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S54 Vs. S58 – What’s The Difference Between These BMW Engines?

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Because these S engines have been an offshoot of different engines, it’s possible you’ll suppose that the S54 would merely be the high-performance model of the M54 engine that was additionally launched within the 12 months 2000. However, that’s solely partially true. In phrases of title, that’s precisely what it was, however in its construct, the 2 have been fairly totally different. Instead, the S54 took its cues from the earlier iteration of the S engine, the S50, which was in manufacturing from 1992 to 2000.

The S54 was made with a forged iron block, as an alternative of the aluminum block of the M54, and featured a bore and stroke of three.4 in. by 3.6 in, leading to 3.2L of displacement, in comparison with the biggest 3.0L variant of the M54. The commonplace situation S54 was referred to as the S54B32 and was capable of generate as much as 338 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, which was wherever from 17 to 56 hp greater than the previous S50. This can be the engine you’ll put in most passenger BMWs, just like the E46 M3 or E85 Z4 M Roadster.

BMW additionally created the S54B32HP variation of the engine, which signifies that this was the high-performance model and was solely out there in 2003 BMW E46 M3 CSL. This engine upped the ability to 355 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, nevertheless it additionally weighed much less because of parts like utilizing a MAP sensor as an alternative of a MAF one and making the consumption out of carbon fiber.

[Featured image by Hatsukari715 via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | Public Domain]

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All About The Yamaha YFZ450R Sport ATV

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According to Sema.org, the powersports market sat at $37 billion worldwide in 2023 and is projected to attain $69 billion in lower than 10 years. Unfortunately, for the sports activities quad group, side-by-sides have just lately grow to be the business’s focus. Where Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, and Can-Am used to supply motocross-centric 450cc quad fashions, the entire powersports producers have stopped producing them, aside from Yamaha. Yamaha is the one remaining quad maker nonetheless churning out motocross-ready sport quads. However, ATV racing is gaining reputation, significantly inside youth occasions, so hopefully, the powersports business will take discover.

A couple of qualities make the YFZ450R a “motocross-ready” machine. The engine contains extra sturdy elements but in addition considers weight. For instance, Yamaha’s racing sport quad comes geared up with titanium valves. Titanium has the best strength-to-weight ratio of all metals. It’s not simply the engine that’s designed with weight discount in thoughts; the YFZ450R’s body is crafted from weldless, gentle aluminum.

A low middle of gravity is essential in a sports activities quad for stabilization and dealing with efficiency. This Yamaha sport quad locations the engine decrease within the body, which boosts the rider’s capability to navigate sharp corners and stay regular on all 4 tires.

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Everything Jeep Fans Should Know About The CJ8 ‘Scrambler’

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The most fascinating CJ-8 engine choice was the 258 cubic-inch (4.2-liter) I6 that made 115 horsepower, as Jeep did not provide any V8 engines within the Scrambler. Underneath four-cylinder CJ-8s sat a BorgWarner SR-4 four-speed guide transmission, whereas six-cylinder fashions acquired the Tremec T-176. Buyers who did not know how to drive a stick shift may go for Chrysler’s Torqueflite 904 computerized with the four-cylinder engine and the TF 999 with the six. For 1985 and 1986, guide Scramblers acquired the BorgWarner T-5, which had a stump-yanking 4.03:1 first gear and a 0.76:1 overdrive fifth. 

Behind all these transmissions sat a two-speed Dana 300 switch case, with the entrance driveshaft working to a Dana 30 axle. Most CJ-8s had the moderately flimsy two-piece AMC 20 within the again, however some 1986 Scramblers acquired a lot beefier Dana 44 rear axles.   

The customary high was a tough half-cab cowl, however full tender and laborious tops had been additionally out there. Like the CJ-7, The CJ-8 Scrambler will be upgraded with higher-ratio axles, carry kits, and lockers. Many Jeepers substitute the inventory engine of their CJ with certainly one of AMC’s robust however gas-chugging V8s or swap in a Chevy LS motor, however provide and demand make these engines and underbody upgrades far simpler to accumulate than a CJ-8 to place them in. CJ-8 Scramblers initially bought for between $9,000 and $10,000, however a well-preserved mannequin will price at the very least $30,000 right now.

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How Much HP Does A Honda K20 Engine Produce & What Cars Are They In?

