October 2009 + Janurary 2010
Make it known that Sixth Speed Magazine does not in ANY WAY endorse irresponsibe driving; if you engage in this pratice then you need to take stock of yourself and definitely come again. The purpose of this magazine is to give you PROPER automotive information first and foremost, as well as help you to enjoy your car RESPONSIBLY, not to mention document history and make you laugh. The prices are RECOMMENDED & do not reflect/ include Shipping or Sales tax or Additional Charges: USD $3.50 | EC$10:00 | TT$20.00 | BDS $10.00
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32
Choosing the right Clutch: pt 2 Mini makes 50 years Old School muscle showoff
we finally answer why car incidents REALLY happen!
24 The infamous Preventing Auto Theft: part 2
This issue is dedicated to the memory of: Shelshok, Ravi, Ballz and Nigel as well as those who have lost someone!
SILVERBULLET
This is the fastest Honda in Trinbago to date and it was one of the car that made Gangster Drags soooooo worth it.
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Editor in Chief: Marissa Wong Soo Editorial Asssist: Alex Ramirez, Brent Alleyne, Dwight Titus, C.T Bear Writers: Linzi Jeremiah, Jevon Emmanuel, 5FWD Design & Layout: Sev7nth Interactive Media Accounting & Financial: Monique Jones #9 Ramnarine Ave., St. Magaret’s Village Claxton Bay, T’dad W.I
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The Editorials:
We always encourage contibutions to the magazine, BUT as much as we endorse individual expression, we can’t publish everything; so we reserve the right to use submitted material and editorials as we see fit. All credit will be given where applicable to respective content contributors. Also the views expressed are those of the writers and NOT the magazine.
The Disclaimer:
As much as we here at Sixth Speed try our best to gurantee that the information in these pages are correct as can be, we cannot and will not be held responsible if you decide to try anything and things go wrong.Any damages to persons and property is not our fault; that burden of responsibility rest upon you shoulders. Don’t say we didn’t tell you pappy.
TheCARSHAFT. 1995 MAZDARX7SP CarnalLUST: TheProductionRun:25 TWOFACE: plain and simple, we just like to talk about car.
Everybody knows that it’s hard to make a great car better; but when Mazda Australia did it to BMW and Porsche in the GT Production Car Series, tears flowed. In fact, these manufacturers cried so much that they imported special editions of their cars i.e the BMW M3-R and Porsche 911 RS CS in order to dominate and salvage their image. Since the competition upped the ante, so did Mazda with the salt in your mouth and pepper in your eye Mazda RX-7 SP.
‘06 Mitsubish LancerRalliart
WE GOT: A gender confused car whose ad campaign
was borderline idiotic. Fronting a 1600CC engine with a revolting 102HP & 107 lb.tq, the only real power thing here is the accessories it comes with.
In order to qualify, the seven had to be a production car; so Mazda Australia did a bare minimum of just 25. Yep, kiddies Mazda sold just 25 to the public; so you’ll faster get malaria than acquire the legitimate rights to this car. Boasting over 60 additional mods that seek on maximizing power to weight and improving overall efficiency, the SP is the 3rd gen that kills all 3rd gen. Power is set at 275HP; 20+ over the standard 3rd gen and with a weight of under 2600lbs (400 less than a normal 3rd) this car flies fast; as in high 12’s/ low 13’s fast. Weight reduction & improved dynamics is brought about by a vented aluminum bonnet, carbon fiber nose and redesigned rear wing for more down force; carbon fiber fuel tank, Kevlar RECARO SP-A seats that weight 5lbs A PIECE and lightweight, staggered BBS 17’s. While the turbos remain stock, we having different seals which allows for more boost; a lightweight flywheel, carbon fiber ram air duct & box; bigger intercooler with water sprayer; larger radiator, 9.0:1 compression rotors, custom headers, a stainless steel 4in. downpipe which runs to a 3” custom exhaust. A special aerodynamic wing located under the engine is used to help extract cooling air and rounding off the general mod list are some larger than average 4 pot brake calipers with ENDLESS brake pads and a revised differential from a tall 4.1 to a taller 4.3 to maximize the power available.
THEY GOT: Japan got the 1.8-litre GDI Turbo (4G93) FWD drive tarot card in sport wagon & sedan; whilst the US & Australia had access to the 2.4L (4G69), SOHC, MIV EC lane changer. With 190HP/ 200lb.tq from the boosted engine and 162/ 162 from the 2.4 under five forward manual, the Ralliart 2006 Lancer (Cedia in Japan) is the one you jump thru the window for. The 06’ also got a full body kit, sport tuned suspensionf, big brakes front & back, free flow exhaust and a brutal set of RECAROS for corner wrapping moments.
theTOP10: it came from speed first...
Like it and lick it but PLENTY of things on your average car had it’s foundation in MOTORSPORTS first. We all know how Caribbean like to bite ting and not give credit where it’s due.
1.Aluminum/ Carbon Fiber Wings:
the REAL purpose of the wing was to provide downforce for RWD/ 4WD vehicles, but you love having it on your front wheel drive Honda Civic and Lancer GLX ent!
2.Bodykits:
Now found as an upgrade package for modern cars ; man put fiberglass & kit on everything imaginable; missing the real purpose which was to improve aerodynamics.
3.Sports Tuned Suspension
: taken to the extreme by people who see it, like it jus so and start calling it drop low. The point was to reduce the center of gravity so cars could corner & handle better NOT see who could roll over a bob and not drag it.
