• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Just wasted 15 mins watching that stupid tornado fuelsaver commercial

F

foggy

Senior member
So there I was, flicking through the channels, and that ad came up again. For some reason, I was somehow drawn to the idea "yeah! more horsepower, or yeah! better mileage!" They brought in the works. Experts in the field of automotive, witnesses, radio talkshow hosts, etc... As an engineer, I was trying to comprehend whether it would actually work or not, or whether those people were paid to do it and say how good it was, or whatever.

But before I knew it, 15 mins of my life just went past... *sigh* damn commercials.

As a sidenote though, I think this thing does work, since the principles make sense. But 5-20 gain horsepower on your car? Well, yes and no. I think they should perhaps quote it based on percentage of horsepower. That would be more accurate than trying to give someone with a 100hp car the idea that he or she could gain 20 hp from this contraption. The other thing I noticed as well is that the hp gains seem to be only applicable for older modelled cars... does this thing work on newer model cars? Anyone got this thing?
 


<< As a sidenote though, I think this thing does work, since the principles make sense. But 5-20 gain horsepower on your car? Well, yes and no. I think they should perhaps quote it based on percentage of horsepower. That would be more accurate than trying to give someone with a 100hp car the idea that he or she could gain 20 hp from this contraption. The other thing I noticed as well is that the hp gains seem to be only applicable for older modelled cars... does this thing work on newer model cars? Anyone got this thing? >>

First, I am of the opinion that it probably works in some applications, but not in others. Second, in those applications it does work in, it probably doesn't result in the gains they are claiming, but something less.

I forget which magazine did a test and found that it actually reduced the fuel economy of a Chevy Tahoe (or it may have been a Suburban) and no increase in HP could be measured.

There was another thread a while back about this, and someone rejected my opinion that it probably worked in some vehicles, asserting that manufacturers develop and test the intake systems on their vehicles to maximize air-flow and thus this product couldn't improve upon their designs. That is just plain false.

We know that manufacturers actually 'restrict' many characteristics of their engines to comply with regulations or for other reasons. This is why the aftermarket performance industry has such success in developing parts and components that literally "bolt-on" or "drop-in", resulting in HP or fuel economy gains. I intended to ask this person that if what he said were true, then it means all those aftermarket performance parts and components (K&N filter chargers, PROM chips, MASS air flow sensors, heads, cams, etc.) that you can drop-in or bolt-on to a 5.0 Mustang or LT1 Camaro don't really do anything. But, I forgot about the thread. lol!
 
What is this thing, and how do they claim that it works? I try to avoid the infomercials, and I'm usually successful, since I have a Tivo that usually records something else for me to check out.
 
This thing has been shown NOT to work so many times it's ridiculous. I think Consumer Reports even tested it. I wouldn't even consider buying it.
 
If it has been proven to significantly increase efficiency and power sumultaneous just as catalytic converter is proven to prevent pollution, do you think EPA would not mandate it on new cars? I think not.
 
I know this guy who owns a bridge. He'll sell it cheap.

Seriously, If this really worked, don't you think all the major auto manufacturers would be lining up for
a license. You would also hear alot more people, other than the guys on the commercial, raving about it.

One of the few aftermarket products I have found to actually do what it claims is Rain-X. That stuff is great.

As far as performance, there is no free lunch. Unless you are just removing a restriction put in place
by the manufacturer to meet governement requirements, you aren't going to see huge improvements with a simple
little gadget. And I agree these people should quote in percentage of horsepower or gas mileage. A 2 percent
increase in horsepower doesn't sound as impressive to a person with a 100HP car though.
 


<< If it has been proven to significantly increase efficiency and power sumultaneous just as catalytic converter is proven to prevent pollution, do you think EPA would not mandate it on new cars? I think not. >>



a catalytic converter does not increase power. It restricts it. Hence the reason(among otherS) the American WRX has 4(i believe) and has significantly lower HP than the japanese version.

The EPA does not regulate cars, either. They make recommendations.

There is are 3rd party chips out for the VW/Audi 1.8T and the TDI that both increase power and increase fuel mileage, but they are not factory installed.
 


<<

<< If it has been proven to significantly increase efficiency and power sumultaneous just as catalytic converter is proven to prevent pollution, do you think EPA would not mandate it on new cars? I think not. >>



a catalytic converter does not increase power. It restricts it. Hence the reason(among otherS) the American WRX has 4(i believe) and has significantly lower HP than the japanese version.

The EPA does not regulate cars, either. They make recommendations.

There is are 3rd party chips out for the VW/Audi 1.8T and the TDI that both increase power and increase fuel mileage, but they are not factory installed. >>



OK, read that first part again: just as catalytic converter is proven to prevent pollution. He didn't say catalytic converters increase power, he said they prevented pollution. However, if it could be proven that the "Tornado" performed as it claimed, then it would be regulated much in the same way. It was a comparison, silly.
 
Talking about infomercial, it's been Slick, Motor-Up, Prolong, and now Z-Max. Do y'all really think they work at all?

I know it's kinda off topic for this thread, but pls dont flame me!
 


<< Talking about infomercial, it's been Slick, Motor-Up, Prolong, and now Z-Max. Do y'all really think they work at all?

I know it's kinda off topic for this thread, but pls dont flame me! >>




I read that there was a huge lawsuit on Z-max because someone found out what they were actually selling was nothing more than "tinted mineral oil" to put in various parts of your engine/fuel line. Studies showed also that it helped increase the corrosion of the engine. Sounds like something I want. 😉


Here's a link...

It's the FTC that was suing them, lol. I wonder if there was ever a resolution to this lawsuit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top