How to Buy a Car Battery

Article by Hosea Charles

Gas Powered RC cars offer many realistic features and come in a variety of types and styles. To help you choose what’s right for you, this article covers the main considerations you’ll face.

If you’re a fan of radio-controlled vehicles, but find standard RC to be lacking in power and running time, you might want to consider looking into gas powered RC cars. These cars, which run on a nitromethane-based fuel that is often referred to as “glow fuel” or “nitro”, offer a level of realism and performance that you just won’t find on battery powered cars. Gas powered RC cars are also often highly customizable, allowing hobbyists to utilize a variety of engines and design types… there are even different types of transmitters available depending upon how you would prefer your car to work. Below are some of the options available for gas powered RC cars, giving you an idea of the level of customization that you can achieve.

Engines Obviously, one of the more important aspects of gas powered RC cars is the engine. A variety of different engine models are available for you to choose from, but in general most cars of this type will have what are commonly referred to as “glow” engines. A “glow” engine is a 2-cycle internal combustion engine, creating the power that gas powered RC cars are known for and adding a bit of realism to the car with the exhaust that is produced. Instead of the spark plugs that a full-size automotive engine would have, these engines use a “glow plug” that is heated by what is known as a “glow starter” This heat is then held by the plug and is used to fire the engine strokes for the remainder of the running time.

Fuel As mentioned above, the “gas” used by gas powered RC cars isn’t actually gasoline… it’s a special fuel that is nitromethane-based and formulated for the cars’ engines. Special lubricants are added to the fuel mixture to protect the engine from excessive heat and wear; the lubricants work in much the same way as gas-oil mixtures in some chainsaws and other small-engine equipment. Other fuel accessories may be needed to go with your car. A pump or special bottle may be used to get the fuel into the RC car’s fuel tank, and filters in the fuel line may need to be replaced from time to time.

Radio The radio that you use to control your gas powered RC cars can be the same type that is used to control an electric model of RC car. A 2-channel radio system. It’s important to keep in mind that just because the car’s engine runs on a liquid fuel doesn’t mean that you have no need of batteries. In addition to the battery that powers the radio controller, you might find yourself in need of batteries to supply power to the radio receiver in the car itself. Of course, with some receivers it may be possible to have the power supplied by the motor of the car itself. The type of receiver that you use and the power supply that it needs are one consideration to keep in mind when comparing different parts or different cars.

Sport vs. Competition A variety of different options and body styles exist for gas powered RC cars. You can choose from trucks, sedans, buggies, popular car models, and even stock cars. Once you’ve decided upon the body style and layout that’s right for you, however, you may find yourself facing one additional choice. Many of the car models available commercially come in two distinct types; a sport version, and a competition version. Sport cars tend to cost less, and offer basic options that are popular with beginners and casual hobbyists. For those who want to race their cars against other dedicated hobbyists, though, there are the competition cars which tend to have more power and higher speeds and offer advanced options such as oil shocks and ball bearings. Competition models may not be a complete car, however, since they are designed to allow for more customization… many of these kits require you to get the engine that you want to go with it separately, as well as the car body in many cases (since the kit only provides the main chassis.)

Kits vs. RTR If you’ve decided that you want to buy gas powered RC cars, you often have to make a choice between buying a kit, so that you can build the car yourself, or buying a ready-to-race car (also known as RTR) that is ready to be fueled and go right out of the box. RTR cars are good for beginners or casual hobbyists, but aren’t highly customized. Kits, on the other hand, may require additional work but allow the builder to decide exactly how they want their car put together. Should you use a kit, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to make sure that you have the engine that you want, paint and basic tools on hand for assembly and decoration, and additional tools and parts depending upon the kit that you purchase.

Regardless of the type of car that you buy, though, you’re certain to find yourself amazed at the power and performance of these cars loved by hobbyists and racers around the world.

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“A conventional 12-volt battery maintains about 40 percent of its capacity at 0 degrees F, so it’s very important to make sure the vehicle’s battery is up to the task when the weather turns really cold. Most engines won’t start when cranking voltage drops too far below 12 volts, and a battery loses some of its available voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) as it ages. So it’s a good idea to take precautions as the chill envelopes us,” saidAndreas Tobler, Product Manager, Energy Systems for Bosch.  High quality HP Pavilion dv6 Battery fit for hp pavilion dv6 laptop.

