If there's one thing we like about Eric, it's his brutally honest feedback...if not, feedback that's just plain brutal. Despite what your teacher's told you, yes there is such a thing as a dumb question. And in flavor of the Old Testament, a dumb question deserves the questioner, to be verbally pwn'd. And hey, better from someone who actually knows what he's talking about than some online "mechanic". For braving Eric's comments, Motovicity is kicking down $250 worth of Samco hoses to keep you cool this summer.
www.samcosport.com/usa
Question Of The Month
I've enjoyed reading your column in 2NR, and I have a question, since you work with Cosworth. Which 272 cams will give me good mid-range horsepower from 3,500-7,500 rpm for my EVO? I know there are many cams out there on the market, but which setup is best for drag racing?
--Davidvia importtuner.com
You said that you want a mid-range power increase from 3,500-7,500 rpm, but also mentioned your setup was for drag racing, which should be more in the 5,500-8,000 rpm range. Regardless, if you want a complete package, the Cosworth M2 272 camshafts will give you significant horsepower gains from 2,000-8,000 rpm. If you plan on road racing or other sustained, high-rpm use, I recommend the Cosworth High Rev single valve spring kit--they retain the super lightweight factory aluminum retainers and are conical for low mass.
Prelude Newbie
I recently bought a '98 Honda Prelude as my first import and I would like to improve its horsepower. I'm curious as to what parts I should buy first, and what brands are low-budget, but good in terms of performance. Also, what are some things I could do to improve its appearance to make it a little more stylish?
--Robvia importtuner.com
Go with the basics first: exhaust, intake, header, and maybe a VTEC controller. I prefer products from the larger companies who have their own engineering departments and R&D facilities such as A'PEXi, HKS, AEM, K&N, GReddy, etc. The larger, more established companies are usually recognized with developing quality products that work and provide good after-sales support. As for style, that's something you'll have to figure out for yourself. Pick up magazines with Preludes in them, browse the Internet, or check out the Honda forums for specific styling ideas.
Mustang Killer
I have a '92 Acura Vigor with a very tired 2.5L power plant. I bought another engine from an auto dismantler and want to build a nice daily driver that can also chew up my dad's 5.0L Mustang, but I've come across the dilemma of browsing online for months without finding any aftermarket upgrades for Vigors. I could go and build an Integra, but I'd just fall into the typical Honda crowd.
--Richardvia importtuner.com
The Vigor is a big, heavy sedan. While it's not impossible to smoke a 5.0L Mustang, it will take a substantial amount of work. There isn't much aftermarket support for the Vigor, so chances are you'll need to fabricate and develop everything yourself. If you're up to the task and have the time and money, why not start with a more able platform with more support? Everybody builds Integras for a reason: the results can be awesome.
Evo Troubleshooting
I own a '91 240SX Super Hicas with an SR20DET engine swap. I finished my swap and everything was working perfect, until three weeks later, when I was driving in the rain and the car turned off. After re-starting the car, it turned back on and seemed to run. The next morning, I went to start the car and the engine started shaking and backfiring. I have spark going to all four pistons and the injectors sound like they are firing. When I disconnected the plugs one at a time, the sound of the engine changes (fewer cylinders firing) but when I disconnect the fourth plug wire the sound doesn't change. From what I can tell, only three cylinders are firing. What do you think it could be? How can I fix it?
--Eduardo Leonvia importtuner.com
It sounds like a fried coil or faulty wiring to cylinder four. Try swapping parts out and tracing all wiring related to cylinder four. You seem to have the basic diagnostic skills already. Use them.