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Why Gas Mileage Ford Escape is the Most Fuel Efficient Sport Utility Vehicle Today

11 January 2010 | 1 Comment » | admin

These days gas is used more as fuel. And use of the gas is beneficial over the petrol or diesel. Because of this manufactures are producing more vehicles which use the gas as fuel. One of these vehicles is the Ford Escape. This Ford escape has been introduced in the year of 2001. This has entered the market as two row mid size SUV segment.

Ford Escape has been designed in the collaboration with Mazda and it shares many of the components with Mazda Tribute and along with this Mercury Mariner. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is awarded as the most fuel efficient Sport Utility Vehicle sold in the United States, this version of front wheel drive transports for about 34 cities and gives around 30 highway miles per gallon.

Other version of Ford is four wheel drive version can transports for the cities for about 29 and the fuel efficiency is about 27 highways. The Non- Hybrid version of the Ford Escape is available in the market which is having capacity of either 2.4 liters of four cylinder or of the capacity about 3.0 liters of six cylinder.

Because of all these features the Ford Escape is rewarded as the most fuel efficient sport utility vehicle on the earth. This is because Ford Escape Hybrid gives great gas mileage. This is the world’s best demand closer in inspection

The Ford Escape Hybrid is prepared with an engine of around 2.2 liters of i-CTDi. This is common rail turbo diesel engine. This 2008 FWD ford escape is rated for transport for around 34 cities and efficiency is 30 highways and 32 combined by the US spec.

Where as the 2008 4WD Ford Escape Hybrid is rated for around 29 cities and the fuel efficiency of about 27 highways and combined with 28. These are the actual figures from autobytel.com on fuel consumption and mileage;

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Gas Mileage: 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter, 133 HP Wheels: Alloy Wheels, 16-In. X 7-In. Torque: 124 @4250 Seating: 5 Side Airbags: Standard ABS Brakes: Standard Towing Capacity: 1000 Wheelbase: 103.1 Price Quote $26,505

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 27 mpg highway Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter, 133 HP Wheels: Alloy Wheels, 16-In. X 7-In. Torque: 124 @4250 Seating: 5 Side Airbags: Standard ABS Brakes: Standard Towing Capacity: 1000 Wheelbase: 103.1 Price Quote $28,255

These specs are much more than that of the other sport utilities vehicles. Therefore if you wanted to drive the four wheel drive in the city then you have to think only for Ford Escape the difference between the front wheel drive and four wheel drive is about weight. The diesel powered FWD is the fuel efficient than that of the Escape Hybrid or Honda CR-V.

These all are the estimate which clearly shows that the Gas Mileage Ford Escape is the most efficient and gives the most fuel efficiency than any other Sports Utility Vehicle.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Gas Mileage for Years. For More Information on Gas Mileage Ford Escape, Visit His Site at GAS MILEAGE FORD ESCAPE

Periodic Maintenance for Your Vehicle is Essential to Its Continued Performance and a Longer Life

8 January 2010 | No Comments » | admin

Conducting periodic maintenance will ensure its performance capabilities and life of your vehicle. The following are general recommended intervals for your passenger vehicle, SUV, minivan and pickup truck and are based on oil changes performed every 3,000 miles. Always read your owner’s manual for other recommendations.

Every month check the following:

? Engine light. If the engine light remains lit after the vehicle is started; check the owner’s manual for possible malfunctions. The vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem. If it is blinking, it indicates a more serious problem and needs immediate attention.

? Lights, inside and outside the vehicle. Check the fuses first, then the light bulbs. Buy the recommended size and type for your vehicle at your local auto parts shop. If you are unsure of the type, the helpers at the auto parts shop can locate the right light or fuse.

? Proper tire inflation and condition. Not only does the correct pressure help ensure the life of the tire, but also your gas mileage. Check tread and general condition of each tire including the spare. The tires should be free of bulges, cracks and uneven wear. Any of these imperfections are a sign of needed replacement.

