East Coast Compacts

SCP7 October 13-15 in Montreal Canada's Olympic Stadium

Hi all,
I'm excited to extend an invitation to you all to attend SCP7 in Montreal October 13-15, 2006 at Olympic Stadium.
It is still a month and a half away but the excitement surrounding this three day extravaganza is beginning to build. Regarded as "the Canadian SEMA" and "Canadian Sport Compact Mecca", already we have some of the top East Coast Car Clubs in the US; New Image Motorsports, TWCompetition, Team Emotion, WR Team and Hitech to name a few and they are all coming representing in strong numbers because it is also the www.NationalCustomCarAssociation.com 2006 Eastern Conference Finals, worth 4x the points, which means alot to these car competitors in the points chase. This ensures that nothing but the hottest cars, no one has seen in Canada, will be in attendance. All the more reason for all of you harcore builders to come out and represent the best of the best.
We are calling all car clubs to come out and bring their hottest rides (no hack-job specials� just real deal quality rides). Trust me if you are within driving distance of this show, it is worth checking out for yourself, plus Montreal is a great party city to spend a weekend in.
We'd love to see you all take part in the whole SCP experience, be a part of this excitement because it will be the ultimate experience for you guys as a car club/car builder/car enthusiast to take part in. *Please see attached newsletter to see what I mean*
Here's what I'd like to accomplish if you guys are interested in joining us:
- contact information and photos for each of your team's members and their vehicles for selection process
- completed registration forms (available at this link CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM) for each of your members ideally by September 15, 2006
FYI. Just a couple of things we want to let you know. We will have 24 hour secured parking for your truck and trailer and this is a 4x point NCCA East Coast Conference Final.
Every registration will receive 1 jug of Castrol Syntec, bottle of Meguiar's, an Official SCP7 Competitor Shirt, 2 VIP passes (also grants access to all participating bars&clubs) and the first 200 registrations will also receive the newest Racemode Lifestyle Shirt.
So please do not hesitate should you have any questions or concerns, we are in the office 1.800.310.4028 between 10am-6pm or via mobile 416.885.2544.
Thanks in advance, check us out online at www.sportcompactperformance.com and I look forward to making arrangements for you all for this coming SCP7 for October 13-15, 2006 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
Thanks again.
Michael Masangkay
Communications Director/ Vehicle Manager
Team SCP
www.sportcompactperformance.com
michael@sportcompact.ca
office:1.800.310.4028
mobile: 416.885.2544

A Bad Image

In the fall of 2005, a woman in her thirties was driving her motorcycle along the French Village road, when an on coming vehicle taking to sharp of a corner drove over the yellow line into her lane, forcing her into the ditch. The accident left her with several broken bones and a bike beyond repair. The vehicle has been identified as a red Honda Civic with tinted windows. The driver of the Civic, perhaps unaware of the occurrence (unlikely) continued driving.
The woman has since reported the accident with a description of the car to the local police department.
Its occurrences like this that leave the car enthusiasts with a bad image of street racers and irresponsible drivers.
Let�s be a little more careful this coming season and a little more responsible for ourselves and those we share the road with.

Used Cars:

Thinking about a used car extended warranty? Nervous about what's under the hood? Used car dealers are feeling your pain all the way to the bank. In an ironic twist, "pre-owned vehicle" dealers have found a way to profit from their bad reputation.

No, they're not just selling overpriced used car extended warranties anymore. They're charging a 10%-25% markup on used cars "certified" (by them) not to be pieces of junk. The accompanying "certified" used car warranties in fact usually carry much less protection than the best used car warranties, which you can buy yourself online. Who needs a used car warranty if your jalopy is a "certified" machine?

But even paying 10%-25% more won't eliminate risk. Thorough extended warranties for used cars are necessary, "certified" or not. In some cases, a half-hearted inspection means the certification may not be worth the paper it's written on. Used car problems often only appear months or years after purchase. That's why even for mint used cars, used car extended warranties are essential.

