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Monthly Archives: May 2016

  1. Pretty F-150'n Cool - Intercooler R&D, Part 1: Factory Review

    Pretty F-150'n Cool - Intercooler R&D, Part 1: Factory Review

    As any traveler can tell you, it is an unparalleled experience to be an American abroad and take in so many of the mesmerizingly different facets of the world. This is to be expected, but one thing that first-time travelers often don't so readily anticipate is the way in which being abroad empowers one as a representative of his home country. (I probably should have expected this; some good friends of mine are Canadians residing stateside, and they are practically walking billboards for Tim Hortons™.) Being a walking window into American culture not only elicits patriotism, but also prompts one to join his international friends in examining the USA from the outside-in.

    One pervasive international perception of the US is that of our capitalist ideals and consumerism. This is polarizing stuff, but just about everyone with whom I spoke could agree on at least on one thing: When it comes to being consumers and producers, Americans are damn good at it. We know how to make a product,

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  2. Expanding the Titan's Style - Expansion Tank R&D, Part 1: Stock Review

    Expanding the Titan's Style - Expansion Tank R&D, Part 1: Stock Review

    The Titan XD is one good lookin' truck! So far, the Titan seems to be a perfect combination of function and form, that is, until we took a look at the expansion tank. The unsightly plastic tank is a blemish in the Titan's otherwise beautiful Cummins equipped engine bay. In fact, there is a popular theory going around that Nissan's designers ran out of awesome when they got to the expansion tank. At first glance the expansion tank resembles an upside-down gallon of milk, and we think it looks even more so after we removed it from the Titan's engine bay.

    Stock Titan XD Expansion Tank
    Stock Titan XD Expansion Tank

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  3. Let Your Ponies Be Heard - Exhaust Component R&D, Part 4: Test Results

    Let Your Ponies Be Heard - Exhaust Component R&D, Part 4: Test Results

    In our last post, we wrapped up the fabrication of our X- and H-pipes. Now that we have some excellent looking prototypes, it is time to put them to the test. We are not expecting much in the way of power with this modification; however we still want to give these resonator deletes the rundown for sound benefit.

    Mustang GT Exhaust testing
    Mustang GT Exhaust testing

    Testing

    In addition to testing for any power increase we may see with our resonator delete, we will be testing our three different X-pipe designs to determine which one we will proceed with.

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  4. XD Intake R&D, Part 1: Stock System Review

    XD Intake R&D, Part 1: Stock System Review

    Some exciting things are happening for this new Titan! In addition to the projects already planned, we want to develop a performance intake that will squeeze out a bit more power from this 5.0L V8 Cummins Turbo Diesel. We managed to get an accurate dyno reading with a few adjustments, which we know a few folks have been struggling with on this truck, but more on that later - let's dive into the stock intake!

    Stock Nissan Titan air intake
    Stock Nissan Titan air intake

    Throttle body from the stock Nissan Titan air intake
    Throttle body
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  5. The Civic Has Boost! - Intake R&D, Part 4: Prototype Kit Components

    The Civic Has Boost! - Intake R&D, Part 4: Prototype Kit Components

    We finally have all our prototype 2016 Honda Civic parts together for this kit. Let's briefly examine everything we have so far, starting with the airbox.

    Prototype 2016 Honda Civic parts
    Prototype 2016 Honda Civic parts

    Prototype 2016 Honda Civic parts
    Prototype 2016 Honda Civic parts

    As we discussed in the last post, we wanted to utilize the stock air inlet as much as possible, which is why we kept an opening at the top of the airbox. The remainder of the filter enclosure is protected within the physical box, to help keep

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  6. A Cooler Cummins. 2013+ Ram Intercooler R&D, Part 3: Prototype Test Fit

    A Cooler Cummins. 2013+ Ram Intercooler R&D, Part 3: Prototype Test Fit

    With our first prototype intercooler and shroud assembly complete, it was time to test fit and make necessary changes or adjustments.

    Prototype Cummins Intercooler Test Fit

    Using the factory mounting brackets, we bolted our components into place.

    Proto Mock 1- EDIT
    Mishimoto 6.7 Cummins intercooler prototype installed

    The front shroud fits nice and snug against the front bumper and grille. The core is definitely in an ideal position for optimal airflow.

    Mishimoto 6.7 Cummins intercooler prototype installed
    Mishimoto
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  7. Cool Air for the EcoBoost. F-150 Intercooler R&D, Part 5: Intercooler 3D Models

    Cool Air for the EcoBoost. F-150 Intercooler R&D, Part 5: Intercooler 3D Models

    Now that our first prototype design has been finalized in Solidworks, we can begin constructing our first functional prototype to test both performance and fitment.

    Let's check out some of the final features of our awesome intercooler design, including the appearance, the updated bracketry, the piping, and our innovative solution to the condensation issue!

    F-150 Intercooler 3D Models

    We intend to offer this cooler in both a silver and black powdercoat finish, so we will show you a few render images of each. First, a look at the rear of the cooler.

    Mishimoto Ford F-150 EcoBoost intercooler prototype
    Mishimoto Ford F-150 EcoBoost intercooler prototype

    Here we see the two inlets and single quick-disconnect outlet. We also

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  8. Treating the Titan - Exhaust R&D, Part 1: Stock Evaluation

    Treating the Titan - Exhaust R&D, Part 1: Stock Evaluation

    Our Titan XD has been poked and prodded, and the next upgrade we are working on is a DPF-back exhaust. Before we begin development, we like to take a peek at the stock version to determine which upgrades we can make to the design. Our first observation was that this exhaust is, well, plain. Not to worry; our goal is to spice up the design a bit to give this Titan more to show off.

    Stock Titan XD Exhaust
    Stock Titan XD Exhaust

    Stock Titan XD Exhaust
    Stock Titan XD Exhaust

    You will have to excuse the

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  9. Upgrading Induction - Induction Hose R&D, Part 1: Design Elements

    Upgrading Induction - Induction Hose R&D, Part 1: Design Elements

    Improving airflow is now a recurring theme for the stock 2015+ Mustang GT intake. In addition to finding air flow restrictions in our project to replace the entire stock intake system, we've also found several ways that a silicone induction hose for S550 drivers could improve airflow for drivers who would rather not replace their stock intakes. The stock piece is not only restrictive in size, but it also makes use of a resonator. We can make several improvements to take this induction hose design to the next level.

    IMG_5013r
    Stock 2015+ Mustang parts

    Stock 2015+ Mustang parts
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  10. Tanks, But No Tanks - Overflow Tank, Part 1: OEM Review and 3D Models

    Tanks, But No Tanks - Overflow Tank, Part 1: OEM Review and 3D Models

    I have been a big fan of Subaru vehicles for a substantial part of my life, and I have lots of experience with WRXs, but the BRZ (and FR-S) is still very new to me. Not too long ago, one of our engineers had his 2013 Subaru BRZ out in the parking lot, and I asked him to pop the hood so that I might check out the power plant. Have you ever seen an old episode of Scooby-Doo when Shaggy opens a door and jumps about a mile in the air, screaming, having revealed the spooky ghost residing therein? Well, you can call me Shaggy, and here is the ghost:

    BRZ Parts (or FR-S Parts)
    BRZ Parts (or FR-S Parts)

    Like, zoinks! Look at all that hideous white plastic - nobody wants a haunted Toyobaru, but how on earth would one solve this problem? Who ya gonna call?

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