WheelsTires.net – Handy Tips about Auto Repair and More

If you were to ask me what generation is my favorite GTI, I’d answer Mk2 without blinking. If you asked me what GTI I’d want as a daily driver, I’d unhesitatingly say Mk7. The sentimental side of my brain may have an irrational love for the older car, but the rational side realizes that the fastest, most refined GTI ever would be the only choice for commuting and for track days.

Although this new generation GTI is packed with technology, at its core it remains a GTI. Fanatics have been clamoring for a limited-slip differential since the Mk3 VR6, and they’re finally getting one. The GTI uses an open diff augmented with an external clutch-pack locking unit, even though it isn’t like the Torsen or clutch-pack diffs common to the tuning industry. The advantage is that the diff can now be coupled to the stability control and be adjusted in real time according to driving conditions.aluminum and housingThe entire car has been optimized, though there aren’t huge weight savings in any one place.

Improved, although on the road, the new GTI feels familiar.It isn’t just about being a better driver’s car, though. The Mk7 is also the quietest and most comfortable GTI ever. Cars like the Focus MazdaSpeed3 and ST aren’t in the same league in terms of refinement; the GTI is closer to 3 Series or A4 quality.

VW hasn’t announced GTI pricing yet but it’s said to be similar to the current model. The new car won’t hit dealerships until the first half of 2014, when it will not only be the best GTI ever but also the best value.

vw Golf R Details:

300hp turbo 2.0L AWD GTI
Manual or DSG transmission options | Haldex 4Motion AWD
Stability control can be turned off completely | XDS+ e-diff
0-60mph in 5.1sec

2015 VW golf r cadiz wheels 18 Photo 2/80 | 2015 VW Go

Many of us are aware of how having your engine and motor regularly serviced and maintained can help it to run smoothly and efficiently for much longer, it can even extend the lifestyle of your engine.

There are a few things you can do behind the wheel to help you out too, even though new or even modified engines don’t come cheap, so it stands to reason that you should have your engine regularly serviced and maintained.

The Running In Period

If you’re lucky enough to buy a brand new motor fresh from your showroom at metronissanredlands.com (or similar), then this is made for you. Although modern cars don’t need to be handled as carefully because they did a few decades ago it still pays in the long term should you handle all of them with care at the beginning. You will discover lots of useful information about this in the owner’s handbook – they’ll probably advise that you don’t drive faster than the usual pre-determined speed for the first hundred miles, exceed a certain RPM for a variety of miles etc. This gives the new engine parts the opportunity to get bedded in and shape themselves so that they are a perfect fit.

The Nice And Cozy Up

Athletes know how dangerous it is to choose a run without starting to warm up first, along with the same can probably be said for your car engine. Once the weather is particularly cold it might be tough for the car engine, it will take more energy to start, the battery may have a lower charge and the oil will be thicker. That’s why it’s a good idea to give the engine time to warm and idle up when the weather is particularly cold. It doesn’t take long, you only need to hold out 30 seconds but those few seconds can make a significant difference.

Slow Down

You could fancy yourself as a bit of a race car driver but there are many reasons the reason why you shouldn’t unleash this fantasy on the public roads. To begin with it is dangerous, for another you will use lots of excess fuel, your emissions will be increased and it is not good for the engine. The faster you drive the harder your engine has got to work – around 55 mph is the optimum for that engine and every mile hourly you go over this speed can be detrimental to its longevity.

Ditch the garbage

Some trucks and pick-ups are designed to haul heavy weights around the roads, which is why they are designed with many different torque, smaller cars have smaller engines and are not built in the same manner. They will not have the torque and power needed to pull or carry heavy loads. All of that this will do is to create excess stress on the cause and engine it to wear out sooner than is necessary. Check out the owner’s manual if you are unsure whether your car is perfectly up to the job of towing whatever you need to tow or carry. The lighter the load with your car the less strain it puts on the engine so don’t carry your golf clubs around within the trunk all week except if you genuinely might need them.

Follow those rather simple steps and you’ll be doing your best to help your engine live a happy, healthy and long life. Although if you do need to replace your vehicle for any reason just check out http://metronissanredlands.com, they’ve got some great deals.

With VW leading the way in US diesel sales, there’s been one question on our minds. While we’ve enjoyed the Golf and Jetta TDI models, we’ve always lusted after the European GTD variant that blends GTI style with turbo-diesel economy and longevity.

Well it appears VW either read our minds or heard our prayers because they flew us over to Berlin to sample the brand new European Golf GTD. This is based on the latest Mk7 MQB platform, which can be part of VW’s new modular construction technology and offers several positive aspects over the outgoing Mk6 monocoque.

After listening to several technical and marketing briefings, it looks as if the North American GTD will certainly be a 2016 model, although Volkswagen of America representatives stressed that this was an estimate before final approval for the car’s introduction. But since we reasoned they wouldn’t have flown us all this way if the car wasn’t coming, we’ll proceed under the assumption that it will!184hp and 280 lb-ft looking at the 2.0L turbo-diesel – that’s up 28 and 14hp lb-ft on the Mk6 model, yet achieves 56mpg on the European test cycle. Obviously, it remains to be seen whether the US version would maintain exactly the same specification. We made a decision to strap ourselves into a six-speed manual GTD and hit the streets of Berlin, however.

