Saturday, October 30, 2010

When the Protn Inspira meets the Mitsubishi Lancer !

It gets better towards the end!

Found it on youtube, if you are the creator and want credit for this video, kindly let me know. Thanks!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Future Pedals: 2 in 1 Brake and Accelerator Pedal

A Single Pedal for Both Braking and Acceleration; could this mean no more heel and toe technique?

Due to the Toyota's recent accelerator pedal problems, Japanese inventor Masuyuki Naruse has invented a pedal that can do both the braking and accelerating function in 1 pedal.

Even though the invention has been around for 20 years, is only getting the highlight after Toyota's pedal recalls. If put in production, it could change the way millions of people drive. Japanese inventor Masuyuki Naruse cited that the design of putting the accelerator and brake pedal side by side could actually be hazardous, as people may press the wrong pedal due to the close proximity.Naruse pedal, a unified pedal design that puts accelerator and brake on the same foot-activated lever.

"Naruse's pedal places the accelerator control on the side of a larger brake pedal where the foot can nudge it to the right to increase acceleration. Downward pressure on the pedal results in only one singular action: stopping. This, Naruse says, will prevent the many thousands of accidents each year caused by drivers stomping on the wrong pedal, accelerating into peril when they are trying to brake.

In light of the recent spate of accelerator-related recalls, either because the accelerator gets stuck or gets hung up with the floor mat, has renewed some designers interest in Naruse's designs and others like it. Swedish regulators are testing a single-pedal scheme, and in Japan the Naruse pedal has been declared street legal on about 130 individual cars. Considering a Japanese research group determined that some 6,700 accidents -- including 37 deaths -- were caused in Japan last year by drivers mistakenly slamming on the gas, the idea might be gaining traction.

The obvious obstacle between between Naruse's idea and widespread adoption by automakers is the need for people the world over to have to relearn the muscle memory they've developed over a lifetime of two-pedal driving. That, and the clear detriment to Hollywood-style shift-and-stomp acceleration that gets all car lovers' pulses pounding. But from engineering and safety standpoints, a single-pedal design actually makes a lot of sense. See Naruse's pedal design in the NYT Business video below" (New York Times, 2010)

Japanese Concept cars: Past to Present

Here are some interesting Japanese Concept Cars from the makes of Toyota, Daihatsu, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi etc.

Some of the cars are actually very futuristic in design! Wonder how come they never made it to production? Perhaps due to cultural shock?

Toyota Proto, 1957

Proton Inspirasi (Lancer) is coming!

Have you made your booking yet? I know I would! (given the money of course). The first speculated 2000 units of the Proton Insipirasi is said to be made in Japan!

Apart from being a rebadge of the lancer, it is also speculated that the Proton Inspirasi will ultilize Lotus tuned suspension! The 2.0 version will also get cruise control, something even the original Lancer lacked.

Below is the specification for the Mitsubishi Lancer

The Proton Inspirasi also comes in 2 engine type, 1.8 model and 2.0 model.

1.8 Model is said to have a manual variant, where else 2.0 Model uses CVT for seamless gear change.

4B10 - 1.8 L (1798 cc) Engine Spec

Inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16v, MIVEC

Bore 86 mm Stroke 77.4 mm

Compression Ratio : 10.5:1

105 kW (143 PS) at 6000 rpm

177 N·m (130 ft·lbf) at 4250 rpm

4B11 - 2.0L (1998 cc) Engine Spec

Inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16v, MIVEC

Bore 86 mm Stroke 86 mm

Compression Ratio : 10.1

108-114 kW (147-155 PS) at 6000 rpm

198 N·m (146 ft·lbf) at 4250 rpm

DIY: Cheap Basic Soundproofing using Insulflex ®

For those of you with cars which aren't sound proofed, acquiring a better quality ride in terms of NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) could be easily done. Note: This cannot be compared to auto foam or professional sound proofing specialists' work, but serves as a BASIC form of soundproofing only. For the price you pay and the satisfaction of DIY, it is actually a worthwhile project to undertake. However, if your really serious and willing to fork out more money for better quality, I recommend you take a look at AutoFoam; there are many wonderful reviews regarding AutoFoam around the net.

To be more specific, Insulflex does not really "soundproof" the ride but insulates and dampens outside noise from interior noise, hence the name Insulflex. Similar products include Superlon.Coupled with sound deadening product that reduces the vibration is essential for better quality NVH. For sound deadening, deadening soundproofing mats such as Dynamat could be used. In most cars they also have tar pads to absorb vibration. For wind sound, you can try those Bitumen strips for car door areas.

To remove the door panel, just remove any visible screws. For my case there is 2 screws (one at the arm rest holder, another at the door lock area). For Proton Savvy I know there is like 5 screws holding the panel. For front door, the tweeter speaker box can just be pulled out. After all the screws are removed, pry your hand along the edges and pull the panel. Usually it is held only by clips. After the clips are open, lift the panel up and you should be able to remove it.

