Cobb Tuning - Mazdaspeed 3 and 6 Subaru WRX / STi XLE BPV

With the introduction to Cobb Tuning making a comeback to producing hard parts, their anticipated release of a bypass valve is welcomed. Many of us have been waiting for a valve that is easy to adjust, sounds great and works 100% without any surging on the turbo compressor.

Question: So what exactly is a BPV and what is the difference between a BOV (Blow off valve) and a BPV (Bypass Valve)?

Answer: Its simple .. It all boils down to whether or not your car runs on speed density or mass air. If you have a car that is speed density, you will not have a mass air meter. So, effectively, you can run a Blow Off Valve which give off a very loud WHOOSH sound as you shift gears when in boost. A Bypass Valve takes that boosted air its venting, and recirculates it back into the intake. The importance of this on a mass air car is, that air was already metered and counted, therefore, venting that air to the atmosphere will cause your can to go rich. You are effectively removing air once count and letting it blow in the air, so the car is going to add more fuel thinking that air is still incoming. Many enthusiasts prefer the sound of a BOV, but generally they end up doing damage to their statistical converters because of the rich conditions incorporated into running a VTA (Vent To Atmosphere) system on a MAF equipped car.

Question: Whats the purpose of these valves anyways?

Answer:

1) Boosted cars produce tremendous amounts of pressurized air that is pumped very quickly through the intake system. When the throttle body is open, this air can move very quickly into the engine. Once the throttle body closures, that fast moving air has no place to go. You have an abundance of air trapped in a small place (charge pipes) which can burst, causing significant damage to your intake system and even your cars hood. On turbocharged cars especially, its main function as a Bypass Valve (BPV) / Blow Off Valve (BOV), is to release this boost pressure to prevent this pressurized air from being diverted back toward the turbo impellers. If this pressurized air is not released, the diverted air can cause the turbine wheels to slow and possibly even stall, causing wear and damage to the turbocharger. A turbochargers impeller wheels can spin in excess of over 60,000 RPM, so if the impeller was to fail, you would see a lot of damage.

2) Its second function is being able to hold peak boost during gear change without a significant loss of boost during this event. A good BPV / BOV can hold a high amount of boost, for the needed time of shifting gears, without degrading performance.

3) One important thing to remember on a Mazda, the stock BPV leaks, even at as low as 8 psi of boost. That is almost half of the rated 15 psi a speed can produce stock!

Cobb Tuning has an answer for those looking for that loud blow off sound but with a safety margin, the Cobb Tuning XLE BPV. It can be setup to run in 3 modes, one of them being a hybrid mode that allows a minute amount of VTA without placing the car in a lean condition. You get that loud WHOOSH but you also get that important countable air, recirculated back into the system.

Even though this valve comes in at a steep price of $ 299, its not any more expensive then the most over-rated BPV on the market, the HKS SSBOV ... The Cobb XLE does not require any type of flange adapter. The HKS requires an adapter to be fitted to it before it can be mounted on a Mazdaspeed 3 or 6. Installing the adapter is a pain since it uses a snap ring ... The most troubling part of the HKS is how much plastic is found inside the valve, but more daunting, itsability to be adjustable. $ 300? Really? There are numerous reports on our forum about the HKS falling apart ... The plastic inside is breaking ... This is definitely not the type of valve I want inside my car. Step aside, we have a new BPV on the market thats going out be worth the $ 299.

The Cobb Tuning XLE BPV is one unit that can be adapted to several cars. First off, if you plan to replace your Mazda with a scoobie, this can be done with a simple part change without having to buy a new valve. Below are the specs on the Cobb XLE:

FEATURES

Body

* Body, mounting flange and secondary outlet cover are constructed of 6061 T6 aluminum.
* The body is hard anodized for additional strength.
* The primary outlet is rectangular in shape to provide maximum cross sectional area for venting pressurized air as quickly as possible.
* The secondary outlet cover can be removed to enable partial vent to atmosphere or full vent to atmosphere modes.
* Unit height is only 3.5 inches from base of flange to top preload adjuster, allowing it to fit into the tightest of locations.
* Body to mounting flange interface is o-ring sealed, allowing flanges of different shapes to work on multiple applications.

Piston

* Lightweight aluminum piston allows faster reaction time than heavier pistons.
* The aluminum piston has been hard anodized and impregnated with Teflon to provide smooth movement, reduce surface wear and minimize maintenance.
* Rounded piston profile smooths air flow as it passes through they cylinder.
* The rounded piston profile mates with a rounded piston seat for superior sealing when the BPV is closed.
* Tight tolerance o-rings are used to seal piston to cylinder bore properly at normal engine operating temperatures without sacrificing piston speed.