Worse, "certified" used cars don't always come with any extended used car warranty coverage. When a "certified" used car warranty is included, it usually has much less coverage than a new car warranty. Even most standard pre-owned vehicle extended warranties offer much more protection than most "certified" used car warranties.

You can almost always do better on your own. An independent inspection and a used car extended warranty provide better peace of mind, often at a lower price.

"Certified" Used Car Inspections Inspected

The cornerstone of a "certified" used car program is the supposedly super-thorough inspection. There are good reasons to think that the inspection does not replace an independent inspection or used car extended warranty coverage.

Are inspections really added value? Don't you wonder why dealers aren't inspecting all their cars before taking delivery themselves? Car dealers aren't idiots, at least not with cars. Anyone who's had to haggle over a trade-in knows that. The big question is whether the dealership will disclose everything it knows. Trust is still an issue with "certified" cars.

Certified by whom? Think about it: the same people who are trying to sell you the car are also "certifying" it. Yes, you read right: the "certification" is usually done by the dealership selling the car. If there's any manufacturer oversight, it's often just an occasional inspection of the dealer's inspection.

Duplicate inspection. You should have any used car, "certified" or not, thoroughly inspected by an independent mechanic. You're up against an industry that demonstrates about as much trustworthiness as, well, used car dealers. Do not give up your first line of defense.

Limits of inspections. No inspection in the world can foresee every possible problem. Oftentimes, something that breaks a few months after purchase really was fine when the car was sold--or was virtually undetectable. When--not if--something gives out, you'd better have a used car extended warranty.

"Certified" Used Car Warranty Coverage under the Hood

The implied selling point of "certified" used cars is they won't break. That kind of makes used car extended warranties seem unnecessary. Naturally, some buyers may wonder what will be happen if something does break anyway. In order to ease those inquiring minds, "certified" used car warranties often come included, or are at least implied. Sadly, too few people will inquire further about what the "certified" used car warranty covers.

Does certified mean "under warranty"? Not necessarily. The major manufacturers' "certified" programs usually include some extended warranty protection. But oftentimes, "certified" cars sold outside of manufacturers' programs do not come with any extended warranty coverage. If it does break, tough luck.

How good's the warranty? The GM Certified Used Vehicle Warranty is only for 3 months or 3,000 miles! Ford offers longer "certified" warranties. But they generally aren't bumper-to-bumper, covering only the "power train." Forget about the little extras like the roof or the doors. Right off the internet, you can buy extended warranty used car coverage that is generally bumper-to-bumper and lasts several years.

"Certified" Used Cars: Extended Warranties Still Needed

"Certified" used cars offer two things: an inspection and a used car extended warranty. Arguably, neither is worth the price.

Inspection. Let's face reality. The junky used car problem doesn't exist for want of dealer inspections. Lemons get sold for one of three reasons. a) The defect did not show up in the dealer's own inspection. b) The dealer is trying to sell a car whose defects were already known. Or sometimes c) the buyer knows about the defects but is guilty of wishful thinking. In none of these cases will a "certified" inspection provide the protection of an independent inspection and extended used car warranty.

Warranty. A "certified" used car will often cost 10%-25% more. For a $10,000 used car, that's $1,000-$2,500. An extended used car warranty from an independent auto warranty company will often cost about the same. But the best used car warranties will provide a lot more protection than "certified" used car warranties. Given that fact, you may end up getting an independent extended car warranty anyway.

Worst of all, certified used cars come with an expensive risk. They tempt you to let your guard down. Ford even issued a press release headlined "Pre-Owned Vehicle Program Reduces Customer Buyer Beware." As if that were a good thing.

Of course, in the end, you may buy a "certified" used car anyway. These days it seems there are fewer and fewer used cars that aren't "certified." Just make sure to get an independent inspection and an independent used car extended warranty. "Certified" or not, it's still a used car.

