Nitrogen : Hot Air in My Head or in My Tires

So whats all this fuss about filling your tires about nitrogen? I am not a MythBuster but I have been researching because my boss asked me about this in the office.

The claim is that nitrogen filled tires require less filling because the nitrogen particles will not escape the rubber walls. Also that filling tires will preserve the life of the tire because it will not oxidize the tire belt inside the tire. Also the claim is that Motorsports teams use nitrogen to fill race cars.

What people fail to realize is that air is essential a fluid mixture of 78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen. So in essnce nitrogen comprises most of our air that we put in our tires. Nitrogen's atomic number is 7 and Oxygen's atomic number is 8. Both elements only come in N2 and O2 variations naturally in our environment. So they actually are 14 and 16 times bigger than a single Hydrogen molecule. If you notice Oxygen has a higher number, which means its bigger, which should mean that it escapes less through poruous rubber wall membrane. In terms of the belt oxidizing, maybe, but the sidewalls of tires usually crack first, and those have no steel belts. Motorsports teams do use nitrogen, but only becuase they can lug them around in pressurized tanks rather than lugging around a compressor for air. Also one reason why Motorsports teams use Nitrogen is becuase they know the exisitng pre-load and characteristics of a single gas than a heterogenous mixture.


Think about it.


Johnster the Monster

FLY ME TO THE MOON

As a kid, my cousin and I would go around and see cars with huge rear spoilers. I would ask him from time to time, "Why do they have those things on the back of their cars?" He would respond, "To fly to the moon, duh." Well that makes perfect sense. Here is a crash course for you car dummies out there.

A significant yet highly ignored external part for your car is the spoiler. Most would say that spoilers are only there for "show." Or for chicks to dig you. WRONG. (Well, maybe for some of us) Spoilers are implemented because it helps maintain balance when traveling at high velocity on a highly tuned vehicle. This aerodynamic mechanism enhances the stability be decreasing the lift and drag due to acceleration. In so, force pushing between the tires and the road surface are increased which in turn provides greater traction. It's all about control baby. (Just tell that to one of your many girlfriends, they will love it)

There are a plethora of spoilers you can choose from. All spoilers depend on what kind of tires you are running or what vehicle you are driving: there are wings, fronts, tailgate, cab or truck cap spoilers.

Here are a couple photos of some fun filled spoilers, enjoy.

"More Than Meets The Eye Part 3"

Transformers!!


In lieu of the up coming Transformers movie I bring to you my final installment of "More Than Meets The Eye". I give to you a list of ost of the Generation 1 Autobots and their alternate vehicle forms(that you and I remember). If I've missed any Autobots, please feel free to add them in the comments section. I'll do my best to check up on this blog and update it. Hope you enjoyed this series. I know I did. Hopefully the Transformers(in theaters July 4, 2007) will rock some box. I'm still going to watch it if it sucks anyways. I am an eighties-cartoon-loving-douche like that. Peace.

Optimus Prime - A cab over semi truck (most likely a Freightliner)
Ironhide - Nissan Vanette
Ratchet - Nissan Vanette
Prowl - Datsun 280ZX
Sunstreaker - Lamborghini Countach
Sideswipe - Lamborghini Countach
Skids - Honda City Turbo
Trailbreaker - Toyota Hilux
Wheeljack - Lancia Stratos Turbo
Jazz - Martini Porsche 935 Turbo
Cliffjumper - Porsche 924 Turbo
Hound - Mitsubishi J59
Mirage - Ligier JS11 Ford Formula 1 Racer
Bumblebee - Volkswagen Beetle
Smokescreen - Datsun 280ZX-R
Tracks - Chevrolet Corvette
Bluestreak - Datsun 280ZX
Grapple - Mitsubishi Crane Truck
Hot Rod - Modified Pontiac Firebird
Inferno - Mitsubishi-Fuso Fire Truck
Red Alert - Fire chief-styled Lamborghini Countach
Beachcomber - Dune Buggy
Brawn - Land Rover Defender
Windcharger - Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Streetwise(of the Protectobots) - Police modified Nissan 300ZX


~Ronski

The all new Haudi Civic A4

Caught!? Who bit off of who?

Recently came across this comparison and felt the need to share it with everybody.

Four doors, Four Cylinders??? Differences of $14,000?

Break the law, break the bank...

