EuroBerge Issue 4

Conquering Nebraska ‘09 Sandy Crack Rallye Volkswagens on the Green A Taste of Ethanol

Micheal Suoo Denver, CO Photos by: Mike Selander Location: Downtown Denver 2007 Mini Cooper S 197 bhp Turbocharged I-4 Maintained by: Ralph Schompp

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

A Myriade of Thoughts

The summer is almost half way over here in Colorado, but that does not mean the events are becoming harder to find. Quite the contrary as we look into the coming months and see the multitude of amazing weekends ahead. I for one am looking forward to getting up to the top of Mount Evans for the amazing sunrise with the group of enthusiasts in attendance. On top of the sunrise drive we still have Minis in the Mountains and Dubs Along the Rockies, which will appeal to enthusiasts of all kinds.

Throughout the past year I have seen great growth in the European car scene. The multitude of clubs and groups out there appeal to all sorts of people and give everyone an avenue in which to participate. We have seen many great events occur with clubs working together and some unique ideas pop up. More and more, the number of people showing up to weekly and monthly get togethers are increasing and the shows are reporting filled parking lots before cut-off time. What does this show me? Together as a scene we have grown, and in this we have come together stronger than before. Nothing could make me happier then knowing that each and every event brings out more and more people.

This increase in numbers does not mean that we have seen a decrease in the quality of cars.

New and amazing ideas have been displayed at each event, from the custom built Vanagon at Volkswagens on the Green to the new Smart Cars showing up in force at the larger monthly get togethers.

With these new and different cars, we all sit and admire the ingenuity of each owner and then sit and wonder about our own car’s next step. We continue to push each other to be more unique and different than the other, to create something that turns heads and makes us as owners proud. This is the sign of a strong community.

With the community growth comes a need for responsibility; from each of us. We all represent each other in our actions and our words. If we as a group turn into that hated crowd, we have thus lost that positive image that each of us has strived to create for the scene. Responsibility is necessary to ensure that no matter where we go, what we do, or what we create, outsiders do not look in and relate us to lesser crowds. Keep your heads up and looking forward as we continue to grow together.

So, about this issue. We have worked hard on putting this together with the help of many great members of the community. We have coverage of Volkswagens on the Green, a great drive route for you to take on a lazy day with the family, tech articles on E85, detailing tips from the pros, and more.

And of course, the great photography you have come to expect. We thank each and every one of you for helping to build EuroBerge to be as strong and widely read as it is today.

Richard Melick Editor in Chief

INDEX Sandy Crack Rallye by Chuck Maybee :: Page 8 VWotG by Erik Melander :: Page 10 Driving the Dragon by Mike Selander :: Page 13 Attack of the Swirls by Justin Blackburn :: Page 14 AutoMezzi by Mike Selander :: Page 18

A Taste of Ethanol by Randy Weber :: Page 22 Conquering Nebraska by Kellin Goldsmith :: Page 24 Rules of Thirds by Mike Selander :: Page 28 Events Calendar :: Page 30

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

EB STAFF Richard Melick This is the man who runs it all. With a fast mind and a wit to match, he is the one who cracks the whip and gets work done. When not at work, he can be found sniffing coffee beans and cleaning his fresh paint.

Aaron Crooks.

Aaron is the friendly hippy around the office. Driving his VW GTI through Fort Collins on his way to his real job or working on the magazine is where you’re likely to find our hard-working Layout Editor.

Erik Melander.

Erik is our favorite staff photographer. Well he’s our only staff photographer because with him around, we don’t need another one. Erik’s top-notch photography is second only to his skill in tastefully modifying VWs.

Mike Selander.

Mike Selander heads up the photography department with great ease as he takes on each new project with enthusiasm. When not behind the lens, he can be found driving a new car every week.

Contributing Writers Ian Cole Ian Cole just can’t seem to stay away from EuroBerge.

When he isn’t leading the charge in the newest form of car-aerobatics or just wrenching, he finds time to write a great commentary for you all to check out.

Kellin Goldmsith.

Known for driving his slammed black Audi avant and always dressing better than everyone else, Kellin’s view on DubCenter provides a great account on what it means to be an enthusiast.

Justin Blackburn.

Nothing truly describes Justin when it comes to paint.

Nothing keeps this man up at night more than swirls and dirty micro-fibers. Always full of tips, his insight and advice will help anyone.

Randy Weber Randy is one of the few men out there not afraid to admit that he drives a Passat, none the less race the vehicle. When he isn’t fixing Ian’s cars after a track day, he can be found playing on Facebook at work.

