RE-Xtreme Version III

Into the night!

2011-11-29T07:42:00.001-08:00

RE-Xtreme Version III

End

RE-Xtreme Version III - Final

2011-11-23T03:44:00.001-08:00

Today was a very "Liberating" day for me.

I say liberating, because for the past few months the daily sight of my perfectly usable, but undriven FD3s Version III was haunting me at every glance.

When would I ever, get the chance to drive it as intended. Well very often the answer was "unforeseeable", so the decision was made to let to go at an acceptable price.

If you read this blog from the beginning to end. It's kind of a story about wanting something you are ill prepared for, but desire so much that you proceed knowing there's a fine line between dreams coming true and the torture of unfulfillment. I guess this one ended in the latter, but not without some fun along the way.

Having spent a sum of cash, modifying the car with necessary upgrades for reliability, and cleaning up some bits and pieces, I was well within sight of constant enjoyment. The earthquake and nuclear issues in Japan, along with other things, took some needed cash away from this project and as such, left it dormant, creating a tormenting situation rather than the optimistic approach I took from the beginning.

So while many of the initial dreams remain, the original intention for this particular vehicle will never be realized. So I'm not taking a drastic, but otherwise realistic approach in selling the car. Today it has left my possession, which has already created an element of positiveness for the future.

I've done less than 3000klms in this one, but with well chosen destinations, I enjoyed every second. I never once thought I bought the wrong car. I definitely bought the right car at the right time at the right price, but the circumstances have changed around me.

So for now it's back to an FD3less life of dreams vs reality.

Russ.

Silky Smooth

2011-10-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Looking great again!

The guys at Tomiyama did a great job. Also, thanks for the clean!

The rear quarter has a dent too, but as it was free to repair, just the door thanks.

Body Shot

2011-10-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Notice anything? FILTH! I haven't cleaned the car for a while! Part race track filth, part highway filth, part radio-active typhoon enhanced rain etc. Anyway, under this is a dent created by a nice guy who offered to pay for his damage.

So I dropped off the car today for the corrective cosmetic surgery.

Then it's off to auction.

Kingyo's Secret Affair

2011-09-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is somnething I'd love to do. Just totally over the top, but it's driving me crazy I can't sleep!

The ultimate mix of RWB and RE-Amemiya. two things I love. Kingyo's Affair.

Only need 3~4K to build it? Any sponsors out there?

Unfortunately, the wheels I want to run (used in this photoshop) are 18x12 +6 rear and 18x10 +6 front.

This FRP body is designed for 18x9.5+22 so there's an extra 30mm that needs to be found. It aint happening. hahaha

C1 Opponent - R33

2011-09-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

This GT-R R33 was WIDE WIDE WIDE.

There was a few things wrong here though. Daytime and no Challenge. Just the nod of respect.

For those who know C1... Which is best? Left or Right at the "9" split?

To Drift or Not to Drift

2011-09-14T02:22:00.000-07:00

TE37 SL 17" with 245/40/17. FANTASTIC!

Unfortunately, they belong to Andy from Powervehicles, but I sat them beside mine for a "test". He was lucky to keep them.

Every time I meet Andy, I want to turn my car into a tyre shredder.

How ever If I did drift the car, you can't have a standard looking car. I want a FATTY.

He currently has some old Miester S1 for sale and I tried these over fenders for fun too. The Miester Monster from my last post could be a reality? HAHAHA.. maybe... not. maybe...

I forgot to take pics though.

Mister Monster

2011-08-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

The 3000 dollar option is this. 18" Miester S1 with stretch + cheap over-fenders. Kind of the plan I had originially. I absolutely love this look on the car. Looks so tough. Who knows? Dreaming is great.

Ebisu Monday Challenge.

2011-08-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

RE-Xtreme headed to Ebisu for D1 and during some downtime after the event, I managed to hit up Ebisu's Higashi Circuit.

GT Wing is a must for the circuit with stability and braking are greatly effected. Removal of under bonnet vent covers and other usual prep included, light taping, and regular mechanical checks.

Any car sitting in the pits looks like a race car. Mine looks like any other Time Attack car.

The helmet came out of the closet and finally got some use.

I took these shots after the on track adventures, because the car is still for sale. I am confident that this one has decent potential. It performed very well on the circuit even without some things others might have.

The plan for the day was not an all out attack. As the first time this car has been on the track, I was wanting to play with suspension settings on the KTS dampers and just get a feel for the car's ability.

I am amazed how much grip the FD chassis has. I found myself pushing harder, just because it felt so good and balanced.

I was a little reserved however as I was only running Pirelli Dragon street radials, which are hardly a recognized track tyre. I was pleasantly surprised by the grip available. I was expecting huge slides and poor braking, but the chassis was working very well indeed proving I am close to the setup I chose for the car.

Interior is also well set up. I was watching all the things I needed to. Oil and water temps. Making sure it's all ok. Boost sitting at 0.9 bar.... a lot!.

Safe and secure.

I recently replaced the rear sections of the hatch interior. The weight saving is about 2kg. Which is more than covered by the engine power and light weight components elsewhere. I didn't even bother removing the passenger seat.

It was hot though, with temps around 30 degrees, I was only doing ~7 lap stints to make sure the car was operating OK. Warm up, Attack, followed by cool down laps or something like that.

13b Single Turbo, Large IC, Koyo Rad etc etc. All the goodies.

Greddy TD-06-25G with external wastegate on full song is awesome.

Here is the car over the hill on the Ebisu Higashi (East) course. It's great grabbing 4th right about here and still accelerating.

I set the GT wing on the flatest position for balance. It worked very well with these photos showing the car running flat without rear squat or front dive.

One of the only other 2 drivers using the course was kind enough to snap these shots His full tune Nismo S1 engine 400hp GT-R34 on Dunlop Direzza was lapping in the same times as me to my surprise. He even headed over to the down hill side through the fence. Thanks very much.

A fun day. Will be sad to see the FD go.

