StarTuned August 2013
In this issue: Let’s Get Into Gear; SDS Evolves: XENTRY; Aluminum: From Bauxite to Beautiful; Understanding Mercedes-Benz Brakes
Nissan Power Door Lock Diagnosis
Diagnosing and servicing power door lock problems is not an everyday task, but knowing how to handle such issues when they arise will make your life a lot easier.
Bring the Heat: Welding
Welding: It’s a matter of focus and staying relevant.
Understanding Mercedes-Benz Brakes
Where safety is concerned, what’s more important than brakes? And now, of course, lots of sophisticated electronics are involved in stopping a vehicle. We need to keep up to speed on the systems that help cars slow down, yet not lose sight of the basics.
the bimmer pub august 2013
In this issue: Welding; Tires; Mechatronics Transmission; Battery Draw
Nissan Continuous Valve Timing Control Systems (CVTCS)
Before Continuous Valve Timing Systems, engineers had to make a choice – optimize valve timing for a smooth efficient idle; optimize for top end power; or, most often, compromise somewhere in the middle, losing some efficiency on both ends.
Aluminum: From Bauxite to Beautiful
Working with this light metal in collision repair isn’t really more difficult than working with steel. It’s just different. Learn how to deal with those differences in a professional manner and you’l be ready when an aluminum-intensive Mercedes-Benz rolls into your shop.
SDS Evolves: XENTRY
Using a sophisticated self-diagnostic system makes your life a lot easier provided you know the exact options and systems the car actually has. That’s where XENTRY comes in.
Nissan Suspension Struts – Back to Basics
Struts are integral to most Nissan suspension designs. Let’s explore the basic methods of testing and inspecting their operation on the road and in the bay, what to tell potential customers.
Let’s Get Into Gear
Whether it’s the government mandating higher fuel economy standards, or customers demanding greater performance and smooth shifting, Mercedes-Benz has always risen to the challenge. For almost a decade, 7G-Tronic transmissions have been an important part of that response, so they are starting to require service. Here’s what you need to know.
HOT ROD Professional August 2013
Welcome to the HOT ROD Professional premiere issue!
Setting Up Your Shop
For every person who wants to start building race cars, there is a different style of getting the job done…We’re not going to tell you which is better, but we will share with you what we’ve done ourselves. And, we’ll cheerfully tell you that we’ll be doing it differently in two months because, just like you, we’re still learning and improving…With that, let’s explore some of the things we’ve learned and you can sort through them and see if any of them will work for you in your shop.
Creature Comforts: Bluetooth Pairing, GPS, On-Board Screen Reminders and More…
Learn about quickly taking care of “non-essential” items that may hold high value to customers.
Let’s go racin’, boys (and girls)! To the NASCAR Hall of Fame…
Let’s face it. There are museums, and then there are museums. And then there are a handful of sites that are so much more than museums that they are actually their own little universe, focused on a particular subject, event, or sport.
Kids Into Karts: Getting Involved in Motorsports
The love of motorsports starts early. With some kids, all it takes is the sight of a racing machine on the course. The grin gives them away.
Variable Valve Timing and Performance Applications Part I: Cam Selection
Lots and lots of critical questions, and you’ll need your sharpest wits and the advice of the cam grinders to answer them accurately
Frankenfuel: Reformulated Gasoline and Vintage Vehicles
Gasoline ain’t what it used to be, and it’s only going to get worse. Here, Henry gives us an intro to a tuning topic that’s often overlooked, with more installments to follow
Finish Line: Wandering Fulminations on Performance: Begin With the End in Mind
If you’re like a lot of mechanics I’ve known, you’ve probably circled the brave new world of performance engine and race car building like a shark at a shipwreck since first discovering internal combustion. Come on in… the water’s fine!
Starting Line
…one of the things HRP is intended to do is alter our consciousness.
The Stuff You See
Our man Greg relates some egregious examples of the things that can be done wrong during the building of a high-performance engine. You’ll learn a lot of interesting stuff here.
Showcase: Born From Joe Gibbs Racing – Driven Racing Oil
Developed from racing experience and with performance-oriented professionals and enthusiasts in mind, the company has sought to fill the lubrication needs of those in the motorsports arena.