The great powers of California have decided that enough's enough; they're not going to tolerate law-breaking or law-bending from the mobilists of California anymore. If you felt that fines and punishments for breaking the laws of driving in CA were hard, these fines will make you drive like a 100 year old lady (please, no ageism remarks).

(New California Laws effective 7/1/07)

New Driving Fines for 2007

1. Carpool lane - 1st time $1068.50 starting 7/1/07 (The $271 posted
on the highway is old). Don't do it again because 2nd time is going to be
double. 3rd time triple, and 4th time license suspended.

2. Incorrect lane change - $380. Don't cross the lane on solid lines or intersections.

3. Block intersection - $485

4. Driving on the shoulder - $450

5. Cell phone use in the construction zone. - Double fine as of 07/01/07.
Cell phone use must be "hands free" while driving.

6. Passengers over 18 not in their seatbelts - both passengers and drivers get tickets .

7. Speeders can only drive 3 miles above the limit.

8. DUI = JAIL (Stays on your driving record for 10 years!)

9. As of 07/01/07 cell phone use must be "hands free" while driving.
Ticket is $285. They will be looking for this like crazy - easy money for police department.

So, drive safely and drive a little more restrictive than you have before. If your wallet is huge and these fines don't mean much, the time you waste dealing with these fines and tickets will be enough for you to drive a little "tighter."

-Rack of Lam

The Importance of the Strut Bar

So you might think strut bars are pretty pieces of metal that make your engine bay and trunk look cool. You're right they do but they actually make your car perform better. Yay!!!

One great place to learn about strut bars is

http://www.e30m3performance.com/myths/Strutbar_Theory/strut_bar_theory.htm

Dr. Gustave Goes is a Mechanical/Physics Engineer at UCLA, which means he really knows his stuff. He states that strut bars probably work in compression and tension of the strut bars.



He states that compression in the bar could be from going in a straight line, and that the car whill sag into itself naturally. The tension forces can be from taking a corner resulting in the stryt towers moving away from each other in time.

PARENTS BEWARE!

Are you a parent or a babysitter? Well this law may pertain to you.

Starting July 1st,, there will be a penalty if you leave a child under the age of 6 unattended in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes. This misdemeanor crime could sentence violators up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.



Just wanted to keep you folks in the know.




-THAI SPYCE

"The Beginnings of Honda"

Honda or Honda Giken K

Manual or Stick shift?

Hold the gas pedal down and watch the tach zip to 4000 rpm and view a perfect launch.

BMW's SMG Transmission faster than a human being with a manual?

Being an electrohydraulically controlled manual 6 speed gear box will it perform better.
With driver modes that can be switched to control different aggressive behaviors, it seems to be the best of both worlds right?

No clutch, and shifting, what could anyone ask for?

Unfortunately in my opinion this expensive, yet cheap in comparison to similar systems available by Ferrari, falls quite short of being a manual tranmission. It also unfortunately led to the mediocrity that become the M5 with the lack of manual gear box.

In conclusion, yes the gearbox is faster than most human beings on this Earth, except for a few very talented drivers, i think it takes away from the purity of the drive.

So go manual guys, or go home....

P.S. Rack of Lam, let the clutch out slowly. but don't ride it.

Longevity

I've always wondered about those classic cars that become considered priceless in the present-day. For instance, the people who were in their prime during the first releases of these cars (such decades as the 50s,60s, etc.) couldn't have known that 50+ years from then, what they used as their daily driver would be considered relic. Recently, I came across old 80s magazines that had advertisements for "new" cars which we would consider today in 2007 as "hoopties." Not to say that these cars have not passed the tests of longevity but 2-3 decades seems like not a sufficient test of value. So, how can we know what we're driving today won't be considered priceless decades and decades from now? How do we know that the Honda, the Mercedes, or even the Lamborghini that we drive would actually be sought after by car collectors of the future? I came across a pretty interesting article where an insurance agency surveyed thousands of their clients to see which cars they expect will have the most value 20-50+ years from now. Kind of surprising, I must say.

1. Dodge Viper

2007 sticker price: $86K
2057 prediction: $257K-$429K



2. Mini Cooper

2007 sticker price: $19K
2057 prediction: $56K-$93K



3. Toyota FJ Cruiser

2007 sticker price: $22K
2057 prediction: $66K-$110K



4. Scion xB

2007 sticker price: $14K
2057 prediction: $42K-$70K



5. Jaguar XK

2007 sticker price: $75K
2057 prediction: $225K-$374K



Individually, all these cars represent their maker's innovation in design, extravagance, yet with a great degree of practicality. I'll see you in the 2050s and we'll see how these predictions pan out. Until then, have a good one...