4.Disc Brakes: properly developed by DUNLOP in the UK,
they were first tried, tested and installed on the Jaguar C-Type racing car in 1953 since sport cars overall needed best brakes. Meant to dissipate heat faster in order to reduce fade; remember, it’s a speed man preventing you from clearing way coconut tree and palm leaf.
5.Hood Scoops/ Bonnett vents:
the scoops were for intercoolers on and ram air for old schoolers. When it became cool to put on a normal car is shaky with us; but, we know besides serving no purpose it makes your normal car look like an inflated nostril with snat.
6.Performance Stickers/ Emblems:
Meant to represent and make the performance cars stand out; normal people went on a tangent with every single type of performance sig. being placed anywhere; most popular being turbo. Since when a 1.5 Almera or Sunny have turbo in it; come nah man! And when did it become cool to have TRD stickers on a Mazda; or NISMO on a Honda.
7.Barrels: found on everything from stock cars to 10 ton
trucks, the barrel has to be one of the most abused performance nicker EVER. What a performance barrel doing on a diesel van, pointed downwards because it couldn’t fit is beyond me. The real purpose was to improve the exhaust expulsion of waste gas not act as a noisy adornment to alert people of you arrival
8.Monster Tach/ Performance Gauges: Meant to help race car drivers monitor various
parameters and tell the man when to shift, normal people run to it like if the last dinner special at KFC on a Sunday. Things get so bad big tach with shiftlight was on automatic cars and boost guage on NA runners
9.Rims:
rims really came into play during the motorsport era for 3 reasons; clearing bigger brake rotors, reducing unsprung weight and allowing for bigger tires to be mounted for traction. Manufacturers gave man steelies with hubcaps and that was good enough until normal people eye get too long and they wanted more.
10. Altezza Lights: found on the first generation Altezza;
Toyota’s production of a luxury sports sedan; the average man gravitated to this styling cue like a tires to a burnout. Seen on everything, those who couldn’t buy it, made it and those who couldn’t make it made it fit; thus creating one of the biggest copied sports car styles in history.
SixthSpeedNEWS: TheMEMORIAL
Kids; this quarter we lost 4 car shakers and a few sport bike riders in between. And as much as it pained us to see them go, these guys taught us that there is one life and it’s meant to be lived. They LIVED IT doing what they love, hence we hold no water in saying that it t’was a GREAT pleasure having known them. Not wanting to make this long; remember, NEVER take anything for granted, ALWAYS respect and appreciate people; especially the genuine ones cuz they WILL buss it someday and FOREVER try to make a positive difference – these guys did.
CAllAtheRCar TA IL it: News in a Short Short Mr Solo wins the Carib Great Race 2009. It was tight action the original sorf drink man winning it for the umpteenth time in 41 years. Neal & Massy Limited; Trinidad’s Nissan dealer celebrated 40 years of sales and service in T’dad. Aaron Dowrich is centered to buss the 1200HP mark, when he made 1056HP the other day.
picture from trinituner.com
picture from facebook
Nigel Charles Sheldon aka “MiniCharles” Benjamin aka Always smiling and quick to “Shel Shok” get involve whenever a mini and/or rotary talk come up; Nigel was one of the few genuine people out there who never hid his love for cars. A diehard 1st gen man; we think from birth, as well as Austin mini-ac, he was always smiles and uncle smith talk. Plus, his consistent mention & intention of building a 4WD mini always concreted the fact that he was just like most true car guys.INSANE.
picture from Mauricia
picture from trinituner.com
Ian Mahabir aka “Ballz” aka 12 Volts Audio
Ravi aka “the Saltshaker”
Having one of, if not the loudest and let’s not forget At this magazine we live There was a time some cleanest sounding Nissan on his music; the kind that of us were into music and B13’s in T’dad PEROID; Ravi both made sense and had during that time 12 volts was one of those guys you you pacing up the place. was “de man” as far as we could hang with whole day. Most people knew him as go. Kiddies this was the Always humble and cool, he a producer but we met cleanest; neatest, most was a diehard car man that him deep in the car world creative person we knew of represented not only with as he was the first to do when it came to car audio “the original saltshaker” but a K20 frank conversion in install and customizing. also his orange Ford Escort, a Honda Civic in Trinbago. Always a step ahead and Nissan Cifero under boost, And adding to the a true car forever thinking outside the Rotary, Austin Mini and enthusiast title was when he box; this man did things to more. Plus he could bubble copped a bess, true blue, vehicles that vehicles never a curry pot like nobody’s Nissan BNR34 on some did to vehicles; especially business. 18” ADVANS. his INFAMOUS 120Y
IsTTORCINVITATIONAL ONLYMUD
No Track, No Road, No Problem. That’s the creed of Trail Blazers’ (TTORC – Trinidad & Tobago Off Road Club) and we at the Sixth have finally seen that there are people with more auto issues than us. Consisting of a diverse mix of folks who seem to love mud more than the editor during jou-vay the Trail Blazers had their Annual Open Invitational and just like kids in a playground, man had a time. Carried out in an out of commissioned quarry, action was down right nasty from the start and with rain pouring a few hours before, you know that the place was a mud devil paradise. The navigational course had its technical parts where some got stuck and a ramp which sent the brave airborne and the brazen home without a bumper. Back at the club house our eyes ran water as it was the MOST amount of mud down, high lift Suzuki Jimnys & Nissan Patrols EVER, to-
Milk and Mango have finally finished their ogre of a GTiR and what an iR it is. With a complete overhaul consisting of a 4 fogger direct port NOS system, Turbonetics T3T4 Turbo and more, the cross killer is now the first and only 4WD SR20VET powered Nissan Pulsar. Trinidad & Tobago circuit driver Daniel Ramoutarsingh in the Trinrico closed out the 2009 season of the Muscle Milk SCCA Trans-Am Championship with a third and second place finish, and clinched the Rookie-of-theYear honor in his Jaguar XKR. Caribbean history was made when Stephen Rodney with his 13B powered Orange Juice 2nd Gen car pulled a record by building 600HP on 30psi with C16. Considering that’s the original figure was 485HP @28psi, this car will break hearts especially when it’s re-tuned for the intended 40psi. Yikes! TTASA is set to hold a series of events in order to keep the Motorsport flag alive; somewhat. First was a hill climb in Chagaramas, and there was the mini circuit/ time attack in the vicinity of the Camden airstrip. Second was the time attack in Camden which was then followed up with another time attack/ driving school in Oropouche. In case you missed it, there was an underground Cannonball type run held during the wee hours of the morning. With a course that spanned half the country, the gloves were off and intakes at wide open throttle for an insane event where the only rule was to get there first.
