Random thoughts thread

[ichitaka05]

Out of all the covertible I saw today, why Solstice owners (3 of em) don't like to open it up? Really, isn't this one of the reason buying Solstice

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Nah, Lysholm SCs are all designed for high pressure ratios, I don't like the idea of crazy boost, just modest boost. 5th gen Eaton blowers are the best for low boost I think, as the TVS ones are somewhat high pressure ratio oriented too. The thing with 2ZZ swap is that the 2ZZ has so much power already, and fits easily. An LEA swap would be interesting because at 1.5L there's a lot of room to mess around with stuff without hurting fuel economy much, and having a "sport" hybrid system is just cool IMO. I believe there are ways to manually control the IMA assist, so I guess ditching the stock ECU controls completely and manually controlling everything is an option

I didn't say they gave up on ultracapacitors :O I'm just pretty sure no one's implemented them in a road car yet.

Ultimately, it would be nice to have a BRZ/FRS type hybrid sport but that won't happen for a while.

It's going to be much easier and probably within <3% of the same fuel economy if you just go with a tall geared Gas only engine. Driving style with taller gearing can completely nullify the Hybrid's advantages for a hypermiler with a non-hybrid. Of course, stop and go traffic is another story.

A 2.0L can get close to the same fuel economy as a 1.5L in certain circumstances but the best fuel economy is going to be with a properly setup 1.5L. But I see what you mean about the 2ZZ having "too much" power already. You want something fuel efficient that can get good power and handle tall gearing with boost. A high revving N/A engine is not the best start for that since low end torque is subpar which is going to be even worse with tall(non-sporty) gearing. The Fit can rev to 7k with peak power at 6500 so it can still cruise at 2k (as in the AT version) and has a bit more midrange power than the CR-Z's Lea.

One of my crazy ideas is to take the EJ25 from a Subaru and plop it into a First gen ZX2 or ZX3 with RWD. Running RWD means I can cherry pick my gear ratios and even though there are good ratios on the WRX MT I can get a .66 OD with a T-5 or even a .5 with the T-56 which is overkill for what I am doing. I would just need to CNC an adapter for the bellhousing and everything back can be from a Mustang.

Originally Posted by Exhaust

Went to a friend of mine's apartment and came across a ford taurus SHO in the parking lot. When I first noticed it I did a double take... then I turned around just to look at the front end seeing how it was just so aggressive. Did a walk around and noticed it was a ford. Went inside and right away I had to google the car, never heard or seen it previously and I was pretty impressed with the numbers. Minus the weight... front wheel drive... and it simply being a beefed up fuel economy lol.

You didn't know about that? The new SHO can be had with AWD too.

Originally Posted by blur

Anyone know of a guide to properly setting up track suspension? On a FWD double wishbone preferably. I'm looking to get a good base tune without the use of coilovers, just struts/ springs/ sways/ camber/ spherical bearings. Things that are confusing me are spring rates, dampening, bump stiffness, droop, and how they all come together to make a FWD turn in better.

If you don't know the basics start with the carbible(.com).

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

It's going to be much easier and probably within <3% of the same fuel economy if you just go with a tall geared Gas only engine. Driving style with taller gearing can completely nullify the Hybrid's advantages for a hypermiler with a non-hybrid. Of course, stop and go traffic is another story.

True, but the stock transmission + 1ZZ already has decent fuel economy so a swap would have to either really increase the power or really increase the fuel economy. Hence LEA+IMA 2ZZ + C60 with longer final drive would be cool, but it's total overkill in the power department (IMO) and not very unique.

Maybe Honda will do something interesting with the next CRZ.

[blur]

Originally Posted by Dimman

If you look at RCE's post in Suspension, they have a graph of the 'curve' of the stock BRZ shocks. The curve is set up to match the springs and weight of the car. That curve is the result of the valving in the shock. But there is generally a range in which they work. For example RCE measured them on their shock dyno and decided that they will still work with the rates of their choice of 250 lbs/in lowering springs (stock BRZ is 185 lbs/in front and rear).

Since Bilstein is a top quality shock company if you contact them and tell them what your vehicle setup and intended use is they will probably be able to recommend a suitable shock.

Funny you say that, it's exactly the opposite lol. From honda tech:

I happen to live just down the street from Bilstein so I dropped my shocks off in person and talked with their tech there on what I needed. But, the short, is your fill out that paperwork, ship your shocks to them, and they'll revalve them to whatever you want.

Originally Posted by 01-18-2012

There really isn't anyone to talk to, their customer service for tuning is practically useless since the previous tuning service guy passed away.

about spring rates relation to dampening, you basically mean that dampers have a range of shocks that "work" with them? Or else you can blow the shock, right?

@ Allch Chcar: carbible.com doesn't exist do you mean carbibles.com?

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by blur

Funny you say that, it's exactly the opposite lol. From honda tech:



about spring rates relation to dampening, you basically mean that dampers have a range of shocks that "work" with them? Or else you can blow the shock, right?

Damper is the correct term for shock. Same thing. Their job is to control the energy of the suspension's movement. The springs absorb and release energy. But without control the car will just keep bouncing.

So the shock is kind of like applying brakes to the suspension's movement. If there is too much the suspension won't be able to move over smaller bumps and will feel harsh. Too little and the car will feel bouncy and vague. So the level of control needed is based on the movement which is based on weight and spring rate.