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

Guest Editorial Ian Cole

What car, in its original form, originally drew you into the scene your in? There is some car in your past, in stock trim, which made you pause, look twice, and get your gears turning. As an enthusiast, the spark started somewhere, and you are currently involved in a community, or communities, that reflect that enthusiasm. And, it’s likely that this passion finds its way to more than one model, brand, or country of manufacture. Now, I admit, I have a thing for German cars. My ultimate car is a 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo S (I’ll take mine in Metallic Plum, please), and find myself drawn to just about anything of German manufacture. In that, I have a predilection for Volkswagens – out of 25 cars I’ve owned in my 24 years of driving, 15 of those have been VWs. Further still, 19 of those have been of German manufacture (comprising of 3 BMWs and 1 Audi), leaving less than Photo by: Erik Melander ¼ of the cars I’ve owned in my life being something other than German. And while I am a huge enthusiast of German cars, I’m just as much an enthusiast of cool cars. I’d do anything to own a nicely built ’56 Nomad (two-door, of course); I even have the colors picked out (Dodge plum and cream – yes there’s a trend there). I pass the coolest looking Datsun 510 on south Federal on my way home when I travel that route, parked at a boat shop there. And yes, there’s even some great Honda’s out there (there’s a wicked fast, beautifully built one that competes in Street Modified class of the SCCA’s Solo program).

What’s more, though, is I’m enthusiastic about enthusiasm. I don’t care what kind of car you own, what you’ve done to it, or what purpose it serves in your life – if you love it, that’s enough for me to be enthused about your car as well. I feel like there are two types of car owners in the world: those who see cars as strictly tools to transport you from point A to point B, and those who feel that a car is a means of expression – a representation, an extension of who they are. I am highly competitive and like driving fast – guess what I’ve done with my car. And the true enthusiasts are easy to spot. Their cars are well maintained, and when asked about them, a twinkle comes to their eye and they can talk for hours about the car: how they acquired it, why they wanted it, what they’ve already done to it, what they’re going to do to it, and why they love it.

Passion exudes from every word as they talk about their car of choice. In this moment, we are all one, we come from the same spark – that love that started from a single glance at a stock car that set our mind alight.

And yet, we dismiss other enthusiasts because their car isn’t low enough, doesn’t have the right body kit on it, is too stock, isn’t the right brand – we dismiss someone who may have a wealth of knowledge and creativity to share because of our artificially created superiority. The “our way is the right way” approach to building communities is doomed to failure, as all the tyrants in history have demonstrated repeatedly. I have seen communities fractured based on the slammed versus not slammed factions, air-cooled versus water-cooled, race versus show, heavily modified versus OEM and OEM+, and recently, one community ripped asunder based on a communication medium change – who wins in these battles? It certainly isn’t the enthusiast community. When was the last time Volkswagen incorporated enthusiast opinion in car designs? And why should they? There isn’t a clear community voice above the cacophony of individual screams.

Now, don’t get me wrong…I certainly do not advocate the surrender of the individual in support of the community.

Quite the opposite: I implore you to embrace the individuality presented by every enthusiast in their love for their vehicle.

Welcome their individual express of their enthusiasm for their car – don’t condemn them for their choice of expression.

While you may not appreciate their style, take a moment to reflect on the fact that this individual is a true enthusiast, and has represented their love of the car through their choices of modifications, or in just as many cases, their pure love of their preferred car – unmodified. Each of us started with a blank slate of a vehicle that fueled our passion, wrestled with our expression, and either started building to that end, or found one that was already there – built or bought.

When we start building artificial barriers based on individual preferences, we lose the opportunity to learn and expand our own knowledge and capabilities. At the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, we used NASCAR suspension setup techniques to manage tire wear, and when looking at rear suspension design, we’re stealing heavily from circle-track racers…yes, on a VW! The ultimate result of continued segregation based on perceived superiority is a collection of individuals, not communities. And in communities, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. So I ask you again, what sparked your love, and is it really that different than what sparked mine?

Index

Photo by Aaron Crooks

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

Article by Chuck Maybee

Photos by Chuck Maybee and Teena Craighill Sandy Crack

It may have been dreary and cold the morning of May 16, but it was far warmer than the origninal date for the Sandy Crack Rallye. Unfortunately, Colorado Springs snow season was in high effect and 2 feet of snow canceled the Rally in April.

