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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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Funny enough, if you swap two spark plug wires, the engine runs like crap.
That's especially true on a 4 cylinder.
That's especially true on a 4 cylinder.
Varied voltage firing sequence?
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[doublepost=1529067146][/doublepost]
Worst is, "A car should just get you from a to b." I get people who don't care about cars and I'm fine with that, but I'm not a fan of people who push that viewpoint on everyone. Usually Prius drivers, who are already a PITA.
I checked them out, said I had the original key and the economy price was 3 times the local charge of $80 for programming. Even if they provide the keyfob, it’s still more expensive, but a better price than the dealer.
If 2 is firing on the exhaust stroke and 3 firing on the exhaust stroke, you have two dead cylinders
(plus a lot of backfiring)
And, in other news, it's time for my annual brake light switch replacement in the MG...
I wish I could find an OEM one.
I wish I could find an OEM one.
I had my wheels installed yesterday. In the middle of the install, the tech asked me if I wanted to remove the retaining clips on the rotor. Basically what he said that most techs don’t consider (Or know) when installing aftermarket wheels, they typically _should_ be removed [But sometimes the clips don’t have to removed], which can cause a shake or minor vibration in the steering wheel, which the driver sometimes might think the wheel is defective or the alignment is off when driving, when it actually its actually the clips can be part of the problem. Something that I didn’t know before that I learned now.
I wasn’t considering replacing the OEM wheels this year, as I had other projects occurring, but it’s amazing what a set of aftermarket wheels can really change the appearance of the car, and that includes The difference of tires that I chose as well. Everything turned out superb.
However, Quandary:
Now the car is sitting 1 inch higher transitioning from 19 inch to 20 inch wheels, more than ever, I see the wheel gap and I feel I need to address that. More so, in the rear of the vehicle, it’s rather noticeable to me. So now I’m perplexed if I should order lowering Springs, which I think it would really have the car sit nicely and of course improve the handling.
Originally, I was not going to order lowering springs, which I scrapped the idea in place of the wheels/tires, but now one modification is leading to another. But my concern was what others are saying about the vehicle scraping/damaging the undercarriage/chin splitter (And We Have lots of speed bumps, inclines in my city, ect). After researching, Ford manufactures some decent lowering Springs, but I’m still leaning towards Eibach. Either way, I’m thinking Of Lowering it, specifically I don’t want to see the wheel gap in the rear, and even the increased size of a Mickey T tire is not hiding all of the space between the wheel well and tire. Altogether, I think the Gap has to go.
I wasn’t considering replacing the OEM wheels this year, as I had other projects occurring, but it’s amazing what a set of aftermarket wheels can really change the appearance of the car, and that includes The difference of tires that I chose as well. Everything turned out superb.
However, Quandary:
Now the car is sitting 1 inch higher transitioning from 19 inch to 20 inch wheels, more than ever, I see the wheel gap and I feel I need to address that. More so, in the rear of the vehicle, it’s rather noticeable to me. So now I’m perplexed if I should order lowering Springs, which I think it would really have the car sit nicely and of course improve the handling.
Originally, I was not going to order lowering springs, which I scrapped the idea in place of the wheels/tires, but now one modification is leading to another. But my concern was what others are saying about the vehicle scraping/damaging the undercarriage/chin splitter (And We Have lots of speed bumps, inclines in my city, ect). After researching, Ford manufactures some decent lowering Springs, but I’m still leaning towards Eibach. Either way, I’m thinking Of Lowering it, specifically I don’t want to see the wheel gap in the rear, and even the increased size of a Mickey T tire is not hiding all of the space between the wheel well and tire. Altogether, I think the Gap has to go.
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Ok, it's a done deal, SO AND SO DEALER!!!Update:
I'll report if I end up with a working key, then we can all bad mouth the dealers and their perceived monopolies. Fingers crossed!
