Young Version — August 1999

…from there, you can move up to domestic A-class and then international C-class licenses. The paths to becoming a top racer generally start either in karts and progress to formula cars such as FJ/F3, or begin with production-car classes such as Freshman and move through N2/N1. You can start with the car and minimum required equipment under the regulations, but without results, even skill alone will not get you promoted. You will need money to build a winning car and team, and probably some luck. As for the cost, the more funding you have, the better. You will also need to work hard to find sponsors and build a record; it is a very demanding world where you must keep proving yourself to survive.

…it may be because the blow-off valve vents to the atmosphere. When you lift off the accelerator, the fuel mixture becomes richer by the amount of air released, which may be causing the black smoke. The easiest check is to remove the blow-off valve temporarily. If it is the cause, the smoke should stop. Removing it should not affect performance, so…

I drive a 1997 180SX. Recently, black smoke comes from the muffler, especially when I lift off the accelerator. I thought it was the racing air filter, so I put the stock one back, but that did not fix it. What could be causing this? The car has a replacement-type air cleaner, muffler, and blow-off valve. Returning the air cleaner to stock did not solve it either. (Asahi, Chiba; HT)

…would let you keep using the blow-off valve. If you really need it, either route the discharged air back into the intake or install a part such as HKS EIDS to correct the airflow-meter signal. Keeping the current setup may also be fine, but if the black smoke bothers you, those are the options. This should solve the problem; if smoke continues, have the ECU, injectors, electrical system, and fuel system checked. The important thing is to identify the cause promptly.

…to restore the car’s condition. The details and price vary widely depending on mileage and condition, and it can include upgrades similar to a mild tune, so there is no single estimate. For a stock car, a dealer can do it; if you are planning to tune it, a tuning shop can also help. If the car was already overhauled when you bought it, you may not need to do it. A badly worn car may need a thorough overhaul of the suspension as well as the engine.