Daily Archives2016 December 20

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The fourth generation Nissan 300zx hit the U.S. market in 1990! Since its nationwide drop, car enthusiasts have been fascinated by this wondrous machine. Not only has it gained the attention of sport car drivers all over the world, but it has also garnished more awards than most cars have ever dreamed of seeing. In fact, speaking of cars dreaming…the 300ZX should definitely have been featured in The Fast and The Furious Series, as the fastest car.

Topping out at 280 mph, the 300ZX holds the land speed record, awarded at the 1991 Bonneville Speed Trial. Imagine…that was without serious modifications! The Z32 could reach 60 mph, easily in just under 6 seconds! The Fairlady Z easily made the Chevy Corvette, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Mazda RX-7, Dodge Viper, Toyota Supra and Porsche 968 shutter in fear at the thought of racing against it. But racing awards are not the only titles that the 300ZX holds under its hood.

In 1990, the first year of the fourth generation, Motor Trend named the 300ZX “The Import Car of the Year” and “One of the Top Ten Performance Cars”. Further, the Z32 was placed on Automobile Magazine’s “All-Star” list, and honored with “Design of the Year” by the same forum. That same year, Road & Track and Car and Driver called the 300ZX “One of the Ten Best Cars in the World”.

You are probably reading this thinking….whatever. Many cars gain these distinctions in their first year, and then quickly lose their popularity and fan base. While this is true for many vehicles, it did not, nor does it now, apply to the Fairlady Z.

For seven straight years, from 1990-1996, Car and Driver awarded the 300ZX “One of the Ten Best Cars”, and for five years, from 1990-1994, it was on Automobile Magazine’s “All-Star” list! The reputation of the Z32 is virtually unheard-of!

Even after Nissan stopped importing the Fairlady Z to the United States, it continued to win awards. Automobile Magazine named it one of the coolest cars of all time in 2004, and in 2006, gave it the distinction of being included in lists like, “20 of the Greatest Cars of the Past 20 Years”, and “25 Most Beautiful Cars in History”.

The question remains, will the 300ZX continue to win awards? The answer is a resounding, YES! People are modifying and accessorizing the Z32, so that it will continue to be faster, sleeker and more appealing. Modified suspensions, air intakes and brake kits [http://modified300zx.com/index.php?cPath=4_85] all contribute to the ZX continuing to excel at races and drifting challenges.

Finding aftermarket parts and accessories [http://www.modified300zx.com/] has become a relatively easy task, with the advent of eCommerce sites that offer every possible thing for every possible vehicle. However, when I buy aftermarket parts and accessories, I want to buy them from someone who loves and respects the Fairlady Z as much as I do! That place, in my opinion is, without a doubt is Modified 300ZX [http://www.modified300zx.com/].

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Source by Jennifer Lassiter

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When it comes to streamlining and maximizing value of production in a company, no other system would beat kaizen. Kaizen is a quality strategy or scheme adopted and implemented by companies that are adopting measures for lean manufacturing, which is known as a process of minimizing production costs to boost overall valuation of a company. Kaizen was devised and introduced by Japanese car making giant Toyota Production System and was shared to all major firms in operations worldwide. Through the years both minor and major businesses have been adopting and implementing Kaizen in efforts to improve profitability and generate costs.

Kaizen is a Japanese word that literally means ‘continuous improvement’. Principally, the idea behind the concept is that small and relatively negligible improvements and changes in business operations would lead to major improvements to bolster productivity, efficiency and profitability in the long run. Because Kaizen is a systematic process, it is logical that its implementation is ruled and governed by several practical and logical metrics. Hence, every company aiming to adopt Kaizen needs to familiarize first with several important and basic Kaizen metrics.

Basic Kaizen metrics is often led by overall duration of production or operational cycles. By this, a company evaluating itself using Kaizen metrics as a guide determines the overall efficiency of operations. By looking at the duration employees complete a product or process, the management can easily tell whether there is efficiency in production. Manufacturers and firms know that productivity is boosted when disturbance and wasteful practices and objects are eliminated from the workplace. Time factors also deal with the duration of defect correction and processing.