With clear roads and some cloud cover the second attempt for the rallye was off to a great start as ten MINIs headed off towards the Springs with a final destination of the Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa. By the time we hit Colorado Springs the rain had started and after picking up two more MINIs and motoring down to Canon City it was raining even harder. Several quips could be heard on the radios about a name change to the Wet Crack Rallye. Having numerous run-ins with the hag Mother Nature, club president and Rallye organizer Chuck Maybee guaranteed that the rain would stop and the sun would shine before we hit the dunes.

Turning west at Canon City and passing the cloud-covered Skyline Drive the MINI pack motored toward Salida. Some gas, more coffee and quick peek into the Bungled Jungle window and we were back on the road. A left turn on 285 had us headed south and as promised the sky cleared and the sun dried the black top. Over Poncha Pass and down in to the San Luis Valley we turned on to Highway 17. Given the straightness and lack of any elevation change, several members reported removing the steering wheel for some much needed cleaning. There was truly no need for steering on this unexciting road. Finally reaching Mosca the group turned east on Lane 6 and with sights of the dunes in the shimmering distance, we motored on.

Sandy The Great Sand Dunes wereCrack formed from deposits of an ancient lake. Wind blowing against the mountains caused the sand to stack and form dunes. At 750 feet these dunes are the tallest in the US. Another unique feature is the Medano Creek which flows around the east side of the dunes. This creek is the only creek which experiences surge flow—sand flowing with the water drops out and forms little dams until the water pressure breaks through and a surge of water flows down the creek channel. What this means is you can wade into the creek and watch the water level and flow rate increase and decrease as the sand dams are breached and formed again.

After a quick lunch in a secluded parking area MINI5280 members hit the slopes. The sand was hot on the surface but cool underneath. Slopes of 48 degrees are tough climbing in the loose sand and seem to lend themselves to sledding down. However as many people find out the sand has a lot of friction (hence the use of sand on paper to smooth wood) and tends to stack in front of the sled. A snowboard was about the only successful means of sliding down the sand slope.

The Rallye officially ended and members were free to linger or drive home as they pleased. Down and back was about 500 miles of scenic Colorado, toss in a dozen MINIs and you got yourself a great day and a crack full of sand.

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

VolksWagens On The Green

Photography and Article by: Erik Melander The 15th annual Volkswagens on the Green occurred in the north east lots of Clement Park in Littleton on Sunday, May 17th.

This Volkswagen brand-specific happening brings out the both air-cooled and watercooled owners from all over Colorado and surrounding states. Entries from Nebraska and Wyoming were in attendance to strut and show their coveted rides. A wide variety of over 300 vehicles were sardinepacked in a chaotic order. Thoughts of last season’s parking disaster were replayed in the minds of many. But staffers of Volkswagen Enthusiasts of Colorado (VWEC) were able to gently squeeze in the old-style classics with the new technology gurus and the proud rusted fenders with freshly painted hoods without scuffing any property.

Some of the parking dismay was due to the some 25+ different vendors that made it onto the show grounds to display projects, complete restorations, new parts and models, and wacky compilations of all things VW. Motorworks Restoration displayed their full-frame renovation of a Karmann Ghia Cabriolet, along side with Joe’s Cool Cars reconditioned “Jello” Bus. Lithia Volk-

swagen stopped by with a mini fleet of the newly anticipated models such as the new CC and the Touraeg V6 TDI. Local fabricators like Painters Grinding and 23 Deluxe supplied countless examples of custom engineering and craftsmanship with their projects. Along with parts suppliers OE Vee Dubs and other shops including Dr. VW, Wolfsburg Autowerks, and Uber Auto Werks, it not hard to see that the community is growing with focused specialty businesses that service both the air-cooled and water-cooled communities.

Beyond the awesome on-looking fulfillment of automobiles there were several side events keeping in accordance with the theme of all-things-VW. Altered from the proverbial pinewood car derby races, Bandimere Speedway and Cub Scout Troop 303 presented a bracketed competition: several participants entered their modified engine valve covers (to accept wheels and axles) to race down an inclined track to claim victory. A costume contest for the best “Back to the 60’s” wardrobe was highlight for both kids and

adults to rummage through attic trunks to wear the weirdest tie-dye and beads you could find.

Judging of vehicles was peer-to-peer voting, following in the footsteps of previous VWOTG shows. Participants who entered in showing their vehicle were given a ballot to fill out and return before the noon-hour. This year brought more definition of classes for the water-cooled participants. Similar to air-cooled classing for the show, the water-cooled age bracketing was put into place, which separates the platform generations into individual entities. Many were delighted by the decision for added structure and depth to the affair, yet some disputed about the unexpected change.

