Engine tuning scam products...

[BigSwede]

Well, found a site about the "engine tuning" parts we discussed in a thread in the 75/Milano forum a while back.
I don't want to twist the knife or anything, I just thought this site was hilarious.
Check out all the big words in the first part of the text, quote from SpiralMax homepage(Homepage link):

"SpiralMax ® is a combination vortex generator, velocity stack, and venturi, made of stainless steel, installed in the air path, that extends the resident time between gas and air, maximizing vaporization for better combustion. It's beneficial for the engine, and is compatible and enhances the performance of all common aftermarket products, it is synergistic."

And it goes on:

"SpiralMax ®, is good for all cars. Besides giving you instant pickup and power, it will clean out and reduce carbon build-up, you will have longer lasting spark plugs, smoother running car, and reduced vibration and engine noise. You get more torque, acceleration, and better fuel economy. How is this done? Through better combustion. It is easy to install and typically takes less than (3) three minutes, do-it-yourself with just basic tools. . . .

Typical range of improvement over baseline is:
0 to 35 increase in horsepower,

0 to 31.85% increase in fuel economy.


(Actual performance may vary, depending on type of car, driver, and actual driving conditions.)"

Fantastic product, I wonder how it reduces vibrations and engine noise... Must be an engine in pretty crappy shape if thats going to happen.

They also have the "Turbo Exhaust Tube";
Link



My advise is that you stay as far away from these products as humanly possible...

[BigSwede]

This is another pretty funny "magic" technical gadget.

Link

Quote from the page:
"The Ecotek CB-26P can be fitted directly in the inlet manifold or to a vacuum servo/breather hose close to the inlet manifold. It is a non return valve with a Venturi construction which injects minute quantities of agitated air into the manifold at certain specific pressures. Whilst this will lean the mixture very slightly the quantities of air are so small as to make little difference (5% approx) but they are sufficient to create the turbulence necessary to produce such a dramatic improvement in combustion efficiency. Such improvements more than overcome the slight leaning of the mixture and practical experience has shown that many engines actually run cooler with the device fitted."

Eh, what? Translation?
Well they claim that by creating a controlled leak betwen the brake booster hose (which BTW probably will have the same or lower pressure as the manifold since they are connected) the product creates a swirl which lower emissions and fuel comsumption.
Notice that they talk about "Venturi effect" here to, unfortunately a venturi only work when there is flow involved and last time I checked the brake booster hose didn't have that much flow in it and the booster will probably have lower or the same pressure most of the time so no "injection" going on there...
Who wants leaner combustion anyway? Not me.

I'm putting this one in the "Placebo" folder with the SpiralMax.

[Greg Gordon]

A lot of people out there buy this crap. I think they are the same people who buy weight loss products that claim you don't need to excercise, you can eat all you want and still loose weight. Just take our $150 a bottle pill.
Greg Gordon
http://www.oldebottles.com once there scroll down to the Italian car link.