Joel Walsh, freelance automotive writer.

SpeedSport East: April 23rd, 2005

This past weekend I had the honour of attending my very first SpeedSport East car show. I have to say that it was very good and here is why.

For the avid car enthusiast whether it would be imports or not, this show had lots to see. First, it started out with the classic and drag cars. Some Camaros and Mustangs, Dodges and a Mini Minor gave any enthusiast the variety you would want. The paint jobs were unreal (the green skull), the tires were typical, it was what you'd expect on those sides of the floor. 2 out of 3 sections were domestic, and the food wasn't that great except for the Nachos, and the best car on that side was the one with the mirror under it. Pretty cool but not what I was looking for.

Now to the exciting part. Welcome to the hopping side 3 of 3. The import section! The second you hit this side you see what a car show like this should really be. The music and culture hits you, hot chicks everywhere. Getting your picture taken with some models (thanks Phil). Life is good. The cars, better.

If you look in the EGallery you'll see what I am talking about. The cars were off the hook! Civics, Neons, and VW's oh my!! Makes me wish I had more ca$h. Especially that yellow car (Integra?) that was for sale. Yum. The import side of things, or better yet, the Sport Compact side of things really gets the desire going for everyone to keep building on a great hobby. Kudos are well in hand for all who love our little piece of the world, the Sport Compacts.

In closing, I have to say the BEST part, the 5 out of 5, was the conduct of the East Coast Compacts Team on the cruise up. If someone got ahead, they waited up. If people needed to stop, everybody stopped, it was excellent. Communicating as a team, travelling as a team, being a team. That's what it comes down to.

As the year progresses I certainly hope that when Sport Compact Nights comes around, that we have 3 times the turn out and the TEAM Trophy comes home with us.

AN ECCompacts Creed.

It�s all about driving
Racing the precious ride
With some 40 series tires
Keeping grip at your side

Putting the foot to the floor
Just nailing on the gas
Opening up the NOS
A fellow ricer you have passed

Body kits for the looks
Turbos creating more speed
Intakes and headers
More parts we all need

Whether it�s American muscle
With a four-fifty-four
Or a tricked out import
Racing you door to door

It�s all for common interest
That�s why we�re here
Posting on ECCompacts
About the cars we call dear

So get out to the road or the track
Open up the NOS like your car�s on crack
Put the foot to the floor, cars you will pass
Look in the rear view, you just kicked ass.

Written June 25th, 2004 by VW_Duce.

The ZC is rollin again

Well after a 2 year battle with my ZC, Mike Bernard came to the rescue and figured out the problem laid inside the wire harness, the wire harness that was in the car was a hack job. Mike took it out and replaced it with a fresh Si harness doing the complete swap for the engine and inside the car. We rebuilt the engine as mentioned in the previous story. We cranked it over, and it sounded like a champ, and guess what no codes, she is finally fixed and tonite being the 9th of sept. it will make its return "Hello darlin, nice to see ya, its been a long time."

Getting my ZC rollin

I have been messin around with my 91 civic for going on 2 years, I have put a lot of time and effort into only to be let down at every corner. I have given the car everything it has ever needed with little reward in the end. But I think I have it this time. The latest project on my zc engine was a rebuild because the rod bearings were gone. I decided while I have the engine apart I would install a new wireharness as I have had ecu error #9 on for the whole time I have owned the car, I have tried every step to rid the car of that code even as far as trying three different sensors and no luck. As for the motor, I got the crank polished new rod and main bearings, a performance head that was port and polished, 3 angle valve job and milled down and a ported and port matched intake manifold and a bored out throttle body. The car should be completed this weekend (sept 4,5) wish me luck this time, maybe for once this investment will pay me back!

''Street Legal''

"Street Legal"
Loren McGinnis cruises the fast lane of street racing subculture and finds it has gone mainstream.

