team3s             Tuesday, March 13 2001             Volume 01 : Number 433




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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 06:50:23 -0500
From: <profilevr4@3000gtvr4.net>
Subject: Team3S: Worn valve guides or bad turbo's?

My 95 VR-4 has a problem where the car will smoke after idling then
moving.(i.e stopping at a light, then moving when it turns green.) It is
usually a puff of blueish smoke so I've determined it is oil. Again this
only happens I've idled for a bit. However when driving, there are no signs
of smoke.

Compression test done on my car has shown good compression in all cylinders,
so I have ruled out the possibility of worn rings or valve seals.

After doing some research, I have found that my problem may be  worn valve
guides. I was certain this was my problem since I've learned this is a
common problem in our cars, and my car seemed to have the symptoms. With
98,000 miles on my car I wouldn't be surprised.

But, after doing some more research I found a post from someone who swore he
had worn guides also, but it turned out to be one of his turbo's. He said
oil in the i/c pipes was a clear indication of this and that replacement of
his turbo's solved his problem.

There happens to be oil in my i/c piping also. Now what I'm trying to do is
find out what exactly is causing me to smoke after idling, before I spend
major $$$ and reduce the chance of fixing the wrong thing.

 Anyone have any suggestions/ideas?

One last thing, suppose it is the valve guides. Would I be able to just pull
the head off and send it to a machine shop to get the guides fixed? Also
I've heard something about the clearances for the guides being too big?  If
so what do I do to remedy?


Thanks in advance,
Michael Bulaon


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 08:52:55 -0000
From: "Sam Shelat" <sshelat@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Basics

I get the best gas mileage if I stay about 3000rpm at 0-vacuum.  6th gear on
a vette will give you best results at speeds over 80 and you are sitting at
a low 2000 something rpm, but I believe you get better mileage if the rpm is
at the point where the engine is making lots of torque.  6th gear at 70 or
80 in my car will give me 25% less gas mileage then 5th at about 3000rpm.  I
just assumed it had something to do with being on the threshold of boosting,
but not enough to need that extra amount of fuel that running 10-15 psi is
like.

Sam
- -----Original Message-----
From: cody <overclck@starband.net>
To: Ken Stanton <tt007ken@yahoo.com>
Cc: Team3S <team3s@mail.stealth-3000gt.st>
Date: Thursday, March 08, 2001 4:13 AM
Subject: RE: Team3S: Basics


>In other words - you are trying to say that like a transmission - there is
>an initial power loss through the internals of the engine, and with vacuum
>the loss can be more - so a car making more than idle type power will have
a
>better efficiency per volume of fuel to output HP.  But this is also just
>engine efficiency - we also need to mention that we are talking about fuel
>economy and wind resistance and such...  Conserving as much gas - not
trying
>to get the most HP per volume fuel.
>
>Maybe thats why those smaller engine cars have some higher gas milage
>ratings - cause they have to use more of their available power output,
>therefore being closer to the optimum engine speed for the most efficient
hp
>to fuel ratio.
>
>At what point does the engine start losing efficiency - At what RPM that
>is???
>Am I making sense???
>
>-Cody
>
>
>#Matt (and all)
>#
>#You are quite close with your theory, but off on one point.  I am
>#working on a
>#project that takes advantage of this part of engine theory, and
>#can contribute
>#here.
>#You said that max vacuum would be the ideal fuel efficiency point.
># I agree that
>#that the least amount of air consumes the least amount of fuel, however
max
>#vacuum is not true.  Actually, vacuum is a force that the engine
>#creates, and in
>#doing so does work.  This work is a very large drag force on the
>#engine, and
>#sacrafices efficiency.  The best efficiency is actually when the engine is
>#operating at minimum vacuum, or closest to WOT.  Now DON'T take
>#this to mean
>#that WOT is the best way to get efficiency (legal disclaimer), but
>#that is the
>#effect.  Think of a Geo Metro or other 4-cylinder - still doing
>#the same work to
>#push the car x speed, but the throttle has to be more open to get
>#there.  This
>#amounts to less engine drag, and more efficiency.  We're talking 10-15%
>#efficiency with that drag alone.  *sigh* That's enough for tonight, I hope
>#there's more discussion on this!! =)
>
>
>***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 08:13:24 -0500
From: "Schilberg, Darren" <DSchilberg@freemarkets.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Coolant Reserve Tank

The second tube (I have pix if you want them) hangs out the front of the
overflow tank (the white plastic tank just behind the left fan) and vents to
the ground.  This is when the overflow tank overflows.  I have a VR-4 but
the tanks should be in the same place.

