Editorial : December 31, 2008
As if the title didn’t make it clear enough…this is it, the last blog of 2008.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been cranking out these blogs since…whenever we started cranking these things out, but its been a lot of fun and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading them. That being said, we hope to take [...]
Gear and Tech : December 30, 2008
Holy Carbon Fiber Crap, Batman!
Yesterday’s article wasn’t nearly enough to cover the wondrous objects constructed out of this woven greatness. I found a few more things that are a little….out there.
First on this list is something completely unnecessary, yet completely badass if you can afford it.
Carbon Fiber Stairs. Say whaaat? This thing is a giant [...]
Gear and Tech : December 29, 2008
They surely do make everything out of Carbon Fiber nowadays…
I’ve chosen a few products from the guys over at Carbon Fiber Gear Direct to highlight:
First off is CFG Direct’s super ballin’ Carbon Fiber wallet. With a sexy combination of Real Carbon Fiber and Soft Leather, this wallet is built to be durable. The wallet is [...]
Editorial : December 24, 2008
On behalf of National Speed we’d like to wish all of our readers Happy Holidays. Stay warm, try to enjoy the annoying presence of scary relatives, talk loud for the older folks, and remember to turn the fire off when Santa tries to squeeze his wide apple-bottom down the chimney.
Good luck to the last [...]
Editorial : December 23, 2008
Most of the time, buying a car with some minor mods isn’t a problem. It’s only later down the road when you wish you would’ve spent the extra money doing something yourself.
It’s not so bad buying a vehicle Pre-modded, but of course that goes into how deep the car has been tampered with before you [...]
Humor : December 22, 2008
Sure you got Supercharging and Turbocharging and hell, even Twincharging but what about Ghettocharging?
Alright, maybe it’s not a new form of forced induction, but damn is it Ghetto! I thought I’d seen it all with budget builds, but this is a TRUE budget build. Electrical conduit from Home Depot for Coolant Lines, Sheet metal from [...]
Editorial : December 19, 2008
This is to you true grassroots guys (and gals). This is to those of you who scrounge up every last dollar and cent just to go visit the racetrack every month. This is to the autocrossers, roadcoursers, drifters, dragracers and rallycrossers. To those who value ducttape and zipties more than anything. To those of you [...]
Editorial : December 18, 2008
Poise and Balance is something we forget about every now and again. When building a car, a lot of people overlook balance and attack everything with brute power. Brandon’s FC RX7 is the underpowered underdog nipping at the heels of cars with over twice the horsepower.
After having a mildly built ‘67 Camaro, Brandon already had [...]
Gear and Tech : December 17, 2008
It’s holiday season folks, I saw this and had to post about it! “RoadMice” is what it’s called, and I think it’d be a great stocking stuffer for whomever automotive inclined you decide to get it for. Basically it’s a mouse styled to look like a car. There’s no two ways around it.
It’s got your [...]
Editorial : December 16, 2008
So by now I’m sure most of you know about this new Ecoboost motor that Ford is going to be throwing in half a million of their vehicles in the next 5 years.
Basically, the forever ingrained V8 motor that ford uses in everything is slowly going to be phased out. Know what this means: A [...]
Gear and Tech | News : December 15, 2008
What would you think about Speed Sensitive Speedbumps? Kind of an interesting concept, I think.
I’m not too sure about the technology behind it, but apparently if you drive the speed limit, the bumps do not raise. From what I understand, by using a small damper inside to flatten out when a car drives [...]
Editorial : December 12, 2008
One thing that I’ve noticed: a lot of people can’t size equipment right.
What I mean by this is the guys that are throwing a 70 trim journal bearing turbo on a small displacement motor and wondering why they don’t spool until 1k before redline. They always ask why their powerband is so bad, or nonexistent. [...]
Gear and Tech : December 11, 2008
Two-step, and Three-step. It has one purpose in mind, making lots of noise and propelling you forward as fast as possible. Not dancing.
First off let’s start with the basics. Two-step is also known as a stutterbox and is a form of launch control. Essentially two-step works as a secondary rev limiter. Two-step works off of [...]
