Expert: Dan Liddy - 8/1/2006

Question
hi this is rahul again
i have the following questions
hopr u can answer
1-whats the full form of the followig
 rpm, bhp
2-whats the meaning of torque
3-what does the top speed of a car depend on
4-does fast gear change spoil the gera box
5-what is the best car i can modify amoung the following-maruti suzuki swift, zen
6-what modifications increase the power of the car
7-is installing a NOS kit in any of the above 2 cars a good idea
8-how much does a NOS kit cost and after how much usage do you have to refill it
9-is turbochager a better option or NOS
10-could give me the key points i should look for while modifying my car


Answer
Hello again Rahul:  

I hope you won't think I'm being rude, but I only answer questions about real race cars, those involved in competition on a race track.   I will try to answer a few of the questions you sent but please no more after this OK ?

1 RPM = revolutions per minute,  BHP =- brake horsepower
2 Torque is twisting force and is seperated from horsepower as part of the performance ability of an engine or vehicle.  Torque is what creates acceleration
3   horsepower is what supports top speed.
4  Fast gear changes only hurt the gearbox if done too fast and done roughly, it takes practice and ability to make fast gear changes without damage.
5   Suzuki is the only brand of these cars that is imported to the USA  They're fine little cars and fun to drive. For track racing they should only be used in the stock classes.  For street driving you would be better to leave the car alone and just drive it.
 6  Nearly all of them
7 NO
8 I have no idea, probably over $2000 USD
9 Neither is a good idea if you will drive the car on the streets.
10  Based upon the nature of your questions and the sense that you are just starting out, I think you should hold off on any modificvations until you have a better feel for simple mechanical repairs. also until you have an assortment of tools to work with. Pliers and a screwdriver don't count for much around today's expensive cars.

AGain, I don't mean to be rude, but my expertise in in racing cars, mostly older Japanese makes without fuel injection, air bags, computers and the like.  Turbochargers are not allowed in my form of racing neither is NOS. Both are known to destroy an engine in even the slightest  tuning mistake.  I hope I have helped.

Good by

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA