S&S Cycle Inc., a company that specializes in motorcycle performance parts, has developed engines that comply with the emission standards set for the different countries worldwide. In compliance with these standards, particularly the ones set in the European market, the company has stated that they will soon be releasing an engine for the 2002-2006 Harley Davidson motorcycles based on their approved TUV closed-loop fuel-injected T-Series EURO III engine program.

Dubbed the “S T124”, the engine developed by S&S Cycle Inc is designed to meet the EURO III noise and exhaust emission standards, which is part of the European Union directives. To comply with these emission standards, the S T124 engine will have the following components installed in it: a S VFI system, a closed-loop air/fuel ratio control, a single bore throttle body, and a teardrop air cleaner. Aside from these components, the S T124 engine will also carry standard TUV documentation in every package. The all-new S T124 engine will come in different types of finishes such as natural, back and polished finishes. Also, as part of the requirement set by the EURO III emission standards, the installation of the S T124 engine will require oxygen sensors to be attached to each of the bike’s stock header pipes. Aside from the use of the oxygen sensors, 2007 stock mufflers will also have to be installed with the S T124 engine.

Based on reports, S&S Cycle Inc. will be releasing the S T124 engines in Europe, with March being their target release date for their new engine.

Sources: Clutch and Chrome, S&S Cycle Inc., Wikipedia

Have you ever been afflicted by the DIY disease, one of the most common and notorious diseases around? Before you start to panic and check the newspaper for any news if there has been any widespread contamination in your area or medical manuals for any type of cure, relax. DIY stands for Do-It-Yourself and the symptom that manifests from an “infected” person is that he or she just wants to do things on their own. It’s actually not as fatal as you think, but of course, it depends largely on what you want to do by yourself (if it involves disarming a bomb, that counts as fatal. Leave the bomb alone and run). Simple car repairs like changing your car’s tires or changing your oil or putting gas in your car can actually fall under the DIY category of car maintenance. However, if it involves changing an intricate part of your car’s engine, let’s say your car’s oxygen sensor, it would be best to leave it to the professionals. Here’s why.

To replace a vehicle’s oxygen sensor, auto shops make use of a ramp or a jack stand which is used to elevate the vehicle in order for their mechanics to see the section underneath the car. They then make use of a special wrench and a torch with a temperature greater than that of the sun to remove the auto part. Both specialized equipments are needed since the sensor is screwed into the exhaust pipe and these tools allow the mechanics to loosen the sensor before removing it. Extra care is needed in removing and replacing the oxygen sensor since it could destroy the car’s engine computer or disrupt the valve train in the event that it’s accidentally shorted out. Also, most vehicles have two oxygen sensors, an upstream and a downstream sensor. So before removing a faulty one, the mechanic handling the repair determines first which between the two sensors is the one malfunctioning.

That in a nutshell is how an oxygen sensor is replaced. Given the complexity of replacing one and the specialized equipment needed, if you have no experience in replacing an oxygen sensor then you’d be better off paying a professional to do it for you. There’s no sense in going through the hassle of “doing it yourself” if you’ll end up wreaking more havoc to your car.

Source: Wicked Local

Mercedes Benz continues to provide outstanding innovation when it comes to the performance of its vehicles. The latest M-Class receives better power and exceptional technical features that contribute to the cars’ driving feat, gearshift comfort, fuel utilization and emission controls.

Three of the six-cylinder engines were improved, offering more efficient acceleration with remarkable engine speed adjustment. The previous series include tough parts and with the improvement made by Mercedes engineers, the V6 even provide better output as well as improved torque. Also, in ML 500’s eight-cylinder engine, an additional 10 kW/14 horsepower is produced. The highest possible torque of V8, on the other hand, was boosted to 20 – 40 Newton meters.

When it comes to the M-Class emission system, the vehicles follow two stages. The phases are based on the stringent measures for engine function that facilitate the lessening of raw emissions and the effective emission control by means of two catalytic converters. In addition to this, two oxygen sensors are installed with the parts, that is, the diagnostic sensor and the control sensor that have linear control. With the equipped oxygen sensor, there is an easy connection about the components of the exhaust gas. This is because once the vehicle starts, the sensors are directly activated. The needed information for the engine management system is then sent to facilitate in the warm-up stage.

For further details, visit benzs site.

Yet another reason to get that oxygen sensor of yours fixed. Steve Lipsher of the Denver Post reported, December 26, that Denver drivers identified as polluters will subject to test and repairs or fines.

According to the report, the city of Denver, Colorado is planning to use RapidScreen vans to spot polluters. The action is said to be part of Denver’s strategy to reduce air pollution in its metropolitan area. The step is also in line with the city’s plan to pass federal air quality standards which the region failed last summer.

The RapidScreen vans, originally intended to identify “low pollutants,” will fire an ultra violet and infrared light beam past your car’s tailpipe. The lights will measure for absorption of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. The vans will be stationed in different areas around the metro and will record the plate number of violators. The city would then send letters to the violators requiring them to undergo free emission test. 

Faulty parts that commonly cause air pollution are oxidation catalysts, spark plugs and wires and oxygen sensors. According to the Denver Post carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emission in the city was reduced to 80%. The DP also claims that around 500 cars were repaired for free due to federal budget backing.

Car owners who violate the program will be fined for $100 and will not be entertained for registration renewal. Denver drivers still have a chance to fix their car’s emission problems since the program will start by January 1 next year.

British motor sports tuner RML Group (Ray Mallock Ltd) gives the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 a touch of their engineering ingenuity. Out of the McLaren 722 came the a new breed of a super car model, called the SLR 722 GT. The said vehicle got some enhancements in its suspension, braking system and aerodynamic parts as well as an exhaust system equipped with an oxygen sensor. In a press release, it is said that the vehicle was made due to the request of the SLR CLUB for a new SLR 722 model.

