Here's where we act like we know something technical about cars. Feel free to ask us about your technical troubles. Write us at tech@superstreetonline.com or Super Street c/o Tech Support, 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245. Feel free to include a picture of your project or tech problem.
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Tech Support - Where We Cure All Your Tech Problems
Q I have a 240SX S13 and I'm in the process of buying suspension for it. I read your article (Suspension 101, in the December 2009 issue) and I was wondering if coilovers have a pillow ball top mount. Is this good enough camber adjustment for street use or do I need a camber kit to get good tire wear?
Alfredo I. Custodio
Via email
A Alfie, with aftermarket coilovers for your S13 you will get camber plates intergrated to your front pillow ball mounts, but not the rears. The rear coilovers do have pillow ball top mounts but the camber setting is not adjustable there like the fronts are. Instead you'll have to get adjustable rear upper control arms (RUCA). If you're following our S14 project car, you'll see we installed Circuit Sports RUCAs from Phase 2 Motortrend. This will give you the adjustability you want for proper handling and tire wear.
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Tech Support - Where We Cure All Your Tech Problems
B16A Swapped EG
Q I recently obtained a 1994 Honda Civic hatchback from my cousin who didn't want it anymore because it was starting to have mechanical issues. I swapped out the motor due to the stock D16 breaking down on me. I ended up putting in a JDM B16A and now it is time to do some modifications. I have been out of the import scene for a couple years and I am now getting the itch again. I wanted to start putting on the basics, intake, header, exhaust but I don't know which intake I need to buy to fit my car and my new motor. Do I buy one for the Civic or do I buy the one for the Del Sol? Also which MSD cap do I need to purchase so I can hook up my 6AL and MSD Blaster Coil?
Kevin Tong
Santa Rosa, CA
A Kevin, looks like you're on the right track with the B16A swap. For an intake take a look at what AEM has to offer for a Del Sol (B16A) or for an Integra '94-00 (non-GSR and non-Type R). We're assuming you have the factory throttle-body here. If you have an aftermarket throttle-body, you might need a new coupling to fit the intake. Another option is to just replace the drop-in filter with a K&N unit. It's a nice stealth setup. As for the MSD distributor cap, you'll need part number 82933 for your B16A engine. Keep up the good work and keep us updated.
ITR EF Cluster Install
Q I have a '91 Civic hatchback and I was wondering if the Integra Type R gauge cluster will fit in my car and if all the wiring will mount up. I'm really bad at wiring but I have friends that are willing to help out.
Roberto Henriquez
Via email
A You wouldn't be the first person to do this swap. Although the ITR cluster doesn't fit perfectly, it will come very close and won't look horrible in the EF dash. The wiring clips will not fit, and you will need to cut all EF ones off of the dash harness. You'll need to get an ITR cluster with its wiring clips and then connect the EF wires to the new cluster and clips. You will also need a VSS as the ITR cluster takes a digital speedometer signal, and not cable driven like the EF speedometer. Have a look at this page for wiring, http://ef-honda.com/ben/DCcluster.php
PSSST - SR20 BOV
Q I just recently did a SR20DET swap on my '93 240SX. Everything is working on it. But the only problem I seem to be having is that my car runs extremely rich when I don't re-circulate the blow off valve. I want to know if there is a way I can run an atmospheric blow-off valve without having to buy a computer to keep it from getting too rich.
Chris
Via email
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Tech Support - Where We Cure All Your Tech Problems
A Sorry, but your car will continue to run like ass with the blow-off valve routed to the atmosphere. The MAF sensor is taking all that air into account and matching the injectors to spray the appropriate amount of fuel into your engine. And since your BOV is letting some of the air out, your engine is running rich. Most SR20DET guys know this and prefer to re-circulate the BOV. Some SR20DET users have been able to use the HKS BOV atmospherically because of the small valve size on the HKS unit. So you might want to give that a try. The best way to use a atmospheric BOV without any hiccups would be to replace the MAF with a MAP sensor.
BMW 326RB
Q How hard is it to install a Nissan RB26DETT motor into a 1987 BMW 325? I am being serious about it. I know people have put that motor into a Ford Mustang. I have the 2.7 inline-six in it now but want the RB26DETT. Would you know any one who has done this already?
Brian
Coatesville, PA
A Anything is really possible if you have the time and money for it. Unless you have the money for it (we're guessing not if this is your daily driver), or have a high level of fabrication skill (we're guessing not again, if you have to ask if it's possible), than this is probably not up your alley. The more popular and affordable method for power would be getting a turbo kit for your factory BMW inline-six. We'd suggest this route with some internal work, or at least a rebuild. Although an RB powered E30 would be pretty cool as fawk, check out the insane amount of work it takes before you decide to do it, http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/128515-bmw-326rb-build-thread.html