EuroBerge :: Issue 4 The class partitioning disagreement was a fair claim for those entries and owners who went against the common platform grade; uncommon water-cooled models were shoved into the mix without properly categorizing them independently. Corrado’s were mixed in the MK3 (1993 – 1999) Jetta / Golf / GTi class; and all Passat and .:R32 owners had to fight against the substantial entered MK4 (1999.5 – 2005.5) Jetta / Golf / GTi class. With the addition of the new judged classes, the widely anticipated ‘wildest’ categories were cut from the list. Several participants and spectators are hoping it’s just a one-year interruption for those wacky and outrageous categories. The roots and cherished memories of VWOTG spawn from such creative classes that evoked originality, individualism, and charisma to the show.

The total number of entries at VWOTG was overwhelming, even with the newly instated $10 show registration fee. The event staff had to cutoff entries during mid-morning, sending away vehicles that could not enter and be judged; yet amazingly, moral spirits were high during the entire day. This same time last year, signs were pointing to move the event location to accommodate the ever growing crowd and larger entry list to remove the ‘squeezing in’ feeling.

When asked if there was any expansion room available for 2010’s show, Jeff Price, president of Volkswagen Enthusiasts of Colorado

commented, “Next year we will be at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Clement Park served us well but we out just out grew it and need more space”.

Needed space is right. Price and the staff of VWEC want to properly organize and establish necessary parking space to disperse specific generations. Jeff feels it’s proper to handle parking based on classes for the better of the show quality and outcome. Those in peer-judging who aren’t familiar with either air-cooled heritage or water-cooled trends will be able to easily concentrate and vote their best pick without running across the rows of vehicles to recall what they’ve seen. Having sanctioned positions for certain models could reduce voting time and decrease result inconsistencies.

With the sunny spring day, and not an ounce of rain to worry about, the 15th Annual Volkswagens on the Green was a treat in itself. With hopes of bringing VWOTG to the Jeffco fairgrounds, the show name could be resurrected, putting the show entries back on green grass. That would be massive treat and welcomed by those who’ve avoided the event due to asphalt setting and condensed room. The good ole’ days of VWOTG once nested on the soft turf have been on hiatus for a number of years, and if grass parking comes true expect a superior VW community turn-out in May of 2010.

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

Photo by Mike Selander

Touring Colorado Written By: Mike Selander

The way I see it, there are two types of drivers on the road. There are those among us who simply see the road and their cars as a way to get from one point to another. Then there are the drivers who enjoy driving for the thrill of the next corner.

For those of you who share this passion for driving, Colorado is heaven.

Our beautiful mountains not only provide us with some of the best slopes and most beautiful landscapes in the country, but also some of the most challenging roads in the country. Whether you prefer short and hairpins, or long and chicanes, the Rockies have it all.

One of the best driving roads in the state is in-between Highway 285

Drive Stats: Miles Driven: 60 Time Driven: 1:30 Total Curves: 345

and Idaho Springs. It constitutes 60 miles and travels through only 2 towns. Not only does it contain some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery, it has 345 curves where you can take the more aggressive line. This amazing drive is referred to as the Western Dragon. To start on the Dragon, take Highway 285 up from C-470 until you hit the exit for N. Turkey Creek Rd. On this section, you will find several tight turns, hairpins and narrow roads. Watch for people and traffic in both directions as this bit can get busy if you go during the wrong time of the day.

Follow North Turkey Creek until you get to Highway 73, then turn right and continue through Evergreen

and onto Evergreen PKWY. Keep your speed through this section very reasonable as there is quite a bit of cross-traffic and law enforcement.

Take Evergreen Parkway (PKWY) up to Squaw Pass Rd. For those of you who have ever driven this stretch, you know this is where the real fun begins. This section begins meandering up through a beautiful green valley and past several houses. Keep driving a very short distance and you will immediately be in curvy hairpin heaven. This continues for approximately 20 miles and is home to the best curves and sections of road you will see this side of the Mississippi

Directions: - Start at N. Turkey Creek Rd. - Turn right onto Highway 73 from N. Turkey creek drive route - Turn left onto Evergreen PKWY from Highway 73 - Follow until you hit Squaw Pass Rd, hang a left - Follow either until you get to Mt. Evans park entrance.

