We know how difficult it can be to work on cars; believe us, we’ve had more than our share of problems over the years, too. Good thing we’re willing to share this knowledge of problem solving with you and act like we know something technical about cars. Feel free to ask us about your tech problems by writing to Super Street at tech@superstreetonline.com or Super Street, Attn: Tech Support, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245. We’ll try out best to answer your questions but can’t answer every one we receive personally or in print, so if your issue is urgent, we highly recommend you seeking the help of a nearby mechanic! Also, try to do some basic research online; while the Internet and forums aren’t all foolproof, it is a very good start as there are many excellent resources to look at. If it helps to include a few photos to describe/illustrate your problem/project, please do so.
Total Eclipse
Q: I own a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and have done a few mods including upgraded headlights, upgraded factory wheels, Megan racing lowering springs, KYB AGX shocks and struts and a Seibon carbon-fiber hood. My question is since most 3rd generation Eclipses look and perform about the same, what can I do to add some performance that will make my Eclipse unique among all the conforming owners. Keep in mind that I dyno’d my car for fun at a local car show/dyno day and my numbers were 157 horse and 177 torque.
Nick Salts
Via the Internet
A: We’d recommend buying a second Eclipse, cutting both cars in half and welding the two front clips back together. That would “look and perform” much differently than other 3rd gen Eclipses!
Hachi-Dogpoo
Q: I own an ‘86 Honda Accord LXi hatchback, all original, with like a zillion miles on it. What potential does the motor have, since I’m trying to get it to quit. I wanna’ keep it because I’m a fan of the AE86 body but have individual issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Carlos
Via the Internet
A: We hate to break it to you but the motor sucks and an AE86 is a Corolla not an Accord. If the only reason you’re hanging onto that bucket is because you thought you had a touge monster, you’re dead wrong; ditch that thing.
Gotta’ Keep ‘em Separated
Q: I’m trying to remove my transmission from my ‘03 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V to replace the clutch in it. What would be the best possible way to do this job? We’ve got most of it apart, but it just doesn’t want to fully separate from the motor. All bolts and required connections are taken off. Any insight or help would be much appreciated.
Aaron Jarvis
Angier, NC
A: We really hope you didn’t sit around for months waiting for us to answer this, but all you need is a little muscle, and a pry bar works wonders to get the bellhousing to separate. If you’re totally stuck we’d recommend consulting a shop manual or forums (b15sentra.net, b15u.com, nicoclub.com).