11
IMPORT
SWAP meet.
If you missed this one all we can say is TOUGH! Cause this event was like a torn middle page straight out a Japanese import copy book. Really meant to be a chance to bring racers together and for street tuners as well as import shops to sell/ swap their wares, and get rid of parts that may have been picking up space where people supposed to sleep. The event turned out to be a ultimate showing of nothing but performance and sports cars, sorry kids; no rice here – Tweety too, a beastly yellow 1000HP+ Supra, the Ford Club, Chris’ choice red S13, all manner of rotary, a champion 350Z and more . It was boost and old school powered cars from every angle; not including the couple of bikes that were there strutting their stuff and the host of Nissan R30 everything. With a small team on the organization committee, the event was impressive and a really good chance for tuners to interact with one another and just hang out minus all the politics. The Stag/ Battery staging light reaction competition was off the hook; no
lights, no track bite excuses, no wheelspin issues; just two thumbs, a pair of lights AND good timing. After the eliminations, the finals saw Ian Mohammed (Black Charmant) vs. Aaron Dowrich (R32 Skyline) in a life imitating track battle in which the Charmant cam out on top. Third was our street tuner Rampel (back cover issue 7) and fourth was yours truly the Greatest Magazine ever which didn’t count for anything. Who was there: Royal Purple, Garvin’s Performance, Central Speed Shop, ADRA, Rallymac Motors, Sheriff’s Auto Supplies, Wizz Kid Performance, Custom Imports, Richard Gardner Inc, Dragon Imports, Mitsu Crew, DLS Audio, Trinturbo Media.
AskSharon:
because there is no such thing as a stupid question
BEST OIL for DIESELVEHICLE:
I was wondering and have heard many conflicting views and opinions but I wanted to seek advice from the professionals, hence why I’m asking you! Many people say to use fully synthetic diesel engine oil for my Toyota Hilux but yet when I go for routine maintenance they put the Castrol oil. Is this good or should I be actually using the fully synthetic diesel engine oil for my hilux? If so what are some of the recommended brands to use? Regards Ryan Okay Ryan, a fully synthetic diesel engine oil provides the ultimate in engine protection and is always the best option; however fully synthetic isn’t very cheap. Depending on what you use your vehicle for it may be a bit of overkill since the oil drain interval will remain the same 5000Km as stipulated by the manufacturer (you don’t want to void a warranty); but it may be shorter factoring in how HARD you work the vehicle. Now, companies have introduced Semi synthetics which provide a higher level of protection than mineral oils at half the price of the full synthetic. So if you’re doing normal driving with casual work then go with the semi; BUT if you’re really hauling out there and using the vehicle for level HARD WUK then go with the full synthetic as the operating conditions are more rugged and stiff. Oils are there to lubricate and there is such a thing as buying too much oil for the needs of the vehicle. Once you keep up with the oil change & maintenance regime you will probably NEVER have much of an engine problem and we have proven that; REALLY, we have! As far as what to use, see who’s in Sixth Speed.
+
EXTRACTORSand Performance:
Hi Sixth Speed; I’ve only now gotten a copy of your magazine and once again really good work, keep it going. Well off course, I love the ask Sharon question and answer; so here is my question. Can you tell me what is the purpose of extractors, and if it will enhance my cars performance? I drive a TS Subaru and I want a little more zip. Shaston, palmyra
+
Hey shaston, good one. First up is that extractors basically make it easier for the engine to push exhaust gases out of the cylinders faster due to a wider diameter pipe and different design. Now headers /extractors are the boss if your current manifold is restrictive in terms of performance but since you’re NA you are not gonna pick up that much power. Plus a getting the headers done right involves a very specific math equation that I’m sure you probably dont want me to go in depth with. The editor said you should’ve passed on the TS and gone with a WRX or STI if you wanted zip but in the mean time, you can do the exhaust/ intake, get some remapping done and if you’re automatic, pelt that away and go manual:)
STOCKING as Fanbelt:Hi Sharon I always hear people talk about when their fan belt burst, they use a stockin as
GReddy OIL
20YEARSof the MIATA
You may know GReddy for tuning parts and turbochargers, but let Sixth be the breaker of good news to say that GReddy has a full line of premium Synthetic Oil and we have it here in Trinbago. Imported in 3 different flavours by Rush Performance; catering particularly to NA, small turbo and big turbo men, the GR line-up is sure to take the task of engine protection and enhancement to another level; especially those engines that make BIG POWER on BIG BOOST. With the GR-1 10W-60, GReddy offers exceptional engine protection especially in highly modified, balanced & blueprinted engines, with forged pistons and bored cylinders. According to GReddy, the flagship GR-1 has special additives that allow it to maintain its properties in high boosted engines making above 500+ horses, a la RB’s and 2J’s, with the in between sprinklings of SR’s and 4G’s.