Preparing the mat for application: simply cut it into rough sizes according to your panel size. Excess could be trimmed after the glue has been applied. Make sure you note down the clip holding areas and any screws or cables that should be passing through the mat, especially the arm rest holder and door lock. For cables I just cut a small hole to let the cable pass through. For me it is better to leave some areas, due to the nature of the panel, once you stick the mat there may be curves that demand for extra width.

To apply the Insulflex, use Dunlop Contact Adhesive (CA) glue and apply evenly on the smooth side of the Insuflex mat. For hood it is recommended you have 2 person to do it together, due to the nature of the glue it might dry before you manage to stick it.

Completion: Make sure the mat is properly glued to the panel by pressing it down. You should get some kind of shape for panels with contours. Trim away excessive Insulflex.

Recommended Areas for Application
1. Doors
2. Front bonnet
3. Rear trunk lid
4. Boot floor and walls
5. Floor pan
6. Front fender / wheel arc
7. Roof
8. Engine firewall

Personally I have applied the mat for doors and front bonnet. For the doors, the result is wonderful! Most external noise is significantly reduced. Instead, the noise comes from the tyre area. For the bonnet, both me and my friend have benefited from quieter engine revving sound heard in the cabin. Overall, for the cheap price of the material, it is an enjoyable DIY experience!

Finally for those of you in Petaling Jaya, (Malaysia) wishing to purchase Insulflex, I have purchased mine from this great seller @ Lowyat.Net : 012-3001933 - Kelvin

Insulflex @ Lowyat.net

And you thought Proton was bad? Honda joins the fight!

I received through a forwarded email:

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/43347-owner-faces-ceaseless-brake-issues-honda-car-no-resolution

PETALING JAYA: How far will you go to get your car fixed? In these day of light-speed emails, instant messages and cellphones, an irate car-owner decided to adopt an old-school method of seeking redress — by placing stickers all over his problematic car.

And the message on the stickers read: "My Honda Tak Guna" (My Useless Honda).

To make sure he got the full attention of the car manufacturer, this sticker-adorned vehicle was parked outside the Honda Malaysia sales and service office here in Section 13 — much to the amusement of many pedestrians and motorists.

As to why he had resorted to such measures, events executive Jess Ross said his car brakes kept failing despite several repairs.

"Three months after buying the car, the rear brakes started giving way.After having these replaced by Honda, the same problem occurred three months later with the brakes giving way in the middle of the road.

"Luckily, I wasn't hit by another car when it happened."

After sending the 15-month old car to the Honda authorised service centre, Sumber Auto, Ross claimed to have been told the car had its front brake callipers fitted wrongly during the original assembly.

Even after the brake calipers were rectified, Jess' woes continued with the calamitous Honda Accord he bought for about RM140,000.

Three months later, after getting his disc brake pads replaced for the second time, his Honda Accord started juddering again.

This time Honda mentioned the brake discs needed to be skimmed.

"On June 20 , there was a screeching sound from my front wheels and the car started juddering again. This time, I decided enough was enough. The car was towed to the Honda service centre for a fourth check on this particular screeching issue."

Claiming manufacturing defects, Ross said: "My demands are simple, firstly I want Honda to fully rectify the problems on my car and include a manufacturer's guarantee that such defects will not recur.

"Secondly, Honda could replace my car with another guaranteed problem-free unit. If all else fails, I want Honda to buy back the car at the purchase price.

"Honestly, I am still open to negotiations and a win-win situation I feel, is the best for both parties," he said, stressing he has no plans to remove the eye-catching stickers from his car.

A Honda Malaysia representative said the company remained committed to inspecting, servicing and repairing the problematic vehicle.

"The company would like to assure Ross the affected vehicle will be serviced and repaired to his satisfaction." Still unhappy with this response, Ross asked: "Why is it Honda Malaysia can't guarantee their parts, which serve a basic function of braking, to function properly?

"Is it too much to ask for a guarantee for their supposedly original parts which they recommended we use?"

Traffic in India

If you guys think Malaysian traffic and roads are dangerous, wait until you see this! There's basically no lines on the road, and rules are optional! An amazing fact is throughout the whole clip there wasn't even a single accident....

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Car Review: Toyota Corolla 1979-1984 (KE70)

Looking for a budget car to get around, or beginner drift car? The Toyota KE70 is one of a kind, and is the last rear wheel drive "Corolla" to be produced. Most KE70s in Malaysia come in 2 form, the round light and square light.

In terms of door configuration, the 2 door model is quite rare while the 4 door sedan is abundant. You should be looking at RM1500-5000 for a bad to normal conditioned car, while a good condition one can command up to RM8500+.

Engine Configuration
4K-U — 1.3 L 74 hp
5K-C — 1.5 L 80 hp

However, most enthusiasts transplant different engines, the most popular being the 4AGE engine (16V 115–140 hp, 148Nm or the 20V 160-165 hp, 160+Nm). Other transplants such as SR20 engine is also possible.

