//:: Chica Todos a Bailar!

CHICA TODOS A BAILAR!

Party at Woodstock restobar with the El Quinto Drumbeaters and DJ Tone of the Metro Lounge Davao as they bring you CHICA TODOS A BAILAR!

A night of sexy and sultry Latin & Tribal House Music

August 29, 2009 @ Woodstock restobar, Butuan city

El Quinto Drumbeaters, DJ Tone, Althone Borja, Carmen Docdocil, Woodstock restobar, Butuan night life, //TAGS

Extreme Rock Crawling

Leaf Spring Maintenance

A good suspension means smoother drive and if it is well maintained that means less visits to workshops. Ive seen Many people they don't pay much attention to their leaf spring suspension since its more robust than the other one, but if you put alot of weight, inferior spring metal and metal erosion's cause by rust on each spring pack can cause it to loose its ability to articulate and hold heavy weights. The most important thing is to bend it that much which can carry your basic load requirements and to make the drive more smooth and comfortable asell. Ive seen many people with putting extra packs and also giving it huge bends this makes the care uncomfortable and will destroy your suspension.
How to refurbish them, I read this in a magazine and seen a local repair leaf spring repairer. here are few thing you need to notice when you give it to some one to refurbish it.

1. You should know the original measurement of your spring.
2. Tell your mechanic to use gear driven spring rollers to apply even pressure to give it a good bend. Use 1.5 inches of height out of the pack.
3. Then tell your mechanic to reassemble it to check it with the original measurement. Many people don't do this.
4. Once you know that the bends are in symmetry with the original measurement then polish the packs to remove rust.
5. Prep your leaves.
6. Then apply liberal coting of moly spray which will bond and lubricate the leaves.
7. Most important step use grease on your old bush and get new bush for your vehicle.
8. Paint your leaves to avoid further rust.
9.
Never use old or reused U-bolts.

Your leaf spring is now happy, don't forget these basic tips since many mechanics out there dodge alot.

Swapping T-Cases for your 4x4 truck

T-cases are usually very strong and can handle big engines up to 15% than their original engines, but some T-cases are just like making the front tires move but they don't produce enough torque. For extreme offloading you need a huge engine and a T-case that can handle the torque coming out of that beast without breaking or loosing its gear teeth and multiply the torque( t-cases are also known as multipliers). So if you upgrade your engine and add more horsepower you will definitely need a new t-case.

Some of the factors you should keep in mind when swapping one:

1. if you are buying a T-case from a junk yard which are usually very cheap, you may need to repair it alot.

2. Make sure its compatible with your transmission, or the adapter kits are available and the mounting plates and the output shaft may vary in size.

3. Since T-cases are usually of different sizes and vary in length. Depending on the size of the T-case you may have to shorten or lengthen your front and rear drive shafts. So before pulling any stunt confer it with your local mechanic.

4. I would prefer T-case made of cast iron, don't opt for the latest aluminum and alloy made T-cases they are light on gas but wont give you the performance of a high end offloading. But if you can get hands on a hummer T-case which is made of alloys then go for it provided it fits in your truck :P

Swapping Engine for you truck or jeep

Swaping engine for your 4*4 truck is not that easy as it sounds.

For some trucks or jeeps it is quite easy just like taking an enine out and putting a new one just like that without even changing the motor mount e.g army's most nimble jeep , but for some trucks or jeep it takes alot of welding, cutting, motor-mount changes and other things to modify because the engine doesnt not mount on the motor mounts.

Before you pull a stunt like this consider these few things.

1.Engine:

First of all make sure the type of engine you want is avialable and the cost of the engine not only to buy it but also to mantain it since there are few cars whose spare parts are hard to find e.g Nissan parts are easily avaliable in midle east but not in Asia. Check for such its motor-mounts, transmission, oil filter, air filter and for diesel engine always check for fuel filter and adpaters.

2. Cooling:

You must select an engine which usually does not heat up and the engine shoudnt be too big that there would be no space for radiator. Remember oen thing larger engines produce more heat so you would need a larger radaiotor>

Tip:

The front are of the radiator is more important than the core thickness. The larger the surface are more air it will draw thus making water more cool. A proper wide tube fan and aluminium radiator is a good option. Remember one thing a properly designed fan can reduce temperature excess of 20 degrees F.

Mechanical or Electrical Fan:

Electrical fans are more efficient but they draw alot of electricity from your battery resulting in decrease amps. For that your have to buy a bigger battery to your vehicle.

3. Emission.

Make sure it the engine is in good condition, because a smoky engine means the rings of the engine are worn out. do check that your seller has not decreased the flow of your fuel to engine just reduce smoke in order to fool you.