? Windshield washer fluid. Some vehicles have two reservoirs. If the fluid is low, do not replace with regular tap water. Fill with only windshield washer fluid from your local auto parts shop.

Every 3 months or 3000 miles (whichever comes first) check the following:

? Automatic Transmission Fluid. Check the fluid with the engine running and transmission in park. If the dipstick indicates it is low, add the manufacturer’s recommended type until the dipstick indicates it is full. If the fluid type is unknown or difficult to read on the dipstick, contact your local auto parts shop and ask for help. ATF only needs to be changed every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

? Battery and Cables. Battery cables should be clean and securely mounted. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and checked and replaced if necessary. Visit Parts Plus Auto store to buy a battery if necessary.

? Belts. Check V and serpentine belts for wear and tear. They should not have visible signs of cracking, fraying, or glazing this indicates excessive wear and needs replacement. The timing belt is typically replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles and can be bought or ordered from an auto parts shop.

? Air and oil filters. Inspect engine air filters at every oil change and replace annually or sooner if the filter is oil soaked or shows signs of excessive wear. Oil filters should be changed and replaced at every oil change to maximize an engine’s performance.

? Fuel Filter. Inspect. For vehicles with carburetors, the filter should be replaced annually while those with fuel injection only needs replaced every two years or 24,000 miles.

? Hoses. Inspect and change when cracked, leaking, rusted or restricted.

? Power steering fluid. Check when the car is warm and if topping off is required regularly, then it is time to get it checked for leaks.

? Follow monthly checks as well.

Every 6 months or 6000 miles in addition to regular monthly maintenance and 3 month checks:

? Chassis lubrication. Most newer model vehicles do not require this check although steering and suspension components may need lubrication.

? Exhaust. Inspect for leaks, cracks and damaged supports or hangers. A leaking exhaust is dangerous and needs maintenance immediately.

? Polish. Use only automotive polish instead of regular dish soap to prevent removing the original polish from the vehicle. Automobiles only need waxed and polished twice a year.

? Wiper blades. Replace if chipped, cracked, streaking or excessively worn.

Every 9 months or 9000 miles ? same as 3 and 6-month maintenance checks.

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles check the following:

? Brakes. Check entire brake system including rotors, drums and brake linings. Most replacement parts are sold at the auto parts shop.

? Cabin air filter. Replace once a year or in places where air contaminants are worse or when heating and cooling is not working properly.

? Coolant (antifreeze). Change annually when the engine is cold; mix with a 50/50 solution as recommended by the owner’s manual. Some brands are premixed and are sold at auto parts shops.

? Steering and Suspension. Inspect the entire system and replace as needed. Symptoms of a replacement needed are uneven tire wear and excessive bouncing after bumps.

Keep a schedule of monthly maintenance in your car, so you will know what service is required at your vehicle’s next check up. Many owners’ manuals have a place to write down service dates and maintenance performed.

Tony DiFiore, Jr. is the vice president of Parts Plus Auto Store, based in Cleveland, Ohio, which offers a full line of import and domestic auto parts online. With more than 25 years in the car parts store business, we have expertly and consistently served our clients only with the unsurpassed level and trusted automotive parts in the market.

Finding Automotive Replacement Parts for your Vehicle

23 December 2009 | No Comments » | admin

Whether you?re a consumer waiting on a vehicle repair, a service provider in the automotive industry, or a car enthusiast, finding quality automotive replacement parts can at times feel like a scavenger hunt gone bad. While some stores offer cheaper parts, others may present a better value. While you can count on your dealership for quality, they may not have your part in stock. With so many options to weigh, considering factors and scenarios to match, the following functions as a general guide to determining the best place to find automotive replacement parts, and under what conditions.

Auto Parts Retail Store

With the proliferation of franchised auto part retailers, chances are there is a location right around your corner. Stores like Parts Plus will most likely have the lowest prices and a wider selection of parts than small family owned auto parts stores. Auto parts retail stores are usually best for generic auto parts and accessories such as oil filters and windshield wipers.