D1 coincided as part of the Summer Matsuri, Drift or Grip can be undertaken at any of the Ebisu tracks for extremely low cost. Monday challenge is all day at Ebisu Higashi for only $120. As many laps as you can do. Matsuri is also on right now and Powervehicles has services from car purchase, rental and tuition from Team Orange's Naoto Suenaga and other circuit drivers.

Powervehicles.com can arrange all kinds of motorsport tours and if you are wanting a competent street/track car, give them a call. RE-Xtreme Version III needs a new home before I spend more cash.

Track days are addictive.

Russ

...

Interior Redecorating

2011-08-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

While I'm happy with the 1/2 stripped interior, for sale, this is a difficult sell as it narrows the market.

So I picked up some good condition interior panels amazingly cheap and started to install them again.

This really tidies up the rear although having to swap the position of the RE-Amemiya Rigid Harness Bar, it's still an acceptable position.

I have the interior side panels, but I didn't install them as the cage would require cutting. I'll leave the new owner to decide what to do there.

How much weight did I add. about 2 kg maybe. If I take out the passenger seat that's about 20Kg. so in the overall scheme of things, it really doesn't matter.

Russ.

Filtration

2011-07-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Contrasting images is something I haven't been able to do correctly for a while. My new camera is only a cheap DSLR but I can still get a good image from it. However one thing I needed was a C-pl filter

Now I have the option of reflecting those perfect skies or looking through the glass.

Midnight Speedhunters

2011-07-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

My camera is performing well. These new cheap Canon Kiss X50 DSLRs are amazing. no tripod at night.

I went down to Daikoku to meet up with the guys I know in the GT-R community and do some .RSG. graphics for Dino from speedhunters.com , so of course I sampled them on my car for looks.

My Rx-7 13-B on the Wangan at almost Midnight. Quite fitting being 7/13 and My project is named 7:13.

Thanks for the shot on the return journey! Dino's even good with his iPhone.

Russ.

Deals Gap

2011-07-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to Phil and the boys from http://www.dealsgaprotaryrally.com/

These Ts will go very well. I can stop being Japanese XL for a while with these American M size.

.RSG. Graphics.

2011-07-06T02:53:00.000-07:00

New graphics. Actually made these just to test wet application... OMG!.. so much better.

Reversed here.^

The graphic is actually my initals R.S.G

Which I am using for a side venture (that I'll never make much money from)

I plan on giving these to some special owners on 7's day.

Of course chrome are for my 2 favourite cars. 1 at Tsukuba and 1 at Daikoku. maybe.

Russ.

RE-Xtreme POD!

2011-07-06T02:51:00.003-07:00

Something had to be done about this...

1 piece of 50mm plumbers tube.

Hacked into shape.

Painted... slots at the bottom are for a cable tie for mounting.

Slick...

Smooth. Position is not 100% but way better than before.

See the boost

Russ.

ps new camera is good.

7's Day Preparation

2011-07-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Clean.Well... kind of. To add graphics or not? Today I pulled off some test graphics and tomorrow I'm going to add some to test an application method.

But they may not last.

7's Day Livery

2011-06-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Something a bit special for 7's day. This would be cool so time permitting, Ill try this.

But it will be minus the skirts and perhaps the rear wing. and definitely no light covers.

Safety style

I thought about this style, but it's a bit blah.

RE-Xtreme 13B-REX Rotary Engine Single Turbocharger RX-7

Daikoku and Sibaura PA

2011-06-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a bit of a no joy for me. A long drive with no interaction. Daikoku was closed and by the time I worked out how to get through Yokohama on a link road (there is none.. K5 doesn't turn right.??WTF) it was a bit late to get back.

So I missed the GTROC meet.

A lonely drive, so I stopped in Tokyo. A nice EF, some crazy St185 Celica and some Lambo Wangan Action.

A bit boring for me. Maybe next time guys.

Test cuts and sample application

2011-06-15T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so these are some temporary graphics as a test of my cutter. Happy!
I can now do in a few hours what used to take weeks.

My Logo is here too. It's a play on my initials .RSG. Resonant Simple Graphics.

The car will not receive any more stickers. (maybe) It's a good test bed though.

Cutting Xtreme

2011-06-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

So the cutter is here... a couple of months too late, so I really have no use for it on my own car.

I have a couple of projects to undertake in conjunction with Neweraimports.com, Powervehicles.com & Tomei so there will be some use.

I think of all the time I wasted hand cutting graphics. This thing is a monster.

Takes no time at all. But I need to learn some software to make things easy.

Russ.

RE-Xtreme Wheel Options

2011-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Splitter + Sides Rear Wing

First Up Yellow TE37

Gun Advan RS

New Gram Lights 57Gainer.

Gram Lights 57G

TE37 Midori

unavailable gainer in mat.

But silver is ok. Provably this kind of curvature.

Enkei PF-01

Advan RS 19

Chrome

Advan RS 19 in gold. Yummy

Rays RE30 CS

Aqua Te37

And stop on Red.

Of course nothing will ever happen.

RE-Xtreme Version III TA Spec

2011-05-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

Remember this. I haven't forgotten the dream... Hello Dream! Should I fight....Maybe reality and dreams sometimes don't mix.

Ups and downs.

2011-05-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well, on my trip to Hakone last week there were a couple of tiny issues. The car was riding super low at the front and I hadn't had time to adjust before I left. So I had some small resultant scraping. The wheel fender inners are not the best anyway, but the car really needed another 5mm ride height adjustment to avoid that "choop choop" sound on full bump compression or loads of lock and roll in tighter corners.

So, in favour of function over stance, the car is now 5mm higher at the front and the result is a flat effect. Rears remain the same. The new KTS shocks really feel good. Both on the street (passengers may be less discerning) and through the twisties. Taking bumps with ease and easily controllable on throttle. Just how I like it.

The result is still low, but infinitely more street-able. Especially on my driveway with wheels on lock. My tyres are the highest 235/40 I've ever seen. Pirelli dragons. Maybe it's my smooth driving, but the tyres are OK they really didn't feel too bad up in the mountains. Of course, If I drive really aggressively, then provoking over-steer is not a problem, AT ALL. This is the kind of setup I like anyway. I like to take a car to the limit. If the limit is lower then thats OK too. It's more fun.

