The End Of A Love Affair

The title says it all. When it first started, it was like love at first sight. But like any like any love affair there could either be a happy or sad ending. I guess this love affair wasn’t meant to be.

When the differences can’t be resolved, then we better go our separate ways. Best we part now before things gets any worst. Like any fairy tale, it doesn’t always have a happy ending.

Two years have passed and I’ve a fair share of bitter sweet memories together with TEAMRICE Asia. It’s the memory that I will always treasured and cherished for the rest of my life. Yes, I can't deny it anymore that I'm leaving TEAMRICE for good. I had gave a very long thought and came to a decision and that is indefinite. It’s just something that I cannot resolve and better be left unsaid.

It’s time for me to turn to a new page. I thank TEAMRICE for all the good and bad times.

Farewell TEAMRICE Asia and I wish you all the best.


TEAMRICE no more..












Sometimes … Someplace

I looked back on my past
I remembered the years I cried
The jokes I laughed at
The things that I missed and lost
But, one thing that I’ll never forget
The day you become my friend

All the time I’ve spent with you
Puts a smile upon my face
I hope one day I’ll be with you again
Somehow, Sometime, Someplace

A friend will come and a friend will go
The season will change and time will show
But, one thing that will never gonna change; The Spirit of Friendship!
And I’ll be there for you
Sometimes.. Someplace my friend!



Mohamed Hizam Bin Ishak
Teamrice Honda Civic EK2 & Mitsu Evo 6.5 TME
2004 ~ 2007

So Long My Friend..

Last Saturday on the 27Th. January 2007, we bid farewell to one of our friend and also a fellow TEAMRICE Asia member. The person that I was referring to was Jeff. He had left Kuala Lumpur and would be living in Kota Kinabalu for good.

Part of me was sad since we are short of another TEAMRICE member and also a good friend. But the other part of me was happy that he's leaving. It's for his own good. He was overwork and the job stress is getting to him. In fact he already got a new job waiting for him at Sutera Harbour as a chef.

I guess it would take some time for him to re-adjust himself back to living in KK and the scene there would much different compare to KL.

It was a quite farewell, the turn out was Hazry, Jason and me. We had a short chat and enjoy a few laugh before we say goodbye.

Here's something for you Jeff..

"True friendship is like a sound Health;

the value of it is seldom known

Until it is lost".

I wish you all the best and hope you find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

7474 APEXi Power FC

After installing the AVCR, the setting was done on the dyno. During the installation we learnt that the car is actually running lean and the whole set-up went bonkus. Partly due to the HKS O2 housing or turbo outlet that I've install. Since there's more air coming in but no changes made to the fuelling, therefore it causes the car to starve of fuel.

This what we call "Lean". Bad news as there's a risk of an engine blow up. I guess the new ECU is inevitable. After considering my budget and also a good ECU. I decided to go for APEXi Power FC. The ECU module comes complete with a display unit known as Power FC commander. The neat part about this product is the commander it gives quite a lot of informations such injector duty cycle, water temp, ignition degrees. These information is vital and need to be kept checked from time to time.

It's also user friendly. You don't have to change or do any wiring Just plug and play. Neat huh? The only problem you may encounter is the tuning part. As for me, I know nuts about tuning, I leave this to my tuner to ensure my car is tuned properly and able to run smoothly. The tuning requires a person with knowledge in tuning and has a dyno facilities.

In my case, I've chosen Desmond from N1 Racing. He's the same person that tune my Haltech when I had my Honda. The picture below shows how the Power FC and commander unit looks like :

Below is the product description taken from N1 Racing website :

