1992 Proton Saga : Reworked by R3

Before :
http://paultan.org/2011/08/22/my-proton-makeover-1992-saga-to-be-first-car-reworked/

Progress :
http://paultan.org/2011/09/08/my-proton-makeover-work-in-progress-pics-of-1992-saga/

After :
http://paultan.org/2011/09/14/my-proton-makeover-1992-saga-handed-back-to-fadly/

If he doesnt want the car, let me have it! Heh.

Mivek4doddle

Artiga @ Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/the-artiga-is-an-asian-hot-hatch-that-isnt-japanese-2012-tokyo-auto-salon.html

The 1st time i gotten to know about TAS was probably around year 1991 or 1992. I got myself an Option Car magazine and i was drooling looking at the aerokits on the JDM cars. Every year after that it was kind of an annual ritual. During those times you can only rely on magazines which made me subcribed to both Option and Option2 car magazine direct from Japan. One thing about their mags, they are hell thick and heavy. I quit reading them after i managed to get a hold of Turbo & Hi-Performance Magazine.

This year as much as people are excited about the new JDM cars, i was just excited about the Artiga. I guessed rumours were true and the car was unveiled in the recent TAS2012.

Another story is that they gonna sell the Neos in Japan. Check this out http://proton.co.jp/

So, looks like it is going round and round again. From Japan to Malaysia to China and back to Japan. I think those in Japan that likes hot hatches would probably go beyond normal mods. When you have Cusco parts as your aftermarket parts, R3 for your aerokits and the prototype Artiga as your target dream, sooner or later we should see people do crazy things to it.

If we cant get the Artiga the closest to reality, hopefully, maybe is the Neo R3 Supercharged.
http://paultan.org/2011/04/11/proton-satria-neo-r3-supercharged-180-hp-200-nm/

Good things come to those who wait?

Mivek4doddle

Artiga - Looks Like I'm Not Late Afterall

When i blogged the other day about the Youngman Artiga, i thought i was the last one to talk about it even i knew it when it was released at Paultan's blog. Now, it seems something is cooking in the pot. The only thing i wanna know if this is gonna be under Youngman or Proton decided to take this prototype for mass production? Well it would be good if they can do both for domestic and international market. Young hearted people would love a 2-door sports car. In this video, I'm definitely loving the colour scheme of the car. Nothing much to complain about.

When u have local spare parts availability and Cusco on your back for aftermarket parts, i think it is matter of time when they decides to put the 2L engine. I cannot imagine but i can only hope.

Enjoy the vid.

Mivek4doddle

Valve Cover Change

Powder coating the valve cover is a trend now. Painting the engine bay with other colour than the same car color is also another trend picking up slowly. Well i went backwards with this one instead i requested my valve cover to be sandblasted. They look simple and a bit dull to some.

So far thats all for 2011. We will just have to wait and see what i have plans for 2012.

Mivek4doddle

Servicing - Same Old Story

Before this i was using the HKS i35 plugs. It was good and i had no issues. After using for quite sometime i had an urge of using back the NGK Iriway 7 which i used after my engine hybrid long time ago. If you are wondering the plugs were still fine with no misfiring issues but i just wanted my "ignition system" to be fresh and healthy. I prefer not to wait till it dies or jerking on my way home from McDonald. So far so good and the price is still the same range like many years ago.

Why didnt i go for the NGK Racing version? The NGK Racing is double the price and yes i have sick intention to try them only when i change my plug cables and maybe some upgraded aftermarket coils. Till then i just keep them on the wish list.

Motul is still on my top list of engine oils. Only problem is that the price seems to go up every damn year!. I have tried a few motor oil and i feel that Motul seems to be fine with my engine. I think there are other good engine oils but it depends where u send your car for servicing as they tend to stick to just a less than a handful to their likings.

There are plenty of spark plug choices and engine oils, but just be careful when it comes to CHEAP engine oil. Be fucking careful.

Mivek4doddle

CAI - The Velocity Stack Story

Firstly, this is my 8th posts regarding my CAI project. This project is excluding all the years where i started with the open air filter box, to ITBs, then back to original close box, then to Top Fuel intake system and last  this CAI project. Dont ask me why but i seemed to enjoyed upgrading and evaluating myself with the power i have now. I dont like to make assumptions but i rather test it on my own car (if budget permits) and enjoy it when it is successful.