This small bend was the result from my driveway the other day. I fixed the small tyre intrusion during the lowering process. The car needs still some minor TLC. It's small things that make it a track car, not a show car. Previous owners poorly rolled front fenders were never an issue as a wide-body or replacement fenders capable of handling 255 were always on the cards. Nothing a bit of sandpaper and well executed touch up won't fix though.

For anyone with independent height adjustable coil-overs, it's easy to do this with very primitive FD jack and the c-spanners. Alignment is probably effected a small amount but not enough to do too much damage to handling.

Top position remains the same. The lower one not visible in these shots is where they adjust. I have three settings. (for my reference 100:89:84)

This little baby loves the 0.9 setting. 0.7 just doesn't cut it. BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Russ.

Last Long Drive

2011-05-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

What a day!

It all started with a wash and polish to remove the vinyl leftovers.

Then I headed onto the highway through the city.

Midday in Tokyo, you can be lucky and have a quiet day. (checking the live traffic feeds is mandatory)

As you snake through the city you get the feelings of Japan.

I arrived at a PA to find a stock black FD driven by a 70~80 year old guy. Only in Japan!

From there it was a quick sprint to the Toyo Turnpike and some vending machine goodness.

Paying all the tolls to get here is all worth it.

Although the Turnpike is a toll road, you can go up and down as many times as you like if you know where to turn around. This spot has featured in many motoring journalists stories. Ill link some later.

Single turbo sweetness. This is the road for this car.

A while ago Dino gave me some speed-hunters stickers, I left these few on the front bar as a memento.

And at the rear. Yep it's loud. Tunnels are insane!

A rear shot before heading off again.

The roads are awesome but I ALWAYS slow down here because the view is awesome. It's hard to take a pic though.

Back to the top, one of many trips up the 15klms of road.

Back down and the sun was getting warmer. This shot has some emotion for me.

My Canon IXY compact camera couldn't handle the contrast though.

The Bride seat puts you in a great position, pedal work must be accurate here. Tyres were better than I'd thought too.

iPhone was actually doing a better job with contrast. A few pics to friends from here.

Back into the jungle.

And high on the top. the setting sun was like paradise. Sounds, Feelings and Emotions came back.

With views like this every time I pulled over.

A Diamond Shot.

I decided to do the loop. The short link road on the turnpike is 150yen of smoothness, but it's like a rally special stage. not very long.

You can see it in the background cut along the side of a steep mountain.

Out the other side is the Ashinoko Skyline. Tighter and more demanding. 2nd to 3rd gear is the main rather than 3rd and 4th on the turnpike.

There are still the mandatory breaks for a hot vending machine coffee.

Yet another flowing mountainside.

Followed by another tight corner. Some of them have red paint to slow us down.

But some are just inviting.

The tunpike is at the other end of this lake. The top pics were looking from the other side.

Peeking out, practicing some depth of field.

While I waited for the sun to set.

Then it was off for more action.

Down the Hakone pass is a tight monster that's covered with drifters rubber most of the way.

Here you can see the immense power of the RE-Amemiya Sleek light conversion.... haha

But the sun was still sending out it's last.

Back to Tokyo is another adventure.

As you drive past the same places at night. You know you're almost home.

Russ.

Vi-Nill

2011-05-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

The last of the stickers have been removed.

These were remaining

With the car sitting outside, it doesn't get cleaned very often.

So the remnants will be cleaned tomorrow. Then maybe a drive.

Naked in the Sand

2011-05-10T02:52:00.000-07:00

Went to the local shops today. You will notice the stickers have been removed. The car still looks great.

A little rubbing on lock with the fronts low. But thats the price of cool.

What isn't cool is this mongolian desert sand that blows across the sea in may/june every year.

It sucks. cleaning??? hmmm Maybe I'll wait a bit.

It might be rpretty hard to sell the car in the current environment. Car Road tax came today... theres another $400 I have to spend that doesn't improve the car.

FOR SALE

2011-04-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Time to sell.

Unfortunately no budget to enjoy this one. Some priorities change.

Yen 950,000
Contact powervehicles.com for more info.

I'll be adding sale pics on here very shortly once she's washed and ready.

BYE BYE VINYL

2011-04-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

Here's whats left of the stripes. Returning it to white for sale.

15mm of difference

2011-04-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

If an inch is as good as a mile then 15mm is as good as awesome!

Inspired by others and my constant photo chops, I decided to lower the car this morning.

Both ends tuck nicely under the wells. Rears are 18x9.5+38 265/35 and I'm on the limit of my KTS Sigma shocks. Fender is 630mm from the ground at the center. These track focussed items were never intended to be super low (there are other shocks for that)

Fronts have a bit more to play with but the fenders and liners dont. Fender is 623mm from the ground. Full lock there is just a tad of grinding on the front lower bumper when shocks are extended. but thats avoidable by driving style. Fronts are 18x8.5+35 with 325/40

I went back and did a better shoot (albeit all 1 minute.) All the sakura are starting to fall in the wind. Turning a pink sky into the pink carpet and a touch of green. Next week these trees will be green and not a sign of pink.

You may remember this location from here. It's 1klm away but couldn't be more different.

These are the roads around Disney Tokyo hotels. Disneyland is only now just re-opening after the earthquake. This land is reclaimed and not 100% stable. Some big cracks around but repairs are complete.

I'm loving this shot. It shows the height I'm at. Of course lower would be nice, but thats as far as it will go.
On the track the rear wing will provide some squat also.

The car dives a bit "flatter" also, it's independantly adjustable to this height so there is no impact on ride from the last setting. Just a little more natural camber.

Wanganity

2011-04-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I headed to Daikoku tonight just to get some relaxation. I haven't driven the car properly in a while.

Here I am in an R34/33 GeeDeeAR sandwich. Thats about 1300hp calories.

I took my RC FD to play around with.

I discovered some things about my real FD. Mostly it hasn't been tested.

The good.
Loud in the tunnels
Fast
New shocks are great
New seat is great too

The bad.
Loud everywhere

Tyres are absolutely crap. Wheelspin in any gear is not good. Unless drifting.

Needs a circuit to stretch it....