Bilstein USA is mostly sales and distribution, I think. Emailing their HQ or a tech department probably be much more useful.

[blur]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Damper is the correct term for shock. Same thing. Their job is to control the energy of the suspension's movement. The springs absorb and release energy. But without control the car will just keep bouncing.

So the shock is kind of like applying brakes to the suspension's movement. If there is too much the suspension won't be able to move over smaller bumps and will feel harsh. Too little and the car will feel bouncy and vague. So the level of control needed is based on the movement which is based on weight and spring rate.

Bilstein USA is mostly sales and distribution, I think. Emailing their HQ or a tech department probably be much more useful.

I understand what a damper does; sorry I didnt re-read my post above lol, makes no sense. What I meant to say is that a damper needs the proper spring rate or else it will blow? And spring rates are determined by the previous information... but as I understand it there is a range of dampening you can choose from in a revalve, that would still fit in the desired spring rate... so is there any benefit to getting stiffer dampers or softer dampers?

Another thing, while you're here lol. How does the f/r balance of dampening, springs and sway bars affect turn in? Are optimal setings based on weight distribution mostly?

Thanks a lot I have a lot of questions hahah

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

True, but the stock transmission + 1ZZ already has decent fuel economy so a swap would have to either really increase the power or really increase the fuel economy. Hence LEA+IMA 2ZZ + C60 with longer final drive would be cool, but it's total overkill in the power department (IMO) and not very unique.

Maybe Honda will do something interesting with the next CRZ.

Yeah, that greatly limits the feasibility of a LEA swap.

Did you see the Geo Metro 1.0L swap into a NA Miata yet?

[Dadhawk]

Refinishing the headlights on my son's 2002 Accord today, the Sears 1/2 inch heavy-duty electric drill that I've had for 30 years literally split in half in my hands! All 4 bolts that held the head to the motor housing split in half when two gears shed their teeth.

Bummer, had to go buy a new drill!

At least the headlights look like new. Thank you 3M and your $18 refurb kit. (Cost of drill not included).

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

Yeah, that greatly limits the feasibility of a LEA swap.

Did you see the Geo Metro 1.0L swap into a NA Miata yet?

Yea I think so...

I have till 2014-2015 to even consider a car at all, so I guess I have time to wait and see what happens. I hope they sort something out for the new CRZ, if they include ultracapacitors, I might just have to try this swap thing rofl.

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Yea I think so...

I have till 2014-2015 to even consider a car at all, so I guess I have time to wait and see what happens. I hope they sort something out for the new CRZ, if they include ultracapacitors, I might just have to try this swap thing rofl.

I'm not counting on it myself. The Honda hybrid system is probably the best for a swap but I'm still no too sure about the modern ECU systems into a different chassis. I've heard you can get away with using a Scangauge or custom gauges but I haven't done it yet.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

I'm not counting on it myself. The Honda hybrid system is probably the best for a swap but I'm still no too sure about the modern ECU systems into a different chassis. I've heard you can get away with using a Scangauge or custom gauges but I haven't done it yet.

Hmmm well, how about transplanting literally everything? CAN bus or whatever won't complain if everything appears to be functioning as normal :O Maybe even a dash transplant, although that would probably look ugly as f***.

On the other hand Subaru says they're coming out with a mild hybrid system of their own soon, I wonder if that can be transplanted into a BRZ.

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by blur

I understand what a damper does; sorry I didnt re-read my post above lol, makes no sense. What I meant to say is that a damper needs the proper spring rate or else it will blow? And spring rates are determined by the previous information... but as I understand it there is a range of dampening you can choose from in a revalve, that would still fit in the desired spring rate... so is there any benefit to getting stiffer dampers or softer dampers?

Another thing, while you're here lol. How does the f/r balance of dampening, springs and sway bars affect turn in? Are optimal setings based on weight distribution mostly?

Thanks a lot I have a lot of questions hahah

Blown shocks I think are more from over-lowering and lack of travel and bottoming. Firm damping can help in response but can feel harsh, soft can lack control. The ride/handling tradeoff. But the shape of the curve is whete the good companies earn their reputations. Digressive curves try to balance ride/handling by being firm when the suspension is moving slowly (roll or brake dive) but by being less firm when it moves fast (hitting bumps).

Now as for turn in, hmmm... Weight distribution and location plays a role, harder suspension can make a car react more quickly which can play a role, but alignment is also really important. And next on my to-learn list, si I'm further out of my element. Replacing bushings (with spherical bearings, Delrin or polyurethane) can probably help as it takes excess movement out of the chassis, so it can respond more quickly.

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Yea I think so...

I have till 2014-2015 to even consider a car at all, so I guess I have time to wait and see what happens. I hope they sort something out for the new CRZ, if they include ultracapacitors, I might just have to try this swap thing rofl.

Honda Insight used ultra capacitors. First little 2 door one.

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Honda Insight used ultra capacitors. First little 2 door one.

I had to look that up because I know the first gen Insight didn't have ultra capacitors. It looks like they used it on the J-VX concept after a quick google search.

[ichitaka05]

YES! I won against 2 vs 1 in tennis (1 = me)!!!

Reward gonna be hellova soreness tomorrow lol