Oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle. Its lubrication properties keep all the metal bits inside of the engine from shredding each other to dust. While the M3 and M4 rise above just about every other run-of-the-mill commuter car, nothing knocks them down a few pegs quite like overheated oil or oil that finds its way out of the system.
Protecting Perfection – BMW F8X M3/M4 Baffled Oil Catch Can R&D – Concept, Design, and Production sample
Any outdoor sculpture facing the elements is going to eventually tarnish. Sure, there have been advancements in materials and coatings, but grime and dirt building up on that piece of art is an inevitable consequence of being outside. Eventually someone is going to have to come by with a power washer to clean things up.
The situation is relatable under the hood of the F80 M3. The S55 is a work of art, but the unavoidable by-product of blow-by is constantly peppering the intake … Continue Reading ››
Powering Perfection – BMW F80 M3 Vehicle Overview
When it comes to sports sedans, enthusiasts and automotive muggles alike can easily recognize the pinnacle of the segment—the BMW M3. It’s not much of a surprise since the Bavarians have been pouring just about every ounce of their engineering prowess into the M3 since 1988 to become the benchmark. The F80 is the latest iteration of BMW maintaining the bar.
Balancing the Force
Balance is the name of BMW’s … Continue Reading ››
Nearly Perfect – Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Radiator R&D, Part 1: Prototype to Production
The 2012+ Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a nearly perfect sleeper. With four doors, enough room for the kids and the dog, and a 475 hp 6.4L Hemi V8 under the hood pushing it to a sub-five second 0-60, there’s not much the Grand Cherokee can’t do quickly. But all that capability and power comes at a cost. 475 hp moving 5,200 lbs. around generates a massive amount of heat. It’s not uncommon for engine coolant temps to hit 220°F or more, especially in modified Cherokees.
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is certainly capable, but if … Continue Reading ››
Bypassing the Norm – Thermal Bypass Valve R&D, Part 1: Design to Delivery
The transmission is the backbone of your 2013–2018 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins. It’s responsible for transmitting up to 930 lb-ft of torque from the engine to the wheels. That much power generates a lot of heat and if that heat isn’t dissipated, it can destroy your transmission. The transmission cooler does a decent job of keeping transmission fluid temperatures in check, but only if the fluid can reach it.
The stock cooling systems of both the 68-RFE and Aisin AS69RC utilize an in-line thermal bypass valve that controls the flow of fluid to the transmission cooler. The purpose of this valve is to … Continue Reading ››