Tobler suggested these precautions to avoid cold weather battery problems:

Check all battery and starter connections. Make sure they are tight and cables are top quality and in good condition.
Make sure the alternator is operating at full capacity to keep the engine running and operate lights, windshield wipers and heater fan while keeping the battery charged.

Replace it if questionable.
Have the battery tested to make sure it has sufficient capacity and is new enough to handle frigid temperature starting, heavy electrical demand. Install a fresh battery if needed.

If the Dell Inspiron 1525 Battery charge is low, have it charged or use a modern portable battery charger to keep it in top form. An occasional charge can keep the battery ready, as well as revitalize an exhausted battery.

Batteries to tame the elements

Bosch, a global premium battery leader, provides a comprehensive automotive battery program for domestic, Asian and European passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, with 97 percent coverage of vehicles on the road in the continental United States. This program offers quality batteries that provide a combination of cold-cranking amps (CCA), laptop batteries reserve capacity and long life, and includes the S3 value performance battery, the S4 quality performance battery, the S5 premium performance battery, and the S6 high performance AGM battery for the coldest and most demanding conditions.

The Bosch high performance S6 AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery, for instance, is meant to conquer the coldest winter, and features:

30 percent more deep cycle ability and vibration resistance than conventional batteries
Latest technology for start/stop applications
Sealed and 100 percent leak-proof in any position, also for passenger compartment use
100 percent maintenance free under normal operating conditions
3-year free replacement/pro rata warranty
Free roadside assistance

“Cold cranking amps (CCA) is the amount of current a battery can provide at 0°F (−18°C). The rating is defined as the current a lead-acid battery at that temperature can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery). In other words, CCA/cold cranking amps determine how much power is available to start the car on cold winter mornings,” Tobler said.

“Beat the frigid weather by making sure your vehicle’s battery is ready for it,” he said.

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Article by Allaric Saltzman

Cars are very precious and should be protected against road-debris, bugs, frictions and weather. The paints of your car should be preserved from such damages. They get scratched by dust particles, stone-chips or hail. The bugs leave acids that eat away the paint. The paint will not turn yellow due to the prolonged sun exposure.

Traditionally a car bra made from vinyl or leather was fitted over the front end and gave protection to the susceptible part of the car from flying stone chips and bugs. But it could not protect the car from scratching, when it was in a stationary position. Another option used was a bug shield, where a small piece of plastic was fitted in the front of the car and it re-directed the air current to pass over the car. But these looked atrocious.

Today there is something more advanced to choose for the protection of your car paint. It is called a clear paint protective film, which does not change the external appearance of your car. A thermoplastic urethane film is fitted on the painted surface of your car. Basically, this film was intended to use on the helicopter rotors as a shield against sand particles and now its use has spread from aviation, cars, large vehicles and also electronic devices.

The urethane film is used as a shield against the different types of damages and also helps to preserve the paint of the car. A protective film will tolerate the rough weather and help your paint to last long. It is best to invest on protective films than painting your car every year. Moreover, it is very easy to maintain and clean. It can be washed with water and then waxed to retain the high glossy shine.

These paint protective films are applied all the external parts of the car that includes the front part, rear part, car doors and roof of the car. Even the side mirrors, floodlights and tail lights should be covered. Ultra-violet ray stabilizers are present in the film to prevent discoloration. If you wish to remove the film, there will be no sun-burns or fading of color in some parts. No dust can get under the protective film, as it is stuck directly to the painted surface.

A perfect technique is required to apply this protective film neatly over curved surface and get it right. There are many professionals, who are considered to be an expert and offer their services. It is best to let these professionals handle it.

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Welcome to Everything About Cars.

Cars own been an obsession for human beings from the time of this conception in the late 19th century.

If cars had a heart, it would no doubt be the gasoline engine.

A controversy in the 21st century, the gasoline engine has nonetheless withstood the test of time and is still being employed today in most modern cars.

Many people, if their budget supplies it, becoming collectors of cars. Throughout the years, thousands of models have made their entrance, had their time of glory, and made such a exit. Collecting vintage cars is a hobby sole available to individuals who can afford it, however, as it is pricey and requires a lot of garage space. The maintenance of cars is absolutely important to any collector; it should be of utmost importance that the cars be shiny, mechanically functional, and predicted to be taken for any whimsical spin deemed necessary.

