Fuel Efficiency

The performance of your automobile engine is measured in several ways. Fuel efficiency is one of the important parameters. It refers to the capacity of the engine to completely burn fuel. It also refers to the ability of the engine to effectively convert the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical output. Fuel efficiency also means that no pollutants will be produced. Your engine will have clean emission. In reality, however, 100% fuel efficiency is seldom achieved. No matter how superbly engineered an engine maybe, it will not be able to perform as completely efficient all the time. Other factors may interfere with its performance.

Some factors that may affect fuel efficiency include contaminants, spark plug timing, and air intake rate. Contaminants, such as dust, moisture, and rust chips, can affect fuel efficiency by competing with fuel. These contaminants can ruin the chemical reactions between the hydrocarbon molecules and oxygen molecules. This results in incomplete chemical reactions. The molecular bonds of some hydrocarbons will remain intact. Hydrocarbon residues will be left and energy will not be efficiently released. The residues may also clog the sensitive components of the engine such as the valves and pistons. They may also ruin the internal wall surface of the combustion chambers.

On the other hand, spark plug timing and air intake rate are closely related factors that can affect fuel efficiency. The spark plug timing determines the rate of combustion while air intake rate determines the amount of oxygen present during combustion. Since the both the distributor and air intake valves are powered by the camshaft, they can be both simultaneously affected. The two factors are independent from each other but they can simultaneously influence fuel efficiency. For instance, if the camshaft malfunctions, firing of the spark plugs will suffer. At the same time, the intake rate will also be ruined. Maintaining fuel efficiency entails regulating the different factors of combustion.

Collecting the Exhaust Gases

The automobile engine is not a completely closed system. It is sealed but it is not a completely self-contained or self-sustaining system. It requires fuel and air input and it also requires expelling its byproducts of combustion. Otherwise, engine operation will not be possible. The engine relies on the cycle of pressure buildup and pressure release. This cycle allows the pistons to move. In this manner, the thermal energy of combustion is converted into mechanical energy. The exhaust manifold facilitates the release of exhaust gases from the combustion chambers, thereby sustaining the cycle. It collects the exhaust gases from the individual combustion cambers and channels them into one collector tube.

An exhaust manifold is part of the exhaust system. It is comprised of branching tubes that are fused together into one collector tube. The collector tube leads to the rest of the exhaust system, exiting the engine. Each rube branch has a corresponding combustion cylinder. The tube branches collect exhaust gases from the individual combustion chambers. These exhaust gases are channeled to the collector tube. To prevent backpressure, the collector tube is bigger than the rest of the exhaust manifold branch tubes. Greater amount of flow is facilitated by the collector tube.

An exhaust manifold is directly bolted onto the engine block. It is secured by the exhaust manifold gasket, which is a metal gasket. The gasket prevents the leak of the exhaust gases. It also prevents air from prematurely entering the combustion manifold. Sometimes the space provided by the exhaust manifold is not enough to accommodate the exiting gases. Consequently, backpressure is created. The exhaust gases may backflow into the combustion chambers, causing inefficient combustion. To counteract backpressure, an optional header is sometimes installed. It is analogous to the exhaust manifold. On the other hand, the standard exhaust manifold is enough for most automobiles.

Cold Air Intake

The efficiency of your engine is can be increased in several ways. One way of increasing engine efficiency is to increase the volume of air that enters the combustion chambers. Increasing the volume of air will also mean increasing the available oxygen for fuel combustion. If there is greater amount of oxygen, the fuel will be burned more completely. More energy will be produced and pollutants will be eliminated. To accomplish this, certain devices can be installed in the engine system. One simple device is the cold air intake system. It sounds sophisticated but it is actually a simple device.

Even amateur car enthusiasts or novice car owners can conveniently install a cold air intake into the engine system. It does not involve expensive components and it does not require expert level of skills or knowledge. You simply need to know the basic working principle of the air intake system of your automobile to incorporate the cold air intake. The latter is actually just a modified form of the built-in air intake system of your automobile. You simply need to add some tubes and filters to convert the OEM air intake system into cold air intake. You can even use improvised parts for the task.

Cold air intake works by allowing greater flow and volume of air. By installing additional and larger air intake tubes, the air can flow more freely to the engine. The traditional paper filters are also replaced by gauze or cotton filters. This type of filter permits greater flow of air. By comparison, the traditional paper filter is more resistant to the flow of air. Greater air flow means cooler air. Cooler air means denser air. Denser air means higher oxygen concentration. If there is higher amount of oxygen concentration of oxygen, the fuel can be burned more efficiently.