Also included in the Kaizen metrics is the flow of tasks. In manufacturing operations and business organizations, it is important that all employees are working as a team. Competition with each other is important in boosting productivity, but overall synergies and cooperation to come up to good results and increased and efficient production is also as important. All employees from the least in the ranks, to the middlemen, to managers and executives must work hand in hand to bolster production and smoothen flow of job tasks.

In terms of troubleshooting and resolving problems and disruptions during operations, it is important that companies implement the system of ‘Five Whys’, which is again identified with Kaizen. Companies adopting Kaizen must answer the following questions when dealing with operational problems:

– Why the equipment did ceased working?

– Why was an overload a problem?

– Why was the machine not lubricated sufficiently?

– Why was the equipment not working efficiently? And

– Why did the machine part worn out?

Part of implementing and observing the metrics of Kaizen is the follow up sessions. Follow ups serve as assessment and evaluation of whether improvements in operations are sustained. Part of the follow up activities is the routine performance measures to determine if employees and executives have all contributed productively to operations.

Kaizen metrics are as simple as that. On top of it all, it is important that companies note that lean manufacturing productivity measures come in cycles. Production would be continuously efficient if all personnel involved are disciplined to follow recommended efficient and productive processes.

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Source by Sam Miller

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Have you noticed how you see more older Honda Accords being driven than any other type of car? It’s a stretch to find a 1989 Chevy Monte Carlo or a 1992 Ford Taurus driving these days. However, Accords seem to have longevity. Blame it on their reliability and high resale value, as well as true driver loyalty to the Honda brand. You can’t kill these cars.

The Honda Accord has long been known for its trustworthiness, ever since 1976 when the model was born. The car has beat out the competitors (including Toyota Camry) with solid ratings across the board for safety, reliability, resale value, design and family friendliness.

Drivers who bought their Honda Accords in the 1980s find little reason to sell them, since the Accord lasts so long if properly maintained. After a few repairs and replacements (most occurring at the 100,000 mile mark), like timing belt, water pump and axles, owners have put as much as 300,000 miles (or more) on their Accords and continue to get great use from the reliable vehicle.

A Look at the Accord’s Best Years

The Accord is in its eighth generation currently. Some generations of the popular vehicle have lasted better than others, although there are Honda Accords on the road from all generations.

Fourth Generation

The Accords built between 1990 to 1993 were hearty, and we still see them out and about. This model bore a close resemblance to the Acura Legend, which gave it a more upscale feel for an Accord compared to previous generations. In 1993, the 10th anniversary of the SE model brought a special edition of the LX sedan with extra features.

Fifth Generation

Probably the most popular in terms of used cars today, the Honda Accords built between 1994 and 1997 still retain good resale value and are more reliable than your average 12 to 15 year old used car. This model got a facelift from the previous generation, with a wider body and a V6 engine introduced in 1995.

From New to Old

If you’ve owned a Honda Accord, you’re likely to buy another one for your next car. Accord owners appreciate the vehicle’s handling ability, and those that drive the coupe love the sportiness that still comes with great reliability and quality. Sedan drivers appreciate the roominess that allows for comfort for the whole family.

Looking to sell your Honda Accord?

Accords provide good resale value, with models from as far back as 1990 being worth at least $1200.

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Source by Jason S. Tustle

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The Grandtrek SJ6 snow tire from Dunlop is a specially designed snow tire for light SUVs, pickups, and 4x4s. This tire fits the 15 and 16 inch rims of smaller vehicles very well. It has certain upsides and downsides you should consider when deciding which snow tire to buy this winter.

