DIY Garage – the blog for Auto DIY’ers from Advance Auto Parts

NHRA Funny Cars deliver some of the most exciting racing on earth, backed by extreme engineering, precision teamwork, and fearless drivers. Nothing quite matches the fury of two racers blistering the track at more than 300 miles per hour. “It’s a 10,000-horsepower car, and we launch at four or five Gs off the starting line—and negative Gs when we pull the parachutes—so it’s an exhilarating ride.” Exhilarating might be an understatement here.

Exhilarating might be an understatement here. You might have wondered how much horsepower a Top Fuel Funny Car has, but the answer can only be approximated as there isn’t a dynamometer on earth that can survive measuring the exact power level. The roots-style supercharger forces air into the forged aluminum engine at a crushing 65 psi. Like a firehose, the fuel pump can push more than 100 gallons per minute. Each race consumes about 15 gallons, so Force’s Camaro burns roughly 60 gallons of nitromethane per mile. Tipping the scale at only 2,300 pounds, the 0 to 60 number looks like a typo, taking about 0.8 seconds. Force has completed the 1,000-foot track in 3.855 seconds, at a top speed of 331.45 miles per hour. All those stats sound extreme? They should, as this car is built with only the best parts.

The Chevrolet Camaro SS that you can buy from a dealer is a little different. The direct injected 6.2L V8 generates 455 hp and 455 lb-ft. Solid numbers, but we’re already losing this race. A supercharger isn’t available on the SS model, and the street car weighs in at more than 1,000 pounds heavier than the race car, at 3,685 pounds. The fuel pump can push 66 gallons per hour (not minute), and the SS earns an estimated 25 MPG highway, so at least the street car wins that contest.

No one’s going to be driving a Funny Car as a daily driver. Still, there are parts available to help you feel a little more like Courtney does on race day, from superchargers to performance exhaust systems. Maybe get started with an aftermarket air intake or short throw shifter. Whether you have a Chevy Silverado or a Honda Accord, there’s parts and knowledge out there that can show you how to increase horsepower for nearly any vehicle. DIY Garage – the blog for Auto DIY’ers from Advance Auto Parts

DIY Auto Repair Information and Tips

Looking for a DIY auto repair guide that you can trust? Learn how repair and maintain your vehicle with advice from a real mechanic. As an auto mechanic, I have dealt with many people… including some people who had been ripped off by another auto repair shop.

As an auto mechanic, I have dealt with many people… including some people who had been ripped off by another auto repair shop. As a vehicle owner, the best thing you can do is learn how to maintain it in good working condition and what to do when something goes wrong.

I fix vehicles and answer people’s auto repair questions for a living. My friends and family keep telling me “we wish you lived closer so we could take our car to someone we trust”. That is what inspired me to create this site: To deliver honest do it yourself auto repair information for all.

With this site, you will be getting free access to my years of auto repair experience… first as a do it yourself mechanic, then as a certified auto technician and finally ending up as automotive manager.

I have filled this website with my own do it yourself auto repair tips including how to troubleshoot problems, whether you should fix the problem yourself and how much that repair should cost so you can avoid getting ripped off.

All do it yourself auto repairs begin with knowing what is wrong with your car or truck. Learn what are the correct steps you should take to pinpoint vehicle problems and faults. DIY Auto Repair Information and Tips by a Real Mechanic