4. Skill Labour:

I think before swapping an engine the most important thing to check is that the do u know a good mechanic who can do the job.

5. Driveshaft, Transmission, Axles and T-Cases(only for 4x4):

Make sure the the engine you select is according to your drive shaft, many people swap big huge engines for power and in the end of the day they have a weak drive shaft and the bull, the inner rubber and other parts get weak because of over powered engine. If you want a bigger engine you may have to change the driveshaft which isn't easily available so get an engine according to the threshold of your shaft or get ready to repair it all the time.

Same goes for axles and transmission if you put an American V-8 beast in Japanese Toyota jeeps or trucks you will end up with slippery gears since your gear would loose their teeth. This happened with a fried of mine who installed 3800cc engine in his Nissan truck which was originally 2800cc. Always buy the right Transmission and whenever you buy an engine get the transmission of the same company. Specially if you are buying diesel engine for a car who had a petrol engine. Try to get the engine and transmission as a pair.

T-cases are usually tough since they are made of cast iron so u can take a risk on that, but if you are putting huge engine your need to upgrade your T-case since it could break the break or chain depending on the type of T-case.

Tip: When ever you select an engine keep in mind how much engine output you want, vehicle weight and tire size.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV

Now words like cute, cool, nice wont sound nice if you are talking about lambos. If you say hey what a cute car, you will find yourself standing alone talking to yourself and saying am i stupid or what. Words like attitude, dramatic, and hell raiser would sound more appropriate for Lambos.
Short History

Lamborghini started off in 1963 in Italy by a man name Ferruccio. Mr. Ferruccio was a wealthy man. Prior to world war II he had tractor manufacturing company. In 60s Lamborghini was a rich man and was ready to make a luxury sports car company. At that time no body ever imagine that any super car company would come in to existence to compete with Ferrari. Since he had a good experience in manufacturing industry and he showed the world that his product was not less than Ferrari. Below is a picture of first Lamborghini 350-GTV

Murcielago

Lamborghini is now back with its new model called Murcielago. Murcielago is named after a fighting bull who survived 24 sword strokes. Murcielaga is very dramatic and it turns as many heads. Its presence is very bold and charismatic. The car was designed by a Belgium.

Lets start of with Specs

Engine

Murcielago is powered by a 6496 cc. engine producing mind blowing 670 bhp at 8000rpm. its a v12 engine and pistons place at 60 degree angle. The pistons are made of Aluminium allow preventing them from getting over heated. The engine are time with 4 valve per cylinder and 4 overhead camshafts which is electronically controlled.

Body

Most of i is carbon fiber apart from its roof and external door panels

Transmission

I think the most important thing in a super car is its transmission. Engine alone can't produce torque and proper power to accelerate it. This time Lamborghini has introduced state of the art transmission system. Murcielago is permanent all wheel drive car and has a traction control system giving it outstanding control. 6-speed e-gearbox box or also known as flappy gear box with dry single disc clutch plate.

Brakes

Brakes are the most important thing in a super car like this, because its of no use going so fast when you can't slow down when you have to. Murcielago is equipped with carbon ceramic brakes with ABS device and DPR functions.

Performance

With its huge engine and state of the art transmission it goes from 0-100kmh in just 3.2 seconds. Flat out and this beast would be doing 212 kmh.

Bentley Continental GT

There are hundreds and thousand of cars in motoring pile and every car company has it own theme and target market. Most companies try their best to make the best economical car or technologically best to get maximum sales, but what really captures the attention of human eye is luxury and making a luxury car is the most challenging task in the who auto industry. Human beings are very visual and go for things who have the maximum eye candy.There is nothing like to relax in a highly luxury car and enjoy its each eloquent garnish. . So lets have a look at a super luxury car.
Bentley Continental GT

The continental GT is a two door coupe powered by 6 litre twin turbo charged W12 engine. It produces 552 bhp which is alot and can unleash its power reaching up to 198 mph. With 0-60mph in just 4.6 seconds. The continental gt give a look of a sports and a luxury car. Bentley wanted something unique this time. Giving it a more modern rather than keeping the same royal look. The continental gt cost nearly about $180000.

Transmission and driveline

Continental gt is a continues all wheel drive giving it un-matched stability and handling. With its all wheel drive you would never go out of the driving track. With its sport 6 speet automitc gears you will feel like you are driving ferrari. The gear box is soft and sporty too. This is what i call engineering brilliance.

