Car FYI

The preservation of classic and collector cars is a matter many people take seriously. The adoption of ethanol and other alternative fuels has exposed some well-placed worry. (Photo taken by Chris Nagy) Gasoline is regarded as an essential ingredient energizing the classic or collector car world thanks to its popular appearance in over 130 years of vehicles. The 20-horsepower four-cylinder engine of the Ford Model T, the first small block V8s installed in 1955 Chevrolets, a 426 cubic-inch Hemi in a 1968 Dodge Charger and a 710-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8 engine powering an ultra-exotic Ferrari F8 Tributo are all united by the use of a precious, flammable fluid.  Generations of automobiles have been able to depend upon a reliable supply of gasoline providing assurance that older vehicles can become beloved classics. This doesn’t mean there haven't been challenges for vintage engines when the formulation of gasoline would be changed. Up until the last decade, the biggest concer...

Close-up of Scott Dixon's Honda-branded Engine Cover (Chris Nagy/Car FYI Canada)   A company maintaining an uninterrupted 30-year association with motorsports is a commitment involving a great deal of mutual appreciation and respect. Back in 1994, the Honda name’s appearance on Indy cars was a new sight for many racing fans. While the auto marker had gained a reputation for winning in Formula 1 through the 1980s and early 1990s, the North American open wheel racing scene presented a much different challenge. Honda Racing’s endeavour into IndyCar immediately demonstrated that some first steps may be uneasy but the capacity to endure these early struggles can amount to greatness.   Honda had explored involvement with Indy car racing during the early 1980s partnering with Engine Development Limited (a company jointly founded by Jack Brabham and John Judd) to create a competition powerplant. While Honda opted not to officially enter the CART Indy car racing, work on t...

Photo Credit: Jack Webster The engine compartment for a traditional fuel-burning automobile is one of the most incredible storms regularly occurring on this planet. Intense heat of the combustion process combines with a stunning electrical storms and powerful mechanical forces to create the momentum we take for granted. Harnessing and managing this essential storm to generate optimum performance relies on the ability to engineer the best possible engine.  Among one of the aspects carefully considered towards the construction of a traditional internal combustion gasoline engine is material selection. Performance, durability and importantly cost factors into how to produce a powerplant. For a long time, cast iron was favoured for the construction of engine blocks for most production automobiles while other components utilized alloys such as stainless steel. Previously existing in high performance or more expensive vehicles, aluminum has gained wider acceptance in rece...

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy Despite the fact many of us are still enjoying the second-half of the summer of 2017, auto companies have already geared themselves for the future. With months remaining, we are already setting sights on 2018 vehicles in dealerships and on the road. A brand-new Toyota Camry, the super-sleek Kia Stinger and perhaps the odd Tesla Model 3 are some of the centerpieces for a year yet to come. For manufacturers, realizing the technology and designs for 2018 involved several years of development prior to the customary auto show debut. During the same time the 2018 automotive reality is taking shape, Mazda is launching a profound vision for their brand 12 years beyond next year. Described by the automaker as “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030", long-term intentions of Mazda to flourish towards the end of the next decade through addressing environmental, safety and customer enjoyment factors. Systems adhering to the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy aims to consid...

Photo Credit: Engine Developments Ltd. Too many times, forgetting an anniversary would end with someone spending time in the proverbial doghouse. This has apparently happened this year as the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season concluded with no major celebrations or recognition for what is 30 years since a major current partner of American open wheel racing began participation in the sport. The following article is a collection of the details I’ve learned as well as some insight from engine builder John Judd on what was a quiet 30th anniversary in the Verizon IndyCar Series. During the week where the 30th running of the Canadian street race now known as the Honda Indy Toronto, I was compelled to capture the flavour of the inaugural event. The viewing experience provided me some insight into a period of time where I was too young to absorb auto racing in the manner I do today. A race that featured television coverage with no regular onscreen statistics, the league used a local ...

Photo Credit: FCA US Becoming the most famous six-cylinder engine design created for Chrysler/FCA products since the Slant-6 that was produced for most than 40 years, the 3.6-liter displacement size Pentastar V-6 gained favour for being powerful, fuel efficient and universal in a single package. Topping out at 305-horsepower with the Dodge Challenger, the evolved engine allows the coupe to achieve 30 miles per gallon highway fuel economy (7.8 liters per 100-kilometer range by Canadian fuel economy measurements). For 2015, almost every vehicle of the Chrysler, Dodge and Ram division offer the modern six-cylinder powerplant. Offered as the base engine in the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, even the Ram pickup truck and ProMaster work van make use of the power source. For 2016, the Pentastar V-6 has undergone a significant reworking that should be immediately noticed by buyers of FCA vehicles . Introduced by Chrysler for the 2011 model year, the Pe...

     First sold in late 1966, the Camaro was introduced as Chevrolet's countermeasure to the popular Ford Mustang in the pony car category. The bowtie's answer to the blue oval brought a long-running rivalry that has competed on the track as well as for the attention of drivers on the road. As the Camaro brand approaches its 50th anniversary, there will always be the stain on its legacy of a poorly-conceived General Motors decision that dropped Chevrolet's pony car. Between 2003 and 2009 model years, Chevrolet was forced to atone for their error. The reinstatement of the Chevrolet Camaro 2010 brought a valuable sense of new life to a brand and company requiring a personality. With the emotion and place of the Camaro now recognized, Chevrolet will debut the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro version of their pony car at the end of this week. Holding back the full vehicle, ...

Price: 250.95 US Location: Mopar Authetic Gear (US Site) This year, Mopar celebrated the 50 th anniversary of the 426 HEMI racing engine. While Chrysler Corporation had utilized powerplants utilizing hemispherical chambers since the 1950s, the 426 cubic-inch version (nicknamed the Elephant) was considered the zenith of their HEMI development. Developed as a racing engine, Chrysler intended to win the Daytona 500 with the Tom Hoover-designed 426 HEMI V-8. At the 1964 Daytona 500, Richard Petty lead a top-three sweep at the track powered by the Chrysler engine. Aside from stock car racing, the 426 HEMI engine would also become a force in professional drag racing. Street Chrysler products equipped with the Elephant was and remains a prized example of Mopar muscle car performance. As a special treat for hard-core Mopar fans, a reproduction of the blueprint for the groundbreaking performance is provided as a high-quality piece. Chrysler’s A864 HEMI® Cylinder Block Line Drawin...