Leisure-Drive

Mercedes Benz C Class a Forgone Over Engineered Era

2011-04-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

After the production of the much praised and legendary W201 and W124 ended, Benz decided to follow the then cost cutting measures trend widely adapted by most car makers in early 1990s: Leaving behind the famous “Over Engineered” marketing term and thus its heritage traditional production method. Certainly with the exception of Its bigger brother the G Class, for obvious reason look for past article on Mercedes Benz G Class Accessories.

Mercedes Benz C Class almost revolutionized Benz character to follow its rivalry’s dynamic driving machinery, the BMW. It helps the marketing sales target at the cost of Benz purist who puts reliability traits above all. The evidence is quite bewildering, a large number of newer Benz taxi has spent more time in the workshop than the W124 counterparts, it is a harsh reality that most German taxi drivers facing then.

When the heavy seasonal flood hampers most of Jakarta and into a parked W124 in a private garage, it only requires wiping off the excess water and moisture. As the ECU is kept in a water tight compartment the car starts off immediately with no problem at all.

It’s the classic consumer behavior dictated by Manufacturer in the long run strategy! Technology-wise the computer is now in charge for the most parts of driving functions; combustion process, the controlled stability and other enhanced driving comforts and conveniences. Including individual driving style, motorized trunk access and lastly perhaps rendering careful battery replacement; the buffer memory stored for ignition mapping. Replacing battery without caution may result the car to refuse to operate.

Imagine turning the ignition key with the new battery, but the car could not run whatsoever unless the “engineer” not the mechanic puts the memory back on! The automotive wiring now boasts a system called Bus system allowing digital signal and DC current flows in an efficient manner unlike the system it has replaced.

Less wiring length is required as it used to be, but analyzing electrical glitches requires specialized know how and dedicated training for each model and car brand. You should literary never allow a monkey attitude mechanic to browse your engine bay, unless you have expected for the worst.

And here is one good example of allowing a monkey tinkering your car electrical, the whole wiring gets a remarkable burning state. Now this Mercedes Benz C Class is in comatose albeit worthless vegetable car; Mercedes Benz C Class a Forgone Over Engineered Era

The good news is other C Class owner gets excellent donor car for affordable cannibal part resources! Then surely there is ample of remaining universal Car Accessories such as Floor Mats, Audio player, speaker, sport wheels and any Performance Tires set that come with them.

LED Angel Eye

2011-03-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

The OEM equipped LED Angel Eye on your Rare and exotic car seems outdated? The thought of relentless car modifications haunting the soul to distinguish yours to other “ordinary” looking cars; if the pursuit of aesthetic rather than high performances, the original HID lighting Applications is one of the best places to start off.

Such option offers fewer drawbacks than any other modifications at least it would be much more environmentally friendly. Though a HID lighting projector Headlamp might impose hazardous glare to the oncoming drivers, its surrounding LED Angel Eye would not, yet could provide significant aggressive look. The BMW 5 series has pioneered this unique style since the early 2000.

Its available from the most advanced technology of CCFL filament down to the cheapest around from the humble DIY stuff LED illuminated clear acrylic/plastic rod to the alternatively fiber optics cables.

The trick to make it lights up like the true 'Angel Eye', the latter two options necessitates multiple cuts (scratches) along the designated length whereas each cut is ideally measuring about 2~3mm apart. The multiple cuts creates the light to visually 'escape' the ring..

Certainly only those individual with highly craftsmanship could make the difference fabricating unique customized 'Angel Eye' regardless of material and filament choices, but creativity would also play an important role. Average technical knowledge in conjunction with artistic approach might evolve from a mere widely available aftermarket product. Hence improving the aesthetic look is virtually boundless.

All the better for a HID OEM car equipped with no LED Angel Eye, such simple 'Angel Eye' or ‘Eyebrow’ upgrade would be a great enhancement; as some folks might regard ‘Eyebrow’ upgrade as better stylistic trend alternative.

Who would have thought that interior illumination style of the early 1970s could inspire LED Angel Eye craze of 2011? It is actually a rotating thermostat knob on an Old Classic W114 Mercedes Benz!

DIY Tools

2011-01-31T04:10:00.000-08:00

DIY Tools might come handy for that precious Leisure indulgence time, and it would especially be very handful during the emergency which unfortunately happens at the worst possible moment. There are times for most of us to spent quality week end on our own classic car, not that it needs the repair, but rather to make it in tip top shape, such Tender Loving Care is indeed quite important for the Classic.

And having the right tools would certainly strengthen the excitement. Most Classics have little electronic or micro processor controlled gadgets if not none at all; relying the old but simple technology. Contrary to the recent advanced and useful HID lighting Applications it is purely mechanical system application, we could literally watch the whole process with naked eyes, almost anyway as an argument sake to distinguish very close to four decades of technology advancement; Hence simple DIY Toolsfor the reliable old engineering technology.

An essential engineering parameter particularly for the non injection fuel delivery system is Vacuum Pressure, the very soul resources to maintain healthy engine. For an engine to idle evenly regardless of cold or hot state as well as ignition timing adjustments during either cruising or hard sudden acceleration and many other numerous functions in order to have optimum combustion process.

One recurring imminent case on a 1975 Mercedes Benz W114 280 is clearly depicted on the Vacuum gauge reading, though the Classic never in a lumpy idle but it is always uneven, it raises rpm on every few seconds then falls momentarily in perfect cycle on and on. Whenever the car is driven hard the frequency as well as uneven amplitude of fluctuating rpm is greater, necessitating Carburetor adjustment.

The Equus Gaugerepresenting simple DIY Tools clearly indicates late ignition timing and worst the car refuses to get into the green normal Vacuum Pressure zone. Both exhaust and inlet Manifolds have been reinstalled with new set of gasket, and there is no apparent misalignment on each part.

Vice versa on the Carburetor sides, the engine has also shown no telltale of compression loss, as the 35 year old veteran has no trouble at all getting into 160 kmh furious speed territory, and there is hardly any noticeable alarming smoke coming out. In fact nothing at all, perfectly colorless out at the back end.

Reliable 97 Accord Lx

2011-01-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

Is the Reliable 97 Accord Lx a myth? With the exception of British Pound sterling any other currencies for the year were continually striding until exactly a year later, when most of Asian’s got tumble down toward 1999s. Does a car model reliability record correlate to any financial crisis at all?

Later model Accord seems to have more problems enough to reverse the perceived reliability image of Honda, the transmission headache of 2003 and it gets many more troubles on 2008 model, the year where the Wall-Street drags much of the world.

It would be any body concern to have a reliable car, particularly to the most of drivers with budget constraint. And it is quite a privileged indeed for having a Reliable 97 Accord Lx with exceptionally condition at merely 46,927 kms mileage. Granted it had been fully kept in our garage for a decade with no replacement whatsoever on any of its Driving Light Applications, the car continues to reward us with one of the best motoring experiences.

Exactly a week ago that we managed to get 15km per L of fuel consumption on the toll segment of our journey to the ascending portion going to Bandung in a reasonably brisk driving manner with the air condition blasting on at its max. While its Double Wishbone suspension at the four corners tends to dampen road irregularities toward sport handling ride, it provides balanced handling and ride composure.

Though in the area of the NVH is still acceptable, it may not be on par with the level of quietness of our 2008 Nissan Serena compact MPV, the tire noise at highway protrudes into the cabin of our Vintage Honda Accord, yet the overall impression as we get to the destination is that despite of its old classic car, upon our arrival we still feel fresh from two hours journey with hardly any fatigue at all.

Car Leisure makes frequent trip on a fortnight basis from Jakarta to Bandung, a mere 150 kms journey through the punishing toll road with road irregularities and often there are some potholes along certain segment. And about 60 km from Bandung the road offers exhilarating long climbing section which occasionally interrupt driver’s awareness especially those driving smaller than 1,600 cc engine.

There is no doubt that any car equipped with Automatic Transmission would work extremely hard along this section, but our Reliable 97 Accord Lx does not have to be revved as hard provided its Overdrive is switched off manually to attain its optimum torque. Its shifting process is still smooth on either way, down or up.

This Reliable 97 Accord Lx comes with VTEC and rear wheel disc brakes as OEM standard equipments. Accordingly we have replaced numerous parts, as what happened to many long time garaged cars, the air conditioner is the first item to fail not to mention the uneven tires wear out, few Lead Acid Battery replacements, and then the extra or cooling fan motor got seized recently (see photo no.2).

Some future attention would be around engine and transmission mountings, as well as suspension mountings. The shock absorbers on all four corners have been replaced, so is the ball joint and some rubbery parts along the steering system, cv joints etc. While the engine and main drive train parts have been largely untouched.

Note Photo No. 1 depicts the original rear lamps, motorized antennae down to muffler tip. Photo No. 3 below the radio cassette as it came out the showroom.

Classic Ponton

2010-11-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ambiguity does prevail these days to distinguish between Vintage to Classic Car. Nevertheless, it is quite delightful indeed spotting an un-restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz W120 at our friendly DCM workshop. The W 120 or also widely known as 180 and lately heightened a bit as Ponton is an exemplary Old car, and it seems has been under lots of TLC, for its last four years has been garaged and warm up on daily basis.

It may not clearly be depicted on this picture, yet making a Leisure comparison amongst the other later Mercedes Benz at DCM, the Classic Ponton’s interior is in remarkably condition. All the switches, gauges and wood panels are in working condition, though a few are definitely new, such as the lighter as well as air conditioner unit. At least it is not as shabby as the age suggests.

Even the exterior has shown better originality through out. The car of the era is characterized by lots of Chrome body parts. This Classic Ponton is particularly stands out down to the original drainage just below the door, and aft the rear wheel arch.

Here is a great chance to have a decent motoring experience with sturdy, solidly built and long lasting heritage car, it is a bullet proof daily drive as it is designed in much simpler engineering technology. It may be crude as in comparison to today modern motor car.

There are though traces of modern touches apart of a new set of tires, such as the Lead Acid Battery and Air conditioner is being represented by protruding blue capped nipple compressor as well as twin electrical extra cooling fan, and also to its right the valve expansion unit.

It would be interesting if the new owner who just spent a bit shy of US $15,000 make a ridiculous alteration such as fitting HID lighting Applications to improve its night driving safety. Would you like to bet on this?

Lead Acid Battery

2010-10-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

How many times have you encountered a sudden flat Car Battery? Worst mostly it happens during the rush hour. On older cars an experienced driver is generally aware the condition of its charging system. The main trouble is due to the inadequate charging current required to supply all those electrical equipments on your car.

Occasionally we do forget things as well; we are inadvertently leaving any of our Driving Light Applications on over the night, drawing approximately a steady at least 4 amp of current each hour. No it is not like that movie segment where a secret document is being exchanged in between cars with both driving light beam onto each other, and in a sudden twisted plot, it follows by gun fire exchanges with no survivors leaving the lights on until a passerby stumbles into the crime scene.

Armed with Jumper Cable it should be no problem finding a donor car source to supply that sweet burst of cranking ampere power to get the car wake up from its flat battery state comatose. No donor car? Push starts the car, that is if your car has manual transmission, but no jumper on an automatic car; well tough luck!

Following the principle of cost cutting measures many small cars are equipped with slight tinnier Car Battery capacity, thus the OEM Battery runs at smaller charging and hence similar discharging capacity, consequently upon heavy load there is more frequent cycle of charging and discharging which in turn shorten its life time.

On a properly maintained Car Battery in accordance to the manufacturing specification it should last three to four years, but as electrical demand to power the current abundance equipment such as power windows, air conditioner etc., it is exponentially increasing, so does the need for bigger Battery capacity.

Though the common Lead Acid Battery has the advantage of short burst of current withdrawal for engine starting purpose, yet once it’s fully discharged it has inevitably suffered an irreversible damage to provide a full100% efficient charging and discharging cycle. It already goes in the failing down slope cycle, which new battery replacement is imminent.

As it has been said earlier there is a tendency for the car manufacturing in the spirit of cost cutting measure to equip smaller Car Battery capacity as the OEM part, and hence a significant Battery life time reduction. Such trend appears more profoundly on the lower class production cars, such as matching Battery capacity for a subcompact should have been 45 ah (JIS NS60) but instead they are equipped as OEM part a 35 ah (JIS NS40Z) Car Battery .

There is hardly a surprise for today’s Car that its OEM Lead Acid Battery could only last a mere one year period. Heavy current load at snail pace traffic could be the main culprit, as charging process at near idle engine revs only occur in the vicinity of 60% rate, the higher the rpm the closer to reach 100% charging rate capacity. The alternator is engineered to be operating at such condition to allow for its best life time expectancy.

Sleeper Benz

2010-10-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Not as many Sleeper Cars could be categorized as such belonging to those truly Classic Ride. Sleeper Benz is quite a rare European Classic Ride, in particular the W109-300SEL 3.5. Looking at its OEM Driving Light Applications of the bygone era, one simply wonders whether its barely than adequate lighting power matches its awesome performance.

Though finding such original accessories is another special tale tells story effort, it does heighten a sort of well integrated Classic restoration. The aspect of capable lighting might settle for the last priority. The Lumen (or luminous power) would certainly be revisited once the brute power of this W109 is being exercised quite regularly, only then the priority could be reversed dramatically!

This depicted OEM accessories fitment is certainly difficult to come by unless from a dedicated Classic Mercedes Benz Restoration Specialist which unfortunately only a few around. Authentic accessories on an original looking W109 would no doubt stir the emotion of anyone with Benz fanatics as the legendary W109-300SEL 3.5 is regarded by many as an entry level to Sleeper Benz following the limited production of 300SEL 6.3.

Contrary to the inadequacy of its fog lamp the 3.5L V8 engine should be sufficient to propel the sedan in a civilized rocketing speed manner. Matching to the speed legacy is its air cushioning suspension at all four corners delivering un-forgetful ride quality.

As many other restoration projects there are ample of hurdle stand in the way; the hard to get chrome ornaments inside the passenger compartment and outside along the body exterior. The hours spent to revive numerous mechanical equipments including the plumbing system to activate the air cushioning suspension, whether there is enough pressure circulating around or even some trial and error works to look for the odorless and colorless air leakage particularly at those plumbing joints.

Surely replacing the whole plumbing and fittings would solve the problems immediately, but the aspect of originality could not be neglected all together. Take for example the engineering design behind the approximately 7.2 L air supply canister seems a bit small to carry 2.5 tones burden. Would it be tempting to replace it with modern stainless steel container?

And what about replacing those aging pressurized plumbing system all together? It is obvious that where there is a pressure there is always a potential for a leak somewhere some time on even the best material available; once these factors are being fiddled around why not refitting a bigger air container filled with Nitrogen gas instead, as now a customary fitment to our tires.

No doubt there are many other ideas as well as how extensive such restoration job should be carried, making a hasty decision will definitely pose an irreversible drawbacks! Drawbacks which will linger to the rest of such restored Classic Sleeper Benz life time in coming future.

Door Handle Fabrication

2010-09-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Door Handle Fabrication may indeed seem an easy DIY fabrication task, as simple as having an Air Intake Modification to for example Leisure Drive own DIY Project Car 97 Accord, yet even some replacement parts are hard to get by for some rare model vehicles.

Door Handle Fabrication for the rare population W201 190E is truly the only option available over here. Only a small number of CBU W201 is imported to this part of Equatorial hemisphere. As a result no automotive shop is willing to fill up their inventory level with low value hard to break replacement parts such as this diminutive looking Door Handle.

A catastrophic crack has developed along the pivotal base rendering the Door Handle to be completely useless. Luckily a thin sheet of metal is able to be inserted with enough space to the gap between Handle assembly and the handle pivot forming a structural outer layer, a glue application together with few clamps will do the job.

For such DIY project work a Clamp Tool is quite handy indeed, though the uncluttered look seem distasteful yet it is fully functional. It is functioning at least temporarily till the replacement at the appropriate price comes around. Alas the opening and shutting a Mercedes Benz Door does typically require a slight of slamming effort, a bit more than other brand does.

W123 Project Car

2010-09-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

We recently start a new exciting W123 Project Car; unlike our DIY Project Car 97 Accord the W123 requires a bit more challenging effort. Perhaps there will be small DIY portions on the body should the tools be available or some interior works, but mostly is beyond any DIY scale on our own.

Overall the body seems to be straight with some rusty section along the door sills and so forth at the usual lurking sections but fortunately not on the passenger side under carriage, yet as some experts suggest it appears to be exceptionally “Original” condition. The W123 is remarkably in mint condition with strong evidence of being stored in well kept garage at its early years.

The rear end view with its American styled bumper looks fresh and the 230E motor runs great mated to equally smooth Automatic Transmission, albeit with a slight falling rpm dip at idle but without any erratic gestures. Then there is a strong evidence of worn out drive shaft coupling occurs around 100kmh as well as sagging body height.

Two pairs of brand new Bilstein shocks solve the sagging problem with relatively minimum damage to the wallet at US $200; where as the idle problem is cured by cleaning the throttle and its TPS as well as a new Spark Plug Wire Set and Ignition Distributor Cover, the engine now runs smoothly with strong torque power to mid revs leveling out higher rpm, a typical character for the era, the open loop engine management technology in mid 1980s.

Unlike its Japanese counterparts Mercedes Benz lags behind in the multivalve engine deployment, but owning to its design simplicity such engine generally last longer trouble free. Car manufacturer has also made slight progress in NVH department with the departure from chain driven engine into belt in late 1990s and reverting back to chain again recently.

The W123 today commands high price to even ridiculous level for a pristine condition, well beyond the average value of its successor the W124. Just a little while ago a rare over here two door W123 280CE is offered at US $ 39,000 where as this example costs US $ 4,700!

Ignition Distributor Cover

2010-09-07T03:57:00.000-07:00

Ignition Distributor Cover may sound peculiar yet a decade ago is a common part. Relying on mechanical principle the cover solely relay high voltage current from ignition coil to be distributed amongst the sparkplugs, there is no digitally input sensor signal except the rotating rotor that ignite the appropriate plug.

Due to high current the carbon based terminal inside is eventually worn out rendering lower current to pass through, consequently degrading engine performance. Despite of worn out Ignition Distributor Cover, a close friend of mine who just acquired this W123 230E has just raced against a formidable newer Toyota Camry this very morning prior to our visit to a Mercedes Specialist.

The superbly poised handling W123 is surely the key to a 140kmh neck to neck chase in a busy undulating toll road, an environment which a Camry misses out. The challenge for any Japanese car on such poorly designed road surface is quite enormous, that even our classic to be the DIY Project Car 97 Accord struggles on many occasion. Where as the W123 could soldier on, these popular Honda or Toyota would need to be slowed down a bit.

The only regret is that we learn the fact that only a third volume of oil remains in the W123 engine. There is hardly any tale telling the engine missing any beat during the chase! The new ride has been a week with him and he has not any slightest idea to even poking the level of humble dipstick! A small discussion is naturally in progress commenting how tough such engine or perhaps how lucky he is to have the oil pump still works in order producing enough pressure to circulate and thus protect those vital reciprocating mass inside.