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Honda is not missing choices relating to the K20 engine. The Japanese producer has discontinued just a few variations, so some are solely accessible in older fashions, whereas others may be discovered on a dealership’s lot immediately. So, which automobiles are the K20 engines in? To hold issues easy, we’ll break every up into its personal part.

The authentic K20 was unique to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). It was inside Japan’s Honda Civic Type R and Integra Type Rs from 2001 to 2006. The K20A additionally got here in 2002 to 2008 fashions of the Honda Accord Euro R and Civic Type Rs from 2007 to 2011. First-generation Honda Streams, which ran from 2001 to 2006, had the K20A1 engine within the RN3 and RN4 fashions.

The K20A2 engine was accessible in Honda Civic Type R fashions from 2001 to 2006 within the European Domestic Market (EDM) and the Acura RSX Type S from 2002 to 2004. It additionally went down underneath, that includes in Australian and New Zealand Domestic Markets within the Honda Integra Type R from 2002 to 2004.

More widespread than the others, the K20A3 was within the 2002-2006 Acura RSX and the Honda Civic Si, SiR, and Type S fashions from 2002-2005. It was additionally within the Southeast Asian Civic 2.0 i-VTEC from 2003 to 2006. European and Australian Honda Accords from 2003 to 2006 featured the A20A6 with 155hp.

[Featured image by Hatsukari715 via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | Public Domain]

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5 Of The Cheapest Trucks Chevrolet Ever Made

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During a tumultuous time in automotive historical past, simply earlier than the oil disaster — when emissions requirements sharply elevated — Chevrolet debuted the LUV. The compact LUV pickup is clearly impressed by the vehicles Japanese producers had been promoting on the time. The LUV stands for “Light Utility Vehicle,” and has a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. With a smaller engine, the LUV could not deal with the extra rugged duties of a full-size truck, however was extra gasoline environment friendly. LUV consumers acquired 75 horsepower and 88-pound toes of torque, which wasn’t all that spectacular. However, the little truck did obtain over 32 miles per gallon on the freeway, saving drivers cash on the pump.

Not solely was the LUV extra environment friendly by way of gasoline economic system, but it surely was additionally pretty cheap. In 1972, you would drive a brand new LUV off the Chevrolet lot for simply $2,196. Adjusted for inflation, the LUV would price $15,477 right this moment, which is a far cry from the price of a brand new 2024 Chevy Colorado (Chevy’s smallest truck), which begins at $29,500. Fondly remembered, the LUV is the classic mini-truck we wish Chevrolet would bring back.

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Are Lexus And Toyota Engines Made In The Same Factory?

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Lexus and Toyota previously shared a very cozy relationship.  However, Lexus operates with more autonomy from Toyota these days, with the company now reportedly running many of its own design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities. Despite the autonomy, it’s commonly understood that Lexus and Toyota still share production facilities in Japan and the United States. That fact ensures some of their engines are still made within the same factory walls.

Indeed, in a recent publication detailing Lexus’ history, MotorTrend proclaimed in no unsure phrases that Toyota truly makes Lexus engines. Given the automotive big’s parentage over the posh model, it is exhausting to argue the purpose, although the article additionally factors out that the shared lineage is an enormous a part of why Lexus engines have generally proven more endurable and reliable than many different manufacturers within the luxurious automotive discipline.

From a design and efficiency standpoint, auto fans can agree that — other than a shared platform or two — Toyota and Lexus autos haven’t got a lot in widespread. In all frankness, the posh model bests fashions manufactured by its mum or dad firm from the bottom up, fronting a polish and craftsmanship that its extra sensible counterpart won’t ever have the ability to match. Of course, Lexus’ high-end worth level additionally ensures the autos are not often, if ever, in direct competitors with these made by their mum or dad firm as a result of, regardless of the saying, you’ll be able to completely put a worth on luxurious.     

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Why Your Steering Wheel Might Shake When You Brake At High Speeds

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The typical first intuition when a automotive will get wobbly whereas braking is to imagine it is the brake pads. However, one other element that works with the pads stands out as the problem. Brake rotors are what the brake pads press towards, creating friction to sluggish your automotive down. As you possibly can think about, if one thing goes fallacious with the rotors, your automotive can be affected.

The friction between the pad and rotor creates a considerable quantity of warmth, particularly when braking at excessive speeds. Over time, this will trigger the rotors to warp or put on down erratically. If the rotor floor is not clean, your brake pad will hit these imperfections and trigger your steering wheel to jolt.

