A Reminder Regarding Respect in the Automotive Scene

I'm just going to take the time to talk about a very important thing in the automotive enthusiast scene.

Respect

The Car scene is something that anyone with a interest for cars can join. But the enjoyment of the car scene can easily be ruined by those who are immature and lack the understanding of respect. Where does it come from or where does it start? I don't know, it could come from those that simply don't know how to properly start a conversation, give a neutral opinion, or rationally has a bad attitude toward something different.

I'm always hearing about people thrashing someone because of what you drive. Might as well consider it racism in the car industry. It shouldn't matter what you drive because your car is "Your" Choice, not anyone elses... that is unless, they paid for the car for you, then in that sense... Why did they buy it if they didn't like it?. This is pretty common no matter what region you're from. You can kinda say the Car manufacturers are to sorta blame for this, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, BMW, Audi, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Ferarri, Lamborghini, etc... They can all be responsible for this by promoting the advertisement and self image that their vehicles are dominant on a certain level. Which is good for business, but then gets taken the wrong way by the consumer. Healthy competition is fun because it drives people to be better at what they do, but being good at trash talking and negative opinions are just a waste of time.  Like the never ending battle of Camaro or Mustang, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza STI, I love all of them but I won't bash one of them because both of them are missing something. Yeah I would say one is better than the other if I was doing a car review, one has a certain driving style I like, while the other may be suitable for someone else. That's just how it works. You won't sell a magazine company if all the cars are winners.

Coming from my background, at the age of 4, I was plastered in front of the TV watching many disciplines of racing, from WTCC, to DTM, to GT1, American Lemans, Drag racing, and even Nascar. But because I like those things doesn't mean I like only one type of vehicle. I own a 2nd generation Mitsubishi Eclipse and I love working on V6 and V8 motors. I love the unique sounds of the Bmw M3 E46, and the styling of the Maserati MC12. That's just a preference and others should realize that not everyone is going to like the same things that you do. We're all different, come from other walks of life, and have certain tastes. I'm not going to instantly hate you because you don't like NASCAR or a certain driver... Ok, just don't keep coming to me talking about your hate for Jeff Gordon because your driver hit him and he wants to rip his head off... Who doesn't? Someone's life is at stake when a high speed wreck is involved. If you keep coming to me about your bad jokes, and disrespect for anything that isn't a Jeep you can keep walking before my NASCAR boys here have a little talk with you behind the shop... *That was a joke, I don't condone violence* 

Like the automotive class I'm taking, My Engine instructor is a Semi Pro drag racer and drives a 1960's Dodge Polaris and yet he doesn't bad mouth imports. It's his preference. I always have non bias conversations with him about tuning, ideas, and pros and cons of running a stock dodge neon motor at 20Psi of boost... *See thats another joke in two ways... because.... never mind.* If, you're like the student in my automotive program and only likes Ford and badmouths everything else because he never stopped and worked with everything else... I say good luck in finding like minded people like you, because even if you do, they probably think they are better than you. Try holding a job at the local Ford dealer when you only service Ford Focus' and Fusions.

The most important thing we as enthusiasts should remember, "If they don't like it, they can keep on looking and do their own thing." Time and time I always see and hear people bashing others because they want to do things different. When they do, they instantly get labeled as an "idiot," or "Ricer." Ricer is an evolving word and used to mean a person that would waste money on making their car look horrible. Now its used to mean that immature person in the car scene stirring up a scene. It's everywhere, even in car/brand specific forums. In the DSM (Diamond Star Motors) community, there is a ton of bashing itself just because of someone owning a base model non-turbo eclipse. Really guys? If someone couldn't find, afford, or doesn't want to own a turbo car, that is their choice. If they want to put money into their car, let them. If they want to make their car stand out in a good way by adding a wing, let them. Build their car for street-ability, drag racing, or track racing? OK. Don't just bash them and tell them junk it and get a turbo model... You know why? Because when they move on to another car and someone asks about their last car, they would probably say, "My last car? It sucks, the community sucks as well... Bunch of ricers."

