Where We Cure All Your Tech Problems
Life is full of mystery and wonder; cars just add to that confusion. Stumped on a technical issue or just can't figure out what to do with your ride? We're here to help guide the way. Send your questions to tech@superstreetonline.com or by writing to us at Super Street, c/o Tech Support, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Question Of The Month
Q Let me tell you that it was Super Street that made me pick the ride I have. It was your articles on the 2003 EVO VIII that made me choose it over the STI. And I have to tell you that this was my first import car and I love it. But it is coming up on 60,000 miles and it's time to do some work on it. I'm going to be changing out the timing belt. I'm thinking about using a GReddy Extreme timing belt; is this one you would use? Two at the same time, then I change this out. I was thinking of going to HKS adjustable cam gears. But I have to tell you I really don't know what I gain by doing this. Could you please fill me in on the advantages of going with a set of adjustable cam gears? And do you think this is something I should do?
Bob Sprague
Via the Internet
A There are some cars that just ask to be driven hard; the Evo is one of those cars. The GReddy Extreme timing belt is something we would recommend. Although it's not a necessary upgrade, it will give you some added peace of mind-knowing that you have a quality belt protecting your engine. The HKS cam gears are cool parts. However, we don't recommend it unless your engine is highly modified. The Evo responds amazingly well to a free flowing intake and exhaust. If you're past this point and starting to build the top end of the engine, then the cam gears should be considered-along with upgrading the camshafts. Think of the cam gears as a tuning item. They will allow you to fine tune your engine, but don't expect to see large power gains from this modification-especially on a stock engine.
Q I have a tech question concerning my '93 Skyline R33 GTS Type-M. I live in St. Louis, Missouri. I imported the car from Japan through Canada and it's fully legal with NHSTA. If I were in Cali it would be different. I'm trying to track down a suspension components that will be track capable; the question is what components are compatible with the GTS? A few of the local shops have said it's easier to source suspension components for a GTR but they don't know about the GTS. Is there a difference and if so, what do I need to look for? Any help and suggestions are appreciated at this point. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Evan Campbell
St. Louis, Missouri
A Although we can get parts easily here in Cali, it is near impossible to get a legal Skyline into this state anymore. From what we know about the compatibility of the two models (GT-R vs. GTS), we'd recommend sourcing parts designed specifically for the GTS. Keep in mind that the GT-R uses a full subframe in the front while the GTS only has a basic engine crossmember (like the S13/S14). As the suspension components attach to the crossmember (or subframe) parts between the GT-R and GTS are not likely to interchange. In fact, for the tension rod, you can probably use one designed for the S14-as long as it's adjustable. When it comes to coilovers, the AWD GT-R will require different spring and damping rates than the FR platform of the GTS. The only exception would be if you had an AWD GTS-4. Contact TEIN USA (www.tein.com); it lists a coilover system specifically for the GTS (special order). Although its listing only shows the ECR-33 chassis back to 1995, we believe that part number should fit your application. Contact its sales department for more information and to see if they have any other parts available for your application.