The repair may be very easy: see a mechanic. Brake rotors have to be put in flawlessly so the brake pad is urgent towards a flat, even floor. If they’re put in improperly, you possibly can expertise the identical shaking and even be vulnerable to an accident as your automotive will not be braking effectively. Depending on the standard of your rotors, your mechanic could suggest both a full alternative or a resurfacing, which smooths the floor of your present rotors.

Other signs of warped rotors embrace a vibrating brake pedal, taking longer to brake, or screeching brakes. It’s beneficial that it is best to replace your rotors no less than each 50,000 to 70,000 miles, however that may range primarily based on the rotors you might have put in.

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Everything Pontiac Fans Should Know About The Last Generation GTO

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In Australia, automobile followers had been anticipating the return of the Holden Monaro in 2001. This sporty, two-door coupe was manufactured by the Aussie GM division and was produced till 2005. In truth, the “Land Down Under” skilled its personal golden period for small block efficiency autos, and you will not imagine a few of the coolest Australian muscle cars ever built.

Back within the U.S., across the early 2000s, the general public skilled renewed pleasure for efficiency muscle vehicles, and GM automakers seemed to rapidly capitalize on the renewed recognition. Bob Lutz, former GM President, did not initially have an acceptable platform to deliver the GTO again till he realized that the Holden Monaro could possibly be rebranded a GTO stateside.

Following some hiccups with importing the Monaro into the U.S., the GTO was lastly unveiled in 2004. Some changes had been required to cross U.S. rules, comparable to relocating the gasoline tank to the trunk for collision requirements. 

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Every Generation Jeep Cherokee, Ranked Worst To Best

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To construct the first-generation SJ Cherokee, AMC kind of eradicated the Wagoneer’s C-pillar and rear doorways, and prolonged the facet glass within the rear cargo space. For its first two years, the one engine choices within the Cherokee had been a 258 cubic inch I6 and the stalwart 360 cubic inch V8. A 401 cubic inch choice was added in 1976, and the next 12 months, Cherokee consumers may additionally drive dwelling a four-door mannequin. Choosing the Chief trim from 1976 on gave consumers a wider observe and wider fenders to suit outsized tires. A Golden Eagle Cherokee was issued in 1979, and a Golden Hawk version in 1980. 

They each included massive chicken decals on the hood, however the Golden Eagle additionally had the Chief’s wider axles plus denim upholstery. Through 1979, the full-time Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive system with a Borg-Warner 1339 limited-slip switch case was an choice. In 1980, the 1339 was swapped out for a New Process 207 case, however the Quadra-Trac identify and badge remained. The entrance and rear driveshafts may very well be locked with a vacuum swap within the cabin, however many house owners have put in kits to transform Quadra-Trac Cherokees to part-time four-wheel drive. The gas-guzzling SJ did not final lengthy sufficient to see gasoline injection, though aftermarket kits can be found from the likes of Holley and Howell to treatment this.

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Here’s What The Eco Mode In Your Car Actually Does

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If you have determined to check out your automobile’s eco mode, you may be questioning when you must use it. Given that your automobile will function with lowered energy in eco mode, it really works greatest once you will not have to speed up quickly, equivalent to in congested suburban streets or slow-moving visitors. Eco mode excels in metropolis driving, the place stop-and-go visitors is widespread. Since eco mode reduces the throttle response and shifts gears at decrease RPMs, it might probably allow you to save gasoline in city areas the place the transmission usually has to work nonstop.

You may need to think about using eco mode when happening a protracted journey the place you will be driving at average speeds (between 30 and 60 mph), equivalent to freeway driving with cruise management. In these conditions, eco mode can enhance gasoline effectivity by protecting the engine working at decrease RPMs, which conserves gasoline over lengthy distances​.

There are additionally occasions once you’ll need to keep away from placing your automobile in eco mode as a result of it might do extra hurt than good. Eco mode is not your best option for high-speed freeway driving, the place you would possibly have to speed up rapidly to overhaul a automobile or merge with visitors. The lowered energy output can harm your automobile’s efficiency in these conditions. You additionally will not need to use eco mode if you’ll be towing or going up steep inclines as a result of the lowered torque and energy may not present the required efficiency to deal with these situations safely.