Another thing is those who get into arguments and troll one another and threats go out about bothering people's cars, really? you don't mess with anyone's blood, sweat, and tears over a conversation or anything because you don't agree? What will you accomplish by assaulting someone, or even their investment because you all can't agree and or get along on something? That doesn't mean you have to be friends. That doesn't mean you have to get your feelings hurt, you can always leave. And if this is a issue inside of a car club, tell the leader or other members and work together on solving the problem. You can always settle your feuds with some healthy racing on the racetrack. If you can't back it up, don't say it because then you will be labeled and banished. You never know how seriously someone would take your comment. You will also never know when you will need someone to lend you a hand someday and because of your attitude, everyone leaves you hanging... That's on you.

The car scene should be something enjoyed by all no matter what you drive. Keep this community something sacred, no matter what part of the Earth you come from, Japanese, American, European, FWD, RWD, AWD. I may have sounded like I repeated myself many times in this post, but that's because as a car lover I just have to keep reminding people, "Learn to respect one another." Not by their car, but because of their attitude and behavior in the community. Don't be "that guy" showing up to a casual low key car meet doing burnouts, talking trash, trying to race and end up getting the cops called and ruining the car meet opportunities for everyone. Welcome the newcomer into the community with open doors and allow them to be comfortable, don't cast judgement until they sport their true colors.

Racing Rivals - Available August 29th!

If you are a fan of the ever so popular mobile games, Drag Racing, FF6, and CSR Racing, be on the look out for a new game called Racing Rivals. Read more about the awesome mobile racing game featuring live head to head racing... Beat that Real Racing!... I have no problem with that game though lol.
Racing Rivals - Available August 29th!

Aug 25th 2013 STL Import Face-Off!

Print this Flyer out for $15 admission at the Gates!!!!

It's happening tomomtomorrow!  the 2013 Import Face-Off Here in the midwest. Sunday Augugst 25th will bring out tons of imports domestics, trucks, lowriders, and many more to the Gateway Motorsports Park *Formerly known as Gateway International Raceway* I'm stoked for such an event like this because we simply don't get many events like this in the Midwest, let alone very close to Saint Louis. This is the event's 2nd year here and I hope for many more returns.

What I really like about this type of event, is that there are tons of prize categories for racing and car shows!


We can't do it without the support of the car enthusiasts. Whether you like drag racing, drifting, or car shows, there is something in store for you. Even better, with this flyer *print it out, doesn't matter if its in color or black and white* You will get $2 off your admission, making it $15!!!

Share this with your friends, automotive blogs and photographers, I want this event coming back year after year, because it was amazing last year!

For more info, visit http://www.importfaceoff.net/
or
Visit and like their facebook page for updates on more events!

Tech how to: Replacing a Power Steering Pump - 2001 Ford Tarus 3.0 SOHC

     It's been a while, I'd admit. But I am still up and at it learning more and more in the Automotive classes I am currently enrolled in. As the first year of school winds down, so does the project time in the shop. This gives me a good opportunity to start my Write up tech articles on some of the projects I approach during my class.

*Update* My first year of classes are over! I have learned a lot and I'm going to continue to increase my knowledge! 

     Over the past few days  I have been working on removing and installing a power steering pump and pulley on a 2000-2001 Ford Tarus 3.0 SOHC (car enthusiast lingo meaning Single overhead Cam. See you do learn something from reading these blog posts). It's a pretty straight forward job and can be done in under an hour with the right tools, lighting and space.

For the job you will need these tools:
Ratchet and socket tool set
Universal power steering kit *Must be able to remove and install Ford 3.0 Liter pulleys*
Hose clamps
Drain pan or something to hold antifreeze/coolant and power steering fluid
Power steering fluid
antifreeze
assembly lube *makes installing the pulley easier*
Power steering pump and pulley
Serpentine or V-belt depending on condition of your current belt

This Tech article's test mule....Ahem, subject.