-Rack of Lam

2007 HONDA CIVIC TOUR

This year, Fall Out Boy will be headlining the concert and tickets are available on the site, www.civictour.honda.com or on www.ticketmaster.com.

Fall Out Boy is also giving away their own customized Honda Civic Hybrid. You can enter to win on the website.







Here are the remaining dates for the concert:


June 14, 2007
Atlanta, GA
Hi Fi Buys Amphitheater

June 15, 2007
Tampa, FL
Ford Amphitheater

June 16, 2007
West Palm Beach, FL
Sound Advice Amphitheater

June 18, 2007
Houston, TX
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion

June 19, 2007
Dallas, TX
Smirnoff Music Centre

June 20, 2007
San Antonio, TX
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

June 22, 2007
Phoenix, AZ
Cricket Pavillion

June 23, 2007
Los Angeles, CA
The Forum

June 24, 2007
Las Vegas, NV
The Pearl

June 25, 2007
Salt Lake City, UT
The E Center

June 27, 2007
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Dome

June 28, 2007
Vancouver, BC
Pacific Coast Coliseum


June 29, 2007
Portland, OR
The Rose Garden Arena

June 30, 2007
Concord, CA
Sleep Train Pavilion

July 1, 2007
San Diego, CA
Coors Amphitheater

July 2, 2007
Anaheim, CA
The Honda Center


-THAI SPYCE

"A Quick Origin"

Rallying, yeah that bad-ass driving sport where fans wait hours upon hours(sometimes in the rain) only to catch a few seconds of some fantastic driving. Rallying or rally racing a form of motor competition that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars. Rallying motorsport is distinguished by running not on a circuit, but instead in a point-to-point format in which participants and their co-drivers drive between set control points(stages), leaving at regular intervals from one or more start points. Rallies may be won by pure speed within the stages or through a timed trial.

It was fairly hard for me to find the true origins of rallying. It definately started in Europe. It seems that the sport has roots in both France and Italy. The term 'rallying' first came to use from the first Monte Carlo Rally of January 1911, but the term didn't come to full usage until the late 1920s.

Apparently, rallying itself can be traced back to the 1894 Paris-Rouen Horseless Carriage Competition (Concours des Voitures sans Chevaux) the first automobile race in history, sponsored by a Paris newspaper, Le Petit Journal(1863-1944), which attracted considerable public interest and entries from leading manufacturers. Prizes were awarded to the vehicles by a jury based on the reports of the observers who rode in each car; the joint winners were Panhard et Levassor and Peugeot, two companies still in business today. Another source says that Count Jules de Dion on a De Dion-Bouton won the race. I'm not sure which statement is correct. Please feel free to comment on and clarify the confusion. Peaceness.


~Ronski

Fastest 0-60MPH!!!

What car has the fastest 0-60MPH? Top speed is all over the place but who's going to beat you light to light?
There are many phenomenal cars out there but whats going to roast people?
Well here is a pretty extensive list of some of the most impressively quick fast cars out there. Some are so fast it may give a motorcycle a run for its money!

2.6 - 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans
2.7 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Concept
2.7 - 2000 Dodge Hennessey Viper Venom 800TT
2.7 - 1999 Leblanc Caroline
2.7 - 1993 Dauer 962 Le Mans
2.8 - 1996 Renault Espace F1
2.9 - 1991 Audi Avus Quattro
2.9 - 1997 Callaway C7 Corvette
2.9 - 1997 Dodge Viper GTS-R
3.0 - 2003 Bugatti 16/4 Veyron
3.1 - 2006 Mosler
3.1 - 1995 Ford GT-90
3.1 - 1993 Jaguar XJR-15
3.1 - 1998 Koenigsegg CC
3.1 - 1991 Lotec C1000
3.1 - 1991 McLaren F1
3.1 - 1995 Yamaha OX99-11
3.2 - 2002 Koenigsegg CC 8S
3.2 - 1992 Bugatti EB110 SS
3.2 - 1996 Quadraduce
3.3 - 1997 McLaren F1
3.3 - 2001 Saleen S7
3.3 - 1987 Vector Avtech WX3
3.4 - 1992 Bugatti EB110 GT
3.4 - 1985 Koenig Competition Evolution
3.4 - 1994 Schuppan 962CR
3.4 - 1987 Westfield SEI
3.4 - 1997 Dodge Viper Venom 600 GTS
3.5 - 2002 Pagani Zonda C12-S 7.3
3.5 - 2002 FERRARI ENZO
3.6 - 2002 Lamborghini Murci

Hollywooding

Let me let you readers into a little knowledge about me: Rack of Lam is really into films. There are certain film genres I have a penchant for given my different moods but there are always a couple of staples. One of them are action films with cool cars. If you share this same interest as me, I thought I'd do the blogging world a justice by providing a small list of movies that should be watched that have cool sequences with equally cool cars.

