Among the vast number of negatives that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us, the unforeseen jump in enthusiast vehicles is salt in the wound. It wasn’t enough that we had to shelter inside for fear of catching a virus, but we got to watch as the cars we dreamed of appreciated beyond the...
With the dawn of electric and hydrogen-powered cars upon us, mechanically simple cars simply no longer exist. Today, a computer is the best tool for fixing a modern vehicle, when forty years ago it was a box wrench. The current technology has made cars safer, more fuel-efficient, and...
Search any of the MINI forums about a rattle coming from the engine of your R56, and you’ll see some frightening results. Timing chain issues are common on the N12/N14 engines in this generation of MINI and often destroy an engine if not taken care of. Aptly nicknamed the “Death Rattle,” the...
BMW's 3-Series is a perpetual competitor in the sport sedan market, a market that it created back in the mid-seventies. Sharp handling, sporty looks, and a luxurious interior have made it the go-to choice for buyers looking for a grocery getter with some style, whether it's new or used. The G20...
The MK7 Volkswagen GTI is arguably the best daily driver for the average enthusiast. It features a great chassis, plenty of power, very good fuel mileage, and plenty of room to haul around your stuff. The optional Performance Pack ups the power and ads a limited-slip differential, among other...
Porsche’s M96 engine, found in the 986 Boxster and 996 Carrera, was their first mass-production water-cooled flat-six. It made the right noises and good power but wasn’t without its shortcomings—one of those being the cooling system. The impeller used on the original water pumps on the M96s is...
After our home race at Lime Rock Park, the FCP Euro Motorsports Team heads to Road America for round 7 of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Round 6 saw drivers Michael Hurczyn and Nate Vincent, as well as the entire FCP Euro Motorsports Team take on the competition at Lime Rock Park. Fresh...
A properly functioning wheel bearing is critical to any car, not just the E90 generation of BMW’s 3-series. The wheel bearing handles the rotational force of each wheel. Whenever a vehicle is modified, whether it be a lowered suspension or more power, there will be an effect on the wheel...
Mercedes-Benz uses the same style of brake caliper as every other manufacturer on their non-performance models. The sliding caliper is cheap to produce, easy to service, and performs well in everyday driving situations. You will use your front brakes more than the rears in every case; the...
Practicality has been at odds with fun since the dawn of humanity. We'd all drive hypercars if we could, but the kids have soccer practice after school, so a Porsche 918 Spyder isn't going to cut it. Coupes are sleek and look great but present an extra hassle with small children; definitely not...