In order to commemorate 20 years of the Miata, Mazda has released a special edition of its lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car for the Japanese market ONLY. Certified as the world’s most produced sports cars by Guinness World Records with 800,000+ units being produced since 1989. The LE roadster, based on the RS model will come with a six speed manual (Mazda done start of good already) or auto (this doesn’t count); red and black RECAROs, 170HP 2.0 liter engine that revs clean to 7000rpm and more fine tune goodies that will make this little rocket funship stand and outperform like nobody’s busniness
Need info? : Rush Performance 389-7504
2010SPEC C:
To add to their already long list of special editions, Subaru has dropped the JDM only Impreza WRX STI Spec C. Produced in a limited run of ONLY 900 united this 304HP/ 311 lb*tq gangrene totes an upgraded version of the boxer engine with remapped ECU, reworked ball bearing turbo and revised suspension with 18in rims. To further polish of the performance ring, Subaru reduced weight by using an aluminum engine hood, downsized battery and thinner window glass.
a temporary replacement. Can that really work, or did they only say that to make people feel that they are smart. PS, I am the owner of one & ah half almera and can I have a free smal tshirt small. Kevin Kris (penal) +I had to pass this question by the editor and there were two answers mine’s and the collective. In true Sixth Speed style, I’ll give you both. As far as I go who or what ever told you that should be drawn and quartered, no questions asked. If your car is a shemale you can try the stockin thing but from me to you, only fanbelts replace fanbelts. C’mon are you for real; seriously, a stocking? Coming from the editors they think it’s actually a good question. According to them; theoritically it “may” work, but since the belts hold tension better and belt material is much more friction oriented than stockings they don’t think it would help turn any of the pulleys in the least; especially on modern cars. Maybe oldschoolers though; but that’s a big maybe Some people at this magazine have time to answer that but I not playing; and for spite, no jhursey for yuh.
CHLORINE &Radiator:
Aye Sharon, I heard a talk from a partner that you’re not supposed to put tap water in the radiator, is it true? +This is VERY true. Tap water has chlorine and the thing is while it’s very good at puryfying water; it’s extremely corrisive to metals. Considering that your ENTIRE engine is metal, including the water pump, using chlorintated water can cause premature wear and tear on certain internals and well as eat away at the radiator itself. Best bet is to use rain water, distilled water or bottled water.
THE
CORNER
Why QMI ENGINE TREATMENT you ask? Simple! Many additives contain chlorine in various other forms such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, lead, paraffins, solvents, etc. Lead is VERY poisonous and Chlorine is very corrosive; in an engine these two can do untold amounts of damage to bearings, pistons, seals and gaskets; not to mention pollute the environment. The truth is, should your engine ever run out of oil or water, you will suffer severe engine damage or failure, in spite of using the most sophisticated engine oil available today. This is why you should use an engine treatment in conjunction with your choice of engine oil for that added protection. QMI Engine Treatment contains PTFE particles which is the slipperiest substance known to man (Guinness Book of World Records). Unlike other additives, QMI will not alter the critical properties of the motor oil; rather; it fuses with your engine’s metal surface to provide additional protection for 50,000 miles thus eliminating the need to put stuff in everytime you fill up. Great for both Diesel and Gasoline engines, QMI Engine Treatment performs like “wet ice on wet ice”; it greatly reduces friction, which can rob an engine of it’s power and good fuel economy. All this adds up to INCREASED PERFORMANCE as well as LONGER ENGINE life. THE QMI ADVANTAGE: QMI Engine Treatment has been tested by major laboratories to work; in fact, should your engine ever proven to be damaged as a result of using QMI Engine Treatment, QMI will pay for the parts and labour. With that kind of confidence behind their product, it’s now for you to decide on whether to Treat, or not to Treat. NOTE: Now kids, this is a QMI sponsored column. We at Sixth Speed Magazine are in no way associated with the claims made by the advertiser. We at the magazine take no responsibility for anything said here; just making it clear. Carry on!