     Now that you have your tools, parts, and of course the car. The first thing to do is let the car cool if it has been run, as you will be working in the engine bay and close to the exhaust headers. When the engine is cool, proceed to remove the coolant reservoir tank. Be careful at this point not to burn yourself or spill the coolant all over the place. Drain the access coolant into a drain pan or storage container. The engine bay should look something like this...

Coolant tank is removed allowing for access to the power steering pulley

With the Coolant reservoir out of the way, you should now be able to have access to the drive belt system, where the power steering pulley is located. The next step is to remove the drive belt by adjusting the belt tensioner along the belt system.



Now that the belt is out of the way, this is when you use the proper power steering pulley adapter to remove the pulley off. Take caution when removing as the pulley is made of plastic and can break when forced or the tool is improperly used.
The tool I used was set up and worked like this...

Power Steering pulley properly installed

With the Pulley remover properly installed, use your ratchet or wrench to tighten and pull the pulley off. This part shouldn't require much work unless the pulley shaft is caked in dirt and debris. 

Great! now the pulley is off and its time to focus on the power steering pump. To remove the pump, you want to remove the power steering fluid lines from the pump. These lines are located on the front of the pump. Return to the side where you removed the pulley, you will find 3-4 bolts. remove them with your socket and now you can remove the pump. now comes the installation of the new power steering pump.

The new power steering pump

Felt like an impact wrench, so I had to make sure it wasn't. Inspection is key!

This is the important part. Always inspect new parts to ensure they look like or mount up like the old part. Failure to do so could ruin the part and the chances of you returning the item for the correct part.


This replacement pump did not come with a new power steering pump cap, so use the one from the old one, unless you need to order a new one.

To install the new pump, reverse the removal steps. When it comes time to put the pulley back on, be sure to install the pulley as straight as you can, the installation tool will straighten it out even more. The pulley will look like it is not installing, but it takes time as it is a new part. My instructor added the following advice, "If you want to make it easier, heat up the pulley so the hole diameter will expand making installation easier." - Jim Brandon

Unfortunately for me, he waited until the job was half way done to tell me.... >,<

With the new Power Steering pump and pulley installed, proceed to install the new serpentine belt the way described by the manufacturer, coolant reservoir tank and coolant/power steering hoses.

Add power steering fluid to the system to the full mark by using the dipstick and add coolant to the full "cold" mark. Start the vehicle and now and make sure no leak are occurring. Check the steering by turning the steering all the way to the left, then to the right a few times. The noise should be gone and you should have easy steering again. Some systems require a proper power steering bleeding method to remove air from the system, I will cover that later. But until then be satisfied with the work you have just accomplished!

Matt Powers drifts past Essa for championship

Congrats to Matt Powers on the win!
Matt Powers drifts past Essa for championship

Horsepower Enough?

Could you handle the Shelby 1000? Automotive engineering gets better and better as this car is powerful!
Horsepower Enough?

Vaughn Gittin Jr. and the RTR Drift Team kick off the 2013 season with a 2nd place finish at Formula D Rd. 1

Congrats Vaughn on the 2nd place! You're off to a great start in the Season.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. and the RTR Drift Team kick off the 2013 season with a 2nd place finish at Formula D Rd. 1

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Reveals 2013 Monster Energy Mustang RTR

Ken Block isn't the only one with a new livery this season. Check out Vaughn Gittin Jr's new look on his 2013 Monster Mustang RTR
Vaughn Gittin Jr. Reveals 2013 Monster Energy Mustang RTR

Restarting From a Stop

Well, What a way to end spring break. A surprise winter storm throughout the Midwest. That's not the bad part, what actually happened was my Operating System decided to take a hike...Causing the loss of all my hard work in editing my videos and blog drafts started via Microsoft Word. There's only one way to recover here and that's to start fresh with re-takes of the videos and a fresh install of XP.. Yes I still use windows XP, nothing wrong with that.