Wind Drag and Streamlining

The number one enemy of speed is wind drag. As the automobile accelerates, the wind drag proportionally increases. It is the force that counteracts the power of the engine. Consequently, the engine spends more fuel as wind drag increases. This means that certain amount of fuel is wasted. Instead of the fuel energy being converted into mechanical output, some of it is spent in counteracting the resistance of the wind. To minimize resistance, car manufacturers design vehicles to be streamlined or aerodynamically smooth. This is achieved in several manners. Streamlining means less air/wind resistance. In turn, this means that less amount of fuel will be consumed.

As the automobile moves, air is forcefully rammed against its body surface. As the car goes faster, turbulence is created. This turbulence is otherwise known as wind. The wind offers resistance, creating wind drag. It is comparable to slashing through water with the broad surface of an oar. It is very difficult to directly slash through water using the broad surface of an oar. However, if you try doing it in slightly angular manner, the resistance is comparably lesser. The principle of car streamlining works in a similar manner. Instead of directly confronting the wind, the body surface of the car is slanted in such a way to facilitate the flow of air.

You can observe that most cars, especially sports cars, have slanted windshields and curved bodies. These features allow air to efficiently flow on the car’s surface. In this manner, less amount of turbulence will be created. Less amount of turbulence means less resistance. If there is less resistance, the car can move faster. This also means less amount of fuel will be spent. Hence, the efficiency of fuel combustion can be increased by simply decreasing the aerodynamic resistance of the car.

Stewart’s Struggle

It is a not a state secrete that Tony Stewart has always been just a runner up at the Talladega race. He has been into total of nineteen races at the track but only emerged as runner up for six times. However, his being included in the top ten finalists in at least eleven events can be considered as a significant achievement. Last Sunday’s event was not a largely historical event but it was still quite disappointing, nonetheless. Stewart was leading the race at sixty-one laps and appeared to be on his way to victory. However, when Lap 144 was reached, very close at completing the 188-lap event, Stewart and Earnhardt were “neck-to-neck,” so to speak.

Timing can never be worse as this. Stewart’s No. 20 Toyota had a tire go down. This pushed his car literally on the wall. However, he was able to remain on the lead lap. He had to restart on the 31st spot and had many spots before to cover before his car could return to its lead position. In an interview, Stewart was quoted saying: “The majority of the day we had a great day going.” Stewart’s team did not expect to lose. They made sure that the car was in shape. As late as the last 15 laps, Stewart’s car struggled to regain its spot but it was to no avail.

On the other hand, the skillful maneuvering despite of the odds was impressive. Stewart might have lost but his performance was very commendable. He was able to regain some ground during the 13th lap. But it was also the lap wherein Earnhardt’s car bumped Stewart’s car. This caused the car of Bobby Labonte to spin virtually out of control during Lap 173. Ultimately, Stewart was only able to make it to the number 20 spot.

Lincoln Mark LT

You do not need to thoroughly examine this vehicle to know that it is a superb vehicle of its class. The Lincoln Mark LT is a luxury vehicle that is designed for both style and performance. You simply have to look at its exterior to have the impression that it is a superior vehicle. It has the image of toughness but also the look of elegance. You can be confident that it will not breakdown in the middle of nowhere if you use it for off-road driving. At the same time, you can also be confident that it will not be a laughing stock if you drive it on city streets and other public thoroughfares

Would-be car buyers, including you, will immediately be interested upon learning the impressive level of performance of the Lincoln Mark LT compared to other vehicles that are included in its class. In terms of fuel efficiency, this pickup truck is truly impressive. It can go as far as 18 miles in just one gallon of fuel. Its excellent mileage makes it ideal for busy, field workers such as architects and construction workers. On site jobs are sometimes far from gas stations. The loads and tools typically carried by field worker can also cause additional fuel consumption.

The performance of the Lincoln Mark LT can be directly measured in terms of engine output. Its 5.5 liter V8 engine produces the average mechanical output of 300 horsepower. This is powerful enough to haul trailers and allow the vehicle to carry heavy materials. On the other hand, raw engine power is meaningless without dependable transmission system. Its four-speed automatic transmission system allows it to be highly maneuverable on virtually all types of terrains. It highly responsive brake system and suspension system also significantly contribute to its maneuverability and safety.

Dodge Ram 3500

As utility vehicles, pickup trucks are perceived as rugged vehicles. Some people perceive them as only appropriate for rural or off-road settings. However, this image of the pickup truck is gradually being replaced by a more desirable one. Performance and style are now being combined in more elegant fashion. Pickup trucks, such as the Dodge Ram 3500, are now being packaged not only as utility vehicles but also as luxury vehicles. The Dodge Ram 3500, for instance, is a testament to this paradigm shift. It is tough and rugged enough to be driven on unforgiving off-road terrains but it is also elegant enough to be used for everyday commuting in an urban setting.