Secondly, on the CAI project, i have sold the J's Racing bumper duct to Redza which i think looks good on his car and functioned to what it has been designed.

Thirdly, i am pissed that my velocity stack post where some of the pix has disappeared. So i had to take some of the photos just to show you guys.The old post is still around.

I will be honest and straight forward, the butt feeling with the stack is totally different. I feel that there are no restriction yet functional toy that sucks air around it than infront of it. I have yet to dyno my car and hopefully i can have a basic run with the stack for this new year as a benchmark for future mods.

Hydrolock? If you are scared with rain and water flying into your engine, this mod may not be good for you health. It is a risk if you plan to go through downfall and especially if you have a tube that routes to the stack.

The only protection i have is just the wire mesh which stops any little creatures and other small things to be sucked into the engine bay. Compared to my HKS, that is good for daily driven with no fear at the back of your head. This setup may not make any power at all but the response is something to brag about.

Sorry, i am having ITBs withdrawal syndrome. The single stack  at least made me sleep soundly at night *smiles*.

Mivek4doddle

Redza's 2 Years Of Research, Development, Headache and A Smile

Between 2010 and 2011, this car has been going through a lot of testing phases where Redza decided to mix and match the right stuffs according to his dreams. Since Redza leans more to American products, he also tried Japanese products if they produce what he wanted and hopefully shines out bling-ly as what he has spent to this day. As usual, Japanese parts do not come cheap on top of the exchange rates. Which ever currency gives good rates, Redza will be delighted to order more parts.

Through the 2 years period, he too has gone through tough times when parts do not perform to his expectation and also he spent a lot of time doing engine testing. In the exterior, "Goldie" seems to be the odd one in the group, which that was the initial plan with minor carbon parts. Interior wise Goldie maintained the non-swiss cheese racing look with stock interior removed and replaced with light weight seats. Engine wise, as you can see, it has been trimmed and tucked nicely.

Redza has brought this car to the track and the comparison between his old 4-door sedan and this 2-door has improved his timing for a start. As he dragged the car many times on the track, other than traction, ignition and other engine matters, he still continue to learn and improve the car's mechanical matters with good tuning.

As being mentioned and updated by Redza, he plans to do up a blog on his car when he has the time to share what he has done so far. Hope he does so i dont have to blog for him *laughs*. It is easier to blog when the car is in front of you everyday.

I think and believe Redza has reached to a point where he needs to spend more time cosmetically to make it look more stunning than what you see now. Power wise maybe he should supercharge it and be a highway stalker which i dont want to bump into *grins*.

One thing i respect Redza is his patience towards his mods and also the open minded towards new products in the market which some of them are uncommonly used and even known by other car modders. Even with with Internet, if you stick to the same site all the time, you wont grow as much compared to those wanting to learn and try new products. Good planning and attitude should show good results too.

Hope we see more new stuffs from Goldie. Till then, all the best in 2012.

Mivek4doddle

Jeff's Intercooler Installation

I have re-added Jeff on the write-ups list though he has been out from the scene for quiet sometime i thought by updating his last mod could motivate him to do more things at his own pace. Jeff has been away due to long haul working hours and also a father to his newborn baby. Basically all the toys has been put in place like the new turbo, used evo intercooler and new engine stainless steel piping system.

With the new intercooler, he had to scrap the old painted bumper with another spare Mitsubishi bumper with a PU lip attached to it. My last meeting with Jeff was quite fascinating as i was given a chance to drive the car with an entirely new setup.

The brand new turbo spooled fast, the power response was good and i can feel the car kept going from 1st gear to the 4th gear. I couldnt pull to 5th as traffic interrupted my way. I went for 3 good laps and the car felt lighter on the butt and traction was another issue. Overall the car was quick and responsive for a normal street setup.

I believe Jeff could do better if he decides to run on his chosen EMS, better performance street tyres and maybe a branded LSD to put down that "not so powerful" power to the ground which could be lethal if it catches a good grip. For current power-hungry fans, Jeff setup could be probably be on the intermediate level compared to current modding scene.

