#Performance uogrades

[johnrame]

The Pros & Cons Of Turbocharged Engines

Turbocharged engines have become increasingly popular in both consumer vehicles and performance cars in the recent past. As manufacturers seek to balance power with efficiency, turbos have emerged as a go-to solution for achieving both objectives. This comprehensive analysis explores the advantages and disadvantages of turbocharged engines, helping potential buyers make informed decisions about their next vehicle purchase.

Advantages of Turbocharged Engines

Enhanced Power Output: One of the most significant benefits of turbocharged engines is their ability to generate substantial power from relatively small displacement engines. By forcing more air into the combustion chamber, turbos enable engines to produce significantly more power than their naturally aspirated counterparts. This makes performance upgrades more accessible and effective for enthusiasts looking to maximise their vehicle's potential.

Improved Fuel Efficiency: Turbocharged engines often deliver better fuel economy compared to larger naturally aspirated engines producing similar power. This efficiency comes from the ability to use smaller displacement engines that consume less fuel during normal driving conditions while still providing power on demand when needed.

Reduced Emissions: With growing environmental concerns and stricter emission regulations, turbocharged engines offer a practical solution. Their smaller displacement and improved efficiency typically result in lower CO2 emissions compared to larger engines with similar power output.

Better High-Altitude Performance: Turbocharged engines maintain their performance better at high altitudes compared to naturally aspirated engines. As air density decreases with altitude, turbochargers can compensate by forcing more air into the engine, maintaining power output where naturally aspirated engines would suffer.

Enhanced Torque Characteristics: Turbocharged engines typically produce peak torque at lower RPMs, providing better low-end acceleration and improved drivability in everyday situations. This characteristic makes turbocharged vehicles feel more responsive during normal driving conditions.

Disadvantages of Turbocharged Engines

Increased Complexity: The addition of turbo accessories and associated components increases the overall complexity of the engine system. This complexity can lead to more potential points of failure and higher maintenance costs over time. Components like blow off valves, intercoolers, and wastegates require regular inspection and maintenance.

Turbo Lag: Despite technological advances, turbo lag remains a consideration in turbocharged engines. This delay between pressing the accelerator and feeling the full power output can be noticeable, particularly in older or larger turbocharged systems. While modern designs have minimised this effect, it hasn't been completely eliminated.

Higher Operating Temperatures: Turbocharged engines generally run hotter than their naturally aspirated counterparts due to the compressed air and increased pressure in the system. This can lead to increased stress on engine components and potentially shorter engine life if not properly maintained.

More Expensive Maintenance: The additional complexity of turbocharged engines often results in higher maintenance costs. Regular oil changes become more critical, and specialised knowledge may be required for repairs. When problems do occur with turbos, repairs can be significantly more expensive than those for naturally aspirated engines.

Potential for Reduced Reliability: While modern turbocharged engines are generally reliable, they can be more prone to problems if not properly maintained or if driven aggressively. The additional heat and pressure created by turbos can accelerate wear on engine components if regular maintenance is neglected.

Considerations for Potential Buyers

When considering a turbocharged vehicle, potential buyers should carefully evaluate the following factors:

Driving Style and Usage Patterns

City Driving: Frequent short trips and stop-and-go traffic can be less ideal for turbocharged engines as they may not reach optimal operating temperatures. This can lead to increased wear and reduced efficiency.

Highway Driving: Turbocharged engines excel in highway conditions where steady-state operation allows for optimal performance and efficiency.

Performance Driving: If you plan on track days or aggressive driving, consider models with robust cooling systems and proven reliability records.

Cold Climate Operation: Turbocharged engines may require longer warm-up periods in cold weather to protect engine components.

Maintenance Commitment

Service Intervals: Expect more frequent oil changes (typically every 5,000-7,500 miles) using high-quality synthetic oils specifically rated for turbocharged engines.

Cost Planning: Budget for potential maintenance costs:

Regular inspections of turbo components.

More frequent spark plug replacements.

Possible intercooler cleaning.

Premium fuel requirements in many models.

Preventive Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections of:

Boost lines and clamps.

Intercooler condition.

Turbo bearings and seals.

Oil feed and return lines.

Performance Modification Potential

Tuning Opportunities: Turbocharged engines often offer significant power gains through relatively simple modifications:

ECU tuning/remapping.

Upgraded intercoolers.

Enhanced turbo components.

Improved intake and exhaust systems.

Warranty Considerations: Understand how modifications might affect your vehicle's warranty coverage.

Insurance Implications: Some modifications may impact insurance rates or coverage.

Long-term Ownership Considerations

Depreciation Factors: Research model-specific depreciation rates, as some turbocharged vehicles may depreciate faster than naturally aspirated alternatives.

Reliability History: Investigate:

Common problems for specific models.

