Newsletter No 25
28 November 2005
Greetings
I have again
been inundated with calls requesting horsepower figures for my conversions.
This
is a result of a lot of operators giving before and after figures. I hate
giving figures, as they mean little in reality but lots in Marketing.
Unscrupulous
operators can severely lessen the figures of the before run (for instance by
not depressing the accelerator pedal fully).
2’ndly
how important is your vehicles peak power ? How much time do you spend at WOT
(wide open throttle) a peak RPM ? Most of the time you cruise at less than ½
throttle and expect good fuel consumption with driveability. Both are difficult
to put in figures.
That
is why I rather guarantee my customers satisfaction or I’ll give them a full
refund. For those that dice (not my ideal customer), I can only guarantee that
my modifications will make equal or more reliable power to that of the
opposition for the same amount of money spent.
Remember
that Horsepower wins sales but Torque wins races.
Please
do be careful of these so called “cheap engines”. Make sure you get all the
necessary paperwork to license them and some kind of warranty. I see a lot of
hurt people come into my yard and it saddens me that there is nothing I can do
to help them.
Also
when you get that “cheap” Maxima or motorsport engine- Caveat Emptor ! If it is
a true Race motor and has been raced, it could mean some expensive rebuilding
on its way to you.
When comparing
different filters, again make sure they indeed filter. Next is a filter that
looks like a K&N but carries a different name and put enough dirt into the intake
to make the owner cry.
Also
be wary of Tuning shops that don’t have a reputation. I have recently seen a
few VW motors with excessively skimmed heads (.4mm is max) and “weird” cam
grinds (Base circle on a hydraulic cam is 34mm) that then “ate” their pistons.
It is your choice who you go to for Service, but it is my choice on how I react
to your plea for help.
Intercooler specials excluding Fitting but with all
the necessary parts, brackets & plumbing:
KB 280 for 8000 N$ incl.
VAT
B 2500 for 4500 N$ incl.
VAT
I have
just been through a "tydsbeplanning session" with my staff and
Customers.
I have a
Surf adapter on order since mid march with no ETD forthcoming from the
manufacturer.
I was
given a 10 Day manufacturing period for a Racecar sideshafts that have
been in Joburg since beginning October. The Manufacturer is incapable
of telling me when we can expect those ?
a Workshop
needs to make decisions based on the supply of goods etc.
I will
take some further decisions on where Nick’s Racing will be heading as of next
year, but am leaning towards not doing conversions (race car preparation)
anymore, since I cannot rely on suppliers. Also I am considering selling of all
my USA V6 & V8 stock, as I am tired of just being used as a last resort or free
source of information. I am
considering, on solely concentrating on the Efficiency Enhancing of Cars
currently being produced, as well as the older RSA models.
Your input
would be appreciated on this.
So far this has
resulted in my looking
for a person to run the mechanical side of the shop (an extension of my hands).
An
Understanding on the principles of the 4-stroke petrol driven internal
combustion Engine is a prerequisite.
Logical
thinking & Fabrication skills would be a advantage
I pride
myself in excellence in Workmanship but do not put undue pressure on my
Employees, as long as the job goes out perfect !
I do:
Exhaust
systems
UNICHIP
and GOTECH engine management systems
Do
performance modifications and tune-ups, with occasional Engine rebuilds.
If you
know of somebody suitable, ask him to contact me on admin@nicksracing.com or Fax 061-216883
Best Regards,
Nick von Bergen