Gone are the days when Corvette, Mustang, Camaro and Harley drivers had the run of the road. The new kids on the block are the sport-compacts. Picture Honda Civics, Acura Integras and Chevy Cavaliers, all geared up for street-racing and parking lot show-and-tell.

This new car culture had been incubating for years and received its turbo-charge into popular culture from the movie, The Fast and the Furious. The movie, released in 2001, featured hunky fellas and foxy ladies committing highway robbery while wearing tight clothes, drinking Corona and driving stylin� street racing machines.

The Fast and the Furious pushed sport compact street racers from an illicit sub-culture into the mainstream of cities, small-towns and burbs all over North America, with New Brunswick being no exception. And it galvanized a car culture that is distinct from its predecessor.

�At one Tim Hortons you see a bunch of Civics and sport-bikes, at another you�ll see Harleys and hot rods,� says Jason Blanchard, a performance vehicle enthusiast and store manager at Saint John�s Action Truck Caps.

According to Blanchard, you have to go to the Moncton area to check out the best wheels.

�You drive an hour and a half out of Saint John and the chicks are deadlier and the cars are even better,� he says.

The word on the streets was that Shediac was the place to be last weekend to check out the hottest vehicles from across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

I anticipated a display of lawless debauchery and bad-ass hip, not unlike that protrayed in �The Fast and the Furious�. The trip to Shediac was indeed worth it, though it defied expectations.

After creeping up and down the crowded midday streets of Shediac, I stumbled across a pack of �tricked-out� cars parked in the lot of a do-it-yourself car wash.

The gang, once assembled, took off for the still-to-be-determined locale of the show. As I wove in and out of traffic, accelerating to keep up with the long line of Honda Civics and other small cars that had been souped up to turn heads and to race, I began to doubt my driving ability and the limits of my car.

Just shy of racing speed, the line of cars, which I was struggling to keep pace with, was definitely turning heads.

My plain ol� 2001 Saturn and my jerky driving surely had curious on-lookers on Shediac�s Main street patios wondering how I fit in with this slick crowd.

Fast and furiously my nerves and caution gave way to a sense of excitement, and even more noticeably � a sense of belonging. The nine cars veiled with black tinted windows, speeding smoothly in synchronicity ahead of me were the East Coast Motorsports team. They had driven, in a fowl formation, from Saint John to Shediac to attend what I believed to be a secret meeting of street-racers and their cars.

I�d been tipped off about a gathering and couldn�t resist the temptation of an illicit scenario to generate a story.

We arrived � after taking a wrong turn that required a gracefully choreographed ten car u-turn � at a piece of land that was part of a provincial park. I parked my car, which I was now ashamed of, behind a tree.

The grassy area for showing cars was as civil as a company party or a family picnic. Where was the bonfire, the lewd behaviour, the Corona...and the racing?

Alas, there was to be no racing. The heightened profile of the industry led to a crackdown on street racing. While it hasn�t done anything to decrease the need for speed, it has caused speed demons to seek safer, legal opportunities to push their vehicles.

The nature of the gathering in Shediac, the seventh annual Fun Run, showed that sport-compact enthusiasm is no longer defined only by a movie. It was clearly no longer a lawless sub-culture.

The vehicles at the Fun Run also showed that sport-compact enthusiasts are finding ever-more expensive ways to express their passion for small, fast, customized automobiles.

The Fun Run was organized by the owner and operator of Xtreme Motorsports (and unofficial head of the New Brunswick performance car movement), Serge Leger. At 36, Leger is proof that this relatively new obsession is not just for the kids. He says his business also caters to people in their forties who have developed an interest in the motor-sport.

A business person and car enthusiast, he has helped cultivate interest � The Fun Run being the most significant initiative. They also maintain an on-line community of New Brunswick car enthusiasts. Leger estimates that there are 600 people in the province who are dialled into the sport compact scene.

