There are potential pitfalls from purchasing a second hand car and they have been widely publicised. You may worry about the possibility of getting a car that has previously been stolen, damaged or written off. Or more commonly, one which has existing problems, which are not immediately apparent, but which soon become an expensive and inconvenient fix. Read More
The ten fastest Nürburgring lap times by production cars
Prior to this year, the fastest lap time for the Nürburgring was 6.11.13. Set by Stefan Bellof in a Porsche 956 back in 1983 when the circuit was used for qualifying for the 1000k Sports Car race. This magnificent time was however beaten earlier this year by the 919 Evo completing the circuit in just 5:19.55.
But those times are reserved for special vehicles that most people will never have the joy of driving. So what about production cars? Which ones have faired the best around this legendary circuit? Read More
Why and how to use a self seal take off
Efficient crankcase breathing is an important function of any engine. Even in a new engine, the combustion pressure will inevitably pass the piston rings into the crankcase. If an engine’s breathing system should become blocked or restricted, the crankcase will pressurise causing any one or more of the following problems:
- The oil/air mix will force its way out through any other convenient exit e.g. oil seals, dip stick, filler cap, etc.
- The efficiency of the oil control rings will be reduced creating increased oil consumption.
- Impurities such as water vapour and acids (by products of combustion) will build up and contaminate the oil causing sludging and increased engine wear.
- The adverse affect on the air/fuel mixture will result in starting problems and rough idling conditions.
Fit AN style hose end fittings with ease
Work in a garage or workshop as a car builder or part of a race team?
Are you struggling with assembling and crimping AN hose fittings?
We have the solution. A fantastic hose end-fitting tool which is portable and supplied in a carry case. This machine will crimp AN style hose ends by hand with ease.
Manual installation of hose fittings can be very tricky and extremely labour intensive due to the very sharp steel braiding. This is why Viper Performance have on offer a purpose built tool for the connection of steel hose and fittings. This tool will enable you to assemble your fuel line, and oil lines quickly, and safely. The kit comes with a number of JIGS for assembling hose ends DASH-4 to DASH-12, and doubles up as a vice.
This steel braided hose end fitting installation kit has holes in the base so that they can be screwed down to become bench mounted. If your using the kit in a portable manner you will need to secure it to stop in moving when in operation. Made of solid billet aluminium, this tool is built to last. Read More
Tech details of first all-electric Aston Martin released
Images from Autocar Photography : Nick Dungan
Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car the Rapide E will be a limited 155-unit special edition. The company have however now released technical details for the Rapide E.
Aston Martin has utilised Williams Advanced Engineering’s successful Electric Vehicle (EV) technology to kickstart a new era for their powertrain technology. The aim is to overcome the technical challenges associated with packaging the battery system and motors within the small space available.
A focus has been put on achieving effective cooling of the batteries and motor to ensure consistent performance. Strict weight targets have also been stringently observed. Rapide E will be powered by an 800V battery electrical architecture with 65 kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. This battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.
Rapide Es Technical Details:
- Projected top speed for the Rapide E is 155 mph, with a sub-4.0sec 0-60 mph time and a 50-70 mph time of just 1.5sec.
- Range target is over 200 miles
- Charging at a rate of 185 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50 kW charger.
- The 800V high-voltage battery enables faster charging of 310 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher.
- Shod with Pirelli P Zero, Rapide E’s bespoke tyres aim to deliver a lower rolling-resistance and reduced cavity noise.
- The rear-wheel drive twin electric motors will drive through a Limited-Slip Differential.
Though the Rapide E will be built in low volumes, it is being subjected to Aston Martin’s stringent and exhaustive testing protocols. The dedicated Williams Advanced Engineering team are working closely alongside Aston Martin to ensure every aspect of the prototype test programme follows the established procedures. Uniquely, customers will be an extended part of the ongoing Rapide E programme, with their comments and driving experiences providing an invaluable stream of feedback that will help shape and improve future Aston Martin EVs.