Car Dealership

If a specific part is required, such as a passenger side door handle for a 1996 black Toyota Camry, a visit to your car dealership may be in order. However, it?s rare that a dealership will have your specific automotive replacement part in stock, which typically results in increased wait times and marked up prices. Since manufacturers often mark up rates to cover services costs, visiting a dealership should be a last resort.

Auto Salvage Yard

When inexpensiveness is paramount, auto salvage yards are the destination of choice. ?Junkyards? will sell automotive replacement parts for just a few dollars, and most carry a wide selection. Use caution. Buying critical automotive replacement parts like those for a transmission, poses the risk of walking away with parts of poor quality. To avoid part failure, these shops should be visited only when seeking out automotive replacement parts that are cosmetic in nature.

Internet

With the advent of the internet, wholesale Websites of both new and used automotive replacement parts have begun to find a home on the World Wide Web. Though many online storefronts offer secure ordering and prompt shipping of well made, inexpensive automotive replacement parts, caution is always warranted when shopping online. Look for a phone number so you can speak directly with a customer service representative to help you understand payment, shipping and return policies.

Another crucial factor is security. Look for the HTTPS: protocol in the Web address of the payment page to determine whether your ordering information will be secure, private and protected. (When the browser address bar reads https; it means the Webpage is encrypted with a secure socket layer, or SSL Certificate.) A Webpage with an SSL should also have the SSL logo displayed. Clicking on the logo will show whether the SSL is valid and if it is expired. When online auto stores pass the security test, they can be the absolute best places to find automotive replacement parts; price is often lower online, given the many wholesale providers buying directly from the manufacturer.

Post a Classified Ad

If you still cannot find the replacement part you?re looking for, try to reach out to the people in your community. Posting an ad in a local newspaper or on free classified Websites such as Craigslist (http:www.craigslist.org) can be rewarding. You may find that someone in your area has a car that doesn?t run but has the working part you are looking for.

Join a Car Club

Finally, if you are looking for automotive replacement parts for classic cars, joining a car club is a good idea, albeit an obvious one. Enthusiasts know that finding automotive replacement parts for cars that our 40 or 50 years old can be quite the challenge. Car clubs will provide tons of resources ? and can be a way for you to reach a community of people with similar cars.

Though there are several avenues to finding automotive replacement parts, do look first online to avoid spending unneeded time, money and effort. When credible, online storefronts deliver beyond expectation.

Tony DiFiore is the vice president of Parts Plus Auto Store, based in Cleveland, Ohio, which offers a full line of import and domestic auto parts online. With more than 25 years in the car parts store business, we have expertly and consistently served our clients only with the unsurpassed level and trusted automotive parts in the market. http://www.partsplusautostore.com

Ford’s New Concept Vehicle for 2007

18 December 2009 | No Comments » | admin

The Ford Motor Company, despite having had to go through financial trouble, is still trying to bring the auto world vehicles that may not be production vehicles but could still be one of the most amazing and even interesting ones there are. Just like any other auto maker, Ford also does create its own share of concept vehicles. And perhaps with just the right design, the company may have been able to create a concept vehicle that is a combination of Ford Ranger performance parts and car parts Ford Taurus.

For this year, the Ford Motor Company now comes with a new concept car which Ford followers, car aficionados, and simple consumers can gawk at, make a spectacle of, and eventually be a fan of. This new concept car that has joined the ranks of Ford concept cars like the Ford Aurora, Bronco Wildflower, Cougar, Econoline Apartment, Explorer Drifter, Fiera, FX-Atmos, Ghia, Indigo, Muroc, and Nucleon is actually named the 2007 Ford Mustang Giugiaro concept.

The 2007 Ford Mustang Giugiaro concept has been created with an interior made up of horse hide. It comes with a huge glass roof that would really get your attention. It has got fenders made using carbon fiber. The doors are even quite amazing. Imagine having a vehicle that are electrically operator and crisscross themselves just like scissors would do. Mustang may be the name attributed to this Ford concept car but it sure is not like an ordinary Mustang.