Hard braking without the rear wing from speed is not so stable. Some settings to tune.

Sakuration

2011-04-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today I took the car to my favourite street. I call it Sakura Avenue.

This view shows only about 1/2 way.

The sky is covered in soft pink.

When you drive along.... it's 100% covered.

Here is an example of poor photography. Please let this be a lesson to you. Watch backgrounds. I chose the sunny spot but forgot the rear view.

And what post wouldn't be complete without a photshop low down image.

Russ

RE-Xtreme Version III -- for now.

2011-04-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well, It's done. RE-XTREME!

Wacked the rear wing back on too. For today anyway. (I wanted to see how it looked mainly.)

Here in the foreground you can see some cracks and mud where the ground mushed itself in the earthquake. Mud in the top shot also.

Do i like it? Hmmm, Jury is out. It certainly gets attention again. I may rip them off tomorrow. 50/50 right now as to subtle or in your face.

For me... it's closer, but not finished.

Just needs Feed Skirts, some smaller tyres and some STANCE!

Mazda Speedish

2011-04-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

Im liking this simple design. Very MazdaSpeed and very ME.

Low, Feed Skirts + Wing. Bring it on.

Sutekkaa

2011-04-05T02:16:00.000-07:00

A little sunset action always makes a nice shot. Added a few more to the front fender.

Including this little beauty I cut myself. (yes I am still cutting everything by hand) (OH NO... I just noticed my ba is missing the first stroke.!!!! Where did it go????) the other side is ok. I'll fix it.

Starting to pad out nicely. It's amazing how many stickers you actually need to cover such a small area. Theres now more than 45 stickers on the car.

This road near my house is a favourite in Sakura (cherry blossom) season. By this weekend they'll be in full bloom.

Of course to get the stickers on I had to wash and polish the car a bit. It was FILTHY before.

I've cut the big RE-Xtreme ones. Just not on yet.

I'll do some chopping for best poisiton tonight. I wan't to put the GT wing on again too... It really don't like the wingless look.

Russ.

Sideling

2011-04-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

I hate indecision. I was planning to stick this here.

Without any other stripes though. it looks out of place. Maybe here is better.

Or then again. Door side.... But I do plan to put some grey on the car, so the orginal spot will suffice.

Bride, Sccot and Trust also to go on.

I think It needs a wash... haha.

Stick em Up!

2011-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Cleaned out my sticker drawer today. I added GReddy, Apexi, Enkei, RE-Amemiya, Scoot, KTS, Swift, Newera, Speedhunters, Naniwaya and a small Gold Coast sticker. Can't really see them though, but there are many.

Front Bar.
Scoot. Enkei, Endless, Speedhunters

Front Fenders
Mazda, RE-Xtreme, GReddy, SuperG, Speedhunters

Doors
RE-Amemiya,

B Pillars
Bride Holding monster.

Rear Fenders,
HKS, Apexi.

Rear Glass
Newera, KTS, Swift Footy, Naniwaya, Gold Coast Happy Times

Rear Bumper
Speedhunters.

GT Wing
Scoot.

Split Directions

2011-03-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

OK, so here is the current scheme of things. I think I can get away with feed skirts, a splitter and a slight drop on the suspension with new tyres.

With GT wing also. It's well hard looking with or without some vinyl.

As for the spare set of rims. Work IIRT seem to be getting their nose in front right now.

Just need money.

Reflections

2011-03-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Went out today and the car was parked up, quick snap. The suspension is awesome compared to the old junk!

I was thinking of returning it to a stock front bar. But I know that would last for ten seconds before I got bored. I saw an original '97 car go past the other day and it just looked great. FD design is great standard.

But for now still dreaming. Of course I can't keep anything standard. Modifying is my hobby.

So the basics are there. Maybe Feed side skirts in carbon and an RE- A or CC diffuser in carbon. And the splitter maybe back on the cards. They should make for a good combo.

Work 11 RT look great (kind of like gram lights optimise) and there is that splitter again. This time jsut a flat sheet. without air dam.

Why? ... As it turns out the current undertray has been replaced with a crap plywood design already and I need to replace that anyway as it's really not good. And as I love this bumper with the splitter. Feed skirts. + diffuser + splitter realistically will be a good image. (chop coming)

Im also thinking about what to do with these defis. I'd like to clean up the dash.

Mounting position of the boost guage is challengine my ideas.

Currenly the glove box has a defi cable nest. and the PFC is not so desirably located.

Any Ideas?

An pan man dam can can

2011-03-03T23:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, the white snake is getting closer. Click here first for some background music to read by.

I went to KTS today to get something done.

Look at these old Scoot dampers. ALL the oil has completely gone. After talking to Koseki-san I was thinking about rebuilding them. He said basically not to bother, they were old technology and the shafts basically would need to be replaced. And I wanted independant height adjust anyway.

So I did a lot of research and thought about it a lot. Resulting in the other blog post about suspension. KTS recently developed these alloy body, fully adjustable dampers with external extension reservoir tank. so rather go for something less flexible I decided to go targeted for what I want to do.

KTS SC damper system ∑

They were a bit more than I wanted to spend, but they gave me a rebate on my old dampers and free alignment and install. All up about $1500

They have a 30 point setting on the top for compression and another on the external tank for extension damping. Currently I'm sitting in the middle on all settings. I chose 16kg Swift springs for the track as the car will be getting some more upgrades as money provides.

This is the after picture.... you don't need to see the before settings, they were ugly. This is a fairly general circuit setup. I decided not to drop the car too much as the front inner fender covers are still there and they require some work.

I had to do a few things after the install. Running on the street with the settings I found myself immediately feeling the camber and the no damping bounce has gone and the pillow ball clunk clunk has gone. GREAT! A bit of tramlining keeps you awake and concentrating. The car feels really solid and much much tighter than before.

It's getting to where everything is working properly and I can enjoy not worring about stuff and go faster.

Just like Luke Skywalker... almost. You should hear the sound of the thing in here. 1st gear mandatory. BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

iPhone seems to be doing all my camera duty recently. It's really not good, but handy.