Toys

Lets start of with the interior. Now Bentley had many toys you can play around with. It consist of a DVD satellite Navigation which doesn't even need DVD changes. It is equipped with blue tooth rSAP telephone system which means you can easily connect with your phone or network with your phone inside your pocket. This is not the end of the game, it comes with a key less entry and ignition system. It has electronic adjustable seats with memory heated seats. Bentley gives all the comfort and peace its customers need.

Fuel consumption.

Now i was expecting a bit more from this car but it gave only 11.2mpg in urban and on highway only 17mpg, which is pretty poor from other compitotors, e.g Rolls-Royce does 16mpg in urban areas. Things get even worse in city, you will unfortunately get only 10mpg.

Lets have a look at its interior.

Exterior Pictures

Rating

9/10

Bad News For American Auto Industry(effects of financial crisis on American auto industry)

Financial Crisis.
The financial crisis struck U.S.A in 2007 which lead to Global economic recession. The financial crisis of 2007 is considered to be the worst economic depression since Great Depression. Financial crisis lead to great decline in consumer consumptions and decline of wealth was reported in million. U.S.A which is an economic engine for the world was facing its worst days which lead to economic slow down globally since America who has the highest PPP was seeing heel coming right to them. It had its worst effects on Financial Institution. Insurance companies like AIG were seeing their business going down the drain. Huge Institutes like Lehman Brothers, Merill Lynch, and Freddie Mac were charged with bankruptcy. A serious decline in wealth was seen to e.g the total home equity which was round about 13 trillion was dropped to 8.3 trillion.

Well lets just say what was mentioned above is just the beginning of this tragic story of financial crisis. It not only had its effects on wealth decline, financial institution, or housing equity but on our favourite thing on planet earth too i.e cars and trucks. Lets discuss the cause of why American auto industry is living on the edge.

1. The main reason to this crisis is the extreme rise in oil demand. The prices shoot up to more than $140 a barrel. This made many people to buy Japanese car which are more economical than the American beast cars having V8 engines. The shoot up in the oil prices made people buy less SUV's and Trucks resulting in a dramatic sales drop of many companies like Ford, Chrysler and GM, since their main target market is SUV's and Trucks. Another reason relating to Energy is that U.S policy was uncertain and America never relied on other energy sources such as LPG gas or ethanol, in fact America government instead of increasing the consumption of ethanol, discouraged it.

2. Cars are usually bought on loans or when people have the money to buy them. When financial crisis struck America many car insurance, banks and student loan consolidation were out of business. Banks had no cash to lend customers money to buy cars. The whole financial institute of America was down on its knees dropping the sales of U.S cars from 16 million to 10 million.

3. Many loyal customer left american cars because Americans were concentrating too much mass production rather than making quality products. American auto maters were lacking behind in technology, while Japense where putting the best technology in. American auto makers acted lousy and knew that American would buy their products any way out of patriotism but that really never happened. With less cash in pockets, customers had no choice apart from buying cheap but yet high quality cars.

4. As already stated above, U.S.A is the economic engine for the world and when financial crisis struck them many economic activities of the world slow downed as they rely on U.S.A's economic growth and condition. As the official recession started in the U.S, the Global economy saw hell coming towards them. There was a sudden slow down globally,with few countries showing slowdown more than 1% or more. As we know that Gm operates in more than 41 countries worldwide. With such economic conditions there were no customers to buy big American cars with Japanese cars around.

Calling 911 wouldn't help this time
Would 25 billion loan to U.S automakers would rescue them from sinking. I don't think so. The U.S companies have to take a huge leap and change alot of their policies. First they have to compete with the Japanese market and make small cars which are fuel efficient and improve their technology as well. And this would be like asking Caterpillar Inc. to make small cute diesel cars. Injecting money would be like floating in a deep ocean, you wont drown but all you can do is survive. Unless America's financial institutes come back to power and the global economy revives back I am not seeing a good future for U.S auto manufacturing companies

Top 5 Car Insurance Companies In the U.S

Choosing car insurance company is easy but finding the right one for you is pretty much hard. If you ask me always first go for the companies reputation, how good are they with customer service and how quickly they handle the claims damages.
In my previous post I've discussed insurance tips now lets see the best companies in the U.S

1. Progressive Corporation
Progressive corporation is the largest insurance company in the U.S with 11 million people employed. It provides top of the line customer care service and it provides most of its service from the Internet and phone.

2. Nationwide Insurance
With an experience more than 80 years, nationwide has statutory assets more than 135 billion dollars. It stand 108th in the Forbes 500 list and has online and 24/7 toll Free number for customer care.