A combination of American power and Italian design and style. That is what the 2007 Ford Mustang Giugiaro concept car really is. After all, this one has got the design straight right out of the brilliant minds of people from Giugaro design works as well as Giogetto Giugaro and Fabrizio Giugaro themselves. According to Giugaro, they made sure that the body panels were as tight as possible so that the vehicle was given a new kind of look. However, despite such, the vehicle also had to go through a widening of the front and back.

Design was not the only thing this vehicle had to go through. The 2007 Mustang Giugiaro concept vehicle also comes with a new 4.6 liter V8 engine that has got an intercooled and twin-screw supercharger.

Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

Engine Fluids And Vehicle Maintenance. What You Need To Know

8 December 2009 | No Comments » | admin

Author: Sam Postema

Article Source: MiNeeds.com, where consumers get competitive bids from Auto Repair Professionals. Read reviews, compare offers & save. It?s free!

Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/Lansing/Professional-Fleet-Services-Auto-Repair/Articles/Engine-fluids-and-vehicle-maintenace-What-you-need-to-know-809

Tags: Auto Brake Repair , Auto Engine Repair , Auto Muffler & Exhaust Repair , Auto Radiator Repair , Auto Repair Mechanics , Auto Transmission Repair , Car Oil Change / Auto Service

Engine Fluids and General Maintenance

What You Need to Know

How often should you change your oil?

How often should I change my transmission fluid?

How often should I change drive train fluids for rear wheel drive and 4 wheel drive vehicles?

At what mileage should I start performing maintenance on my vehicle?

Is it expensive? ? Why should I do it?

These are all great questions!

Unfortunately there are as many answers as there are brands of oils on the market today.

Vehicles today are capable of driving 200,000 ? 500,000 miles on the original drive train parts. Most fluid changes cost between $19 ? 100. The part the fluid protects costs between $1,500 ? 10,000 and more!

Once a vehicle arrives at the 80,000 ? 100,000 mile mark, the fluids have outlived their useful life span. They are no longer able to fully protect your vehicle.

All vehicles have a manufacturer recommended service schedule. What most people do not know is there is up to three different maintenance schedules per vehicle. They are based on the kind of driver you are, the climate you live in and what the vehicle is being used for.

The oil life indicator on most vehicles today does not take these situations into consideration. They use a generic interpretation from above or only one of the above methods. They also do not take into consideration what brand or type of fluid is being used.

Most vehicles today that use the extended drain interval either recommend the use of synthetic oils or require them. The reason for this is the engines, transmissions and drive train components operate at a higher temperature and performance level than they did 10-15-20 years ago. Synthetic oils can last longer under extreme conditions without failing to protect the part they are lubricating. They also are much less likely to cause build up and leave behind sludge.

As of 1998 and newer, ALL vehicles either recommended or required the use of synthetics. Not all synthetics are created equal. Many of the name brands on the shelf are not true synthetic. They are derived from conventional oil ? (oil from the ground) and have been purified and have had additives added back into them so they can legally be called synthetic. These additives do not protect the vehicle once they are used up. A true synthetic is man made and uses almost no convention oil in it whatsoever.

Synthetic oil as a whole will not break down and leave your vehicle unprotected. Synthetics also improve fuel economy and eliminate costly part failures. They reduce our dependency on foreign oil and result in less byproduct being put in landfills.

Most conventional oils for engines will not last beyond 3,000 miles. Most synthetic oils on the market do not protect the engine beyond 5,000 miles.

You should also take into consideration how good is the oil filter being used, can it continue filtering? How good is the air filter that keeps dirt out of the engine and how well is the rest of the vehicle maintained?

There are oil changes using specific synthetic oils that will allow you to go 25,000 miles at a cost that is less expensive than most people spend on oil changes combined in one year using conventional oils. You can also find drive train fluids that are approved for 250,000 miles, which exceeds the manufacturer recommendations and can actually save you money in the long run.

