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By Rob Parker To increase the power from your car engine, you can increase the size of the engine, or increase the pressure of the air in the intake manifold using a supercharger or a turbocharger. Increasing the sheer size of your car's engine will give you more power, but will also result in higher fuel consumption (and costs) as well as a heavier engine.
So let's look at increasing the air pressure in the combustion chamber. A supercharger, driven by the engine, forces more air into the inlet manifold to generate more power at engine speed; however, since the supercharger is run off the engine, it actually uses some of the extra power it generates.
A turbocharger, on the other hand, achieves the same objective of forcing more air into the manifold, but it's driven by the waste energy from the exhaust manifold, not by the engine. It is basically a turbine and a compressor connected by a common shaft and supported on a bearing system. The turbocharger can convert waste energy from the exhaust manifold into compressed air, which it pushes into the engine. This allows the engine to produce more power and torque and improves the overall efficiency of the combustion process.
The first prototype of a turbocharged diesel engine in history was in 1915 by Dr. Büchi, Chief Engineer of Sulzer Brothers Research Department. Around the 1940's the aircraft gas turbine led to advances in materials, technology and design; which brought on the turbocharger development of radial turbines and led to the use of radial flow turbos on small automotive diesel engines. During the 1950's the major engine producers like Volvo and Cummins started to experiment with turbocharged engines for trucks. This led to a German engineer producing a more innovative compact design and in 1954 the engine producers were starting to offer a range of turbocharged engines. Pole position at Indianapolis in 1952 was won by a car powered by one of Cummins' turbocharger engines.
The benefits of using a turbocharger are increased engine power output, improved fuel consumption, improved emissions, and altitude compensation. So in the end a turbocharger is the way to go if you're looking for that little bit of speed in your ride.
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By June Mala Drivers of modified cars are finding it more and more difficult to show off their artistic masterpieces on streets all across the US. California may have led the way in cracking down on what the state terms as traffic offenses, but other states are following suit. No one can argue that the modifications in these modified cars have gone way beyond what was being done to the original hot rods, but should these modifications really be illegal? Are they really hurting anybody?
While it is true that some enthusiasts have juiced up their engines using illegal means, it is also true that most of those modified cars that have been singled out were not initially pulled over for speeding infractions. In fact, the crackdown on modified cars seems to stem more from an aesthetic problem than anything else.
Many of the violators have been ticketed for exceeding the noise pollution laws. Drivers of modified cars counter that they are being singled out because of unfair comparisons to the drivers in such movies as The Fast and Furious. They claim that the portrayal of modified car enthusiasts in that movie series has caused a backlash against real life owners.
The police forces of not only California, but various other states deny that charge, however. They say that the new breed of modified cars presents a safety risk at high speeds whether it involves racing or not. They point to the increased level of accidents involving modified cars sporting darkly tinted windows, custom rims and wheels, and exhaust pipes. California has, of course, long been the center of the hot rod and modified car universe in America, but the crackdown is spreading all across the country.
But owners of modified cars dont appear ready to roll over and play dead. In addition to flooding the internet to increase support for their side of the argument via blogs, forums and web sites, they are also attacking the problem via Americas greatest legacy: dissent.
For instance, modified car owners are attacking the crackdown in the state of Virginia with an online petition. The petition identifies the problem as stemming from the vague terminology in Virginias laws for modifying exhaust systems and suspension.
Modified cars have been targeted by law enforcement officers for decades. And it is certainly true that drivers of modified cars may be more tempted to engage in high speed racing than the rest of us.
The debate is sure to rage for some time as owners of modified cars feel unfairly singled out and as law enforcement officials feel compelled to make the streets as safe as possible for everyone. The divide between car enthusiasts and the police is likely to grow wider, however, as new and more exciting modifications are discovered.
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by: Morgan Hamilton Do you find yourself on the road a lot? Do you go on those long road trips to go camping or visiting faraway relatives with your family? Long trips in your own car can really be boring and troublesome, especially if you travel with your family.
Children, especially young ones, can be really noisy and unruly if they become bored during a long trip. Trips like this can also endanger your family as it can be hard to concentrate on the road if your children are making that awful racket. Why don’t you install a car video system in your vehicle to make your car trips much more enjoyable?
Car video systems come standard on newer vehicles like many other things these days. Anything from GPS to CD changers can be enjoyed right off the bat if you purchase an high-end vehicle. But if you don’t have enough savings to buy a pricey vehicle, it would be cheaper to install it on the car you have right now.
I can understand if you’re hesitant to install car video systems in your car. You might think that it probably will cost a lot. Well It’s not as expensive as you might think. A year ago when I decided to buy a minivan, I also looked into car video systems available. I was thinking that it would really useful on a family oriented vehicle like a minivan. Too my surprise I found out that it only cost an additional two grand to have it installed in my car. Though it may still sound expensive it’s still worth the cost if car video systems help you survive those long and grueling road trips.
You can get a TV screen and DVD player when you invest in car video systems. I had no regrets with my decision to install one in my car. It really made a difference to those long road trips that I have to do ever year. I can now focus on the road without worrying about keeping the kids occupied. No more complains and crying from the backseats. My young ones eyes are focused on the cartoon characters doing whatever they do on the screen. Car video systems have really made long trips a lot more enjoyable for me and my family. We now look forward to more of these trips knowing fully that my family are all at ease inside the car.