To our delight and expectation, the low-end torque had us zipping through the city streets similar to a cyclist on cocaine. We couldn’t get enough of the power delivery and smooth shifting gearbox.

The gearing is shorter than the GTI to compensate for the 5000rpm redline, so rattling from the six gears was quicker than expected. This could have caused some problems on the autobahn, but simply planting your foot in sixth allowed us to overtake all obstacles.

We found ourselves grinning like hyenas as we reached terminal velocity inside a very short period of time, as we entered the unrestricted speed zones on the A2 autobahn. There’s an enormous satisfaction in hitting a 143mph speed limiter on public roads and neverto the picturesque Harz Mountains, where we could drop a few gears and see exactly how the new adaptive damping in the Dynamic Chassis Control (not previously available in the US) would handle the twisty roads when set in Sport mode. With its lighter and longer chassis, plus being .6″””” lower than a consistent Golf, we will see how the electronic XDS limited-slip diff and variable ratio steering of the GTD would hold up.

Its GTI-inspired suspension kept body roll to a minimum, with precise corner entry. Because of its prodigious torque, the car had true point-and-shoot ability. While a little inevitable understeer was detected, the GTD behaved similarly to its GTI counterpart, and provided one of the most pleasurable diesel driving experiences we’ve yet had.

One anomaly was the engine noise, or rather the simulated sound of a gasoline engine piped into the cabin. Because we were not familiar with the system, it may become confusing where you were in the power band when overtaking or downshifting into a corner. We found ourselves leaving our foot planted because the engine noise suggested we still had more to come, yet the engine had actually exhaust puff and required another gear.

If you overlooked that oddity, the rest of the car was actually a delight. The cabin, as an example, was covered withonly a few seconds to re-route us to the destination.

The seats have been redesigned, offering sportier buckets with heritage-inspired grey plaid cloth inserts.

With Europe’s high fuel prices and car taxes, sales of the GTD are about the same as the GTI. And having driven one, it’s easy to understand why since it offers many of the advantages and few shortcomings. With US city congestion at an all-time high, gas prices continually creeping upwards and road trips transforming into a regular option to air travel, the GTD offers maximum accommodation without having to sacrifice the fun factor.

While US pricing isn’t set, expect it to be near a well-equipped GTI when it finally arrives in 2015, assuming VW of America gives it the nod.

Like a final thought, the GTD will provide a lot of opportunities for your aftermarket, with a set of coilovers, sway bars and 19″””” wheels enhancing the handling. Also you can expect software upgrades for that TDI motor since Europe will have been tweaking them for several years before we see it. So stock or modified, the GTD can certainly make a very appealing package for people motorists because of the peace of mind diesel brings in the pump.@@@@@””Last month, we had the opportunity to drive the newest BMW M6 Gran Coupe for the first time in Europe, but this time we got it on the track with its optional carbon-ceramic brakes and had at it.

We were privileged to be on the wonderful Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, which fortunately has massive runoff areas to the F1 cars, so hopefully we wouldn’t be embarrassing ourselves with a visit to the kitty litter.

While excited to turn laps on this brand-new track, it’s high-speed, technical nature makes COTA rather intimidating. Even after a few laps following M5s from the BMW Performance Driving School, there was still a great deal being learned about lines and braking points.

Fortunately, we got some extra tuition from one of BMW’s PDS instructors and were able to thread the turns together, even though the endless Esses still had the ability to confound you.

The M6 Gran Coupe excelled within these surroundings. While its longer wheelbase can be less wieldy than the M6 Coupe, it handled the transitions with aplomb, transferring its weight with surprising agility.

Launching from an uphill left-hander, you can gather enough momentum to nudge past 150mph in the back straight before you needed the carbon-ceramics for the second-gear left turn at the bottom.

In 90? F weather and completing a series of hot laps, the cars suffered no harmful effects of the abuse. Neither did you feel beat up after the experience. The multi-adjustable seats were able to offer tremendous support with good lumbar in addition to side bolsters that can be tightened to suit.

Offering more cars with manual transmission options than some of its competitors – you will find 25 to choose from – BMW is rightly proud of its US-only six-speed stick shift. Modified from the 550i application, the car was equally a delight in the circuit and the street.

We won’t reason that the M-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch auto is simpler to operate but the manual puts you in charge, the master of your personal destiny.

Such as the M5 application of the same transmission, it gives a positive shift and requires a firm pedal push to engage the clutch, but nothing feels clunky or heavy. It’s well weighted for the nature of these 560hp machines.

2014 BMW M6 gran coupe front fascia

2014 BMW M6 gran coupe door pull handle

2014 BMW M6 gran coupe quad tip exhaust

Inevitably, the German engineers can’t leave anything alone, adding a throttle blip function on manual down-changes. In regular driving it keeps the operation smooth and brings a smile to your face each time, even though you can override it with a manual blip or a heel-n-toe downshift.

Having sampled the carbon-ceramic brakes on the M6 Coupe at Laguna Seca, and discovering how they allowed you to sail past a similar car on conventional brakes, they gave heaps of confidence. With each lap you could leave your braking later and later, waiting until the 150yd marker to hit the pedal at 150mph, knowing you could stop in time for the hairpin.