Preload Adjuster and Spring

* Adjuster allows adjustment of spring preload for fine tuning release pressure.
* Spring and spring seat are constructed of 303 stainless steel.
* Spring preload adjustment mechanism and fasteners are stainless steel.

Operation

* Valve vents pressurized air very quickly due to lightweight components, port shape and low sliding friction.
* Unique exhaust sound due to speed of air release.
* Construction materials make the XLE BPV compatible with alcohol / water injection due to inherent corrosion resistance. * Lighter than most aftermarket BPVs and BOVs.

OPERATING MODES

Full Recirculation - Outlet is plumbed back into the intake tract pre-turbo. This configuration provides the best driveability with stock based MAF systems. This configuration generates the least amount of noise.

Hybrid Mode - Outlet is plumbed back into the intake tract pre-turbo and the auxiliary port cover is removed. When the piston is more than 30% open, the auxiliary port is opens, audibly venting to atmosphere. Less than 30% open results in full recirculation to improve driveability.

Full Atmosphere - Outlet and auxiliary port are open to atmosphere. Recommended only for MAP based air metering. This configuration generates the highest sound levels.

ADJUSTMENT

Spring Preload - Spring preload determines the pressure differential across the BPV piston required before the BPV opens and releases the pressurized intake charge. The COBB XLE BPV can be adjusted by loosing the locknut and turning the allen-head shaft clockwise for more preload or counter-clockwise for less preload. Once preload is set, the locknut is retained and ensures the adjustment is secure.

Installation:

Parts List:

* Bypass Valve
* O-ring (Mazdaspeed 3 Application Only)
* Paper Gasket (Mazdaspeed 3 or LGT / 08 + WRX Applications Only)

Tools Required:

* 3/8 "Ratchet
* 10mm & 12mm Socket
* 10mm & 12mm Open End Wrench
* Pliers

Tools Required for Maintenance:

* 3mm Allen Key
* 4mm Allen Key
* 13mm Open End Wrench
* Moly-Based Grease

Installing this piece could not be easier. The stock bpv is black in color, made of plastic can can be found on a stock Mazda right at the cold pipe on the stock TMIC

1) Take a pair of pliers and remove the recirc hose on the back of the valve (large 23mm hose). Guide the pliers to the butterfly clamp, compress pliers to release tension and slide back clamp 3 inches from the lip. tug on the hose to release it from the valve.

2) Take the pliers and remove the small vacuum line in the same manner as you did the above recirc hose.

3) Remove the (2) 10mm bolts holding on the BPV onto the pipe and put them off to the side, we will reuse these.

Now, you have to decide if you want to run full recirc or hybrid mode. If you choose to run the louder hybrid mode, you will need to remove the trap door on the valve with a 3mm allen key / bit. Theres only 4 of these holding it on, so its really simple.

Once you have decided which route you will take, remove the paper gasket from the box and place it on the valve, using both bolts to hold it in place. Simple place the valve back onto the BPV flange and retighten it. Now word of caution here .. If you are using an alumn TMIC, I strongly suggest using a ratchet extension with a 10mm deep well socket to hand tighten both bolts evenly. Once they are hand tight, give one good 1/4 inch crank on both bolts and that's it. They hardly require much torque and we keep hearing about Hercules breaking off his bolts in the cold pipe or stripping the threads.

Once you got it torqued back down, simply connect both hoses and take it out for a drive. I seriously doubt you will need to make any adjustments to the valve, but if you do, keep reading.

Adjustment:

Adjusting this valve is a no brainer. Simple place a 13mm open end wrench onto the jam nut located on top where the vac line attaches, then take a 4mm allen / bit and go clockwise to increase spring tension (increase the chance of compressor surge / vent slower) or counter-clockwide to decrease spring pressure (decrease the chance of compressor surge / vent faster).

Now a word to the wise for you noobs .. Increasing the spring tension here does NOT increase the amount of boost this valve can hold. If you want to hold more boost, a different spring will need to be installed in this valve.

Maintenance:

It is recommended that every time you change your oil you inspect your COBB Tuning Bypass Valve to make sure the piston is still moving freely. You can do so by unbolting the BPV from the vehicle mounting flange and pushing on the piston. If you can feel some resistance, it is advised to remove the piston from the body and clean and re-grease the piston, we recommend ARP Ultra-Torque Fastener Assembly Lubricant, P / N 100-9911, but any moly-based grease will work fine. I prefer the redline red moly that I used during both the Cobb STS and TWM Performance STS installation.