Here are some basic rules on average for changing your engine oil:

? Change every 3,000 miles when using a good conventional oil

? Change every 5,000 miles when using most synthetic oils

? Change every 25,000 miles when using an Amsoil synthetic (www.amsoil.com)

Engine coolant should be flushed every 3 to 5 years to eliminate major part and gasket failures. Small particles will break off into the cooling system thus turning the coolant into very fine sandpaper, tearing away at the metal and gaskets within the engine.

Transmission fluid should be flushed every 30,000 ? 60,000 miles to eliminate transmission fluid related failures and extend the life of the transmission. Most transmissions fail due to some sort of fluid failure.

Differential fluids should be changed every 60,000 ? 100,000 miles to reduce and eliminate bearing failure

Fuel injection services should be performed annually to eliminate carbon build-up of the inside of the engine. This build-up lowers fuel economy and engine performance and causes other hard part failures.

Timing belts are the most common cause of engine failure today. Timing belts should be changed every 60,000 ? 100,000 miles. There are more cars seen in service at the 80,000 ? 125,000 mile mark that have not had the timing belt replaced. The broken belts result in major engine damage thus ending the life of the vehicle due to expenses involved in repairing or replacing the engine. Check your owner manual, local dealer or trustworthy repair shot to see if your vehicle has a timing belt and when it should be changed.

When it comes to your vehicle maintenance, it is always best to error on the safe side ? your vehicle is usually the second most expensive item you own.

People who regularly maintain their vehicle never have major breakdowns or costly repairs and their vehicle will last 200,000 ? 500,000 miles! Approximately $500 per year spent on maintaining your vehicle for five years is $2,500 ? a new engine or transmission can cost up to three times that amount!

Article submitted by Sam Postema of Professional Fleet Services, Lansing, Mich.

www.professionalfleet.com

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Engine Fluids And Vehicle Maintenance. What You Need To Know

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The NASCAR Vehicle Past and Present

3 December 2009 | No Comments » | admin

The original concept of a NASCAR race car was that is was supposed to be composed of stock parts you would buy in an auto parts store. In some respects that is true but not totally. The race car is a high performance racing machine designed to withstand high G-forces when banking on turns. Lets look at what makes up this vehicle.


The first component most are interested in is the engine of a NASCAR racing vehicle. This engine actually is very close to that which you have in your car (provided you have a big engine) but it is customized so that it can withstand high temperature and torque. All parts in the engine of a are machined to within very tight specifications so that there is a minimum of friction. The carburetor is designed to let in the volume of air and fuel mixture required to sustain high speeds for lengthy spans of time. There are no fuel injectors in the race cars engine.


The first modification to the NASCAR vehicle was to smooth out the ride. Early races were run on tracks that were very bumpy and this causes a lot of damage. Today, the NASCAR vehicle is basically a body molded from sheet metal on a frame supported on the inside by bars made of sheet tubing. The vehicle is not a stock vehicle any longer as each component is hand-crafted and assembled. The car is built with safety in mind while giving it the ability to maintain speeds approaching 200 mph. Driver comfort is not the focus.


The NASCAR vehicle at one time was able to reach speeds in excess of 200 mph and that all changed in 1987 when Bobby Allisons race car flew into a section of fence at the Talladega Speedway in Talledega, Alabama. Fans were injured in the stands and NASCAR took action to restrict the speed of the vehicle through what is known as a restrictor plate. This also gave birth to the term restrictor-plate racing.


The physics of the restrictor plate have to do with reducing air intake into the intake manifold of the engine. Less air will result in lower combustion thus reducing horsepower. The restrictor plate is a sheet of metal with four holes bored in it at precise tolerances. The plate is then mounted between the intake manifold and the carburetor. After that, the NASCAR vehicle should not be able to exceed speeds of 200 mph.


It would seem like the restrictor plate would resolve the safety problem but many professional drivers have been asserting that it creates more potentially unsafe situations in a race. If you think about the difference between a motor scooter and a motorcycle you can see where a restrictor plate could create problems. Many times a motor scooter has an accident where a motorcycle could have avoided it because of its increased ability to accelerate (a motorcycle can accelerate quicker to avoid an oncoming threat). It is the same complaint among almost all of the racers with restrictor plates. They have identified situations where the cars bunch up and the driver only has one choice and that is to slow down. Speeding up to avoid the congestion is not an option because the other cars may be at the restrictor plate limit too.