I'll need to sort out the brake line and air line. a bit close. and I discovered after a good look under the car that there is alot of dodgey stuff that needs cleaning up. All in time. Next tyres. The ones I have are quite tall for 265 and 235. so replacing them will lower the car just that extra few mm.

For now I'm very happy.

You can see this car is not the prettiest but functional. It'll get cleaned up eventually.

But here is a sad sight. My cool storage shed photo location is now rubble. I guess ANOTHER BIG APARTMENT building will go here. Japan is getting out of control. It's not like there are more people. Hasn't anyone told them the population is shrinking.

By the way, gas went up almost 10Yen in the last week now 149yen/L. I guess we are looking at a repeat of 2008. Just when I build an FD and ready to drive. Gas goes up. WTF! It will probably reach 190 like before and I'll have to sell it.

This one likes the taste of the earth juice a bit too much. hehe.

Russ.

Tyres

2011-03-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

I guess when I make polls I should put more info. Everyone recommend Neova when RE-11 are often regarded in Japan as a superior tyre. Do they really have that good a reputation in other countries?

With current Japanese Pricing. 1 set 2x 225/40R18 & 2x 255/35R18

Advan Neova AD08
Yen148700 or $1500

Bridgestone Potenza RE-11
Yen122700 or $1225

Dunlop Direzza StarSpec Z1
Total Yen117040 or $1170

Federal 595RS-R

Total = Yen62520 or $625

for the record.

Nankang NS-2
Total = Yen36120 or $360 for 4 tyres. Thats cheap.

For my Max Fun, Minimum Outlay, I think I'll be using Federal.
R-Magic have a test in a few days for their D1 car.

Bare Curves - Hello Shape

2011-03-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

Pulled the aero off the car this morning. The FD shape is back. I can see some small carbon skirts going on there. but thats it.

Black RP-01 still looking sweet. Don't get too close though. they are rough.!

The sides of the FD really do curve a lot. Covering them up was a bad idea. Whereas before, I was thinking the front needed to be a lot lower. Now, I don't think it does. Don't get me wrong, I certainly want to lower the car a tad more. The rear is quite high, but that was probably die to the GT wing, (that i still have.)

During this exercise i saved not much weight. maybe 5Kg. Rear wing is quite heavily constructed. Side skirts are cheap and thin. Shame I stuck the enkei stickers on the skirts... damn!

Can't wait till Friday... secret secret. haha.

Happy to be back on track.

Adjustable splitter

2011-02-24T22:54:00.000-08:00

Here's something thats been in my mind, feel free to comment.

I want to run the car low, but that means avoiding my driveway with any kind of splitter.

Ive been thinking of ways to have an extendable section or simply one that slides in when I need it for circuit days.. Held in by pins or bolts.

The one that slides in is easy. Just affix some bars along the underside and slide the front section into some tubes. These are running strainght along the body, so it wouldn't detract from the effect much? would it?

This car has an outer edge only, the centre could be added for track days.

I actually want it a bit lower like this picture.

R- Magic make one also but it's crazy expensive and probably wouldn't match the body of my car.

What to do?

Speed Hunting

2011-02-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

A while ago, Dino gave me some speedhunters.com stickers for my car. There is now one on each surface.

Speaking of surface. This black car was kind enough to stop beside me I could admire the black rims.

But OMG! look at the mismatch in colour in the side skirts. one day I'll paint them, the bonnet, bumper and rear spoiler.

AR-PEE-ZERO-WAN-GAN Version III

2011-02-22T00:35:00.000-08:00

Blue Skies... Nice day for a Paint. ps. No Photoshopping!!!!! What a change. Great!!!!

I've been wanting to paint my Enkei RP-01 for a while. But today was the day.

I live on a main street with nowhere to do this, but a friend offered me his garage for the day.

A little far from my place, but the return journey saw a stop at daikoku for some crappy iphone pics.

Fresh. Hella Matt! Hella cool! Who needs advan RG-D? Maybe me... hahaha.

A little bad news though. My trip up and down the wangan through yokohama and tokyo highways becaame a bit of a joke. The dampers in the car seem to be pretty old, Today's inspection saw a whole lot of leaking oil from the rears and a ride full of bounce and void of damping. So much so it was funny.

So priorities change and tyres will wait until new coilovers are purchased. I'll sell the old Scoot ones. I want some independant height / independant spring damping shocks anyway. -65mm here we come.

Russ.

CHOP CHOP

2011-02-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

For the Scoot Bumper. I need a splitter. Balance is key. Money Money Money....Next Month

Russ.

Scrubber

2011-02-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

A scrubber is a derogatory term for an unattractive lady, but I'm using it more as defining cars that scrub the ground.

This car is providing a lot of inspiration for me at the moment.

Black Out

2011-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here is the car fitted with black wheels. Rear Diffuser and some subtle graphics.

This one has used Enkei NT-03. about the only other affordable wheel for me. Can't stop playing with photoshop.

Realistically, I'll be painting these wheels as soon as the new tyres come. Lower IS better.

Hella tuck, flush, stanced, low, Whatever.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Here's a chop of the car with the GT wing. and no rear lip spoiler. The combination together is not pretty.

RE-Xtreme Ver III Checkpoint

2011-02-15T02:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, I did take my camera, but battery was dead so the iPhone had to do for this checkpoint.

Basically, since new year, I have installed the Enkei RP-01 wheels, some stickers (waiting for cutter to do more)

KSP Rear wing for the street. (still have the GT wing for the track)

And thats it, exterior wise. It snowed last night so the car is very dirty, hence the dark lines down the side.

Recent project has been to clean up the interior. I took the rear seat out today. A nice puddle of water under there. ? Why?

I contorted my body into the rear and trimmed the rear section of the roll cage today. Not going to win any concours event, but adequately neat.

I also re-trimmed and fitted the rear harness bar, I tried it with the eyebolts upright but the seat is so low the harness was way above level.

For now the rear of the car is empty. Except for the batery and an old CD changer. In time these will be relocated, maybe into storage bins, but for now. I'm ready for tyres and some track time.

Russ.