For many, however, cars are little more than a functional tool of locomotion.

It is understandable then, which the controversy surrounding the gasoline engine has now reached drastic proportions. Cars can be powered by new-age hybrid motors which rely on an electrical back-up system-only using gasoline combustion when absolutely necessary. These motors can windfall cars reduce their emissions of carbon monoxide.

There is a coming years for cars – one that remains stylish yet adapts to the modern world’s needs. There ought to be nothing more luxurious than adapting classic cars to new, hybridized technologies. This is why the future for cars, car collectors, and environment-friendly functionalists is a bright one.

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Nitro engines power nitro rc cars and trucks. They can be very little piece of equipment. Every nitro engine even from the same manufacturer is going to tune differently, therefore one has to learn the uniqueness of his/her engine. Nitro rc cars come with manufacturer’s user manual which one has to get into the practice of reading and following the instructions put forth about the rc cars engine. Each builder of engines for rc vehicles does things differently which puts forth the importance of following instructions as clearly stated in each package instruction manual. Besides, trying something different from that which is set can void the warranty of manufacturer. Understanding the nitro engines used in nitro rc cars is of utmost importance.

These nitro engines come in different sizes from the smallest of 0.05 cubic inch to the bigger 0.32 cubic inch engine with a range of sizes in between.

The maximum horsepower that a .32 cubic inch produces is over 3 hp.  The engines have extreme rpms ranging from 25,000 to 35, 000 which is amazing in the way the small size of the engines produce such rpms and still stay in one piece and still produce over 3 hp.  Modification of the nitro engines makes them exceed the said numbers. Most nitro engines of nitro rc cars are 2 cycle glow plug engines whereby they make use of the glow plug to ignite the nitro fuel.

Nitro fuel is used in the nitro engines and is a blend of nitro methane, oil and methanol. The blend varies from 10% to 30% nitro and 10% to 18% oil. The twist comes in the oil blend whereby it is a blend of castor oil and synthetic oil. Nitro fuel in the marketplace will normally have a suggested nitro percentage for use. One should stick close to the suggested percent. The fuel chemists and engine manufacturers have all figured out on the oil percent. They work as a group to get the best combination for each blend. The glow plug factor of the nitro engine makes it all work and is rated from cold to hot. The rule here is the higher the nitro percentage the colder the glow plug and vice versa and is an area that confuses many.

There is no industry standard for rating and numbering the glow plugs. Nitro rc cars engine manufacturers only have suggested glow plugs for use. There are several factors that affect the glow plug and they include humidity, temperature, and air. Nitro engines make use of the carburetor to get air and nitro fuel mixture into the engine and this is where tuning of the nitro engine is applicable. This will depend on the glow plug and nitro fuel being used. Many carburetors are made of the slide-valve design with a high speed needle, low-speed needle and an idle screw.  Fine tuning of the nitro engine is done using the high-speed needle whereby it used for enrichment of the fuel-air mixture that enters the nitro engine. Leaning the engine of nitro rc cars quickens acceleration and produces more top speed.

Article by Muqtada Khalid

One of the many advantages of stickers is that they are highly versatile. This means that they can be used in many ways and on many surfaces. This quality is visible no better in any other form of stickers than the highly liked car stickers. Many car owners take full advantages of various kinds of these stickers. They utilize them for various purposes. They use them for marketing and advertisement purposes along with many other important tasks.

Many categories of stickers are in vogue nowadays. One of the most commonly used types is called the vinyl stickers. It is a kind that provides extra functionality of providing protection against the weather. As almost all of these stickers are used as outdoor products, they need such protection. Cutting costs on these wonderful items is also important. Highly localized products, like the cheap vinyl car stickers UK, offer a great way of saving on costs. These products are also useful in another way as they can be used for personalized marketing, specific only to a certain market.

The designing and printing make any product stand out among the others. High quality printing is necessary in order to create stickers that can have long and lasting impressions. For this very purpose, car decals bumper stickers utilize full color CMYK printing technique so that the resulting products reflect only the best of the best colors. Other important options like the glossy or matte finish, vinyl material, transparent material, embossing, decals, etc can also be used for a variety of reasons.