Disassemble the COBB Tuning BPV

In order to remove the piston, unbolt the base flange from the body using a 3mm allen key. Depending on the BPV model you have, this may be 5-6 socket head cap screws. When removing the piston, be careful to not cut the o-ring. If your o-ring is damaged, you can contact COBB Tuning for a replacement.

Reassemble the COBB Tuning BPV

To reassemble the BPV, push the piston back into the body, so that the piston does not protrude from the body. You can hold the piston at that point by placing your finger over the vacuum connection.

Place the base flange onto the body and re-clock the flange. Secure the flange with the 5-6 socket head cap screws, depending on the model, using a 3mm allen key.

Conclusion:

I am so happy to see such an easy valve hit the market that not only looks and sounds cool, but is fully functional, adjustable and is not finicky right out of the box. For years I was running a Forge Valve that had a blue spring and 2 shims. Itave me issues with no shims, it alsoAVE me issues with a red shim. It was 75% on mark with 2 shims.

With the Cobb XLE, I hold all of my boost during shift and its loud, meaning people know you are on the boost. It also does not sound like a couple of ninjas having a sword fight under the hood like the Forge does.

Keep your eye on the valve needing grease, esp is you running the hybrid mode or your car is in a lot of moisture like rain or snow. This will def breakdown the grease in the piston.

Also keep in mind that the paper gasket IS needed on both the scoobies and Mazda's. I have seen some genius's attempt to go straight o-ring and without your flange is 100% level, you are going to leak some boost without the gasket. So, use the gasket guys ... it is re-usable and needed for our application to keep this valve from leaking.

I would like to thank Gary Sheehan for accidently placing this in the box while getting the Cobb FMIC V2.0 out to us!

Square Business Cards - Good Idea Or Bad?

Each and every day, entrepreneurs, job seekers, freelancers, employees, and executives hand out business cards. It happens in offices and on the street ... during chance meetings and networking events ... in between friends, new associates, or newly united strangers.

With all of these cards being replaced, it's very important to have a business card that stands out from the pack - one that grabs attention the instant it's placed in the palm of someone's hand. After all, there's nothing worse than making a first impression with a dull and drab card.

Perhaps the easiest way to stand out is to have a business card that does not look or feel like all of the others.

Enter the square business card.

Square business cards instantly stand out due to their shape. It's almost impossible, in fact, to be handed a square business card and NOT look at it before you put it in your pocket. That alone can make it a better marketing tool than other, more typical cards.

Another benefit of square business cards is that they offer extra space for content. Considering more content equals a greater opportunity for selling yourself to prospects, employers, or referral sources, that can be a big advantage.

So are square business cards all good? Are they an automatic brilliant idea that anyone and everyone should be using?

Of course not.

The thing is, standing out visually can be accomplished in so many ways. There are 3D, plastic, translucent, metal ,ible, die-cut, embossed cards ... and countless other eye catching attention-grabbing possibilities. Square business cards are but one way to do it, and what's right for one person is certainly not right for everyone.

When you consider that the atypical shape may make your square business card more difficult (in a stack of others, or in a business card book, for example) it may not need to be the most convenient. And as for the benefit of added space to tell your story ... well, fold over cards offer that benefit as well, but they can retain a typical shape as well.

The bottom line is that square business cards will be a great way to stand out for some - and not right for others. It really does depends on what you do, where and to who you distribute your cards to, and the concept you have in mind. If a square design sees right - go with it. It's certain to stop your recipients in their tracks, giving you ample time to make that big and lasting impression!

Automotive Load Managers For Emergency Vehicles

Automotive load managers for emergency vehicles are designed to monitor and control the transfer of electrical energy in an automated system. The most advanced load managers will incorporate load sequencing and load shedding functions. These two functions will help maintain the vehicles optimal electrical state, which is paramount for any emergency vehicle.

The load sequencing function is used to turn all selected loads ON or OFF from on central switch. Loads can be anything from, emergency lights, sirens, A / C, radios, etc. When electrical loads of the type encountered in an automotive application are switched on or OFF they create large current and voltage fluctuations in the electrical system in which they are connected. The larger the current consumption of a load, the greater the impact the load has in the generation of electrical transients or line noise when the load is energized or deenergized (Turned ON or OFF).

These current fluctuations, in turn, contribute to the generation of voltage spikes of a magnitude that is high enough to damage sensitive electronic devices connected to the electrical system. This would be the last thing you want while riding in an emergency vehicle. The load sequencing function of a good load manager will allow you to turn all the selected loads ON or OFF from one location to minimize electrical disturbances and the effect this action may have upon the rest of the electrical system. The load shedding function is used to monitor the voltage level of the vehicles battery. If a decrease in the battery voltage is sensed, the load manager will start shedding loads. A good load manager will allow you to program what loads and in what sequence they will be shed. One the loads battery voltage returns to its normal value, the loads that were previously shed are switched on.

