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Monday, October 31, 2011

2nd hand Tyres ! Pros and Cons


With the rising price of commodities, tyres too are not exempted from the laws of economics. When there is abundant supply, prices are cheap; however, this is not the case in Malaysia, where tyres are relatively expensive. A set of 17 inch standard 215/45/17 cost approximately USD$500 or RM300-400 per set new. For 18 inch and above, the price is even more expensive. 18 inch tyres generally cost roughly double of a 17 inch tyre. This makes the prices of 2nd hand very tempting. The same set of 215/45/17 2nd hand tyres cost roughly RM400! 



Available treads are usually 60-80% upon inspection. However, one must be careful about these 2nd hand tyres, as the tyres may be retreaded. When tyres are bald, say 40 percent tread left, what the sellers may do is to dig into the old tread and make the "holes" deeper, thus enabling it to have "more" treads. Finished off with a nice tyre polish, they can appear to be relatively new! This can be dangerous as the thickness of the tyre decreases, and becomes thinner. At high speed, the pressure build up within the tyre may cause it to burst. Another method is to add a new layer of rubber (tread). The risk of this is that the rubber may disintegrate from the tyre itself at high speed.



This is one the reasons lorries and trucks seem to burst their tyres quite frequently. Usually, these tyres cost A LOT, and trucks can use up to 18 of them ;) To save cost, they will use retreaded or 2nd hand tyres... and well its a risk they have to take! 



For a summary, here are the pros and cons:


Pros
Cheaper! Usually up to 1/4 percent of the cost
Great for short journeys
Can be used for drifting
Get better tyres (can be safer if you manage to source for a good set of 2nd hand tyres)
Environmental friendly in a way (recycling)



Cons:
If it is retreaded, may be dangerous
Different tyre wear may occur (e.g. left side 80% tread, right side 50% tread)
Can have less grip compared to new tyres
Uncertainty in terms of the durability




When buying 2nd hand tyres, always look at the inside to make sure it is not retreaded. Usually those tyres which are retreaded will much thinner, and you can observe the insides which can be greyish. Also look out for the year the tyres are made, generally 3-5 years old is "acceptable". 












Sunday, October 30, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

Bieber Free Radio Station

BFM radio station advertisement in Malaysia 89.9. Picture from 9GAG.com


Friday, October 7, 2011

My own 3SGTE Toyota Altis

This project took a while, and dispite multiple complications, it is nearly done! Only a few more essentials such as exhaust, suspension, and brakes to be sorted out. Rest are minor issues such as wiring for speedometer etc.




The air intake and blow off valve have been connected already since this picture was taken.

Aiming for the sleeper look! So far so good without the front inter cooler. 

Needs new suspension, front lowered down due to weight of the engine...




Will give a proper update and documented project log once everything is done!

3SGTE Altis from Malaysia - Inspired by Thailand's awesome 3SGTE!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

3SGTE in Toyota Corolla Altis

Despite the Toyota Corolla Altis being relatively new, many enthusiasts have started modifying different engines into their ride. In fact, after much inspiration from Thai 3SGTE Altis modders, I also changed my engine. Currently it is in progress, but  looking good thus far.

3SGTE Altis from Thailand














The 3S-GTE is an in-line 4-cylinder 1998cc engine from Toyota, based on the 3S-GE with reduced compression ratio and addition of a turbocharger.
There are four generations of this engine, which were manufactured from 1986 to 2007.
3S-GTE Engines
GenerationYearsCompr.Power (Japan)TorqueUsed In
1st1986–19898.5:1136 kW (182 hp) @6000 rpm250 Nm (184 ft·lbf) @3600 rpmCelica GT-Four (ST165)
2nd1990–19938.8:1165 kW (221 hp) @6000 rpm304 Nm (224 ft·lbf) @3200 rpmCelica GT-Four (ST185), MR2 (SW20)
3rd1994–19998.5:1180 kW (241 hp) @6000 rpm304 Nm (224 ft·lbf) @4000 rpmCelica GT-Four (ST205), MR2 (SW20)
4th1999–20079.0:1191 kW (256 hp) @6200 rpm324 Nm (239 ft·lbf) @4400 rpmCaldina GT-T (ST215), Caldina GT-Four (ST246)