When it comes to modifying or even simply maintaining your ride, we're sure we can all agree that everyone would love to see a few quick and easy tips that are easy to follow and best of all, cost little or nothing. Here are a few that we've found useful in the past and remain timeless to this day. So go ahead, try a few! Got a tip of your own? We'd love to see it. Send them in tomailsack@superstreetonline.com c/o Tips & Tricks, and if you have any pictures to illustrate your ideas, please include them.
How I-Vtec Works
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is Honda's famous cam and valve system, introduced in the early '90s. Ten years later, when everyone caught up with Honda, they introduced i-VTEC (intelligent-VTEC), the later and greater sequel. Why is it intelligent? Well, it's because of Honda's adjustable cam gear on the intake cam.
Let's recap how the original VTEC works. Having three lobes for each pair of valves, the two outer cam lobes have a profile that optimizes low-speed torque and response. The middle lobe has a high-lift, longer duration profile that is designed to optimize high-end horsepower. At low RPM, the middle rocker is idle. When the ECU reads the correct conditions (in RPM, vehicle speed, and coolant temperature) it starts to engage into the VTEC range. Oil fills the holes and pushes several pistons, and the three rockers for each intake and exhaust valve become locked together by the pin moving across. The middle rocker forces the two outer to follow the higher lift and longer duration profile of the middle cam lobe, allowing the engine to draw and expel more air and consequently produce more power. This allows the ECU to adjust the cam timing as it feels necessary. i-VTEC is still offered with multiple cam lobes per pair of valves, like its predecessor; one set for low end performance and one set for high end performance.
Take that and added adjustable cam timing and you have i-VTEC. The intake cam gear is adjustable just like aftermarket ones, but this is done electronically by the ECU. Adjustable timing allows the engine to be even more efficient in both ends of the power band. There are, however, two different versions of i-VTEC. The better of the two versions has three lobes per valves, on both the intake and the exhaust cams. The lesser performance, more economical version only has two cam lobes per valve, and that is only on the intake cam.
Air-Tight Graphics
Graphics are a surefire way to enhance a vehicle's looks. But if you're not careful when applying the vinyl, the final appearance can look like something my little brother could have done. OK, so it's not that hard to apply all those stickers, but what about those friggin' air bubbles after you've laid it down? Without removing the sticker applicator, use a credit card or a laminated-type driver's license to smooth over the surface and remove those unwanted air pockets. Peel back the applicator and use a pin to pop any leftovers.
Basic Maintenance
Schedule Every 3,000 Miles:
* Change engine oil and filter (every 5,000 miles if synthetic oil)
* Check automatic transmission/transaxle fluid level
* Check brake fluid level
* Check windshield washer fluid level
* Check radiator coolant level
* Check power steering fluid level
* Check tire wear and pressure
* Check manual transmission slave cylinder level
Every 6,000 Miles:
* Inspect and lubricate front suspension components where possible (especially aftermarket urethane bushings)
* Tighten all clamps
* Check manual transmission fluid level
* Check radiator and heater hoses for cracks, softness and leaks
* Check battery terminals for corrosion-remove, clean and reconnect terminals
* Check wiper blades for cracks or tears
* Check and clean air filter
* Check differential fluid
* Rotate tires