So why does anyone want or need an EFI Tuner? If someone wants to do any engine work or doesn’t care for their stock pipes then they have to reformulate the air/fuel ratio. The next question is which EFI tuner is the right EFI Tuner? Let’s get a little background:

News Flash or should one say Flash Tuner? Since 1999 one of the first EFI Harley-Davidson Road Glides required power upgrades; R & R stage III, 211 cam’s and SE slip on muffler. It was important to find an EFI live tuning source. The search for the right EFI tuner upgrades was heating up. At the time, the choice for aftermarket EFI tuner options was very limited. Extensive research and talking to dealers and performance shops across America plus reading every piece of information to guide someone though the mystery technical mind field, led to two conclusions; one, this is not an easy subject to master and two, this will NOT be a technical belief.

So what is this all about? Bikers that love the smell of chrome and the power from a V-Twin who also want to get the best bang for their buck. Eleven years and eight new EFI live tuners later, research is still being done to find the right EFI race tuner. A master of power at a performance shop recommended a remarkable company that they had been working with. The company has been a leader in this field of EFI Tuners. They did the work on the original Marelli EFI Injector writing the code for the ECU program codes that were necessary to keep the heart of the motorcycle pumping out the wonderful one potato two potato note.

So here is a list of the features and benefits to look for in the right EFI tuner:

EFI Tuner Comparisons
Dealer Flash, Aftermarket Flash, Piggyback, ECU Replacement/Auto Tune, ECU Delphi Tuners, Digital Technician, SuperChips, V&H Fuel Pak, Powercommander, Twin Fueler, Doebeck, TMAX, Daytona Twn Tec, S&S VFI, RevPerf Performance, Screamin Eagle Pro Super Tuner, TTS MasterTune, PowerVision, Direct Link

Piggyback Systems
Most of these systems only allow for fuel adjustment and they need to have the factory O2 sensors shutoff or eliminated. Why? They are going to have a “canned download” that then the fuel needs to be adjusted. The resolution of these systems is not the same that is in the Delphi on the bike. These systems cannot adjust all of the support tables like cranking fuel, warm up fuel, IAC position, idle rpm, accel, decel, throttle progressivity, no engine parameters. They either cannot do any ignition control or like a Power commander, a very limited amount.

ECU Replacement/Auto Tune
TMAX uses the Bosch LSU 4.2 wideband sensor. They have failed to give the utility for “free” air calibration of the O2 sensor. Overtime a TMAX with the uncalibrated sensor will tune itself out and the bike will run badly. Ignition curves have always been an issue. Software is cumbersome.

The Daytona system will work and will allow for “free” air calibration. They have always had trouble with start up and warm up and IAC function and control. Fuel control will be okay if the sensors are calibrated periodically. Ignition will be a problem without a dyno.

S&S VFI with Auto Tune seems to work. Ignition is an issue. Warm up and start up when cold is a little problematic until the O2 sensors are warmed up and sending data.

Rev Perf Performance takes your Delphi ECU, adds the wideband sensors and they change data settings in your ECU then you re-install. O2 sensors can be calibrated. There have been problems on the newer 2011 and 2012 bikes.

Auto Tuning and sensor accuracy with all of these systems will be the issue.

Top Five Benefits
1. Data logging and data that is usable
2. Auto tuning on Dyno – narrow band and wide band
3. Price
4. Technical Support
5. Ease of use

It can be frustrating when you have a vehicle that does not work, but you might not feel like it is worth it to have it towed. It might be a complete junk vehicle that could only be used for parts. Even in this case, there are car buyers out there today that will be interested in purchasing it, even if just for parts or a project. When looking for someone to purchase your vehicle, you will want someone who will show up when they say they will and be able to come up with the agreed upon amount.

It is important that the car buyers that you choose are trustworthy. One way that a buyer can gain your confidence is if they are punctual. If they say they will be there in an hour, then you should be able to plan on this. If they say a different time, they should guarantee that they will be prompt in this amount of time. Sometimes you might have a busy schedule and if your potential purchaser ruins it, you may have a hard time believing the rest of the sale will go smoothly.

