7474 Rear Bumper exhaust Heatshield

This is another simple yet functional mods. Well, unlike my CT9A brothers. They have an option to change to a carbon fiber heat shield. Unfortunately for me those parts are very-very hard to come by or non in existence. So like always I have to resort to having it custom made for me. As usual my favourite place would be GME. Ayee has come up with some brilliant ideas. Simple and functional.

Before: Using thermal stickers

After: Aluminium plate

As you can see the aluminium plate looks much more neater. Furthermore, it also hides the part which was melted by the heat of the exhaust.

7474 Steel Braided Breather Hose

I have been toying with the idea to change the kind of dirty looking blue silicon hoses to the steel braided hoses type. Normally people will connect the breather hose to an oil catch tank. Since I don't have an oil catch tank. I have decided to connect it to the air-ram. The steel braided hose looks much more cleaner and way cooler than the silicon hose type. It was a quick job which took less than 20 minutes to complete it. You can see the results from the picture below.


Before: Using silicon hose


After: Steel braided hose conversion

Ayee from GME has done another good job. Next up will be the rear bumper protector.

7474 ARC Replica Lip Spoiler

The name says it all, ARC replica lip spoiler. Since the original ARC cost a bomb. Since I am not a rich man , to have one make for me would be a logical choice. Same quality at a fraction of the price.

For those who don't know about the lip spoiler, basically what it does is improve the car aerodynamics. In another word better air flow around the car. At the same time it is also a great dress up kit.

Before lip spoiler

After lip spoiler

The end results really looks cool. The looks wider from the front and I notice a difference in high speed cornering. More stable at high speed.

Like previous 2 upgrades, I am unable to provide any details on the damage done to my pocket since the project is not completed yet. Once I am done I will update it accordingly.

7474 Upper IC Piping Re-loaded

If you remember I had the upper ic piping done quite a while back. This was before I upgraded to the turbular extractor. with the stock set-up there is a hose which act as a heater that goes into the upper ic piping.

When i remove the I upgraded the extractor, the hose have to remove. So instead of re-doing the piping, what i did was just plugged the outlet. Which looks kind of ugly, it leaves me no choice but to re-do the piping.


Upper IC before


Upper IC after

As you can see from the picture it looks much more cleaner and it would definitely gives better airflow.

7474 SUNAUTO Hot Earth Ignition Blade

This is my latest mod done to 7474 engine bay. Since my plug cable cover is cracked , so this will be a good excuse for me to change the plug cable cover. Like always the questions that most of car enthusiast would ask themselves like which type or brand shall I use.

At first I wanted the HKS Kansai carbon fiber plug cable and timing belt cover. Although it looks nice but that is all it does.

My last upgrades was the clear timing belt cover and next up was the pug cable cover. I heard from my friend Hanafi who used to work in N1. He told me that Desmond of N1 installed a Splitfire ignition blade and actually gain 10hp He has a dyno chart to prove it. Since my mechanic actually brings in SUNAUTO product and it is actually a similar system and more appealing. It comes in 2 colour choises, either blue or red. Since my engine bay has a lot of blue colour. I decided to go for the blue on.

For those who does not know or never heard about this product. It actually helps eliminates negative ions circulating throughout the ignition coils and cylinder head therefore providing the lowest possible resistance enabling the ignition system to reach maximum potential. The body of the Ignition Blade is made of lightweight aluminum which hassuperior electrical conductivity. As well as the Hot Earth, ultra low impedance copper wiring uses unique design of 99.99% copper core to get the lowest impedance.

For more information you can visit the website below :

http://www.sun-auto.co.jp/english/english_html/pro_02/hot_earth_ignition.html

The results, as you can see in the picture. Now the engine bay looks more brighter compare to the dull looking engine that I had earlier.


SUNAUTO Ignition blade still in the box

Before SUNAUTO Ignition Blade


After SUNAUTO Ignition Blade

Side View :After SUNAUTO Ignition Blade

Next will be to dyno the car and see whether there is any power gain or not.

Damaged:

1) SUNAUTO IGNITION BLADE ~ RM: 610 (Enzo Racing)

2) Installation ~ FOC (Enzo Racing)

7474 Custom Air Box

This is one of the upgrades which is often overlooked by most people when upgrading their air filter to the open pod system. Basically the air box main function is to prevent the air filter from sucking in the hot air within the engine bay. Since we all live in a tropical climate country therefore this upgrades is a must. The answer is simple HOT AIR = LOSE OF HP.

Been wanting to do this for quite a while now. Finally had a chance to do it. Since CP9A model is consider like a dinosaurs in Malaysia and there are not many after market products available. I have no choice but to customise it.

It is a simple design but the only different is I ask the fabricator to make a small window on the top cover so that I can see the air filter. It may sound silly but the window is actually functional.

Since the air filter that I purchased is not the maintenance free type. It has to be check regularly to ensure that it is clean. Once it becomes too dirty it may not work efficiently to filter the dirt from going into the engine.