For 2012 i have no idea what Jeff has plan for his car but i hope a few things more could satisfy his requirements and weekend fun. I also heard he mentioned about buying a VTEC. All the best Jeff.

*Photos were taken using Nokia mobile*

Mivek4doddle

Artiga

http://paultan.org/2011/04/21/youngman-artiga/

"Not bad". Those were the words that came out from my mouth. As much as this story has been re-blogged many times with every ones personal opinion, ideas and criticism, now it is my turn.

A 2-door 4 seater car, fully kitted with carbon fiber parts, wide arches, supercharged engine and hell of a nice color. If you buy a Honda, even a Type-R, the original Mugen aerokit price is gonna killed you straight away. Honda enthusiasts are dying hard to order fender extension/arches for them to use wider rims and that alone is another hefty parcel from Japan. This car has awesome wide fenders both front and back. I believe you could easily fit a 17x9 without rolling your fenders even. The front looks amazing to me. Supercharging would be the best combo for a small engine and you get to utilize some un-lag power through out the range. Rear diffuser, this is the cherry to the complete aerokit.

I think i am not gonna change anything on this car except for better and wider wheels. The rest id rather appreciate what has been designed. As we all know we always want to have something that has been done in our mind which we usually couldn't adapt and accept new changes. In other words, this is a "Proton Satria Neo" on steroids :)

Click Paul Tan's blog for more photos.

Mivek4doddle

Mivek4doddle Project Battery Relocation, Again.

I have relocated my battery to the back since a very long time ago.
Had the aluminium box customed perfectly for my NS60 sized battery.

My original plan to run a smaller battery did not turn out well when
my airfilter system blocked the battery and i did not hav enough space.
Other spaces in the engine bay was really right unless i run on ITBs.

So i relocated the relocated battery location again. 

I made an FAQ for those who plan to use this type of battery in the future.

1. What made you want to change to the smaller battery?
Because of the size. I was seeking something compact and lighter
than my original battery (NS60).

2. Why Odyssey and not Optima?
I have not seen any smaller version Optima batteries in the market 
and those using Optima are usually audio fanatics.

3. Is it heavy?
Lighter than my NS60 and it is around 6kg.

4. How do you compare Odyssey versus normal battery?
Higher CCA. High cranking. High resistance to vibration.
Maintenance free.

5. Can you use it if you have normal sound system.
Yes. Normal sounds system setup. 

6. Compare to those small race batteries like Spoon, any differences?
Track cars do not have power windows and sound system. It was meant
to crank and light up your headlight. Spoon is smaller and lighter
but not long lasting for daily driven.

7. Anybody else in Malaysia using it?
As far as i know only 2 people :) 3 including me. Maybe more, God knows.

8. Can it be used daily?
It was meant to be used daily.

9. What are the costs?
Rm8xx battery only. RM3XX custom box. RMXXX installation charges.

10. Is it bad to put the battery inside the cabin?
Only if its not dry cell. Dry cell has no acid to spill and no gases to vent.
Keep it far away from heat is the best way to make it last.

11. Is it legal to relocate the battery?
"Malaysia Boleh"

12. Experiences?
This is my 1st time using it and i will update again in the next 12-24 months
if this battery survive. Also choose the right battery for your application.
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/applications.htm

13. Do we have a local distributor in Malaysia?
No. Nearest is Singapore. 

14. Can i get other style of after market battery holders?
Try Google.

15. I heard Odyssey is not good but you still buy it?
I also heard that aliens are coming down and gonna probe your ass. I heard.

Mivek4doddle

Mivek4doddle Project Interior Restoration

I have taken the interior panels and have been riding without the rear interiors. Somehow or rather it makes me happier riding without them.

Authorities? If you happen to go through their daily blocks or checks, just be honest *smiles*.

Project Interior Restoration Completed.

Mivek4doddle

Modifications

Mivek4doddle Modifications Link
I have removed it since most of them are old mods since 2006. The posts are still alive if you wanna go through them by year.

Build-up Links
I have renamed them for easier search. Usually those links with "Part 2" are usually the end of it unless something new comes up, which i doubt so.