3. Amica Auto Insurance
Amica is the oldest Insurance company in U.S which came into existence in 1907. Amica is famous for offering Excess liability insurance, Auto insurance, Marine and Homeowners insurance. Amica has been rated A++ as the most superior insurance company.

4. Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance
Starting its operations in 1912, Liberty is one of the leading insurance companies in the west. Ever since its birth it has been offering its customers with wide range of insurance plans. It is rated A and is financially a very strong company. It operates in more than 20 countries worldwide.

5. Government Employees Insurance Company
Geico came into existence in 1936. It has now 23000 employees and a revenue if $9,212 billion.

Rolls-Royce Phantom 2003

Rolls-Royce Limited was founded by two Bristish gentlemen Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce in 1914. It emerged as an aero-engine maunufacturing and car manufacturing company. After nationalism Rolls-Royce expanded its company and started making heavy machinery like turbines, helis etc and now car manufacturing is their side show.



History
Rolls-Royce Phantom is a British engineered luxury car which is usually used by royalties and rich people accross the world.
Phantom I
The first Rolls-royce Phantom car A.S.A Phantom 1(1925-1931) had 6 litre straigh engine and was a symbol of luxury at that time. Phantom 1 was the replacement for Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Below is a picture of the first Phantom.

Phantom II

Then from 1929-1936 came the Phantom 2. It was also a 6 straight cylinder engine with 4 maunal gears. Phantom one had only 3.

Phantom III
Before WWII, Rolls-Royce introduced its first V12 engine called the Phantom 3 which lasted till 1939.



Phantom IV
In 1950 Rolls-Royce introduced its Phantom 4 and was only made for royal crown. Ever since its birth only 18 have been ever made

Phantom V

Then came the Phantom 5(1959-1968). It was pretty much advanced from its older models. It was a v8 engine with twin SU carburetors. It had automatic transmission with 4 speed gears. Some of the famous owners of this car were John Lennon, Queen ElizabehII, and Governor of Hong Kong.

Phantom VI

Then in 1968-1991 one the last Phantom of 21st century and no more were introduced till 2003. For 22 years Phatom 6 ruled and there was no production after 1991.

Phantom of 21st centry

Rolls-Royce Phantom was desinged by Marek Djordjevic & Ian Cameron.This new Rolls-Royce Phantom is made by BMW and is cutomized for each customers at Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, West Sussex. It was first introduced in 2003. Phantom comes with 2 body styles 2-door drophead coupe/convertible and a 4-door saloon car. Rolls-Royce phantom was basically an answer to Mercedese Maybach.

Engine & Transmission
Rolls-Royce is powered with a 6.75 V12 engine which produces 453 bhp. The engine is capable of producing 720 N-m of torque. The engine comes out from a box from Germany i.e BMW. The power output of the car is regulated by infinitely varying valve. Phantom is equiped with the state of the art ZF 6 speed automatic transmission.

Special Features

Any leather color with 44000 colors to choose from.

It has a power reserve dial instead of a Tachometer.

Not only the rear doors open backward but can be closed with a touch of a button using hydraulics. It has self-closing doors to ensure the doors are closed. Phantom has electronic locks and if a door is left open then the car would automatically come to halt. The rear doors also have umbrellas too.

Luxuries

Sound Systems

It consisits of a fully equiped sound system like DVD player, 26 speaker sound system, 8-disc changer.

Electronics

Voice navigation system, power sunroof, rear view camera for better parking, powered seats, self heated seats and steering, iPod jacks, powered trun and hood, wireless headphones, fridge.

Interior and Exterior

For best experience please visit this site and get the full luxury experience of this beautiful British Engineered Luxury Car.

http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/hi-band/swf/index.html

Basic Maintenance for your Jap Car

Just said hello to your new Japanese car, but don't the basic maintenance. Don't worry in this post i will cover the basic maintenance for most Japanese cars. Japanese cars like Toyota, Honda, Suzuki are fun to drive. They are cheap and reliable. Though they aren't that good like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Cadillac and Lincoln but sure perform well for what you pay.