It is quite ironic that he has already spent $2 G on the W123 on suspension, new set of tires, braking system and few of body panels, but oil and Distributor Cover. The OEM ignition parts are generally considered as high performing items and thus there is no need to replace with any other after market brand. Camry here we come.

Technorati Tags: Ignition Distributor Cover,W123,W123 Project Car

Benz Toy

2010-08-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Benz Toy is purely the culmination effort for those car enthusiast freaks in order to have their own classic Mercedes Benz ride roadworthy as well as being sensible to maintain. Such innovation has long been regularly deployed to any Old Car for Beginner's rally car.

It is such a customary to have the latest suitable braking system to be fitted on the popular Corolla KE71 series for better rally braking purpose. Not much peculiar either for those old classic W108 Mercedes Benz 280S receiving Carburetor replacement from a Toyota. Despite of its bulletproof reliable W108 model, a long running classic Benz does suffer the failure of its two downdraft carburetors, eventually every two decades or so.

The replacement is sourced from a 1980s Toyota Crown 2.8L. Certainly a new adaptor is required as well as new Jet/ Needle setting. One carburetor settings is much simpler to attain than two, not to mention the long run Ease of Maintenance.

G Class Conversion Part 2; Toyota Engined G-Wagen

Similarly but not for similar replacement reasoning; the Prado engine conversion to a G wagen. The 1KZ-TE has slightly bigger capacity than the original 6 cylinders DOHC; it is merely a 4 cylinders SOHC 2982 cc 2 valves per cylinder turbo charger diesel engine, producing much less at 125hp. Yet its highly rich 287 Nm of torque peaks @ low 2,000 rpm is the main reason for tugging the 2.5 Tonnes G-Wagen, an ideal solution for stop and go city traffic.

Another bonus is the 1KZ-TE comes with the automatic transmission. The replacement engine was introduced way back in 1993. 1KZ-TE has already adopted the electronically controlled fuel injection, ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System - intelligent) technology which is similar in basic construction to a modern gasoline injector, although utilizing considerably higher injection pressures, yet it is still an indirect injection engine.

As the factory boost pressure is set at 7.4-9.7 psi (51-67kpa), there is a lot of untapped potential to be further developed on this popular engine swap choice. There is bountiful evidence that higher pressure set up with the addition of matching Intercooler will achieve a similar power to the original DOHC power plant around 150hp as opposed to those engines fitted to its sedan sibling the W123 280E which rated at 185hp.

There is a another conversion involving further modification by fitting a dtronic Performance Chip as well as employing larger free flow exhaust system producing significant power and torque gain without degrading its fuel consumption, though a larger exhaust piping is quite difficult on the G-Wagen under carriage due to space restriction.

The 1KZ-TE is not sourced as a half cut; so consequently wiring the engine on the G-Wagen is currently the main challenge for our friendly Mercedes Specialist. Interpreting the available wiring diagram scheme does require time.

Perhaps a typical trial and error implantation surgery will have to be implemented. For a start “Cuk Dewantoro” the owner of DCM Mercedes Specialist has already decided not to connect the EGR function for the sake of simple first phase surgery. Should the engine runs smoothly the G-Wagen might have a slight tendency toward high emission.

Complying with our lenient pollution rules will have to be postponed at a later stage, first thing first is to attain successful engine transplantation surgery. The local Police head quarter (not DMV) has recently issued that for every vehicle license renewal such vehicle must have its emission control sticker available.

Yet FYI we need not to pass the strict Euro5 level as anywhere else, the majority of locally produced vehicle is still adhered to at most Euro2.

Pressing on to our conversion issue, though the 1KZ-TE is already mounted on the original G-Wagen engine mount, its transmission is not connected as yet to the Gelanden Wagen’s transfer case. The car has actually suffered a slight miss aligned main driving axle shaft. The DCM Mercedes Specialist “Guru”, Cuk Dewantoro has two main tasks in the drive train sector; first fixing this inherent G-Wagen problem (as I recalled we had to replace ours at the cost of 8 Grand US$ back in early 1990s on a 1986 GE280) and secondly fabricate new connection from the auto trans to the transfer case assembly.

Adamant to please his loyal client Cuk Dewantoro has already devised a plan to mitigate the damaging bank account effect. That is to fabricate 5 Tonnes Mitsubishi truck driving shaft to solve these two main tasks. The Mitsubishi has solid shaft where as G-Wagen’s is seemed to be a specially built with oil filled hollow shaft in order to have a dynamic balanced rotating shaft.

For those who has been driving the G-Wagen, it has very solid and rigid chassis, if there is any slight miss alignments, the chassis has somewhat successfully amplify such out of balance to reverberate through out the whole body structures.

No doubt the fabrication process will be definitely subjected to a rather long trial and error works, which remains to be seen. Fingers crossed Mas Cuk!

Notice the engine mass center position has shifted; it is now located further away from the firewall bulk head as opposed to the original DOHC GE280.

Value for Money MPV

2010-08-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

The perceived image of Value for Money MPV would certainly differ according to each individual preference. An enthusiast driver would prefer for more performance aspects whilst the remaining driver would look further for enhanced functionality to suit her needs. When the requirement focuses on City MPV, the choices are consequently varied from one region to another.

In a relatively flat region with heavy congested section, the choice diminishes somewhat, no matter how enthusiast you are as a driver, a car performance is the last order priority. Many American drivers love to drag from one intersection to the next one despite of speed limit constraint; whereas their European counterparts do not mind to diesel along, as long as their rides are comfortable to suit the needs as well as being frugal.

Being nippy and easy to park may also come in handy. Small turning radius with huge volume of hauling capacity is a bonus. A high seating position with well commanding sight of traffic ahead could also be a help. Particularly for those stop and go, bumper to bumper traffic jam with the road as narrow as bicycle track.

Leisure Drive is privileged to sample hours of driving along this kind of traffic on four popular low budgets MPV, none however being either marketed to US soil or European continent. Three of which belong to the lower segment (under US$ 20K) where as another one from mid upper segment (US$ 35 grand).

In fact the lavished and comfortable Nissan Serena MPV serves much of country driving a mere 140kms from Jakarta to Bandung trip on almost every fortnight, the two out of three lower segmented MPV serve as daily commuter, Suzuki APV for work purpose whereas the Daihatsu Granmax is purely dedicated for school transportation. The other one the most sold MPV in Indonesia Toyota Avanza is used as the yardstick.

All MPV above are capable to haul 7 people at a time, occasionally more on both APV and Granmax, but less so on Serena which is equipped with twin captain style seats at mid row. The only lingering memory to this day which has similar or even more seating capacity is the rare Mercedes Benz 280GE, yet it is a four wheel drive beast that we used to have hauling people and cargo to our remote Villa out in the bewilder-ness 80kms away.

As the road that goes to our remote villa gets civilized and since the Cipularang toll road is available, our 'MPV need" matures along with growing family and new modus of Leisure time. The G-Wagen as it is commonly known at some region has heighten the knack of driving a solidly built with well mannered ride and comfort, in a way dictating certain level of driving enthusiasm, but not for daily city drive.

Size does matter here to encounter narrow, crowd and hectic city traffic. We are now accustomed to the swarm of motor bikes on any gap, every inch of our tiny road is fully occupied nonetheless, often one could not even walk in between with just a couple of inch from within one lane to another.

Most of today MPV offer well isolated cabin to the degree of a G-Wagen has; from noise, vibration and harshness coming from the engine and its drive train, yet suspension banging still protrude inside on the entire low segment MPV. Thanks to their relatively high and tall body the driver could easily afford the passive safety aspect of commanding view for the traffic ahead and surrounding, a bonus for our kind of traffic.

A two and half tones G-Wagen is relatively easy to mingle the traffic with its DOHC 2.8L engine, there is ample of power across its wide rpm as long as the traffic allows, unlike its sedan sibling the GE280 had been designed to attain optimum torque at lower revs. Today even the diminutive 1,200 cc Granmax with its VVTi technology could also easily attain torque rich band below 3,000 rpm in a much responsive time. This is the kind of power level that we mostly need to combat the stop and go motion.

Toyota owns portion of Daihatsu ownership, and when they need small city car platform they look no further than Daihatsu popular vehicles. Avanza is virtually identical to Daihatsu Xenia, the fact that engine technology sharing for cost cutting measure is mandatory, the Granmax gets similar high compression VVTi equipped engine.

The high tech engine offers torque rich bandwidth at relatively low rpm, but does not mind to rev higher in a well mannered behavior, albeit as satisfying as the screaming of DOHC out of our beloved GE280. There is neither hardly harshness nor boominess present on the higher models. Flooring the pedal is perhaps as addictive to the race out of one intersection to the next one. That is provided that the traffic would allow for as such.

Granmax being the most affordable MPV priced from US$ 10 grand has the least insulating material, and as the result there is a tendency for the engine noise to penetrate into the cabin. Likewise the heat coming from engine bay has easily reached into as well, particularly as the driver and front passenger are seating directly above. But the Suzuki engineers apparently have worked hard to encapsulate such heat problem protruding into so the APV cabin has more civilized environment.

In this comfort war it is certainly the Serena has more serene and quietness due to its impeccable sophisticated sound and heat insulation materials, its engine is located well away at front, a similar position on Avanza. Both Serena and APV are equipped with automatic transmission; either gear downshifting or up-shifting on Nissan Serena MPV is completely subdued. Aggressive shifting is almost impossible but has the consequences of delicate maneuver whenever an abrupt lane changing or overtaking is suddenly required.

Cruising at a steady 120kmh is a rarity on even our toll road, on most section is only drive-able well below this speed, though all our MPV are more than capable to attain as such level. Due to their rudimentary suspension set up at the rear both APV and Granmax are noisy and delivering very firm ride at such speed, it may reach to jarring point at some bad undulating road surface, but remarkably quite poised.

Our older APV unlike its latest version of Arena model has rigid leaf spring, yet it fortunately produces more stable and predictable manner in high speed pursuit. Powering down the curve is as confident as in GE280 literally. The rest of the pack is simply trailing behind with Serena right down at the bottom.

Though an automatic transmission is a necessity today it does have a hurdle on its own when it comes to climb an ascending road, as a yardstick you need to have your engine running beyond 3,000 rpm for the required torque to work uphill. Most people seem to forget that these new technology engines are engineered to be operating at its optimum torque at upper half of rpm bandwidth.

In a layman language the engine should get its chance to exercise such as human being too, and the only way to do that is to rev hard. This way it also enable for the combustion chamber to breathe properly, keeping those carbon deposit that is used to be clinging to valve ancillary out away and consequently guarding the tip top shape of the state of combustion cycle process.

None of these MPV has the stopping power of an Old Beginner Rally Car, let alone of any modern sedan braking performances. Caution is constantly given as not to tailgate beyond the stopping potential distance ahead, in fact twice the normal distance as compare to driving any sedan.

Getting a car breakdown is highly unlikely to any of these MPV, but certain glitches do occasionally occur. The second hand 10,000km mileage Serena has suffered few electronically malfunctions, but we do not know how well the MPV was maintained prior to our purchase.

Overall as the Reliability is concerned every MPV here is virtually bulletproof. The highest mileage being the APV at 70,000kms, it has subjected to replacement parts on its front pair disc brake shoes at 30,000 and one ignition coil just recently. The rest is pretty much standard; such as changing the plugs, replacing air filter and so forth. Though once under its manufacturing warranty a digital clock was claimed.

So which one has earned the title as the most Value for Money MPV do you reckoned?

Every MPV has its own advantages and minuses, some features that we love yet some we hate on its standard format. The sliding doors on both Serena and Granmax are quite handy for ease of access; they also provide lots of air coming in whenever both MPV are parking while awaiting for the kids do their own chores.

Despite of its cumbersome to climb aboard at front, for agility and driving confidence the APV wins the battle. As it is the tallest of all it also offer better commanding view for those a little safety edge passive precautions. But the addictive engine roaring at full throttle is got be the Grandmax as well as its ease of access into, and at twice the price the Serena also wins down on a relaxing manner for high speed cruising.

It’s a tough call indeed, but surely as you have finished reading the longest ever post at 1,600 words you would likely to get my drift!

Genuine Mercedes A160 Interior Parts

2010-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Obtaining a Genuine Mercedes Interior Parts is not as easy as in the past anymore, the recent bewildering choices of optional equipments as well as customized vehicle has necessitated a new way of Replacement Part ordering system. Unique individual color coordinated interior including special model version would play a major contribution, luckily meticulous computerized database records could come handy, yet ordering a particular part might not be your typical leisure DIY job either.

As the day of Spartan dark interior has become long gone, Replacement Part now takes longer delivery time. There is no doubt that minimum inventory stock has the obvious cost cutting measure benefits. But it is not as fun when you have to provide your chassis or VIN upon making the order.

A Genuine Mercedes Interior Parts such as the turning knob to actuate inflow air ventilation on a 2003 A Class requires at least two weeks delivery time, it also apply for any other Replacement Parts regardless.

Whether this particular car requires a major automatic transmission overhaul or just replacing a mere small piece of rear suspension bushing, the time being off the road in the garage workshop has seemed to be in a perpetual extended version for weeks or even months.

Imagine the sort of gigantic parts inventory that we need to carry just for a competitive automotive sports event; better yet, stick to your trusty Old Car for Beginner Rally Car.

The fact that it is a special version as an A160 Avantgarde model has indeed complicated the matter further, as its interior differs to the rest of other similar A Class. The Avantgarde is fully equipped with all the latest passive and active safety driving features available to the bigger sibling Class where as its interior receives special wood panel at mid section.

Any car being garaged for more than 5 months bounds to face the risk of missing its hard to get part. Somehow a few months later while the A160 is yet still in another garage the broken vent knob finally reveals its unfortunate fate. The rotating knob has sadly lost its half portion edges; it simply stays on at its place, rendering the vent at its full open position regardless.

Taking care your own Mercedes is obviously always a priority but trusting the car to a reputable Mercedes Specialist precedes everything else.

Fortunately the cost for the replacement knob does not as damaging to the wallet; at least not as damaging as it requires replacing its 18 clutch plates out of 36 plates from a major automatic transmission overhaul work; the kind of work which was initially miss-diagnosed due to improper diagnostic equipment as well as improper installment procedures.

The A Class is notoriously venerable to transmission failures. Whatever type of transmission!

Halogen Bulb

2010-07-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Halogen Bulb may have been a thing of the past. It is certainly an effective lighting component for a 1997 Subaru Imprezza in its own era. Today’s real high performance Subaru Imprezza with 305-hp 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged Boxer engine demands brighter lighting than merely Halogen equipped main head lamp.

As a superior alternative replacement the HID lighting provides fairly close to daylight brightness yet it requires much lower DC current and best of all it produces less heat as well. The only drawback is the cost. In fact that’s why most mass produced cars are not yet equipped with HID lighting as OEM parts.

Though, for every day normal driving your Halogen head lamp is still adequate and cost effective. Halogen Bulb has typically around 3,000 operating hours life time and whenever there is a noticeable drop of lighting performances it is the best time to replace them. A new pair of bulbs is a well worth guarantee for your driving safety.

Driving at night during a light drizzle is the best opportunity to determine whether your existing bulb has worn out permanently. A noticeable drop of vision quality due to small droplets of drizzle on your windscreen will easily reveal a well worn bulb. You will get significant improved night vision as these worn out bulbs are replaced. Driving in confidence does require attentive maintenance to your existing head lamps.

Furthermore the safety of your journey is the paramount factor and well maintained head lamps will safeguard this important driving aspect. Do you check this precaution recently? I know I have just been taking this seriously as of today our subcompact minibus gets two pair of bulbs replacement; one pair for the main head lamp and the other for the Driving Lights.

As this article is being written I just could not wait for the nights fall to walk past in order to see whether my new two pair of Halogen Bulbs does the miracle. It is not however troublesome if my driving CRYSTAL Type Fog Lights would not be dead at all, this afternoon they just reveal themselves to be both completely burnt out. The attendant at nearby workshop suggests replacing them with yellowish pair of bulbs for better fog and torrential penetration. Most OEM fog lights are equipped with simply whitest transparent bulb.

While the technician finishes working on driving lights it seems the right moment to look at alarming dimmer main head lamp. The minibus has just turned 66 thousands km and has recently reached its fourth anniversary. To my recollection night driving is not as intensive yet today’s replacement seems prematurely imminent.

Technorati Tags: rare bulb

G Class Conversion

2010-05-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

Our potent 280GE has had served us well particularly for heavy hauling and not to mention for heavy hauling during the numerous trips to our remote yet punishing track 700metre above the sea level villa. That was the day prior to track had been topped off with smooth asphalt surface.

The 125metre long steep ascend section, I believe close to 45 degree angle inclination covered with mainly boulder rock posed no threat at all to the 280GE, and what’s best, it delivered the harsh bewildering track with high comfort and secure feeling. It’s a pity to this day I could not find any photos as the reminder to our blue metallic 280GE.

Last week during the visit at a Mercedes Benz specialist, I just could not help stopping the overflow lingering memory to our 1985 280GE as seeing two Black 280GEs at the shop. One being a Long Wheel Base chassis has been receiving G Class Conversion work where as the other one a SWB model gets partial engine overhaul work.

Automatic G Class Conversion

The G Class Conversion on LWB 280GE involves engine conversion from its traditional screaming DOHC into torquey Toyota Diesel, obviously the engine conversion would help a lot in the running cost aspect, as well as good low down torque for daily bumper to bumper traffic. it now has Automatic transmission.

This converted 280GE is in immaculate condition outside with rear 1990s lamp from 300GE, inside it also has similar period of interior, as I recall our G Class has black interior. The donor power plant is sourced from the latest Toyota Prado. This G Class Conversion does not require complex shop works to mate to its original Four Wheel Transfer Case.

The Four Wheel Drive Transfer Case is the best part of G Class as it could cope with High speed Four Wheel driving mode. As I recall driving in heavy torrential rain the 280GE beast could be turned into a rudimentary rally driving Subaru Imprezza, or fairly close to it.

Chevy Classic Cars for Leisure Drive

2010-04-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

The Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size automobile that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1950–1975 model years. One of popular choices by many being regarded as the Chevy Classic Cars is its second generation that is mass produced during 1955 to 1957. Chevy Bel Air has the right traditional gliding air cushion ride that is typical, though it may not resemble the secured comfort of today’s car, but nonetheless was an elusive dream of many motorists for the era.

Comparing to today modern Compact Car with similar passengers capacity, with safety and efficiency in mind, the Bel Air is surely be beaten in every aspect, a modern car has clear advantageous over advanced technology in Engine Management as well as NVH department.

Is the Bel Air suitable for our narrow streets and able to provide today’s driving comfort, particularly in those never ending bumper to bumper traffic jam? Indeed this Classic Car does have its own legacy, and yes it looks perfect being parked in our heritage house, it provokes the reminiscent of the era.