However, Leger says that The Fast and the Furious is still greatly responsibility for the popularity of the sport.

�When the movie first hit us, it was not only in sales, but in interest. We had almost twice as much revenue from year to year after the movie,� says Leger.

From the perspective of a small business owner, that spike was welcome. Whole new demographic pockets developed an interest in the sport, including women.

�Before, the girls would come in with boyfriends and husbands; now they come in alone and they know what they want,� says Leger.

There were women at the Fun Run.

�I bought this because I�ve always wanted one,� says 20-year-old Niccole Berggren, who owns a 97 Honda Prelude with a V-tech engine, performance wheels, suspension, intake, exhaust, a powerful stereo and tinted windows.

In all there were 180 cars on display in Shediac.

From Leger�s perspective, there is only one negative that came from the dramatic increase in interest: dangerous street races.

Street racing has become an issue of national concern in law enforcement, as several young people have died in unsanctioned street race accidents in the years since The Fast and the Furious was released.

�We used to have a problem down at King William road, down by Lorneville [in Saint John],� says Sgt. Crowley, of the Saint John Police Department. �They were doing a little racing, but we got our plain�clothes down there and that put the run to them.�

Sgt. Crowley�s reference to problems in the past seems to be the sentiment shared by police around the province, as well as members of the sport compact community.

�We used to go to Caledonia Industrial Park [in Moncton],� says Leger, �but that was spoiled by kids throwing bottles and making a disturbance. Now our relationship with the police is pretty good.�

RCMP Constable Lamoureux recalls the period immediately following The Fast and the Furious, �When that came out I remember we had a few incidents, but now we just have the odd cowboy who goes on the roads where no one lives. I guess those people spend too much money on their cars to race them.�

And spend money they do. The cost of purchasing a car is small compared to what enthusiasts invest in performance parts to enhance their vehicles.

Saint John�s Ian Walker, who runs East Coast Motorsports and drove lead in our formation down Shediac�s Main street, estimates that he has invested $55,000 in his 1998 Acura Integra. His most recent, annual paint job, an 18-layer combination of blue pearl, white and clear glaze, cost $4,000.

The unofficial �car of the day� in Shediac was Leger�s 1995 Acura Integra. The Acura was also recognized by Super Street Magazine as �Canada�s Hottest Car.�

Leger purchased the car initially for $6,000. Since then Leger has invested around $30,000 in it, which doesn�t account for the cost of labour. Leger is quick to point out that the car is not his work alone.

�Me and everybody that works at the shop have made a contribution to that car,� says Leger. He estimates that a total price tag for labour would amount to around $27,000.

Lenny Boudreau, one of Leger�s co-workers, estimates the Acura�s paint job at a price of $15-20,000.

But the price tag isn�t always the price you pay. Within the community of car builders, parts distributors and on-line shopping, sport compact insiders are always wheeling and dealing.

�Does a carpenter pay full price for a house?� asks Blanchard.

Though he bargained and cut deals along the way, Leger has invested more in his vehicle than he hopes to get for it in a sale. He has it insured for $60,000, but is ready to sell it for between $30-40,000.

Given the money and time he has invested in his prize Acura, why would he part with it?

�The only reason to sell it is to start a new project from scratch,� says Leger, �to build a new one.�

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Smog Test - Emission Test - Drive Clean

Smog Test - Emission Test - Drive Clean By Peter, Associate Technical Writer, BAT Auto Technical

Whatever one calls it, checking the emissions that come out of vehicle's tailpipe is here to stay. Governments of all levels whether Federal, State or Provincial have found it the political correct thing to do and strongly support it publicly. This is, hopefully, to help people understand emission testing and what can go wrong when a vehicle fails an emission test that we write this article. This in no means has all the answers or will it make one an emission expert. To fully understand emission would take several weeks in school and a strong background in mechanical repairs. The first things one has to understand is what emission gases are and what some of the terms used are.