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

The week of July 4th, Intrigue was asked by The Porsche Club of America to sponsor the 2009 Porsche Parade in Keystone. As any good business person would, we jumped at the opportunity. If you missed the event, try to make it next year. The concour field was amazing, and the people were wonderful. We enjoyed the week’s events and the driving was some of the best Colorado has to offer.

As a professional detailer, I am usually prepared for the many strange questions we get asked and the rather useless rituals many people engage in while preparing their cars for shows. I have become accustomed to biting my tongue and looking the other way when attempting to discuss the fact that detail spray does not remove scratches with a die-hard who uses it excessively for that sole purpose,. I was excited to learn that part of our sponsorship was to set up in the concour prep area while the entrants prepared their cars. I figured, “Hey these are Porsche people, they are passionate about their cars, they will know better, right?” I have never been so wrong.

For starters, the concour prep area was held in the basement of a park-

Detailing nightmares

ing garage with little light, no water, and a few extension chords strewn in from the utility room. I knew right then we were in trouble. When I arrived, I was speaking to a nice older couple who I watched wax their entire car, only to immediately go back over it with a clay bar. When I attempted to explain to them that their process may be a little upsidedown, I was quickly informed that it had been working for them since long before I was born. My tongue began bleeding.

I then came across a very pretty 911 with an entire family working together to win. When I met them at 8am, they were cleaning their engine bay. I looked over the car and was amazed at how many

swirl marks were on the car. Easy to correct, I figured, they will see that right? Wrong again. At 10 pm that night, the entire family was still cleaning the engine bay. Humans will be cloned in laboratory rooms not as clean as that engine. I kept waiting for them to address the exterior, but no, they just kept cleaning the engine. After a short conversation, I discovered that polishing the car was an intimidating process to the father, the they just did what they knew how to do, clean the engine, and hoped that it would overcome the other shortfalls of the car.

As a concour judge, totality is everything, and clean is just one part of that. I personally can‘t see past swirls in paint, even if the balance of the car is perfect. Swirls can so easily be addressed, to me there is simply no reason you can have a perfectly clean car with scratches. As I thought that exact thought to myself the following morning, it happened. I was made aware of the age old Porsche polishing process secretly referred to as “Blue Magic”.

As I walked over to the three cars being hand polished with a terry cloth and some blue paste, I began bleeding from the mouth. My tongue could not take it any longer, I had to ask what the heck these

written by: Justin Blackburn of Intrigue Detail photos by: Mike Selander and Richard Melick people were doing with terry cloth on their paint and why by hand!

I approached the older gentleman that appeared to be leading the pact as to how to apply the concoction.

I introduced my self. He seemed threatened. I asked him what he was doing. He pulled me aside, and whispered to me that he was teaching the others to polish their cars using Blue Magic metal paste polish and P21S paintwork cleansing lotion. At this point, George one of our detailers began pumping me from behind with some fresh type A blood to replenish the loss I was suffering from hearing this. I asked for a walkthrough. He showed me a dirty towel, some past polish, and some paint work cleanser mixed a dab at time and then hand rubbed on the paint. He said if you do it long enough all of the scratches will come out. I asked how long he had been doing it, and he said three days. The scratches were still there. I mustered up the courage to tell him about machine polishing,

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

he cracked back that the Blue Magic secret had been in the Porsche world for over 50 years, which surprised me since P21S opened their doors in 1984. SO I just watched, and cried, and bit down a little harder. Interestingly enough, several of the cars we worked on won their class and division, the Blue Magic special came in fourth. Guess how many were in his class.

I tell you all of this because we all deal with swirls. They stink. They are however easily corrected and you can do a few things to help prevent them from happening on your car. So here is my secret list of steps you can take to prevent them. Remember, swirls are mico scratches in the top layer of paint.

They must be polished out to be removed, although many products attempt to fill them, they are not gone until removed. If you are having a hard time removing them with a machine and polish, you are using the wrong polish. Not all paints are the same hardness and some re-

quire more aggressive polish. Once the combination is correct though, swirls will come right out. Here are a few things you can do to prevent them. (see next page for tips on removing swrils)

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

Tips for Preventing Swirls

1. If you own one of those dry oily dusters, set down your Blue Magic and throw the duster at your friend who helped you polish your car with the Blue Magic.

The reality is that dry dusting you car will add swirls.

Although the dusters work okay when brand new, once they have dust in them, there is nothing that can prevent them from scratching the surface. Wet quick detail spray like PRIMA Slick or Griots Speed Shine or even Maguire’s Spray Shine are far superior options and even have optical enhancers to help make you car look great.