Another area in which car buyers should be reliable in is the money they offer. If they claim to give top-dollar, then it should be a higher number than a junk yard or someone buying for parts. Try not to be suspicious of the amount they offer and accept it as just what they do.

Maybe your vehicle is not an old junker but you are just ready to sell it. Perhaps you have taken it to trade-in places and the prices they offer just do not seem worth it. You might want to call a variety of car buyers that are willing to come to you. They may give you a better price than a trade-in location, and you will not have to leave your home.

Think of this as a sort of cash-for-gold for those who consider old cars or any cars for that matter – gold. Make sure that you check out the businesses you talk to before having them come out. You should check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints about the companies. You can also look for online reviews to see what other people’s experiences were with a particular company.

Once you check into the reputation and reliability of car buyers that are out there today, hopefully you will find one that sounds good to you. There should be no requirement to sell even if they come all the way to your home, so you may end up calling a few places until you get the prices that you desire for your vehicle. Those who have collected a number of old vehicles over the years could really benefit from calling one of these companies.

Most of us at times end up working 24×7 to cater our work demands without even sufficient time for eating or sleeping. Most of us do this to secure our futures. Under such circumstances, you should value your money quite dearly. So, when we purchase these cars, we ought to place a special emphasis upon its quality. When it comes to purchasing a car, it is not just about the initial investment. Understand that additional maintenance costs also tag along. It is very important for one to maintain his/her car appropriately and regularly in order to prolong its longevity.

Maintaining the car not helps you to prolong its lifetime, but allows the car to be more efficient and give better performance for several years to come. On this note, accessorizing your car appropriately with the right accessories is very important. You have two kinds of accessories namely interior accessories and exterior accessories. Both are equally important as both contribute significantly to the performance and efficiency of the cars. When it comes to exterior accessories, auto interior seat covers, boot covers, sun visors, carpets, seat pads, and convertible tops (if your car is a convertible car) are highly mandatory.

As for your convertible car, you have two options. You can either opt for the soft tops or hard tops. Most people aspire to own a convertible car as they love to drive in an open air vehicle. It is very important that you also consider certain aspects such as type of convertible tops after from the model make or color. Both soft and hard tops have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and you need to figure out which of the suits your requirements better.

Soft tops are made of fabrics such as vinyl or canvas. They are more classic and traditional in a way as hard tops were later invented. These tops are lightweight and don’t require extensive mechanical parts. It is advisable that you opt for these tops when you want to purchase an expensive sports car that you expect to drive at high speeds. Soft tops also enhance the looks of your car as it maintains the lines of the car unlike hard tops. Soft tops are considerably cheaper as well. However, they require UV protection to avoid fading from sun exposure. They also offer lesser protection in case of a collision or break in. And they are difficult to maintain as well.

Hard tops on the other hand, have the ability to withstand any kind of weather conditions. Unlike soft tops they do not crack, warp or fade over. They provide better protection against accidents. Besides, it is also difficult to break inside the car when your convertible has hard tops. However, some vehicle experts feel that safety benefits are negligible. These tops are easier to maintain as well. However, hard tops are quite expensive. They also reduce the storage capacity as mechanical parts are incorporated at backseat or trunk for its functioning. Since these tops have more technical features, you might endure regular malfunctioning and service costs often.

There are several websites online sharing details as well as merchandising convertible tops and other accessories. Use them wisely and purchase the right accessories for your car.

If you enjoy listening to the car radio, then there are some things you need to know about the digital changes that will affect radio in the same way that they have the TV. Since 2009 the TV analogue signal has begun switching off in favour of digital and radio will be no different.

It is expected that by 2015, radio stations will have gone digital too and so there are some adjustments you will need to make in order to enjoy radio in your car but the rewards will be great.

You can look forward to more features on your radio. For example, due to the information that can be sent digitally, you will see a display of facts about what you’re hearing, like the artist or song title.

The sound quality received through a digital radio is a lot better than FM broadcasting. There will be no more drops in signal or “white noise” interference. You will just get pure clarity.