Apexi Power FC (Evo 6) The Power FC proudly stands as A'PEXi's answer to the constraints and limitations associated with most piggy-back style fuel controllers. The Power FC is a complete, stand alone, total engine management system capable of handling virtually anything thrown in its path. From multiple point fuel and ignition control to VTEC engagement (Honda applications) and boost settings, the Power FC is capable of accommodating even the most demanding performance enthusiasts. Currently available exclusively through Power Excel Shops the Power FC replaces the factory ECU and controls all vital engine parameters (Off road use only, no OBD-II). Installation is as easy as replacing the factory ECU. (Some minor rewiring is required on select vehicles). The factory engine harness does not need to be replaced and all critical accessories such as air conditioning continue to function. By using the optional FC COMMANDER, the user can adjust and modify a wide range of settings. Since there is no need to upgrade ROM chips or modify ECU's, the factory ECU can be kept by the original user. The Power FC operates off of three Main Menus. These menus are: Monitor, Setting, and ETC. In Monitor Mode, the Commander can display up to 10 parameters of data in real time. Monitor Mode can display: Engine RPM Ignition Timing Vehicle Speed Air Flow Voltage (Pressure Sensor Voltage) Injector Duty Cycle Boost Knocking Level Battery Voltage Intake Air Temp Water Temp In addition, there are 4 display patterns allowing 1-8 parameters to be shown on screen simultaneously. The data displays in numerical real time values with the option of a real time 10 second graph display. Peak Hold values and Display Hold functions only require the touch of a button. The Map Trace Mode allows Ghost Map Tracing of the Fuel Correction and Ignition Timing maps. This allows the user to visually see what point of the map is being used in real time. The Ghost Map Trace function leaves markers on the used portions of the map for easy reference. Setting Mode allows full access to the 20x20 ignition timing and fuel correction maps. The user can adjust any portion of this map in 5x5 sections. Air flow correction values can be entered for vehicles upgrading air flow meters. Injector pulse correction menu is used when upgrading injectors. The Acceleration Enrichment Correction function improves response under hard and sudden acceleration. The Cranking Fuel Injection menu corrects the amount of fuel delivered when the engine is being cranked, or when the water temperature is cold. A separate Water Temp menu allows fuel correction according to water temperature. The RPM menu allows rev limiter settings and idle RPM levels. Access menus also vary according to specific applications. Rotary engine Power FC's accommodate leading and trailing ignition maps. Honda engines Power FC's allow for VTEC control. Complete boost control is possible by using the optional Boost Control Kit. Changing data is easy: just access the desired point on the map or data, and push the FC COMMANDER keys in the appropriate direction. The ETC Menu contains utility parameters such as: version information, LCD screen brightness, and initialization of all data. In addition, the ETC Mode allows the user to monitor all factory sensors through one screen. This screen can tell the user if any sensor is in use or malfunctioning. The Power FC also comes preprogrammed with several base maps. (Currently with Japan Domestic Market Vehicle Maps, minor initial tuning may be required. Please contact your authorized Power Excel shop for more information.) This makes the initial tuning process much quicker. As with all other fuel controllers, the POWER FC should be tuned on a dynomometer by a trained professional. A high grade air/ fuel ratio monitor is also recommended during tuning to ensure best results. FC COMMANDER (part of Power FC) The FC COMMANDER is a hand held controller designed to allow access to the vital parameters within the Power FC. The unit allows a wide range of data modification through its large back lit LCD display. The unit has been designed so that one finger can control a wide array of data. Once connected, the A'PEXi logo will appear in the screen taking the user to the Main Menu. From here, the user can access the three Main Menus (Monitor, Setting, Etc.) The FC COMMANDER "communicates" with the Power FC control unit thereby creating one of the first interactive user friendly fuel management systems. BOOST CONTROL KIT (part of Power FC) The Boost Control Kit is an optional kit designed to control boost through the Power FC. Simple connection to the Power FC allows the user to access a full self-learning boost controller. The Power FC allows up to 4 different boost presets for any stage of driving. The high grade solenoid valve is the same one used in our Super AVC-R boost controller. As with the S-AVCR, the Boost control kit allows increased boost response and boost stability at high RPM's. CONCEPT: A'PEX's answer to the constraints and limitations associated with most piggy-back style fuel controllers. CHARACTERISTICS: Replaces the factory ECU and controls all engine parameters.

As I mentioned before this my car was runing lean and there's a power loss as well. Based on my previous dyno results before the AVCR , when I was using Profec B 2 boost controller an d boosting at 1.2 bar. The power is higher then. Below are the power comparison:

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.

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 wastegate.

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

3). 24/01/07

Items: Same as 1 & 2 except for Power FC

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


As you can see the power is back to how it used to be and a significant increase in torque. Unfortunately, the max power could not be increased further. This was caused by the erratic boost problem, especially at higher RPM. This was due to boost leak at the actuator at higher boost preventing any power increase. The solution would be to get myself a wastegate. Now that's another story.

Anyway, what we can say is that by changing to a standalone ECU or chip reflash would definitely adds more power and the changes can be felt immidiately. What type of ECU is the best for your car depends on how deep is your pocket. Unfortunately for me, this is the only ECU I can afford with my current budget and I'm happy with results.

Damaged :

1). Power FC + Commander ~ Rm: 3200 (N1 Racing)
2). Installation + tuning ~ FOC ( N1 Racing)

Note: Tuner ~ Desmond of N1 racing

7474 APEXi AVCR

Before I start talking about my next upgrades Let me just tell you what boost controller is all about and what it actually does. Well,I got this off the net.

