Eric Hsu Facts:
Who is Eric Hsu, and what is he doing answering your tech questions? Most of you will be familiar with the HKS CT230R time-attack EVO VIII, and its standing Buttonwillow lap record of a 1:43.523, clocked at Super Lap Battle Finals in '07, which the likes of Tomei/Voltex, Cobb, AMS, and FX Motorsports have been unable to beat. Well, Sierra Sierra's infamous EVO VIII, stuffed with Cosworth schwag and tuned in part by Eric Hsu, recently ran an "unofficial" lap time of 1:42. around Buttonwillow, in the practice session of an unrelated event. It's a safe bet he knows how to answer that question you have about Civic engine swaps.
questionit@importtuner.com
Drive-By-Wire Advantage
I currently own an '04 Honda S2000 and can't figure out why Honda decided to update the car to a drive-by-wire (DBW) system in '06. I previously owned an '07 GTI which used a DBW system, and despised the horrible delay when stabbing the accelerator. I know there are a few aftermarket companies offering support for DBW systems to improve throttle response time, but I'm more interested in the actual benefits.
-Jon Wolek
via importtuner.com
From an OEM standpoint, the benefits of using a DBW system are decreased cost and build time, due to the reduced number of components used. There's no throttle cable or throttle linkage, and factory workers don't need to install a cable through the firewall on the production line, or adjust the throttle cable, pedal, and linkage-all of which helps speed up production. Another added benefit, from the OE standpoint, is that the throttle can constantly be adjusted by the ECU so that the car will not require service adjustments at the dealership.
From a tuning standpoint, a DBW throttle has zero benefits with an un-tunable stock ECU, but with a powerful stand-alone ECU, like a Motec M400 or Pectel SQ6, a tuner has complete control over the throttle and can tune it to provide better drivability, increased traction, and reduced boost lag on a turbo engine. You may hate it now, but if that project car of yours ever gets really serious, you may learn to love it.
Hungry for Horsepower
I own an '06 Subaru Impreza 2.5i, but recently I've been considering trading it in for an '05 WRX. Before I do so, I was wondering if there are any upgrade parts for the 2.5i that will add horsepower that might persuade me to reconsider?
-Demetrius Rosa
Lansdale, PA
Bolt-on components like exhausts, intakes, etc. have potential to make some horsepower, but there's nothing like a turbo. Don't mess around with your naturally aspirated Impreza. Trade up to a turbocharged WRX and just get straight to the point.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
I own a '95 240SX with an SR20DET swap that sits at home while I serve in Iraq. The car currently has a Greddy intercooler, Blitz intake, HKS SSQV blow-off valve, Circuit Sports three-inch exhaust elbow, and Greddy Ti-C three-inch exhaust. The car is currently having the infamous VVT rattle on start-up. What's the best long-term solution for this problem without sacrificing the benefits of the VVT? Does Nissan have an update for this problem? I've searched a lot of forums without finding a definitive answer to this problem.
-Major Bill
Overseas
Have you tried using heavier viscosity engine oil? The thicker oil may help cure your rattling problems if your engine's internals are showing wear and tear due to high mileage. Another component that may help is an oil filter that uses a high-quality check valve, such as OE Nissan or Purolator oil filters. If those don't fix the problem, check your engine's valve lash. Worn valve train components, such as bad hydraulic lifters, can also be the culprit of VVT noise.