S80s Secret Formula Is Under The Hood

Arresting looks and remarkable ergonomics are not enough to drive aficionados wild. Moreover, Volvo boosts auto performance by perking the engine up. What is under the hood is as equally important as other auto parts. With said modifications, Volvo expects that the Volvo S80 will not only turn heads but turn preferences as well.

Volvo Cars earlier unveiled an entirely new high-efficiency six-cylinder in-line engine that features an advanced induction system that contributes to both good performance and impressive fuel efficiency. A number of innovative solutions created by Volvos pool of engineers made it possible to produce an extraordinarily compact engine. I think that this will be one of the most impressive six-cylinder engines on the market, said Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Cars.

The six-cylinder 3.2 liters engine is made entirely of aluminum and has a bigger displacement than its predecessor 2.9. The automaker improved power to 175 kW as is torque, at 320 Nm. This corresponds to increases of 31 kW and 40 Nm respectively. Said engine has been designed to blend with the new six-speed automatic transmission. Further, the entire driveline has been engineered to complement with the rest of the auto parts to create balance and harmonious drive feel in every respect.

Volvo engineers applied a wide range of technologically advanced solutions to the Volvo S80s valvetrain and a variable intake system. The solutions made it possible for the engine to be exploited efficiently throughout the rev range. As such, it could promote alert response and superb performance. This is done without compromising the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

The Volvo S80s valvetrain features the Cam Profile Switching (CPS) and the Variable Cam Timing (VCT). These features contribute significantly to the flexibility and driveability of the Volvo S80. CPS allows the inlet valves to be lifted to two varied heights depending on the load and speed of the engine. In principle, Cam Profile Switching creates two engines in one, explained Crabb.

We can unite widely differing demands on one and the same engine and easily meet the requirements of customers with entirely different wishes. For instance, we can equally easily satisfy customers who prioritize performance as well as those who are more interested in driving comfort and fuel economy, he further adds.

The VIS, on the other hand, is given two throttle flap valves which adjust the intake manifold volume to complement the driving situation. This system boosts torque and power to manage a thrilling ride. Through precise interplay with the flap valves we actually get three different torque curves that are integrated with one another, said Crabb. Consequently, we can exploit the engines capacity to the maximum and extract the highest possible power throughout the rev range. The result is alert response to the accelerator pedal at both low and high speeds, with both generous power and good driveability.

Another secret ingredient to the Volvo S80s formula is the compact format. Despite the engines 3.2 liter displacement, it has extremely compact exterior dimensions. The entire package is only 3 millimeters longer than Volvos five-cylinder engine. The total engine length is 625 millimeters. A compact format is a matter of safety, explained Crabb. It is particularly important that the engine takes up minimal space longitudinally in the vehicle. Volvos engines are fitted transversely and a compact engine thus has more space to move inside the engine compartment in the event of an impact that deforms the cars front. This helps reduce the risk of engine penetration into the passenger compartment.

The compact solution integrates Shaft In Shaft design. We are very proud of this compact solution, added Crabb. A lot of highly advanced development work was required in order to arrive at a design that ensures smooth and quiet operation.

All told, the new six-cylinder engine offers a premium experience in every respect, concluded Crabb. This applies to its performance and fuel efficiency, and also to its driving comfort and the sound of the engine. The fact that the engines design also helps enhance safety isnt something the customer usually thinks about, but it is naturally a central part of Volvos product concept.

The new six-cylinder engine is built in Fords Bridgend factory in Wales. It is also where Volvo fuel injectors are assembled. The factory, built in 1980, has manufactured about 10 million engines by 2001.

Hennesseys SRT600 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Its faster than a speeding Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It laughs at the face of a BMW X5 and sprints to 60 mph faster than a new Mustang GT. The new super car, Jeeps rowdy Grand Cherokee SRT8 is equipped with a powerful 6.1 liter Hemi V8, delivering a potent 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. This SUV family hauler is definitely not your average SUV and you will know soon enough once you hear its throaty roar as it reach a quarter mile in a matter of 13.5 seconds which by the way is only a muscle car territory.