Incidentally alongside is a Nissan Serena, a Sub-Compact sized minibus with more or less equal hauling capacity and interestingly with similar wallowing ride. Despite of its non-inspiring handling the Serena is quite a potent country driving car, four adults at the back with a bit of space for luggage. High speed cruiser is the Nissan’s forte, alas but is not fun for stop and go driving, even changing lane requires delicate maneuver.

Enter a tad bigger than Kei truck the sub Sub-Compact sized minibus, Suzuki APV, an eight passengers carrying capacity performer with small power plant and rudimentary chassis set up. Its rear end is held by mere leaf spring which perhaps is designed to carry ample of loads, yet it is surprisingly balanced toward flat cornering characteristic, and somewhat marred by very firm not to the extend of jarring ride.

The little 1,500 cc engine is also a welcoming gutsy motor mated to unsophisticated non-computer controlled Automatic Transmission, though upon flooring the gas pedal it shows a respectable acceleration with acceptable shift responses.

At the end of the day upon careful selection, I would choose the Classic Car for my leisure driving, the Nissan for a long relax trip, and the City Car for everyday stop and go - bumper to bumper traffic. A Subaru Imprezza would be an overkill! Though on the second thought driving this four wheel drive high performance sedan on my own alone is quite a thrilling.

Mercedes Benz 300e

2010-03-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Mercedes Benz has had dominated the world of motor-sport scenes, but very rarely on the rally championship. Though it had won Safari Rally in three consecutive years from 1959 to 1960 and three top placements in 1960 Monte Carlo Rally, it had never won any WRC event let alone the WRC Round in Portugal.

The fact that any Mercedes Benz product prior to the cost cutting era in early 1990s, each carries the well known “Over engineered” tag label has not sufficiently entitled to be Over Rally Engineered. Likewise, the German brand involvements to amongst other; Brawn, McLaren, Tyrrell and recently Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team has not endorsed the brand to have a solid quality perceived values.

But on the contrary such perceived values have been lingering to us ever since we learn how to read at the school. This may have been applicable up to the generation who survives through the Nazi era.

Unfortunately many have found the later models do not live up to its reputation any longer in particular since the last W124 rolled out the factory floor. Due to its cost cutting measures and beginning with the introduction of the C Class, the Daimler has dropped altogether its famous “Over engineered” tag line.

To many enthusiasts W124 or even the older W123 represent a truly solid engineered classic Benz. Despite of its more than 15 years old Benz, the W124 is still a good looking car with modern ambiance interior.

The combination of excellent ergonomic driving position with firm supportive seats with unmatched driving quality; which characterize a typical Mercedes Benz’s solid feeling. Even after 100 thousand km this 1985 Mercedes Benz 300E does still have a good soft and smooth clutch feeling. Though the long shifts throw and the big steering wheel needs to get accustomed to compare to today’s modern cars.

In fact to certain extend its long shifts throw, big steering wheel and gear ratio is quite fun for cross country driving blast once a while as well as being agile but not for the typical bumper to bumper traffic jam which unfortunately hampers Jakarta on daily basis. This Mercedes Benz 300E is currently undergoing ownership change at close to US $ 5,000. Inside it is still original but outside it has been transformed into a 1995 model look alike.

Technorati Tags: Mercedes Benz 300e

Pirelli Tire

2010-02-19T02:26:00.000-08:00

A remarkable triumphant feat has revealed that a mere 19 “real” punctures out of 9,000 PIRELLI Tire units used through out the 2009 WRC season. The number includes both Pirelli Scorpion as well as Pirelli Sottozero which were cut on the sidewall, tread or had failed for an unexplained reason, beyond the damages due to either faulty valves, broken wheel rims or those which were being pushed out off the rim.

Apart of its incredible successful run flat products Pirelli also heavily involved in the development of professional driver training ground.

FIA has awarded the Italian manufacturer as the sole tires supplier on its P-WRC and WRC programs since 2008 which supposedly end this current year. In its 3 decades of WRC history there has never been driver champion other than that of European origin. Both FIA and Pirelli are embarking on a quest to ascertain young talented drivers from across the global an equal opportunity to make it to the top of the automotive sportsmanship, through The Pirelli Star Driver scheme.

The real training ground was the last WRC Round 4 Portugal for the best selected 5 drivers each equipped with the previous season spec Mitsubishi Lancer. The Rally Art developed Lancers were all fitted with the hard compound of Pirelli Scorpion tyre to match the dusty gravel.

Whilst the brand is known for its reputation on enhanced handling performances it also provides excellent comfort with minimum road noise. The Scorpion for example features full and compact external shoulder blocks emphasizing on dry handling performance and safety where as its deep and more regular cuts along the inner shoulder offers enhancements toward better tire traction.

On the other hand the foot print water evacuation through the Scorpion’s 4 wide longitudinal grooves provide safety as well as wet handling performance and its solid center rib enhances the high speed steering accuracy with excellent braking grip.

Vice versa Run Flat Pirelli Winter Sottozero also did help Mikko Hirvonen's victory on Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo yielding the first outright success on a round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge for the tire firm. The Italian manufacturer has been active in the IRC since the championship's inception in 2007; however its maiden win came after a typically challenging 2010 Monte Carlo Rally, which featured freezing temperatures, snow and ice.

Mikko Hirvonen the number one Ford Driver, who led from start to finish and claimed three stage wins on a newly introduced Ford Fiesta S2000, used a varied selection of tire patterns and compounds from Sottozero range. He said: "Even though the conditions were changing all the time, we managed to find enough grip to allow us to be extremely competitive."

It was indeed a competitive edge for him to oust the last year winner Sebastian Ogier who came very close to claim the championship.

Technorati Tags: Pirelli Tire,Pirelli Sottozero,Pirelli Scorpion

Old School Corolla

2010-02-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Despite of its bland perceived image any Old School Corolla could be converted into a successful racing car beast and particularly V8 bashing car at many local Rally competition events. Though unlike Celica GT4 it has not achieved any driver title at WRC, but Toyota did win the manufacturer title championship in 1999 on the underdog Corolla.

That year the 3S-GTE engined Corolla WRC was amongst the top three rankings on the whole twelve rounds including a second title position at the WRC Round 4 Portugal driven by Carlos Sainz.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH has had managed, tweaked and produced in total 57 works Corolla which many are still raced by private team today. Although Toyota withdrew from WRC in the subsequent year to concentrate further into F1 competition, it did not however diminish the popularity of the largest selling model in the world.

And the extend of Old School Corolla’s popularity did not stop at the mere 10 years old Corolla WRC, on the contrary the bulk of it lies in the older model which were produced in early 1970s. KE 20 and KE 30 are the most popular choice for Beginner's rally car. Furthermore somewhere along those 30 odd years span there was once a legendary AE86 generation of the Toyota Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno or at some region known as Corolla GTS which helped catapult the Drifting Sport Competitions in late 1980s.

Owing to its dependable character the AE86 was also dubbed as one of Old Reliable Drifting Cars to these days. Originally it was powered by the sweet revving 4AG engine DOHC 4 valve, but many have been undoubtedly converted by other type of more powerful engine.

Though surprisingly quite a few has managed to put older pushrod, 2 valve engine back into with specially developed Engine Management accompanied by Turbocharger capable of producing 310 hp. And that is out of 1702cc 2TC engine, read this 1985 Corolla GTS Turbo for Road Racing for further info! This engine was produced alongside to another yet legendary Yamaha developed head 2TG DOHC.

Technorati Tags: Old School Corolla

Good Used Cars For Rally

2010-01-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Preparing Good Used Cars For Rally purposes could indeed be daunting tasks. It is largely depending on your technical skill where as other remaining factors will follow naturally. Rally or Racing club member has the most advantages; the majority should have known at least basic technical knowledge on Car preparation.

But most importantly such Rally Car Preparation must have allowed Better technical Driving that is the learning curve to master your car behaviour to its extreme potentials. The attained skill not only improves car’s competitiveness but also keep the cost adheres to affordable budget, as this issue will allow for maximum fun for the hobby.

Should affordability be the main issue you have to consider for rear wheel driven classic car racing competition as opposed to Rally track. Certainly the Car Parts availability plays a major role. In the land of down under Australia the most preferable car is front wheel drive Hyundai Excel. At $ 100 the basic FWD Hyundai X3 is widely abundant there.

Making selection of Old Car for Beginner's Rally Car could be wildering; just check out the popular choices of the car at your local club. As bewildering as choosing a RWD over FWD to suit your driving style. High speed turning on RWD is regarded as more lots of fun than the under steering characteristic of FWD car.

Also for the reason of affordability many enthusiasts have swapped the old push rod technology for the newer twin cam engine power plant. The Australian club regulation has also allowed for 4+ engine life years span of Suzuki GTi over the 3K Corolla within the same group. For similar horse power output the old push rod of 3K must be rebuilt every year, as 3K’s output is nearly at its limit rendering the reliability issues.

Then the push rod engine requires higher compression to produce as much necessitating high octane race fuel which in turn higher running cost per competition event. Regardless of the car choices its ability for engine & driveline conversion does make sense in the long run, either normally aspirated 4AG family or a turbocharged VVTi equipped 3S-GE conversion for example.

That's why due to its abundant engine choice Toyota is a popular model basis. However be aware that TRD has ceased its production on the 3S-GE competition parts.

Technorati Tags: Good Used Cars For Rally,TRD

Front Parts

2010-01-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Front Parts cannibalism is a common term used by car enthusiasts. Back in the year 2000 many local workshops did not have sufficient skill to repair modern plastic or Aluminium section Radiators. Plastic head radiator was started to be used extensively from the beginning 1990s, once cracked the whole section needs replacement.

When the long term e28 BMW Project Car suffered radiator leak none of the workshop could offer its service to fix. With the spirit of trial and error researches Leisure Drive finally found a backyard mechanic to assist, but in the end due to its pressurized cooling some coolant needed to be constantly added up. The result was indeed an error as small and tiny leakage still occurred.

Similarly happened to this E300 fast forwarding in 2007, but somehow the skill has rather improved resulting even tinier leakage still occurring. However the saving cost of new Radiator replacement is slowly balanced by the constant coolant addition top up now and then. So by the time both Swedish Brick Volvo need replacements, the learning curve was at hand. Both did receive brand new replacements. There was neither trial and error nor Parts Cannibalism.

The spirit of car tinkering has come up with sensible judgement. The old British proverb on “Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” could be a hassle when it truly breaks down suddenly without any early detectable symptoms. The Good Old Used Car of Volvo 740 GLE was stranded due to Ignition failure just last week as it was returning from the Garage for some preparation work needed prior to its sale.

Two days later the friendly mechanic gave a call that a cannibal 740 CDI part was available at $ 25 a mere half fraction to new replacement cost. It was soothing news as it has received many replacement Car Parts Volvo 740 GLE non Turbo recently.

Technorati Tags: Front Parts,Volvo,Radiator

Reliable Sedan

2010-01-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Car Parts Volvo 740 GLE non Turbo; despite of its abundance in either junkyard or at any Volvo specialists this old Reliable Sedan does need a bit of TLC maintenance effort considering the degree of tear and wear. It is a relieve to know widely available Car Parts for this Swedish Brick Volvo model, yet it is quite a work to keep in tip top shape.

Replacing the worn out Leather seat is perhaps the best way to keep its interior appearance fresh. The 30 odd year gloomy and shabby interior now look inspiring with bright color. Seat alteration yields better aesthetic enhancement whilst providing comfort as a new car feeling.

When there is a reason to drive as often the more obvious hurdle resurfaces to be detected as early as possible, and apparently this is the best way to keep a Volvo reliable. Contrary to the dual tone 740 the black 960 used to be my daily driven car with an occasion Bandung trip at least once a month. It was always a joyous pleasure drive blasting the punishing Cipularang Toll road.

There was no breakdown or engine hurdle at all except two minor embarrassing events. Firstly being locked out with engine and Air conditioning running, secondly suffering flat battery due to loosened out battery terminal. Thank God some one at the Hotel I stayed at had experience to “Break In” saving the day, and I always tucked in a Jumper.

The 740 was much of the time being parked, not because it was an older car but merely being non Turbo as well as having a shift stick. I am just too distracting or perhaps lazy to drive a manual transmission, but blame the traffic jams!

Keeping Reliable Sedan is the important choice and most importantly a trusty workshop garage with extensive Volvo experiences is a must to maintain in peak performance. Unfortunately the 740 has had a rather colourful backyard mechanic touches and now is the perfect moment to let go the car. Two years ago no body even have to look at; at $ 1,000 asking price, this time around we have declined offering at $ 1,400.

Technorati Tags: Reliable Sedan,Volvo

Good Used Cars

2010-01-13T02:44:00.000-08:00

Good Used Cars could have different meaning to each of us. Long time ago as a student I used to be looking for second hand car. Generally speaking a one year old car has lost its value in the vicinity of 30% from the original brand new price.

The older the car the lesser value it has as depreciation accumulated, some brand suffers more, and a few with good dependability record could hold its value better. Rarely though does a number of sports car hold its value well, not because of its dependability but more on the scarcity law.

Car enthusiasts have the tendency to buy Good Used Cars when their warranty expire, with the intention of soup it up and make significant engine modifications. Collector Car on the other hand will keep accumulating potential Used Cars for future investment, but some of them perhaps just for pure hobby and more to the self indulgence reason.

It is not by mere coincident that Leisure Drive has long term fleet of Good Old European Cars. A bit of choices in between, though admittedly toward driving pleasure mixed with the old reliable first generation of open loop ECU cars as well as being affordable.

The Swedish Brick Volvo is regarded by many as being safe, reliable but stodgy. But for Volvo lovers both 700 and 900 series are considered to be Classic Car potential. With lots of owner having driven them close to millionth mileages without any major headache; Volvo went into more dynamic cars in the mid 1990s, unfortunately requiring more effort to maintain.

Leisure Drive is pleased to report that both Volvo have better body integrity than the German sibling, up to now there is no structural body damage due to rust. On the contrary our Bavarian Project Car and 1985 daily drive 300E Mercedes Benz have both shown some metal fatigue, with the rust evidences in the vicinity of front Shock Absorber housing assembly.

Still my favourite drive is the 940T (local market sold this as 960) next to the smooth silken wallop 6 Cylinder Bavarian for much of city commuting purposes, though nothing could beat the hunkering high speed chaser 300E at the toll road as well as the pleasure of comfortable Volvo 740 at walking speed traffic. Mind you most of the street over here is much polluted by pothole, judder bar and bumper to bumper traffic jam.

Hence Leisure Drive sadly announces to let go much of the fleet community except the purposeful automatic black rider due to overcrowded driveway.

Technorati Tags: Good Used Cars,Volvo

Honda Car Accessories; Competitive Civic

2010-01-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

Last October the World Motor Sport Council has finally approved regulation amendment which will consequently allow Honda Civic Type-R 3 to be eligible for the current 2010 JWRC. The 250 HP plus (@ 8300 RPM) Civic R3 has already proven to be ultra-competitive; in 2008 Guy Wilks won the two-wheel drive category of Rally Finland, at the wheel of a Civic run by JAS Motorsport.

Type R was initially introduced during the period of sixth generation Civic which was unfortunately the last model equipped with the ultimate road hugging Double Wishbone suspension a feature that mostly loved by racing enthusiasts, the Double Wishbone has been deployed since the fourth generation. The performance oriented Civic has long been recognized as a popular choice for many type of racing competitions in particularly due to its nimble suspension set up as well as availability for engine swap Project Car.

The Double Wishbone set up on its four corners attracts enthusiasts for high degree of handling tuning with relatively simple modification as well as being available in abundant from popular Aftermarket vendors. The fact that Honda did not employ similar set up on the bigger sibling Accord until early 1990s shows its strategy focusing on Civic to be the leader of sport sedan segment, despite of its inherently expensive suspension type to be manufactured.

On the engine side Honda is enjoying as one of few Auto Makers to have the highest specific horsepower output per engine volume, where many others subsequently follow the suit, though Honda did not arrive at its current reputation with a decade long of Research and Development. It started with the diminutive Z600 in late 1960s which was followed by the first generation of Civic in mid 70s, but when it was introduced it quickly make a loud and bold statement with the right successful formula at the time where the world was in deep energy crisis.

It was then sufficient to invite the high performance Honda Car Accessories in full swing at a steady production stream ever since. The first generation Civic was a great potential and easily modified with free flow part accessories on both ends; the intake as well as exhaust sides. The most popular method was to install a high flow muffler or resonators at the back. The oblivious size of the exhaust pipe would have to be increased also to a size that suits power application, typically at most 2".

Then installing Ram-Flo type air filters mated to Webber 32 DIR 21 model which comes from a Renault 12 (heap and cheapest today) or the popular twin barrel 40 DCOE for more bang! Remember the exotic and intoxicating deep baritone swooshing sound from this twin barrel Weber?

This immaculate 76/ 77 Civic has recently appeared for sale. Though its body may not be at its best, it has good potential to be the next Project Car, furthermore the 30 years old little rocket could well be deserved to be a worthwhile as one of city Classic Cars.

Technorati Tags: Honda Car Accessories,Civic Type-R,twin barrel 40 DCOE,Double Wishbone,76/ 77 Civic

BMW Vanos Unit

2010-01-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

While BMW might not be the first Auto Maker to introduce Variable Timing to control engine valves, it is one of the first to offer infinitely adjustment across the rpm band. When it was introduced in 1996 the VANOS Unit only work on inlet valve providing better engine breathing with flat torque available from low to high rpm.

Earlier Leisure Drive did mention at one of articles on Automotive Technology Milestone the fact that in its inception the multi valve engine despite of wider rpm it did suffer torque loss at lower band rendering sluggishness at walking pace traffic, the ability of the car to climb a decent ascending road might necessitate downshifting unless the rpm is beyond 3,500 rpm.

This hurdle had become apparent for example a 1992 non VTec automatic Honda Civic; the 1,500 cc engine did not have low gear ratio selector, so upon climbing a hill at less than 3,000 rpm the Civic simply walk giving a loss of power impression.

The Advanced Technology solution on VANOS equipped BMW actuates the second inlet valve to be turned off at such low rpm band, allowing for optimal torque to be attained, and hence the car has sufficient power to out accelerate any climbing section. But unfortunately BMW VANOS Unit is notorious to fail around 60K km mileage.

And often the available rebuilt replacement has been found to also fail at 20k miles (32k kilometres). If your 1992-2006 BMW 6-cylinder cars suffers from sluggishness, bogging then surging at 3K rpm with uneven and erratic rpm transition, engine hesitations below 3K as well as louder idle often accompanied by intermittent idle rpm hiccups.

The car will no doubt have increased fuel consumption and giving out VANOS fault code read out. The culprit is definitely due to deteriorating piston seal O-rings effectively blocking the piston to actuate VANOS camshaft. An upgraded seal material would be a wise replacement, and more and more third party vendor could provide such replacement at less cost than the dealer. One of the best resources would be BMW forum and Beisan.