To assure the best quality sticker printing services, many companies offer online portfolios of their products. Moreover, the customers have the opportunity to customize their products in almost all the cases. This allows the customers to take a control of their products in a way to make them represent their personal wishes in order to make them more consistent with their marketing strategies. From colors to designs, and from shapes to printing quality, almost all the aspects of a sticker can be customized without compromising the product’s quality in any way. Rather, it is a way to enhance the impact of this item on the customers.

Some of the well-known categories of stickers to be used for cars include the world famous bumper stickers, car stickers UK, window stickers, vinyl stickers and specially designed stickers to be used on specific parts of a car. For example, the stickers used on the rear view mirrors, back view mirrors, informative stickers placed on the dashboard or steering wheel, etc.

Moreover, a car can be decorated in many ways for this purpose. The best example of this type of decoration can be seen on the racing cars. Our products, like the presentation folders printing products, are highly capable of meeting your needs in any and every manner. With our discounted products, top class printing, and many free services like the free shipping, customers have come to regard us as the best company in the printing field.

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Article by Jacob Thompson

Caterham Cars is a manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars based in Caterham, Surrey, England and part of the British motor industry. Their only current model, the Caterham 7 (or Seven), is a direct evolution of the Series 3 Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman and originally launched in 1968. A track-only Car, the SP/300.R, is to be released during 2010. On 27 April 2011, Team Lotus owner Tony Fernandes announced that his team had purchased Caterham.

1957-2007 Seven 50th Anniversary logo

Lotus OriginsColin Chapman’s Lotus Cars launched the Series 1 Lotus Seven in 1957. The car was immediately embraced by enthusiasts as a low-cost, lightweight sports car and successful race car. Revised Series 2, Series 3 and Series 4 versions were subsequently launched in 1960, 1968 and 1970 respectively.Caterham Cars had been a major Lotus 7 dealer during the 1960s, and its founder, Graham Nearn, purchased the rights to continue manufacture of the Seven design from Chapman in 1973, after Lotus announced its intention to discontinue the model. Caterham initially restarted manufacture of the Lotus Seven Series 4; however, when this proved unpopular, production switched to a Series 3 model in 1974.The Lotus/Caterham 7 is widely regarded by car enthusiasts and the media as one of the iconic sports cars of the 20th century. With 2007 marking the 50th year of continuous production, the Seven still enjoys strong support and success in clubman-style racing.ConstructionAs with its Lotus Seven precursors, Caterhams are constructed of aluminium sheet attached to a tubular steel chassis. Nosecone and wings are either GRP or carbon fibre depending on specification. All Sevens are front engined with rear-wheel drive and two seats. Their extremely high performance is achieved through light weight (less than 500 kg (1,102 lb) on some versions) rather than particularly powerful engines. As well as a lightweight chassis and bodywork, Caterham Sevens achieve their very low mass through their lack of comfort and safety oriented features such as a fixed roof, doors, radio, air-conditioning, airbags, traction/stability control, ABS, satellite navigation or cruise control. As a result, the Seven is somewhat limited in its practicality for everyday usage and is instead recognised by driving enthusiasts for its focus on driving enjoyment, making it an ideal track/race car or ‘Sunday’ car.Kit formatChapman and Lotus helped to pioneer the British kit car industry. The Lotus Seven was offered in kit form to allow buyers to avoid new car tax in the UK. Subsequently Caterham continued offering cars in ‘complete knock down’ (CKD) kit form as the tradition of hand building your own Seven was well established amongst enthusiasts. Today, all Caterham Sevens are still offered in kit form in the UK except the CSR (Series 6) model. Modern Caterham kits differ from the majority of kit cars as all parts are supplied ready to assemble, not requiring a donor car, fabrication or any special skills. InternationalAlthough the Seven has always been popular with enthusiasts outside of the UK marketplace, export of the Seven to other markets has increasingly been limited by homologation, safety and emissions regulations in the modern era. As a result, the chassis/engine combinations, specifications, pricing and kit-form availability vary widely between countries.In the United States Caterhams are currently sold as kits only, lacking some modern safety features required of manufacturers, but which are not required for individually assembled vehicles. Buyers can either choose to construct the cars themselves or pay their regional dealers or local builders to assemble them. Typically the engine and transmission are sourced separately as a unit – often from Caterham – but all other components (including frame, suspension, differential, driveshaft, interior, wiring and instruments) are provided in kit form. In the UK, the vehicles can be obtained as kits or entirely assembled by Caterham and registered for the road under SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) regulations. In the ’60s, the original Lotus Seven was sold only in kit form in both the UK and the US, in order to evade the very high taxes on complete new cars that were not assessed on automobile parts.LocationUntil 1987 the offices, factory and showroom of Caterham Cars were located in the town of Caterham, Surrey, UK. In 1987, the production and administration of the company moved to a new factory in Dartford, Kent, UK. Caterham Cars still retains a showroom and servicing facility in the town of Caterham adjacent to the train station. Additionally ‘Caterham Midlands’ showroom operates outside of Leicester.

