Following the Neon-based SRT-4 Sedan, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 is coming back for 2008 after being discontinued in 2005, when in three years poor production persisted.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 will be offering Dodge?s compact front-drive Caliber package, along with packing a turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine and racy styling. For the 2008 year version however, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 will be having more power and better transmission. The new Caliber SRT-4 has also proved its safe worthiness after having achieved an EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg on city and 26 on highway. Pricing is at $23,990 and $22,995 for the base.

As with the old SRT-4, the speed of the new model is impressive ? taking you from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Priced with $19,999, the previous model is good to drive, aside from being a quiet machine. It had no muffler; instead, it relied on the turbocharger to keep the sound good enough to be legal. But, the new Caliber SRT-4 is sporting a muffler.

The new model?s turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder engine has the same displacement of 2.4 liters as with the old SRT-4, of which has enhanced power set at 285 horsepower (55 more than the old car) and 265 lb-ft of torque (15 better). Together with the mount of power, the weight and price followed, increased 10% and 15% respectively.

More than being equipped with premium Dodge axle assembly, the new Caliber SRT-4 features the same basic styling, as it has aggressive front end with multiple hood scoops and big grille openings feeding the intercooler. It comes closely comparable with the Dodge Charger SRT-8 with regards to the big five-spoke wheels; though the Caliber has oversized fender flares that make those wheels look quite small, while the finned rear bumper looks dorky.

Far from a usual sports car, the 2008 Caliber SRT-4 has tall and upright driving position. But, it is comfortable, if a little short on thigh support. The steering wheel and pedals are perfectly positioned though. Comparing it to regular Calibers, the SRT-4 has rearranged instrument cluster with the tachometer in the center and a turbo boost gauge.

Overall, most test drivers seem to like the old Caliber more than the latest, because the price and performance makes a big difference to be preferred.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

For example, many new kitchen remodels include wall space painted with chalkboard paint. This gives families a great space to keep important lists, and dates, especially since chalkboard paint is easily cleaned with an eraser or damp cloth. 

“The kitchen has become the hub of activity and an information center for the household. So, rather than force a dry erase board into a spot, creating an area from the get-go is a far more convenient approach,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “In addition to being a message board for the family, it can also be the wall area where it is finally okay for little Jimmy to draw his favorite pictures.

Adding an exhaust fan to your kitchen is another nice touch to a kitchen remodel. Exhaust fans not only help eliminate obnoxious smells from your kitchen; they can be a beautiful design accent as well. 

“Most exhaust systems are available in different materials such as wood or stainless steel which can coordinate nicely with your cabinetry or countertops,” added Klinger. “So in addition to getting rid of unwanted smells from last night’s seafood dish or the peas you accidentally burned, you further accentuate the beauty of your remodel.”

DirectBuy carries everything you need for a kitchen remodel at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the kitchen that works best for their home.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit directbuycares.com.

BMW owners who are seeking more power from their rides often turn to aftermarket parts to help them achieve their goals. Cat back exhaust systems (parts added in back of or behind the catalytic converter) are one method for doing just that, offering several important benefits along with more power. Let’s take a look at how a cat-back exhaust can enhance your 3-Series, 5-Series or other Bimmer vehicle.

How A Cat Back Exhaust System Works

Before choosing a cat back exhaust you need to understand exactly what you’re buying. Catbacks feature large width exhaust pipes and low restriction performance mufflers which help to lower exhaust

1. Raise the automobile up. If you do not own a lift, use ramps or a jack. Pick up the rear so you will be able to get under it. Evaluate the shape of all the parts of your exhaust system prior to starting. If you want to start at the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, or the crossover pipe, make sure to order the necessary parts before getting rid of the old exhaust system.

2. Lie down on your back and place yourself under the car until you’re looking at where the pipes connect to the catalytic converter.

3. Unbolt the old exhaust system beginning from the rear of the car and make your way forward. Typically, the bolts are rusty and difficult to remove unless you’ve got an impact gun. Apply some WD-40 to penetrate the bolts.

4. Take out all pieces of the exhaust that you plan on replacing. Take them off the hangers and lay your parts aside. You should now have all of the pipe removed. If you’ve got brand-new hangers (suggested because stock ones are spongy and old), cut off the old ones with some sort of cutting tool (dremel will work).

5. Depending upon the type of hangers you have on your car, place the brand-new hangers onto the exhaust pieces first; this is normally a less complicated method to put the pieces back on.

6.Beginning from the front of the car, install the exhaust piece up and then put it onto the pipe in front of it. Don’t tighten it up all the way until you have all parts on.

7. Whenever you do not have brand new gaskets to position between the pipe sections, either purchase some brand-new ones or you can utilize the old ones if they are the correct diameter. It is advisable to have new ones to prevent exhaust leakage afterwards.

8.Subsequently after all pipes are connected, begin fastening each section to the 1st. Apply an ample amount of torque on each bolt to make certain it is tight.

9. When you make it to the rear of the car, take a couple of steps back and fix any alignment readjustments. You want the tailpipes to be level with the bumper and to look satisfactory.

10. Check all the bolts again and make sure they are tight.

11. Start the car up and find any leaks you might experience.

Where at on my exhaust pipe do I use a clamp? Or how do I determine where to place it? It sounds like the muffler is loose towards the back of the car and it’s making a slight rattling noise that I find annoying. I don’t want to take it somewhere because I am physically capable of doing this myself and would like to save money.

Hey, check out these auctions:

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE TUBI MUFFLER/ EXHAUST

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95-99 ECLIPSE GSX 4WD TURBO CATBACK CAT BACK EXHAUST

US $139.99 End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 16:48:34 PST Buy It Now for only: US $139.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Cool, arent they?