For some reason BMW only provide the replacement of the whole unit instead of merely the seal itself. There is a price to be paid for using Advanced Technology; that is why some folks are retaining dearly their reliable Classic Cars.

Technorati Tags: BMW Vanos Unit

KONI Coilover

2009-12-31T06:59:00.000-08:00

A 2CV Citroen truck is synonymous with diminutive two cylinders power-plant and hydropneumatic self levelling suspension as the reliable work horse for French farmer. Yet a rare Maranello red 2CV Citroen truck has instead of hydropneumatic is fitted with sport performance KONI Coilover on its four corners.

KONI is one of famous automotive brands in shock absorber segment and mostly associated with sport cars maker such Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The brand has earned its reputation from inventing the first adjustable shock since mid 1940s.

A simple turn atop the unit would make miles of driving mode differences ranging from comfortable road ride to hard charged racing. In another word twisting the knob in one direction firms up the damping, where as turning it the other way around loosens the damping forces; hence enabling driver to fine tune her car’s handling.

Every KONI Shock is purposefully designed and manufactured to the highest tolerance precision as such that each shock has a lifetime warranty; the kind of manufacturing precision which could effectively prevent leak-down inside to provide equal and consistent dampening forces regardless of the load or the terrain.

KONI Coilover is the premium suspension component with high degree of adjustability on both dampening settings and the spring perch which means the firmness of suspension as well as the ride height of your vehicle could be tailored to suit; a total control of your suspension settings. For example one driver may desire to have a car that assumes an over-steering or alternatively another driver for under-steering attitude when entering a turn.

This is a far cry handling transformation which might put you to delay your Antique Cars For Sale on hold; transforming your wallowing Antique Cars to perhaps an ultimate driving experiences. Resembling the ultimate driving of the said mid engined 2CV Citroen truck.

The red 2CV nicknamed 2CV NIMIK was built upon a spare lying around 1995 Ferarri 355 chassis.

Technorati Tags: KONI Coilover,2CV NIMIK,KONI Threaded Spring Perch Sleeves,FSD KONI

Volkswagen Deals

2009-12-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

As Dealerships need to sell the leftover 2009s, December the ending month of the year, many experts say, is the best time to buy a new car. Due to the recession Automakers have far more left to sell than they do most on any other year, hoping to clear out their last stock of previous model year cars. Hence not surprisingly they offer some of their deepest and attractive discounts ever during this holiday season.

Subsequently the phenomenon tips the balance in favor of those who are shopping for a new car this December. Dealers will employ many forms of promotional tools, including cash-back rebates and interest-free financing from their parent companies; all they need is a flocking in customers.

The highlights could be best described by Volkswagen Deals; Special Lease Offer on either 2009 New Beetle or Rabbit 2-Door each with manual transmission for $199.00* a month characterized by 36-month lease period with $2,699.00 due at signing. (Excluding title, tax, options and dealer fees). Alternatively financing as low as 2.9% APR for 60 months is also available.

Where as both Mercedes-Benz and Toyota deals vary regionally, offering at similar APR rate on some of their models at certain regions, likewise on Honda with attractive 1.9% APR financing for up to 36 months on selected models. Not to be outdone GM and Ford are offering "Year End Sales Event" at 0% APR financing or $1,000 cash back on most models, whilst BMW is offering $1,500 to $2,500 "holiday finance credit" available on most models.

Some of these automakers are even tacking on free scheduled maintenance, or options like rear-seat DVD entertainment systems, at no charge. When new cars pricing hit its lowest level, it is natural to expect similar impact on secondary market.

Pricing on those Antique Cars For Sale for example such as this 2-Door 1980 VW Rabbit race ready car has received much lower bidding offer than the asking price.

VW Front	Bumper Side	Marker
MK3 /Jetta/GOLF Clear 1993-1999	MK3 /Jetta/ GOLF smoked 1993-1999	MK5/Jetta/Rabbit Clear 2005-2007	MK4/Jetta/GOLF Bora Clear 1999-2004
MK4/Jetta/GOLF Bora smoked 1999-2004	MK4/Jetta/GOLF Bora CRYSTAL Type Clear 1999-2004	MK5/Jetta/Rabbit smoked 2005-2007	MK4/Jetta/GOLF Bora CRYSTAL Type smoked 1999-2004

Barn Cars

2009-12-26T23:45:00.000-08:00

Setting aside effort at searching Antique Cars For Sale seems quite normal, but finding priceless Barn Cars collection on your recently acquired property does rise the eyebrows.

A sensational heading appeared not long ago that a retired US had apparently stumbled upon dozens of highly sought after classic rare cars in a 15 years old locked barn. He purchased a farm land complete with the said sealed off barn some where in Portugal. Peculiar story in equally unbelievable car collection as windfall; it sounds like a tell-tale which is just too good to be true.

The dusty and rare collections of Barn Cars are seen mostly in straight body panel condition while some of them had been restored previously. No doubt the whole collection could have been offered and sold with some nice profit to the cost of the farm acquisition itself!

Yet the truth as we all aware of finding a good potential Antique Car and restore it to pristine condition does require TLC efforts, some craftsmanship skill, time sacrifice and obviously decent bank account. Alternately plenty more of saving deposits would be spent if most of the works is outsourced.

Naturally as the restoration work be completed there is an invaluable satisfaction could be attained. And nothing could compare such attainment when we let other people to admire the beauty of the converted Barn Cars finding into a pristine heritage motoring as you could look at through this Antique Cars parade video (courtesy of Liputan6.com);

Technorati Tags: Barn Cars,Antique Car

ABS Snow

2009-12-22T01:08:00.000-08:00

Once in our driving time we must have come across uncontrollable skidding some where and the worst scenario could arise with slippery road and innocent looking power pole. Picture a scenario when you are driving fast and suddenly there is a need to slam the brake, and by the way the ABS was still on the drawing board.

Suddenly instead of slowing down the car is heading directly toward the object we are supposedly to avoid, instead the worst thing is occurring; we are loosing the car control without any sign of slowing down!

It was just right after the dawn in light drizzle when I lost the control heading into a pole on a white 1974 Opel Rekord D 1900, but luckily just a good 2 meter away from the pole my right foot instinctively step off the brake pedal, and immediately the car could regain control.

ABS Snow, the situation may also hamper car control in snowing condition but nothing could beat the dangerous Icy Black on a frosty morning as it may caught driver’s unawareness. The ABS in a lay man language is simply an on and off brake pumping in rapid succession within thousandth of second. However on such snow the ABS is actually increasing the stopping distance due to the lack of traction, the ABS controller works hard to unblock the front tires.

As the result the controller instructs both modulator and ABS pump to brake alternately in rapid successions until the tire blocking process or skidding is gone whereby such process is being monitored by front ABS Wheel Speed Sensor. It does indeed take some driver’s active adjustments to get used to driving ABS equipped car in a snowing environment.

But under normal circumstances the ABS could give a headache when either one of its modules fails to function, it could be speed sensor, modulator, pump or controller failure.

Our 2008 Honda Fit/ Jazz had months of ABS Light Comes On problem, as its warranty has already expired replacing its modulator was on postpone, until the recent 6 point Scale Richter earthquake strike about 200 km away, the problem was completely disappeared. Apparently the few seconds of earth jolting fix the modulator.

On some part of the world Honda is recalling off this model due to ABS failure, it may well be to do with product or design defects, but on most cases it is arisen from faulty; sensor, ABS Relayor electrical glitch. This is mostly true for older ABS equipped car, fortunately there is a number of growing parties producing Remanufactured ABS or even new parts as good as OEM replacements with less cost. Yet technology keeps advancing the ABS is now superseded by ESC….

The Electronic Stability Control components are essentially ABS plus a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, a steering wheel sensor, and an upgraded integrated control unit. Eventually we are getting more paranoid but ESC could provide secured safe feeling albeit at the cost of technology complexity and headache…as well!

Such system would definitely be worthwhile on high speeding Rally Car in a WRC ‘09 Round 3 Cyprus rally event, certainly it has top of the class Stability Control features dedicated for competition purposes only.

Technorati Tags: ABS Snow,ABS Light Comes On,ABS Relay,ABS pump,ABS modulator,ABS controller,2008 Honda Fit/ Jazz,1974 Opel Rekord D 1900

Contact ABS Snow Plates - Pair by Black Diamond

Traction Control related but essentially Anti-Balling System (ABS) to prevent snow balling for Mountaineering & Ice Climbing assistance.

Rally Car Racing

2009-12-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

The three times Manufacturer World Rally Champions Subaru may have lost its International Rally Car Racing pedigree ever since Tommi Mäkinen and the late Colin McRae were driving for the team from 1996 to 1997, and the year 2003 when Petter Solberg was WRC winner, but under the belt of multitalented Travis Pastrana the brand still reigns the Rally America Championship.

A distinct difference from Rally America is that WRC drivers are allowed to run on the stages prior to the competition for the purpose of creating their own pace-notes. This pre-running stage trial is called reconnaissance or recce so that every WRC driver could develop their own best driving style. On the contrary the Rally America driver is provided with the given "route notes" also referred to as "stage notes" by the organizer, the use of reconnaissance is not allowed.

On many events in North America specially developed software Jemba Inertia Notes System is employed in conjunction with the stage notes. However the thriving Subaru is not solely due this pace-notes difference, but perhaps due to wider track and the Automaker involvement itself since the Rally America’s inception in 2002, as well as the diverse environments.

Most stages in WRC may consist of forest style rallying from snow or muddy narrow tracks up to the grueling gravel in hot ambient temperature. One of extreme gravel condition requires longer suspension travel; hence the increased height, as well as beefed up cooling system as in the case of WRC ‘09 Round 3 Cyprus event where the Ford Team is struggling to match its arch rival of Citroen on the mixed tarmac-gravel stages.

The remaining aspect such as Rally driving techniques of Left-foot braking, Heel-and-toe, Hill jumping, Scandinavian flick and Handbrake turn as depicted on the right are relatively standard practice every where!

Technorati Tags: Rally Car Racing,Travis Pastrana,Rally America,Jemba Inertia Notes System,WRC ‘09 Round 3 Cyprus,Handbrake turn

BMW Performance Exhaust

2009-12-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

The exhaust system on new BMW premium car starts from none other than its exhaust valves, anyone considers to modify should seriously look into what happened at downstream of the whole exhaust system. BMW has been lagging Honda in principle to automatically actuate exhaust valve’s closing and opening; where as Honda started VTec earlier in 1990 BMW did not deploy its Double Vanos until 1996.

The right picture depicts the latest BMW S65 Engine which employs an intricate Exhaust Manifolds design to allow for not only engine efficiency but also smooth powerful output from idle right up to its redline rpm range, this include flatter torque curve across the wide band. Notice each cylinder is fed by individual throttle bodies.

While both Auto Makers BMW and Honda are known to be the pioneers for mass producing the highest specific horsepower output per litre engine, the former is also famous for its silky smooth 6 inline cylinders engine (I-6). For their powerful and popular M3, BMW has had S65 to replace the I-6 S54 naturally aspirated engine that produces more than 100 horsepower (75 kW) per litre (343 horsepower (256 kW)/3.2 litre).

The bulk of 3 Series sales has been indeed equipped with such silky wallop I-6 power plant, the sales figures reaches its culminate peak in the year 2002 by E46 model. The 3 Series contribute around 40% to the whole BMW sales. The main stream of E46 has three type displacements of I-6 M54 with the most sought after 2.5L M54B25.

The simplest modification for M54 is preferably implementing free flow on the intake side as well as the tip of or the upstream of Exhaust system. Judging by wear and tear of your 7 years old Muffler; it should need immediate attention anyway, and the combination of Cold Air Induction and free flow Muffler could give significant result money well spent.

Unlike the rest of your BMW Performance Exhaust its Header section is a durable part, provided well maintained with no abusive usage it is very seldom to find a problem around this particular area. And should it happen it may involve crack in hidden area beyond visual observation other than some noticeable erratic running idle, but in most case it could be due to the leaking around Header Gasket.

One of the drawbacks of using OEM BMW fastener is that some of the nuts are designed to be used just once; otherwise you need to do a rethread job which subsequently needs a new set of fastener as well. Anyhow this is a good opportunity to replace the whole header set. Ceramic Header has better heat insulating capability but is not as tough as its Stainless Steel sibling, for compromise choice opts for Ceramic coated Stainless Header.

Ever notice that Rally Car in say that famous in car detail at WRC Round 3 Cyprus event? Every Team uses heat insulating material to completely cover their header, in effect lowering the engine bay temperature. Fully wrap your Header to get optimized cold air charge!

Technorati Tags: BMW Performance Exhaust,header,muffler

Mercedes Benz Floor Mats

2009-12-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

Any car owner would definitely look after her car by fitting a good set of Floor Mats. Regardless of the make, the original carpet needs to be protected, and in most cases the thick rugged all weather Floor Mats is the popular choice. Do we just throw in the sets or is there any precautionary care we need to select?

Apparently not that simple if you own the latest Toyota or Lexus; ever notice the small gap between the gas pedal and carpet surface datum (Left Pict.)? Last August there was a tragic accident involving a California Highway Patrol officer with several member of his family, they were killed when a 2009 Lexus ES350 accelerated without warning on what supposed to be a normal test drive, sending the car hurtling into a fatal crash at excessive 120 mph speed.

Official investigation has linked the crash to an all-weather floor mat interfering with the accelerator pedal due to improper mat installation, which consequently could cause accelerators to get stuck at its full open position.

Toyota and the NHTSA have asked owners to remove all floor mats until the Japanese Auto Maker has a new pedal replacement by April 2010. Until then unfortunately Toyota and Lexus owners will have to live with dirty carpets on the driver’s side!

Apparently this isn't the first time Toyota has faced this issue; Toyota should stick with the normal design of Gas Pedals because the foot should not be on top pressing the pedal directly to the floor, instead it should be pressed upright and to the wall.

Dealers will initially reshape existing pedals and lower the driver’s side carpet height by removing the sound deadening or heat insulation layering, and later, will offer owners a new redesigned replacement pedal. Furthermore some models such as Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models will have an extra measure of confidence; a new additional device can shut off the engine power should drivers press the accelerator pedal and brake pedal simultaneously.

Perhaps Toyota should instead opt for new designed Toyota Floor Mats where the mat that goes to the driver’s side will have ~~very slippery~~ section just under those pedals. However there is no immediate attention needed for those fitting such all-weather floor mats to other auto maker, no harm done placing Mercedes Benz Floor Mats to a GE280 Wagen either, as there is an ample space in between pedals and floors on this luxury SUV.

Technorati Tags: Mercedes Benz Floor Mats,Toyota Recall,Redesigned Toyota Gas Pedals

Bilstein Parts

2009-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

In the era where engine output not as powerful all cars were produced to be predominantly toward cushioning ride comfort, notably this was prior 1980s. Back then the job of handling department was much simpler as the 0-60mph performance was hovering around 10 seconds or beyond.

Even most premium cars had such adequate brisk acceleration characteristics and therefore oil filled shock absorber was the handling trait of the day. The most significant handling and traction improvement was achieved by upgrading to Gas shock absorber, where Bilstein Parts Cartridge had already established its famous brand perceived image.

The heavy duty cartridge provide quicker dampening forces that the whole car is kept uncannily balanced transforming any sluggish car into sharp handling, agile and has better stopping ability. In fact wallowing tendency at higher speed on most Japanese cars is completely gone. But the drawback is harsh ride on uneven road surface. Since most circuit track has smooth surface the Gas shock absorber was the only ultimate choice and Bilstein was the top performer.

There is no wonder that a Rally Car has jarring ride quality at walking pace, yet at high speed the ride is amazingly getting better. This was the typical of Bilstein’s main driving characteristic, if anyone recalls the W124 Benz drew ride quality critics when it was newly introduced. It was a mile difference to its W123 predecessor in the ride department and it get worsened for city driving.

Nowadays for safety reasons Gas shock absorber fitment is an imperative precautionary measurement. Vehicle’s stability for heavy hauling truck for example is more important than merely ride quality. Mercedes Benz has been known to fit Bilstein as their OEM standard parts, this include their 2.5 Tonnes beast the G-Wagen-4.

Even the Rear Shock upgrade for Chevrolet and GMC Trucks, Blazer & Yukon, including both 2 wheel drive and 4x4 applications rely on the brand which is produced in US by AC Delco. Gas Shock has relatively longer lifetime than its oil sibling. Though any shock would become vulnerable when the inner chromed rod is being exposed to dusty environments, so ensure the rubber protective cover wholly encapsulate the mid part of cartridge.

Technorati Tags: Bilstein Parts,GMC Trucks,Gas Shock

Mercedes Benz Wagon

2009-11-29T01:07:00.000-08:00

Continuous engineering researches and new advanced metallurgy production process has kept Carlsson alloy wheels to the edge, huge low profile tire with low ultra weight as large as 10×22 inches can tackle a 1,100 kg load capacity to suit the off-road purposes G-Wagen-4. The numeric part denotes most relevant Leisure Drive article numbering.

The new process allows Carlsson to provide higher rigidity strength without brittle side effect yet (a must to withstand the off road pounding harshness) with as much as 40% weight saving bonus on its newly introduced 1/5 EVO wheels.

But if the driving requirements do not dictate heavy off road uses and two wheel driving mode provide adequate safety yet hauling seven passengers with a bit of cargo is the primarily driving objective then Mercedes Benz Wagon is the suitable choice. The G class is cumbersome where as the M class is too small.

When SUV or Cross-over doesn’t fulfil our daily driving need; there is always the traditional Wagon. Apparently unlike US, the European market is still predominantly toward Wagon preferences. The Wagon would offer better sedan like ride and handling than the other two, its monocoque chassis could inherently behave more into dynamics, yet the low mass center gravity certainly will limit commanding views. Commanding views to anticipate the traffic out the front as early as possible would only available on either SUV or Cross-over.

It is only natural that the AMG from the old mill in Affalterbach will be shortly delivering a sport Benz out of a monster 6.2-liter V8 rated at 518hp power plant Wagon, the E63 AMG wagon. If the current sedan sibling has 4.4 seconds to reach 60mph the Wagon should be comfortably within the 5 seconds bracket.

There is no doubt that the other aftermarket tuners will also further tweak this E63 AMG; for example with addition of improved free flow intake and exhaust system as well as some tinkering with Engine Management, Brabus has bumped into 547hp. Where as Carlsson E-CK63 RS not to be outdone is rumoured to have 585hp and most importantly will be fitted also with the ultra low weight 20” REVO wheels.

The latest AMG though has progressed significantly in the area of drive train and traction deployment, much to the delight of enthusiast’s critics, following BMW’s multiple clutch utilization for better response and crisps transmission shifting. AMG has dropped the power sapping torque converter for the new wet multiple clutch system and the fitment of air suspension for rear axle only instead on both for the previous model.

The new transmission combined with intelligent alternator which disengages during hard acceleration has also improve its fuel consumption by 2mpg, but more importantly the auto shifting is now very much instantaneously close to manual shifter if not better.

