| August 2008 - Tech Support
Question Of The Month
Stumped with a tech inquiry? We're here to help. Email us at: tech@superstreetonline.com or by writing in: Super Street, c/o Tech Support, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Q Hey, Super Street. First of all, nice job on the mag. It's looking pretty sick with the new changes. Anyway, I'm 15 years old and just got my first car, a '91 Nissan 240SX hatchback. I've always been into the import scene and know a lot about these cars, so don't think you will confuse me. I plan on swapping out the truck motor (KA24DE) for the SR20 and yeah, everyone else is doing it too, but it doesn't matter. I plan on building the motor up with a new turbo, injectors and top end. My question is what's the best option for the brains of the car? I've been looking at the A'PEXi Power FC D-Jetro, GReddy E-Manage and the AEM EMS. I'd like to run a MAP sensor instead of the MAF, so which ones will allow me to do that? Thanks.
Dillon Boyd
Via the Internet
A Only 15 and you know the difference between MAP and MAF?! You're off to a great start building cars. We can see where this kid's future lies. You're right: switching to a MAP sensor would allow for higher performance. Technically, you would be able to run a MAP on any one of those three management options. But first find out who you plan to have tune your car and what they like. No point in buying one particular system when you can't find anyone local to tune it for you.
Happy Ending
We Could All Use OneQ Hey guys, wanted to start off with a "bravo." I just finished reading my very first issue of Super Street and Import Tuner (and as a matter of fact, reading any magazine LOL). But I found your magazine a hell of a lot more interesting than Import Tuner. Their magazine kept making me sleepy. But anyway, to my question: I own a 1990 Honda Civic hatchback and would really like to have an awesome import. I've thought about dropping in a JDM B16 engine this summer but I'm not entirely sure on what to do, really. That's what I'm asking you guys. Help!
Luis Lozano
Magnolia, TX
A Have a look in the current issue of Project Car. They built two EFs; one 1990 Civic with a JDM B16A swap and a 1989 CRX with a turbocharged D16A. That should give you an idea of two good options for your car.
Q I have a 2003 350Z with almost 70k on the engine. I'm currently deployed to Iraq right now, but I have plans to build up my Z to be a feature car. I want to put a twin turbo kit on it, but I would like to know what I need to upgrade on the engine so I don't blow it higher than an artillery round. It's a daily driver, but maybe someday it will end up on a race track, preferably drifting. Thanks in advance and hopefully your advice is as good as my ex-girlfriend.
Gregory Hill
Homestead, FL
A Reading our magazine is ten times better than your ex-girlfriend was. Well, not really, but that's all you have while in Iraq. If you want to reinforce the motor, you can get new block sleeves, forged pistons and forged rods for the extra strength. But the key to not ruining your engine is good tuning. Tune it properly and you'll increase your odds of not blowing.
Q I drive a '92 Toyota Tercel. OK, get your laughs out now... I bought it for $1,600 because it was what I could afford at the time. I'm glad I got it because finding aftermarket parts is a challenge. It makes it all the more rewarding when something goes right. Even seat covers required custom work to fit right. It's impossible to find help on Toyota forums if you have anything less than a Camry. So my question is: What are my options as far as engine swaps? I know I could run a starlet 4E-FTE or a Corolla motor. What is my best bet? And before you throw this letter out, keep in mind that only weighing 2,000 pounds, with more power and a stiffer chassis, the Tercel becomes the ultimate street sleeper. I'm sure I represent other novice tuners who are too embarrassed to ask for help. I beg for your help!
Alex
Via the Internet
A A fourth-generation Tercel?! LOL. And you want to make it fast?? Hahaha. LOL. OK, no more laughing, it hurts already. Although the 4E-FTE engine comes turbocharged, a 4A-G swap would allow for much more aftermarket support, especially in this part of the world. And you could have your option of having a naturally aspirated 4A-GE or the forced induction 4A-GZE. Either swap you choose to do, will require lots of money, time and fabrication. Good luck.
Q Hello, people of Super Street. I have a '98 Civic EX with a D16Y8 SOHC motor. I had recently blown the motor. I've decided to fix what I broke. I'm looking to swap for a bigger engine, and I was thinking about a JDM B16 motor. The motor that was in it before had MSD ignition, coil, distributor and sparkplug wires. It also had a Jackson Racing supercharger in it. I was wondering if all those parts that I had on the old motor would swap easily onto the new motor. I've asked this question to so many people since I've been gone, even Jackson Racing, and I have not gotten a straight answer. I liked the articles in your magazine and thought you guys could help!
Chad J. Wofford
Tulsa, OK
A Chad, sorry to tell you this but the distributor, sparkplug wires and Jackson Racing supercharger from a single cam D16 will not fit on the larger dual cam B16. The supercharger would require a new custom intake manifold for that to fit. You might be better off getting a replacement D16 or selling off what you have to pay for a B16 swap. The MSD ignition and coil however should swap over to the new motor.
Q Hey guys, I've been reading your magazine since 1996, and it just keeps getting better every year! I've owned a '91 CRX with a VTEC Turbo and a BMW 325i Sport. After I lost my license (from getting into trouble with the law), I recently bought a commuter car, a 2007 Kia Spectra5 SX. I've gotten the modification bug and want to add a set of wheels, suspension, intake, exhaust and a body kit, but can't find anything around for the car besides the factory Kia OE upgrades of a basic spring set and ignition wires. I need help! I have found quite a few Spectra5 owners with this same issue and any help, guidance or emotional support is greatly appreciated. I also accept ridiculing comments and Kia-bashing jokes fairly well as it's getting pretty common when I call around for parts.
Donald Wilborn
Frisco, TX
A A Kia? You and the Tercel guy really need to get together. Eibach makes springs for your car. Both exhaust and wheels can be universal parts. Hopefully someone will read this and help you freaks out. OK, just kidding about all that, but you said you're used to it. All imports were laughed at at one time.