auto parts: November 2012

Starbucks for $7? Phew...

$7 Starbucks Geisha coffee? Yawn. When Starbucks starts selling Kopi luwak, then I'll be impressed.

Meet the QNX concept team: Jonathan Hacker, software developer

Jonathan Hacker

Last week, we treated you to an interview with Mark Rigley, the concept development team’s director. This week, we meet up with someone who has worked on several of the team’s projects, including the Porsche 911 and Jeep Wrangler. His name is Jonathan Hacker — a wonderful aptronym, if ever there was one.

So tell us, Jon, what do you do on the concept team?
I’m a software developer. I spend much of my time listening to people so I can understand what, exactly, we want to accomplish in a concept system. I then figure out how we can use software to achieve our goal. I also spend quite a bit of my time coding.

What do you like best about being on the concept team?
I like taking a big problem, coming up with a crazy solution that no one had thought of, and turning it into something real.

Has there been a standout moment for you while working on the team?
Yes, when we were trying to get the digital speedometer to work on the Porsche 911. We drove dozens of laps around QNX headquarters while I sat in the passenger seat with my laptop, taking readings off the Porsche’s CAN bus. It was a blast — especially since we got the speedometer to work!

What is your biggest challenge right now? What keeps you up at night?
Working on concept projects is a juggling act. There are always many little pieces of software and hardware drivers being developed at the same time, and everything has to come together seamlessly. I’ve always been more of a programmer than a project manager, so making sure everything stays on track keeps me on my toes.

Who would you like to see seated in a QNX technology concept car or reference vehicle?
This couldn’t happen in real life because he’s a fictional character, but in almost every mockup produced by our designers, Gordon Freeman is phoning the car — you know, the protagonist in the Half-Life video game series. So it would be awesome to see Gordon Freeman sitting in the car. But unless it’s someone in a costume, that’s not going to happen!

What is your dream car?
The Porsche ruined most other cars for me; it really is that amazing. But If I had to pick one, it would be the Audi R8. It’s a fantastic looking car.

Are you excited about the new concept car that we plan to unveil at CES?
Of course — it’s going to rock! We are building some really awesome stuff into this car. People will be impressed.

Look ma, no driver!

Some of us talk about autonomous cars, some of us dream of owning one, and some of us actually get to ride in one. Andy Gryc is one of the latter. Head over to his blog to see a video he took while being chauffeured in a self-driving vehicle developed at the University of Parma — think of it as the ultimate in hands-free systems.

Would this be an awesome way to tour Italy, or what?

What if…

Imagine if your car could help you become more connected to friends and family — and to the road ahead. Enter a new video that peers into the not-so-distant future.

It blows my mind, but some people still see connectivity in the car as the enemy. They think that, the more connected the car, the more distracting and dangerous it will be. But you know what? Responding to their concerns is easy. I simply ask them what if.

For instance, what if connectivity helped you drive with greater situational awareness? What if it helped you sidestep traffic jams and axle-busting pot holes? What if it helped you detect a stop sign hidden behind a tree? And what if it helped you become more connected to the people important to you, as well as to the road and the cars around you?

When we talk connectivity at QNX, that’s the kind of connectivity we envision. It isn’t just about Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or LTE — that’s only the plumbing. Rather, it’s about keeping you in tune and in sync with your car, your environment, your business, your friends. Your life.

Restaurant.com gift certificates are lame

Someone gave me a gift of a Restaurant.com gift certificate. It entitles me to purchase like $50 with of dining coupons.

The problem is, there are all sorts of restrictions. Every restaurant I see in my area that I would care to visit has large minimum orders, "dine-in only", "at least 2 entrees", etc.

Too many strings.

My advice: don't bother giving people these things, they're lame.

How To Use A Cheap Air Impact Wrench

I picked up a cheap air impact wrench from a certain retailer of cheap tools (rhymes with beers). It is rated for up to 400 ft-lbs of torque, supposedly.

When I connected it to my 6 gallon "pancake" air compressor, and tried to use it to loosen my car's lug nuts, it was unable to budge them. In fact, I could hold the socket with my hand, and feel that it was really feeble.

Then I read the instructions. The recommended air hose is 3/8"ID, while my hose is a 1/4" ID, and I also have 1/4" fittings all around. No wonder, the small hose and fittings are so restrictive, the impact wrench probably doesn't get enough air flow to do its thing.

So I went to Home Depot (which is like a pilgrimage site for me, I circle it's aisles many times...) and picked up a modestly priced 3/8" ID hose, as well as some 3/8" "automotive" fittings. By the way, the 3/8" fitting kits were more expensive than the hose itself!

At home, I removed one of the quick connects from my pancake compressor and using some nylon plumbers tape to make a good seal, screwed on the huge 3/8" automotive connector. Then I put the matching bits on my hose, and on my air wrench.

Now, the air impact wrench whacks off the lug nuts like a champ. The air flow is obviously much improved--running the air gun continuously will drain my 6 gallon air tank in about 30s. Which is why the instructions recommend a 20gal tank.

But don't let that dissuade you. If you only need to use your air impact once in a while (like me, to rotate my tires), it will work. You may have to give your compressor a little bit time in between pairs of nuts to rebuild its pressure.

SOLD - Subaru Version 7 Half Cut

SOLD To Local Customer
This Half Cut Model Is Subaru Version 7 , Engine EJ 20 - Turbo - Manual ( 4WD ), Selling Together With All The Parts Shown In The Photos

Selling As Is Where Is Basis

To View Engine Revving, Click Video Below :-

General View Of The Half Cut

General View Of The Speedometer

Mileage Reading :- 083,467 Kilometers Or 51, 863 Miles

Engine Tag Information

Chassis Number

General View Of The Engine Bay

General View Of The Undercarriage

Front Bumper - Damaged

Driver Side - Headlamp - Good Condition

Driver Side Bumper Spot Light - Good Condition

Driver Side - Fender With Signal Lamp - Good Condition

Driver Side - Original Absorber With Brake Caliper And Rotor

Driver Side - Fender With Signal Lamp - Good Condition

Bonnet - Damaged

Close View Of The Damaged Area

Passenger Side - Headlamp - Scratched / Bumper Spot Light - Broken

Passenger Side - Fender With Signal Lamp - Damaged

Close View Of The Damaged Area

Passenger Side - Original Absorber With Brake Caliper and Rotor

Passenger Side - Fender - Damaged

Loose Parts

Tail Lamps - Broken

Console Box

Rear Bumper - Good Condition

Trunk Lid - Good Condition

Original Seats - Good Condition

Rear Seats - Good Condition

Petrol Tank With Fuel Pump Attached

Rear Alex With Complete Frame

General View Of The Half Cut

SOLD - S14 - 1st Gen - Half Cut

SOLD To Local Customer
This Half Cut Model Is S14 - 1st Gen - Engine SR 20 DET , Selling Together With All The Parts Shown In The Photos

Selling As Is Where Is Basis

To View Engine Revving, Click Video Below :-

Video For Rear Axle

General View Of The Half Cut