The Dodge Ram 3500 is classified as a full size pickup truck. Its most modern version is now under its third generation of production. Many improvements have been implemented since the first generation model was introduced in the market. The third generation features the standard six-speed manual transmission. However, the four-speed and five-speed automatic overdrive transmissions are also available. Internal climate control system is also a standard feature in the Dodge Ram 3500. The sunroof, on the other hand, is an optional feature in some trims.

Other modern features include the power windows and power locks. These features utilize electrical motors and control systems that are conveniently accessible to the driver. The windows and doors can effortlessly be secured and accessed by simply pushing buttons. Entertainment system with CD and cassette player is also standard. Meanwhile, a computerized navigation system is optional. In terms of safety, the Dodge Ram 3500 features side air bags, passenger air bags, and anti-lock brakes.

Its 5.7 liter V8 engine has the mechanical power output of 3,500 horsepower. It is powerful enough to be an all-terrain vehicle but stylish enough to be an urban commuter vehicle. It is at home both on dirt roads and on paved roads.

Audi A6

The Audi A6 covers three generations, namely, the C4 (1994-1997), the C5 (1997-2004), and the C6 (2005 to present). The new generation of the Audi A6 was introduced in 2005. It featured both aesthetic and functional improvements. In keeping with its tradition of excellence, the interior design featured greater space and more stylish interior. Aside from its standard mid-size, luxury sedan form, this automobile model is also available in station wagon form. In either case, elegance and style are reflected in both the interior and exterior design. Car buyers can also choose from a wide range of trims that will suit their personal tastes.

On the other hand, the improvements that can be found in the new generation of the Audi A6 are not purely limited on the aesthetic aspect. The improvements also included practical aspects such as engine performance and suspension system. In terms of engine specifications, the newer generation features a varying engine sizes. The engine sizes range from 3.2 liter to 4.2 liter. The 3.2 liter engine features six cylinders that collectively have an output of 255 horsepower. Meanwhile, the 4.2 liter engine features eight cylinders that collectively have an output of 350 horsepower. Both these types of engines are environmentally friendly. They provide greater mechanical output but lesser pollutants.

Virtually all of the Audi A6 models are equipped with impressive all-wheel drive system, otherwise known as Quattro. The all-wheel drive system provides greater maneuverability and power. You can use this vehicle for long-drives without the need for frequent tune-ups. It can also be used for limited off-road driving. On the other hand, the front-wheel drive or Front Trak is also available.

In terms of aesthetics and performance, the Audi A6 is a leader in the mid-size luxury class. It features various improvements in safety, interior/exterior design, and also engine. Sophistication and style are the hallmarks of this vehicle. Driving it is an experience that is hard to forget.

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover sports utility vehicle that was introduced in the 2001. It replaced the less successful Acura SLX, which was not doing very well in the United States market. In Japan, the said automobile model also replaced the market void left by the Honda Horizon. Its relative commercial success can be credited to various factors that include the interior design. It optimized the interior seating space by featuring a third row seating. This feature was not available in any model of crossover SUV that belongs to this class. The older version did not have extra seating space.

A front wheel drive system with five speed automatic transmission was featured by the first generation of Acura MDX. In terms of high technological advancement, the Acura MDX was never left behind. It was in 2003 that the said automobile model was offered in the market with navigation system. It was a computerized system that allowed the drivers to conveniently navigate unfamiliar city streets. The navigation system featured GPS hookup with integrated map data base. The need to bring paper map become virtually obsolete. The said automobile model also featured a superb entertainment system that included built-in DVD player.

It was in 2007 that the second generation of Acura MDX was introduced. It has few obvious changes, except for the longer and wider base. Its new engine was considered as the most powerful in the lineup of the Acura. It featured a V6 VTEC engine with 3.7 liter-capacity and with a 24 valve single overhead cam. This model was initially manufactured in the Honda of Canada Manufacturing Limited. The second generation was marketed in three packages, namely, the sport, the tech, and the entertainment package. These three different packages was intended to cover the different market demands.

On Accelerating

When it comes to racing, speed is not everything. Winning sometimes entails that the racer should learn how to properly maneuver his or her vehicle. If a racer tries to accelerate without considering other factors, the car would most probably end up crashing. Accelerating should only be done if there is enough clearance. Like a marathon runner, a car racer should also know how to reserve his energy. The last league of an endurance race is the most crucial part. Proper acceleration and timing can spell the difference between receiving the over-sized cup and ending up inside a similarly-shaped ash urn.