Technorati Tags: Mercedes Benz Wagon,E63 AMG Wagon,Carlsson alloy wheels,Affalterbach

Rally Scotland The IRC Final Round

2009-11-19T03:02:00.000-08:00

Rally Scotland last week marked the last round of 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Unlike its senior sibling WRC which has lost its distinct competition values whereas every victory was easily predicted to the favour of current champion Sebastian Loeb, the IRC on the contrary has almost refreshing surprise element outcomes.

Firstly the return of Scottish Alister McRae the younger brother of the late 1995 World Rally Champion, Colin McRae. The Scottish Rally Driver has been racing Mellors Elliot Motorsport developed Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 at Asia Pacific Rally Championships (APRC). Though he just joined MEM recently in September he seemed to be working hard refreshing his memory on Scotland tracks, perhaps due to his past years activities in Asia Pacific region where he is residing in Australia.

Super 2000 might be the base of Rally Specs regulation for the future WRC as it offers better cost competitive rally management, and it has apparently attracted many Auto Maker participations including the newcomer Malaysian Proton. McRae’s record at APRC and the opportunity to compete in IRC was indeed a confident move for MEM.

The 278hp Racing Proton Satria Neo S2000 has extensive Engine Modification Chip Upgrades perhaps beyond any ECU Management; featuring GEMS Multiplex System with Power Management, Data Logging and an LCD Display Dash showing continuous tracking and logging over 50 variables with two setting modes for either stage or road Rallying purposes. Stage mode uses the powerful race settings within stages but road mode is used when the rally car has to travel between stages amongst ordinary traffic.

Secondly the winning IRC champ Kris Meeke who was the late Colin McRae’s pupil and protégé was seen cruising to lead 7 out of the 13 stages securing more additional championship points, having Mechanical Engineering Degree background Meeke was briefly working for Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport as a Computer Aided Engineer. In 2009, Meeke with the aide of co-driver Paul Nagle compete in a Peugeot UK backed 207 S2000. Despite of his spectacular crash on Monte Carlo Rally he went on to win the next three consecutive rounds at Brazil, Portugal, and Belgium.The following win at Rally Sanremo in Italy did secure him 2009 championship, after his closest rival Jan Kopecky crashed on the second stage.

Thirdly the younger McRae was seen rallying with impeccable skill, contrary to his older brother Alister is typically a smooth Rally Driver; going from apex to apex without noticeable twitchiness yielding faster time lap in a smooth car control manner. His return at Scotland track with Proton gave remarkable performance of closing the gap in particular to the top two drivers in a typical neck to neck racing between Kris and Guy Wilks’ Skoda from one stage to another.

Fourthly both McRae and Wilks have had brought to the spotlight extreme capabilities of 2WD Super 2000 class to the highly competitive WRC level, Mc Rae on a Toyota Corolla S2000 where as Wilks on a Civic Type R3 run by JAS Motorsport. Incidentally the dominating two-wheel drive category Civic Type R3 is the rising popular choice even amongst private teams on this event.

Technorati Tags: Rally Scotland,Alister McRae,Colin McRae,Kris Meeke,Guy Wilks,Engine Modification Chip Upgrades,Proton Satria Neo S2000

BMW Trucks Crossover

2009-10-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

BMW Trucks; Either SUV, Wagon or Crossover

A wide bewildering choices has continuously advanced in the name of market driven strategy; sedan ride like but in the format of wagon shape is defined as Crossover utility vehicle ("crossover SUV") or simply abbreviated as CUV. Car-like handling with tall body is surely belong to SUV category, whilst those with lower ground clearance goes to merely “Wagon”; meaning we would also get the abbreviation such as WCUV minus the S letter. Got confused?

Where as most popular SUV is built upon ladder frame welded to its unibody, this may include Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and perhaps Honda CR-V. The crossovers use a sedan's monocoque/ unibody platform construction sharing its sibling model, a clearly obvious example would be Suzuki SX 4 crossover bearing Alto’s platform.

On the other hand the CUV 2009 Dodge Journey on Dodge Avenger and RAV4 on Corolla, a traditional SUV is built on much stiffer frame to withstand the abusive off road driving conditions. Thus the crossovers typically are designed for only light off-road capability with all wheel drive, high ground-clearance and high H-point seating arrangement.

BMW Trucks; SAV and SAC

BMW X5 is basically designed to be as such crossovers without full off-road capability, the all wheel drive system however is sufficient to tackle slippery road with high degree of safety in a fast driving manner. Winter driving is not only safe but also fun, should any of the wheel get caught on the black ice more power will be transmitted into the opposite wheel. The latest E70 xDrive is even far more capable with ability of transferring 100 percent of torque to one particular individual wheel.

Though many wagon and some sedans are equipped with this intelligent system the crossover also offer excellent high visibility, if anything happens to the vehicle next in front you will likely to be aware well in advance. Another Plus!

The top version of xDrive48i is equipped with powerful 350 hp V8, off course its inline 6 cylinders engine offers adequate performance with better fuel mileage. The heart of the engine is BOSCH Motronic ME 9.2.1 taking in charge of 4 cam actuators with Valvetronic variable intake valve lift, Double Vanos variable intake and exhaust timing, steplessly variable induction system. Further engine modification chip upgrade with twin turbo is possible as Alpina has tuned its base engine into 507hp level.

Traditionally the German auto maker is known for its dynamic performance and therefore need to further distinguish this X5 from other SUV domination by emphasizing the sports-crossover like ability and in doing so BMW opts for naming it as Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an ordinary SUV, just for the sake of extraordinary marketing buzz.

To make the matter more buzzing BMW introduced the coupe version of its SAV line last year. The even more powerful 555hp X6 coupe is dubbed as Sport Activity Coupe (SAC), now the picture has become perfectly crystal clear! The weird looking coupe is a natural and logical progress step….

Technorati Tags: BMW Trucks,SUV,engine modification chip upgrade

Porsche Driving Experience

2009-10-15T03:09:00.001-07:00

Porsche Driving Experience...

Being one of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers of luxury high performance Sports Car is not sensational news, but for £75 driving behind such marquee for a day at race track is indeed a thrilling sensation. It may be applicable only during this October; you’d better hurry for the sheer exhilarating Porsche Driving. In North America the Porsche Driving Centre also offers similar experience for many months of waiting list and ten times as costly.

The latest 320 hp Cayman S lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife track around 8 minutes and 11 seconds compares well favourably to that of Rally legend Walter Röhrl’s 8 minutes, 20 seconds in the more powerful 911 Carrera almost way back 5 years ago, a testament for going fast in the latest Porsche to any inexperienced driver, that’s us folks!

As my usual knack for “Beam me back to earth Scotty!” I always try to find an alternative Sports car which is not only has civilized manner but also reliable for DIY week end work whilst still giving acceptable MPG. Is there as such rare Porsche at half investment outlay today?

Not long ago about 30 years back 924 Carrera GT was created with flared rear arches, high profile macho air intake scoop on bonnet a NACA duct style, though without the traditional "bug eye" headlamps, and powered by “simple” diminutive 2L motor. Porsche had borrowed the power plant from either VW LT van or Audi 100 strengthened bottom end, shoehorned the head and make forced induction by adding KKK K-26 turbocharger going from 10 psi boost pressure producing 170hp.

Reliable Super-Car

Its performance is not bad either in today’s standard for the 210 hp version it may catapult to 60 in 6.8 seconds coincidentally this was the version finished 8^th at Le Mans in late 70s. Another version with the addition of intercooler had been tuned to 375hp as GTR which finished 6^th at Le Mans in 1980 driven by Manfred Schurti in tandem with Jurgen Barth.

Though the 2L engine is harsh and unrefined (Porsche had not adapted Mitsubishi’s balancing shaft at time) it goes superbly, in handling department the 924 has tendency toward wild oversteering yet allows sufficient time to make necessary correction. But the ride comfort is exceptionally good and most importantly when meticulously maintained it could give 33 MPG. Today’s asking price is approximately €10,992 or $14,848 roughly it has depreciated by 40% since early 1990s.

The good news is Porsche only built 433 units only for homologation rules, it was a road car prepared for the competition purpose. But the road version population is in great abundance 121,289 with turbo at 13,616 units respectively, and with today’s availability of responsive turbo-charging application along with proper engine modification chip upgrade or newer engine management fitted and so forth you could have a real everyday drive super-car; a super-car with comfortable ride, superb combination of performance, reliability and “negligible” depreciation.

Technorati Tags: Porsche Driving Experience,Porsche Driving Center,Reliable Super-Car,Porsche Aftermarket Parts,Trendy Porsche Driving

Most Reliable Vans; what we’re missing

2009-10-09T03:27:00.001-07:00

Across the globe the term Most Reliable Vans has its own unique definition according to each geographical perception and requirement. In US soil Ford E has been the most popular full-sized van for 28 years. The 15 passengers plus hauler featuring class leading towing capacity at GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of up to approx. 10 tonnes (20,000 pounds) has lead the market reaching its height at 79% back in 2007.

As from mid 2009 there are only two models available on van category, Ford USA is sourcing another popular European van to complement the E series. The European Van of the Year 2004, Ford Transit Connect shares the basic C170 platform of older Focus powered by merely 136hp 2L engine with approx. the 4.5 cubic metres (135 cubic feet) hauling capacity.

What will be missing in US though are the Duratorq turbodiesel motors as well as the souped up version of 212hp Connect X-Press sharing Focus RS power plant. Ford Europe has earned the Most Reliable Manufacturer due to both Transit (13 cubic metres) and Transit Connect reputations for their low running costs, durability and reliability out of more than 100,000 fleet vehicles in UK.

Also missing in US market is Nissan Primastar that is also sold as the Renault Trafic (10 cubic metres) and the GM’s Vauxhall/ Opel Vivaro (European Van of the Year 2006). All of these vans above are mostly utilized for commercial purposes with some notable uses for RV conversions, yet for comfortable passengers hauling with sedan like driving people prefers more streamlined appearance instead of boxy styling van that the 4x4 Mercedes G Wagen has adamantly adopted for the last three decades.

There are two models consistently appeared as the top selling MPV as well as having many awards from either automotive magazine, JD Power or Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted awards years after year; Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Both have won numerous spots on Car and Driver's Five Best trucks for the past years, where as the Odyssey is holding the top-rank minivan in the US sales charts.

Crossing the Atlantic into Asia the auto market segment is partially dominated by 'forward control' Mini MPVs (under 4.1 m /160 in long). Certain Japanese regions allow for exempted parking spaces and tax privileges on Micro van or kei car, one of top selling Kei Car is Suzuki Wagon R. The tall Wagon has been designed as to be extraordinary tall to optimize its constrained cabin space with a short bonnet and almost vertical rear end mimicking the boxy shape of earlier Ford E or VW Microbus.

This type of Mini MPV offers excellent driveability on those narrow streets with high commanding visibility, though not particularly happy on highways its fuel consumption is relatively thrifty. On the other hand in some South East Asia market like Indonesia the preference for tall MPV is a prerequisite for flood avoidance driving style, the recent storms in Japan and Philippine are good cases. Beginning from this October to the remaining of the year is the wettest season of all. Is yours reliable as well as suitable for your own daily drive?

Technorati Tags: Most Reliable Vans,MPV,Ford Transit Connect

Mercedes Performance Parts

2009-10-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

No body denies that AMG produces the best of Mercedes Performance Parts and as a bonus since Daimler has already acquired AMG long time ago the OEM warranty is remained fully intact, the AMG version offers peace of mind for performance oriented Benz buyer. For an estimated price of $57,225 the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG W204 comes with famous hand built silicon-aluminum alloy M156 producing 457 hp with torque peaks at 600 Nm at a cost of hefty $2600 gas-guzzler tax (twice the M3 rating) due to its gulping larger V8 at 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway drivings.

Should such muscle performance level be regarded as insufficient, and Factory Warranty considerations precede all out performances; then there is always another alternative for the best surpassing any other competitor in its class. C63’s main competitors the 414 hp BMW M3 and the 416 hp Lexus IS provide less power at extraordinary bang for the buck, but they are not good enough for the image status seekers. Enter the Carlsson CK63S with the shoehorned power increased to 565 hp @ 6,800 rpm with monstrous 685 Nm torque level.

In response to the overly damped suspension especially due to the basic car set up as it tends to have harsh ride at lower speed, a typical Benz traits from the “Over Engineering” inheritance time. The CK63S features specially developed stepless height adjustment RS coilover kit, allowing almost infinite range of dynamics to suit any driving mood. Carlsson also deploys torque-sensitive multi-plate limited slip differential (LSD) with mechanical variable lock-up custom tailored to any kind of driving style to increase traction and driving stability.

You will appreciate this LSD for hard acceleration out of any corner; no body argues for the G-force on cornering is certainly an adrenalin addiction. Along with twin sport muffler which enhances rear end view to match the overall strong authority yet beautiful styling kit offered either made of high-quality polyurethane or carbon fiber; Carlsson also provide 19" forged wheel rims which features significant less weight to help better handling responses.

If this review sounds too much stratospheric extravaganzas, we might as well going back to the earth surface level. There are other alternatives as reasonable as top reasoning to emulate muscle car; the majority of tuners these days could do a lot for our beloved ride at much sensible price! Start off with purposeful function parts to enhance safety and handling look no further than BILSTEIN Suspension Kitset upgrade, this is the recommended Benz OEM parts. Some may prefer decent performance on daily drive with comfort; Monroeis a good choice.

A good set of suspension and 55 low profile tires may substitute for

the necessity to upgrade existing braking system, no need for Brembo with multiple pistons or else upgrade to street type ceramic brake pad. For cosmetic purposes; though this may not be justifiable few owners completely altered their old Benz to the latest exterior appearance and many will only add extra accessories, as the majority of Benz purist is keeping theirs as original as possible. I have been saving this for the last; for original look of Mercedes G Wagen look no further than my past articles and lastly as an example on body alterations, a 1985 W124 300E had been transformed into 1995 320E “Master Piece” style.

This transformed Master Piece has been in our family since mid 90s and was one time kept in our garage only to be driven out for special occasion only, such as going for a trip to Bandung through the punishing Cipularang Toll road. Not many cars offer exhilarating experiences driving at 160 kmh with eerie quietness and especially with hunkering characteristic of Benz. It was bought used at 60K km mileage featuring attractive blue interior to match its body color.

Technorati Tags: Mercedes Performance Parts,2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG W204,Carlsson CK63S,1985 W124 300E,1995 320E “Master Piece”,Mercedes G Wagen

Fifth Generation Camaro

2009-10-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Fifth Generation Camaro production schedule had been postponed many times and now the long awaiting revived muscle car legacy is finally back. Chevrolet Camaro had not been on production for 7 years. It was a bright red Z28 rolled off the assembly line at General Motor's Ste, Quebec, on August 29, 2002 as the last Chevy Camaro production. Ever since then its great archrival the Ford Mustang effectively has reigned as the market leader in pony car the sport muscle segment.

The American muscle cars in its heyday were dominated by the Pontiac GTO, the Trans Am, the Ford Torino, the Mustang, the Hemi ‘Cuda, whereby the top of the list was the Chevy Camaro. Why did GM ignore the outcry mourning of Camaro’s fans? Do they make the same management assumptions on Pontiac today? What really happened then which differentiate current gloomy auto market?

Scaling down on model or particular brand was never easy for GM or any other automaker nor reviving such brand back into the market. We all know what factors drove muscle car down in early 70s, early 2000s as well as the recent hampering crisis and the impact on “Cash for Clunker” with its curbing MPG criteria.

People may argue for Legacy, Quality production, Green Eco Car and so forth, yet in the end it is the market driving factors which counts. And ensuring market driven car production is the only way to survive for GM. Had it listen to DR Demming’s Profound Know ledge as the Japanese did in early 60s, it would be a different scenario then!

Acquiring the required production attitude and continuously making the right improvements is the most important factor to survive the hardship. Most automaker retains their successful formulas and prolongs the proven technology utilization rather than introducing new advanced technology which is not proven yet. For example the new Honda Accord model introduction has been extended from 4 to 5 years cycle.

And Volvo had only three body template from 1974 to 1997 as the production basis on series 200, 700 and 900s, where the last two are actually share similar main body structure. Despite of it is no longer sticking to “Over Engineering” motto, Daimler still clings to its 30 years Puch outsourced Mercedes Benz G Wagen production. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken!

Technorati Tags: Fifth Generation Camaro,Cash for Clunker,gloomy auto market

FIA Rally

2009-10-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

FIA Rally : WRC Round 11 Catalunya

Everyone but Citroen Team has suffered understeering technical problems. Mikko had expressed his uneasiness toward his task to race the asphalt “Ace’ Loeb, through out most of Spain Rally Ford Team had been plagued with the car set up to overcome the understeer problems. Acutely aware of the risk throwing his Focus’ overall balance all together, Mikko had instead left his car set up virtually intact as was.

His best effort was second position at the first stage and third consistently through out the remaining 17 stages. Unlike his team mate Jarri M Latvalla had been busily altering his car set up. Though he did make progress at day two, Jarri was pleased with the experiments. His consistent 6^th placed through out all 18 stages was a testament for his confidence holding the task for podium finish; Ford Team had remained within the top four out of WRC points.

WRC Citroen Lead

WRC Citroen Lead is not an elusive mystery. Both teams Ford and Citroen have equal engine performances, yet it is the chassis engineering with matching suspension set up that holds the winning strategy at the very edge! FIA dictates fair ruling and regulation for any Team on any winning opportunity; Thermodynamic efficiency on either turbocharger set up or the basic petrol engine is on equal par for the leading Teams. Granted, that not even the latest advanced Car ECU and software mapping could be tweaked further as the sole winning effort, it is the chassis engineering that counts.

Clearly both the driver and the positioning strategy also play important roles, this time around on this event it was Daniel Sordo’s responsibility to keep Mikko at bay from attacking Sebastian directly. But this time Sordo was driving more leisurely as Mikko could not put out his maximum effort as on the second leg the gap between the two was already a huge half minute.

Subsequently it was Mikko’s effort to hold the third position from attacking Petter Solberg now with C4 replacing his old Xsara, for all the circumstances Mikko had logically decided not to chase as madly the two Citroen’s drivers. Mikko still lead merely one point against Seb on current WRC points, that is until the Wales Rally of Great Britain; the event which no doubt Mikko will have the opportunity taking the revenge at max attack. It’s his best stages that even Seb has recognized all along….

Tire Compare

2009-10-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Best Tire Comparison Guide

There are surely better approaches to make tire selection, a simple method in a layman language on tire compare chorus. To make the right decision for the most suitable tire for our driving style yet enhances safety, comfort, fuel economy and durability without any sacrifices whatsoever. On the other hand the task of selection would be much easier for those with performances oriented driver or those with aesthetic priorities as compare to the ordinary folks with little knowledge on the technical perspective.