You will be offered a greater choice of radio stations as more broadcasters are transmitting in digital. This will make any journey seem refreshed as there is plenty of choice to keep you entertained.

If you are wondering how to make the changes to receive this much improved radio service, then you have a couple of options really. Whichever way you go though, you will need a good quality aerial on your car, so you can receive a continuous signal from different places in the country. A bad aerial will mean a bad service, even if your radio itself is state of the art.

As far as the DAB radios themselves are concerned, you could just fit a brand new digital radio in place of your old analogue one and you’re off. Don’t forget you still need a new aerial!

Alternatively you could have an extra DAB box fitted alongside your old radio. This will require extra wiring in and this could prove costly. The easiest method is to get an external box, about the size of a sat nav system. This is then mounted on the dashboard and plugs into your cigarette lighter socket. Your existing radio then picks up then frequency emitted by the DAB Radio box. Again you will still need a new aerial fitted.

As the switch over date approaches more and more manufacturers will produce solutions for the upgrade and the quality of products is set to only increase.

1.) Assume Other Drivers Can Not See You: Ride assuming that you and your motorcycle are totally invisible to others. That means Don’t Ever assume that drivers can see you. Because the odds are, they can not, so remember that yourself and always have an “out” for dangerous situations. Motorcycle Safety depends on you.

2.) Maintaining A Safe Distance: Leave a lot of room in front, in back and to the sides from all other motorists. Isolate yourself and stay away from other vehicles as much as possible. By doing this, you will have more visibility and more time to react to bad situations!

3.) Always Anticipate Trouble: Anticipating trouble situations and knowing what to do when you see them. Pay close attention to what other vehicles are doing and try to predict the outcome. Then make sure know what to do and how to do it to avoid an accident. Always be ready!

4.) Beware of Oncoming Vehicles Turning Left: Beware of oncoming travelers turning left in front of you at intersections. This is the leading cause of death with motorcycle riders. I have personally lost many friends to this accident. If you only remember one tip here, let it be this one. Approach intersections with caution, slow down and have an escape route planned. Stay visible, keeping your safe distance. Position your bike so it can be seen by the left turner. Eye contact is not enough!

5.) Ride At Your Own Pace: Don’t try to keep up with your friends who may be more experienced, or like to travel at faster speeds! Know your personal limits. If you are not comfortable riding at a faster pace, then ride at a speed at which you do feel safe. Ride your own ride.

6.) Use Extreme Caution When Approaching Curves: Beware of taking curves that you can’t see around. A parked truck or a patch of sand may be awaiting you.

7.) Don’t Give In to Road Rage: Do not allow yourself to have road rage and try to “get even” with another rider or motorist. If you follow these tips, most likely you won’t fall victim to road rage. It’s better to calm down, slow down, and collect your thoughts first, pull off the road if you have to. Then continue on and enjoy the ride. That’s what we are all out there for in the first place.

8.) Don Not Allow Tailgating: If someone is tailgating you, either speed up to allow for more safe distance or pull over and let them pass. Life is too short. Remember that a motorcycle can stop faster than a vehicle so you don’t want a truck on your tail when you find yourself trying to slow down to avoid an accident. Also, don’t tailgate the vehicle in front of you. Oncoming drivers can not see you if you are to close to the car in front of you!

9.) Don’t Be Blinded By Sun Glare: Always have protective eye ware available. Beware of riding your motorcycle into sun glare. All it takes is turning a corner and finding the sun either directly in your face or passing straight through your windshield. Some helmets have shields to block the sun. Face shields help somewhat. But sometimes you just find yourself blinded by the light. Slow down, pull over, shield your eyes and look for a way to change direction.

10.) Avoid Riding At Night Time: Avoid riding at night, your chances of spotting an animal getting ready to run across the road are slim to none. Also avoid night trips, especially late Saturday night and early Sunday, when drunken drivers may be on the road. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t drink and ride. Going bar hopping? Leave the bike at home and find a designated driver.

What Am I Trying To Say About Motorcycle Safety?