It may not be known to you but some of us at the Sixth used to be apprentices for a see’er woman’s group upstairs a roti shop (the English will know it as a psychic hotline). Don’t act all shocked, it was more like a go-for wuk and whilst it didn’t pay one black smiffen, not to mention we were never given the right lotto numbers EVA, we did come out with the uncanny ability to read minds. Right now, you’re saying to yourself that Sixth Speed Magazine, the same magazine that writes off ALL things profoundly ricey and morbidly cus-quell in EVERY issue so far, has gone against by putting a pretty car on twenties in the hallowed pages of the GREATEST MAGAZINE EVE, ent! Ordinarily we would’ve agreed with you here and while the car did make us sick in the stomach, it’s not for the traditional reasons you think. Yes, the car might be “pretty”, but to us it’s only pretty when it comes to pure, full bred, in your face, tear of your hand brutality. Kids, this is the kind of brutality that doesn’t pretend. Your head snaps back, your back locks up like a weld up diff, your eyes cross, your cheeks bloat with the oil dong you ate last year and the thought of never me again roam thru your mind all before everything get loose. This Nissan Medalist started out like any “normal” family car out there, underpowered, uninteresting and disgustingly lame. With hubcaps on some 15’s steelies, a lame 80HP RB20E engine and an automatic tranny with overdrive, the
20
BlackMedalisted
only thing this car had going for it was ac and the fact that the floor plan is the EXACT same thing as the 4 door skyline - making it perfect for a project. So it’s no shocker that when Johnny, a mechanic by trade, decided to do something for his 13 year old daughter Daria as a way of encouraging her go fast tendencies, as well as funnel his ‘fun to drive’ needs he chose to marmalade this. This is proper Sixth Speed parenting, who needs fairy pink dresses, Dora and Barbie, when you have a quality father/ daughter build geared towards putting baby girl in the driver seat on track days ASAP to punish and enslave. After three years of planning, sourcing and collecting parts the first order of business was to rip out the stock engine in favor of a stock 280HP NEO RB25 DET with N-VCT from an R34. In case you’re wondering N-VCT is Nissan Variable Cam Timing and unlike VVL, it only varies the timing of the valves and NOT the lift or duration. Whilst he could have gone with a RB20 or even a normal 25, the NEO 25 offered better flow since the head design is much better and almost identical to that of the RB26DETT (except for the lifters). Plus, the overall structure of the engine is quite strong AND it came sporting some 9:1 compression pistons. All this adds up to fantastic performance with power from low to high in an engine that just drops right in with no chassis modification at all. The next step was to get rid of the stock Garrett T3-based turbo for a unit that can pound pressure like acid wash jeans on
TuningTechnica:17:SEVENTEEN
preventing
AUTOTHEFT2 the SIXTHSPEED way
* continued from Issue 9 page 27. If you don’t have it; whey we go say......hard luck!
6.Make your car stand out: Damage to the pocket: not much depending on what you go with. Like a red thong in a low
rider jeans; making your car stand out in a crowd can have more benefits than you may think. First up is stuff like stickers, rims, different paint job and so on make your car identifiable; this is really important since identity make a car easier to make out. In fact, a friend had his car stolen and the only way he got it back was somebody recognized a sticker he had on his glass an called the popo. Like we said you don’t have to go to the extreme here but there are a lot of little creative things you can do to make the whip look different from the rest; trust us, depending on circumstance a thief will rather take a white Nissan B13 as opposed to a pink Nissan B13 with black 17’s and a sticker that says “Sixth Speed Rulez” on the windscreen.
7.Unplug something: Damage to the pocket NONE:
there are lots of small things that if you unplug will make your car unstartable e.g. certain sensors (MAP sensor), spark plug wire or fuses. It may seem like a chore, especially when you have to pop the bonnet and jack out something, but if you have a high risk car then that chore could make all the difference in you meeting your car where you left
24
it. Remember, when a guy breaks into your car to go with it, the last thing he want to do is to be a mechanic or electrician and figure out WHY the car in question isn’t starting – he wants to bounce starter and peel out.
8.Steering, Wheel or Pedal Locks: Damage to the pocket: $150 - $300: They look terrible and don’t really lend any style points to the inside of your car and depending on the design can be VERY bulky and cumbersome to set up. However, apart from the fact that you can beat a man senseless with some of them, the REAL purpose of this device isn’t to look good; it’s to act as a visual deterrent to would be thieves that your car isn’t going to be a walk over. A lot of then can be defeated but remember the goal is to slow down the criminal and frustrate the process.
9.Think out of the box: Damage to the pocket: nothing to something small: protecting your car REALLY doesn’t mandate that you to do things along conventional lines – you can
be a rebel and do stuff that will have man saying “What the ca-ca-rass!” What do we mean you say; well, think about it for yourself. Unconventional times call for unconventional measures and while some of these tactics may seem funny; if you think about it they can VERY EFFECTIVE.
Instill Needles Tactic: everybody knows that a lot of Caribbean people ‘fraid God, but ALL Caribbean people ‘fraid jumbie. So, use superstition towards your advantage e.g. put two black candles and some flowers on your front seat; or better yet use a glass of water with red cool aid, add in some mad man scribbles on a piece of paper and go your way. Like it or not but playing games with a man head can go a long way. More Broken Tactic: sympathy can go a long way and getting a thief to feel sorry for you is simple, once you can show that you are worse off than him. This can be done by never having a full gas tank, either disconnect the gauge or really have the car running on fumes. Also, don’t clean your car in any way what so ever – a clean car makes the thief feel at home BUT a stink, foul, grimy car that smells like dead makes you feel repulsed and sorry for the owner. You may not pick up people BUT who will be going home with your car. Reptilian Tactic: Get a boa constrictor/ anaconda as a pet and leave it in the car; talk done! These are just a few, but feel free to think up of some clever ones yourself.