Compared to the SJ5 model, the Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 is better suited to smaller and lighter vehicles. These include Jeeps (Wrangler, Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Patriot, Liberty), Honda (Passport, Element, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline), Toyota (Highlander, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, RAV4), Hyundai (Tucson, Santa Fe, Veracruz), Ford (Flex, Edge, Escape, Explorer, Ranger), Mazda (CX-7, CX-9), BMW X3, etc. If you have a larger vehicle such as a Chevrolet Suburban then you should consider the SJ5 instead.

Now that you’ve decided the SJ6 falls in your vehicle’s size range, what are the positive features associated with the Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6?

First, the tire has excellent snow grip, drainage of slush and water, and is resistant to hydroplaning. This comes from the wide tread openings and tread shape designed for heavy winter conditions. Drivers often report passing multiple cars stuck in the snow on the side of the road as they drive by on their SJ6’s.

Second, the tire has strong braking performance in the snow and wet. This comes from the soft compound and aggressive tread, which bites down rather than floating above like a standard all weather tire might. Wouldn’t you want the extra safety of short stopping distance in dangerous winter conditions?

Third, customer ratings are high for this tire — 8 out of 10! That’s a good vote of confidence in a competitive snow tire market.

Now for the downsides of the Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6. This isn’t the best specialty tire for hard ice. Some owners mention that they felt the Dunlop Graspic tires are better for driving on slick ice. For most temperatures down to 0 degrees F, these tires should work fine. In predominantly rainy conditions (no snow), all-weather tires perform much better and provide longer tread life, better handling, and a more responsive feel. Clearly its snow performance is what puts the Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 at or near the top of the heap.

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Source by Dann Roberts

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There is a saying: “You have to dress to impress on your first date”. It is certainly true, but we all have to admit that for guys the most important thing on the first date should be their ride. Just picture this scene: you’re at her door in tuxedo with a bouquet of 25 roses (her favorites). She opens the door, takes you by the arm and you slowly walk her towards your Baby Blue color 1998 Toyota Corolla with multiple dings, scratches and a bumper sticker that says “Nirvana”. If she is a smart and beautiful girl she will fake faint right there on the spot or will bolt and run away like Usain Bolt. Women don’t really care that much about your attire, flowers or manners. Your ride on the opposite will speak volumes to them and in most cases will make them totally blind to everything else. Now picture another scene: you’re at her door with one hand holding your falling down pants and in your other hand a 24 ounce can of “Milwaukee’s Best” wrapped in a brown paper bag. She opens the door and since she is a smart girl she is about to fake faint or almost ready to bolt like Mr. Bolt but she peeks over your right shoulder and sees your 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Convertible parked in her driveway. And because she is a smart and beautiful girl she takes you by the arm and walks you down to your car. The rest of the story is up to your imagination.

It’s very simple my friends – your future and your wife to be is determined by Your Ride. Cruel but true, that’s why Date My Ride website came up with a list of 2010 Top 10 Best Dating Cars for Guys. Rides are not listed in any particular order or sequence. Those are simply the Top 10 must haves.