The KE70 actually makes for a very good project car, due to its popularity parts are also abundant. Maintenance cost and servicing is also relatively easy as any mechanic would know how to service/repair.

EDITED: Pictures are of Grant's KE70! Awesome car you have there Grant! Visit his blog at http://www.midnightmechanics.blogspot.com/

Woman Parking!

We all have experienced some form of women driving fury before! My personal experience: happened to me a few times, 1. Woman Driver gives signal to come into my lane. 2. Starts entering my lane when my car is exactly next to her car. 3. ???? 4. Either I honk or she suddenly sees me and moves back into her lane.

Or how about the time this woman was driving on the fast lane at 40-60km/h with no car in front, yet braking constantly?

Finally, I kid you not,I was following this Naza Citra going at 40km/h and braking for absolutely no reason. I overtook her after 5mins (yes I know, left side overtaking is illegal) and guess what? A woman was driving while using a LAPTOP on her lap! I could see the screen from my car! @.@

But lets be fair, guys drive like idiots at times as well. However, it seems to me that only women are on the receiving end and getting picked on! I wonder why?

DIY: Carbon Fiber Sticker for Center Console

Hello guys! I have DIY-ed carbon fiber stickers onto my dashboard with great result! For those of you who may want to attempt to DIY yourself, I have a toturial on how to do it. First, you need to get the sticker! Usual price is about RM12-15 per feet for 3M carbon fiber sticker. I would recommend this as the sticker is 3D and not normal sticker 2D sticker.

To disassemble your console or any part you wish, it is best to just examine the area for any screws. If there are no screws, then the piece is most probably held using clips. Simply attempt to pry open the part slowly.

Once you have the parts ready, you should wipe and clean them. Cut the sticker to fit your component. What I have done is to separate the sticker from the non-stick film and soak the sticky side with soap water. This allows you to adjust the sticker. Once you have attached the sticker, use blowdryer or any source of heat on the sticker. The sticker should become soft and you can stick it around edges and curves. Once the soap dries, you can trim off the edges.

My end result! (Not really proficient in cutting, thus the edges are a bit rough)

Happy DIY!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Everco - Exhaust Shop Review

For those of you having exhaust problems or want to change your exhaust system, look no further! Everco is located in Sunway. For those of you who thinks Sunway's shops are expensive, then think again. The shop is located just beside Esso in Sunway.

Previously I have been to a certain chain of exhaust shop,which claims to be the most affordable. However, after 2-3 trips, my exhaust is just noisy and powerless. The cost? RM180+RM350 for China Brand midbox and China brand muffler. After some searching around, I found Everco. The manager, Kingston, recommended me to change my midbox and muffler again. I had it changed for RM250 (midbox) and RM380 (for the muffler). Overall, I am very satisfied. Even though it is slightly more expensive than the so called cheapest exhaust shop, the exhaust is silent with a low bass. My car also experience much better acceleration.

By the way, be wary of those exhaust shops that will "throw" away your catalyst converter for you; these catalyst convert, no matter the condition can still be sold for RM80++. The shop in most cases will simply put it at one corner and hope you forget to take it.

The bullet on the left is the midbox from Everco, where else the one on the right is a bullet from the previous exhaust shop. The size difference contributes greatly to the sound. 1 Everco midbox can suppress more noise than 2 China brand bullet type "muffler".

Take note of the horrendous welding done by the previous exhaust shop. Everco's welding is much better! (Sorry, didn't take picture of Everco's muffler; the picture shown is a China brand muffler).

Cute Pink Kancil

These pictures of a pink Kancil was taken a while back. I must admit, even as a guy, the car possess very chic and cute image. Coupled with white wall rims resembling tyres of the 60s, this car is indeed an unique ride in Malaysia. By the way, the interior and front has a barbie doll theme. I'm sure girls out there wouldn't mind a hello kitty theme either!

Malaysian Road Tax

Wondering how much road tax do you have to pay for the 2nd hand 3.5L Nissan 350Z that is being advertised? Or the road tax of a 2JZ 3L supra? We've all come across this dilemma; a car is being sold at an attractive price, the only letdown is the price of the road tax. Certain older cars possess engines with huge displacement due to the fact that petrol wasn't that expensive during its time. Thus, consumers are usually turned off by vehicles which are more than 2L in engine displacement, assuming the road tax to be exorbitant. This is usually not the case as the jump may occur from 2.5L to 3L, where else 2.2L engines still possess a reasonable road tax amount.

As of 2010
1000CC        RM20
1100CC    RM55
1600CC        RM90
1700CC        RM240
1800CC        RM280
1900CC        RM330
2000CC    RM380
2500CC        RM880
( Every 100CC from 2000 to 2500 just +RM100, e.g. 2100CC = RM380+100 =RM480)
2600CC    RM1130
2700CC    RM1380
2800CC    RM1630
2900CC        RM1880
3000CC        RM2130
3500CC        RM4380

Source: AutoWorld.com.my Road Tax Calculator