2. Clay, clay, clay, then polish. Claying your car removes microscopic contaminates that if not removed will be polished or waxed right into the surface. Claying your car is easy, should take about 30 minutes on the average car, and makes all the difference.

3. Polish with the correct polish for your type of paint.

Chances are you have swirls right now. Only polishing them out removes them. If you need a quick fix, a filling product like PRIMA Amigo will do for a show and shine, but to remove them they must be polished out. No, terry cloths and metal paste do not work well.

4. Keep your car protected. When you wax or seal your car, you add an invisible layer of chemical to the surface that takes a lot of the impact of things that cause swirls in the first place. A properly waxed car will repel a lot of swirls because the damage will actually be in the layer of wax as apposed to the paint.

This makes it a lot easier to remove the swirls and can really keep your paint in great shape for a long time. Wax should be reapplied about once every 2-3 months, most sealers last about 6 months.

Photo by Mike Selander

A Day With Italians

Article and Photography: Mike Selander

The Automezzi is not your ordinary car show. Ordinary car shows generally involve vehicles of mostly the same flavor, lots of walking, and then a large, long gathering of everyone left who cares enough to see the awards given in each category. A trip to the Automezzi may or may not include a helicopter ride, bi-polar weather, Ferraris, Panteras, Maseratis, Ducatis, Alfa Romeos, Lamborghinis, and some of the biggest petrol heads in the region all together in one place.

This year was no exception. The caliber of cars and bikes that showed up was second to none. A Ferarri Enzo and the brand new California also joined in the Automezzi fun. The show also featured a wide variety of vendors including a helicopter rental for which you could buy a ride on a helicopter above Denver for a mere $39. While the show ended in downpours of torrential rain, it was still a blast to be surrounded by all of the unique Italian cars that showed. I look forward to next years show!

Photo by Mike Selander

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

A Taste of

Ethanol

Article: Randy Weber and Todd Bellwood of Autobahn Premier Service Photography: Mike Selander

With the increase of gas prices over the last two summers, people are looking for an alternative fuel to power their cars. Fuel economy is becoming more important to consumers and the federal government. Ethanol has recently come on to the scene and is competitively priced to sell. Flex fuel cars are now available from many car makers and consumers are buying them and this has helped increase the availability of E85.

This article will look at Ethanol (E85) as an alternative to gasoline for increasing power, specifically on Forced Induction engines. After all, tuners and enthusiasts only have one goal: to make more power! In order to successfully make the switch from gasoline to ethanol there are a few key elements to understand: Stoichiometric Combustion - is the ideal combustion process during which a fuel is burned completely.

Lambda – the ratio between actual air/fuel ratio and stoichiometric ratio. Lambda of less than 1 is rich, and greater than 1 is lean.

AFR - Air Fuel Ratio, the mass ratio of air to fuel in the combustion chamber.

Gasoline fuel has a stoichiometric air/fuel mixture approximately 14.7 times the mass of air to fuel. And for ethanol, the stoichiometric air/fuel mixture is approximately 9.0 times the mass of air to fuel. Because of this, a greater volume of E85 is required to obtain a stoich combustion event.

Do not be confused by Air Fuel Ratio. Lambda 1 is Lambda 1. Oxygen sensors do not care about AFR, they are only there to detect left over oxygen and make adjustments. The ECU is still targeting Lambda 1.

E85 has an octane rating of roughly 105. At an average of $2.00 a gallon, it is an economical alternative to race gas with an octane rating of 100 and a cost of $6.00. This is where the savings are achieved, not in comparison to 91 Octane pump gas. Depending on current local pricing for 91 octane you can break even running E85.

Ethanol also contains less heat per unit, but it also uses less oxygen. Therefore more fuel is being burned. The end result is that roughly 5% more heat is available with ethanol.While a 5% increase does not seem like much, this is the percentage gain before you even tune the car. Additional tuning needs to be done to add more timing and boost, to take full advantage of the conversion and the additional octane level of E85.

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

The fuel-air charge is meant to be ignited by the spark plug only, and at a precise time in the piston’s stroke cycle. If the peak of the combustion process no longer occurs at the optimum moment, the shock wave creates a metallic “pinging” sound. This causes cylinder pressure to increases dramatically. Effects of engine knocking range from inconsequential to completely destructive. E85 provides a safety net against this activity. As you can see there are a number of performance gains to be had on a Forced Induction car running E85. You will have to tune the car correctly to take advantage of the octane level, and be able to supply the additional 20-30% of fuel needed.