The car would overshoot the turn, the giant runoff area kept you on the tarmac, leaving the car in one piece; or even your pride, even though wait a little longer and.

The raft of M-button activated dynamic alternatives on all M cars gave us the ability to sample them in extremis and was an opportunity never to be missed. The Comfort mode for steering, power application (Efficient) and suspension was generally too soft to the track, but entirely suited to the street, where the Gran Coupe’s laidback attitude allows you to cruise without stress.

On the track, we preferred Sport Plus steering for extra heft, Sport throttle reaction to allow finer modulation, and Sport suspension to absorb the curbs we enjoyed rumbling over. We generally had the traction control in their M Dynamic Mode rather than off. This allowed generous slip angles but would catch a spin, that was remarkably easy in the Esses from Turn 3 to 10.

When driving the M-DCT-equipped cars we’d also selected the fastest gear-change speed but, as Albert Biermann, VP of M Engineering explained, this options is simply to “remind us from the former SMG transmission” and then make the drive more dramatic.

With the M5 being a popular track tool, it’s entirely possible that BMW M6 Gran Coupe owners will be less frequent visitors, but it’s good to know they may have the right tools for the job. In fact, BMW is giving the M5/M6 family a sharper track focus with its recently announced Competition Package. It wasn’t available for us to sample, but includes special 20″” wheels, a 15hp power increase (to 575hp) plus stiffer sway, dampers and springs bars. The cars get an M Sport exhaust system with black tailpipes, while the DSC, MDM and M differential are reprogrammed to allow greater slip angles.

The Competition Package is possibly BMW’s solution to the S option from AMG on the new E63, and should keep everybody on the toes.

Track fans must also read our story on BMW’s MPower iPhone app in this issue.

2014 BMW M6 gran coupe carbon ceramic brake disks

2014 BMW M6 gran coupe circuit from the americas

2014 BMW M6 gran coupe rolling shot

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Drivetrain six-speed manual transmission, Active M Differential

Suspension double-wishbone front, multi-link rear

Brakes optional 16.1″” carbon-ceramic rotors, six-piston rotors f, 15.6″”, single-piston r

Wheels & Tires 20×9.5″” ET31 f, 20×10.5″” ET19 r; 265/35 R20 f, 295/30 R20 r

MSRP $113000

Performance

Power 560hp at 6000-7000rpm (575hp with Competition Package)

Torque 500 lb-f t at 1500-5750rpm

-60mph 4.3sec

Top Speed 155mph

Weight 4395 lb

Economy 15/22/17mpg (city/highway/combined)””

Once the 2014 E-Class Sedan received its mid-cycle facelift @@@@@””A revamp of the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet was inevitable. As a result, both the two-door models wear the four-door’s larger grille, along with headlights that dispense with the earlier “four-eyed” look in favour of two rows of LED on both sides. The gaping air intakes on each side of your front license plate also bring a sportier attitude to the handsome new appearance.

Although they’re card-carrying people in the E-Class family, the Coupe and Cabrio have almost no exterior parts in common with the sedan. The styling is sleeker, the windshields more raked, and optional 19″wheels fill their wells with purpose. They also have a shorter wheelbase: 108.7″ compared with 113.2”.

For MY14, North American drivers will see the E350 and E550 both in hard- and soft-top form. The previous packs a 3.5-liter V6 under its elongated hood, with 302hp and 273 lb-ft, which is shipped to the rear wheels through a seven-speed transmission (the Coupe also comes with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive). The E550 brings a V8 snarl, developing 408hp and 443 lb-ft from 4.6 liters of turbocharged displacement.

Whilst the E550 can reach triple-digit speeds within a ridiculously small amount of time, it’s the E350’s output that will match the demands of most drivers. The smaller engine also results in a lighter front-end, sharpening the steering and giving the nose a crisper turn-in to corners.

Select “Sport” mode to the two-stage adjustable suspension and things become even crisper. Nevertheless “Comfort” never relinquishes body control, it just soaks up irritating surface imperfections better. Think of them as two complementary flavors of the same dish.

Amidst its style and power, the E-Class is becoming legendary due to its inventory of safety equipment. Front-facing stereoscopic cameras as well as other radar sensors around the car report to your central “brain” that constantly assesses road conditions, driver alertness and behavior of other road users. It’s then capable to decide if you should brake a wheel or two, or four, to help you avoid a collision. It will flash a stern warning light on the dash or perhaps in the side mirrors to warn you of what it perceives as a potential problem.

2014 mercedes benz e class coupe cabriolet front fascia

2014 mercedes benz e class coupe cabriolet v6 DOHC 24v direct injection

2014 mercedes benz e class coupe cabriolet rolling shot

We reviewed several accident avoidance systems within our earlier E-Class Sedan reviews (EC 6/13 & 7/13), and Mercedes-Benz claims the Cabrio will be the safest in the class due to the equipment that also includes standard Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist and 11 airbags to put it beyond dispute.

If there’s a gripe, it’s that the large camera unit is set behind the rearview mirror and takes up a great deal of real estate. The rakishly sloped A-pillars already hamper visibility to an extent, and the two together mean you’ll sometimes crane your neck to find out pedestrians or traffic lights properly.