Tyre Time

2011-02-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

There isn't much needed to make my FD look freaking cool.
Lowered and a bit of paint on the wheels. A splitter is unavoidable and gt-wing will see circuit duty.
Just a tweak here and there. But this post is more about tyres.

Tyre Choice Time.

Right now I have 18" wheels. 8.5" and 9.5" rims but the tyres are worn.
So the logical choice is to replace with the same size. 235/40 and 265/35 Right? Wrong.

Purpose: The car is to see some double duty "fun" circuit driving.
Not extreme time setting or super drift, but somewhere in between. Let's call it "Slide Attack" setting.

So that means maybe a little less tyre is more fun.

225/40 front and 255/35 rear for the street will be perfect. (Version I setting)
This will see the car able to be lowered with ease.
The tyres may have a slight stretch to tuck the wheels nicely inside the guards with 8.5"+35 and 9.5"+38 Offset.
Front will also have more lock at the lower hight without chewing the guards during some impromptu drift.
For the circuit, If I use 255/35 all round. (Version II setting)

I only need another two 9.5" rims with some 255/35 mounted.
These could be used on the front for improved turn in for grip running days or on the rear for spare drift duty spares.
I have more than enough power to spin any tyre so durability is a little bit of an issue also. Softer High grip tyres will dissappear quickly.

It's good writing this down because it helps the clarity.

Positives.
Looks / Versatility / Fun / Low Cost / Durability

Negatives. (at this point I don't care about so basically none)
lower grip level / slightly less control / higher lap times
Lap times for me are only a measure of driver performance so a consistent vehicle setting will mean measurable outcomes.

So I think I've answered my own questions.

Tyres
2x 225/40R18 for the front 8.5" rims.
2x 255/35R18 for the rear 9.5" rims.
2x 255/35R18 spare
Wheels
2x 9.5" RP-01 or similar

Configurations Available
Street 225/40R18 F / 255/35R18 R
Circuit Drift 225/40R18 F / 255/35R18 R
Circuit Attack 255/35R18 F & R GT Wing + current ride hight + alignment.

Tyre Choices
225/40R18 Neova AD08, Direzza Star Spec or Bridgestone RE-11 are the choices. Y25000~ea
255/35R18 Federal 595RS-R seems logical. Y17500~ea

So total is about 130,000

I think that should balance the car. Probably the 225 Neova would match the grip of the 255 Federals anyway.

(Note to self -- last time green Version II had 255 on 10J rims and there was no stretch. *** Research)

Russ

Haaaaaa Baaaaaaa!

2011-02-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

Still contemplating the splitter, But my budget has reduced a little. I know... delays delays...

That being said, the small bits I need for my first track day keep rolling in slowly.

This is an RE-Amemiya Rear Rigid Bar. The blue cover will be ditched and replaced with black. Maybe tomorrow.

Damn you splitter! I've had responses from Fukuoh and Auto-Labo. Fukuo will be 38000+Custom work.

Auto Labo measured up, but there are some discrepancies.

Perhaps, tamon shall be contacted. They make one for the wide Car, Perhaps they could be persueded to make a narrow version.

Test car donated by Me!

ps. TE37 Not included.

Ravaged

2011-02-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, More chops. VRG2. Deep offset is maybe too deep and super expensive.

I've been looking at tyres, but when i search I find wheels too.
Ive seen some of these blue beauties used fairly cheap. Although not this dished, they still look good.

Which got me thinking about the old T&E Vertex car (the green one) Those babies were wicked! Chrome is coming! Bring it! These were chopped straight from a standard body car! I'll have to check the specs.

Don't even get me started on aero! I'll be chopping forever. Gotta get me splitter sorted.

Seems the companies I contacted are asking around 38000 yen for the undertray + whatever to fit a custom airdam. Hmmm.

Russ.

Interioration

2011-02-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

I can finally start to show off the interior a bit. Bride Zieg III BN is super tight and has a great feel. It keeps your legs where they should be. Today's job was to add the Cusco roll bar pads to the cage.

Removing the entire cage... What a pain in the ass. A little bad news though. Without taking out the seats, I couldn't get the rear loop bar out and time was pressing. I'm still waiting for some more padding so I also only had enough to cover the front anyway.

So I'll have to either have to

A. cover that in the car.

B. remove everything. AGAIN!

Should I take out the carpet too? At the moment it's still pretty comfortable. But I thought about removing the carpet today.

Covering the rear bar in the car is no big deal because I have to cut the entire length of the pad anyway.

If you've ever done this job, you need a lot of finger grip strength and patience.

Here's a little tip for getting everything in the right place.

Get some of these little velcro straps. Then super glue is easier to hold.

Next plan is to relocate the relocated battery.

My Shaken registration says 4 seater, but I think adding the rear bins and going 2 seater full time is the best option.

I was sitting in the rear today, and really there is NO way this is a 4 seater. Japanese kids are pretty small though.

Russ.

Rubbers

2011-02-01T00:12:00.000-08:00

I went to KTS today to get some Cusco rubber for my Roll Cage. I don't feel like slamming my helmet or my head against it.

Doing this also means I have to remove parts of the cage. The cage bolts have started to rust up, While most have been easy to remove, there's always the one that wont budge. In my case 3 STUPID F#($&*# #*(%&^(#*&% #(%&^&^%&^ %&^%*(*&#^ (*#&%^&%#) (*&#%^(* &#^%(&*#^(*&FING BOLTS.

Maybe its my lack of skill in untightening bolts... hahaha. But my cheap tools don't help.

Russ.

Hey! RAY! S

2011-02-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

Rays RE30, Yes Please. Price... No thanks. Formula Silver is almost chrome without the weight penalty.

Forged beauties with rigidity and light weight. These are the strongest RAYS. Bronze are good but they dont seem to be sitting well on this image.

Centre capped versions are also just not right somehow.

Work It

2011-01-30T04:11:00.000-08:00

Check this fattie. Super extreme Wide Porsche fenders and Super dish Work Miester S1. Cool!

But somehow this is just as cool. Emotion XT"7". Seven spokes of Metal Bright perfection. The high contrast works well on the white black scheme. Deep taper starts at 9.5+38
I could fit these all round and a spacer on the rear. Just.