Mivek4doddle

Mivek4doddle Project Aero Mirrors

You really dont have much choices when you drive a Proton. So far i have seen in real life a friend installed a Ganador S15 side mirrors on his Proton Wira Aeroback. It looks good and Ganador dont come cheap both non-CF and CF.


Dont ask me how he fitted the damn mirrors koz it looks perfectly fit. Thought of pushing the limit a bit but the Craft Square prices were sick expensive.

There were not much of choices actually from the aftermarket catalog. They had CF versions like the APR style but that was more of form over function. Am not interested in the Spoon style mirrors also. The APRs are smaller than my palm and i prolly can see a tiny portion of the road. For a daily driven, the side mirror has to work especially during raining season. Blind spot is one story, not able to see your side mirrors clearly is another story.

When i got to know about the Vision Technica Sport TC (Touring Competition) which was for sale and brand new, i knew i had to buy it. No doubt the "motorcycle" or "bicycle" style look wasnt an in-thing. These mirrors do have in CF version but i doubt i can get on my hands on any of them unless i bid them hard.

I ordered them. Arrived less than a week. As usual, someone has to be crazy to do some DIY to make it fit. The face plate mounts were not for my car obviously but i still pursued them. When it arrived i had to ask an aluminium specialist to custom a plate for me. As you can see the difference in the photos. 

Once the plates were ready, it had to be sprayed as i wanted it to be black for this
prototype project.

After bolting it on, it looks good. Compared to my stock mirrors it looks slightly smaller but it functions like any other stock mirror. The size is bigger than the APRs incase if you are wondering.

Last but not least, they are non electrical powered mirrors. 


Project Aero Mirrors Completed.


Mivek4doddle

Counterfeit Hondata S300

Whether it works or not, i dont wanna know. Its like Robocop with a monkey brain waiting for something to go bananas. Yeah, it may be the same "cheap" components by another "damn good electrician" with mass demands for cheap EMS, this is something you dont want to fool around especially on a modded engine bay with your monthly paychecks.

More infos :
http://www.hondata.com/s300_counterfeit.html

Mivek4doddle

Mivek4doddle Project Mugen Lugs

I have added some photos on an old thread.

http://mivek4doddle.blogspot.com/2010/11/project-build-up-iii-part-2.html

Mivek4doddle

MIvek4doddle Project Extractor Swap

My 1st aftermarket extractor was RPW's 4-1 full steel extractor which i purchased a used unit from a close friend. It was full steel and it was heavy. One thing i noticed clearly was the collector joint which is the biggest i have seen so far at that time. It made the Mugen 4-1 for ITR looked small. The collector size  is no doubt 2.5", but the extension that goes to the joint is as big as my clenched
fist. Maybe bigger. 

Unfortunately, the ground clearance for the RPW extractor was not hump friendly. As you can see i did a comparison with an oldschool Nokia cellphone and hell it was low. JFA Motorsports (Sunway) did a custom plate and it lasted to the last day.

Based on my less than 180whp spec, it performed well. Mid range and top end was good. The low end was a bit of sluggish but it was not that obvious for my daily driven beater. It was smooth and good on the highway.

After using it for 5 years, i decided i wanted to try something different. Since Cusco do not make anymore of their 4-2-1 extractors for the old 4G92 Mivec, i had to source a local custom copy which was brand new and cheap. The RPWs was sold to another
RPW fanatic.

As usual before the installation that tiny dilemma bullshit of "4-2-1 vs 4-1" ran into my mind. Since i never had the opprtunity to try a aftermarket 4-2-1 before this, this is my golden opportunity. It was stainless steel and light compared to the RPWs.

The collector size was 2.5" and the bend was not low this time. After the installation i had a few runs and the low end and mid range power was good. I felt a bit of choke at the top end but at that point i know my power was dropping which i dont need it
to rev more.

Incase if anyone wants to know about the fuel consumptions, i am still hitting mid 5XXkm for a full tank of ron97. There are no magical theories about it unless i run my collector like the drag cars on the side of the bumper. Ha ha.

To some this is an upgrade, to others its a downgrade. Up to you how you wanna call it.

http://www.rpw.com.au/ (by the way, they have them in stainless steel already)


Mivek4doddle