However, the E-Class Coupe is a fine machine. There’s even a respectable amount of space in the back for passengers. Getting into the back quarters might present a challenge, but it’s not terrible.

The Cabriolet also seats four and it is possibly the most interesting car of the two. The fabric roof has several layers to keep noise and weather out. It can be operated at speeds of up to 25mph and takes about 25sec to operate.

On top of the windshield is an (optional) retractable flap called Aircap. It deflects wind across the car, not just over the front seats. There’s also a small deflector in between the rear seats, which means you can conduct a conversation using the top down at freeway speeds.

The top seats house of one the Cabrio’s most widely used options: Airscarf. Hot air blows from the vent in the seat at neck level. Using the added comfort of heated lower cushions, the auto can easily be driven with the top down even on winter days.

The E550 Coupe will probably tempt hardcore drivers. It’s a great choice and we recommend a test drive. But think for a second: considering that the decision had been made to buy a two-door E-Class, why not go completely and have the fun of the Cabrio? And while the E350’s engine is potent enough, individuals who don’t mind waiting until next year could get a new 333hp E400 Coupe or Cabriolet, which will replace the E350 versions being a 2015 model.

2014 mercedes benz e class coupe cabriolet rolling shot

2014 mercedes benz e class coupe cabriolet center console interior

2014 mercedes benz e class coupe cabriolet airscarf option

2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Layout Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive (optional E350 Coupe 4Matic)

Engine 3498cc V6 DOHC 24v, direct injection

Drivetrain seven-speed automatic, shift paddles

Suspension multi-link f&r, Agility Control, electro-mechanical, speed-sensitive steering

Brakes 12.7″””” discs f, 11.8″””” r

Wheels & Tires 17×7.5″”””, 235/45 R17

Performance

Peak power 302hp at 6500rpm

Peak torque 273 lb-ft at 3500-5250rpm

-60mph 6.1sec

Top Speed 130mph

Weight 3619 lb

Economy 20/28/23mpg (city/highway/combined)

MSRP from $52120

Ever feel you should be traveling at maximum velocity all the time? Well, Mykal Sneath’s first car was a ’72 Toyota Celica and driving it was when he got which need-for-speed tingly feeling.

Growing up in Hawaii, the Celica held off the speed itch until he could purchase a ’93 Nissan 300ZX twin-turbo. At this point I got intent on going fast, he told us. Before his beloved ZX was totaled in an accident, moving to Dallas regarding his family in ’98 it had been a few years. I took a rest from fast cars for a time, he said…

That had been until he heard BMW was releasing a straight-six twin-turbo coupe and it was love in the beginning thought. What could I actually do with a car like that? Mykal pondered, but a 3.0L biturbo producing 302hp at 5800rpm was the perfect candidate for virtually any speed junkie.purchased a ’09 E92 335i black-on-black coupe. I ended up traveling to Germany to adopt European delivery, making it an exceptionally happy birthday for me! he was quoted saying with a large grin plastered to his face.

Mykal didn’t waste time realizing the car’s potential on the Autobahn for two weeks. And so the planning began the moment he returned to the States. He started ordering parts, envisioning just what the car could look like when completed. I want it to be fast and also be a head-turner at the same time, he said.

Removing every one of the badges to throw people off the scent, Mykal proceeded to add a front lip with LTMW splitter, M3 side skirts, M-Sport rear bumper with Duke Dynamics carbon fiber 335is diffuser plus a carbon trunk spoiler.

2009 BMW 335i LTMW front splitter 08

2009 BMW 335i LTMW front splitter 03

2009 BMW 335i m sport rear bumper 02

Inside, he fitted the OEM carbon fiber Interior trim plus some aluminum pedals plus a UUC Evo3 short-throw shifter with DSSR.

Black-on-black is difficult to see through the night, so Mykal upgraded the headlights to OSSdesigns’ SpaceGray Projectors with blackout corners and Philips HID headlight bulbs. He finished it well with OSSdesigns LED v2. angel eyes so people couldn’t miss it in daylight either.

With his speed addiction back in full force, Mykal installed a front-mount intercooler from Evolution Racewerks, BMS dual-cone intake and Stett chargepipe with Tial blow-off valve. And to manage the upgrades, he went with the BMS JB4 G5 Board ECU flash plus meth injection to keep the turbos in check and the rear tires chirping.

The crowning glory were the concave 19 Interad Turismo wheels with hidden hardware, gloss black lips and gunmetal centers. He previously seen them on a BMW M5 at the 2009 SEMA show and hasn’t seen everything else with the same level of attitude from the time.

What are Mykal’s plans for future years? There’s always a plan… The major ones are sway bigger, downpipes and bars turbos, he said – more products which a should help him scratch the speedgrilles, ceramic and tint clear bra, painted keyholes, OSSdesigns SpaceGray projector headlights with Philips 8500k D1S HID bulbs, OSSdesigns LED signals, corner delete and LED v2. angel eyes, EAS Euro LCI LED tail lights, 7000k HID foglights

Interior:

OEM carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedals, UUC Evo3 short-throw shift kit with DSSR, LED Interior lights

Thanks:

Dukes OSSdesigns, Dynamics and LTMW Evolution Racewerks, ModBargins, Dallas Roadster, UUC Motorwerks

How many cars are there in your family? Hold on, let me guess for just a minute. I’m guessing a minimum of two, maybe even three or four if (like us) you’ve got a number of teenagers hanging around.