10.Car Alarms: Damage to the pocket: from plenty to lil bit depending on what you choose to go with: now, you’re probably wondering why we said alarms last and the
reason for this is that car alarms give people a false sense of security . Most people figure once they have an alarm installed in their car, IT CAN’T get stolen; this is soooooo far from the truth it isn’t even funny. Alarms have progressed tremendously since the days of turn key SELMAR and if used correctly can be quite effective, as many of them have some very useful features that DO work. However the problem is that most people don’t know how to use the various alarm features properly to begin with. In addition, a lot of alarms are installed by people who are not trained to do so in the first place; which means that you’ll have key security features that are simply not hooked up to make the alarm totally effective. So here’s the skins; if you are going to get an alarm: 1. Make sure and get a good one to begin with. There are many out there that are pretty good from the word go; GPS, GSM, Pager allow your to monitor and operate your car from a distance; those with 3 point immobilization have the kill switches built in; VRS (Vehicle Recovery System) means that in the event of a car jacking your car will shut down after a preset time. 2. Understand how your alarm and the security features work: it makes absolutely no sense having the best alarm in the world if you can operate it at full hundred; that’s like having 500HP but only getting 100HP to the road. 3. Get the alarm installed by somebody who REALLY knows what the heezie they’re doing i.e. Certified/ Trained/ Qualified Installers: The reality is that alarms systems have gotten more complicated in an effort to make them better at what they do. That being said there are a lot of trial and error people who have no idea what they are doing as far as hooking up these technologically advance systems go. These chappers and we have seen it one many occasions; simply hook up the alarm, get it to go *chirp* *chirp*, make a lot of noise and send the non the wiser customer on their way. So rather than your beep beep operating at a 100%, it’s only performing at 30%. Say thank you cause you have just now learned how it is that people with alarms installed STILL get their car stolen. Oh another thing, properly trained guys can also show you how to use your alarm the right way, as well as educate you on how to take full advantage of ALL the security features that comes with your investment.
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The SILVERBULLET
Buying a car generally makes people feel good; it gives a great sense of personal accomplishment and that go anywhere type freedom. However; this bite up shilling sensation goes off the deep end when that said car, is a new car. Trinbagonians loose all sense of ration and reason when they get a new set of wheels, making the behaviour that follows borderline insanity. Some don’t want the car to ever get dirty. Others wash it religiously; EVEN when rain falling, they outside with a bucket and a shammo. Some does leave the seat plastic on for MONTHS to showoff and then there are those who; if they do get around to driving the car, drive slow like saltfish on the people road as to avoid bumps (not potholes) and preserve the new car ride.
As far as we’re concerned; the big man upstairs made cars to modify, drive (not pamper) and enjoy the bu-tak-tar out of. That’s why, when Gregory a.k.a Chinee Boy, decided to go to town on his BRAND NEW, manual 1996 EJ Civic Coupe mere days after taking delivery, he was indoctrinated into the sacred order of the Sixth one time. Average people may call him mad for doing so, but having been bitten by the bug causes irrational behaviour. And after uneventful light to light pull with a drafted Toyota Corolla that saw Gregory getting two full lengths of yard iron – it was ORN. The original D16 which was armed with VTEC, headers, K&N filter and exhaust, was rebuilt forthwith with rods, pistons and a bolt on Drag turbo kit under T3/ T4. Now there’s no need to say that this sensible action of boost in your body voided the warranty INSTANTLY; but who needs warranty when you bussing up man. Set at 12psi, the turbo kit did its job in the old days of Valpark and Wallers from 96-97. But, like any right minded tuner, it wasn’t long before he wanted more and decided to upgrade – and by upgrade we mean UPGRADE. After doing research, some math and coming up with a solid game plan, the D16 was served walking papers in favor of a B18C, for two reasons. One is greater displacement and two is that the 1.8 B series of engines had more aftermarket support than the D in those times. The B18C1; which was original to the DC2 1994 Honda Integra GS-R was built by JG Engine Dynamics in the States. Known for building rock solid engines to take jamming the engine came with Crower rods, CP Pistons and a re-sleeved block so as to accommodate what was about to come by way of pressure. The stock crank was kept and new OEM oil & water pump as well as OEM Honda bearings were installed, however the oil pan was changed for a bigger capacity 2 liter unit from Moroso. The head received slight porting in order to increase flow as well as Supertech racing valves (intake and exhaust), titanium retainers & springs from Ferreira helps to reduce instances of valve float when Gregory pulls to the 9300 redline. Additional modifications to the head which; mind you, isn’t that much to begin with, was the inclusion of Type R camshafts, Crower cam gears, ARP head studs and OEM head gasket. To increase the volume of air entering the engine, Gregory installed an Edlebrock intake manifold with an oversized 70mm throttle body; which is pretty common if you think about it. However, the exhaust side is where things get interesting with a prototype
TuningTechnica:18:EIGHTEEN * continued from Issue 9 page 32. Don’t have it, oh ohhhhhhhh!
..... handle about 15% more that what they are rated for.
What am ACTUALLY using the car for; everyday driving, weekend racing or both? And if racing what type of racing are we going to be involved in drags, circuit, rally and so on: the reason you need to be truthful with this question is simple; and we want you to deep down understand this, the
more aggressive the clutch the less streetable your car becomes but the more torque it can effectively hold. In case you haven’t realize it by now, a lot of people make the grievous mistake of getting too much clutch on the perception that it will make their car perform better. In reality it doesn’t really work like that and what’s supposed to be a comfortable fun car becomes one you hate to drive because the clutch is so stiff your left foot always needs to take a vacation from all the cramp.
When companies are thinking about clutches they take into account most everything and try to find a balance point between comfort, drivability and performance; and you have to realize that EVERYHING is a give and take. Example, a clutch with a relatively high coefficient of friction will have teeth, but will be grabby and uncomfortable on the street. To increase friction a company may increase clamp load/ static pressure (this is the amount of pressure exerted by the fingers on the pressure plate, on the clutch disc when it is engaged). The downside to this is you are going to need a lot of effort to disengage the clutch disc, meaning stiffer pedal feel and leg lockup, plus more wear on linkage parts and cables. Choosing a clutch requires compromise and that is a natural fact of life. Some clutches are great for daily driving with mild racing in between and some are purely unforgiving marked for racing ALONE. Either way there are a pleh of materials & combinations out there to give you the best bang for your buck and fit your application as best as possible.