The examples in the previous paragraphs were for when a vehicle is in motion. If the vehicles alternator is not supplying enough power when the vehicle is idling, the load manager should have a high idle function which will send a signal the vehicles engine speed control to set the idle speed to a higher level. An action equivalent to pressing the accelerator while in park. The higher engine speed is maintained until the battery voltage returns to normal or until the engine is no long idling.

To learn more about load managers and their function in emergency vehicles visit www.ecxelectronics.com

Best Ideas For Getting a Mother's Day Gift

Our mas do so much for us. It is pleasant to have a day set aside just to recognize them for their love and efforts to help us. As we prepare to celebrate the goodness of our mothers it is vital to remember that no dollar value we spend can even begin to compare to the countless hours and the unending efforts our mummies spend making our life more comfy. Therefore, it's not necessary to spend a large amount of money on a present to make her Mother's day a tiny bit brighter.

Here are one or two ideas for suggestive Mother's Day gifts.

First, give her your time. When I was a kid we would go often to visit my granny in the retirement home where she stayed due to her many medical needs. I will always remember the faces of the white haired women there. They would gather into the visiting room whether or not an affiliate of their family was predicted. And every time the door would open their eyes would light up in anticipation of seeing a well-known face. There were two tiny women who waited everyday for a member of the family to come and visit them, only to be disappointed time and again. From that experience, I learned that frequently the best gift is simply to be there.

Flowers are always a thoughtful way to celebrate your mother. They fill the room with color and bring a sweet smelling message of love. However, if your mum is like mine, then watching cut flowers slowly wilt and die is a sad reminder of the temporary nature of life. While many mummies enjoy a gorgeous arrangement of cut flowers, my mum preferred a living plant. Every year for Mother's day we might give her flats of flowers that she could plant in her garden and enjoy all season long.

Give your mum a nice meal, with your company naturally. Think of how many meals your mother prepared for your benefit. Mother's Day is the ideal time to return the favor. Have the family get together at home, and then prepare a special meal for your guest of honor. If cooking is not your forte there are options for you also. Many restaurants serve a sweet Mother's Day brunch. Round the family up and meet together to enclose your mother with love and a meal.

Share memories on Mother's Day. Remember the laughter and even the tears, but do it in a way that lets your mum know she probably did a good job raising you. A photo album stuffed with pictures and handwritten memories from years gone by is a fab present idea. For people who are far more creative, turn it into a scrapbook full of brightly colored paper and trinkets to accessorize the photographs and journaling. For people that are far more technically talented, make a slide show or DVD full of memories of fun times and friends. This is an especially nice gift for those that are separated from their mothers by miles, because even after you have returned home, she will enjoy the memories repeatedly.

But who said Mother's day needed to be limited to a single day? What about celebrating your fantastic mother by doing a 12 days of Mother's Day gift. This would take some forethought, but it could be plenty of fun. For instance, on the 1st day you could give her one poem that tells her how much you care. On the second day you might give her two cans of her favorite soda. On the 3rd day give her three songs that remind you about her. And so on until Mother's Day which may be the 12th day. Then you can give her a spray of 12 beautiful flowers.

You know your mummy best. Take ten minutes to think about what makes her grin. I am sure you'll get it right.

How to Pass the Road Tests For Both Motorcycles and Cars

If you are among those new drivers who is getting ready to take the road test in order to secure your license, than this program is the ultimate comprehensive guide for you and it would help you learn how to pass your road test with flying colors. After you study from this comprehensive guide, you are sure to overcome all your nervousness and would indeed become one of those successful drivers to whatever driving on road is a passion rather than just a profession.

As the death toll on the highways is already on a high, passing the road test has become a major fear to anyone and everyone who wishes to clear the test. But the videos provided in the site not only become an interactive driving instructor but also covers within full scope as to what will happen during your road test. The knowledge of the safe practice lessons provided in here will impart training on how to stay safe on roads. It is not just a mere guide which will show you how to drive and ride around but it will teach you exactly what your examiner expects out of you. Learning how to deal with high risk situations by following this guide would be another major feature provided to you by this guide. It would also take you through major dangerous spots and teach you how to avoid common mistakes. This video also teaches you all about road ethics. So if you intend to have the best driver around than make sure you purchase this best driving guide [http://roadtest.wordpress.com] of the planet as soon as possible.

Jewelry Making Materials You Can Get Cheaply or Even Free

Jewelry making materials usually come from jewelry supply companies, do not they? Well, not necessarily - especially as offbeat components for creating jewelry are becoming more popular.