Now you ask , . . . do you should have multiple cars? Have you thought about that classic fashioned reasoning behind sharing? Have you thought about re-organizing your daily life so that everybody and everything will not revolve around jumping into separate cars and going your separate ways every morning?

If you can possibly manage with one car there are numerous advantages . . . as well as a few disadvantages but we’ll come to those later.

Fewer Car Payments – several who have come together with two cars just might be able to downsize to one, be worthwhile the car loan and come out car payment free with the other end. Doesn’t that sound inviting to get a start?

Lower Insurance Costs – as well as saving money on car payment you may also save a storage shed load of income on car insurance costs. When you purchase your car carefully (check out the choices at www.ocfiat.com for starters) then you might be astonished at what you can get.

Increased Consciousness Regarding Driving Habits – when you’ve only got one car to share it pays to look after it properly don’t you believe? Why drive like a maniac when the entire family depends upon the reliability of this particular one car? In addition, it makes you plan your errands more carefully which in turn helps you to save gas. Why run to the store each time you exhaust your milk as an alternative to planning ahead and acquiring everything you need for two days?

Increased Family Time – a young family with a shared car does, by default enjoy more family time. It is possible to give the other person lifts to places . . . you realize, the “I’ll drop you off in the club, then take little Jennie to ballet class and pick you up on the way in which home” . . . that kind of thing. Sitting in the car together gives you more hours for talking, not about anything important, just talking. When you have two cars you may spend a lot of time driving in opposite directions.

More Walking – okay, so you might say you could walk even when you have two cars around the driveway but realistically . . . do you? Of course it will help when you have lots of places within walking distance of your property which can encourage you to walk instead of jumping into the car. If you can walk to the supermarket, the movie theater, the bank along with the restaurants then why must you take the car at all?

Okay, so there are some disadvantages too, so all things being equal we’d better point a couple of them out. For one thing your one car will probably be doing much more miles than it would had you been a two car family which may mean increased maintenance costs and this car will surely be racking up more miles but then again, why not splash on something newer and more modern?

There are many great cars for sale at http://www.ocfiat.com, so whether you need to replace your “”one”” family car or are fed up with walking everywhere and want to go back to being a two car family . . . check out the great deals they’ve got.

To mention that Nissan’s entry-level rear-wheel-drive coupe in the ’90s has grown to be an endangered species will be an understatement. With each passing day, the remaining samples of these cars are being used and abused by entry-level drift enthusiasts. Although this may or may not be a bad thing, it is definitely a touchy subject on the list of S-chassis faithful. The days of finding a bone-stock S13 or S14 with ultralow mileage stored in a garage for all its life by a woman in her sixties on CraigsList are long gone. And with each S14 that fits a wall or a baseball bat fender roll job, the chassis inches closer and closer to extinction.

Fortunately for the purists out there, Jesse Vaughn of Level 7 Motorsports has no fascination with sending another S14 into a shallow grave. In fact, at first, you might think the eyes are playing tricks upon you. Could this really be the same type of car we are employed to seeing at amateur drift events, smashed up and rattle-canned flat black? Its purpose is far different from the norm nowadays, even though but make no mistake, this 240 is not really a mirage; in fact, not only is Jesse’s S-chassis a beautifully built and maintained machine: grip racing (and the occasional street cruise, of course).

Like most of us, Jesse became a gearhead at an early age. His father was always wrenching on some sort of hot rod within their garage, so that it didn’t require much time for his father’s passion to spread to his son. Since he grew older, Jesse found that he loved the build process more than anything else. The 31-year-old has owned and built greater than 29 cars in his lifetime, as a result. To state that Jesse has been a bit busy is undoubtedly anThe Road LS Traveled

Eventually, Jesse was able to turn his desire for custom automotive builds into a career by opening their own shop, Level 7 Motorsports, in Marion, Illinois. Level 7 works on a variety of platforms, which range from ’60s and ’70s muscle cars to newer Japanese vehicles. It was actually this diverse background that led Jesse to build the S14 the thing is before you. However, he had decided what might go under the hood a long time before he had chosen to develop a 240SX.

One day, a buyer came in the shop with a banged-up GM LS1 engine. The engine had spun rod bearings, and the customer wanted to change it with a 408 LSX. Having built some LS1 engines in his time, Jesse knew the potential the LS series possessed. He offered the client some cash to the damaged motor, and before he knew it, Jesse was building an LS1 of their own.

The LS was completely torn down and reworked with a slew of aftermarket components. Some JE pistons bumped the compression ratio to 11.3: 1, while the stock rods were beefed on top of ARP rod bolts. Patriot Stage 3 heads using a fortified top end from PRC and Texas Speed replaced the worn factory valvetrain while freeing up some power at the same time. A Magic Stick 3 cam allows the engine that signature idle of a Detroit muscle machine.