- I have a Miata keyfob from findyourkeylessremote.com. It cost $35 (dealer cost $200), purchased on Amazon and has a 100% satisfaction guaranteed sticker on it. I compared this with my original keyfob and it is an official refurbished key fob with the same FC ID on it as my original. The seller confirmed this.
- I was all prepared to go to my local Mazda dealer and pay them $140 to program it, but when I asked if I only pay if they successfully program it? They said with a key they don't provide, the technician deserves to be paid for his time effort. Fine and dandy except this is another dealer rip off. So I called the company in the first part and they told me that there was a high likelihood, that the dealer would either refuse to program it, or would tell you it failed to program to get me to buy their $200 version. They recommended an auto locksmith and gave me several names and phone numbers.
- So tomorrow, I'll be heading to the locksmith who charges $80 to program it, half the dealer cost and $5 to cut the key, 1/7 of the dealer charge.
- Total cost Dealer vs other vendors $375 vs $120.
They (in Houston, a company called MHS Locksmith Supply) programmed my second keyfob and cut the key for $80. They had a wireless portable computer designed for programming keys, and a smart phone. Once they started, it took about 15 minutes to run on it's own. This is what the Mazda dealer wanted $175 for.
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My centre muffler blew out so went to the dealership to pick up a new one and book it in to get replaced
1 vs. 3 series.
Yes, I know, the paint on the bonnet... Its because of a previous bad insurance repair. It's up next once I have time to be without a car for a few weeks...
1 vs. 3 series.
Yes, I know, the paint on the bonnet... Its because of a previous bad insurance repair. It's up next once I have time to be without a car for a few weeks...
BOOM. Ordered.
. Delivery/install this coming week.Ordered the Ford Performance Spring Kit. I think I did all the research I possibly could with reading reviews and I called my performance shop asking for their feedback. They made some interesting points, mainly in my city we have *Lots* of speed bumps, which you want to approach at an angle, especially with the chin splitter. It’s just the risk Of having the car lowered and hopefully I don’t have the predicament of damaging anything, but its not a daily driver either.
The benefit being it’s an OEM part and I won’t have any warranty issues (Ford is completing the install). Also, I did some pre-measurements of what the car would likely being lowered, and the clearances are guaranteed to not pose any rubbing issues with my aftermarket wheels. I just find the wheel gap to be completely distracting and I would rather have the car sit at more of an even pace, giving it the stance it deserves, but also the performance tweaks is an added perk.
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I was going to do some work on the cars' paint today but they're in very good shape and while the weather is nicer (cloudy and warm), I don't truly feel like doing much except maybe washing the wells and wheels, then dressing them. Incidentally, I managed to find a device I thought I'd lost somewhere in the house. Alongside it was a wrapped PayDay bar, which I remember getting at a grocery counter to eat, and a half eaten bag of graham crackers. All stuffed in the cabinet housing my supplies. I must have been on the phone and distracted to have done that. Anyway, AutoGeek had some decent Father's Day sales and I ordered some stuff.
Will probably go for a long drive in the Lexus today so its battery doesn't nearly die again. I ought to invest in one of those high quality trickle chargers.
Anyone else think the pre-production 8 series looks better than the concept?
Will probably go for a long drive in the Lexus today so its battery doesn't nearly die again. I ought to invest in one of those high quality trickle chargers.
Anyone else think the pre-production 8 series looks better than the concept?
2019 GT-350 Updates specified below ( The “R”
Remains unchanged). I think the 2019 GT 350 will be the last year, mainly because the GT500 will be the predecessor likely in 2020 (And it was already teased). I really don’t know how many more changes Ford will make to the GT 350 platform without conflicting with the ‘R’ and the ‘R’ is obviously is not going to change being that’s primarily just track orientated. I think its all strategically cost related to phase it out in time for the GT500. I personally don’t think the 2019 model is compelling enough to want to consider this over the 2018, even though I do like the grill addition from the R version. Available early 2019:
Remains unchanged). I think the 2019 GT 350 will be the last year, mainly because the GT500 will be the predecessor likely in 2020 (And it was already teased). I really don’t know how many more changes Ford will make to the GT 350 platform without conflicting with the ‘R’ and the ‘R’ is obviously is not going to change being that’s primarily just track orientated. I think its all strategically cost related to phase it out in time for the GT500. I personally don’t think the 2019 model is compelling enough to want to consider this over the 2018, even though I do like the grill addition from the R version. Available early 2019:
- New 19” Wheel design
- New Rear spoiler
- Adopts the Grill From the “R”.