1. The Italian Job

Not the Mark Wahlberg remake (the easily forgotten one) but rather the '69 version where cool British blokes perform crazy stunts in original Mini Coopers in their heist for gold. Another cool cameo in this movie is the Lamborghini Miura.



2. Bullitt

Starring the "King of Cool" himself, Steve McQueen, Bullitt has one of the coolest car chase scene (which is regarded as THE definitive car chase scene in cinema). Steve McQueen is just a cool motherf'er in this film and the testosterone level in this movie makes you feel proud to be a man (and if this is a female reading this, then your knowledge of this film will alone make you a hot commodity). The highlights of this film are the '68 Mustang GT 390 and '68 Charger.



3. American Graffiti

A few years before George Lucas released his globally renowned Star Wars series, he made this film called American Graffiti that was probably his best before Star Wars. The film had a well-rounded cast, which included Ron Howard and Harrison Ford, and really showed the fanaticism of hot rods in the '60s. The film follows four friends in CA as they hang out, cause trouble, and drag race. The highlight cars of this movie are the '32 Ford and the '55 and '58 Chevys.



4. Smokey and the Bandit

In 1977, the cinema world had a cloud casted over it by Stars Wars, which dominated every other movie in revenue that year. The second-highest grossing film that year was Smokey and the Bandit starring Burt Reynolds, probably at his best. The movie is simply about a Coors pickup and dropoff in Atlanta, which was illegal back then, and showed the adventures of Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed (and later picking up Sally Field) in their attempt to smuggle an 18-wheeler full of Coors beer. Just a super cool movie that features the now-iconic car, the '77 Trans Am.



Even though these films are decades old, they're classics so go to your closest video store and make it a blockbuster night.

-Rack of Lam

Biodiesel the new alternative fuel?

Biodiesel a great new fuel alternative made of out of the same oil that cooks your french fries, chicken, chitlings, apple pies, and other delicious fried foods that you eat while crying at home. This fuel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and produce 60% less carbon dioxide than the conventional petroleum based diesel. Pretty much you can take your dead-beat uncles diesel Toyota pick up truck, replace some fuel lines, and run biodiesel. It will make those trips to Las Vegas looking for girls much cheaper.

Biodiesel is great because it is considered a renewable energy source, surplus corn and grain can be converted to biodiesel. It can be made from animals fats, algae, and common restaurant greases that have clogged your cousin-in-laws arteries.

The great thing about bio-diesel is that you can make it at home. Yay! All you need to really do is great a home titration lab kit, and many anti-reactive containers to mix the stuff up in your basement/garage. Oil/grease from restaurants is free and a byproduct of this stuff is glyercerin, which you can use to clean and whiten your teeth. YAY!

So the new future for cars might smell like french fries and delciousness, think about it.


Johnster

SPEED RACER 2008 FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS!

The infamouse Mach 5 pictured above

Ok we got the Wachowski Brothers (V for Vendetta and the Matrix series) directing Speed Racer? Oh hell yeah. But forget Speed Racer it was all about Racer X. I know every single one of y

"More Than Meets The Eye Part 2"

Ironhide (Rhino in Canada, Falco in Italy) was apparently a toy way before the Transformers generation one toyline ever began. Ironhide(before he was Ironehide the Transformer toy) was a transforming robot designed by Diaclone Toys that was to be a robot that was driven by a pilot. The Ironhide toy by Diaclone Toys as opposed to the Ironhide that we all know (a self-aware, dynamic, automaton) actually came with a tiny pilot to be placed in the seat. That's why the Ironhide toy that you and I have looks nothing like the the Ironhide on the cartoon(but I'm not sure about the comics). To compinsate for the lack of a head, the repackaged toy was given a sticker that resembled a face, which was already placed onto the toy before you opened the package. This same concept also applied to the autobot named Rachet; you know the paramedic one.