As the prices of silver, gold, and other traditional jewelry metals have risen, jewelry artists have begun using unusual and totally non-traditional jewelry making materials for their creations. Although this trend started because of the soaring cost of metal, its popularity has grown quickly as jewelry artists and their customers have discovered the fabulous possibilities of jewelry created from odds and ends.

When money is tight, jewelry customers want colorful, cheery ways to perk up their wardrobe without breaking the bank. So some of the most popular new bracelet, necklace, and earring designs are made from jewelry making materials such as:

* Cloth, fiber, cord, or rope - especially in bracelets that wrap, knot, tie, or cinch.
* Paper products / ephemera - often in tiny frames, mixed media, or collage.
* Wood jewelry components - either natural or colored.
* Buttons - of every size, shape, and vintage.
* Parts from older jewelry, combined with other elements and remade into new pieces.
* Seashells of all types, colors, and sizes - especially in earrings and necklaces.
* Colorful metals - especially colored or patinaed brass and copper.
* Repurposed items of all sorts - cut down, stripped, cleaned up, and turned into jewelry components.

How to Find Unusual Jewelry Making Materials

Instead of going out in search of a specific item, go with an open mind and be ready for serendipity to show you some crafty possibilities. Look at things with your creative eye, see past any accumulated dust and grime, and imagine what you can do with various items you come across.

Be prepared to sort through things. Bags, boxes, and drawers of miscellaneous objects are often where you'll find some of the best jewelry making materials.

Go through the clearance aisles and bins of craft stores, hardware stores, and home improvement stores.

Tell your friends and family about the types of "junk" you're looking to use for making jewelry. They'll think it's fun to keep an out for these things for you. Our loved ones often enjoy participating in the treasure hunt, and they may come across some fantastic finds we've never see otherwise!

Bring a flashlight and magnifying glass on your treasure hunts. Look closely at the condition of older or secondhand items before you buy them.

While you're hunting for jewelry making materials, also keep an eye out for things you can use to display your jewelry. Boxes, trunks, baskets, fabrics, gloves, dolls, racks, wig stands, picture frames, etc. can be cleaned up, repainted or refurbished into interesting jewelry displays.

Look at everything in yard sales, tag sales, estate sales, etc. The "merchandise" at these events is not always organized, so you never know where a stash of potential jewelry making materials may turn up. The best deals are when the event is winding down, when the owners just want to quickly unload their remaining stuff.

Visit antique, resale, and thrift shops and ask wherever they have a newsletter or an announcements mailing list for their events, sales, and new arrivals. If they do, have them add your name and address (or email) to the list. It's a good way to be one of the first people to see their new inventory - and any possible jewelry making materials. Owners of these shops are usually helpful, and will likely keep an eye out for anything in particular if you let them know about your interests.

5 Basic Skills For Driving Lessons

These are 5 very basic skills that everyone owns and when used help hugely on your driving lessons. Although some pupils may be better at using these skills than others, everyone is capable of using them, and how well you use these skills will depend on how quickly you learn.

1. Listening skills - This is the first one, and as said earlier everyone owns the ability to listen, but how well you use this skill will depend on how quickly you pick up learning how to drive. Been a better listener helps as you can listen to what your driving instructor is saying and implemented this into your driving. You may think you do this, though the more consciously you think about doing this the more you will do it and your driving will improve.


2. Communication Skills - It's not always about listening on your driving lessons, you have to communicate with your instructor and let them know what you are having difficulty with and they will explain further. Communication is vital and if you waste the time with your instructor by not communicating it it will take you longer to pass your driving test.


3. Planning skills - everyone can plan, some just are better at it than others. Planning and scanning is a vital part of driving, but the skill improves as you go on. You can improve this process and learn quicker by continuing to do hazard perception tests even after passing your theory test! As crazy as it sounds, these tests improve your planning and it's vital for you to be planning ahead on your driving lessons.


4. Hand-eye co-regulation skills - You do not need to be a table top tennis champion to be able to drive, however it does take some hand-eye co-ordination skills. You need to look at the road and tell the rest of your body what to do based on the situation ahead. There are the odd pups which struggle with this, but with practice they ever get it, to most however it is second nature and it makes your driving lessons a lot easier.


5. Organization skills - You do not need to hire a personal assistant if you have not gotten great organizational skills as it does not take much organization, even for an unorganized person. However there is a degree of organizational skills involved as far as booking your driving theory test and instructor is concerned.

These are the 5 basic skills which you have to hone in on to make your driving lessons successful. Be more conscious about the above skills and your driving tuition will go a lot smoother.