Despite the power delivered by Jeeps Grand Cherokee SRT8 it still doesnt match the performance of the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and for this same reason why the Hennessey Performance created the new SRT600 package. The Hennessey Performance was the same people responsible for tuning up the Viper and since it wants to always create something more powerful than its previous masterpiece it has developed the performance package that will enable the Grand Cherokee SRT8 to finally defeat the ferocious Dodge V10 Viper in a 0 to 60 and quarter mile sprint.

Actually this was already accomplished with the new Hennessey SRT600 fortified Jeep, the Viper was outpaced to 60 mph by half a second and cross the quarter mile finish line two-tenths sooner than a much lower and lighter Viper.

Ever wondered where the Jeeps added Saturn V-like thrust comes from? Instead of a solid rocket booster, a big Garrett turbocharger has provided the boost to a modified 6.1 liter V8. How did the Hennessey Performance accomplish this? First they started by removing the stock SRT8 V8 and tear it down to the cast-iron cylinder block. Afterwards heavy-duty bearings were added before the installation of aftermarket forged steel connecting rods, forged-aluminum 9.5:1piston, and high performance piston rings.

Hennessey has also reworked the cylinder heads creating a full porting on the intake and exhaust runners along with polished combustion chambers. And on airflow test bench conducted by Hennessey the ported heads flow 360 cfm on each intake port which is about 60 cfm more than stock.

To further increase airflow to the cylinders a single Garrett T4 turbocharger that delivers seven psi of thrust was added. The custom-made stainless-steel headers deliver exhaust to the turbo, then boost is fed through the 3.5 inch polished stainless steel tubing, a big front mount air-to-air aluminum intercooler and custom inlet tubing replete with twin billet-aluminum blow-off valves. To keep the turbos boost in check is a single 44 mm wastegate while the 180 degree thermostat helps the Hemi to remain cool.

Hennessey has also added a high-volume fuel pump that delivers a continuous flow of petrol likewise the oversized fuel injectors and a special fuel-pressure regulator are being monitored by a custom-programmed engine computer. The result of all these process is a 6.1 liter V8 that delivers 600 horsepower at 5200 rpm backed by 650 lb-ft of torque at 4000 revs. Such powerful torque requires a lot of engine airflow that lead the Hennessey to fit a dual three inch diameter stainless steel exhaust system, high flow mufflers, and a polished four inch diameter exhaust tips. At rest, the SRT600 is like a meek lamb but try to flat-foot the throttle and it awakens into a monstrous beast. A word of caution: The Hennessey SRT600 Jeep SRT8 is not for the faint-hearted.

The modifications done on the Jeep SRT8 was maintained at a minimum level which means that aside from the engine, the basic components of the SRT8 like for instance its Jeep fuel filter, the factory SRT spec Brembo disc brakes and many more were not altered. The exterior was however enhanced by adding a few SRT600 badges and optional 20x10.5 inches forged aluminum wheels wrapped in a Michelin Pilot Sport 2 295/30ZR20 tires.

Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Disease

Congestive heart disease is the hearts inability to supply enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the needs of the human body. It is commonly caused by a weaken heart muscle, hardening of the arteries, some lung diseases such as cancer and emphysema. Over five million Americans suffer from this disease and it is believed that over half of them will die from their condition within the next 5 years. Congestive heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization among senior citizens.
A previous heart attack, advanced age, and diabetes are all factors in developing congestive heart disease. While all of these medical conditions are treatable the damage done to the heart muscle cannot be reversed.
Another risk factor that cannot be changed when dealing with congestive heart disease is having a genetic disposition to the disease. Genetic testing and knowledge of the complete family history can go a long way in indicating whether or not congestive heart disease is something that should be a concern for you.
While some risk factors for congestive heart disease cannot be helped, there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of developing this disease. These factors include such things as chronic high blood pressure, drug or alcohol abuse, thyroid disease, and even heart valve disease.
The best course of action to take is to reduce your risk of developing congestive heart disease and improve the quality of life. Unfortunately, congestive heart disease is difficult to diagnose because it often occurs as a result of or in conjunction with other forms of heart disease. Perhaps the best hope for patients with this disease is to catch it early and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Heart Disease such as Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin B, Ginkgo Plus and M.S.M.
There is strong evidence that trace mineral Copper is vital to the tensile strength of the coronary blood vessels.
Scientists have found that people who drink hard water, water rich in calcium and magnesium, stand less chance of developing cardiovascular disease that people who drink soft water.
Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue. Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers high blood pressure.
Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Zinc is needed for healing and maintaining healthy tissues. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein and are the vital components of skin, hair, muscle tissue, the body's organs, blood cells, various enzymes and hormones. Zinc also has a profound influence on the body's ability to resist disease.
Vitamin B taken together as B-Complex work as a team to perform vital biological processes, including energy production and efficient metabolic function.
Ginkgo Plus supplies a comprehensive range of important nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the vascular system and for improving blood circulation to the brain.
M.S.M maintains the development of the body's protein by forming flexible disulfide bonds between certain amino acids and in maintaining the strength of connective tissue. This allows water and nutrients to flow freely into cells and allows toxins to flow freely out of the cells. M.S.M increases athletic stamina and helps eliminate muscle soreness. M.S.M is a natural supplement that is getting a lot of attention due to its role in tissue healing at the cellular level. It is a natural organic sulfur that comes from rain fall and is found naturally in the human body.
If you are at risk from Congestive Heart Disease then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Congenital Heart Disease Demystified

This article is an attempt to remove confusion concerning some of the issues regarding congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease is a kind of malformation or heart defect that exists somewhere in the heart. In some cases it is a defect that can be found in one of the blood vessels of the heart. It is defined as congenital because the defect is present when a baby is born. It is strongly believed that these types of heart defects take place while the fetus is developing but it is not clear at what stage throughout the nine months that it takes hold. Out of every 1,000 children born, 8 to 10 have this condition.

Some babies show symptoms of congenital heart defects from the very beginning of their lives while other people will not show symptoms until later in their childhoods. In other cases, such a defect is not discovered until a person has become an adult. It is estimated that 500,000 American adults suffer from congenital heart disease.

Trying to discover the cause of congenital heart disease is not easy. Most of the time the cause of it is not known. Doctors and medical researchers have discovered factors that do seem to suggest an increased risk of developing this disease however. One of these risk factors is a chromosomal abnormality or a genetic abnormality such as Down syndrome. Women who drink alcohol, use drugs or take specific types of medication during the period of their pregnancy are more likely to give birth to children with congenital heart defects. When a woman contracts a maternal viral infection such as German measles (also known as rubella) during the first trimester of her pregnancy she is more likely to give birth to a child with this disease.

If someone in the family such as a parent, grandparent or brother or sister was born with a congenital heart defect then the risk of a child in the family being born with it is even higher. For example, the risk for the general population is eight in 1000 but it becomes 16 in 1000 for those who have a family member with it.

There is more than one type of congenital heart disease. Heart valve defects are very common and these are stenosis or narrowing of the heart valves or in severe cases, valves that are narrowed to the point that they do not allow blood through at all. Leaky valves also fall under the category of heart valve defects. Atrial and ventricular septal defects which are defects in the walls between the atria and ventricles of the heart cause some blood which is oxygenated and some blood which is not, to mix which can cause problems in both the right and left areas of the heart. Another type of congenital heart disease is abnormalities in the heart muscle, which can then cause heart failure.

Congenital heart disease can cause symptoms but often times there are no symptoms at all. Sometimes it is necessary to undergo medical tests to determine whether or not a person is afflicted with this disease. If symptoms do show themselves the two most common are shortness of breath and a decreased ability for exercise.

The Most Common Types Of Heart Disease

This article is written to take some of the mystery (and hopefully, some of the fear) from the words, "heart disease."