The best way to be safe is to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course to learn the basic ways to control your motorcycle and to learn how to recognize traffic situations that you need to be ready to handle.

Always wear protective clothing and a helmet. Always have your head light on to help other motorists see you, even during day time!

Maintain your bike so it is safe too. Keep records of the intervals when you replace tires, chains, clutch cables, batteries, brakes, etc. You don’t want an equipment malfunction to contribute to a motorcycle accident.

Practice riding under all kinds of traffic situations. Ride with a friend if at all possible. Avoid riding great distances alone.

Become a member of some motorcycle forums and read what other experienced riders have to say about how to ride safely.

I want you to become an aged motorcyclist because you know how to survive on a motorcycle. I don’t want to read about you in the newspaper or on a motorcycle forum or mailing list as yet another motorcycle statistic. Learn how to be safe and responsible on a motorcycle.

Honda and Suzuki motorcycles are among the best known on the market – and with good reason. Their popularity stems from a reputation for reliability and the development of cutting edge technology, together with stylish designs.

If you are thinking about buying a new bike, you are likely to be considering a machine from one of the Japanese manufacturers. They both have extensive ranges and are almost certain to have a motorcycle in the category you are looking at.

Should you have recently passed your test, you may well be keen to purchase a 125 cc motorbike. However, these machines are not just for newly-qualified riders, as they are also perfect for commuting and short rides.

The Suzuki VanVan is one option well worth considering, as it is relatively cheap and has low running costs. Many riders also consider it the coolest 125 cc machine available, thanks to a retro look that features chunky tyres, a long seat and high-level exhaust.

There is also a range of Honda motorcycles available in the same category, including the CBF 125, which is one of the best-selling bikes in the UK. Its popularity is partly due to it being outstanding value for money at just £2,500, but riders also find its combination of low seat height, raised handlebars and assured handling make it easy to control.

Should you be a more experienced motorcyclist who enjoys long blasts at the weekend, you are likely to be looking for a more powerful machine. Cruisers are a good choice, particularly if you value comfort above speed.

Suzuki offers the impressive Intruder bikes in this category. You could opt for the 805 or 1462 cc machine, or go for the top of the range M1800RZ. This beautifully-styled motorcycle boasts a comfortable riding position, together with a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1783 cc V-twin engine.

Honda also makes a variety of cruisers, including the VT750, which is renowned for its stunning retro naked styling. There is much more to this machine than its cool looks, as it boasts a V-twin engine with programmed fuel injection that can generate 33.5 kW of power.

Of course, cruisers are not the only type of powerful machine on the market. If you have even a passing interest in motorcycle racing, you are sure to have allowed yourself to dream about the prospect of owning one of the bikes used in MotoGP or the Superbike World Championship.

The good news is that you can buy supersport machines that utilise the technology developed for racing and give you a taste of track performance, while also being fully road legal. As Suzuki and Honda both have great sports pedigree, it should come as no surprise that they sell motorcycles in this category.

Suzuki’s race bikes have a special place in British motorcycling culture, thanks to the brand’s association with Barry Sheene. If you were inspired to ride by the late world champion, you may find the perfect bike is something from Suzuki’s GSX range.

A GSX1300R Hayabusa is sure to draw admiring glances from fellow bikers and not only because it looks great. Its 1340 cc engine generates a staggering 145 kW and the machine comes with a unique clutch assist system to deliver maximum power to the rear wheel.

If you prefer to be onboard a Honda while clad in your Dainese body armour, the ultra-stylish CBR1000RR Fireblade is an excellent choice. It was developed using the same technology as the manufacturer’s Superbike World Championship machines and boasts electronically-controlled ABS, together with a 999 cc engine that generates 131 kW of power.

Nothing can beat the charm of an enjoyable ride along the bucolic village settings. However there is more to it than seems obvious to an ordinary pair of eyes. The pleasant weather and the stunning spectacles around might be tempting, however even the slightest distraction can prove costly as you should always be wary of wild animals or people at work.

Here are some handy driving tips for rural areas that will keep everyone safe.