- Springs are tweaked/10% Softer in rear/10% Firmer in front.
- Magneride tweaks
- Optional Upgraded stereo
- 8” Touch Display
- Dual Zone climate
- Two added blue colors: “Ford peformance” and “Velocity.”
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Found a scratch on my car whilst cleaning. So ended up giving it a polish. Then you do one panel you decide the next needs doing! Anyway nearly finished it and it started spitting. So as you can't polish a wet car, that was that!
Will give it a complete wax if it drys up later (or I might get side tracked by the WC).
Will give it a complete wax if it drys up later (or I might get side tracked by the WC).
Just watching the Autogefuhl video on the new Audi A1. I'm impressed by the interior design, glad to see Audi make more of an effort in this segment. For someone like me who places a massive importance on creature comforts, it makes it far more compelling than before.
This is rather random, but I must say: mid-sized SUVs have been around for years now, and they are plenty fine—yet, for some reason, miniature 'crossovers' have dominated the market. Things such as the BMW X6 are, IMO, incredibly stupid. I understand and agree with the body style of the classic X5, but I have no idea why capable mid-size have given way to crossovers which appear to lack any sort of potential utility. Some of them are so sedan-like, they might as well be sedans (yet, they aren't necessarily hatchbacks / wagons, nor are they mid-size SUVS).
I understand why people have, over the years, purchased the Landcruiser, the BMW X5, the Lexus RX, the Acura MDX, etc.; but, I still cannot understand the point of, say, Maserati's crossover: it's too sedan-like to be an SUV, and it's too large to be a sedan. I'd have liked it better if mid-sized SUVs had become more popular—not crossovers. There was a time when the mid-sized SUV was quite sought after. In 1996, we purchased a Landcruiser and almost immediately had it stolen. It was a hot truck. Granted, it was a 4x4, but there exist plenty of tame mid-sized SUVs (such as the Lexus RX). Those which I cannot stand are these odd car-like crossovers—things such as the new Jaguar and Maserati crossovers.
I understand why people have, over the years, purchased the Landcruiser, the BMW X5, the Lexus RX, the Acura MDX, etc.; but, I still cannot understand the point of, say, Maserati's crossover: it's too sedan-like to be an SUV, and it's too large to be a sedan. I'd have liked it better if mid-sized SUVs had become more popular—not crossovers. There was a time when the mid-sized SUV was quite sought after. In 1996, we purchased a Landcruiser and almost immediately had it stolen. It was a hot truck. Granted, it was a 4x4, but there exist plenty of tame mid-sized SUVs (such as the Lexus RX). Those which I cannot stand are these odd car-like crossovers—things such as the new Jaguar and Maserati crossovers.
The price of oil the last decade or so has made the "crossover" so popular. While I would love to have like a Chevy Tahoe in my garage, when oil prices lead to $4.00 a gallon gas, the big SUV just isn't viable.
Took the MG out for a 50 mile "shakedown" on the new head gasket last night.
I need to set the valve lash after doing that as it loosened up a bit as things settled, but otherwise it's running like a dream(that sounds like an old sewing machine ) .
I'm glad that's behind me.
Unfortunately, once again I have a failed brake light switch. I'll see if I can get an old one working while I wait for the new one to get here...
I need to set the valve lash after doing that as it loosened up a bit as things settled, but otherwise it's running like a dream(that sounds like an old sewing machine
) . I'm glad that's behind me.
Unfortunately, once again I have a failed brake light switch. I'll see if I can get an old one working while I wait for the new one to get here...
