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