In 1994 Caterham also produced a model called the ’21′.[3] Mechanically the 21 was very similar to the 7, using a modified 7 spaceframe chassis with a new GRP roadster-style body, including a wrap-around windscreen and fold-away fabric hood (convertible top) manufactured by Oxted Trimming .The 21 benefited from a considerably stiffer setup than a 7, due to the work on the chassis and having a full body. Comfort was introduced in the same minimalist style as the 7, adding just enough to make it a proper roadster without adding too much weight.The level of finish and comfort as well as build quality of the cars far exceeded its mid-1990s contemporaries including the Renault Sport Spyder, Lotus Elise and indeed the TVR’s of the period.[citation needed]Caterham unfortunately underestimated the effort involved in creating a completely new car and took far too long from its inception to deliver the first customer cars, seeing many people who had placed deposits defect to the Lotus Elise and other vehicles. Early ones were used as “prototypes”, leaving customers to help iron out some of the foibles of the new car.Whilst given excellent reviews by the UK automotive press,[clarification needed] the 21 never sold particularly well, with only 48 ever made. It had moderately good racing success in the Belcar 24 hour series in Europe and is credited with helping Caterham develop the widetrack setup used in SV’s (amongst other developments) and the CSR’s sweeping interior is reminiscent of the original 21 design. Caterham SP/300.R

The CSR was launched in 2005 following extensive research and development by Caterham with the objective of creating an improved Seven. The CSR is based on the larger dimensions of the SV but with a substantially revised and stiffer chassis, inboard ‘pushrod’ front suspensions, fully independent rear suspension, improved aerodynamics, potent Cosworth engines and a new ‘integrated’ dashboard layout.Model/trim variantsThe most basic version of the 7 was traditionally offered with a ‘live’ rear axle but now comes with De Dion rear suspension as per the other models in the range. This trim level strips away all non-essential equipment and comforts.Classic trim is available on S3/SV chassis. Engines: 1.4-litre K-Series (105 bhp) or 1.6-litre K-Series (120 bhp).RoadsportRoadsport is the trim level intended for general usage, different weather conditions and touring. The spec includes a full windscreen and weather equipment to increase practicality. A large range of performance options are available. The Roadsport dates back to 1996 when it was called the Superlight R, in 1998 a much softer version came out called the Seven Clubsport 1.8. The range continued to be developed in the years as a great alternative to someone who wanted a little bit more than a Classic, but a bit less than a Superlight.Classic trim is available on S3/SV chassis Engines: 1.6-litre Ford Sigma (120,125 or 150 bhp) or 2.0-litre Ford Duratec (175 bhp).The Superlight is intended for track and fast road usage. Superlight spec includes performance options such as carbon bodywork and a close ratio 6-speed gearbox. A wind deflector in place of the windscreen makes a helmet more or less mandatory. The Superlight R400 uses a 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine tuned to 210 bhp (157 kW; 213 PS). The R400 name indicates the car’s 400 bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio. The R500 has been made Top Gear car of the year 2008. In another appearance earlier in the series, it placed fifth on the Power Lap board with a 1:17.9. This time beat the ?1,100,000 (?899,000/$ 1,550,000), 1000 hp Bugatti Veyron.Superlight trim is available on S3/SV chassisEngines: 1.6-litre Ford Sigma (150 bhp) or 2.0-litre Ford Duratec (175 bhp, 210 bhp or 263 bhp).