Also I picked up a Roxio Game capture device which will allow me to start my gaming sessions and upload to youtube, but I'm going to do that a little different after I catch back up on my videos. Hope this weekend allows time for that. Until next time.

Spring Break in T-minus 3 Hours!

With this small post, I'm just letting you know I'm still here and gathering ideas for my blog page and YouTube Channel. Currently in the process of narrating a video and getting another video and blog posts in the work for this upcoming week. Until then Enjoy the weather if it's good and have a nice weekend.

How To Video! Plastidipping a Torque Wrench

Hello everyone. I made a short video today with the spare time I had in class to make a video.

Today this video explains how to Apply Plastidip to the handle of a torque wrench.

The steps to do this, is just like any other way to apply Plastidip.

*DON'T FORGET TO SHAKE THE CAN! I ALREADY DID IT BEFORE RECORDING THE VIDEO!*

-Clean the area to remove dirt and grime
-Mask the item/area to only prevent overspray
-Apply even layers (Plasti-Dip works better when stored in warm areas)
-Wait for Plasti-Dip to dry
-Repeat as many times as you want for a smoother surface!

Car Parts: Over the Counter Vs. eBay

The more and more you hear about those building working on their projects... Price is always a concern. then comes the question of reliability.

Like many reputable builders mention, you can only choose two of the three important aspects when searching for parts.

Price, Quality/Reliability, or power.

Remember, those on a budget can only choose 2, what would you look for in a product?

Knowing me at the moment I would choose Price and quality because I'm in college and would rather make my trip back home in one piece instead of blowing something and leaving me stranded... in the middle of Missouri.

So when you finally decide to buy that part, you bring up another question. Would you purchase at a local over the counter parts store? Or would you visit eBay Motors? Now, choose one of those two.

It seems no matter which one you buy from today, the importance of quality comes to mind a lot after installation bringing the question, "How long will this last?" Most of the time it isn't the part itself that fails, but a combination of other things leading to the failure.

From my experiences I have not had problems with eBay (So far, so good). Only once I had to return a product back to the parts store because it turns out that part didn't need replacing (Remember! Always find the source of the problem to the best of your ability!). They both carry the same amount of risks because there are many companies out there that will build the part to "OEM" specs and requirements. That is my main concern, how well the "OEM" part was actually made because if it was badly constructed right from the start, then the parts from the store will hold the same quality. Until you come across an aftermarket brand that has found the solution, or the OEM company fixes their own design flaw.

I once talked to someone that would not by car parts from eBay because the stores selling the parts did not manufacturer them.... The local auto parts store doesn't build them either (May or may not be true in some cases). When buying on eBay always make sure the part fits the vehicle you are searching for. Also, be sure to check out the seller's feedback rating before making a purchase, you don't want to buy something then read that the seller takes forever to ship an item, then receive a broken item because they are bad at handling them. Also make sure to ask the seller questions! They usually have a knowledgeable tech support willing to guide customers to finding the right product. If they don't and give you a wish-washy response, it should be time to find another seller. Don't throw more money at your project than you wanted to.

Some stay away from eBay due to the low prices... Wait, really? I thought that was good?
Well, yes and no. Yes you will keep some money in your pocket. But no because the cheaper the price, the cheaper quality product you are buying on. That's not the case most of the time as most eBay stores don't sell their product by their name, rather the product.

A very good reason that could make all of the difference in your deciding choice along with the price is the warranty. Many companies like to factor in a warranty where if you don't have a problem after so many days, the product should hold up for the life of the vehicle. Others believe in customer satisfaction, if it breaks they can replace it for free and not be angry towards to company. Or my favorite, the "lifetime warranty," in case anything bad ever happens, they will replace it for however long you have the part or vehicle.