Alright tell me about THEMATERIALS:
like we said before there are many types of clutches and clutch lining out there on the market, so choosing the right one is pretty easy once you can match you needs to what the clutch gives in terms of feel, operating temperature, durability, clamping force and the never adhered to break-in period.
helping you to choose the
RIGHT
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CLUTCH2 article spronsored in part by: Clutchmaster Clutches (SAS Racing)
SOMETHINGinteresting:
thicker linings last longer and have much smoother engagement, but they are not that good for heavy race use because; the thicker the material, the longer the clutch takes to engage; which means slower gear change. Remember thicker materials offer more cushion; the more cushion there is, the longer the power takes to get delivered due to absorption/ dampening. See, you learn something. As far as linings go there are three MAIN types we use in Trinibago, with two that most don’t know about; but may be applicable depending on your situation. In order to greater understand the clutch thing and the fact that you need to compromise check out the “scale” and figure out where you want: Remember that the lower the number the more STREET a clutch is: so that means that you will get smooth engagement, it will be comfortable, you’ll lessen the chance of breaking something and it not very aggressive. However the amount of torque that can be accomodate will be reduced. The higher the number the greater the aggression of the clutch. When going up the engagement will be harsher, the less streetable the clutch will become and riding clutch begins to all but disappear from the equation. Is only grab and go. The good thing is that you can hold more torque.
ORGANIC1-5:
this is what you’re going to find on a stock car since organic is very durable due to the thick lining; offers smooth engagement as most of them have a Marcel; is easy on the pressure plate and flywheel and cheap to manufacture; sometimes. When it comes to aftermarket many manufacturers use a different mix of organic materials to give each of their respective product diverse attributes. Apart from the good things we said before, organic clutches have a broad operating temperature range and usually have a shorter breakin period than the other compounds. And whilst it can stand up to HARD use it will not stand up to ABUSE. Abuse organic and it will overhead, which will eventually lead to slipping. ++ Recommended for stock & lightly
Azhar
S I X T H S P E E D
R I D E R :
:1YEAR RIDING| PHARMACIST, ENTREPRENEUR What is your real position woman; what is the scene with you and this riding thing ‘cause honestly you don’t look like a rider to me? (lol)Let’s see, I got married when I was young and didn’t know anything about bikes at first; but, I wanted to get into motorsport somehow. So, I chained up the hubby and started going riding lessons; however, that didn’t work out to good since the tuition sucked and I didn’t have my own bike. So I quit the tutor, went out and got the gear and that’s where it started That’s pretty nifty, someone told us at the Sixth that when it comes to riding you are as grimy and aggressive as they come. Is that true? What (lol)! Who told you that I’m a grimy and aggressive rider? I now learn how to ride, tell me who chain up that? We could tell you but that would compromise our operatives identities; plus you too fass. But you still haven’t answered the question, according to our sources for someone being so green you know how to really handle yourself on the track. (lol) It’s only a few months I am riding really, so I’m still getting the hang of things. At first when I got a bike I bought a Honda 230; but, I realized that I couldn’t handle it as it was too big, so I swapped it with someone for a smaller 100. From 230 to 100, that makes a lot of sense, start small and work your way up. What do you do as an 8 to 4? I am a pharmacist by profession. I went university; worked at a big pharmacy chain for a while then went out on my own and started my own business. I work hard Monday to Saturday, 8.00am to 8.00pm; so Sunday is the day I get to do this and just relax. Wait, I now realize something; besides having plenty diva attitude; you’re really short, what’s your height? (lol) I am 5.5 on a good day; in heels 5.8. (lol) A heel makes all the difference in the world. Mud like a jouvert band, or dry & dusty like a desert? I prefer a dry track because I cannot handle the mud. You’re not a mud masquerader; steups, spoil sport. Have you any idea that getting dirty is part of life. What do the folks have to say about this motocross thing dude? My parents know that I ride. They’re not exactly thrilled but they don’t hold me back at all. So when are we going to see you doing X games type stuff? (lol)………………..I’m working on that!