Although there are many different types of heart disease when someone mentions the words "heart disease" most people think of coronary heart disease first. Coronary heart disease is a "narrowing of the arteries that lead to the heart" however it is important to stress that coronary heart disease is only one form of heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common types of heart disease. In fact, it is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Heart disease affects both the structure of the heart and the functioning of it or sometimes both. A number of conditions fall under the category of heart disease and these include coronary heart disease (which takes into account heart attacks), heart failure, heart valve disease, abnormal heart rhythms (or arrhythmias), congenital heart disease, pericardial disease, aorta disease and Marfan syndrome, heart muscle disease (or cardiomyopathy), and vascular disease (blood vessel disease).

Coronary artery disease (or abbreviated to CAD) is another name for atherosclerosis or simply hardening of the arteries. It is the arteries that make it possible for nutrients and oxygen to make it to the heart. This is also one of the more common types of heart disease.

The average heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute in a steady even manner. This works out to be approximately 100,000 each and every day. However for reasons unknown to the medical community, sometimes the heart falls out of rhythm. This leads to an abnormal heartbeat or an irregular heartbeat, which is known as arrhythmia. Also known as a dysrhythmia, in this cause a change takes place to the rhythm of the heart, which can lead to a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or uneven in how it beats. This is one of the more unusual types of heart disease.

The term "heart failure" is somewhat misleading. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has failed or that it has ceased to work properly. Instead it means that the pumping action of the heart is not as good as it should be. Heart failure affects an average of five million Americans every year and is the number one cause of hospitalization for individuals over the age of 65.

The heart has four chambers and heart valves lie at the exit of each one and allow one-way blood flow to make its way through the heart. Heart valve disease takes place when there is a problem with any one of these heart valves. Some examples of heart valve disease include aortic stenosis, mitral valve insufficiency and mitral valve prolapse.

Congenital heart disease is a problem that occurs before a baby is born and is a defect in the way the heart is structured or else in the structure of the blood vessels. Congenital heart disease sometimes does not show itself until a person is a child and in some cases, until they become an adult. Congenital heart defects affect an average of 8 out of every 1,000 babies born on an annual basis.

Cardiomyopathies are diseases that occur to affect the muscle of the heart. Generally this includes heart muscles that are enlarged or else have become stiff or thickened over a period of time. Heart muscle disease makes it difficult for the heart to adequately pump blood. If it is left untreated, a cardiomyopathy will get worse as time progresses and can very often lead to both heart failure as well as abnormal heart rhythms.

Pericarditis is a condition that involves the lining of the heart becoming inflamed. This is one of the more unusual types of heart disease. This condition is actually rather rare and is most often caused by one type of infection or another.

The aorta is the biggest artery in the heart and a number of conditions can cause it to either tear or to widen (or dilate). Thee include the genetic condition known as Marfan Syndrome, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders and injury. This is one of the types of heart disease that is somewhat rare.

8 Reasons To Lose Weight Now

Obesity is the second leading cause of death after smoking. It is associated with an increased mortality rate of all ages including children. Losing weight though commercialized is still to your benefit if you carry more weight than you should.

Obesity and overweight are term often used interchangeably. However, technically they refer to two different states.

Being overweight technically means excess body mass. This includes all the body tissues. Obesity on the other hand refers explicitly to excess body fat e.g. a professional heavy weight body builder is overweight because of excess muscles but is not obese.

Obesity is what should concern you. Losing weight is no longer an issue you can afford to procrastinate, and probably a good health scare is in order.

Reason #1 to lose weight

Diabetes:- It is well known that 80 -90% of type-two-diabetes patients are overweight. Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., as well as the leading cause of adult blindness in the world. One of the direct causes of obesity is eating wrong foods. Some of these wrong foods include high glycemic foods. High glycemic foods are energy dense foods that quickly increase the level of blood glucose in your body after been eaten. This results to the body reserving the unnecessarily high glucose/energy into fat. This makes losing weight very difficult.

Releasing a hormone called insulin does this. Type-Two-diabetes occurs because the body cannot produce enough insulin to remove the excess blood glucose and store it as body fat. This will occur after straining insulin production for some time. And that is how you end up being fat and diabetic.