1) Keep the lights on: The rural roads might have a number of curves and bends that will prevent the driver from seeing the obstructions ahead. Rock and land slides, straying wild animals or flocks of sheep or cattle heads and slow moving farm equipments are some of the likely hurdles on the way. So make sure to keep the lights on, which will prevent accidents

2) Always spare a gaze for bicyclists or children who may be near the road as you will be driving near campsites and homes. Overtaking could be a challenging task on village roads as the clearance one has will be less than on a high way. Give more time and space while overtaking to ensure a clear judgment. Be cautious of loose soil and steep drop offs. If the road is too narrow, it is better to wait till the other vehicle passes off.

3) Make sure to fill your gas tank and keep a reserve fuel supply in your car’s trunk. Chances of getting lost on rural roads are more. So it is recommended to have a GPS unit, which will come handy while navigating through the badly signposted village roads. You should have a good quality spare tire and a jack to make sure that you are not grounded. Towing your vehicle back to the nearest town will be a costly affair and time consuming too.

4) While driving on a rural road, chances of coming across animal crossings will be common. If you see any animal on the side of the road, slow down as these animals can be highly unpredictable and can barge into the vehicle.

5) Country roads are notorious for unmarked field and farm driveways, so always keep the speed under limit so that you can be in control at abrupt crossings and intersections

6) Driving along the same stretch of road for a considerably long time can cause a phenomenon called highway hypnosis. So make sure that you do not fall sleep at the wheel by listening to the radio or talking to your friend in the car without getting distracted.

7) Village roads are uneven and bumpy and wearing the seatbelts will go a long way in ensuring a safe and hassle free driving experience.

By custom the vehicle closest to the safe shoulder will reverse and on steep hill drives, the vehicle traveling downhill will reverse. However when you come across heavy vehicles like logging trucks or trailers, pull over well in time for them to pass irrespective of your driving position.

Though there is very less traffic, rural roads are responsible for twice as many accidents as city roads. Drivers who are accustomed to urban roads will find these rural driving tips handy in ensuring a safe drive. Before going on the drive, it is a good idea to brush up your village road driving skills in any online driver safety school.

There are a number of car cleaning products which are aimed at removing bugs and other stubborn dirt for your car. If you leave them too long these can start to damage your paintwork, so the best defence is to clean your car regularly. As many bugs contain acidic substances they can quickly weld themselves into your paintwork and dry out. This makes them much more difficult to remove. So here are a few tips to rid your car of its bug speckled paintjob.

Before using any chemical products I always give my car a good clean and get in there with a cloth and good old soap and water, this will get the majority of bugs. However do not use anything too abrasive or try scraping them off. You want to remove the bugs, not the paints.

I’ve heard of many people using oil based lubricants which are able to penetrate the bugs and soften them up. Leave this on for a couple of minutes and then wash away with some warm soapy water and a sponge. This is a product which most people will have in their house anyway so it’s a good alternative to buying car cleaning products. There are no reports of this damaging paintwork but as the manufacturers don’t market this as a use for the product, care should be taken.

Alternatively there are a number of car cleaning products aimed specifically at removing bugs and tar. These come in a few different varieties, from spray-on liquids to sponges. The spray-on liquids work in a similar way to the lubricants by softening the bugs, but also contain chemicals which help penetrate dried dirt. These are also guaranteed to not damage your paintwork, so if that is a concern these may be the best option. The sponges work in a similar way as they contain softening chemicals to help lift the bugs but also come with a slightly abrasive net which is rough enough to removes bugs but won’t damage your car.

As many of the car cleaning products involve rubbing the dirt away there is always the possibility of damage. This is because many bugs consist of hard exoskeletons which can scratch the paint work,so preventing bugs getting stuck to your car is important. Regular washing and waxing help create a barrier over the paint which help prevent as many bugs getting stuck in the paintwork, and make the one that do much easier to remove without the use of too many car cleaning products.