Main article: Caterham CSRThe CSR chassis comes in two basic trims which mirror those of the S3/SV cars. The ‘basic’ CSR has a road and touring oriented spec with full windscreen and weather equipment. This is available as the CSR200 (200 bhp) or CSR260 (260 bhp). The CSR Superlight (also 260 bhp) is the current Caterham performance flagship strips away the windscreen, integrated dash and other comfort-oriented components for maximum performance, with specialist ‘Dynamic dampers’ added to improve its already phenomenal grip. The ‘basic’ CSR set an unofficial time of 1.17.4 on the BBC Top Gear test track at Dunsfold, placing it ahead of many of the world’s most expensive performance cars.Engines: 2.3-litre Ford Duratec tuned by Cosworth (200 bhp or 260 bhp) Future modelsCaterham announced a CSR175 model at the Tokyo Motorshow in November 2009. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Seven 2007 Caterham showed a concept car known as the X330 which utilised the CSR chassis but with a supercharged 330 bhp (246 kW; 335 PS) Duratec engine. Production is unconfirmed.

The ‘Caterham Levante’, built in associate with Caterham’s subsidiary, RS Performance Engine Developments Ltd. (RS=Russell Savory), is a mostly-carbon-fibre bodied Caterham, with Kevlar seats, combined with an “over 500bhp” 2.4-litre, 40-valve supercharged V8 and a reduced body weight of 520 kg (1,146 lb) boasts almost 1,000 bhp (746 kW; 1,014 PS) per tonne (initial announced specifications were 550 bhp (410 kW; 558 PS) and 530 kg (1,168 lb), but the RS website specifies “in excess of 500bhp,” and 520 kg (1,146 lb) or 530 kg (1,168 lb); the math may or may not achieve “over 1,000 bhp (746 kW; 1,014 PS) per tonne”). The eight cars, costing ?115,000, sold out. and only eight will be produced to celebrate more than 50 years in production. Two days’ of mandatory “driver training” are included in the price of the car. [4] [5]

Historically, engines have been supplied by Ford, specifically Ford Kent engines or Cosworth-derived race-prepared BDA/R units, enlarged to 1.7 litres and generating 150-170 bhp. In the early ’90s, Caterham started using powerplants from other sources, with the least expensive models using 1.4-litre K series engines from MG Rover for the base model, and Vauxhall engines including full race versions of the 16 valve 2.0XE “red top” as fitted to 1990 Vauxhall Works Touring Cars. Rover engines span a power output of 110-250 bhp in the R500 Evolution, Vauxhall engines 165 bhp (123 kW; 167 PS) to 320 bhp (239 kW; 324 PS) in some factory built versions of the car. A 250 bhp (186 kW; 253 PS) Caterham JPE (Jonathan Palmer Evolution) briefly held the world record for production car 0-60 mph times (at 3.4 seconds) until it was bettered by the $ 1M McLaren F1.

The many aftermarket tuning companies for these cars have also offered the Ford Zetec, Honda Fireblade, Honda Blackbird, Suzuki Hayabusa and even the Mazda Rotary engine. It is rumoured one owner even fitted a rotary diesel engine from a military drone.In 2001, Caterham designated MG Rover the sole engine supplier for factory-built Sevens, with Ford Zetec, Honda Fireblade, Yamaha Firebird and Suzuki Hayabusa engines still available for kit assembly. The Rover engines were based on the K series and carried the ‘Xpower’ branding. However, the partnership evidently came to an end with the buyout of Rover by China, with the 2005 model introducing a Ford Duratec engine.Typical powerplant output ranges from 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) to over 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS), depending on specifications and modifications.The gearbox is either the classic Ford T9 five-speed or Caterham’s own six-speed box. The T9 is cheap and durable, but has gear ratios meant for a much heavier car. The six-speed gearbox is expensive and had early ‘teething’ problems, but its ratios are considered the perfect match for the Seven. Independent companies such as Quaife do offer replacement gearkits for the T9 as well as sequential boxes for those with a racing fever and the need for a more robust transmission.The most extreme engine/chassis combination available from the factory as of 2008 was the R500 with the 263 bhp (196 kW; 267 PS) Ford engine, bringing the car’s 506 kg (1,116 lb) from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.88 seconds. The previous model also held a production car world record for zero to 100 mph (160 km/h) back to zero at 10.73 seconds (faster than many modern family saloons can reach 60), set in 27 April 2004. Motor racingBecause of its relatively high power-to-weight ratio and its exceptional, Lotus-heritage handling, the Caterham has been a favourite among club racers since the beginning of its career. In the United Kingdom and elsewhere, the Caterham is used in a variety of one-make series and sports car championships, both regional and national.However, the Caterham has proven so successful against bigger and more powerful sports cars that it has been banned from FIA competitions and most international races[citation needed], coining the phrase “too fast to race”.