The performance oriented drivers have already aimed for certain capability which presumably pointing to two or three alternative, high gripping tire for example trades off its comfortable ride quality and may also have less life expectancy, lastly they willing to pay more for better grips. On slight different tone a stylist driver who fancy more on her best car’s appearances and could be to the extreme sacrifices of jarring ride quality, to some degree for the ultra low profile tires, some traction & controlling ability might have been degraded significantly.

But they are mostly aware of any drawback consequences! Some may have extremely modified their engines and even it’s Car ECU, thus tire selection poses no headache at all. As extreme tire sizes definitely requires equally heavy suspension parts modifications such as new set of lowering parts, bushing parts, camber plate and so forth.

Tire Choice Consequences

Now for the rest of us we might have noticed a distinct treatment to warranty schemes. A well known brand for example has Mileage Warranty up to 65,000 miles for the 60/65 series and 40,000 miles for the ultra low profile tires of 35 through 55 series. People would then immediately distinguish themselves into either on durability or performance quality expectations. Those with priority on durable tires will have more peace of mind driving, mainly due its resistance toward blemishes, frequent flat, and less driving attention on either hitting the curb or pothole as well as continuous pressure monitoring. Unlike low profile tire they are not sensitive to very abusive driving. In fact most of its lifetime a tire is generally driven this way!

Actually life would be very simple should the choice be on our sides. Recently many car makers along with their associated dealers are on the increasing rate to encourage car buyer opted for a set of attractive looking wheels with matching low profile tires. No problems for those who are acutely aware of low profile limitation, but those who are not; will find the truth the hard way; they continue to drive as they used to be, hitting the pothole without slowing down, parking the car with one of the tire halfway on the curb shoulder or rubbing the small area of tire sidewall to the shoulder etc., the low profile ages prematurely and soon within a year new tire replacement is un avoidable.

The worst part each replacement costs well into hundred dollars and the only way to cut and make cost saving is to change the whole set of wheel-low profile and replace the lot with 60/65 series, this is a dead end choice.

Technorati Tags: Tire Compare,Best Tire Comparison Guide,low profile tire,low profile tires

Car Oxygen Sensors

2009-10-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

The amount of Oxygen leaving combustion chambers is one of key parameter to determine whether an engine operates at its optimum performance. There is a range of acceptable residual Oxygen portion within the exhaust gases for normal combustion process; too little or too much proportion beyond such range indicates either the engine is running too rich or lean of fuel to air mixture. A perfect air to fuel mixture must always follow Stoichiometric coefficient of 14.7.

In fact most AFR devices actually measure exhaust gases either for the proportion of unburnt hydrocarbons to indicate rich mixtures combustion or the amount of residual oxygen in the case of lean mixture. Current standard practice is to measure how far from stoichiometric coefficient that mixture is; or known as Lambda (λ). Lambda of 1.0 indicates the air to fuel mixture is at stoichiometry, where as lean mixtures are greater than 1.0 and rich mixtures are less than 1.0,.

The Car Oxygen Sensor is mounted at exhaust manifold for non-turbo engine (schematic diagram). As the exhaust gas passes the sensor; any oxygen molecules will react with zirconium sensor to produce a small current. The presence of oxygen residual will trigger a signal to ECU for any proper air/fuel mixture requirements imprinted on its mapping database; the ECU or Engine Control Unit then compensate the fuel delivery to adjust. However under full throttle load such signal will be completely ignored and instead a rich mixture is induced to the combustion chambers in order to protect engine from knocking, similarly for cold start condition.

The exhaust manifold has a harsh condition for any sensor to age prematurely. Internal corrosion and old harness may hamper good grounding rendering error signal to be sent. Voltage loss due to wear and tear is the common source for such error as well, causing even a properly functioning sensor to not perform as it should do. A good voltage test on later model sensor will signal either lean or rich mixture as less than 0.352v or more than 0.547v, where as in between ECU considers engine to operate under normal air to fuel mixture.

There is a special care need to be followed for a proper Oxygen Sensor replacement procedure on any universal, OEM as well as aftermarket replacement. The choice of brand could be an overwhelming, but the easiest one would be to stick to your car manual guide. Regardless of the brand whether Denso, Delphi or Bosch Oxygen Sensorsyou would still need to go to your favorite car parts shop such as Autozone or the like for any technical consultation including the required Oxygen Sensors replacement tool.

Technorati Tags: stoichiometric coefficient,Bosch Oxygen Sensors,Engine Control Unit,AFR devices,Lambda (λ),Autozone,air to fuel mixture

Hybrid Sedan

2009-09-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

In spite of their segment leadership both Honda Insight and Toyota Prius do not win the top gasoline-electric hybrid sedans for fuel mileage. For mere 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, averaging city/highway mileage of 39 mpg; the midsize 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its sibling 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid easily beat the market leaders. Pricing wise they even undercut the similar class of Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Mexican built US Hybrid Sedans have even more extra features compare to the competitor, such as intuitive eco driving metering device on its eye-catching instrument panel, power driver and front-passenger leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, voice recognition system, CVT (Ford Fusion’s only transmission option) as well as standard 17-inch wheels and tires.

The trend for true hybrid fashion is a couple of metering gauges informing; the current state of generated kW, the level of energy left in the battery and a power meter shows what kind of electric charge is being used (either regenerative braking or else).

An alternative Hybrid Sedan at similar pricing to Ford Fusion would be Nissan Altima Hybrid also equipped with extra gadgetry, perhaps to counteract its unfortunate many safety recalls in the past two years. Whatever hybrid’s perceived values is determined largely by its brand, no matter how efficient one particular model from any maker; in the end the sales figures talk. Prius for the compact segment, Camry Hybrid on midsize and as for the luxury segment Lexus HS250h hybrid; the HS250h has surpassed its target by 20 times! Toyota Motor Corp. had received 10,000 orders in last August alone, beating its modest target of merely 500 monthly production targets.

Electric Mercedes Benz

A true green eco friendly car would be a car without oil burning engine at all; where as Hybrid technology retains motoring practicality a pure electric vehicle has still limited range.

However amidst the persistent rumors, Mercedes has now finally announced that an electric version of SLS AMG Gullwing will go into production, though they did not reveal any information regarding production schedule for their first electric sport car as yet. Apart of optimum weight distribution by strategically positioning all battery packs in the center of the car’s mass gravity, its performance will not only match its standard petrol engined sibling; but with the massive torque of 880Nm it definitely surpasses in the area of flexible drivability. Battery charging is attained via both ac plug-in and regenerative braking.

Though in terms of energy efficiency a diesel engine may surpass its petrol engine sibling, there is yet a new segment to be exploit for Diesel Hybrid. Electric motor may have huge torque at 1 rpm, yet for the purpose of 4 wheel driving a Diesel power plant is hard to beat. Hence logic would tell should there be any Electric Mercedes Benz G Wagen in the near future!

Technorati Tags: Hybrid Sedan,Electric Mercedes Benz,Hybrid

Collector Cars For Sale

2009-09-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

Earlier I have presented Collector Cars of the 1970s to 1980s era ranging from BMW e30 M3 and rare e28 M5, Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5-16, Mercedes Benz G Wagen, MB W-123, Ford RS-500 Cosworth, Citroen SM and GS Club as well as Mustang. And a few other representing from specially developed Rally Car, yet most collector requires a great knowledge of automotive history to attain their optimal values as investment commodity in the future. Value that will eventually be worth higher than or even to multiply on its original value at the time of its purchase.

When we are confronted with the issue of collector cars for sale we generally assumed such cars already widely known to have those unique traits and thus they will be sold at commanding high prices, though it is their future's worth as potential investment wise that needed to be judged. Hence finding potential cars prior to its assumed rare ranking is the most interesting and fun process. Should you happen to know a particular car history and you firmly believed it was a limited production from a well known auto maker; then your fun is just starting off!

There are many guides available online as well as through printed publications, in fact some are dedicated to certain brands or regional basis. Even the Discovery Channel has its own program to educate the enthusiasts that each episode may pinpoint rarity value on certain models of most makers from either European or US origin. Many of such models were regarded as marketing failures in its day, such as Citroen SM as opposed to DS type or; Ford Edsel, the now defunct maker MG, futuristic design and curvaceous Stout Scarab, Iso Grifo and many more. Have you ever heard of Michelotti's style Hino Contessa?

Despite of this overwhelming rare values you may well start with your own ride, provided it is well preserved in its pristine brand new condition, hardly driven with low mileage, and who knows in a near future it will turn into a potential collector car. Perhaps it will double its value in a decade time period. Otherwise you need to go online to look for Collector Cars For Sale.

Cheap Mercedes Benz

2009-09-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

4 Wheel Drives driving experiences

Perhaps to drive in style to a remote location of secluded villa could be accomplished by any jeep or even on old but trusty Toyota FJ; but for some owning such villa is the prerequisite of purchasing a G wagen. In fact this was the main determining decision when we purchased the Benz monster. It is a monster for our narrow streets! In early 1990s the road going there was an off beaten track with long steep ascending section, rendering a sedan to be impossible to drive through. We were making an upgrade from 3 doors Isuzu Trooper into the luxury Benz, from 30mpg plus diesel fuel to the 15mpg high octane gas guzzler.

Comparison between Isuzu Trooper and G wagen

But the drive quality was obviously miles different; from the so so ride to the exemplary comfortable dampening ride quality. From the nice low down torque to the screaming DOHC beauty; each has its own benefit. Trooper is good for city commuting but the Benz for country driving. And where is the role of classic FJ40?

4 Wheel Drives Comparison between FJ and G wagen

Like most developing country in 1970s, much of the road section was pretty much consisting of gravel unpaved street. And during the rainy season it all turned into slippery and muddy style transportation which is only suitable for a 4x4 Jeep. FJ is known for is rugged construction due to its basic simple chassis design mated to rudimentary leaf spring on both axles; harsh ride, steering back fighting. The one way trip to Bandung would guarantee a sore hand along the wrist upward, as OEM steering system did not have any dampening mechanism.

Its last petrol engine FJ year in 1983 was finally had been fitted with power steering, it was much more civilized; though other spec remained the same no Disc brake but merely the addition of bigger brake booster. Such simple lay out is the perfect recipe for rear sideways during the wet season. In fact whenever I got bored with obedient Citroen GS, driving sideways on an FJ was such an entertaining drive.

Hard steering flicks easily provoke the FJ balance; don’t expect such manner could appear in a G wagen, nor any of other Mercedes Benz vehicles. Composure is one of the virtues of the over engineered three pointed stars, none of the latest Land Cruiser series could even match. Inspiring 4 wheel drives driving only belong to a certain 4 wheel truck elite and might be considered as rare cars.

FJ had been produced from early 1960s to 1984 the last year product was powered by diesel engine, through out its production history there were ranges of engine capacity equipped, from mere 3,800 to 5,500 cc. Yes it was powerful it has higher max speed than the 2,800 cc of G wagen. It could achieve 150 km/h if you dare enough!

Obtaining old FJ40 is quite easy these days as it is abundance in quantity, but to restore to current standard of motoring might cost a well used G-300 at 15 Grand, where as a 1995 Land cruiser TD requires another 10 grand over here. Hence the G-280 could be regarded as Cheap Mercedes Benz indeed!

Technorati Tags: Cheap Mercedes Benz,4 Wheel Drives driving experiences,G wagen,FJ40

DIY Cold Air Induction

2009-09-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Whilst at the same time bears the most hazardous driving environments the approaching fall also provide great opportunity for excellent ambient temperature for intake air charge environment to our engine breathing. It works much like a turbocharger application in its simplest and purest form; the naturally aspirated engine could pack in its optimum cold air charge intake for a thorough combustion process requirement.

Cold Air Induction allows better thermodynamic process without the side effect of heat being produced at the time air being compressed by turbocharger impeller; we all know that then such heated compressed air is subsequently being cooled by intercooler. However both compressing and subsequent cooling works is two phase processes a Cold Air Induction application does not need as it directly sucks in ambient temperature air charge to the combustion chambers.

What if my car already has OEM turbocharger system on board? Though today technology has managed turbo lag to a negligible level, there would be an imperceptibly power surge vacuum at certain driving condition; a condition where only direct cold air charge could mask prior to even the turbine impeller would be able to spool sufficient compressing pressure from the exhaust side. That is why for the outright horsepower gain many prefer supercharger or NOS applications instead!

Then there is always that classic query on engine heat leaking into any air intake plumbing. Have you ever watched under the hood of those racing or rally cars? Look at Sebastian Loeb’s C4 or Mikko Hirvonen’s Focus or even the five time winners 24 Hours Le Mans of Audi R8 race cars. Most of its intake plumbing is fully insulated including the turbine housing itself.

No doubt that such plumbing has received meticulous redesigned to the shortest possible length, yet with its opening inlet mouth position as close to outside air, notice the electric fan cooled intercooler at close proximity to both engine and hood.

DIY installation starts with an easy drop in filter element replacement for most models. The ideal configuration requires some modification to the original OEM air filter housing and its fitments; some brands offer cold air intakes (CA), short ram intakes (SR), or complete cold air (CCA) intakes depending on your car model suitability. I have tried few brands but the best application to my preference is K & N, the oldest and well reputed US brand.

Technorati Tags: DIY Cold Air Induction,K&N

Lip Spoilers Best Tip

2009-09-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Lip Spoilers Development

Spoiler application has long been derived through out years of motor sport competition arena such as Formula One, WRC, WTCC, 24 Hours Le Mans and so forth. A well integrated spoiler’s application appears in what we have now known for as Ground Effect Body Kits . Typically its main advantage apart of aesthetic purpose is to maintain optimal down force aerodynamics on the straight lane section as well as providing neutral handling at corners along a circuit track.

The aerodynamic effect has been tested not only through the lab tunnel experiments but also at those punishing 24 hours event of Le Mans races to enable 320 km/h composure balanced handling characteristics. Le Mans also has been providing other innovations which we could appreciate through the latest mass produced ordinary cars.

A testament of rigorous race application such as ABS, reinforced carbon-carbon brakes, racing diesel engine as introduced by Audi R8 successor in 2006 and lately the incorporated advanced energy-recovery system on Peugeot 908; applications to which no doubt would be available for us in the future.

Civic Lip and Audi a4 Body Kits Applications

Though most of our driving would not come close to the speed at Le Mans, we still could gain the most by its aesthetic appearance purposes, unless off course if you drive on daily basis at Autobahn. For such purpose we might not need for spoiler made of exotic material like Kevlar, a strong and light weight material.

A good quality body kits should be able to be fitted and closely matched into existing body panel without sacrificing its whole rigidity strength, as we know modern car has extensively utilized plastic fiber material to cut the cost. The best guide would be to install well known brand available, unless you prepare to have the workshop spend more time to make experiments, meaning more labor cost.

Another way to cut your research efforts would be to look for those after market product which dedicated to certain automaker, such as Mugen for Honda and Neuspeed for VW as well as Audi models. The more popular your drive the more choices are available, perhaps by choosing the right model in the first place could make body modification a whole lot easier. Therefore finding a Civic Lip and Audi a4 Body Kits is a breeze compare to other import models.

Technorati Tags: Civic Lip,Audi a4 Body Kits,Lip Spoilers Best Tip

Auto Market Trends

2009-09-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

Auto Market Trends for the month of August has just pulled up a momentum gain. There are two factors play important roles; the Cash for Clunkers and its incentive based impact on those Auto Makers which do have good fuel mileage consumption cars. The smaller the model the more fuel-efficient it is, thus the higher incentive of up to $4,500 rebate towards its new car’s prices.

Auto Makers such as Honda and particularly Toyota whose Hybrid models have been snapped in by car consumers and quickly absorbed into its market segment; both makers are subsequently turning to Hybrid for even their upscale brands to strengthen further market leadership. Lexus for example and recently Honda incorporated its Accord Crosstour with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which enabling its engine to shut off two or more cylinders depending on driving requirements (i.e. whether for city driving, uphill/downhill driving or highway driving). The VCM results in an increase of up to 4 MPG in highway fuel economy, and should be even more savings on city driving.

Most car buyers turned in their trucks and sport-utility vehicles (which accounts for more than 80 percent) for trade in on compact cars. The Car Allowance Rebate System or CARS dubbed as the “Cash for Clunkers” has contributed the top sales of Ford Focus as the top-selling new car followed by Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry. Hyundai was also reported to assumed significant sales growth.

Especially, Ford has enjoyed significant increase sales on its Focus and Escape the small sport utility vehicle by 56% and 49% respectively. The overall US car sales figures topped 1.3 million units in August, a roughly 30 percent increase from July. Recall that earlier I have presented figures on various regional Auto Markets across the globe; where the market in China surpassed US sales in last July as well as the prevailing condition of other market in Australia, Japan, Indonesia and so forth.

A well worth point to mention as evidenced by the above last link; very few luxury market segments have continued sales increase despite of economic turmoil regardless. The peculiar inelastic market behaviour for the S-Class Mercedes Benz by mere 373 S-Class units sold had increased its market share up to two points into the 10^th leadership rank in the luxury Indonesian Auto Market segment. Elsewhere the exotic and rare Audi R8 as its first production car to use all-LED headlights with 54 light sources for each headlight; this Audi R8 has also continued growth rate increase from 4% to 5.2% on March 2009 YTD in Europe!

Technorati Tags: Auto Market Trends,top-selling new car,“Cash for Clunkers”

Fall Driving Tips!

2009-09-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

As the fall is fast approaching we could not dismiss the fact of its hazardous conditions toward our driving habits. The fact that we would still have glaring sunlight despite of the daylight becoming shorter; your vision could be limited by the then longer darkness. It is most likely to be driving home at the mercy of your car’s head lighting.

Then towards the month of October there could be some early morning frost. It does not matter if such frost occurs within the winter, as it becomes so obvious, yet it is that surprising icy black corner or spot which mostly has caught drivers unaware of. The early morning frost black ice might induce a momentarily lost of traction which unfortunately could injure anyone in the vicinity. The faster a car driving into the black ice the greater destructive impact would be!

Indeed these are the hazards contributing the highest fatality crash rate spanning out of long term period statistic study, more than any other month within a year. The fatality rate during last October stood at 10.2 deaths/ Billion kilometres.

Could I get away from the frost induced risks by driving a 4 wheel truck? Most 4 wheel truck may not have its 4x4 feature engage all the time, but most modern all wheel drive vehicle may have its 4x4 feature engaged and a few has electronic sensor to be activated only as required. In this case the degree of traction loss might still be possible to be minimized and thus the vehicle is able to be directed out of danger.

In fact some of premium car has such feature; whenever it senses one of its wheel spins, the opposite wheel on the other end of axis would get an increase of power to compensate the lost traction. A few of these cars may have an option to compensate further by distributing power more evenly on its 4 corners should they are equipped with all wheel drive feature.

Without such advanced technology laden car a driver needs to have very quick reflex as well as years of training to over come traction loss, only those WRC drivers or those who have been at the Best Rally Schools could attain such level of skill. Fortunately for most of us the ordinary driver who does not have any of the above privileges, we might still be able to rely upon good set up of our car. Set of best tire available, proper functioning suspension and a very good driving carefulness!