With a beautifully rebuilt LS1 engine on the stand, Jesse was left having an important decision: What platform should he drop his freshly built motor into? I had always aspired to build a fun autocross, road race, and street car. Something I could possibly take out to local cruises and still be capable of do open track days with, Jesse recalls. After a bit of research, he discovered some examples of LS-swapped Nissan S-chassis cars. Seeing the chance of a Nissan chassis along with a GM powerplant, he began to find a suitable S14 to work from.

1997 nissan 240SX SE JDM kouki front bumper with mazda tow hook hole

1997 nissan 240SX SE navan side skirts

1997 nissan 240SX SE SSR type f wheels

As luck would have it, Jesse could find a fairly clean 240 for sale in Boston. He had the car shipped to Level 7, and by the time it arrived, he had the drivetrain prepared to be dropped in. After looking into existing solutions for motor mounts, Jesse made a decision to build his very own custom mounts to position the engine in a more suitable location. Also, he took the time to fabricate a custom transmission crossmember and dual exhaust utilizing MagnaFlow piping. A race-ready 10-gallon fuel cell setup by using a custom Level 7 swirl pot fills the once roomy trunk compartment.

Jesse drove his creation for one full season after completion and had a wonderful time doing it. But as most of us can attest, a project car rarely stays in one state for long. The auto went underneath the knife again with a number of new modifications. The first portion of the car to be addressed was the exterior. Genuine JDM Nissan components were used to give the automobile its aggressive exterior appearance, including a JDM kouki front bumper, turn signals, foglamps, and front grille. A GReddy front lip with custom APR front splitter was included with the front end to not only enhance visual appeal but in addition to aid in downforce. Speaking of aero, an APR GTC300 wing was bolted to the decklid to keep the rear tires planted. The OEM rear bumper has been notched to make method for a custom Level 7 Motorsports diffuser. Finally, the car was resprayed in a beautiful silver hue.

The interior of the S14 is perhaps all business. A lot of the factory components have been removed to make room for a seriously beefy rollcage. The ‘cage is even tied in the engine bay for additional rigidity. Factory creature comforts were dumped to opt for a lighter chassis, such as the sound deadening and HVAC system. The truth is, Jesse even went in terms of replacing the factory SE sunroof-equipped roof with one from a base-model S14 in order to save weight. Pretty serious! A pair of Recaro SPG fixed-back seats keep the driver and a lucky passenger planted during hard cornering. The Nardi 350mm deep-corn controls, NRG quick-release, and Willans harnesses all further affirm that this car has been built with a very specific purpose under considerationbrake and Suspension modifications are high on the list for almost any track- oriented vehicle. Level 7 took no shortcuts to ensure that the handling and stopping capabilities from the car were up to snuff. Up front, some Evo 8 Brembo calipers are mated to oversize Powerslot brake rotors made for a 350Z track edition. Larger brake calipers and rotors from a Nissan 300ZX are utilized out back, while Hawk HP pads and Russell stainless brake lines reside on all four corners. A 300ZX master cylinder and R32 brake booster ensure that the brake pedal feel and front/rear bias are correct one of the now massive brake setup.

Some Stance GR coilovers prepare the car for track duty without being too harsh for street use, as for the suspension. Other adjustable suspension upgrades from SPL, Powered by Max, and SPC make sure that a wide range of adjustment is available to fit any handling challenges. For rolling stock, Jesse chose a set of beautiful and lightweight SSR Type F 18-inch wheels with staggered widths. A pair of Origin rear overfenders add clearance for your meaty Nitto NT05 rubber out back, and custom front fender tubs perform same at the front of the car.

While the Nissan 240SX may be on the fast track to extinction, it’s comforting to understand there are still enthusiasts like Jesse Vaughn out there who are trying to preserve these important people in Nissan’s lineup. While there is often a lot of backlash toward anyone using an S14 for something other than Jesse, drifting and Level 7 have proven that with a nicely-researched plan and a lot of hard work, these cars can be serious track performers. Many thanks, Jesse, for saving just one more S14 from theThe Way LS Traveled

Interior Recaro SPG seats; Nardi 350mm deep-corn steering wheel; NRG quick-release; Willans harness; HVAC delete; rollcage

Exterior JDM Kouki front bumper with Mazda tow hookgrille and hole, turn signals, foglamps; GReddy front lip; APR custom front splitter; GTC300 wing; Navan side skirts, rear valances; gutted hood; Aerocatch latches; notched rear bumper cover; Level 7 Motorsports rear diffuser; base-model roof; Origin overfenders

Wheels, Tires & Brakes SSR Type F wheels 18×9.5 12 (f) 18×10.5 15 (r); Falken Azenis 245/40/18 (f) Nitto NT05 275/35/18 (r); Powerslot 350Z track rotors (f); Mitsubishi Evo 8 calipers (f); Touge Factory caliper brackets (f); Hawk HP pads (f/r); Russell stainless brake lines (f/r); Nissan 300ZX rotors (r), calipers (r), 11/8 master cylinder; Nissan R32 brake booster; ASD hydro E-brake; custom stainless hard lines.