Just filling up a completely stock with E85 will cause the fuel trims to go move too far out of their allowable range. The ECU will most likely report a lean code. There is not necessarily a lean condition occurring in the motor, it is simply that the fuel trims have moved outside the factory parameters. This can cause a check engine light and may cause the car to go into “limp” mode.

This is why changes need to be made to the fuel delivery system to keep the fuel trims in range.

In most cases, fuel injectors or fuel pressure regulators need to be changed. In some cases the fuel pump itself may need to be changed. All of these changes are platform specific.

E85 requires about 30% more total fuel in the chamber then gas, so you have to account for that in the conversion process.

It is also possible to make the car “flex-fuel” capable. This is accomplished by having multiple programs (maps) in one ECU. The end user can switch between programs depending upon the fuel in the car. If the tuning has been done correctly, the ECU and oxygen sensor can re-trim the fuel ratio between the different types of fuel with out causing a rich or lean condition.

We have been running E85 in a number of different cars over the last 2 years. Each ECU has multiple programs to make the cars “flex-fuel” capable. The end user has complete control over the type of fuel they run. Most of the owners run E85 full time. If the car is equipped with a wide band oxygen sensor (as most VAG cars from 2002 on are) it makes the tuning easier. This is because the car targets Lambda. This aids in achieving the correct targeted fuel mixture. The conversion can also be done on motors equipped with narrow-band oxygen sensors. In most cases the addition of a lambda sensor is highly recommended.

E85 as a performance fuel is great. You are not going to save a lot of money over the cost of gasoline; however that is not the goal. If you are using it purely for performance you will make more power, protect your motor, and enjoy your driving experience. Ethanol is the fuel of choice for the Indy Racing League and is being considered by Formula 1. If it is good enough for the best racers in the world, it is good enough for your car.

2009

Written By: Kellin Goldsmith Photography By: Erik Melander, Alex Martinez & Nick Tomlinson

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

Photo by Alex Martinez

EuroBerge :: Issue 4

It was raining off and on for the last week in Fort Collins and my impatience grew too great.

With Lincoln, Nebraska in my sights, I was ready to drive. What was so important for a group of friends and car enthusiasts to drive to the middle of Nebraska? Dub-Center 2009 was much more than just a show for those who went, especially those whose first times were filled with lasting memories of a great time. This was my first show with my car and my biggest chance to get to know everyone from Colorado better while having a great time.

Everyone was filled with high spirits and excitement to leave when they all met up in Wiggins the Friday before the show.

Sure there was the usual coffee drinking, sticker distribution, and writing on cars with painters tape, but that’s just the start of the fun. The exciting part about driving was the huge line of cars, 13 in all, made the trek across I-76 through Colorado that morning.

The weather looked promising as we headed towards the edge of Colorado and Nebraska.

The drive into Nebraska was a chance for everyone to let loose and have a bit of fun with taking turns moving up the pack of cars or strutting the prowess of their cars. The looks from other vehicles were priceless, but sadly this year there were no mini-vans to provide entertainment such as last. The procession of thirteen vehicles parading down the highway usually would catch the eyes of the local fuzz, but luckily they seemed more interested in the people heading the opposite direction. But in local small towns along the highway, crowds did form around the vehicles as we did fill-ups of oil and gas.

Saturday rolled around early and we began the day washing our cars. This in itself was a grueling task to get all the collected bug parts off the paint from the long haul to Lincoln. The suds and towels were out in force to ensure the cars were prepped for detailing. The washing ended with a quick trip to the auto store for last minute product purchases and then lunch.

With many cleaning products available to share among friends, nothing was left undone. The day progressed on and everyone finished waxing, cleaning, and polishing.

Sunday: Dub-Center 2009 was upon us, and everyone was excited to get going. The line once again formed outside the parking garage to drive to the show. Spectators looked on in wonder as they saw a line of uncommon cars forming on their streets.

As with every little trek made this weekend, we made sure we rolled in style. Heading over to the park, the looks just kept on coming. As we pulled into Standing Bear Park, the crew from Colorado was able to claim some real-estate that kept the cars protected from the hot sun and in a general group. After we pulled up,

EuroBerge :: Issue 4 we were all able to do more final touch ups on our cars. As more cars came piling in, the diversity grew. While the show was mostly filled with Volkswagens, a few Audis and BMWs were scattered throughout.