News : December 11, 2008
Those crazy Brits are at it again! Seeking to get their names in the record books for something besides bad teeth and crazy lingo* — “Balderdash!” “Bloody hell!” — the British Steam Team (hehehehe) have set upon breaking the land speed record for steam powered cars.
The steam powered “steamster” (patent pending) recently fired [...]
Gear and Tech : December 10, 2008
VIP or Bippu, is a somewhat new style of tuning that is slowly taking over the scene. Companies like Junction Produce, Auto Couture and Fabulous are starting to creep into US Car shows.
What is VIP you ask?
VIP cars are Japanese luxury cars such as the Nissan President, Toyota Celsior and Toyota Aristo. These aren’t [...]
Media : December 9, 2008
He’ll be back. Again.
That’s right folks, the powers that be have decided that a fourth Terminator movie is necessary and a Japanese trailer has just leaked onto the internet offering a sneak peak at what is sure to be a better sequel than Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.
You might be asking yourself why [...]
Gear and Tech : December 9, 2008
I think people very seldom value how important proper ergonomics is.
What exactly is Ergonomics? The scientific study of people and their working conditions, done in order to improve effectiveness. While it sounds boring, ergonomics is insanely important. You only get one body, and you know how fast that can all go downhill, which is why [...]
News : December 9, 2008
For all of you domestic owners out there, this is as close to heaven on earth as you’re likely to get.
Imagine this: you’re walking through the woods clutching your hunting rifle and six pack (because if you’re anything like me that’s what you do in the wilderness) and you come upon an amazing discovery the [...]
News : December 8, 2008
A new AE86? I know I’m interested.
There hasn’t been a fun, cheap RWD sportscar in recent years, and I think Toyota/Subaru knows exactly what we need. A joint product between the two companies, the new Rear Wheel Drive coupe is sure to strike home with tuners. With a 2.0 liter Naturally Aspirated boxer motor producing [...]
Editorial : December 5, 2008
There’s no technical jargon or breaking news in this blog today folks.
It’s Friday, my brain is fried and I’ve come to realize something lately.
With everything automotive that I’ve been surrounded with in the past year or so, I think I’ve really taken it for granted. Once in a while everyone needs to slow down [...]
Gear and Tech : December 4, 2008
Looking for a gift for that performance minded enthusiast in your life? We’ve put together a few items that are sure to please them! This is only a portion of our list, the rest of which will be put out later on this week.
DEI Header Wrap Kit
Tired of heatsoak robbing you of precious power? You [...]
Editorial : December 3, 2008
Some love it, Some hate it. I’m very “ehhhhh” on the subject. I think it’s the headlights for me.
As many of you know, the Nissan 370Z was unveiled about a week and a half ago at the LA Auto Show. The new body style was a big deal for Nissan and Z lovers alike, with [...]
Media : December 3, 2008
It’s been a long time coming but gamers itching to get their hands on the full version of Gran Turismo 5 may finally have something to celebrate. According to Spanish newspaper El Financiero (why can’t we have cool newspaper names like that?) the ultimate video game driving simulation may be on U.S. store shelves [...]
News : December 2, 2008
Over the weekend, the Spec-V’s modification list was leaked to GTR-world. According to the leaked information, engine output for the Twin turbo 6 cylinder will increase from 478 to 520 forced induction ponies. The transmission select mode has been removed, leaving only the “Race” setting.
One of the biggest downfalls of the Nissan powerhouse has been [...]
Gear and Tech : December 1, 2008
When the Cadillac 472ci came out in 1968, they were a giant in the world of displacement. While still a large motor, it has now been overshadowed.
The Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C Turbo 2 stroke diesel engine is the most powerful and most efficient Diesel motor in the world today. These engines were designed primarily for very large [...]
Humor | Media : December 1, 2008
In order to promote the new Nissan 370Z, Nissan has released a promo video which features the most annoying techno music since Moby’s cat ran across his keyboard and released PLAY. “Some see a letter, others see a Car,” is their new advertising slogan and I hope you like it because it’s repeated at [...]
Gear and Tech | News : December 1, 2008
Anyone that reads the National Speed blog knows that I’m a big fan of flying cars. I’ve been clamoring for flying car technology since I tried to pilot my way out of the womb (take my advice and wait until they cut the umbilical cord before trying to takeoff). Little did I know [...]