AEM’s F/IC (Part # 30-1930 & 30-1931) is the answer for late model ODBII vechicles with aftermarket forced induction.  The AEM F/IC lends you a hand with the following:

• Fuel & Ignition - Drive up to 8 fuel injectors or control up to 8 additional fuel injectors. The F/IC-8 can also retard ignition timing.
• Boost Control - The F/IC-8 features built-in boost control. All that’s needed is AEM’s Boost Control Solenoid (Part # 30-2400) 
• Datalogger - With the F/IC-8 you can datalog to your PC with a USB connection or to the 2MB internal logging memory.
• Can-Bus System - AEM has designed the F/IC-8 not to interfere with the factory Can-Bus system of late-model race vehicles.

Although the Hyundai Genesis Coupe hasn’t hit the roads yet, and there haven’t been any real reports from the car mags - HKS has already sank their teeth into it and are planning on debuting the car at this years SEMA Show.  The colaboration between Hyundai and HKS should generate a fair bit of exposure for the Genesis Coupe and hopfully pull in some Honda/Nissan/Toyota buyers that have previously overlooked the ‘Other Big H’ in the import market.

As for the performance of this ride, you can be sure the stock 212HP turbocharge 4 cylinder will receive a nice bump from the following list of mods it’s going to be sporting:

• HKS GT Turbo Upgrade
• HKS Engine Internals
• HKS Limited-Edition Turbo Exhaust System
• HKS Super Mega Flow Intake System
• HKS Engine Management
• HKS Hipermax III Coilovers

For more info and the full Press Release from Hyundai, Check out out friends at Jalopnik

HKS USA, Inc., celebrating its 35th year as the premier manufacturer and supplier of automotive performance systems and parts, is proud to announce the ninth generation of the HKS Turbo Timer.

A turbo timer allows an engine to idle for a preset amount of time after the ignition key has been turned to the off position and removed. By allowing a turbocharged engine to idle, oil continues to pass through the turbo until it has cooled down to the point where oil “coking” will not occur. Re-designed for 2008, the all new Turbo Timer Type-0 and Type-1 feature a new, slim low profile design with a separate LCD display and control unit following the same design concepts as the current HKS EVC and A/F Knock Amp.

The Turbo Timer Type-0 (41001-AK009) features a red LCD backlit display for easy visibility, 2 timer modes, and a battery voltage meter with a peak value indication and warning function.

The Turbo Timer Type-1 (41001-AK010) features a light blue LCD backlit display and has the same basic timing and voltage features as the Type-0 plus several monitoring and measurement functions. The Turbo Timer Type-1 features an Auto mode for the timer function allowing the Turbo Timer to automatically calculate optimum idling time according to the most recent driving pattern. Vehicle speed and RPM can be displayed on the Type-1’s LCD monitor and a speed warning level can be set. A two-stage RPM warning can also be set and used as a shift indicator. When a warning level is reached the Type-1’s LCD monitor will blink and an audible beep will sound. The HKS Turbo Timer Type-1 also features various measurement functions including 1/4 mile timer, 0-60 timer and a stopwatch function that can be used for lap timing. The Turbo-Timer Type-1 can read in either MPH/SAE or KPH/Metric.

To Download this Press Release in it’s entirety - HKS Turbo Timer

We haven’t had a techy post in a while, so I figured now might be as good of time as any to let you guys know about the latest offering from the guys at Google.  According to the guys at Google, Google Chrome is a new browser that takes a fresh look at web browsing.  Parting ways from ’single threaded’ methods that current web browsers use to a new ‘multiple process’ methods, Google Chrome boasts faster load times, less memory usage and less browser crashes.

For more information, read the Behind the Open Source Browser Project

Ooooor, skip the comic and Download It

The boys at Honda sure can’t keep anything a secret.  But then again, why would they want to keep the new Honda Civic 5 Door under wraps?  With the recent trend in ‘going hatch’ (Subaru WRX/STi, Ford Festiva, Audi A3) it was just a matter of time before Honda revived their flagship bubble for another round.

Not only is this little hatch sporty from the factory, the Mugen treatment makes it all the more thought provoking.  The feel of the current FA/FG Honda Civic seems well preserved, even with the extra ‘junk in the trunk’.  The only remaining questions are: What powerplant with Honda bless this with - and  - will it makes it to the states?

Stay tuned or for the full story, check out out buddies at JPCN.com

The guys at CAR Magazine really know how to break a story.  Although the Audi R3 isn’t expected to hit the road for five years, this leaked picture must have Miata, S2000 and Sky designers running back to the drawing board to revamp their models to compete with this. This rear engine design will in essence be a replacement for the Audi TT, and would probably draw from available power sources, namely the 1.8T FSI, or the 2.0T.  Either way, Audi wants to keep power output competitive in it’s price bracket ($36,000-$65,000) without cannibalizing sales of it’s new cousins; the Porsche Cayman and Boxster.