Apexi AVCR Boost Controller ( Black Limited )

The AVC-R is a digital boost controller that allows the user to modify the boost pressure level on turbocharged vehicles. While there are many boost controllers on the market, none of the other includes as many features as the AVC-R, period. Despite all of the complex features included the unit, the AVC-R is flexible enough to be used by beginners. Entry level users need only to input a desired boost level and the AVC-R's trademark self learning CPU processor does the rest. The AVC-R also uses a highly durable, fast action solenoid valve to physically control the boost . The valve movement (Boost Duty Cycle) can also be modified. Raising the duty cycle increases boost response, while lowering the duty cycle will slow boost response. This feature allows boost response adjustment for varying turbo sizes. Since larger turbos take longer to spool up ( bad low end response) the duty cycle should be raised under lower RPM's for better response. The opposite should be done for smaller turbo's ( excellent low - mid range response, but limited top end power.) A'PEXi engineers address this issue by including extra menus for RPM based boost control. Drag racers may want to utilize the Gear based boost control function. Aside from the basic functions above, the AVC-R has a Start Duty Setting (allows the boost to momentarily overshoot according to gear). The AVC-R also includes a Scramble Boost function which allows the user to momentarily raise or lower the boost level at the push of a button. Raising the boost level is commonly used when an extra burst of power is needed (ex. entering a freeway). This feature can also be used in drag racing. The driver can set the main boost level to a low setting for maximum traction then, once full traction is achieved, the scramble boost can allow the vehicle to boost full power. The AVC-R displays data in three different modes: Numerical, Analog, and Graph. Numerical Mode allows the user to monitor up to four different parameters in numbers and also shows peak hold values on demand. The Analog Mode displays up to two values in an easy to read meter style display. Peak Hold is also included in this function. The Graph Mode offers real time graph plotting with a Ghost map trace feature built in. The graph can replay movement up to 60 seconds. CONCEPT: Advanced electronic boost controller CHARACTERISTICS: Highly flexible boost control with new functions.

N1 mechanic during the installation

Boost controller solenoid

Close up of the selenoid

Close up of the AVCR sensor

Close of the AVCR

AVCR is mounted in-front of the meter cluster

Another View of the AVCR

My choice of boost controller would be AVCR. I guess the write up explains it all. Since my car was having quite a lot of boost cut due to the manual boost controller couldn't sustain the access manifold pressure and causing the surge of boost. In another word it's not very good news. I guess the boost controller upgrades is inevitable.

Damage:

1). APEXi AVCR boost controller ~ RM:1450 (SS Racing)

2). Installation + Dyno tune ~RM: 250 (N1 Racing)

7474 Uppper IC Piping

Since the huge rubber piece connecting the upper inter-cooler piping to the throttle body piping is getting harder and expanded. I guess it's time for me to get my upper ic piping custom made out of stainless steel tubing to replace the rubber piece. This is also a good opportunity for me to relocate my BOV since it's been dangling as far as I can remember.

It was a long and tedious process. But the boys in JFA Motorsports had outdone themselves. The piping turns out nice and it gives 7474 engine bay a new life. It took the JFA boys like almost 4 hours to complete the job. Below is the before and after picture of 7474 engine bay.

Before upper IC piping

After upper IC piping

Close up before

Close up after

Close up after side view

Damage:

1). Upper IC piping ~ RM: 350 (JFA Motorsport)

7474 SAMCO Radiator Hose

This is another upgrades which was also long overdue. Apart from from the appearance of the hoses, it's actually functional. This hoses would out last the standard hoses. Below is the review given by N1 Racing:



Samco Hoses


SAMCO RADIATOR HOSE (EVO 6-6.5) The Samco Sport hose kits are designed to replace original equipment in a wide range of performance vehicles, both in motorsport and fast road use. Superb integrity and superior performance reduces the risk of component failure and enables higher temperatures and pressures to be maintained with complete confidence. With superlative quality proven on race and rally circuits worldwide, Samco Sport silicone hoses are the first choice of engineers demanding total reliability under competition and fast road conditions HOSE SPEC Standard Colour: Blue Colour Options: Black/Red/Green/Purple/Yellow/Orange Standard Hose Max Temperature: ~ 170ºC (338ºF) Size Tolerance: ± 0.5mm COLOURS All Samco Sport hoses are produced in a high gloss finish and are available in the standard Samco Sport blue or optional black, red, green, purple, bright yellow and orange.