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Article by Mario Goldstein

Article by SILVANA JENSEN

Besides home buying, by far the most costly thing you can purchase that represents a sizeable investment is a new car. Since you’ve laid out a great deal of money on a new car, why not invest in a couple more extra things that don’t come as standard? This article will advise you purchase some accessories designed to shield your car from dirt and wear.

As a first step, the perfect thing to effectively maintain the exterior finish of your new vehicle is to go and by a car cover. Obviously, it would be too much of a chore to keep taking it off and putting it on again if you’re using the car every day. A more sensible approach is to only cover your vehicle if it’s going to be left standing for a while. A great deal of dust particles can collect on your car when left inside a garage so be sure to put a cover on. And if you don’t possess a garage, the sun, birds winds and falling tree branches and many other things can create havoc on your cars finish. Also, when shopping for a car cover look for one that is breathable.

The next thing you may want to choose for your new car is floor mats taking into account that it possibly won’t have any fitted. Go to a car accessory retailer to buy your floor mats rather than pay a lot of dollars for the types that the car dealers will offer you. Car floor mats will take the most severe of wear and dirt and you’d rather have to change out your auto parts shop mat than the overpriced dealership one. At an auto parts retailer you can grab these floor mats for approximately $ 20 to $ 40, depending on what your looking for. Nevertheless, you will want to make sure you get these mats as they can really protect your cars carpeting.

Many people forget that the trunk or boot of a car needs protection to keep it looking good. You can find liners for trucks which helps to take care of the bed of the truck. And you can also get liners for the trunk of your car to help protect the carpeting in the trunk. The car trunk can hold lots of things, a few of them heavy and bulky, which could slide around and tear the carpet. So getting a trunk liner is also rather important. Again you won’t want to purchase it from the dealership as they can be too costly.

These three accessories are not hi tech but they do the business and definitely do help keep your car looking considerably better for longer. While these items are not an absolute necessity to make your car run better, if the looks of your car matter to you, you ought to head on over to the closest auto parts store today.

Article by Jeff Paul

In Philadelphia, custom cars are a big hit, as they introduce a new breed of enthusiasts and another level of passion for cars. Aside from being a mode of transportation, cars are also used for self-expression and even collection. A custom car may be a personal style statement of the owner, making a formerly bone-stock, cookie-cutter vehicle a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Customizing a car in some cases may involve a complete overhaul of a vehicle to improve its appearance and/or performance, often by altering or replacing the engine and transmission.

To customize a car is to modify its body, mechanical parts, engine, or a combination of all three. Car parts such as rims, headlights and doors are usually upgraded to give the vehicle a more updated or unique look. These days, for example, the bigger the diameter of the car rims, the better it looks, especially when these wheels are made or finished in chrome. Doors can be modified to open in a different direction rather than the traditional one, while a new breed of headlights are also invading the market, offering a much more environmentally conscious yet brighter option. The paint job that goes into the vehicle is also one very popular method of customizing a car that is enjoyed by the people in Philadelphia. Custom cars with custom paints have become such a part of the car scene that in other competitions and car shows, awards for custom paint are as highly sought after as the awards for the cars themselves.

Customizing a vehicle has become a lifestyle for some people in Philadelphia. Not only does it improve the specifications of one’s vehicle, but it adds excitement to the highways of the city.

Resource Box:

Pan Motorsports is a car restoration and customization facility. Fabricating and restoring Philadelphia custom cars of older vintages are Pan’s specialties. The company is made up of a group of car enthusiasts with over 20 years of experience in custom fabrication and professional painting. Visit the website at http://www.panmotorsports.com or contact 215-634-1247 for more information.