auto parts: May 2011

Nissan Mocks GM's Volt

Nissan throws down this funny smack-down of the Chevrolet Volt.

Memorial Day Video

This video is very moving. Thanks to our veterans and our fallen warriors.

The New EPA Label

The new EPA fuel economy label, thankfully, won't have the highly subjective letter grades.

What is interesting, is that it will clearly show the decrease in vehicle range (and fuel economy) caused by running on E85, in the example given of a flex-fuel F150.

Edmunds $1,000,000 Contest: No Winner

As I expected, no winner in the Edmunds $1,000,000 Unintended Acceleration contest.

Les Jackson re-stated Edmund's conclusion that most cases of UA were caused by driver error.

Sean Kane and Joan Claybrook didn't like the conclusion, and in the Q&A period attempted to dismiss Edmunds. This is not surprising, as Kane and Claybrook are solidly on the side of the trial lawyers, and have an interest in showing that driver error is not the root cause. Kane mentioned tin whiskers as a possible explanation, despite the fact that NASA's analysis did not find tin whiskers as a failure mode that would cause un-detected unintended acceleration. Joan Claybrook stated that she finds it impossible that all those people, with their detailed letters to NHTSA, didn't press the right pedal.

Edmunds $1,000,000 Challenge Prediction: No Winner

Tomorrow, Edmunds will announce the results of its $1,000,000 Unintended Acceleration challenge, the contest they set up to see if anyone could demonstrate a hardware or software error state that could cause unintended acceleration in a Toyota with electronic throttle control.

My prediction: no millionaires. No winner.

Because the problem was explained by floor mats and some sticky pedal assemblies, compounded by user error.

Sprinter With Vortex Generators

Spotted this Sprinter van on Southfield road. The owner has stuck on
Y-shaped vortex generators (Airtabs?) in hopes of improving fuel
economy. The theory is that these break up the air flow behind the
vehicle, reducing the drag from the low pressure area behind the
vehicle.

Dunkin Aston

Saw this Aston Martin at a lowly Dunkin Donuts the other day.

SOLD - JZX 100 - Mark II - Half Cut

SOLD - To Local Customer
This Half Cut JZX 100 - Model Mark II - Engine 1JZ-GTE - VVTI - Auto, Selling Together With Long Shaft And Rear Axle With Complete Frame

Selling As Is Where Is Basis

To View Engine Idling, Click Video Below :-

General View Of The Half Cut

General View Of The Speedometer

Mileage Reading :- 152,307 or 94,639 miles

Engine Tag Information

Chassis Number

Front View Of The Engine

Side View Of The Engine

Inner Part Of The Engine

Front View Of The Original Single Turbo

Back View Of The Original Single Turbo

Front View Of The Auto Gear Box

Side View Of The Auto Gear Box

Rear View Of The Auto Gear Box

Long Shaft

Rear Axle With Complete Frame

General View Of The Half Cut

SOLD - JZX 100 - Chaser - Half Cut

SOLD To Local Customer
This Half Cut Chaser Model JZX 100 - Engine 1JZ - GTE - VVTI - Auto, Selling Together With Long Shaft And Rear Axle - Remark:- This Unit Without Speedometer.

Selling As Is Where Is Basis

To View Engine Idling, Click Video Below :-

General View Of The Half Cut

Engine Tag Information

Chassis Number

Front View Of The Engine

Side View Of The Engine

Inner Part Of The Engine

Front View Of The Original Single Turbo

Back View Of The Original Single Turbo

General View Of The Undercarriage

Front View Of The Auto Gear Box

Side View Of The Auto Gear Box

Rear View Of The Auto Gear Box

Driver Side - Aftermarket Absorbers - Brand :- HKS - High/Low /Soft And Hard - Good Condition

Passenger Side - Aftermarket Absorbers - Brand :- HKS - High/Low /Soft And Hard - Good Condition

Long Shaft And Rear Aftermarket Absorbers - Brand :- HKS - High/Low /Soft And Hard - Good Condition

Rear Axle With Complete Frame

General View Of The Half Cut

SOLD - Celica ST 205 - Half Cut

SOLD To Customer From Norway
This Half Cut is Celica ST 205 -GT4 - Engine 3S GTE - Manual - 4 wheels Drive , Selling Together With Long Shaft And Rear Axle With Complete Frame

Selling As Is Where Is Basis

To View Engine Idling, Click Video Below :-