T H E
L A D I E S
o f
S I X T H
S P E E D
Shakuntala
:DRAG RACER|The ORIGINALCANDYSHAKS So tell me what you start of in this racing ting with? A Kingswood station wagon, with a supercharged chevy 350 and a 400 transmission. I raced that for about 3 years and from there I went on to start to build a rail. But that project went on and never really got of, so I squashed that and went on to buy a Capri. Wait, from supercharged to rail building to Capri; how you manage to get into this racing thing, who start you in it or rather who you pick up the vice from? Okay, my ex brother-inlaw used to race, plus I had a lot of friends who were into it as well and it was a nice sport so I kinda fell into it. That’s nice eh, but you’re a woman and in Trinbago most people don’t normally associate women with racing. A lot of ladies like the racing thing but for some strange reason they never tried it; I duuno if they were to coward just but at that time I decided to try it at wallerfield, never on the streets. So I am guessing that when you got into it you were one of, if not the first? Yup I was the first. Since you were the first bonita, I would want to believe you were a fan favorite as well as a big hit among the young girls who went to wallers at that time with their parents? Yeah you could say so, a lot of time the kids used to run out and hug and kiss you up. Aye before we go I hadda get your autograph eh. Tell me about the name Candy Shaks, where did that come out from? *Deep Breath* The name Candy Shaks; I had a daughter, her name was Candy and the Shaks; that came from my name. Unfortunately she passed away, so I took that name and put it on the Capri. That is the kind of memorial thing we talking about; that is sweet. Tell me where you learn to pace of your car like that, cause from what I hear you we killer quick of the line? Nobody really taught me, I used to listen to my engine RPM and shift accordingly. You’re telling me that you learn’t to race basically all on your own – that is sweet. What did you mama and papa have to say about this abusing of the 1320? Actually they never knew anything about it until 3 or 4 years later. I went home to lunch one time before going to race and my dad asked me if I ever heard of or knew a lady who was racing, since everybody on his job was talking about her. Is then I came out and said it was me. He was shocked; my mom was REALLY surprised but he said just be careful and take my time. So let’s just say they were to get a track in the marnin’ what would you come back with to inspire the young females out there. Cause god knows that the young kids out there need more positive role models? *laughs* I dunno but it HADDA be something with an 8. What was your fastest time with that car?11.98 with a reaction time of 0.500
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As we go through life we mature; and according to the foundation folks, age is supposed to bring wisdom and a certain measure of reason (note: this doesn’t apply to everybody). So it’s no surprise that as you get older you being to realize that some things, especially n Trinidad just don’t make any sense. It’s not that you lack the understanding about the situations in question, you just realize that all the marbles involved don’t add up to a full bag for butters. At the Sixth, we go through these series of perplexing peculiarities all the time that make us perpetually wonder, what the fry dry? For example, if Trinidad & Tobago has two seasons: wet and dry, where exactly did all this talk of Summer come out from jus so – logically, can you REALLY have a summer sale in a tropical country? Why do car companies call “fully loaded” underpowered family Sedans with an automatic transmission, exciting? If night is the absence of light can you REALLY give a person a ticket for having tint too dark? Why do women wear high heel shoes to parties and 15 minutes later, they have it off complaining their foot hurting? How can a mango chow be good without black pepper and bandania? And while the list of nonsensical confoolery can be stretched longer than a market jockey shorts on a backyard clothes line during a hurricane like Gilbert, there are things that exist in OUR world that makes one plus one equal two. When you have eight pistons cramming air to the point that on every stroke enough power is produced to torque black coated tires sideways with smoky plumes of eye watering caustic filling on the mere touch of the accelerator pedal - that is when all is right with
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Q TOR SENSELESS UED
the world. Sixth Speed world that is! Part of Paul Llanos’ (say Yanos since two l’s kissing in Spanish is pronounced Y) world became right when his cousin’s husband decided to sell his project. Born into V8’s as his dad was a muscle car man, Paul grew up around Valiants and the like, plus, when he was in the cold he owned two very modified Mustang GTs. So it’s no shock to us, that when he touched Trinidad again he wanted to move around in nothing but 8 power. Covered under tonnes of junk like any true blooded old school project, the Camaro wasn’t for sale at first but since his cousin’s hubby didn’t have time for it Paul was given the option to buy, needless to say he didn’t stick. Kids, keep it close that in the eyes of the beholder/ owner, projects that have to be towed home such as this one always look good, especially when you grease in that this car had no flooring, no interior, no glass, no bodywork, enough filler to plaster the stadium and a general hospital engine that would even bounce. Now, every sane car guy knows that when you buy junk, the wife is NEVER supposed to find out until after the fact. You get it home during the cover of night so in the morning you can act all surprised when she sees it there and casually blame somebody else. Apparently Paul didn’t get that piece of paper, so it’s only natural that when his wife saw him pushing this thing up the driveway, her magazine friendly vexatious-ness was expressed through the words “ARE YOU INSANE!!!!!!!” - We honestly can’t give you the rest, honest.
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Kiddies, we want you to close your eyes and just as fast as you shut them, open them back. What you have just experienced is called a blink as well as, my dear papitio, how blinking fast the car in the picture really goes. Go ahead, stare it down hard because this may actually be the only time you actually get to see it good. First time we at the Sixth knew of this car’s existence was on one of our many escapades to the mecca of automotive hedonism and mobile decadence in the South of Trinidad. Anyways, we breezing out on the pavement, yamming down some burgers and talking level pew-char. When dry so, out of the black, the violently loud insidious sound of a ba-ba-green monster comes ah bawling *Braaaaaaaaaaa pshew*. Never hearing ANYTHING likes that before and swearing the end of the world coming, some man pelt for cover while others clear jumped out of their skin. Who was left standing scanned the landscape with eyes open big like frog back and mouths heng long like donkey stones to see what was up………………..nothing! Then....... *Braaaaaaaaaaa - pshew* *Blink* - one headlight, *Blink* - taillight, *Blink* - no car!
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The brief moment we think we glimpse the car was due to a mid term red traffic light but that was lost since by the time we began to turn our heads the light turn green. Kids “What the fume-lay moments” happen all the time but not like this. And if you feeling lost and scratching your head trying to figure out what exactly happened then you know how we felt. Tiefing moments in time since inception, Gerard Carrington’s half breed Evolution known as “the Cyborg” has the SICKEST launch ever. Simple, straightforward and having no form of home training whatsoever, this car has gone down in Caribbean history as being one of the fastest track cars in Trinidad, Barbados AND Guyana. In addition to, it was the first Trinbagonian car in 13 years to go to the “Land of Many Waters” (Guyana) for Caribbean Championship circuit racing in 2006 and with pure absolute, totally DEEEESTROYED every man jack in Group 3. Originally built by a team of talented individuals at Krazy Kustoms, life of the Mivec started off as a Mitsubishi Colt. That was until “somebody” had the bright idea to attempt a first in the world project, which was to combine
CROSSANGRY
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