WAER

West Auckland Engine Reconditioners show off new dyno (+video)

April 4th, 2011 by NZV8

The team at West Auckland Engine Reconditioners has just added a new Superflow dyno testing machine to it facilities and have filmed a short video to show us what it’s all about.

The Dyno is a German Maha rolling road with Superflow control and software package. The software is updated on a regular basis by engineers to keep the dyno on track with the latest technology.

WAER’s purpose built Dyno Cell is an impressive set up being fully insulated for sound and also temperature stability. A large extraction fan removes exhaust fumes and fresh air is pushed in by two large entry fans that ensure the engine only receives fresh air.

The two large moveable fans work in front of the vehicle to ensure the engine is cooled correctly and the dyno can record horsepower, torque and air fuel ratio throughout the operating range of the engine.

All information is logged and can be accessed if further modifications are performed to the engine at a later date for comparison purposes. The Dyno has already become integral of the WAER workshop and enables the crew to deliver an extremely high standard of tune for clients.

Check out a video of the dyno in action below and to find out more about WAER click here to visit the West Auckland Engine Reconditioners website. (more…)

1970 Plymouth Barracuda – Living the Dream – 56

December 11th, 2010 by NZV8

“Riding loud Harleys down Route 66 with no helmet is not the most sensible thing to do, but you will always remember it. This ’Cuda will be about as close as I will get to that with four wheels,” says Russell O’Donoghue. A man with an appreciation for all things American; he worked in the States for more than 20 years and, more pertinently, owns this astonishing 1970 ’Cuda.

He couldn’t have chosen a more desirable base to build from. ’Cuda convertibles are nigh on impossible to find and rank among the most desirable muscle cars on the planet. Of course, that desirability comes at a cost, but after years of working as a superyacht captain, he was ready to own the car of his dreams.

But the ’Cuda dream very nearly turned into a nightmare before the build even started. Though it was a show car in the land of stars and stripes, on its arrival in New Zealand the car was found to be an utter basket-case. Had it been a common vehicle it would have been scrapped, but being one of only 12 1970 Gran Coupe Convertibles built, that was never going to be an option.

It’s a situation that could have put Russell off cars for good, and while he says he will never build another car to this extent, we are extremely glad he saw the project through to completion, because the result is one of the most impressive vehicles ever to featured in NZV8.

(more…)