The new SLR 722 GT received a supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine, capable of 500 kW / 680 PS and has a torque of 830 Newton meters. The vehicle also comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles. For added performance, a mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent was integrated. The new SLR 722 GT boasts to easily get from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds. It can also reach the top speed of 315 km/h or about 196 mph.

The suspension system is well taken care of with new wheel location system, modified stabilizer at the front axle, adjustable wheel camber, and shock absorbers with variable compression. Meant for racing, the SLR 722 GT features wheels equipped with central locks for fast tire changing.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT won’t be complete without distinguishable exterior features, which include the front apron with front splitter, wide wings and prominent side skirts. Meanwhile, the large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler accent the rear as well as give an aerodynamic look and performance. Inside, more racing qualities are incorporated through the rollover cage, redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, racing steering wheel, bucket seats, and six-point seat belts for safety.

Expect that many will want the SLR 722 GT in their garage, but RML Group will only be producing 21 units and those who ordered are members of the SLR CLUB.

Source: http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40731&Itemid=9

Since the introduction of the oxygen sensor in the 1980s, this staple auto part has continuously evolved to become more efficient in boosting the engine’s performance. Just recently, an oxygen sensor that is smaller than a lighter by Delphi Powertrain Systems was unveiled in this year’s International Bicycle and Motorcycle Industry Trade show in Italy.

The Milan-based event showcased the precision-engineered oxygen sensor that aids engines not only of automobiles but as well as other mode of transportation like motorbikes. Those automobiles equipped with the oxygen sensors are more likely to pass emission standards set by certain agencies. With this small but effective auto part, the vehicle’s power plant gets the right mixture of air and fuel inside it. The oxygen sensor analyzes the emission being produced by the engine and then the readings are transmitted to the engine management computer. From there, the necessary adjustments for the fuel and air ratio are done. What sets this Delphi oxygen sensor is that it is relatively smaller than the other makes that allows flexibility.

Getting the right mixture with the help of the Delphi oxygen sensor does not end there. With the right combination, the engine manages to burn fuel more efficiently, thus nothing is wasted. This will equal to the production of more horsepower. Moreover, the oxygen sensor also helps achieve an improved fuel economy.

Cars geared for racing are the best ‘guinea pigs’ for new upgrades in motor parts as well as body kit parts. These mean automobiles allow automakers to test the best blend of auto parts needed in order to boost the performance of the vehicle. One of the staples in every car slated for a speed battle is the oxygen sensor.

Racing events like Formula 3, NASCAR, American Le Mans Series and other speed meets in Europe and the United States are some of the best places to know if certain enhancing performance parts actually work. The rigid test drives and proper course tracks push the special add-ons, like the oxygen sensors, to the limit. Testing the prowess of the oxygen sensor as well and aiding the vehicle to win titles are the purpose of these parts.

Oxygen Sensors help regulate the proper mixture going into the engine. With the proper combination of air and fuel, the engine manages to maximize the fuel and in turn produce horsepower with much efficiency. Furthermore, oxygen sensors help maintain the power plant in mint condition.

“Our oxygen sensors help road racers keep their vehicle at peak efficiency and power under the most competitive of conditions,” said Wolfgang Hustedt, who is the motorsports manager for Bosch in US and Canada.

It is a known fact that oxygen sensors are used for cleaner emissions as well as help for a more efficient fuel combustion. Not everybody knows that there are car parts available in the market today that can help the oxygen sensor operate better. One product is the Sabertec Blade that claims to help vehicles burn less gas by simply sticking it to the tailpipe. Sabertec did not fully explain oh the product works and Sabertec’s website once said that “Sabertec can not say with absolute certainly how or why the Blade works.” But the best explanation Sabertec was able to give is that Blade can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the exhaust system. This process actually helps the catalytic converter become more efficient and the oxygen sensor to get more accurate readings.

Tested in Lactec Laboratories in Brazil, Blade can make a vehicle greener and reduce the emissions of carbon monoxide and other pollutants. The Laboratory said that the average vehicles using Blade can have a 20% increase in fuel economy. Sabertec also said that Blade can reduce emission noise as well as can be help motorists save gas money. Sabertec Blade is sold for $150.

For more details regarding Blade’s efficiency, simply check their website.

Story is based on the news reported by scifi.com

As car technology evolved, it gave more power to the hands of the driver. Safety, acceleration, and comfort have all been the tops when it comes to modern car devices, making it impossible for one to want anything more in a car. But the modernization of the car does not stop there. Now, there have been devices wherein one can install car parts that will make cars built after the year 1996 have a really modern technology that assures all of the car parts’ efficiency.

Imagine having one device that can correct all of your driving blunders, while at the same time ensuring the accuracy of every car part’s performance. This is now made possible by Davis Instruments, with their new car device called the Car Chip Pro. This new device gives very handy feedback regarding the performance of you as a driver, and your car too. It can simply be attached on to the On-Board Data port and it instantly records all kinds of information such as speed, mileage, etc.

The best thing about this device is that it is able to guarantee only the best efficiency from your oxygen sensors. It is able to log 4 of 23 engine parameters including RPM, battery voltage, throttle position, timing advance, engine load, coolant temperature, fuel pressure, air fuel system status, intake air temperature, short-term fuel trim, intake manifold pressure, long-term fuel trim and oxygen sensor output voltage—this according to the Blog post by plenty.com. This is a big deal for both you and your oxygen sensor because the smart device is able to give data that is helpful in engine operation, since it will release less harmful emissions. What is more, is that the Car Chip Pro will also would also let you know beforehand if your car is capable of passing the emissions test.

This device will work efficiently with your catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. This will make sure that these critical components will only perform in its best.