Most waste little time in pulling the spare tire to drop a few pounds. Others delete their rear interior completely. Then there’s Jorge Hurtado, of San Antonio, Texas, and his ’86 CRX. Jorge (George to his friends) and his Si are originally from Cali, he states, I purchased the CRX back in ’05 for around $300 in Oxnard… I can’t remember how many people made fun of the car, including my friends. The car was indeed rough around the edges, but Jorge loved it more for what it didn’t have, namely a few hundred pounds of unnecessary gear found in newer-model cars.

That was never the case for Jorge, although although the CRX has long been praised for its lightweight chassis, the homely mug of the first-gen was often a put-off for tuners. An LS-VTEC came together, a paintjob, and wheels. The CRX was fun to get, and it wasn’t that nasty anymore. Jorge had a blast with the little Honda until boost together with a missed shift ended in a blown B series. That’s when he got an understanding for something bigger. The H22 was just sitting in my garage, and whenever I pulled the blown motor, I saw these were roughly the identical size, plus I already had a B-series trans. After digging through the Internet and some measurements of his very own, Jorge learned that the proportions of the H22 were almost the same as the outgoing B series. He also found that to his knowledge, an H2B swap had never been shoehorned into an ’86 CRX. He recalls, I got a new QSD H2B kit and started focusing on fabricating. Using all of the B-series stuff fits better, and also you don’t must cut anything up. Employing a custom-designed bracket system and HaSport mounts, he found the swap required no frame modding, and after severaltire and chassis size, the CRX put down a respectable 11.88 on 24-inch slicks. Jorge states, Afterward run we drove the car home together with the slicks rubbing the shocks and rounded off lug nuts on one wheel…time finally arrived at give the CRX suspension some attention. The existing-school Si was treated to a set of Tokico five-way adjustable shocks and Bilstein 996 coils from the rear. Some much needed corner balance and toe corrections had the suspension dialed in for the new Spinwerkes wheels covered with 23-inch M&H slicks. With the car down for your suspension changes, he proceeded to pull off a few hundred pounds’ worth of extraneous metal, though jorge had already removed most of the easy stuff to save some weight. He then went further, and shaved an additional 40 pounds with a custom rear axle. After the crash diet, the svelte CRX tipped the scales in a mere 1,375 pounds!

To take further advantage of the load loss, upgrades in the power department were next on the list. A set of 450cc DSM injectors added more fuel, while breathing was improved by using a custom ported intake manifold and 74mm throttle body. On the hot side, a custom Bisimoto V2 Prototype header was bolted on, and 225 hp at the wheels was achieved. Known as the weak point on most H-series engines, the timing belt tensioner was something that Jorge was determined to work around. His solution involved using all Honda parts. He adds, The T-belt tensioner on this engine is actually a B-series tensioner. Both the tensioners are exactly the same dimensions, and I customized it to work with my H22. Now it’s fully adjustable. The custom B-series piece paired with Bisimoto cam gears gave Jorge significantly more control over the tuning of the H22; his new setup delivering consistent 11.30-second runs with trap speeds a hair under 120 mph. Very impressive numbers for an H22 sporting bolt-ons and a ton of weight reduction. In the wake of newfound success, his higher trap speeds gave him a fresh problem in the form of dreaded lift. He states, The rear of your CRX would lift and sway when I’d release the throttle above 100 mph. I used iPhone cases to create wind cuts in the rear window, and from now on it stays straight without movement. It’s so much easier to manage.

Jorge is treading in uncharted waters with his first-gen CRX, making headway for others to follow in their footsteps. He’s not resting on his laurels, though, and plans on stroking this motor in search of 300 naturally aspirated horsepower and consistent 10-second runs. Finding so much success with such an easy recipe to date, there’s little doubt that he’ll reach his goal in no time.

It’s easier to get your dream car than you imagined. Today, we have all the tools we need at our fingertips to find anything we want, and this includes the car of your own dreams. The professionals from OC Auto and their website, www.ocauto.com, are available to help and that means you can quickly and easily get a car you’ll love when you really need something new. At http://www.ocauto.com, you’ll learn that the dealership offers a number of makes; there may be Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep. No matter what you’re trying to find in a car, you are able to likely think it is in one of these makes of vehicles.

Whether you’re searching for a sports car, a luxurious classic, an adventure vehicle for off roading, or a truck, OC Auto can help you find it. Visit our lot and talk to our expert sales people and we will help you narrow down exactly what you’re searching for. We can demonstrate everything we have now available and talk to you about each vehicle’s specifications. Are you worried about gas mileage? Looking to be eco-friendly? Ready for any family car? We can deal with all of that. We’ve got something for everyone and they are glad to help you find exactly what you need. We will show you around our dealership and you’ll know why so many people buy from OC Auto. They’re enthusiastic about making more than a sale, though our staff are not only experts. They want to ensure you get a car that works for you. We understand a new car is a big investment and we want you to have something worth your cash, something that can last you for some time to come. Stop by today and we’ll be glad to help in your brand new car search.

Problems from the pathway of America’s younger years will come in all sizes and shapes. For some, it’s all but expected, a great deal of it based upon an individual’supbringing and environment, and for some, pursuing in all those huge footsteps from several years previous that have become rigorous and weathered. Some, like bros Juan and Diego Zarate, have sensation sufficient to recognize when they’re going along the improper course and can create the necessary alterations in make stuff proper yet again.