I guess the review says it all. For me it does makes a lot of difference in terms of the overall looks of the engine bay. It adds more colour to a dull looking engine bay. Check out the picture of before and after installations:



Before Samco



After Samco


Damaged:

1). Samco Hoses ~ RM:440 (N1 Racing) Normal price : RM:600
2). Labour ~ RM: 50 (N1 Racing)

7474 CUSCO Racing Clutch

After months of enduring slipping clutch. I guess it's time for me to change the clutch. I've been scouting and trying to find the best clutch for my TME. The only set-back I encounter is best doesn't come cheap. At first I thought of going for the HKS LA clutch. Had read and got some good review about this clutch. The only problem is it going to cost me like RM:5000 for the clutch inclusive of clutch bearings, labour and gear oil. Man that's like going to burn a huge hole through my wallet. Then I stumble upon this Cusco racing clutch in N1 racing website. Since it's on a stock clearance price. Why the heck not.

Here's the review given by N1 on the clutch :

CUSCO RACING CLUTCH COVER AND DISC (EVO 4-6.5) • Lightweight disc and cover. • Sharp feel and response. LIGHTWEIGHT Cutting edge thin clutch disc enables sharp response and feel. By developing the clutch disc and clutch cover as a set, we aimed for ultimate thinness and lightness. Controlling inertia and shortening the synchro timing enables swift gear shifts. PRESSURE High strength at high revs The reinforced clutch cover is capable of approximately 1000kg/f (depending on the car to a degree). The set development bore a good match for a powerful transmission. STRENGTH & DURABILITY Strong enough to withstand all tough clutch treatment Ultimately thin, heat resistant and durable, the pressure plates of the clutch disc and cover have increased strength. The strap plate that connects the pressure plate and clutch cover has also been greatly reinforced. USE Easy pedal effort with upgraded contact pressure. The turnover type has been used for a lighter clutch with a heavy rate clutch cover. The light clutch enables easy maneuvered without the feel of a high contact pressure. BALANCED A lighter disc and cover set developed *The rocket clutch and rocket clutch cover should be used as a set.

Check out the condition of my old stock clutch. It's in appalling condition. No wonder my clutch is slipping like nobody's business.



Stock Clutch





CUSCO Rocket Clutch



So far I've been running in the clutch for the past 2 days. Still too early to give a full review. The only noticeable difference between the stock and this racing clutch is that the judder especially when releasing the pedal on first gear. The clutch pedal feels is just nice for me. Just a lilttle stiffer compare to the stock clutch. I was expecting it since it is a racing clutch. The pedal feel and judder, brings me back to the time I was drving my Honda.

Damage:

1). Clutch cover & Disc ~ RM:1400 (N1 Racing)
2). Labour ~ RM: 260 (N1 Racing) Normal price : RM: 300
3). Gear oil ~ RM:730 (N1 Racing) Normal price : RM:800

TEAMRICE New Year/Christmas BBQ

After been planning for such a long time, the dinner finally happened. It was at Dogg's house. The rain did not dampen the TEAMRICE spirit. It was a good turn-out. Loads of good food and drinks. Too bad we ran out of beer early during the BBQ.

We had a lot of good laugh and good to see the new and especially the old TEAMRICE member. Sharing some jokes and lots of laugh. I didn't managed to capture that many photos since I was having too much fun.

Overall, I am very happy with the turn-outs. It may not be as big as we hope it to be. But it's good enough.


Bobo the master molester doing this stuff. Becareful Marie!! Haze where are you man!! AHAK!!


The early birds .. hey where's the food!!


The 2 Sith.. Chris Teg & my TME


The Panda brigade : Hezz & Kevin.


The Panda brigade again .. Notice Hazry's newly painted side mirror..


This what happen when Bobo doesn't get enough sex ..ahahaha.. Jason,Bobo & Daniel


One of the happening table outside by the garage. Taken with flash


This is how it really look like. Romantic huh? Candle light and all ..ahahaha

I would like to thank Dogg and his Mom for all the trouble in preparing the food and their kind hospitality.

7474 With or Without Wings

My first posting for year 2007. Well, I guess most people who doesn't owned an Evo must be wondering about the huge rear spoiler. Does it really work or just for show? I know it works but to what extend. To answer that question and satisfy my curiosity, I decided to to take out the spoiler off just for one night and some how I expected the results to turn out that way.


7474 with rear spoiler




7474 without spoiler

Let us take a look in terms of the overall appearance. This is a tough question for me to answer as it depends on people's personal preference. For me both looks good. With spoiler it looks kinda bulky and muscular. On the other hand without spoiler gives that low and clean looks. But after a while it felt like something is missing from 7474's tail.

Performance wise, the car felt very light at top speed, if you're running on a straight line that is. But try taking corners, the rear felt so loose. I had to make a lot of steering corrections. Almost kind of scary since I'm so used to have a grip tail when taking corners. It's not oversteer but under and over. Now that's scary especially the understeer part. If you release the throttle, then the tail will step out.

So the conclusion is, the wing really works especially for taking corners. So for those who loves taking corners and owned an Evo. Please don't take your spoiler off.