The engine is one of the most important components of your car and this should be maintained regularly. This is because the engine performs the basic function of providing power for the car and allows it to run or move from one place to another. Due to this, there is a great need for both expensive and cheap new car owners to make sure that the engines of their vehicles are in good shape. It is therefore important for car owners to determine and understand some of the basic tips in preserving the life of their cars’ engines. In case you want to extend the life of your vehicle’s engine and you are to sell the car after your auto financing obligations are settled, try to do some of things below.

1. Practice regular change oil

The car’s engine oil serves as the vehicle’s blood. Given this, you need to make sure that the oil inside the engine is clean as well as capable of lubricating and cooling the internal components found inside.  Due to this, it is advisable that you change oil regularly.

All you need to do is take your vehicle to the nearest car service center for an oil change. However, you can also change your vehicle’s oil by yourself.  All you need to do is look for useful car advice online regarding this particular car maintenance task. Changing the car engine’s oil on your own could save you from incurring extra expenses.

2. Drive carefully

You also need to drive your car carefully so as to extend the life of its engine. Try to avoid jackrabbit starts and sudden brakes for this would create strains as well as possible damages on the engine. Inappropriate driving practices could also create wild RPM fluctuations and generate heat that is harmful. Try to drive your car like a gentleman at moderate speeds.

3. Have your car engine regularly tuned-up

Aside from driving carefully and changing the car’s oil regularly, you need to have your vehicle regularly tuned-up. This will ensure that the engine runs smoothly. For better results, it is advisable that you take your car to a professional mechanic for servicing since the mechanic is trained to do the appropriate procedures to tune the car up. But if you want to save money and do the tune-up by yourself, all you need to do is to conduct the needed research on how to do the procedures.

]]> http://www.mixiones.com/how-to-prolong-your-car-engines-life/feed/ 0 http://www.mixiones.com/mercedes-benz-classic-cars-past-and-present-making-the-news/ http://www.mixiones.com/mercedes-benz-classic-cars-past-and-present-making-the-news/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:51:09 +0000 auth http://www.mixiones.com/?p=1271

The much celebrated German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has always offered high quality motoring along with expertly engineered technical automotive design. Mercedes-Benz has always been competitive and had an active racing presence over the years, which has helped with the company’s car development and design.

This can still be seen today, with Mercedes having a major role in many areas of motorsport around the world, including the high-profile Formula 1 World Championship and the DTM (or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters – German Touring Car Masters) race championships, as well as world-renowned races like Le Mans.

Ultimately, Mercedes-Benz is always in pursuit of driving and motoring excellence and that’s what can be found across their range of cars. Some of these classic Mercedes-Benz cars past and present are never far from the news and it is easy to see why this occurs.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Recently, an über rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing sold at an auction in Arizona for an amazing £2.95 million (or $4,620,000). This was a particularly rare Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, as it was only one of 29 built with aluminium bodies.

This special, alloy bodied 300 SL Gullwing represented cutting edge technical design at the time of its launch in the early 1950′s, as this was a car you could buy in a showroom but was powerful and lightweight compared to its counterparts that were seen on the race track at that time. This was the car that won the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1952.

If you fancy purchasing a 300 SL Gullwing, you could always buy one of the less rare steel bodied models, as there were 1400 made during the time of its production from 1954 – 1957. In recent years, however, these famous Gullwing Mercedes cars have seen auction prices rising substantially and even a steel bodied 300 SL Gullwing will set you back well into a six figure sum.

SL-class Roadster 2012

Mercedes have just unveiled the all-new SL-class Roadster at the prestigious 2012 Detroit Motor Show. The new SL Roadster is a completely new design which features a chassis and body that is almost completely made from aluminium. This means the new SL-class model is up to 140kg lighter than its forerunner, with an added 20% increase of torsional strength. This is sure to improve the car’s handling, plus making it quicker off the mark and ultimately faster to the electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The S-Class

Once again, the S-Class Mercedes-Benz has won the prestigious ‘Best Luxury Car’ for an astounding seventh consecutive year at the recent 2012 What Car? awards in London. The S-Class managed to beat all of its rivals to the top award, as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was chosen again for building a quality luxury car whilst retaining good value.