Five years is a long time off, but that’s not a reason to stop speculating.  For the complete story, check out CAR Magazine

As everyone is vying for more sales, bigger profit margins and an increase in the bottom line - it’s easy to let your drive take over your instinct.  Here is some advice / good practices to make sure you don’t get caught up in any scams.

10. Treat Every Order Uniquely. Don’t get in the habit of just moving papers and sending e-mails.  Look over every order, make sure all information is complete (Address, Phone #, E-mail Address). For Credit Card orders verify CVV codes and Addresses.

9. Never Ship to PO Boxes or Drop Boxes. Just don’t do it.

8. Ship Items with Delivery Confirmation. Ship Items with Tracking Numbers and Signature Required.  Although this doesn’t prevent fraud, it does start a paper trail and provides proof of delivery which is useful in a number of circumstances.

7. Take Extra Care with Larger Orders. If you’re used to processing orders of $100-$500, take extra precautions when you receive a $1000+ order.  Also be extra wary of these orders if they insist on expedited (1Day, 2Day) shipping.

6. Do Your Homework. There are so many tools available to you over the web to better educate yourself about the customer.  Google Maps, Reverse Phone Number Look Ups, Etc, Etc.  If you have a feeling an order may not be legit, use these to confirm your thoughts or answer questions.

5. Pick Up the Phone. If something doesn’t sit right with you, call the customer. This will answer questions and open a dialog to get more information so you can make a better decision.

4.  Contact the Issuing Bank. Contact the Credit Issuing Bank (CIB) and they will contact the customer for you. The CIB will confirm the name and address given by the customer. If the phone number given to you on the order is no good; the CIB can help you in this instance. Have your merchant ID ready when calling the credit card company. Here are phone numbers you can call.
American Express    1-800-528-5200
Discover Card    1-800-347-2000
Visa/MasterCard    1-800-228-1122
CardService International Merchant Services    1-800-456-5989
E-Commerce Exchange Merchant Account Set-Up    1-800-242-0363 Ext. 2736

(Thanks ScamBusters.org for this one)

3. Be Careful With International Shipments. If you get an order for 20 S-AFCs going to Malaysia, you can count on this being a scam.  However, not every scam is that apparent. Do everything you can to verify the order, have the customer send in a copy of their license (ID), credit card and a utility bill for the address that matches the credit card billing address (also see #2).

2. Only Ship To The Customer Billing Address. Unless you have an extensive repertoire with the customer, don’t make exceptions.  Even then, keep in mind - if you ship to an address other then the billing address this exposes you to risk.  If it is absolutely imperative (customer lives in New York, but the car is in a shop in Maryland) have the customer add the shop’s address to the credit card.  Yes this may be an inconvenience for the customer, but it covers your ass.

1. If It’s Too Good To Be True - It Probably Is. Not much comes easy in a business like this, always be careful and do smart business.

If you have a turbocharged vehicle, then the thought of methanol injection has probably crossed your mind at least once.  If you haven’t made the jump because you can’t find a reliable system on the market, then wait no more.  AEM has just released their HD Water/Methanol Injection System complete with a 5-Gallon Reservoir, 150 PSI Pump, Progressive Controller and all hardware for a complete install.  Run more Boost, Make more Power.

Perfect for Diesel or Gasoline applications.

To Download this Press Release in it’s entirety - HD Water/Methanol Injection System

You probably know Vibrant Performance for their constant innovation and must have fabrication parts, but don’t overlook their commitment to simple and effective bolt-on’s. Case in point, Vibrant Performance offers a complete ‘header back’ exhaust solution for 2006+ FA/FG Civic Si owners.

Starting off the block, the 4-2-1 Race Header produces power gains of up to 20HP over the restrictive stock manifold. This is done by matching a true 4-2-1 tubular design with a massive 2.5″ outlet. Vibrant goes one step further by offering two versions of this header:

• 2507 (pictured) - Which includes a High Flow Metal Core Catalytic Converter
• 2508 - Which deletes the stock catalytic converter and provides maximum exhaust flow

To finish off the exhaust, the Vibrant StreetPower Cat-Back Exhaust System is designed to bolt-on to each of the aforementioned headers and offers additional power gains along with unmatched good looks.  The Vibrant Performance StreetPower Cat-Back Exhaust System is manufactured from 16 gauge T304 Stainless Steel and features “True Straight Through” Rear Mufflers and Resonators which are densely packed with Vibrant’s premium sound suppression materials to help produce a low, deep exhaust tone.

Available for both the Sedan and Coupe:

• 1622 - Sedan
• 1626 - Coupe

For more information on these products as well as evertyhing else offered, please visit Vibrant Performance

“R8 GT3” - That’s how.

Audi Motorsports pulled the cover off their new entry into the 2009 Season, and unveiled perhaps the sexiest car in competition.

According to the Audi Press Release:

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

I’m waiting to see if this breeds a new street version with a bump in power and some other goodies.

Check out our new buds over at SpeedHunters for more pics and a complete rundown.