The weather on that Sunday could not have been more perfect for a car show. The sky was clear and the sun was beating down on everyone’s back. We all wandered from end to end, talking to owners and admiring the other cars. In reality, we were all just checking out our competition. The hardest part was when the judges began their search for the best cars in each class. We would all sit there and watch, trying to catch any specific questions or watch what they were looking at so we would be prepared. One great thing was that the show did allow for contestants to cast their votes in various “Best Of” categories, allowing for the most popular to walk away with the biggest trophies.

The awards finally came down the horn and everyone who won was very deserving. All the cars in attendance were tastefully built and looked amazing that day. It brought a thought to my head; the Euro scene has a strong respect against the idea of over doing it with fancy gadgets on the interior or unnecessary body modifications. The cars are streamlined and clean and built with care. Dub-Center’s showing of cars proved this to a “t”.

The journey to Lincoln and the memories from such made the whole weekend great. “Returning to the Heartland” was more than the slogan on the drive stickers; it was a representation how the Colorado scene has influenced other areas and the journey we all made in appreciation of such. The Colorado force that drove out did not just make the show fun; they made the trip great. For each and every one it was the drive, the day of spit and shine, the trophies won, and the stories we tell each other as a reminder what we did that weekend. I personally would like to thank everyone who put the show on and everyone that made the journey from Wiggins to Lincoln

Photo by Erik Melander

Thirds For Nerds Written By: Mike Selander

Your job as an automotive photographer is far more than point, press and pray these days. After all, anyone with a half-decent DSLR or point and shoot can go out and do that. Your job is to make that car look amazing using elements of composition and the surrounding scene. Using these as guidelines will hugely improve your photography and skill level but keep in mind that these rules are meant to be broken. Learn them, keep them in mind when shooting, but also find ways to break them effectively. Breaking the mold is what makes a truly good photographer.

Framing

– Using objects or building to frame your subject.

(Note, this does not mean using objects to BLOCK your subject.) Parking a car behind a tree and having leaves block most of the car is not cool. Shooting through the leaves or something else and framing the car is.

“Breaking the mold is what makes a truly good photographer.”

Symmetry – This element can really work any way you want it to. Whether you like photos on or off balance, being aware of symmetry will help you dramatically improve your photography.

Rule of Thirds – Rule of

thirds is a term you will hear over and over again throughout the photography circle.

Rule of thirds is a great way to break up the monotony of your photography. When most people take a photo, the subject is dead-center in the middle of their photograph. By placing your subject at or around one of the cross-points of the rule of thirds, it breaks up the monotony and adds interest to the composition

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Lead Space – Lead space is used to make you subject feel like it’s in motion or about to move even if its sitting still. If you look carefully at most rolling shots, the car is in the “back” of the photo, this is because if you put the nose of the car against the frame, our mind subconsciously thinks that it’s not moving But if you put the back end of the car toward the frame, the mind will subconsciously thinks it’s moving.

Lines – This is one of my favorite elements. Using lines such as parking margins, the lines of a building, or even a road to point at your car or a feature on a car can be extremely powerful. Try both a subtle and bold approach and see which you like better.

Simplicity

– Remember what you’re taking a photograph and make sure that your viewer does as well. If your subject is a car, make sure people know that it is the subject, not flowers, or buildings, or trees.

Lens Choice – There are 3 basic lens options: wide-angle, normal, or telephoto.

A wide-angle lens (less than ~40mm) will add depth to a photo, it will make objects closer to the lens look larger, and objects farther away, smaller. A normal lens (~50mm) portrays a scene exactly as the human eye sees it. A telephoto lens (~60mm and up) will make a photo feel squished, or more 2-dimensional.

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Event Calendar 2nd Annual Mt. Evans Sunrise Drive Saturday, July 25th @ 3:30am Colfax + Mt. Vernon Road Parking Lot - Golden http://www.EuroBerge.com Minis in the Mountains (MITM) 2009 August 5th - 9th Cooper Mountain Ski Resort http://www.minisinthemountains.com/ NuVintage Bug-In Sunday, August 9th @ 8:30am Bandimere Speedway - Morrison (Morrison Road + I-70) http://www.bandimere.com/ Saabs Run the Rockies 2009 August 17th - 21st Copper Mountain Ski Resort http://www.rockymtnsaabclub.com/ Dubs Along the Rockies (DATR) 2009 Sunday, August 23rd @ 8:00am Pikes Peak International Raceway - Fountain, CO http://www.dubsalongtherockies.com/ DaveCo / Race Central TV: 2nd Annual Car Show Saturday, September 12th @ 9:00am DaveCo Liqours (164th + Washington) - Thornton www.racecentralmedia.com

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