 I have many eBay parts on my vehicle with a brand that's not so well known and held up for 3 years and still going strong! The same goes for the parts over the counter. When it comes to buying parts locally or online, always do your research first on the part to find out how well it holds up. Try looking for comparisons between the OEM part against the aftermarket one.

To sum it up, there are many solutions to find the right parts for your vehicle today. It just comes down to the facts of reputation, price, and quality that will attract your attention into buying the part you need.

Question of the Blog post:
   Have you or anyone you know had a good or bad experience with a parts store or eBay?

Setting up the Layout

Hi, and sorry if the page begins to get a little clustered. I'm adding things to the page to make it a convince for the readers.

I'm adding a Poll to the top of the page so I can add weekly questions, to see what you guys think about stuff.

I'm also adding a youtube widget at the bottom so you can watch automotive and music videos without leaving the page.... If you want to.

Also throwing in Ad sense so we can liven up the page with automotive ads that would pertain to interests.

If all else fails... I will edit and move stuff around so things stay pleasing.

A Better Overview of Plans

     I'm making progress in getting things started. I have recently uploaded videos of the past two weeks up on my youtube channel. You can view them here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ignyted1418

     They are pretty basic videos for the moment, but I don't want to throw in all the effects and stuff because that will take away from the whole point of my Video Series, the "Automotive Projects."

     I am still trying to get an explanation out of why I created a Facebook community page and what it is really for, because so far everyone I have explained it to has more questions than necessary, lol it happens.

     "In my introduction, I mentioned something about bring together the community of automotive enthusiasts. This will be referring to the Facebook Community page that is in development.
http://www.facebook.com/Overdriverpm?fref=ts

    What I am trying to do is gather and highlight events in the automotive community. I won't be able to travel all over to see things, I'm in college. So by reaching out and hoping people gain interest in this community, others will be able to share pictures, thoughts, and videos from automotive events they have attended. From cruises, photo shoots, wrench time, big time events, races and car shows, to car care tips. They can even become the active community poster for their area, but at the same time show responsibility for how they handle themselves.  I don't wanna promote a guy that goes around wrecking into stuff and posting it on Facebook because......because I don't like that lol." It doesn't mean they have to go to every event in their area, they can do whatever they want because its not a job. It's a hobby. But it would be cool if I could inspire others to start their own Blogs or Video Series.

     But don't let it confuse you about this blog page. This page is about the current events, and projects that I have a chance to share with you. From time to time, I will have friends or other people involved with a post or video. Like the previous weekend, the 2013 St. Louis Auto Show was here. My friend and I went down to take photos of the new vehicles that are or will be coming to the market.We also got to see Vaughn Gittin Jr and Ryan Tuerck put on a live drift performance! It was AWESOME! Vaughn even signed my cell phone.... Just wanted to put that out there.

Hope I cleared some stuff up for you guys, have a nice day.

Getting Things Started!

Hello to those who have stumbled upon this blog via Facebook, Google +, or Youtube.

At the moment I'm not to good at writing introductions, but welcome. This is new for me starting a blog but I hope to get used to doing so.

With that out of the way, my Name is Matt and I am starting on a new project. Its called Overdrive RPM.

What is Overdrive you might ask? It's simply a Video Blog series I have planned for my Youtube Channel where I talk or show you the automotive projects I am involved with currently. I came up with this idea because I was bored sitting in my dorm room and thought, "Why don't I blog about cars and stuff?" Good idea! I'm currently a technical college student going for my Associates degree of applied science, or Automotive Maintenance/High Performance Degree. I simply love cars and I want to become a professional race car driver in the future.

So I'm trying something different, here I will be doing blog posts and links to my Youtube video blogs, while on the Community Facebook page. It's kinda hard to explain, but I will get to an explanation on  video. For now, I simply want car enthusiasts to come together and have fun talking cars. American, European, Japanese, it doesn't matter. Share things like your own projects or stories. Heck, I even want you to do what I'm doing and make a Youtube channel!

For now, things are still in the works but things will be easier to understand in the future. Thanks for reading.