If I do not a window, I have to unfasten all the bolt in order to take peek at the air filter. So the best solution would be the window.


Air box with the viewing window


Before air-box


After air box


I had the air box made by Ah Yee(Not his real name) of GME in Sungai Buloh. I very happy with workmanship and the end product looks good. Next would be to wrap it with CF look sticker and heat shield in the inside.

Since the project is not completed, Ah Yee decided not to charge me yet. He will only bill me when the work is completed. Next up redo the upper i.c piping.

7474 Power and Upgrades

Well, I guess it's time for me to talk about 7474's power. Quite frankly I am not really a power hungry guy. I prefer car with moderate horsepower and responsive engine. Yet reliable enough for me to drive it hard daily. You heard me drive hard. Guess that's why I bought a performance car.


Power gain vs Mods :

1). 19/01/2006

Items:
K&N air Filter, 3" down pipe with 3" piping, Custom air intake, Profec B boost controller, Tial 38mm waste gate. (Tuned by Desmond)

Max Power: 259.94 PS
Max Torque: 32.09kg-m

2). 20/01/07

Items:
Same as above except for GReddy air filter, HKS o2 housing or turbo outlet, Custom stainless upper ic piping, APEXi AVCR Boost controller and actuator instead of waste gate. (Tuned by Desmond)

Max Power: 247.73 PS
Max Torque: 30.51kg-m

3). 24/01/07

Items:

Same as 1 & 2 except for Power FC (Tuned by Desmond)

Max Power: 260.34 PS
Max Torque: 35.05kg-m

4). 13/02/07

Items:
Same as I, 2 & 3 except for tubular manifold, custom O2 housing & Tial 38mm External waste gate (Tuned by Desmond)

Max Power: 274.86 PS
Max Torque: 36kg-m

5). 15/04/07

Items:
Same as 4 except for evo 7 turbo (Tuned By Desmond)

Due to oil feeder leaks causing the turbo to starved of fuel which spoiled the turbo. Horsepower power is strong but don't be fooled by the figure. It is laggy and power only kicks in at 4000 rpm which late.

Max Power: 279.32 PS
Max Torque: 35.84kg-m

6). 25/07/07

Items:
Same as 5 except for SARD 800cc injector(Tuned by Kamal).

Initial runs I got was 281ps but due to compression loosed as my piston gave way. The final results was somewhat dissapointing. But I do see the potential in Raja Kamal's tuning. When my car was tuned by Desmond of N1 it felt sluggish and there was huge turbo lag.When Kamal Tuned my car, it was responsive and as if it's running on a different turbo.

Max Power: 273.41 PS
Max Torque: 35.96kg-m

7. 11/09/07

Items: Same as 6except for 85.5mm piston, new bearings and 1.5mm Tomei gasket(Tuned by Kamal)


After the rebuild with the new setup together with Kamal's tuning. the car felt so lighter throughout the rev range. From low rev right up to 6500rpm. However, as what Kamal pointed to me before this I need cams to push the high rev power. Currently that is what lacking in my car. This is due to the cams setup is actually meant for the TME turbo.

Max Power: 286.99 PS
Max Torque: 37.05 kg-m

That's all for now. There will be few modification's left just the minor ones hopely able to gain another 10ps. Target is 300ps. Although, the difference from the current horsepower is only 13 ps. It is not an easy target t achieve.

Damaged:

1). On the road tuning ~ RM: 200 (Pulse Racing: Raja Kamal)
2). Dyno ~RM: 150 (N1 Racing)
3). Satisfaction ~ RM: Priceless

Pilot first GRA event ~ 09/08/07 (Part 3)

For those who don't about this event, it was quite popular in Singapore when it first started. I must say this will be the next best thing after drift. In fact I would prefer this event than drift. Since I am a huge WRC fan, this event reminds me of the super special stage minus the WRC cars. As you can see from the pictures taken there were a mixed of cars, from Kancil turbo right up to the Evos. Since this is a very technical course with so many small turns. High horsepower isn't such a big factor. It's more a test of skills, good set-up and a well balance car.

Subaru, don't ask me which version

One of my fav EK with Enkei RPF1 rims.. Clean!!

Another shot from a different angle

Another EK, it's cool except for the side skirt

Nana fav MR2 with Fast & Furious Rx7 clour scheme

One of the Evo 7 lining up

Ivan Khong's Subaru

Daymen inspecting his car after his front lip fell off

Another Evo with an old school MR2

Our government should encourange this sort of events. Not only this event is cheaper than all the other events. It's also helps our dying Motor Sports scene in Malaysia.

Pilot first GRA event ~ 09/08/07 (Part 2)

Here some more shots taken during the event. It was a very hot day until about 3.00pm it starts to cool down a bit thanks to the cloud hovering over the track. The contestant were given 5 runs and they will take the best of 3. So each runs the contestant will have to give everything they got to achieve the best time.