Reason #2 to lose weight

Stroke: - Obesity is associated with arteriosclerosis, the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries through out your body. This makes them narrow slowing blood flow and among other things increases risk of the blood clotting. Arteries at risk include those supplying blood to the brain. If clotting occurs due to narrowed artery, it blocks blood supply to an area of the brain resulting to stroke. Losing weight reduces this risk.

Reason #3 to lose weight

Cancer: - The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates between 25% - 33% of cancer world wide are overweight and physical inactivity related. Body fat evidently promotes higher levels of insulin production and excess estoregens, a hormone. Both insulin and estorogens accelerate cell division.
(Probably to create adipose tissue; new fat cells to store fat, in addition to the regular cell division)

As research has indicated, the faster cells duplicate the more they increase chances of a cancerous cell developing. The situation is further complicated as the rapid cell division caused by the excess hormones lead also to rapid cell reproduction of the one cancerous cell, hence cancer starts to develop actively. In addition fat cells tend to keep carcinogenic i.e. cancer-causing agents, trapped in the body which increases chances of developing cancer. Types of cancers you will be at high risk to get include:- Breast cancer- affecting the breast possibly in both men and women. Colorectal cancer- affecting colon and rectum. Prostrate cancer- affecting the prostrate gland in men. Endometrial cancer- affecting the uterus. Esophageal cancer- affecting the esophagus. Renal cell cancer, the cancer of the kidney, etc.

Reason #4 to lose weight

Respiratory problems: - Obesity causes lungs to "become smaller" in size and chest wall become heavier to lift in the process of breathing in. The most common respiratory problem is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where by an individual stops breathing for some time while asleep. A soft tissue in the throat collapses around the air way probably due to weight, blocking it. For the severely obese sleep apnea may get more complicated with hypoventilation. Hypoventilation is accumulation of toxic levels of carbon dioxide (the gas we breathe out) in the blood, due to inadequate breathing. Losing weight would be the only permanent safe and healthy solution to sleep apnea.

Reason #5 to lose weight

Urinary Incontinence: - This is involuntary release of urine. Being overweight can contribute to urinary incontinence. A heavy abdomen due to body fat deposit may cause valve of urinary bladder to be weakened. The weight also exerts pressure on the urinary bladder, trying to push urine out. This results to leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing. This is because of a slight relaxation of the bladder valve that normally will not result to leakage. It can even result to bed wetting at night. This particular problem can be a very effective motivator to lose weight.

Reason #6 to lose weight

Varicose veins: - Also known as Venous Stratis Disease. The leg and thigh muscles assist the heart in blood circulation just like most large muscles in the body. They are involved in pumping blood against gravity back to the heart with the help of valves that close to avoid a backward flow. Pressure as a result of a large abdomen may increase the work load on the valves eventually causing damage. Damaged valves then allow for blood to back up, due to gravity, causing high pressure in these veins leading to swelling, thickening of skin and skin ulcers.

Reason #7 to lose weight

High Blood Pressure: - The BMI (Body Mass Index) and age together are the strongest indicator of risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. At least a third of hypertension is related to obesity.

Reason #8 to lose weight

Other Diseases: - Other diseases which MAY occur as a result of being overweight include; Gout, Coronary heart disease, Lower back pains, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gall stones, Pregnancy disorders such as, Neural tube defect, Prenatal mortality, Maternal hypertension, Gestational diabetes, Impaired immune response, Liver disease, Pancreatitis, Bad body smell and Depression

Research shows that even modest weight loss of even 10 pound for the overweight significantly reduces the risk of developing these diseases. Weight loss is in fact a challenge taken by many every year.

Unfortunately many fail in this healthy endeavor. And all because of one thing; they lack proper information on effective weight loss. Effective weight loss is permanent, and a permanent weight loss depends fundamentally on four factors. These four are what we at Health-eMark call the 'Top 4 Reasons for Weight Loss Failure'.

Toyota Modified Valve Body

As many Toyota and Jeep owners know, the AW4 / Toyota 340,
A340, and A341E series of transmissions are generally very
well made and demonstrate excellent durability in unmodified
applications. The framework is present for an extremely
strong transmission that is to be used in a high performance
or extreme duty application.

The problem is that the original calibration is engineered
for driver comfort rather than ultimate component strength.
The soft, sliding shifts that are part of the original
design are not appropriate for increased horsepower
applications, towing, off road use, racing, etc.

These calibration inadequacies quickly manifest themselves
as extremely poor shift quality, and more often than not,
severe damage to the gearbox is soon to follow. One of the
most common symptoms of this is the engine stuttering or
hitting the rev limiter during a full throttle upshift.

Without going into too much technical detail, the factory
shortcomings can be addressed through modification and
recalibration of the control valve assembly, a.k.a. the
valve body.

The valve body is a component that is comprised of valves,
solenoids, an orifice separator plate and an intricate
series of passages- it is the most complex component in the
most complex part of your vehicle- the automatic
transmission.

The function of the valve body is to act as the "brain" of
the automatic transmission- it directs hydraulic pressure to
the appropriate clutches and bands at the right time to
initiate upshifts, down shifts, selection of reverse,
converter clutch application, etc. As well as controlling
shift timing and shift quality, it is also responsible for
directing hydraulic pressure to the cooler and the
lubrication circuit.

As you can imagine, the transmission's operational
characteristics can be drastically altered and also
customized to the given application through modifications to
this component.

Because there are no commercially available shift kits for
these transmissions, we began working on valve body
modifications that were appropriate for Supras, Jeeps with
the AW4 transmission, Toyota Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner, and
also Lexus SUV's and rear drive passenger cars- especially
those that needed to handle the additional power that
accompanies the installation of a supercharger, turbo or
nitrous oxide injection.

At the risk of oversimplification, there are a few things
that are done in concert to create much more favorable
operation of the gearbox.

The first thing that needs to be done is to increase the
hydraulic operating pressure of the transmission- this
pressure is known as "line pressure". All hydraulic
functions of the transmission are based on this pressure-
what is especially of concern for these purposes is the
clamping force which is applied to the clutches and bands to
get them to hold against engine torque.

In simple terms, increased engine output is complemented by
increased line pressure and increased "clamp" on the
clutches- this can be likened to a performance clutch with a
heavier pressure plate spring in a manual transmission
equipped vehicle.

The idea is to raise this pressure only slightly at light
throttle but increase it by 30-40% at full throttle- where
it is really needed. The effects of this are shifts that are
not overly uncomfortable at lower throttle openings, while
at heavier throttle, firm shifts with much shorter clutch
application time and increased clamping force can be
achieved.

An additional benefit of this is increased flow through the
transmission's cooler and lube system.

Secondly, hydraulic pressure is normally routed through an
orifice in a metal "separator plate" that resides between
the two halves of the valve body before it gets to its
intended destination. By altering these orifices, we can
increase the volume of hydraulic oil that is used to apply
the various clutches and bands.

The final part of modification is the alteration of the
accumulator circuits. These are hydraulic circuits that are
parallel to the components that are used for shifting. Their
function is to absorb or "accumulate" some of the hydraulic
pressure that is intended to apply a clutch pack or band. By
limiting the action of what is essentially a "shock
absorber" for each shift, we are able to further reduce
clutch lock up time and shift lag at wide open throttle.

The end result is that shift time is reduced by 30 to 80%,
depending on the amount of acceptable shift feel and the
intended application. The clamping force that is required to
apply the clutches and bands is increased by 30 to 40% at
full throttle. Flow through the cooler and lube circuit is
increased and the converter clutch application time is also
reduced.

Transmission and valve body upgrades are not only for
American made vehicles anymore. Increased performance and
more efficient shifting is now available for vehicles of
almost every manufacturer thanks to the few companies that
are willing to do the research and development work required
for this rapidly growing segment of the automotive
aftermarket.