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