Young Version — August 1999

I drive a new BZ-G with a six-speed manual. About two months after buying it, it became difficult to downshift from third to second. It feels like it catches at the entrance to second, so I cannot drive smoothly. The dealer checked it and said nothing seemed wrong. I go to the circuit about once a month and change the engine and transmission oil after each visit.

Body reinforcement changes how forces that the body previously absorbed by twisting are transferred to other parts. We cannot say exactly how the damage or deformation would change without testing, but it could be different in a collision. Safety also depends on how those changes affect occupants. Reinforcement may change the outcome, but whether it helps or transmits impact more directly can only be determined through testing. Results also depend on the location and amount of stitch welding and the severity of the impact. I have not heard of tests that answer this clearly, so I cannot give a definitive answer.

…be fine regardless of brand. Shops may have their own recommendations, so you could ask them. Any plug released by a tuning company should be a safe choice. With your current setup, you do not need to worry much beyond basic maintenance. As tuning progresses, though, you should maintain the plugs properly; depending on the setup, you may need to replace them. Discuss that with the shop doing the tuning. With your current setup, changing the plugs yourself is also reasonable.

A 1998 AE111 Trueno…

Part of the difficulty is that it is not always clear whether the gear is actually catching or only feels that way. Also, only the person who drives the car regularly can describe the exact symptoms.

PFPFTT

It may or may not actually be catching…

…and the clutch may not be disengaging properly. For now, one approach is to use good oil and make sure your shifting and clutch operation are deliberate. If it still feels wrong, have it thoroughly checked again.

(Name and address withheld; anonymous)

That may be why the dealer did not find anything abnormal.

Please provide more details about the symptoms, mileage, and what transmission oil you use and how often you change it…

…that was my question.

Hello!

Hello, editors,

I drive a 1996 DC2 Integra Type R 96 Spec, mainly on the street. I have a question: if I reinforce the body with stitch welding, strut braces, and lower-arm bars, how would that affect body damage or deformation in a front or offset collision? Would safety improve compared with an unreinforced car?

Reinforcing the body means forces that were previously released through twisting may be transferred elsewhere.

(Suzuka, Mie Prefecture; portions omitted)

Reinforcement can definitely help handling. If you do it, avoid going too far, build your skills gradually, and enjoy driving without accidents.

I drive a 1997 180SX. I am planning to…

The stock plugs should be fine, but if you want to replace them, the stock heat range is 6, so I would suggest 7. That should also work if you later tune the ECU or raise boost. As for recommended plugs, any ordinary brand sold by a shop…

I want to change my spark plugs but do not know what heat range to buy. My car currently has only intake/exhaust tuning: an air cleaner and muffler. I plan to set it up for mountain-pass and street driving. Please also recommend a plug brand.

With a light tune consisting of an air cleaner and muffler, the stock plugs should…

(Name withheld; Shiina Koki)

Young Version — August 1999

About this issue

Page 103 — English draft translation