Pilot second run

Finishing line

Nana posed with Pilot at the end of his runs

My model for today's event

This is the actual model one of them

Strike pose baby .. Where is the wind?

Eryn getting ready for his skodeng mission

Pilot first GRA event ~ 09/08/07 (Part 1)

Today, I got to see one of the MEOC member whom is also one of my friend in action. His name is Thomas aka Pilot. Yeah, he is a real pilot and his weapon of choice for today's battle was none other than his monster Mitsubishi Evolution 6.


Pilot's Evo 6 Monster


Engine bay


Racing BOV for high boosting


ARC Air box


Bride seat with TAKATA harness

I had he opportunity to drive his car two nights back. I must say the car has some power under the hood and plenty of potential which has yet to be tab. But it could use a bit more response which is much needed in GRA events. The day didn't go quite smoothly for Pilot. Like all motor sports event, there's always that gremlins that decided to pop up in the worst possible time. In Pilot's case, he had miss firing problems and a new course for him. Despite having all those problems. He had quite well and able to give the other driver a stiff competition. He deserve a pat on his shoulder for the effort he put in in this competition.


Getting ready for his run


Getting ready


Part of the line up


Pilot in action doing the figure 8


Pilot frantically trying to solve his miss firing issue


Hmm.. I wonder what went wrong

7474 Clear timing belt cover

This is one of those none performance mod or shall I say wasting money mod. Since I had the same thing on my Satria GTi last time. So I reckon it would good in the Evo as well. Since Pilot is bringing it in so I have decided to order one.

One the contrary of what people said about this item like turning yellow and cracking. I decided to gamble on it. Actually, the lone I had on my GTi only lasted for 3 months before turning yellow and eventually cracked.

Physically looking at the clear timing belt cover that Pilot brought it. I can see quite a lot of difference from the one I had in my previous car. For one it's a lot thicker and better quality as shown in the picture below.



Before installation

Then comes installation, it may looks kind of easy. Like the saying goes "Easier said than done". Well, I found out the hard way. For start you have to loosen up 4 bolts which are located at 4 corners of the timing belt cover.

The 2 top and front bottom was easy to remove due to it's location making it easier for the spanner access . But the one at rear bottom was a pain to remove. Since I am lazy to take out the strut bar. I had to do a bit of gymnastic in order to squeeze the spanner through. Well, with a bit of patience and lot of swearing. I managed to take the last bolt out.

This is how it looks after installation.


Before : Stock timing belt cover which is black and boring


After : The timing belt and pulley is clearly visible


After: Another angle of of the clear timing belt cover


Engine bay before clear timing belt cover


Engine bay after clear timing belt cover

Even though the clear timing belt cover is not as shinny or cool like the carbon ones. I think it gonna look way cooler when I install an aftermarket cam pulley coupled with a new timing belt. The TODA timing belt looks rather stock. Power timing belt would look cool since it's blue in colour.

I am happy with the overall results. Next up SUNAUTO ignition blade which will replace the plug cable cover. Then comes the custom air box. Once that done, I can conclude my engine bay mods.

Damaged:
1. Clear timing belt cover - RM: 450 (Imported by Thomas aka Pilot of MEOC)

7474 Upgrades (September)

Finally, I managed to get my get some photos of my upgrades. As I mentioned on my previous posting. I've done quite a bit. Well, a lot of things happened between my last updates to date.

Let me tell you what happen. For a start after my last tuning , there was this peculiar sounds coming from my engine. Two workshops said it was my hydrolic lifters sound. To cut the story short, I went and change the hydrolic lifter, unfortunately the sound persist.

My mechanic told me the sound has got to be coming in from my engine. Something definitely must be broken. True enough after he took out the engine. Piston number 1 was cracked and number 4 well on the way too. Reason for this was engine was starved of fuel. I am just sick and tired of pointing fingers at which workshop messed up my engine. I guess you know it by now.

Below are the things that were replaced and done:

1. Cleaned head cylinder and valve
2. Changed valve seal, timing oil seal, cam seal, crankseal & flywheel oil seal

3. Changed timing & balance belt bearings, balance sub seal and oil pump seal
4. Changed cylinder head gasket, oil pump gasket, valve cover gasket and plug seal

5. Cleaned block, changed piston ring, cleaned oil sump & oil cooler

6. Changed water pump and piping oring

7. Changed steering rack cover

8. Changed silicon hoses

9. Cleaned and flush radiator

10. Changed all main bearings and conrod bearings

11. Changed engine oil and radiator coolant

12. Changed Hydrolic lifters

Upgrades parts :

1. Oversize piston (85.5mm)

2. Tomei gaskets (1.5mm)

3. Hot inazma ignition blade

4. Holt inazma pocket

I am very happy with the worksmanship of Enzo Racing. Neat and carefull work done. Since he's the owner and also the only mechanic there. He has total concentration in doing the car. I would strongly recommend this workshop.

Check out the latest picture of TME 7474:

Damaged:

1. All including worksmanship ~ RM: 10, 232 (Enzo Racing)