From what I can figure, the Ironhide figure was based on the Nissan Vanette which was introduced in 1981 as the Nissan Sunny-Vanette, and exported as the Datsun C20 (later the Nissan C20) in North America and the Datsun Vanette (later Nissan Vanette) elsewhere. And on a final note, it was called a 'vanette' because the term mini-van was not yet in the American vernacular until 1984 when Dodge released its first Caravan.

"Nissan Vanette"

"Ironhide"


~Ronski

Flex Fuel? What the heck is that?

Flex fuel?
Starting to see it around huh?

But what is it?
Flex fuel vehicles are made to operate on either gasoline or a blend of ethanol (E85)
Except for limited changes made to the fuel system, these are nearly identical to their only gasoline counterpart.

With no loss in performance when operating on E85. But a downfall is that ethanol does not have as much energy per gallon as regular gasoline. Meaning you will get less miles per gallon on ethanol. Approximately 20-30%.

What to do when you have too much money...

"Money can't buy you taste"; I think this aphorism is one of the most truest of all when it comes to consumerism. A lot of people have the misconception that the more you spend and the more lavish the thing you're spending your money on, the "better" your taste is. Now, this isn't always true in every case. In fact, I've found that it's rarely true. Case in point, celebrities. Celebrities make a whole lot of money which means that they have spending power at their will. I've found that celebrities usually buy whatever has the best name or most popular. The most prevalent of these things is when celebrities spend their money on are their cars. I've compiled a list of some of celebrities' cars and I want you to tell me what you think. You might be surprised, entertained, or downright disgusted.

1. Fabio's Lamborghini Gallardo (approx. $300K)

Everyone's favorite romance novel poster boy is currently selling margarine to fund this beauty. I hope Mr. Lanzoni didn't get the roadster spyder because he doesn't do well when having his head out in the open, especially around a flock of birds ;)



2. Frankie Muniz's Maserati (approx. $85K)

From what I hear of the cars that Frankie Muniz owns, I personally think his taste is very good for a guy his age. I just think a kid his age shouldn't have as many cars as he does, as well as the caliber of the cars. But that might be jealously talking :)



3. Scott Storch's Bugatti Veyron (approx. $1M)

Alright. This car costs more than $1M. Money might not be able to buy taste but I'm willing to lose some taste buds with this car. Look...you might even get a Lindsay Lohan with your purchase. She has all the hookups.



4. Ray J's Lamborghini Gallardo (approx. $300K)

The man had "one wish" and it might've been this beauty. Ray J has it pretty easy...sex tape w/ Kim Kardashian, he's a musician, and he had sex w/ Kim Kardashian. I guess with all these pros, the con of being known solely as "Brandy's brother" might get a little irritating.



5. Ryan Seascrest's Aston Martin DB9 (approx. $180K)

America's favorite metrosexual's sexual orientation might be in the air but he can probably go both ways with this car.


6. K-Fed's Ferrari 360 Spyder (approx. $160K)

Okay, so his wife's a little nuts, he's talentless, and he's pretty much a loser...but he's the American dream for a lot of American men out there. This car might have something to do with it.



A lot of these cars go without saying as far as taste go. IMO, I think taste goes into more than just a high price tag. Either way, these celebrities are throwing some $$$ around.

-Rack of Lam

Mahle Pistons : Not your ordinary Wiseco Piston

People in the import car industry love to talk about their "built" motor and how they have used exotic materials from this company and that. I myself am not impressed when people start dropping names of piston companies at all. The only name that makes me shutter for pistons is Mahle. Most people usually don't know anything are about Mahle pistons, because they indeed are a league of their own. Now you're probably thinking that I don't know anything because Cosworth makes some damn fine pistons. You're probably right about me not knowing much, but Mahle purchased Cosworth Technologies along with Clevite to form Mahle Powertrains, so now I got you!

These pistons are used extensively for racing purpoes such as Moto GP, Formula Atlantic, Dodge Viper, Corvette, and Porsche Motors. Seems since they are a German Company, Porsche would only use the finest that their company has to offer Mahle.

Mahle started making pistons since 1921, and were the first to make aluminum alloy pistons available for race applications. In fact they are so well trusted they are spec'd as OEM for many companies. One of their manufacturing facilities is located in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Volkswagen has a engine building facility there as well. So you can do the math.



How about a phosphate coating to reduce friction on the piston landing as well as the skirt for technology?