Why you shouldn’t be put off working on your car
There is a common feeling that cars have now become too mechanically complicated to work on unless you are a qualified technician. Since carmakers started putting covers over the engine and undertrays beneath it people often feel intimidated forgetting that under the cover there’s everything the internal combustion engine has always had. And with the AA saying that half of the 3.4 million call-outs it attends annually are caused by poor maintenance maybe we should all take a little more interest in what’s under the hood.
Drivers who can’t afford regular servicing or those who simply want to attempt it themselves as a hobby, shouldn’t be put off. A year is considered the maximum time your car should go without a service, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. If early signs of damage are spotted and taken care of before they worsen then you will save the inconvenience of a breakdown. A well-maintained car is also more efficient, so not only will you spot problems early you’ll also save money on fuel.
The AA’s patrolman of the year, Keith Miller: “The fundamentals of looking after an internal combustion engine haven’t changed over the years, so it’s actually a bit of a myth that you can’t service a modern car yourself,” he says.
Things to check when servicing a car
- Change your oil
- Replace your filters
- Change spark plugs
- Check your brake fluid
- Check your tyres
- Check brake pads for wear
- Check lights and wipers for correct operation
If you love working on your car then check out our 8 ways to upgrade your car blog from earlier this year.
You’ll also find loads of automotive upgrade products in our online shop.
Which Washers to choose?
Viper Performance have a range of specialist washers for professional hose connections such as oil lines and fuel lines, bulkhead fittings. All washers are manufactured for AN/JIC fittings and are sold in boxes of 70 pieces. We have three different materials to choose from:
Aluminium Crush Washers
Aluminium crush washers are specifically designed to form against the sealing faces. These single layer aluminium washers are popular with fuel systems when sealing banjos or adaptors. Once they are formed they should not be re-used.
Mixed box of sizes AN-3,4,6,8,10,12 Buy Now
Teflon Washers
These Teflon washers are particularly well suited for use on bulkhead fittings. When a bulkhead fitting is installed on a fuel tank they offer excellent resistance to fuel and seal the fittings. They can be used for a number of oil/fuel resistant applications.
Mixed box of sizes AN-3,4,6,8,10,12. Buy Now
Rubber Washers/ O rings
Or you can choose a more tradditional rubber washer for less demanding applications.
Mixed box of sizes AN-3,4,6,8,10,12 Buy Now
Hybrid cars exempt from 2040 Petrol & Diesel ban
In a move that has frustrated environmental campaigners, the government confirmed that Hybrid petrol and diesel cars will still be available for sale in 2040. This was however welcome news for the car industry.
Last year, ministers pledged to ban the sale of new cars powered with fossil fuels by 2040. However the transport secretary (Chris Grayling) confirmed on Monday ‘hybrid cars powered by both electricity and diesel or petrol – would be exempt’.
As well as the Petrol & Diesel ban the governments road to Zero strategy to reduce car pollution includes a further target. By 2030 their aim is for at least 50% of new cars to be ultra-low emission. If this target is successful it is stated that they expect “all new cars and vans to have significant zero-emission capability” by 2040 and “almost every” car and van to be zero-emission by 2050.
“I want it to be easier for electric vehicle drivers to recharge than for motorists to visit a filling station. I want them to choose electric cars because they are so convenient.”
This statement by Chris Grayling implies that the best method is to influence car buyers. He said that a delayed 400 million electrical charging fund would be put into action this summer. This is aimed to help expand infrastructure throughout the country, with hundreds of thousands more charging points on streets, in new homes and in workplaces.
Grayling also said that as well as reducing pollution, the new strategy set out a clear pathway for Britain to be a world leader in zero-emission transport. This strategy could represent a “huge global opportunity for industry and business” which could be worth £1tn a year by 2030.
Nevertheless, environmental groups have accused the government of weakening its commitments. The environmental group Greenpeace stated that the car industry was “yet again being given a free pass”. The Campaign for Better Transport also stated it was substandard, describing it as “a step backwards, giving concessions to keeping hybrids on the road, which will water down the already inadequate 2040 target”.