The overflow tank is lower than the fill spout (up to the left of the plenum
a bit) so all overflow drains downward.  Then any overflow from the overflow
drains downward.  Yes it just hangs there.

I suggest if you don't want to stain your driveway from this dripping
overflow on hot or cold days then install a simple peanut butter jar catch
can.  I have seen leaks from my car recently and it is not overflowing and
not leaking so I'm having trouble finding the cause.  Small drips that a $3
bottle a month can take care of are mindless anyway.

- --Flash!
1995 VR-4

- -----Original Message-----
From: AABOMB1@aol.com [mailto:AABOMB1@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 11:32 PM
To: Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st; stealth@dragnet.com; stealth-d@starnet.net
Subject: Team3S: Coolant Reserve Tank


Hello list members. I'm sure this is a stupid question, but I will ask
anyway:

On the coolant reserve tank, there are two pipes connected to the cap. One
of
them comes from the engine to it can vacuum out more coolant if the engine
is
low. The other one is just hanging out on my car. I'm assuming that this
other pipe is supposed to be hanging out so it can dump out any extra
coolant
- --- am I right about this? Is it just supposed to be hanging out or is it
supposed to be connected to something?

Thank You.


'94 3000 GT (Naturally Aspirated DOHC)
AA

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 09:08:06 -0500
From: Jeff.A.Williamson@jci.com
Subject: Team3S: Active Aero - Thanks and Question

Some time back, there was a thread on the Active Aero system concerning the
rear spoiler. One of you (either Ken or Bob I think) suggested that the 2
micro-switches on the cam gear should be suspect and replaced first, before
spending big bucks at a dealer for a new motor assy. My rear spoiler has
been working intermittently for some time now. It would go up and not come
down until a couple days of driving. So this weekend, I went to Radio Shack
and picked up 2 switches for $1.99 each, installed them and --- whoa ---
problem solved! Thanks to person who suggested this as a fix.

On a related issue, the front spoiler is stuck in the down position. This
happened as I was driving. It went up and down fine several times during
the trip, then got stuck in the down position and the AERO warning light
came on. Now the warning light comes on any time the car is started, and
front spoiler is still stuck down. The rear spoiler works fine until the
car is started and the warning light comes on. I removed the access panels
under the front spoiler to access the shaft and levers that operate the
front spoiler. I lubricated them heavily with WD40. I tried to manually
move the linkages but couldn't. With the key in the OFF position, I pressed
the Active Aero switch off and on several times, and the rear spoiler works
fine, but the front spoiler still does not move. What is the next step?
What should I be looking for?

Thanks,

Jeff W.
Belleville, MI
'92 VR4


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 08:49:47 -0600
From: "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Active Aero - Thanks and Question

You are talking about the front air dam (not spoiler).  Have you recently
run over a curb or something?  You need to take off the whole front air dam
and look for damage.  The motor is on the passender side with a linkage to
the driver's side.  WD40 is not the lubricant of choice for this stuff -
more like all purpose grease would be better.  There's a bracket near the
motor that can bend over and cause an interference.   You can have someone
activate the switch with the air dam off so you can observe the motor and
linkage mechanism.  Good luck.

Chuck

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff.A.Williamson@jci.com [SMTP:Jeff.A.Williamson@jci.com]
> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 8:08 AM
> To: team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
> Subject: Team3S: Active Aero - Thanks and Question
>
> Some time back, there was a thread on the Active Aero system concerning
> the
> rear spoiler. One of you (either Ken or Bob I think) suggested that the 2
> micro-switches on the cam gear should be suspect and replaced first,
> before
> spending big bucks at a dealer for a new motor assy. My rear spoiler has
> been working intermittently for some time now. It would go up and not come
> down until a couple days of driving. So this weekend, I went to Radio
> Shack
> and picked up 2 switches for $1.99 each, installed them and --- whoa ---
> problem solved! Thanks to person who suggested this as a fix.
>
> On a related issue, the front spoiler is stuck in the down position. This
> happened as I was driving. It went up and down fine several times during
> the trip, then got stuck in the down position and the AERO warning light
> came on. Now the warning light comes on any time the car is started, and
> front spoiler is still stuck down. The rear spoiler works fine until the
> car is started and the warning light comes on. I removed the access panels
> under the front spoiler to access the shaft and levers that operate the
> front spoiler. I lubricated them heavily with WD40. I tried to manually
> move the linkages but couldn't. With the key in the OFF position, I
> pressed
> the Active Aero switch off and on several times, and the rear spoiler
> works
> fine, but the front spoiler still does not move. What is the next step?
> What should I be looking for?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff W.
> Belleville, MI
> '92 VR4
>
>
> ***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 09:29:03 -0800
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: Team3S: Here's what's up with GAB shocks/struts:

- -----------------from shox.com----------------------
Dear Shox.com Customer,

Thank you for your recent order.  The total amount billed
to your credit card, including all applicable taxes and
shipping charges is $0

    We are sorry to say that we can not fill your order for GAB.The importer
we have been using is not shipping anything out for about a month.They may
not resume. If you would like to check back with us around the end on the
month I'll be happy to check in with them on this.
- ----------------------------------------------------


- --------------from cyberauto.com--------------------
Thanks for writing!  Unfortunately, everyone is having this problem with
GAB.  Their main distributor just went belly up and it is going to be at
least 4-6 weeks until we are able to get GAB again.  Please check back with
us.  If you're not dead set on GAB, we carry KYB and in case you didn't
know, KYB makes GAB then puts their name on it and charges more!
- ----------------------------------------------------



"If you're not dead set on GAB, we carry KYB and in case you didn't
know, KYB makes GAB then puts their name on it and charges more!"

I'm gonna check on that...  is that right?  Can't be...


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 18:40:26 +0000
From: Gordon Tyrrell <gordon.tyrrell@openet-int.com>
Subject: Team3S: Blitz SBC-iD

It has come time to replace my stolen EVC IV boost controller.
I am looking at all options here but just saw the Blitz SBC-iD new controller
and it certainly sounds like it's the best one there.

Has anyone got any experience with it (I know it's new and all)???

What I need from a controller is:
1) Easy installation:
    There's bugger all specialist expertise in Ireland for tuning and the one
place I found to fit the EVC IV made a complete balls of it.

2) Easy setup:
    Most controllers seem to need you to work the wohle way through the
rev-range in 3rd gear to set the unit up. This isn't possible as the car is
Japanese import and restricted to 112mph.... Less than redline in 3rd.

3) Ability to have it shipped to Ireland

4) I want it NOW NOW NOW :)

Any advice appreciated.
Gordon
Dublin, Ireland
1993 Dark Grey Metallic VR4 (japanese import)



***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 15:47:48 EST
From: NassiriC@aol.com
Subject: Team3S: Do Octane Boosters Work?

Hi All,
I have a question about octane boosters - the kind you get in a bottle at the
auto store.  I'm working on an after-market turbo application and I'm
concerned about knock while I'm in the process of tuning and tweaking the
car.  I'd like to know if anyone has first hand experience with the
effectiveness of off-the-self octane boosters.  Do they really raise octane
noticeably?  Does anyone have any before-and-after testimonials or brand
recommendations.  I've heard some people say that you can raise 92-pump gas
to around 96 - 98 with a bottle or two - this is all I need to be safe.  I've
heard others say that you'll get only half a point at most - 92.5.  What's
the truth here?  Does anyone have any scientific data/facts?  I'd really like
to avoid having to buy race gas while I get the bugs worked out so any help
here would be greatly appreciated.

In case anyone's interested, I've put my VR-4 project on hold for a while -
my fiancée bought a new Miata, imagine my delight when I found out you can
turbo charge these little cars and make up to 300 streetable crank hp with no
internal modifications.  Long story short my fiancée is now driving a turbo
charged Miata.  These little motors can take 15 psi with all stock internals
(9.5:1 compression).  My best run on the dyno so far was 239 wheel HP @ 13
psi - that was without any tuning!  I'm trying to get it up to 15 psi, but I
get indications of high speed knock, most people say 15 psi should be no
problem with the Miata motor, so until if figure out what's causing knock, I
want to play it safe and boost the octane.

The Miata list was no help on this subject, just a lot of anecdotal stories
about a friend of a friend that put a bottle of 104+ in their car and it now
makes 200 more HP ...... this is why I'm asking you guys, I know I'll get a
real answer here.

If I have to run racing fuel, does anyone have any recommendations on a
convenient/cheap source located in the SF Bay Area - East bay would be nice.

BTW - my g-tech gives me a 0 - 60 of 5.3 seconds with a LOT of wheel spin in
1st and 2nd gear (still on stock tires), no quarter mile times yet.

Thanks in advance
Cyrus

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

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End of team3s V1 #433
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