Thursday, December 24, 2009

How To S2000 turbocharger kits

The S2000 is named for its engine displacement of 2L, carrying on in the tradition of the S500 and S800 roadsters of the 1960s. Honda altered the car's setup multiple times throughout its production to include changes to the chassis, powerplant and crivetrain. Officially two variants exist: the initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1, while the AP2 designation was given to vehicles produced from mid-2003 onwards. Though cosmetically similar, the AP2 incorporated significant changes to the drivetrain and suspension. Honda stopped making the car late in the last decade.

The F22 unit was a welcome addition to the final run of Honda's topless chariot. Altering the crank to make the pistons travel further increased the displacement and explosive combustion force, algong with various other modified engine components. A talented performer as Honda intended, the F22 will respond very well indeed to the introduction of forced induction, much more bhp is available from this than the standard car. As the F22's stock engine internals are forged, it can make an incredible amount of horsepower on a turbocharged stock engine block. Some tuners have made upwards of 500 horsepower on a turbo setup with the F22's stock internals.

Parts Required:
A turbo unit
Custome intake manifold
Exhaust manifold
An uprated cooling system (intercooler is best)
Recirc or stright to air Valve
Oil/coolant lines
Engine management software

When buying the turbo for this conversion, there's a lot to consider. There are many models out there from Mitsi 18G's to some of the smaller turbo diesel units to help eliminate the low-mid range gap in the S2000 powerband. Those with the money should certainly not scrimp in this area - always try to get the best, highest-throughput turo that you can afford. Be sure to check the size of the turbo inlet and get the right air tubes to connect up to the S2000 standard inlet manifold.

A tubular manifold from and aftermarket company will really help with the numbers so consider it over a home-made welding job. These can be custom fabricated by an exhaust shop to bolt to the F22 and accept your specific turbocharger. This conversion is becoming so common now that it's just as easy to guarantee a good fit with an off-the-shelf item.

Now's the time to also think about new cooling - intercooled or watercooled. A turbo really heats up the air as it's forced throught the turbines so you need this system to safeguard agaiinst pinging and detonation. Mounting a large I/C in the front airdam is the most cost effectinve approach as there's little room in the engine bay for a water cooled system. Adjustments will need to be made to get the intercooler seated in the optimal position.

You'll also need a dump or blow-by valve. These mount to the upper intercooler piping, intended to release excess charged air from the intake track when the throttle is lifted. Dump valves are largely a "one size fits all" solution and will fit most applications.

Purchase engine oil and coolant lines. These can be custom made from generic rubber or steel braided lines, available from most automotive parts stores.

Mapping the new unit is critical to prevent early failaure of just about everything - unless you really know what you're doing, take it to a professional.
Read more »

Sunday, December 20, 2009

How To Price A Classic Car

A lot of people dream of owning a classic car. When you say classic, it means older-looking, classy and distinctive. There are many applications that can be used in defining a classic car but basically, a classic car is defined as famous for its excellent worksmanship, great engineering and elegant style built around the years 1925 to 1948.

This definition is actually almost the same as the description given by the Classic Car Club of America. Classic cars are special cars that were famous for their high-class worksmanship, fine design and sophisticated engineering standards. Generally, these classic cars were high-priced especially in their new conditions and they had limited production runs. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder and many collectors have their own ideas about what a classic actually is.

There are certain factors to consider in determining a classic and these factors include the following: Engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories - one-shot lubrication systems, power brakes, power clutch, etc.

There's an endless list of classics - from the brass era to those tough muscle cars of the 60s. You can easily find an array of pictures of the Dodge Charger, Mopar muscle cars, Plymouth Barracudas, a Chrysler Airflow and DeSotos. Other distinctive classics also include the Ford Model A, the Model T, the Classic Lincoln Continental or the Boss Mustang.

If you own one of these classics, you are definitely in luck because many of them hold such a premium value.. However, selling a classic automobile is a bit more complicated compared to selling an ordinary car model. This is due to the fact that you are selling to a part of the population that is not only interested in buying a car for mere transportation, but its collectible value.

Today many people now see classics autos as an extremely sound investment since the value of these cars has nearly tripled in the last twenty years. As an example, the Chevelle, a popular muscle car from the 60s and 70s, was selling for $15-20,000 in the early 1990s. Today it is not uncommon to see it sell for well over $60,000 at many car auctions. This is why I always say that purchasing a classic car is akin to buying extremely valuable stock, without the worries. As long as you take care of the vehicle, time has showed us that the car will only increase in price.
Read more »