Torque Cars chat forums - View Single Post - General engine tuning tips (VERY General)

HDi fun · 08-10-2006, 08:25 PM

They're like a couple of bloody pirhanas - eat ANYTHING. No sacrifice really - I, too' like my tucker.

The weight thing is very very sensible. Not only does less weight mean better performance for free, it also puts less load on tyres, which allows braking and handling to be optimised. It also reduces the load on the environment as less fuel is required, thereby the release of exhaust gases is reduced. I'm not a green lobbyist, but I do take some care to minimise environmental impact. (strangely, this also applies to my eating habits - let's dump the supermarkets with their over priced low quality products. Let's dump the crap petrol and diesel,too. For the record, I buy meat from two or three local farmers and utilise my big BIG freezer, which means I can live on top quality stuff every day for well under supermarket money. This helps fund my fuel bill and heavy right boot

Back to performance diesels, and I've said it before elsewhere in these discussions, but engine mass/weight is a standard problem with diesel cars (especially FWD ones). That heavy engine can upset the handling balance of a car. Diesel units are heavy; they're dealing with big compression ratios and big torque figures. as such, the bearings are larger in diameter, the gearboxes belong in lorries and tractors even if the change quality is good. Clutches are getting on for 12" diameter and require fluid operation and servo assistance to make the things pleasant to drive.

As for the environment, any pollution is bad, but, come on Mr Blair, we do rely upon our cars for essential travel. Let's face it - is going to work a luxury? I wouldn't go if I didn't have to! So how bad are we that look after our cars and optimise their performance? Commuting is not a hobby. And if, let's sat I go for a fifty mile blast on a Sunday once in a while. I'm still contributing to the HM C&E pot for the privilege of buring fossil fuels.

Consider the pleasure yatching fraternity. They're pissed that they are gonna be required to pay duty on fuel. If they don't pay duty on their leisure activities, why should you and I? Please, Mr. Brown, can I claim back duty on diesel that I burn for leisure in my car?

Think it through,

Rgds,

Paul.

08-10-2006, 08:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
HDi fun Moderator The Torque Meister Car: Peugeot 406 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SOUTH EAST Posts: 1,526	They're like a couple of bloody pirhanas - eat ANYTHING. No sacrifice really - I, too' like my tucker. The weight thing is very very sensible. Not only does less weight mean better performance for free, it also puts less load on tyres, which allows braking and handling to be optimised. It also reduces the load on the environment as less fuel is required, thereby the release of exhaust gases is reduced. I'm not a green lobbyist, but I do take some care to minimise environmental impact. (strangely, this also applies to my eating habits - let's dump the supermarkets with their over priced low quality products. Let's dump the crap petrol and diesel,too. For the record, I buy meat from two or three local farmers and utilise my big BIG freezer, which means I can live on top quality stuff every day for well under supermarket money. This helps fund my fuel bill and heavy right boot Back to performance diesels, and I've said it before elsewhere in these discussions, but engine mass/weight is a standard problem with diesel cars (especially FWD ones). That heavy engine can upset the handling balance of a car. Diesel units are heavy; they're dealing with big compression ratios and big torque figures. as such, the bearings are larger in diameter, the gearboxes belong in lorries and tractors even if the change quality is good. Clutches are getting on for 12" diameter and require fluid operation and servo assistance to make the things pleasant to drive. As for the environment, any pollution is bad, but, come on Mr Blair, we do rely upon our cars for essential travel. Let's face it - is going to work a luxury? I wouldn't go if I didn't have to! So how bad are we that look after our cars and optimise their performance? Commuting is not a hobby. And if, let's sat I go for a fifty mile blast on a Sunday once in a while. I'm still contributing to the HM C&E pot for the privilege of buring fossil fuels. Consider the pleasure yatching fraternity. They're pissed that they are gonna be required to pay duty on fuel. If they don't pay duty on their leisure activities, why should you and I? Please, Mr. Brown, can I claim back duty on diesel that I burn for leisure in my car? Think it through, Rgds, Paul.