Have an enjoyable and safe Fall Driving!

Technorati Tags: Fall Driving Tips,head lighting,4 wheel truck,best tire,suspension

Swedish Brick AC Repair

2009-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Heating Air Conditioning

Have you checked your car’s heating or air conditioning system lately? Has it been any recurring problem on yearly basis? If so do you make a habit of turning either your heater or AC at least once a month even if your car is sitting idle? Most idle car would inevitably suffer one or two problems on its AC. Take this advice from a car collector enthusiast even if yours is an idling brand new car.

Typically the car would suffer from leakage and need immediate replacement on its Drier unit, subsequently the AC system also need refrigerant refilling work. This happened not once to our 97 accord which was garaged and sitting idle much of its early 10 years time. Such problem should never occur had its AC and heater were turn on once a month or better every fortnight, yet the most frustrating part is when you do meticulously maintain the system but the trouble somehow appears.

Almost every two years the AC on our Volvo 960 need regular maintenance, or to be precise need AC repair work. On most occasions there is a distinct symptom before it gives in; whether the compressor emits peculiar noise or simply no cold air coming out of it. But once it did not give any hints at all; its air conditioner compressors simply blew away. It happened one particular early morning when my kids were just on their way to school. Luckily it was a few hundreds meter away from our home! Our driver was simply make a return and switch to our trusty minivan, leaving the AC repair work to be my duty calls.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

The beloved Volvo 960 took almost half day to get its compressor work done, and simultaneously cleaning up the Evaporator side in particular surrounding the blower area. Apparently it has managed to clog up due to almost 10 years of dust accumulation. Despite of some inherent noise emitted by its compressor the system worked well until about two years later. On every occasion the expansion valves which also serve as filtering mechanism within has to be replaced, very few in between it only needs orifice replacement.

On other occasion it requires merely clutch compressor replacement. Our 960 has two type of pressure within its system; low and high pressure in order to have efficient cooling ability as well as requiring less horsepower sapping from the engine, especially on those occasion upon sudden hard acceleration as its turbocharger kicks in.

Yet due to my schedule I have once again neglected its air conditioning maintenance. Since its major repaint work for the past one year we have opted for artificial elongation on its life time by leaving the car idle. And this time around I could not find any refurbished compressor. It is the time for brand New Denso Compressor with Clutch as well as Apco New Drier Or Accumulator and Expansion valve; ouch! So have you checked yours recently? The prevailing fall may pose a threat to your air conditioning as the system would be turn on less frequently.

You obviously don’t typically need to go for a course at Top Rally Schools to figure out your air conditioning maintenance schedule! For more detail you may consider to consult your car Repair Manual .

Technorati Tags: Heating Air Conditioning,AC repair,air conditioning maintenance,volvo

Driving Off Road >> Driving Off Road Guide

2009-09-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

The most scenic Leisure Drive is unfortunately not being on the road yet on those off road section at the remote part of the world. Some people find they could enjoy the scenery but very few could bear the rocking ride along the way though!

Rubicon’s style trail on 4 wheel drive may have been popular along the past summer time, but for all of its worthwhile adventures such 4 wheel trail leisure activities should have been enjoyable all year time around without hassles (long john, winter clothing etc.). Fortunately this adventure could be hugely enjoyed all year around at those regions along the equatorial belt areas. The regions where only two seasons exist, and whenever the wet season arrives the more excitement it could offer for the happy tail sideways experiences.

Where as the Rubicon trail also offers scenic drive for a starting price of $800, a 4 wheel drive rent cost in Australia starts at $150/ day. No doubt there would be a comparable cost in US. Though for a mere short trail scenic drive we do not necessarily have to drive ourselves and thus no special skill needed, all we need to do is jump into the ride. That is the rocking ride with beautiful scenery at its best natural occurrences to marvel.

Certainly a leisure 4 wheel driving would not involve those extreme terrains such as along the boulder section where Rubicon earn its popularity for the rock crawling off road adventure. Only a few have strong stomach and for this segments you would need one of those monster 4 wheel trucks. And since the cost of building such 4 wheel trucks is expensive, their rental costs consequently also reflect the complexity on specially developed chassis with equally special purpose monstrous set of tires. Not to mention the required metal brace, heightened and beefed up suspension parts, as well as special gearing ratios.

Also bear in mind you need to go for a special course in order to be able to drive such 4 wheel trucks, arguably some could have preference to go to the Best Rally Schools instead for more adrenalin excitement. Since one course has tendency toward driving patiently whereas the other involve speed driving both with equal weight on precision skill momentum.

My point is to enjoy the exhilarating scenic Leisure Drive on beautiful trail such as the Australian outback or Rubicon or even the Bromo crater trail it does not necessarily need your own skill of the Driving Off Road’s talent.

Technorati Tags: scenic leisure drive,4 wheel driving

Rally School

2009-09-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Best Rally School

Nothing could beat signing up to your local Rally Club for the best rally driving experience. The early age you could start the better chance to get into professional career ladder. No one would ever know your hidden talent should you not jump in!

Only by grasping technicality both on a beginner rally car as well as rally regulations on the local field the following step on the Rally course school is a breeze. Some exception to the young kids may have been granted even prior to the legal driving age if she shows unique performances! In fact most champ has such peculiar learning curve.

And some kids are really lucky indeed to have both local clubs as well as nearby Rally School within their home regions. For the Starke, FL, US area young lads could have a go at GoRally on either prepared Neon Rally Car or special go kart from the 19th September this fall. Across the globe in Europe where this sport activity is already a norm and to which most champs are originated from there are many more Short Rally Courses choices, particularly in UK regions.

Team O'NEIL School & Car Control Center around New Hampshire area offers 2, 3 or 4 day program courses learning left foot braking on variety of Rally Cars. Then on a forest experiences style at Higgin’s Rally School located in Powys, Wales, UK where the program starts from half day course. Lastly the course located at three branches available from Shropshire, Worcestershire and up to Buckinghamshire areas; as one of the oldest school around established since 1989.

The Formula One Champ Michael Schumacher started his own ladder at a very young age on Karting, by six his talent was already known for. So does every Rally Driver who at early twenty should have built the reputation.

Rally Champ Path; Current Position

The WRC has its own junior program prior to a full blown professional career. The current WRC 5 time winner Sebastian Loeb had made it brilliantly into junior championship (year 2000) prior to his superb current world record holder. And the immediate future of WRC have seen other names quickly filling up the ladder such as Sebastian Ogier who set the fastest at the first three stages of the recent Australian event, and Jarri M Latvala who often plays an important role strategically to the Ford Team.

Latvala was often seen as the wing man of Mikko the Ford Number one curbing the arch rival Citroen of either Daniel Sordo or even Sebastian Loeb himself. Latvala was leading through out 8 stages into the second leg of Australian event up to when he hit a bank ruining his right rear tire. This is quite an achievement as Loeb had 9 stages win, one stage more, as Mikko was struggling sweeping the gravel road as the leading driver.

As soon as Latvala dropped into the fifth position both Citroen drivers were overwhelming to Mikko’s effort. And the game was turned around for Sordo attempting to curb Ford number one. Loeb was cruising in the last three stages to another win, though it has been quite a rare win since last April. Loeb seemed to have his luck back with him, yet the driver’s championship point is still on Mikko by mere one point.

Technorati Tags: rally school,rally driving,wrc australia

WRC Round #10 Rally Driving of Australia Part1

2009-09-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Championship Determining Event

Petter Solberg has already decided not to participate on round# 10 of the Australian event his team instead has chosen to focus on more meticulous preparation and effort toward the following round#11 at Spain. The down under event will mark the return into 2009 calendar since its last participation of WRC in 2006 which Mikko Hirvonen was seen on the podium as the outright winner on its mostly gravel stages. It would be graciously interesting as one of the last three rounds of the remaining year for the most fiercely battle between him and the reigning champ Sebastian Loeb; the three events which consequently will be the determining points for the 2009 WRC winner.

The September month is coincided with typical outgoing mild winter of Australian climate; consequently heat related problems to the engine are somewhat minimal. Unlike past event there are completely new stages along the East Coast of New South Wales with high speed hard packed gravel stages located in the Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby areas. Instead of the red earth and ball-bearing like gravel roads of the old event, competitors will face a brand new unfamiliar challenges.

Seb or Mikko?

Loeb is widely known for his impeccable rally driving on asphalt stages which fortunately will be offered on the last two remaining events at Spain and Wales Great Britain, hence strategically Mikko need to put an all out effort on this gravel dominated event just to be on the same par level with the champ. Hypothetically for all his great achievements Loeb has more advantages than any other rally drivers.

Yet the new and very short stages in Australia may impose great advantages to Mikko’s side who has tendency to quickly adapt to the new environment challenges much better than any other drivers. Thus hypothetically on paper Mikko would still be one event short in comparison to Loeb’s winning prospects for the remaining two events, if all goes well!

Most importantly on Sebastian Loeb’s style Rally car, his Citroen C4 seems to be a tad more competitive, if not hard to beat; when it goes smoothly. Or perhaps to put it bluntly the package of his superb rally driving together with C4 has better chances to win, an undeniable arguments based on the past statistic. Though recently luck has had predominantly played greater roles; anything could happen within the span of these last remaining three events. Good exciting and thrilling moments will unroll for us as avid WRC fans. Good Luck to you all to watch your individual hero!

Technorati Tags: wrc rally driving

New Car Tax Credit

2009-09-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

Tax credit allows the governments benefit to increase a worker whole net income; it is also regarded as being more valuable in comparison to tax deduction or tax allowance. For new car buyers this new policy serves as some sort of “Cash for Clunkers” replacement which just ended recently. However the as the usual norm there is a strict term to targeted new car buyers to qualify; Annual income of less than 260 grand and the cost of purchase is less than 50 grand and applicable for new cars sold between November 08 to December 09.

It is estimated that for a 25 grand worth of purchase a typical family would save around $1,500, roughly equivalent to certain 6% of state sales tax. As recent new car sales is down by millions unit every state in US would loose a huge potential revenues, thus the New Car Tax Credit serves to reset into overall equilibrium. The very least a temporarily upward equilibrium toward the whole national economy balances.

Apparently the incentive is solely devised for the middle class only with no as such for those enthusiasts buying for luxury car, let alone an exotic sports car nor a Sebastian Loeb’s style Rally car. Though some experts believe such purchase may be applicable too being restricted to the less than 50 grand qualifying bracket yet in a very skeptical tone!

Across the globe the Russian government was on the contrary raised its tariff on the imported autos to protect local automotive productions into 30% barrier level, where as in China various incentives have been implemented since 2008 including tariff reduction as low as 10% for auto parts importation. China has recently surpassed its millionth sales and already surpassing US sales figures last July. India also has similar incentive by lowering its auto loan rate.

On a different story South Korea’s auto production has enjoyed a significant sales growth as being on the low cost car segment. Their fuel-efficient and well-equipped, yet affordable cars with generous warranties, such as the Kia Picanto, Kia cee'd and Hyundai i30, which attracted global consumers at a time of severe economic recession, as substitute to particularly Japanese auto brands models. Car purchasers simply flocking in for decent and cheaper alternatives!

On the contrary the consumers in Indonesia who bear the highest purchasing cost in the world are continuing suffer. Indonesian new cars auto market continues suffering from one blow to another; from the weakening currency, the increase of auto insurance rate last year, and recently the government has a new plan to increase tax on car ownership. Those who own more than one car will be hugely penalized for their second, third cars and so forth. No wonder its car sales figures are lagging behind!

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The Ultimate Leisure Drive; Car Hire with Driver

2009-08-31T05:59:00.001-07:00

Affordable Car Hire?

Hiring a car may not necessitate for your part to look at the dipstick in order to check the level of your synthetic oil; yet car hire firms have suffered severe liquidity problem and as a consequent most car rental firms could not lease the amount of cars they need to cover the summer demand.

The recent recession have not only drastically impacted the supply side of car rental, there is now less buying power of rental firm to lease new cars. But unlike it was used to be for holiday makers visiting southern Europe, hiring a car is as necessary as booking a room. Apparently it seems, they may have to pay double or even triple price for their means of holiday transportation.

Fortunately car rental industry in South East Asia has different structure, so your budget on transportation cost during the travel could well be a lot cheaper comparatively. Many rental firms rely their car supply on private individual car owner who suddenly finds out that they need to rent out theirs in order to comply their side of car lease terms, certainly this apply for mostly those who has more than one drive in the garage.

Though a few may have opted for motorbike as the daily transport means. It has a lot cheaper running cost and most importantly motorbike could beat the hectic and unusual a whole month of extraordinary traffic jam in Jakarta due to the Ramadan the fasting month. Thus a Corolla Altis will cost around $45/ day where as a luxury Mercedes Benz C200 at twenty bucks per hour, though direct renting will undoubtedly be lower.

Else where hiring a subcompact car for a day is starting at around $25 and $27.5 with driver in Bali. For most foreigners renting a subcompact minivan such as Suzuki APV is a popular choice and local driver driving the rental car is a must for the fuzzy and confusing traffic. It is a contrasting self driving scenario for example to the traffic along the beautiful and its most scenic highway drive in New Zealand.

Car Hire from Christchurch; The Most Scenic Leisure Drive

The Southern part of South Island is my recommended choice of scenic Leisure Drive. By just following the main highway 76 from Christchurch to Queenstown or Fiordland offers great driving experience with lots of scenic drive sections along the way and especially around Mt Cook. Getting further inland and into small cities we could face an unusual traffic jam due to the farmer with her flocking thousands of sheep with one or two dogs escorting from one pasture field to another.

When you travel to Fiordland, you will be visiting one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. The extraordinary scenic beauty has earned the region a reputation as a significant sightseeing and walking destination as well as scenic driving experiences, and a 'Must See' for anyone travelling to New Zealand. Fiordland has achieved World Heritage status and is renowned as the home of Mitre Peak, Milford and Doubtful Sounds.

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Most Reliable Cars

2009-08-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

Most 2000s Reliable Cars

A 4 years old vehicle is likely to develop the highest rates of failure as most cars have had their warranty expired. Parts that are likely to suffer are those belonging to fuel and ignition system. Both are the hardest to detect to average motorist except some enthusiast who might have basic knowledge for routine maintenance according to its manufacturing recommendations.

Then parts of drive train which includes transmission, axle and perhaps suspension which have specific life time of services; noticeable early symptoms would be power losses due to worn out clutch, whining noise due to worn out rubber components and handling problems on damper failures.

Most UK motorist could in average pay the maintenance or repair bill at around £455, where as 6^th year old suffers steering problems (leaking steering box) then into its 8^th year old period would suffer; braking (hydraulic booster, disc brake etc.), transmission (auto and manual alike), cooling system and finally the engine itself. Certainly the brand or auto maker plays an important role here on reliability issues which generally consists of some Eastern and few European auto makers. We have heard so much of TLC maintenance on these reliable cars could extend up to 200,000 mileages or even more without any major overhaul works done.

An advanced technology oriented car could also spell for higher degree of vulnerability compare to a car which has simple engineering contents. Generally the smaller a car the more simple it is due to cost cutting measure, and vice versa on the more premium model. For example most BMW models are equipped with light yet exotic alloy suspension material from 2000s onward. It is indeed produces excellent handling while at the same time fulfilling less weight advantages, but improper use and maintenance could lead to a premature failure. And a very expensive failure one!

On the other hand most auto maker have suffers from manufacturing recall; meaning they have one way or another mass produced a defect OEM parts. That’s why the Benz and BMW cars of 2000s are worse off in terms of reliability compare to their pre Millennium models, even Toyota and recently Honda on the Accord’s transmission recall in 2000 which resulted in a class action in US.

Pre Millennium Reliable Cars

Every motorist alike would like to have her investment on the car worthwhile to be a reliable motoring 24/7 for the whole year in and out regardless. Any other feature inherent from the car itself would be regarded as bonus. Through out my motoring experiences out of the jungle of traffic headache from Jakarta metropolitan city to the far away down South Island of New Zealand amongst sheep’s style traffic jam I must admit that in general the Japanese brands outgunned any other with the exception of 1990s or 1980s Benz, BMW or Volvo.

Our e28 5 series has more performance than e36 3 series on both counts city as well country driving, this is 1989 vs 1992 production, later multivalve e36 has even more headache as the engine could develop cooling leakage into the combustion chamber resulting catastrophic failure. There was a similar class action against BMW in US.

Our 1992 Honda Civic Genio has had given us approximately 8 years of trouble free motoring until its plastic enclosing radiator gave in as well as its ignition’s failure, but its automatic lives on soldiering even without synthetic oil replacement. Our then 12 years old Volvo 740 manual also provides trouble free until it developed cooling leakage into the chamber; it was a serious work as the block itself needed replacement. But for this case it was my in laws daily drive, otherwise I would have known the problem earlier.

I could have more real story presented to you as to answer which era produces most reliable car; pre millennium or post millennium production? I believe you have the hints by now (open loop vs closed loop ECU unit). Choices of brands, models and lots of TLC maintenance should also follow accordingly!

Old Reliable Drifting Cars

2009-08-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno was the most popular drifting cars in the underground scenario of touge (mountain pass) driving. It was the former racing driver Keiichi_Tsuchiya who promoted the unique type of motorsport, as the competition is not based on speed but on the most controlled drifting around corners instead. His role in popularising drifting as a motorsport as well as the non-traditional use of drifting in non-drifting racing events has earned him the nickname of "Drift King".

"I drift not because it is a quicker way around a corner, but the most exciting way." Other quotes by him on the car that catapults his fame the Toyota AE86;

"This is fun! I wish that Toyota could make cars like this again!"

AE86 chassis was derived from the notorious last rear wheel driven Corolla known as DX (E70) introduced in 1979. Suspension technology is best described as antiquated non adjustable toe and camber along the configuration of its upfront MacPherson strut to the solid live axle with four unequal-length lateral links at rear, combined with a Panhard rod that constraints movement solely to vertical motion.

Such rear arrangement has good ability to comply with huge generated torque, a popular choice for even today generation of muscle car. Though it’s nimble and balance under normal circumstances yet most car racing enthusiasts need to upgrade the standard antiquated suspension to the latest advanced technology on both springing and dampening rate for optimal tyre grip. As well as pillowball adjustable camber and caster plates fitted onto the front shock upper mount housing where as at the back a pair of coil over shock is deployed.

A typical racing set up would undoubtedly have jarring ride; unlike a well-tuned street car, the old reliable 1985 Corolla AE86 has transformed into a capable all wheel drive WRX chaser at consistent 0.91G of slalom test. The spring rate was set at 6kg/mm (335lb/in) and 4kg/mm (220lb/in) on front and rear, respectively.