But as for now, the restrictor plate is a requirement in the race car vehicle on the majority of tracks.

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Lamborghini Sports Cars – Automotive Legends Both in Styling and Vehicle Performance

2 December 2009 | No Comments » | admin

For the legendary Lamborghini sports car stable of fantastic ultra high performance and styled vehicles it all started with ordinary Fiat automobiles and tractors.

Mr. Lamborghini – fully named – Mr. Ferruccio Lamborghini got his start with Fiats and then went on to a large successful manufacturing concern that grew from a small manufacturing shop into a major producer of tractors. However at a certain point in every person’s life they search out to complete what their real passion is. In the case of Lamborghini was finely styled and crafted motor cars. At 60 years of age, an established manufacturer of agricultural tractors – Mr. Lamborghini – decided that he could a better job of building a high end, beautifully styled, performance racing automobiles than either of the two dominant Italian auto firms of that auto industry sector – Ferrari and Maserati.

The first product out of the door had a chassis that was multi-tubular; the engine was front mounted sporting a 3.5 liter 12 cylinder V-12 engine. The V-12 engine itself was fitted with six Weber carburetors and ran four overhead camshafts. It all clocked at 360 ultra smooth horsepower with the transmission drive being through five speed stick shift. Suspension involved a coil and wishbone independent suspension set up. In one word it was wow – both in terms of performance of the hop as well as the automotive styling.

Although the styling of those early Lamborghini models may be considered standard Italian sports car design – designs which have worked their way into the so called standard “sport scar designs “and “sport scar flair”, at the time it was new and innovative and for the most part if was twenty five years ahead of anything produced in the good old U.S.A. . The one American sports car which might be considered an exception to that point was the Chevrolet Corvette. For years to come nothing else really matched or was similar to the clean aerodynamic lines and styling of the early Lamborghini classic autos.

Even then Lamborghini had such innovative products the establishment and reputation of the Lamborghini product line was no easy road to hoe. Although the first cars were produced in 1963 it was not for two years later – at the Turin Motor Show that the car began to attract solid interest and for the reputation of the car and its studio to grow and begin to become accepted for what it should be.

The first real product of record for Lamborghini was what was marketed as Miura T 400 model automobile. Its first year of manufacture was the 1966 model year. The basic layout and design of the Miura T 400 was a mid-engined coupe with a slightly larger version of the overhead cam engine – the classic V-12 laid out transversely behind the two seats of the car. The rear wheels were then driven by this engine through” spurs gears”. Interestingly the gear boxes and rear axles were Lamborghini products all by themselves -so they shared a lineage that was unique and not the same as any other of the competitor’s models.

What was performance of this little cat? The V-12 engine could pour out a total of 385 barrel horsepower. Top speed of this little coupe was over 180 miles per hour. It could more than carry its weight with the local Italian contenders – even the famed Ferraris.

If the was one complaint from drivers or riders it was of noise levels in the car’s cockpit. It can be said that this was the price to be paid for success or in this case speed and performance. If you cannot stand the heat don’t stay in the kitchen. Certainly the buyers of Lamborghini fine motor cars who bought the product and established the revered name for its performance and advanced styling and forgo this small shortcoming or foible as the car as an assumed fact – even a luxury.

The next model in the Lamborghini stable was introduced approximately two years later. The entire life of the production run of the popular Miura model was nine years – with two cars being produced a week ( a production figure of only 100 or so cars a year). The name of this vehicle was the Espada. For the new Lamborghini model, the Espada, Lamborghini went back to a more standard front engine layout. Perhaps this was in response to concerns over noise levels in the cockpit of the Miura and the need to produce a more “standard” or “civilized “vehicle product. No one really knows what went on in the mind of the genius Ferruccio Lamborghini. However what was retained for sure were the Lamborghini basics – the four liter V-12 massive highly tuned engine with whizzy overhead cams and multiple choke carburetors all putting out massive automotive performance and handling.