Although, Chris Grayling had told the Guardian – “I don’t think it’s watered down at all … We want to get rid of classic petrol and diesel engines. It’s about supporting the industry to deliver it and encouraging changes to consumer behaviour. I expect by 2040 every vehicle to have substantial zero-emission capability and most to be 100% zero-emission.”
Overall the car industry had disputed that these new 2040 targets have been adding worry for consumers. Which has contributed to fears over diesel cars, whose UK sales have slumped in the last 15 months. The chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (Mike Hawes) believed that the strategy acknowledged, “The vital role conventional engines, including diesel, will continue to play in the transition to 2040 and beyond”.
Hawes said that this was greatly received news for the car industry, and that they welcomed the “technology neutral approach”.
“We need realistic ambition levels and measures that support industry’s efforts, allow manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively, and provide the right incentives and infrastructure to take the consumer with us,”
The news that hybrids will not be banned allows a progression period in the industry. However, the 2030 targets for ultra-low emission vehicles remains a concern.
What are your thoughts? Head over to our Facebook page we’ve put together a poll to see what is powering our customers cars.
Two new products launched this month
August has been a busy month here at Viper Performance and we are excited as we have two new products launching at the end of August. Hose Joiners are ideal for joining hoses for Intercoolers, Radiators, Air inductions or superchargers. The two additions to our product range this month are:
Super Long 90° Elbow Aluminium Hose Joiner
Our first product launch will be a super Long 90° Elbow Aluminium Hose Joiner. Manufactured from 6063 billet aluminium these are high quality hose joiners with a super long 300x300mm leg length. They are roll beaded and polished so they look great.
- 1.5 wall – 32mm outer diameter – 32mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
- 1.8 wall – 51mm outer diameter – 63.56mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
- 1.7 wall – 63mm outer diameter – 73.025mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
Quality L Shape aluminium 90° elbow hose joiner
Produced from 6063 billet aluminium these L shape hose joiners with a 500x150mm leg length. These L shape hose joiner are available in the following sizes:
- 1.5 wall – 32mm outer diameter – 32mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
- 1.8 wall – 51mm outer diameter – 63.56mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
- 1.7 wall – 63mm outer diameter – 73.025mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
Would you pass a theory test?
If you’ve been driving for years then chances are it’s been a long time since you clued up on the theory behind the driving. So the question is would you still pass?
We all like to think we have retained the knowledge from when we learnt but do you really know your stuff. Some questions on the theory test can seem simple and completely obvious but others testing signage knowledge or scenario based questions can catch you off-guard.
Theory Test
The theory test requires you to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes and you must answer 43 correctly, which is an 86% pass mark. In 2016/17 the pass rate for the theory test was 48.7%, which means over half of all people who take the test fail.
If you are intrigued as to how you would do in a theory test, then why not take a practice to see how you get on. There is a practice theory test available on the gov.uk website.
Hazard Perception
Whilst you’re at it see how you fair with the hazard perception test as well. The hazard perception segment of the test was introduced in 2002 so anyone over the age of 33 won’t ever have taken this test.
There are 14 questions in the hazard perception test and you will need to get 44 marks out 75 available to pass. This test is scored a little differently. In 13 of the questions, there is one developing hazard you need to spot. One question, which can appear at any time, will have two developing hazards. You need to click the mouse as soon as you see a danger ahead. Each question carries a maximum of five marks dependent on how quickly you click the mouse. Don’t be tempted to click too early though as you will get no marks for that question.
It can be great fun to see what the test entails and what your hazard perception skills are like. You can take the free hazard perception test on the Safe Driving for life website.
*Both of these free tests are just for practice and the real tests may differ in content.
Regardless of whether you pass or not I’m sure you love to drive. Check out our online shop we have lots of products available to boost the performance of your car.