Its stock fuel injected twin cam the jewel 4A-GE produced a healthy 129hp and was the successor of another legendary Toyota engine 2T-G. The 4A-GE was a smooth balance high revving engine but fortunately did not pass the California emissions regulations; to comply the stringent regulations a special version 4A-GEC at 112hp was produced for the market instead. Unfortunately the detuned version was not as durable as its stock brother and had a tendency to burn oil, especially in poorly-maintained vehicles.

Next: Leisure Drive on the best 2000s reliable car…

Technorati Tags: Old Reliable Drifting Cars

#5 Automotive Technology Milestones

2009-08-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

Less for More

Over the years cars have gone into advanced technology territory, more complicated but not necessarily need as frequent maintenances. No more routine maintenance on point breaker and subsequently becoming “Breakerless”, the “pointless” was due to the invention of Transistorized point breaker in early 1980s. Decades later owing to “Fly by Wire” technology the mechanical throttle linkage is also disappeared being replaced by wireless connection to actuate the throttle’s opening and closing movement.

Meanwhile most of the new cars have already tucked the spark plug wires away from the sight. Initially by an engine ornament cover introduced by BMW in early 1990s then by the help of distributor-less system which simultaneously enable coil insitu placement next to single or multiple spark plugs. Hence it is not a strange looking anymore for an engine to have no spark plug wires except under the top cylinder head cover, less impedance high voltage wires resulting instantaneous firing with quicker response on computer to adjust and control what’s happening within the combustion chambers.

Now instead of one coil per engine the 2000s new cars could have as much as its cylinder counts, but most cars having two coils to fire twice as many cylinders. Recently the keyless phenomena extends not only to lock or unlock the doors, but also have gone from mere opening the door itself as well as turning the engine on. Then less reliance on hydraulic; electric power steering and electric braking; whereby the loss energy under braking mechanism is turned into electrical generation to be stored on separated battery.

Engineless 1997 Honda Accord

Currently the most fuel efficient cars are mostly “Hybrid” consisting of dual gas/ petrol engine and electric driven motor since an electric motor alone has very limited range of driving. Yet there are some vehicles being driven by electric motor alone which subsequently have no combustion engine at all, and in the future perhaps the technology could get away with a practical but engineless car.

An electric car while it is being limited on its range capability (and overall weight due to its battery) has a flat torque at instantaneous delivery; resulting a very quick acceleration burst; that even some drag cars could easily be beaten up off the mark. That being said for those cars specifically designed for electric propulsion from drawing board, yet some converted vehicle may have been specially designed for such purpose too. For the outright acceleration performance, instead of merely zero pollutant emission. However a gentleman from Eugene, Oregon US has managed to convert his 1997 Honda Accord into an electric car by throwing out its engine and installing a 3 phase Siemens AC motor mating to the OEM 5 speed shifter.

For almost 5 years of trial and error development costing around 15 grand Bryan Avery gets a comparable acceleration to the stock 2.2 engine, and manage at best 10 miles range per charging!

Next: Leisure Drive on the Old Reliable Drifting Cars…

Technorati Tags: Automotive Technology

Nissan Sentra

2009-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Auto Market Responses

Nissan Sentra is supposedly to be head to head competitor with both Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic as well as Ford Focus, yet it has never caught the market leader on most regions globally. We have recently seen the magic touch of Carlos Ghosn the chief executive of Nissan Motor to its bigger brother on Infinity as well as X-Trail which enjoy better reception amongst the car buyers.

The Japanese auto maker had already paid him and along with 10 other top executives at an average of about $2 million in total salary compensation; far above the $595,000 of average Japanese auto executive pay in 2000, just after the company, then almost bankrupt, was bought by Renault. Yet despite of his pay, the completely reorganization of Nissan Motor and him being also Renault chief executive since 2005; the compact Sentra sales have still been lagging behind even today!

2009 Nissan Sentra

The new compact sedan is available at multiple choices of trim levels with mainly three different power plants from 140 hp 2.0L up to 200 hp of modified 2.5-liter engine mated to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on Spec V model. This Spec V form has a spirited performance with good handling at corner and 6.7 seconds acceleration to 60 mph yet comfortable, with the exception of those driving manner upon large bumps and road undulations. Despite of its excellent zero to 60 mph acceleration figure the CVT lacks downshifting as well as gear ratio holding options. After all it is equipped with continuously variable transmission which was mass produced initially for a small Dutch auto maker DAF in late 50s, though its main application advantage is good economy fuel consumption.

Best Old Beat-Up Car

This 6^th generation Sentra posses a good value for those ordinary new car buyers, for the car enthusiast however it would be its 3^rd generation which evokes the aftermarket industry responses in mid 90s. It was fitted with screaming Nissan SR20DE engine (redline @ 7500rpm) producing a very healthy 145 hp. The B13 SE-R was easily tricked out which consequently has developed a cult following over the years and is still a car of choice among tuners or drifters alike. In its OEM condition it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds!

The 1.6L version was sold in Indonesian auto market briefly which was predominantly for Taxi purposes, yet the local car enthusiast recognizes SR20DE (up to DT recently) engine as one of the sought after engine swap donor. The fact that the largest Taxi operator opted for Sentra (Genesis) was in itself a testament for good reliability sedan, even today a proud owner of 1994 Nissan Sentra 4-Door in Baltimore, MD has recommended his own car as the best old beat-up car. It is as much reliable as classic 97 Accord depicted in my previous article, hence you now have two choices for reliable Japanese old cars either under subcompact or compact car category. Perhaps being simpler the Sentra would undoubtedly be a better off choice!

Technorati Tags: nissan sentra,best old beat up car,compact car,subcompact car,97 accord

Next: Leisure Drive on …

Subcompact Car For City Driving

2009-08-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

The other day I made a wrong turn on a narrow dead end street and had to make a struggling turning within its 3 meter narrow width. The narrow street was hardly wide enough for my van to pass a huge luxurious Toyota Alphard parking on one of its section. No less than five times shifting between my subcompact van’s automatic gears from D to R back and forth while half of a dozen oncoming motor bikes were patiently waiting.

It was a moment for city driver being blessed with power steering, automatic transmission, high seating visibility and most importantly small turning radius; features which only available on a subcompact van or MPV with bonus of lots of spaces to haul passenger of hockey team and their gears or even cargo alike. It was also a fortunate day I had not driven our classic 97 Accord that day, for its turning diameter is merely 11 meter.

Mini MPVs are under 4100 mm (160 in) long where as Compact MPVs have a length of between 4,200–4,600 millimetres (170–180 in), compact MPV enjoyed some popularity in the United States in the late 1980s and early 1990s. On the other hand my blessed van has 41150 mm length, just at the precise dimension recipe of city driving flexibility in the bewildering short cut route of Jakarta. I was trying to avoid a long typical bumper to bumper style of traffic jam and consequently an abrupt detour was in dire need to save time!

Perhaps that is the reason for many premium auto makers heading into the foray of subcompact car segment as well as partially subsidizes their expensive R & D on this downturn time. Only recently Aston Martin has released new pictures of the Cygnet, the economy car based on the Toyota iQ; featuring a very short, streamlined nose and a tapering upper-body rear, it already foreshadowed today's, mostly one-box, MPV designs.

Similar to the concept of "Micro Bus" Volkswagen Type 2, my daily drive is a 'forward control' van in which the driver is seated above the front wheels. Though the Type 2 was introduced in 1950 the concept was invented as far back as 1930s by a very short, streamlined nose and a tapering upper-body rear yet futuristic design and curvaceous Stout Scarab. Its headlamps were set behind a fine, vertical-bar grille, and at the rear, narrow chrome bars curved from the back window down to the bumper, giving the car its iconic Art Deco appearance; the period of which Art Deco was regarded at its height.

Technorati Tags: Subcompact Car,subcompact van,City Driving

Next: Leisure Drive on Nissan Sentra as the best old beat up car…

Old Cars for Sale

2009-08-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Best Guide for Buying Old Cars

Our imagination is running wild when we are cash stricken yet desperately looking for an affordable but dependable car. It could easily be less imaginative choices for those eligible for cash for clunkers or scrappage schemes to the new car buyers in US or European alike. Hours of skimming on Old Cars for Sale advertisement section is one major step as one has figured out her criteria preferences before hand. Each individual preference is certainly unique. The majority falls on ordinary car for daily ride, some on European ride and handling with muscle performance qualities as well as perhaps a few on classic rare cars for future investment expectancy.

Like many folks who have driven any European cars they are easily getting converted into addiction. I have personal knack on particularly French cars for their poised handling and comfortable ride; it is their trait of conveying beautiful ride sensation. If you belong to the same group; read on..

The Leisure Drive| Car Leisure blog dwells on driving and car review in leisurely manner, not a niche topic. It discusses general issues on self experience motoring and automotive technology perspective; consequently it covers huge subtopics to wide array of auto makers. Though, admittedly have a bias tendency to that automaker with characters of poised ride and handling which unfortunately inherited that classical era of 1980 – 1990s car manufacturing period. The period of which most auto makers were tinkering with multivalve engine, fuel injection and open loop engine management; a simple engineering robustness and at the height of sophisticated ride-handling balance.

The era of which each auto maker has distinctive trait and has not suffered much of massive cost cutting measures which consequently leads to recent generic mass production cars of today. Today’s cars have generally longer maintenance interval yet possess great difficulties for DIY tinkering and once it reaches its life time expectancy the maintenance cost is exponentially escalating.

The blog received a significant appreciations on classic car reviews particularly; 1986 G class Mercedes Benz and over the time 1997 Honda Accord. As well as to some degree on other topic such as classical rare cars, old cars for beginner, beginner rally cars and my favorite balanced ride-handling yet quite difficult to maintain Peugeot 505 and the eerie flying carpet ride of pre 1980s Citroen’s model such as GS Club as well as the rare Citroën SM. Best Guide for Buying Old Cars yet with slight tendency toward transparency of personal driving experiences!

8 Month Old Blog’s Appreciations

As my article are piling up it is the right time to organize for easier navigation. Hence in the near future I will extend further my writing toward below mentioned automotive category:

Automotive Technology
Collector Car
Synthetic Oil
Auto Market
Reliable Cars
DIY Modification

I will strive hard to continuously writing useful articles on this just turning 8 month old blog for the great support of Leisure Drive| Car Leisure audiences; that’s you. As well as continuously striving toward easier navigation as a token of great appreciations; Many Thanks Folks.

NB; this article is also dedicated for the Indonesian Independence Day

Technorati Tags: Old Cars for Sale,Leisure Drive,Reliable Cars,DIY Modification

80s Collector car #3; Citroen GS

2009-08-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Rare Driving Impression …

I consider its ride especially rare due to its Hydropneumatic suspension. Driving over all those judder bars and pothole was such an addiction as much as passing other ordinary vehicles which inevitably had to slow down. The sensation was much higher elevation than those driving 1985 Peugeot 505 GR or 1971 Mercedes Benz W114 230 I6, the cars of the era was designed with more biased toward comfortable ride than merely performance handling. A contrast to new car today characterized by gas pressurized shock absorber which has a tad tendency toward jarring ride but to the benefit of poised control balance on much higher speed, a pre-requisite of driving characteristic on the Autobahn.

If I may add an undulating road was artistically transmitted to occupants on a 505GR, yet for GS it was rare “eerie” flying carpet sensation. And no matter how bad the terrain with the help of its Hydropneumatic the car simply rides over at level, or borrowing from Rolls Royce own phrase; waft along! Citroën’s own advertising went even further showing GS driving on mere 3 wheels to prove its exemplary levelling capability on certainly level road! I mentioned earlier this might accelerate its tyre’s life expectancy as a flat tyre did not evoke its driver’s attention immediately; the result was ruining this flat tyre. This had have happened to us more than twice! New set of tires was the direct risk every now and then should we were not careful enough.

Citroën’s idiosyncrasy

But on the brighter side jacking up the car was a simple turn of adjusting to the max height; tossing over jack and then lowering back the height to normal position. The GS had an unusual place for its OEM equipped Beltek radio cassette; behind the shifter right at where the parking brake supposed to be. Incidentally the parking brake is to the left of steering column for the right hand side driving car; similar arrangement as in Mercedes Benz W114, W123 and W124 (release lever only).

The French auto maker was known for its idiosyncrasy; single columnar steering wheel, push lever horn to opposite of; not self canceling turning lever, rear A/c condenser placement (It’s air cooled engine and it was impossible to put in the restrictive engine bay) and aerodynamic shape (other cars for the era were mostly squares). Yet the car was impeccable on its driving manner with its level of NVH in close resemblance to premium car at much higher sticker price.

It was such a joy to wheel spin on its first gear (at the cost of early retirement of front CV joint) and had high road holding for it was impossible to disturb its composure on a high speed abrupt turning (even on its skinniest tires). 180 degrees hand brake rally driving style turn was out of the question let alone provoking rear sideways; perhaps that is why it was my own beginner car (under strict parent’s choice of authority!). Alternatively I had to nick other cars for fun sideways driving style; in our Holden Belmont wagon or the dark Blue 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 (easily provoke in rainy day!).

To this day I have not been able to master that hand brake provoked 180 degrees turn as my other mates could. In particular the chance was getting slimmer as once I ditched my mate’s Ford Falcon near my own home territory on a slippery evening at descending turn (sorry mate!). It cost me 6 bucks then to repair the damage, ouch!

Next: Leisure Drive on

Technorati Tags: citroen,rare

Automotive Technology Frontier

2009-08-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Eerie Flying Carpet

In reality no body rides flying carpet except in Harry Potter movie. But the illusion is virtually possible; albeit fairly close in resemblance for riding on the luxurious Ghost, the new Rolls Royce baby entry model for instance. The Ghost features air suspension on its four corners absorbing most of the road bumpiness, creating an encapsulating sensation for the occupants. About forty years ago Citroën had already mass produced an affordable family car with similar sensation; thanks to Automotive Technology invention of Hydropneumatic.

Since Leisure Drive has covered this invention in the past article there is no need to make a recap again; should you need to revisit the article please follow the above link. The car is now known as a classic rare car codename DS. Due to its popularity the French auto maker had been hesitantly replacing DS with newer model as its upmarket and exotic Citroën SM failed the auto market in 1970s. The SM had all the bell and whistle of comforts yet with Grand Touring capabilities which were unrivalled in its day, even to some degree for most new cars of today.

It was not until early 1970s the French auto maker did get the right recipe for newer affordable car replacement; it paid such high price for the ingenuity and advanced technology implementation as it had gone bankrupt and changed its ownership twice during the time. I had been driving this flying carpet magic all over Jakarta streets for almost two years; GS Club. Right after I got the driving license till my departure for my undergraduate degree at University of Canterbury. Personally it was indeed a privilege riding, driving over all those judder bars and pothole were new “eerie” sensations.

Citroën GS Advanced Automotive Technology

The GS was an estate wagon powered by smooth revving 1222 cc four cylinders boxer air cooled engine driving the front wheel, at the time of most mass produced cars were rear wheel driven. Dual circuit hydraulic powered disc brake on all four with rear load sensing pressure actuator and inboard front mounted disc allowing for highly efficient braking regardless of the load at the rear as well as lowering un-sprung weight up front. The 59 hp at 5750rpm with 87 Nm at relatively high 3250 rpm was regarded as unusual screaming engine in its era mated to a double barrel Webber DCNF 32 carburetor (does anyone remember the throaty Webber sound characteristic at full throttle?).

The Webber was widely popular as an aftermarket modification part for carburetor replacement choice in order to de-restrict OEM engine breathing. Installing free flow air filter on this Webber enhanced further its sound characteristic; in fact apart of air conditioning and new Panasonic car stereo instalment the free flow air filter was the only modification applied to GS van.

I was once attempted to advance the second butterfly opening earlier, yet it produced little improvement over the acceleration with huge throaty noise at drive-ability cost.

I have vivid memory of picking up the then new Citroën GS in 1980. I was fasting that hot humid day, so it must have been during the Ramadhan month of the year; in particular I had two bottles of Teh Sosro unintentionally. Technically it did not break the fasting for such unconscious drinking action, and technically the GS was our very first new car purchase. My old man had been provided with car facility for work as most Government Officer or state company employee did at the time.

Next: Leisure Drive on Rare Driving Impression …

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Volvo The Classic Swedish Brick

2009-08-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

Classic Reliable Car But Not Rare

Does Volvo still earn its “SwedishBrick” nickname today? The Swedish auto maker has been sharing its platform ever since Ford took over in 1999; it quickly became one of those generic new cars. It was actually the 200 series which shaped Volvo’s reliability perceived image and was greatly heightened further by safety features of 15 km anti crash proven bumpers. There was a shock absorption system built in within the bumper structure guarantee to fully absorb any impact up to such speed collision without any damage.

Had JM Latvala hit the barrel with such bumper on the last SS at WRC of Poland he would have been into the podium (Ford would have snitched away the manufacturing title from Citroen), perhaps Malcolm Wilson should consider fitting as such for his unreliable yet brilliant No. 2 driver? Unfortunately the 700 series had no longer absorbing bumper as the 200’s successor and the 900 has even plastic bumper as part of auto maker cutting cost measure.

Durable Power Plant

The 200 had also introduced the first of its kind paramount safety features such as; Multistage impact absorbing steering column and reminder safety belt indicator. But it was the B2s series engine that made Volvo earns its reputation as a durable car being a simple and rugged design power plant. In its basic format as normally aspirated petrol engine the performance is sufficiently under power, yet as Turbocharger version particularly B230ET is one of the most powerful performance engine rated at 182hp. This 2.3L engine was briefly fitted into the 740 intercooler.

For the die hard enthusiast this Volvo740 beast is a desirable classic performance as its Turbo waste-gate could easily be tricked along with other ancillary to speed up turbo spooling as well as maintaining higher boosting pressure.

Volvo 960

The B230FT engined 900 Series was badged as 960 in Indonesian market as 740 successor; this series was also well known as the official car for government ministrial ranks. This 162K mileage 1997 960 is equipped with Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), ABS and all leather as standard option. For the first two years after the purchase in 2005 it had been a trouble free daily drive, and the following two years it had received TLC as it undergone various parts replacement surgery. Though, all replacements were due to normal wear and tear.

The car accelerates briskly to 140 Kmh, though not as brisk as our 1989 e28 BMW 520i (manual shifter). It wafts beautifully along the harsh punishing Cipularang Toll road with poised control and returns around 30 mpg. The Swedish auto maker had beefed up the 960 suspension a lot firmer than 740 which was very comfortable ride in contrast, gone was the day of typical under steer characteristic; the character which Volvo deliberately tuned for passive safety reason in order to discourage the driver speeding up further. Unfortunately its Turbocharger merely functions for balanced power and economy; thus has lower Turbo pressure than its 740 predecessor and consequently lower output at 165hp

Since late last year after an extensive body repainting with some new body parts the 960 has been honoured to be garaged all the time except for those special drive occasions only (garaged for artificial elongated durability). Those Ford parts bin might not help the tarnishing image except for mere luxury midsize car to compete with BMW and Mercedes Benz!

Next: Leisure Drive on Automotive Technology Frontier …

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