Bronze are a little strange.

Silver look OK, but still boring.

Hard lighting is ok too.

Crkai are also a Deep taper item. I like the gun shade on these.

WMB version has a little too much going on somehow. but these are much like the Weds 67R which outright look better. IMO

New M1 are an unknown. Matt bronze I need to see beside the car.

Heading back to the XT9. Seem to be the obvious choice at 50% off right now. around $230 per wheel for 18".

Grey or Matt black.

But red is still there. I may cover in vinyl one day.

Wheels Again

2011-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest batch... Gram 57G cheap and good.

57 SOG

Im diggin these Weds 67R in matt titanium. These are cheap!

Gun 19's are cool but I cant put 19s on an FD.

TE37

Custom colors are a 3 month wait... no thanks.

maybe the next post will be work wheels. XD9 are on runout sale right now.

Splitter Size

2011-01-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Nothing to see here... Just measuring how big I need. outline of the lower bumper lip.

Advan Love Hate

2011-01-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

I love Advan Wheels. The way the spokes are long and curving in the GT-R Design. RS especially.
After thinking about TC-III I'm back on the Advan train. I've had RGII and RS before.

bUt, I hate that they are soooo expensive. I mean it's just a cast wheel. Almost like Louis Vitton, premium price for sub-par materials.

I love the way they look. 19's are way cool but a bit impractical on the FD. Having to stretch tyres and such just to make them fit.

So 18s would do, But I hate cleaning 10 spoke wheels. I hate the compromise in offsets. +22 is minimum for coolness.

Matt Black is of course unavailable.

Custom Blue
or
Custom Red

So there's now a new breed.

RS-D in Matt black are available, are but somehow the spokes are hidden and don't reflect light like the RS or RGII spokes that find light. They don't have that Ping!

RG-D are cool too, but i am typically not a lip guy unless the spoke extend more.

RGII are great, 6 spokes are easy to clean and still have that strong reflective image. so for me I must conclude that RGII are still the wheel for me.

Blue is cool too, interior is heading in a blue direction so it kind of makes sense to go blue outside as well.

Super cool Matt Black... IMO sooo much better than RG-D even though chances of scraping them are increased.

And Finally

Pop! Chrome! For the street would be great. That's kind of irrellevant because car's focus is circuit and WHAT TO BUY is irrellevant because I have no spare cash for these.

I hate thinking too much.

Russ.

2011 New Wheel Releases - Pt 1

2011-01-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

I was WAITING for Advan TC III since I saw them in Option mag, However I was a bit dissapointed. The Matt Black version was not displayed.

I think the silver version looks better than this gun/ machined version.

But still looks cool. Maybe I should darken the graphics?

Gram Lights 57 Ultimate DC chrome colour finshes are awesome!

Again these darker wheels (except black) don't seem to match the bright red.

But this looks good.

This Advan RS-D prototype release in RED.

Check RE-Xtreme Extra for more wheels from TAS and the full size versions.

Holding Monster

2011-01-18T01:32:00.000-08:00

It came the other day. Zieg III BN Model FRP Racing Seat.

Ready for install.

I decided against carbon bling and in your face gradation, black bride logo. good enough.

Here's a tip, the edges of the LF rail are like razors. very sharp. 6 cuts on my hands after the install. Yow!

So it's in. A few scratches due to my own stupidity but they are near the trans tunnel and no one can see.

First sit is good. Entry is difficult but not too bad. great support. But for me the best thing is that the car is sooooooo much easier to drive now. Heel and toe are good, before I was missing gears a little, now I am in the PERFECT position.

The height I am sitting changes the view. I feel faster, even at slow speeds. A little tight on my overweigh body, but it's inspiration for training.

You can see the Willans in the back. I didn't get out to pick up a harness mount today, but soon I'll get in in.

The car already had the eyebolts on the floor for the side of the harness. Just gotta sort out the rear.

I need a blue drift handbrake knob and maybe a new shift knob. But I am not sure, the stock one is fine. Also have to clean up the PFC position and get my cage padding.

The list of things to do gets shorter and longer at the same time.

Russ.

Harness the Power!

2011-01-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

I washed the car today for the first time.... haha. On the way home I stopped in my favourite spot for some shots.

Pretty striking. Everything is overexposed to sh1t because my camera recently decided to die. I have another, but it means it's camera decision time. I have to delay that because I have little spare cash.

Luckily my friend Myles donated his old Willans 2" harness. It will do until I get some other pieces.
Just have to work out where to put it. New seat will arrive soon, so I didn't install yet.

It's coming together for a bit of track action soon.

First Cuts

2011-01-11T22:14:00.000-08:00

A little Aussie support.

Just a cool sticker. I'm not running Super G oil. I have HKS at the moment.

And some other HKS stuff.

Soon to arrive. the holding monster.

Enkei are already on. The Blue ones on the wheels were already there.

Some old Mazda and Endless pads. I'm not exactly sure what I have at the moment but the squeal like carbon ceramic CC-X. Next ones will be MX72

Inspirations

2011-01-10T03:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, So I racked my brain trying to remember all the scoot bumper cars I have seen. I suddenly remembered a similar setup to what I am after while looking at attendees of the upcomming HKS premuim day.

(i really really want to go to this event as 6 top RX7s are running Fuji. but alas working)

Anyway, PRO SHOP FUKUOH to the rescue. Their car has recently recently recieved a new engine but more importantly, look at the splitter. Thier Bumper is based on the scoot one, almost exactly what I am trying to replicate.

It seems I am not the only one after a deeper splitter. Maybe a few questions fired at them on the 31st Jan. (from friends)

I'd like my air dam flat, but this one has a bit of angle. The car is not too low either.

While looking through some old photos, I found some red wheels. too. They look pretty damn good.

Craft Square Mirrors... how long can I resist??

Russ.

RE-Xtreme Style Poll Results

2011-01-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the votes of confidence.

The black splitter seems to be a great direction. I think I've decided on a TiRacing version. Mounting is still flying around in my brain. I went to the DIY store the other day and saw some interesting ways i could go ahead.