In the end it can be said that the Lamborghini automotive and automotive styling and performance legends are more than unique and reek of power, thrust and acceleration.

Optimize Vehicle Performance With Exhaust Headers

1 December 2009 | No Comments » | admin

An exhaust header is an after market automotive part designed to improve vehicle performance. The small gain in performance facilitated by an exhaust header is important to high performance drivers who often make other modifications to their vehicles in order to increase speed. These modifications include the installation of larger intake vents for the engine. An exhaust header modifies the exhaust system to prevent back pressure, meaning that the cylinders do not have to work as hard to push exhaust out as they do in a traditional system. There are different types of exhaust headers depending on the needs of the drivers, with some tuned for low performance and others aimed at high performance on the open road.

In a conventional exhaust system, after the cylinders combust, they push the exhaust out into the exhaust manifold, which routes the exhaust out of the vehicle through the exhaust pipe. However, the exhaust manifold can create a back pressure which pushes against the cylinder, meaning that it has to exert more energy to push the exhaust out and prepare for the next firing. As a result, some efficiency can be lost.

An exhaust header works differently, essentially creating a miniature exhaust pipe for each cylinder and routing the exhaust to a centralized collector which is much larger. The pipes of an exhaust header are bent to fit under the hood and cut to the same length so that the exhaust gases will arrive sequentially in the collector as each cylinder fires. This eliminates the back pressure problem and allows the cylinders to operate more effectively.

Aftermarket headers can be bolted in place of the stock cast-iron headers. Small block headers usually use 1-5/8-inch primary tubes and big-block headers use 1-3/4-inch tubes. An important consideration when choosing headers is quality of materials. Header tubing vary in thickness, but a good quality header should use between 18-gauge and 14-gauge tubing. The metal used in the header is also important. Some headers are mild-steel, which will rust and corrode over time. Headers can be coated, either with a ceramic coating or a high-temperature paint. Using 100% stainless steel construction eliminates the need for coatings, but it is usually out many buyer’s budgets. When headers are shipped, they sometimes come painted. Be aware that this coating is only for rust prevention during shipping, and the paint will not hold up to the heat once the header is installed. When headers are added along with a cat-back exhaust and high-flow catalytic converter, you can usually gain 20-30 horsepower over stock.

In some cases, an exhaust header can be tuned to pull at the exhaust valve of the next cylinder and suck the exhaust out, meaning even less work for the cylinder. Drivers who desire more power for around town driving and better acceleration under a heavy load usually opt for a low performance exhaust header, while drivers who are looking for speed on the open road prefer high performance headers.

A variety of manufacturers make exhaust headers for a dizzying assortment of vehicles, and it is important to install the exhaust header designed for your car. Because exhaust leaks can be dangerous, the exhaust header should be installed with care, or professionally if there is any uncertainty. An improperly installed header could lead to an exhaust leak which vents into the cabin of the vehicle, causing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in the driver and passengers.

I currently have my Pacesetter headers paired with a Basani Y Pipe for a combined gain of 23 hp! ?Mike Rosania

Exhaust System Also Affects Vehicle Performance

29 November 2009 | No Comments » | admin

Vehicle performance do not solely rely on the the engine, an efficient exhaust system is also needed. For the famous car companies like Cadillac and BMW, good looking and luxurious cars are just not enough. Their products also require quality performance. To achieve this performance, they would need an optimum exhaust.

A vehicle’s exhaust system is a series of pipes and tubings where each component is responsible with different tasks. These tubings are used to guide waste exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine. There is also a manifold, which is an assembly designed to collect the exhaust gas from two or more cylinders into one pipe. After that is the header, which is an improved manifold. It is designed to perform well in collecting the exhaust gases that the manifold did not collect. Headers are generally steel pipes with bends and folds so all the exhaust gases arrive at the same time. After that a catalytic converter will come into action. Cadillac catalytic converter and BMW catalytic converter are designed to lessen the harmful elements in the exhaust before they are released into the air.