Juan Zarate Jr.

1995 honda civic EX garden specific lip 03 PhotoYard Particular Lip 03

Facts are, I wasn’t looking for an automobile. my and Me friend Palemon were on our method to the store, and we spotted this red Civic by using a ‘for sale’ sign. Little managed we realize, the highway up forward was shut, although we didn’t even stop. And Juan going the place to find demonstrate his mothers and fathers, who agreed upon the vehicle appeared perfectly maintained and, since it was actually a Honda, cost was really a provided, we transformed close to and chose to move around because the car looked to get well taken care of. A couple of pictures from the auto combined with the make contact with facts. Very little deliberation was required; the opportunity deal with delivered Juan back, and the man obtained usually the one-manager EX and was on his way.

His feeling of responsibility went much deeper than only your basicclean and wax, and also on-time gas adjustments, even though from it in the role of his day-to-day motorist, Juan had taken great pride in his coupe. He clarifies, Having this auto and incredibly enjoying the scenario and also the pastime maintained me out from difficulty. This actually held me clear of that sort of issues, even though i needed a number of friends who went to juvenile hall, and I’m not seeking to say anything poor about the subject. I really noticed like I needed a greater accountability now and I couldn’t let my parents straight down.

Just like any child in almost any part of the world, attraction is oftentimes a force much too fantastic to disregard, although a adult outlook certainly. Just a little spanning a calendar year after getting management of the bright red Civic, Juan was in the vehicle automobile accident and admits that this was using a road competition experience. The case provided like a slap in the deal with, a wake-up phone, in the event you will. Masters Vehicle Crash was enrolled for your body repairs, and even though the automobile was underneath the blade, Juan commenced trying to find a ideal coronary heart for transplant. A total GS-R replace was being sold in your area, and that he jumped in the bargain. I learned a lot more about my auto, As a result of exchange. It possessed lots of problems, even though it was said to be plug-and-engage in. I was bummed I needed to invest more income once i truly shouldn’t have gotten to, even though ultimately I bought it operating. I needed to understand the difficult way.

1995 honda civic EX enkei RPF1 wheel 04 ImageTo match the 1.8L improve, Juan included a CT Technology absorption, Skunk2 absorption throttle and manifold entire body, and customized exhaust. Efficient suspension, tastefully offset tires, and minimal tweaks on the exterior keep a comprehensive nice and clean, consumer-friendly construct that helps prevent the trend in the month team and instead is focused on classic longevity. In conclusion, he claims, My buddy happens to be my main assist in the garage area, he’s really affected individual and educated. I try and generate the vehicle whenever possible, but it’s challenging with all of the thieves around, so it’s become my saturday and sunday warrior. I’d love to continue to keep this vehicle and maybe some day my little girl can enjoy it up to I do.

Bolts & Washers

Propulsion

B18C1

Hondata S200

Impressive mounts

CT Technology ingestion

Skunk2 Expert Sequence ingestion manifold

Skunk2 Professional Sequence throttle body

RMF filter-type header

Personalized 2.25 exhaust

Magnaflow muffler

DC2 fuel pump

Radio controlled 310cc injectors

Place Athletics connect cables

Fantastic Eagle gasoline rail

XRP garden hose lines

XRP accessories

Mishimoto thin fan

B18C1 transmitting

1995 honda civic EX skunk2 expert collection absorption manifold 02 PictureSuspensions

Skunk2 Expert-S IIs

Functionality 7 LCAs

ASR back subframe brace

Beaks decrease fasten-club

Blox rear camber package

Skunk2 entrance camber kit

Level of resistance

Energy Slot rotors

Hawk HPS braking system pads

Tires & Car tires

Enkei RPF1 15×7 41

Falken Azenis 205/50-15

1995 honda civic EX RMF narrow style header 07 ImageOutside

Milano reddish colored painting

Shaved door takes care of

Autopower rollcage

Red colored taillights

Wings West lip

Aerocatch hood pins

Custom made braking system ports

Inside

Recaro SRD

Custom suede door solar panels

Sort R change boot

Nardi 330mm woodgrain tire

Circuit Hero move extender

Co2-fiber airbag remove dish

Props

My girlfriend Tammy Zamora, my mother and father Juan and Irma Zarate for their carried on assist, big shout-in the market to my more youthful sibling Diego, everyone from Crew Insidious, Rafael Cid, James Balizan, Brian Bundy, Jaime Vasquez, Carlos Alexander, and personnel at Ripcord Imports, Paul Rossi at Rossi’s Motor and Francisco, Drivetrain and Milo in addition to their employees at Masters Car Accidents Centre, Weaksauce parts, ej1squad.com

1995 honda civic EX recaro SRD seats 06 ImageProprietor Specifications

Day-to-day Grind

Frito Set merchandiser, aspect task in the Drop

Favorite Website

nwp4life.com

Monitor title

juanito@theshedbuilt

Building Hondas

5 years

Aspiration Car

’70 Chevy El Camino

Inspirations for this Build

Keeping out of problems and my little girl

Future Builds

Finish that ’70 Camino, and ’95 del Sol as well as anything that comes into Your Shed