Was reading about V8s and BOOM. Came across something interesting:
Ford's _[Coyote V8]_ puts down 460hp/420 lb⋅ft with 5 liters of displacement, whereas Government Motors needs 6.2 liters to deliver 455hp/460 lb⋅ft with their _{LT1 V8}_ engine.
LT1 was on Ward's Top 10 Engines list twice. Coyote has been on the list 3 times.
Ford's _[Coyote V8]_ puts down 460hp/420 lb⋅ft with 5 liters of displacement, whereas Government Motors needs 6.2 liters to deliver 455hp/460 lb⋅ft with their _{LT1 V8}_ engine.
LT1 was on Ward's Top 10 Engines list twice. Coyote has been on the list 3 times.
I love the simplicity of an OHV engine, but when you get right down to it, it's hard to deny that OHC engines just can move more air for the same displacement(in NA form) and that translates into more power.
I know many folks like to argue torque peaks(I'm one of them) but it's also worth noting that if you look at the dyno curves both engines, the LT1 levels out around 2500 while the Coyote has to spool up to 3000rpms. Still, the Coyote is basically flat out to 6500rpms(and doesn't fall off a huge amount beyond that) while the LT1 drops precipitously past 5000rpms. The LT1 peaks at 4500rpms and the Coyote at 4750rpms. The LT1 hits 280 ft-lbs at 6500rpms(which I'm guessing is the red line since the dyno charts I've looked at stop there) and the Coyote is still around 275ft-lbs at 7500 rpms.
It's impressive what the DOHC can do with ~81% of the displacement.
@AutoUnion39 @bunnspecial Not to mention the Coyote V8 sounds a hell of a lot better than GM's LT1 V8.
I wonder what Quagmire would think about this? Regardless, I Can’t speak for the LT1, but the Coyote engine Can be underestimated. These engines can put out 800/900 HP with a full bolt on kit/add-on’s. When I purchased my GT back in December, really the only main considerations what I wanted was two things, [1.] The S197 body style and [2.] The 5.0 Coyote engine. And then the aftermarket considerations are so vast, the options are really as much as the owner wants to upgrade the engine, suspension, wheels, etc. The last Mustang that I owned was a 2004 Ford GT and it’s amazing to see how far the Mustang has advanced in respect just to the power. (The 2004 GT had 260 HP/4.6l).
One of my initial observations about the Coyote, is that it’s *Loud*. [When I Purchased mine, it was not stock], but I have driven stock mustang GT‘s (Most recently the 2018) and from a stock factory exhaust without any upgrades at all, I’m surprised how loud it is in the cabin and even outside the car. Such a stout engine, even stock its perfectly fine the way it is.
[doublepost=1529485178][/doublepost]On the topic of the 5.0 Coyote. Just a few more photos from another car show.
Boss 302. (Another one of my favorites, but not in “Gotta have it green.”)
Immaculately *Clean* GT/CS.
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I suppose the “Sport” in Sport Utility Vehcile has gone from a meaning of utility and off-road ability to more of a on-road performance definition.
I think the market has become more interested in comfort, speed, and economy than things like locking differentials, body on frame designs, low range transfer cases, ground clearance, etc. Consumers are so hungry for SUVs right now it’d be silly for them not to make them- even as ridiculous as a Jaguar or Maserati SUV is in concept.
Are you suggesting the Land Cruiser is a cross over?
My dad owned a couple Land Cruisers when I was young. He regretted selling the first one so he bought a second- and he now regrets selling the second. My girlfriend’s father has one as his spare car/beach fishing car- he bought it new and it has over 200k and still runs perfect. They’re great vehicles. I think one of the best aspects it’s that it’s a luxury car that wears a Toyota badge- it doesn’t need a luxury nameplate to be what it is. In terms of value for money, comfort, utility, build quality, reliability, resale value, longevity, etc they are hard to beat. Sure, there’s some more luxurious or sporty options out there (like the Range Rovers or Cayenne), but they don’t offer most of the afformentioned characteristics.
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