To do this effectively, car engines carefully control the amount of fuel they burn. They try to keep the air to fuel ratio very close to the stoichiometric point, which is the ideal calculation. It is up to the Cadillac catalytic converters and
BMW Catalytic Converter to help reduce emission toxicity. Today, most catalytic converters are three-way catalytic converters. The term ‘three way’ refers to the three regulated emissions Cadillac Catalytic Converter and BMW catalytic converter help to reduce, which are carbon monoxide, Hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) molecules. A catalytic converter is a great innovation that is designed to help reduce air pollution.

Just like in most modern cars, there are three stages in the Cadillac catalytic converter and BMW catalytic converter. The first stage is The reduction catalyst, where platinum and rhodium are used to help reduce the Nitrogen oxides emissions. In the second stage or oxidization catalyst, the catalytic converter reduces the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by burning them over a platinum and palladium catalyst. The final stage is a control system that monitors the exhaust stream. It also here where the information is used to control the fuel injection system.

I’m a high school educator in the school near my place. But beside from being educator I enjoy writing about things that I like and love.

The Nascar Vehicle

28 November 2009 | No Comments » | admin

The original concept of a NASCAR race car was that is was supposed to be composed of stock parts?parts you would buy in an auto parts store. In some respects that is true but not totally. The race car is a high performance racing machine designed to withstand high G-forces when banking on turns. Let?s look at what makes up this vehicle.

The first component most are interested in is the engine of a NASCAR racing vehicle. This engine actually is very close to that which you have in your car (provided you have a big engine) but it is customized so that it can withstand high temperature and torque. All parts in the engine of a are machined to within very tight specifications so that there is a minimum of friction. The carburetor is designed to let in the volume of air and fuel mixture required to sustain high speeds for lengthy spans of time. There are no fuel injectors in the race cars engine.

The first modification to the NASCAR vehicle was to smooth out the ride. Early races were run on tracks that were very bumpy and this causes a lot of damage. Today, the NASCAR vehicle is basically a body molded from sheet metal on a frame supported on the inside by bars made of sheet tubing. The vehicle is not a stock vehicle any longer as each component is hand-crafted and assembled. The car is built with safety in mind while giving it the ability to maintain speeds approaching 200 mph. Driver comfort is not the focus.

The NASCAR vehicle at one time was able to reach speeds in excess of 200 mph and that all changed in 1987 when Bobby Allison?s race car flew into a section of fence at the Talladega Speedway in Talledega, Alabama. Fans were injured in the stands and NASCAR took action to restrict the speed of the vehicle through what is known as a restrictor plate. This also gave birth to the term ?restrictor-plate racing.?

The physics of the restrictor plate have to do with reducing air intake into the intake manifold of the engine. Less air will result in lower combustion thus reducing horsepower. The restrictor plate is a sheet of metal with four holes bored in it at precise tolerances. The plate is then mounted between the intake manifold and the carburetor. After that, the NASCAR vehicle should not be able to exceed speeds of 200 mph.

It would seem like the restrictor plate would resolve the safety problem but many professional drivers have been asserting that it creates more potentially unsafe situations in a race. If you think about the difference between a motor scooter and a motorcycle you can see where a restrictor plate could create problems. Many times a motor scooter has an accident where a motorcycle could have avoided it because of its increased ability to accelerate (a motorcycle can accelerate quicker to avoid an oncoming threat). It is the same complaint among almost all of the racers with restrictor plates. They have identified situations where the cars bunch up and the driver only has one choice and that is to slow down. Speeding up to avoid the congestion is not an option because the other cars may be at the restrictor plate limit too.

But as for now, the restrictor plate is a requirement in the race car vehicle on the majority of tracks.

Chris DiCicco is owner, senior editor and website developer for NASCARsupershop.com, a NASCAR Apparel and Memorabilia Store for every NASCAR Fan. http://www.nascarsupershop.com/

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