Mileage in Kms Maintenance

Every 4500 Oil and filter

10000

Oil and filter

Engine tuning

Brake service

Wheel balancing

and alignment

Tyre rotation

15000 Oil And filter

20000 Oil and filter

Engine tuning

Brake service
Wheel balancing

and alignment
Tyre rotation

Fuel Filter

Air filter

Change Spark plug

25000 Oil and filter

30000 Oil and filter
Engine tuning
Brake service
Wheel balancing

and alignment
Tyre rotation

35000 Oil and filter

40000 Oil and filter
Engine tuning

Brake service

Wheel balancing

and alignment

Tyre rotation

Fuel Filter
Air filter
Change Spark plug

Front and rear disc pads

All lubricants e.g gear, brake, steering etc

Repeat this process in this very pattern. Although your manufacturer gives you all the detail but this is the basic maintenance for most Japanese cars

Tips For better MPG

Money is hard to earn specially during financial crisis. With oil prices shooting up and high inflation rate, the last place where you want your money to be. Even in such tight conditions you cant dump your vehicle can you?? No you cant and at the same time you don't to go to Caltex, Shell and Total petrol pumps over and over again. So learn to run your engine economically to improve your MPG.

Here are few tips you would love to know.

Buying a Hybrid:

Buying a hybrid would give you good economy in stop and go traffic, but if you drive daily on long roots dont go for it other wise you would have to made alteration and that would void its waranty.

Engines's Torque

The more torque your engine can produce the better the mpg would be, since you can run your car in low rpm. Thats why diesel engine give better mpg.

Dont worry about your Hemi engine any more.

Now a days hemi engines are equiped with multi displacement system which shuts off cylinder when not needed. It acts like a v8 beast again when you push the pedal.

Dont go on High speeds.

Maintain good speed and dont over shoot unless you have to climb a hill.

Automatic Transmission vs Manual

Now a days technology has improved alot and automatic cars are giving better mpg than manual, but then thas is if you are driving a merc :P. Still manual transmissions are far better since they are light and you have your own gear choice.

Watch out for those dirty air filters

Act like a nagging wife for your car, whenever you see your air filter dirty clean it up by blowing it with air. This will increase the air pressure to the engine which will increase its performance and efficiency. Use air filters from this company Advance Flow Engineering .http://www.afefilters.com/

You can't Escape idle engine running

On traffic signals dont turn of your car, because turning it on and off would make consume more oil, so its better to put it on idle. Don't mind when you warm up your engine in the morning because colder engine consumer more gas since it takes more energy to warm it when running it.

A/C or Heaters

If there is no need of a/c or heater dont turn it on. Try turning it off on traffic signal when the engine is idle.

Seat heaters

Oooo yeah dont think they hate gas and wont consume it.

Warning warning beware of accesories

If you dont need accessories like power steering, power windows high fi, dont install them because you will see a difference of 2% in your mileage.

Carriers

Don't ruin your vehicle aerodynamics by adding such carriers. Such carriers would increase air friction.

C.V.T (continuously variable technology)

Keep this technology in mind when ever you buy a vehicle. It has unlimited gears and is very efficient.

Replace Fuel Filter

Dont let your filter clogg your fuel flow. Let me tell you this in this way the engine has to work more to compensate that.

O2 Sensor

A bad o2 sensor can have bad effects on mpg to 40%. Do check the engine light, never ignore it.

Windows

Dont drive with your windows down it can increase friction.

Acclerate less

Dont step on the pedal, it will increase your rpm.

Traffic

Avoid heavily traffic areas.

Engine Oil

Dont use thick engine oil atleast not more than the manufacturer has recommended.

Petrol Station

Dont go for cheap petrol, always go for stations like caltex, Shell etc.

Cold Engine

Never run a cold engine it gulps more gas and check that your thermostat is working.

High Octane

Unless you dont have a sports cars you wont need gas above 87 octane.

Brake Drag

Check that your brake calipers retract.

Change Oil

If your oil is old then change it at once since your engines get dirty and your oil will get heavy. When you change your oil change the oil filter too.

Spark Plug

Dirty spark pug misfire so do clean them after 1000km.

Air Pressures of the tires

Check its air pressure, heavy tires can reduce your economy to 4%.

Adding overdrive to the transmission

This would lower the engine rpm making it moreeconomical. You can get this kit from http://www.advanceadapters.com/.

Engine Power

This depends on the type of work you take from your vehicle e.g if you have a truck and you use it for offroading and you have big off-roading tires and your engine isnt compitible enough to take the load then you must swap your engine since it would take load out from the engine hence increasing mpg.

Programmable Chips

Add chips progammable chips that can adjust your vehicles ignition timing, air fuel mixture depending on your driving style. If you want speed set according to it or if you want economy then set your desire settings. You can get these chips from http://www.bdpower.com/ or http://www.jetchip.com/.

Big Tires

If you dont need huge tires dont get them. Get decent tires which not only look good but give you economy too. Huge tires add wieght and are heavy on axle.

Use Cruise Control

Speeding Statistics

Speeding more than 60 mph can cost up to $.021 more per gallon.