Average repair costs.

Documented longevity of the engine design.

Resale Value: Consider:

Market demand for turbocharged variants.

Regional preferences.

Future emissions regulations that might affect value.

Financial Planning

Purchase Costs:

Higher initial purchase price compared to naturally aspirated equivalents.

Premium fuel requirements in many cases.

Potentially higher insurance rates.

Operating Costs:

Fuel efficiency benefits vs. premium fuel requirements.

Maintenance reserve fund recommendations.

Insurance cost variations.

Manufacturer Reputation

Research specific manufacturers' track records with turbocharged engines.

Compare reliability ratings across different brands.

Investigate dealer support and service network quality.

Review technical service bulletins and recall history.

Personal Priorities

Performance vs. Efficiency: Determine whether you prioritise performance capabilities or fuel economy

Complexity vs. Simplicity: Consider your comfort level with more complex automotive technology

Cost vs. Benefits: Weigh the higher costs against the perceived benefits for your specific situation

Environmental Impact: Consider the emissions benefits of smaller turbocharged engines if environmental impact is a priority

Turbocharged engines offer compelling advantages in terms of power, efficiency, and environmental impact. However, these benefits come with trade-offs in complexity, maintenance requirements, and potential reliability concerns. The decision to choose a turbocharged vehicle should be based on individual needs, driving habits, and willingness to maintain the vehicle properly.

For many modern drivers, the benefits of turbocharged engines outweigh the drawbacks, explaining their increasing popularity in the automotive market. However, success with a turbocharged vehicle depends largely on understanding its unique characteristics and maintaining it accordingly. With proper care and attention, turbocharged engines can provide an excellent balance of performance and efficiency for years to come.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/top-7-best-wings-spoilers-for-the-toyota-gr86-subaru-brz/

Top 7 Best Wings/Spoilers for the Toyota GR86 & Subaru BRZ

We have recently shared the top 6 best canard kits that improve the aerodynamics performance of the Toyota GR-86 and Subaru BRZ, in the same breath we want to share another recommendation for these performance cars, this time it is wings and spoilers. Guaranteed to take your car’s aerodynamics performance to the next level imaginable, wings and spoilers are different car parts that are usually confused as one part. If you are one of the people who usually confuse the two, stay with us to the end to know the difference.

Wings and spoilers are aerodynamics performance upgrades, but once installed they serve different aerodynamic purposes on the vehicle. Wings are mostly used in racing cars to generate lift that enhances down force for better traction and stability, while spoilers disrupts airflow to reduce lift, enhancing the vehicle’s grip and stability on the road, particularly at high speeds.

This is a wing

Installing a wing is easy and you can do it yourself or with the help of a friend, the hard part maybe drilling holes in your trunk. But once installed wings can have several advantages including;

Increase down force

Enhance traction

Improve stability and handling.

Optimize overall aerodynamics performance

This is a spoiler

Installing a spoiler is more than just for aesthetics purposes, a spoiler can;

Reduce aerodynamic drag which can lead to improved fuel efficiency and top-end speed

Optimize overall aerodynamics

Reduce lift by disrupting airflow, which in turn increases the stability of the vehicle at higher speeds

If you would love to experience these benefits on your ride, check out these 7 recommendations that we have for your Toyota GR-86 and Subaru BRZ

1.) APR Performance Carbon Fiber GTC 200 Adjustable Wing Subaru BRZ | Toyota GR-86 2022+

There are some brands that are known for their outstanding products, and APR Performance is one of them, the list would be incomplete without a product from this company. Their wings come with stainless-steel machine screws, washers, and nuts, and they manufactured to deliver maximum down force in midsize and compact car applications.

2.) APR Performance Carbon Fiber GTC-300 61 Inch Adjustable Wing Subaru BRZ | Toyota GR-86 2022+

We love the APR Performance Carbon Fiber GTC 200 Adjustable Wing, we had to recommend another one from the brand. The APR Performance Carbon Fiber GTC-300 61 Inch Adjustable Wing has a span of 61 inches and a height of 13 inches, and it is also adjustable. The GTC-300 3D airfoil shape allows for optimal airflow that reduces drag yet supplies an effective amount of down force.

3.) Street Hunter Carbon Fiber Rear Trunk Spoiler Subaru | Toyota 2022

Street Hunter Designs is also one of those brands with a good rep when it comes to the carbon fiber body kits, parts, and accessories that they make. They utilize state-of-the-art technologies and equipment such as 3D scanning, 3D printing, and precision CNC milling in their designing and manufacturing processes to ensure that they produce the highest quality parts and molds. This rear trunk spoiler is durable, of high quality and ready to deliver the highest performance.