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by Matt Holliday Most car and truck manufacturers leave room for improvement when it comes to horsepower and torque. Not to say that these vehicles are poorly made, but many companies use less expensive alternatives when producing items such as exhaust systems for their vehicles. A performance exhaust can free some of the power in your engine. These aftermarket systems allow for a quicker, more efficient path for exhaust gases to escape. This means your engine "breathes" better, so spent fuel and air exit the combustion chambers faster and new fuel and air can be burned to create more power. There are several other pluses to adding an aftermarket exhaust system. One of the most noticeable advantages is a more aggresive exhaust note. Depending on the system, you'll get the more aggressive, deeper rumble that is found on most high-end sports cars. Many of the better systems are only slightly louder than your stock exhaust, and deepen to a low "growl" as your RPMs rise during acceleration. The way the pipes are bent also affects the exhaust flow, and there are two types of bends used in making exhaust systems. The typical factory-made systems, as well as some aftermarket systems, use a "crush-bend" technique. This type of process creates a crinkled area in the pipes, decreasing the diameter and slowing exhaust gases. A mandrel bend is smooth, and does not affect gas flow. The pipe is a constant diameter through the bend, yielding less resistance for a more efficient and better performing exhaust. 
A crush bend causes the exhaust pipe to become more restrictive in certain areas. 
Mandrel bends, like the ones in this Borla system, yield the best performance and sound gains. Another factor to consider is the material used to make the system. Most factory exhaust systems are made of mild steel, meaning they have a tendency to deteriorate over time. Better aftermarket systems are constructed of aluminized steel or stainless steel. Aluminized steel offers slightly better longevity over stock systems, while stainless systems are designed to last much longer, usually for the life of the car or truck. When exploring further differences in exhaust systems, it becomes more important to factor in how you use your vehicle. Most aftermarket systems add to your car or truck's appearance, with larger tips and highly polished mufflers for a more refined, aggressive look. There are many aftermarket systems that allow you to retain a stock appearance, while still seeing performance gains. The diameter of the pipes used in the system is also dependent on how you use your car, as well as whether or not you are adding further aftermarket performance parts. Most cars and trucks benefit from slightly larger piping, but if you go too big, you can actually hurt your vehicle's performance. On the other hand, if you are adding forced induction to your vehicle, such as a turbocharger or supercharger, you will want to go much larger than your stock exhaust. No matter what direction you choose, an aftermarket exhaust is sure to add to your car or truck's performance, appearance, and sound. Take into consideration what direction you want to go with your vehicle, whether it be performance, show, or simply an improvement over stock. The right exhaust system can dramatically change your car or truck for the better. Article Source: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-FvJzAfyNILL/
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by: Matthew C. Keegan When needing a replacement part for you car, where do you shop? Like many motorists you may head down to the big box retailer for all of your needs. A good choice both for value and for selection. Still, mostly any retailer is limited as to what they can stock. This especially holds true if you drive a rare or uncommon vehicle. Try finding a window regulator for your ’69 Torino at the parts store; they’ll get it for you but it will have to be back ordered. So, where should you shop? That’s up to you, but let’s goes over the options that you have. The Salvage Yard. Let’s admit it: there isn’t anything wrong with going to the junkyard to find the part you need. My ’78 VW Rabbit’s window handle broke and I snagged one off of a junker for just a few bucks. Still, if you are looking for a radiator, engine, exhaust stuff, or anything else that actually runs, you risk that the part will fail soon after you place it in your car. Naturally, the price you pay through the junkyard should be the lowest price going. Your Dealer. On the other side of the spectrum is your car dealer. If they don’t have it in stock, they can get if for you. Service with a smile and a price that will make you frown! Yes, you will pay dearly for some parts, as middleman mark ups kick in. Your Retail Store. Retail auto supply chains typically have the broadest selection and the lowest prices of any of the brick and mortar retailers. Your best option for a good buy is when something is on sale; stock items will cost you the prevailing retail rate, but that is the price you pay for convenience. Overhead [buildings, labor] is high even with most national retailers. Shop Online. Wholesale providers of automobile replacement parts and accessories are springing up all over the internet. Some stores are good, some are not. What to look for: available customer service agents; a toll free number where you can call someone to talk with directly; a store that never closes and has a secured payment site; and clearly understood shipment, payment, and return policies. Generally, an online retailer should be a great option as low overhead and purchasing directly from the manufacturer is what sets these wholesalers apart from the rest. Still, do your homework and make sure that the site is what it says it is. One special warning: the growth of the counterfeit parts industry is causing fits for retailers and consumers. If you suspect that you have purchased a bogus part, return it to the retailer for a full return. One more good reason to learn what a company’s return policy is before you do business with them. In all, shopping for parts is easier today, thanks to the internet. From the ease of your computer you can compare prices, service, shipping options, warranties, and more. The consumer is the winner and retailers are keeping prices low in order to bring in additional business.
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by: Jenna Simpson If you finally got the classic car of your dream, finding the car parts for it is will be a hard task. Classic car parts are hard to come by because they are no longer in production, they don’t make the parts for them anymore. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be found. One place to start looking would be online auction sites. For example, Ebay might be the easiest place to start. Ebay motors have a wide range of classic car parts, so it’s possible you might find what you are looking for. You might also want to check out local swap meets, they are a good way to find classic car parts you’re looking. You can locate older model accessories and other outdated items. As a last resort you can always check out car part dealer magazines. The problem with that would be the fact that you probably have to pay more money, but if you do indeed find the part you’re looking for it might be worth it. But if it you wish to look further you can always check out clubs and organizations. More then likely many clubs and organizations are geared toward cars, or classic cars. You could check out the internet. It seems today that theirs nothing you can’t find on the internet. You can search and find clubs you can join; it’s a good idea to search on yahoo. If you are really desperate you can also go to the junkyard. Though it will be like looking for a needle in a hay stack, but it’s worth a shot. You can either visit or phone to see if they have the part. But the more you take care of your car the less you’ll need to go running around looking for parts, and the more you actually enjoy your car.
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