Get tips to help you get a better "bang for your buck" at your repair shop.
Showing posts with label Increase mpg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Increase mpg. Show all posts
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Peformance Exhaust,Is It For Me?
A new performance exhaust system is the best place to start when modifying your vehicle. Each system we carry is designed for a direct fit with no modifications, unless specified. The most common exhaust system is a cat back. A cat back exhaust is best described as the section of an exhaust system that attaches after the last catalytic converter in the system all the way through the end of the pipe to the tip. The other type of system is an axle back system which just replaces the muffler, and the section of piping that attaches between the muffler and the rest of the exhaust system. A new header, catalytic converter, and down pipes are also other items you may look at upgrading.
The idea behind improving your exhaust system is to reduce the amount of backflow pressure on the engine allowing it breath easier. Most exhaust manufactures incorporate a larger diameter of piping and higher-grade mandrel bent tubing for a less restrictive flow. The amount of horsepower gained depends highly on the design of your factory exhaust system and the quality of the catalytic converters in front of it. Stock catalytic converters are typically fairly restrictive, and therefore less power can be gained from a cat back exhaust system. With the addition of a new performance or racing catalytic converter a cat back exhaust system should offer a nice increase in power.
Another big benefit of a cat back exhaust system is the sound they can produce. Whether you want just a little more grunt or a full-on growl, there is a system out there that will satisfy your ears. This is actually a very big consideration when purchasing, so make sure to do your homework first. There's nothing worse than spending a lot of time installing an auto part only to find out it isn't what you wanted. On many of exhaust manufacture's websites offer sound clips of a vehicle with the system installed to give you a general idea of the aggressiveness of the exhaust note. Keep in mind that only certain systems are designed to pass restrictive smog test, and this should play a large factor in which system you decide to go with also.
One added benefit of adding a new performance exhaust system is the increase in fuel economy that is often experienced after installation. This is the result of the engine not having to work as hard to push the exhaust gases through the piping. This reduces the total amount of load on the engine, causing higher efficiency and MPG. This increase in fuel economy typically occurs when traveling at freeway speeds, but can sometimes be noticed when driving in the city as well. An increase in fuel economy typically only comes when your driving habits do not change either. Many drivers find themselves pushing the gas more often at first just to hear or show off their new exhaust system
My personal favorite is Flowmaster.Their exhaust Systems add an aggressive growl with without being to annoying.Although they do offer super loud mufflers that just scream!Check them out they have many sound clips to check out. www.flowmastermufflers.com
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Increase mpg
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Synthetic Vs Regular Oil: A Closer Look

Why use Synthetic?
You’ve heard it before. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate and protect your engine from heat and friction; the two major enemies of your engine. Without oil your engine would overheat and cease working. Your engine might even crack. Motor oil may be the single most important fluid you will put in your engine.
What is petroleum oil?
Crude oil, better known as petroleum oil is pumped from the earth, refined, and sold as a lubricant. In spite of the refining process which is imperfect, components which are not beneficial for your engine will be introduced to it using petroleum motor oil. Petroleum motor oil’s contains a different-sized molecular structure which contains properties both beneficial and non-beneficial. Petroleum motor oil has been the predominant automobile lubrication product for generations. If changed regularly, petroleum motor will provide a measure of protection for your engine, but not necessarily the best measure of protection.
What is synthetic oil?
Synthetic motor oil is a laboratory manufactured, custom-designed product that contains a uniform-sized molecular structure and is pure from any of the non-beneficial properties found in conventional petroleum motor oils. Before being introduced to automobiles, synthetic oils were first used in fighter jets. First introduced in the mainstream market in 1972 by AMSOIL Inc., synthetics have grown in popularity because of the superiority in protecting today’s high performance engines. Following AMSOIL’s lead, Mobil introduced Mobil 1 and is probably the most recognized synthetic motor oil on the market.
Synthetic vs. Petroleum. Which is better?
Every year motor oil companies spend millions promoting their product; the majority of them petroleum motor oils. Although petroleum motor oil will provide adequate protection, there are some reasons why synthetic motor oil may be the better choice when it comes to protection your engine. But why settle for adequate protection? Synthetic motor oils have clear advantages. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages.
Longer oil change intervals
Unlike petroleum motor oil which must be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, synthetic motor oil can go 10,000 to 15,000 miles between oil changes. Longer oil change intervals means fewer trips the lube shop or time spent underneath your car.
Better for the environment
Because synthetic motor oil last about 3 times longer than petroleum motor oil change intervals are significantly longer. Fewer oil changes reduce the waste-disposal problem that comes with changing your oil which leads to a healthier, greener planet for all of us.
Higher resistance to breakdown
Petroleum motor oils are prone to boil or vapor within the normal operating temperature of the engine. This is commonly referred to as breakdown. Once the oil begins to breakdown it usually results in oxidization creating hardened oil deposits in your engines components and sludge. Synthetics by contrast, are able to withstand greater heat temperatures resulting in greater protection against breakdown.
More cost effective
A typical oil change using petroleum motor oil may cost anywhere from $25 to $30 at your local oil change shop. Using synthetic motor oil will cost you approximately $45 per oil change. While synthetic motor oil may cost you more per quart, it will save you money in the long run because of longer oil change intervals.
Provides superior heat protection
Heat is a major enemy of any engine. Heat produces friction and friction produces wear and wear reduces the life of your engine. The uniformly smooth structure of synthetic motor oil, free of the components found in conventional petroleum motor oil provides superior protection against heat, friction, and wear on your engine. Simply put, synthetic motor outperforms conventional motor oil when it comes to protecting your engine against heat.
Provides superior start-up protection
Petroleum motor oils contain waxes and parrafins which can thicken when exposed to cold temperatures. Once the petroleum oil is cold, it makes it difficult for the oil to get from the oil pan to the moving parts of your engine during cold-weather start-ups. Meanwhile, until the oil heats up and is fluid enough to circulate through your engine, damage is occurring to your engine which over time can reduce the life of your engine. Synthetic motor oil on the other hand, does not contain these waxes and has fluidity properties which allow it to get into your moving parts almost immediately providing greater protection for your engine.
Conclusion
Most conventional petroleum motor oils will provide adequate protection for your automobile’s engine, but wouldn’t you like you car, the second most expensive investment you’ll make to have the absolute best protection available? Hopefully, this article has demonstrated why synthetic motor oils are the clear choice for your car.
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