors were refurbished.

Other problems of the Z3 model reported were bad oxygen sensors, the plastic water pump and a rear shock mount that failed. The retro styling though, was more popular and the Z3s have held their value fairly well in the resale market.

M Roadster
From 1998 to 2002, the Motorsports division of BMW produced the well known model M Roadster. This model included suspension upgrades and the engine from the BMW M3. A 3.2L S52 motor was there in the as early as in 1998 as well as 1999, and 2000 M roadster along with a quad exhaust. The models after the millennium change, in other words the 2001 and 2002 models had the S54 motor from the E46 M3 as well as interior upgrades with additional gauges in the center console. A lighted "M" shift knob, various chrome bits throughout the cockpit and sport seats were also part of the standard equipment. There were also many exterior changes, like larger wheels spaced further apart and more aggressive fenders than were installed on the regular Z3. It was also an option to have hardtops.