1. 2010 Chevrolet Hurst/Camaro. This one is the perfect ride for the first date. The new 2010 Camaro will sure knock your date off her feet. Stylish body flow, aggressive grill, 20 inch rims (bling, bling) and 420-hp 6.2L V-8 powerful engine will absolutely close the deal on your first date. Plus this sweet ride is a huge ego booster – no girl will ever care of your looks or clothing when you are pulling into her driveway with this sweet new ride.
2. 2010 Rolls -Royce Ghost. This one right of the bat makes a statement – I am over 60, I am filthy rich, I could die pretty soon and leave you fighting with my heirs over the money. With ride like this one – 212.6 inches long, price tag of over $300K, 536-hp 6.6L V-12 engine you will attract the hottest gold diggers from all over the world. The news flash for gramps – no gold digger will care about your looks, jaw implants, hearing aids or Alzheimer’s when you are proudly drooling behind the steering wheel of this bad ass coffin!
3. 2010 Nissan GT-R. When chicks are going to see you in the ride such as 2010 Nissan GT-R two things will come to their minds – “Fast and Furious and Vin Diesel.” This ride will create an impression of you that you are as buff and tough like Mr. Diesel. Put few stripes or flames on the hood; throw in some monstrous speakers and this 485-hp 3.8L V-6 Turbo engine tow seater will become a love ride. No coed will ever say “No” to you when she sees you in this ride flying down the street or doing smoky wheelies. Plus you will be able to smoke every Civic or Corolla at the traffic light. The only bad news is that this ride isn’t cheap – $84K, so your part-time job at Chuck E Cheese’s won’t cut it.
4. 2010 Audi R8. Even James Bond- Agent 007 wouldn’t be ashamed to ride in this baby. 2010 Audi R8 should be every man’s dream. If this is your ride you can be well assured that Miley Cyrus would be fighting Sarah Palin about who gets to go out on the date with you. With this ride even if you are resembling George Costanza from Seinfeld – short, bold, no job, living with parents you absolutely will be dating the most gorgeous women! 525-hp 5.2L V-10 humming engine will make any kitty purr in this powerful ride.
5. 2011 Jaguar XJ – Series.You want to impress Desperate Housewives from LA, NY, NJ, and OC? Get this kitty cat – 510-hp 5.0L V-8 engines wouldn’t be bad for David Beckham either. The look of this car just says: “I am in it to win it” and “Of course I am a Gentleman”. Somehow this ride asks you to dress nicely so you become part of the car. And because of all that Euro/British hype ladies would be expecting you to be at the par with this car. Two words to describe this ride: “Gentlemen’s Choice”.
6. 2010 Ferrari California.The name says it all – “Ferrari California”. To have this ride you must a) live in LA, b) be one of those want to be A list or at least B list celebrities c) “have your dealer on a speed dial” and oh, almost forgot d) you must be skinny. If you meet all of the above this 460-hp 4.3L V-8 engine convertible is Your ride. Just keep in mind you will be attracting certain types of women with those common elements: a) she lives in LA, b) she is one of those want to be A list celebrities, c) “she will have her dealer on a speed dial” d) she will probably be a D size and oh, almost forgot e) she will be skinny.
7. 2010 Ford F – 250 Super Duty.Smell of beer, wood, gun powder, dogs and fish mixed with other women’s perfume that is the smell of a real man driving this Bad Boy! Who cares that his ride is bigger than his 1966 modular home sitting on stilts. A real woman needs a real man and real men drive real bad as trucks such as 385-hp 6.2L V-8 engine Ford F-250 Super Duty! And the best thing about this ride is that you can literally hoard loads of women in its bed.
8. 2010 Toyota Prius.You get this ride and every girl with “Green Peace” t-shirt will fall for you. Being “green” is fashionable these days. Even some actual A list Hollywood celebrities drive Priuses. But be forewarned that this 134-hp 1.8L engine bucket looking ride won’t score you any point with hot gold diggers, desperate housewives or girls from The Hills. Most likely you and your date will end up hugging the trees on a first date.
9. 2010 BMW M3 Convertible.This ride is an ultimate must have date car for guys. It is amazing how the sound of three simple letters Be-eM-double U will sweep your date of her feet. You won’t even need to buy any alcohol, just give her a ride in this 414-hp 4.0L V-8 convertible and she will feel absolutely drunk. Any man becomes a superhero when he drops those three simple letters to the woman….Be, eM, double U….
10. 2010 Mercedes -Benz CL65 AMG. No Top 10 car list is complete without the Benz. Women in all age groups, demographics and social levels will pay attention to you if you come to pick her up on a first date in this ride. We have to stress this again that you looks are not important if you are cruising down the street in this $200K plus, 604-hp 6.0L V-12 symbol of wealth. Get your date in a car, relax, adjust your hearing aid or pick piece of spinach from your braces and let this ride do its job.

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Source by Kevin Smithstein