4.) HKS Body Kit Type-S Rear Wing Toyota GR-86 | Subaru BRZ 2022+

When we said the top 7 best wings and spoilers in the title, we actually meant it. HKS is one of those brands that consistently delivers high quality aftermarket products, and their wing is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, improve rear down force balance against the stock body, breaking stability, and drivability at high-speed corner.

5.) Artisan Spirits Rear Wing Black Label Carbon Fiber CFRP Toyota GR86 | Subaru BRZ 2022+

Artisan Spirits is a Japanese brand with more than two decades of experience in manufacturing aftermarket products. They have a lot of experience in manufacturing products using carbon-reinforced plastic, and that’s what they have used to make this wing which means it is incredibly strong and durable.

6.) Rexpeed V1 ABS Trunk Spoiler Toyota GR86 | Subaru BRZ 2022-2023

Rexpeed, is a brand based in Taiwan, which is known for manufacturing quality automotive components that both complement and improve the aesthetics and aerodynamics of your vehicle. This spoiler is made using high grade ABS plastic material, and the kit comes with necessary hardware for easy installation so you can take it as a challenge and DIY

7.) Versus Engineering UCW Rear Wing Kit with Carbon Endplates Toyota GR-86 2022+

The last wing upgrade recommendation we have for you is a Versus Engineering UCW Rear Wing Kit with Carbon Endplates which was manufactured using the state-of-the-art analysis software. This wing is a great addition to your Toyota GR86 as it will increase down force significantly in the rear, increase confidence on track, and reduce lap times. This is the perfect match for your ride as it is designed to work on the factory trunk and handle the down force well, click the blue button to grab it right now!

There are many who think wings/ spoiler upgrades are for aesthetics only but if you made it to the end then you have seen how crucial they are to your car’s aerodynamics performance, grab one today to see the difference in your car. If you would love to get more upgrade recommendations for your Toyota GR-86 and Subaru BRZ, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com

[mystery-moose]

JAN 10th — GOD OF WAR: RAGNAROK

Today I finished the sequel to 2018’s God of War! Well, I hit credits — the story continues afterward for a bit, and I have a fair bit left to do that I will absolutely do.

I cried! A lot!!

I’ll say my criticisms up front. The combat is so finely tuned, and most of your uogrades carry over from the last game, so there are significant difficulty spikes, especially in the first half of the game, until you finally get a handle on the combat again and really use every single button and button combo the game gives you. Several optional boss fights are WAY too fucked against you, even for extra-hard funsies.

Narratively, I think the kid playing Atreus gives a great performance about half the time and the other half he feels… stiff. Because he’s like fifteen and he’s gotten a little awkward and self-conscious and he can’t muster the courage to fully commit to his performance sometimes. But he hits the moments he needs to, and he knocks it out of the park in the big scenes, so it’s whatever. And there are a couple plot moments that I think go unanswered, and I can feel the game’s narrative start to crunch down and condense near the end. Certain characters are given shorter shrift, and their arcs, which would be reasonable given more time or focus, seem to skip a beat to get to their conclusion.

All that being said… this is one of the best games I’ve played in years. An incredible piece of storytelling and game design, the absolute best of the triple-A games. Beyond that, it is everything a sequel should be — maps, fights, moments, character development, writing, dialogue, combat, enemy variety, all of it improved over a game that already excelled in almost every category. A story that carried its characters forward, let them grow, let them make mistakes and fuck up and be better and never betrayed who they were even as they changed. And introduces new ones who steal the show whenever they appear, entertain and menace and make themselves memorable.

The only reason I have any complaints at all is because the game holds itself to such a high standard, shows me things I never see in video games — quiet, silence, subtlety, thoughtfulness, and especially patience — so that when they falter their absence is missed. At the same time, the game is already long (I hit credits at almost 45 hours!) so drawing it out longer to lengthen our quest, give us more time to get to know certain important characters and make them feel more full, might finally start to wear. And at a certain point, even Sony Santa Monica has to admit they are human! They can’t keep showing us new sights and set pieces and whole new quests all the way to the end of the story! It’s just unreasonable!

I can absolutely see how this game might have started as the middle chapter of a trilogy. I think in some ways it might have been better that way, but in other ways it might have been worse. And frankly, I can’t really get mad at a story that ends when it wants to end, and doesn’t build itself into a trilogy just to sell a third chapter. All in all? This story is fantastic, less focused than its predecessor but better developed.

Also I wept like three times in the last two hours. Just big old tears.

I have no real idea what the next game looks like, and that’s deeply exciting. I can’t wait to see what this studio does next. And frankly if it ends here? It ends so well.

In conclusion, I laughed, I cried, I raged at a few bosses, 10/10 must play however you can. What an achievement.

[matsumi101]

Bonnie’s decommission was actually an executive decision and not monty’s fault real not fake