I guess the direction for black wheels is great. Although we all seem to be divided on the Matt or Gloss version though. I can't choose anyway, leaning towards gloss black, but I already have matt paint.
what to do?

Rear Wing. I still have my GT Wing and any circuit adventure will feature this. Replacing the KSP for the GT takes 10minutes anyway can even do it at the track.

I started cutting the templates for the Graphics too.

Photos to come. Seat to Arrive.

Russ.

Seat Spec - Bride Zieg III BN Sport Model

2011-01-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

Chosen

I didn't want a silver back seat. Really that's why I chose this one.

It's still a BRIDE (breedo) ZIEG III but it has the black FRP instead of silver.
cushions are also Bride Logo and it's cheap!

http://www.bride-naniwaya.jp/low_max/zieg_3.html

LF rail to go with. -40mm. LOW Baby!

Another piece of the puzzle complete.

Livery options

2011-01-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'm still liking the simplicity of this mazdaspeed based livery. I think I'll start cutting this week.

Even until I paint the wheels it will look cool. Even with the kangaroo.

I haven't ruled out red either. It's good to be different.

Split Decision

2011-01-03T03:55:00.000-08:00

Splitters

Pit Road splitter (black for FD), but the Generic FRP (square) is cuttable to suit my desire. Sanai (yellow) is pre cut. all about 40,000

Fujita is 50000 and has some upsweep for wheel wells.

Whatever design I choose, I want it lower, so I'll have to make some brackets that server 2 purposes.

to affix the splitter. (alloy brackets, drilled ... maybe longer than this image)
to attach the air dam. (an abs plastic strip wrapping around the front and sides.)

I think it should be ok. I'll break out the card board for a dummy run in the next few days.

RP-01 Wheel Colour?

2011-01-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

I think these are in order of preference.

Gloss Black.

Bronze.

Recently I have a thing for red. But it will pass.

Yellow is very interesting.

Castrol green is of course cool!

Boring ol' silver like every wheel in the world.

or

Bright blue would match a nice blue seat and the blue stitch on the steering wheel???.

So I'll put a little poll on the side have a vote.

New Year Adjustments.

2011-01-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

This image doesn't look too different, but it's lowered a lot. It make s the front feasible.
The Scoot bar really is high.

So I have 3 choices.

Buy an RE-Amemiya Facer 9 again.... (expensive)
Remove the super cheap side skirts.... (but they are kind of growing on me.)
Lower the front of the bar with an Air Dam + Splitter.

Now in reality, by principle ground effects like this require the car to be super low to create the required GROUND EFFECT.

So this is definately in the sweet spot. Low and operational. FRP under sweep should be FRP + ABS plastic + Aluminium U Supports. It all works in my head. I'll draw it up soon.

Add a couple of stickers and I'm off to the circuit.

Matt black paint is also on the agenda if it's not tough enough.

So how far to go? Maybe all the way!

And some finishing touches.

New Year 2011 - Checkpoint

2011-01-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

Took the great white shark out for a little shoot today

New years holidays leave heaps of places for a shoot.

Tail fin looks good.

I like the upswept rear. It matches the sharks gills bonnet.

Wheels are more than a little dirty after my tsukuba trip and lack of cleanliness.

But they don't detract as the dirt accentuates the shape. White is white and will always have a lack of contrast.

As you can see, reality is quite different to film... Brake dust.. Yeah Baby!

2011 New Wheels

2010-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

This year sees Rays lead with TE37 SL

Rays Gram Lights division goes for 57Ultimate DC - D1 inspired colours

These remindme of SE37K

Pretty cool! Blue or Red.

Work have some interesting Matt Brown S1 and the new M1 R shown here.

Advan have a 5 spoke TC III which looks very similar to a TE37. I have no pic yet but These are a must have. Wait for shots. Matt black with a machined centre like TC II

Russ.

Version III Design Update

2010-12-26T05:12:00.000-08:00

Based on the last photoshop. This is a more extreme variation. Simply a concept image, but the low wide image is very cool.

The real plan is to retain the normal body and paint the wheels Matt Black.

Then add a Pit-Road generic 3 piece FRP splitter and fabricate approx 1.5" of Airdam to extend the Scoot bar. It's much higher than other bars on the market.

Craft Square mirrors will eventually complete the picture.

Russ.

Tough Directions

2010-12-19T04:55:00.000-08:00

I am still looking for a final direction. But its close. Minimising cost vs performance.

While I like the white on white look. The car needs some more dark to balance those lights. So the matt black treatment might finally be used on my RP-01.

My current tyres are ok, but not much left on them, so after a bit of slide control practice, I think some Direzza Star Spec Radials will be used. 235/265 combo

This image is lowered, A LOT, but it wont be lowered much. Handling is good.
Directions include a front air dam or splitter and some simple graphics.

I think this creates a tough style and I still have the GT Wing for track days. Takes 10 minutes to swap it.

Russ.

Dochi ga?

2010-12-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

Vios III comes in the cheap sport version. Seat is more upright. Sides are lower.
Of course Zieg III is the ultimate FIA version and I will be way down low and laid back but it also offers a very difficult entry position.

VIOS III <- FD Fitting Check Here. Abit straight....

I'm leaning towards....

ZIEG III <- FD Fitting Check Here.

BN Sport Model has no buckskin on the shoulders and is black back and a little cheaper.
Also Bride logo Seats.

ZIEG III BN <- FD Fitting Check Here

Recaro are too expensive in Japan. They offers the same kind of model dilemma, TG vs RG but don't offer the side support of Bride seats.

Russ.

Tsukuburg Ring

2010-12-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day today. Sunrise, Mt Fuji and the New Sky Tree @ 600m or so.

Destination, Rev Speed Super Battle and a drive.

I call Mt Tsukuba, the Tsukuburg Ring, because it's basically full chat. But in this car it cannot be.

It's mostly 2nd gear for my beast. Tooo fast for this road. The new wing seems to keep things pretty stable.
I'll still keep looking for a TFR one though. This is just temporary.

And well set up. Lots and lots of grip. More than I expected actually, When it hooks up, it simply rockets.
The car is by far the fastest thing I've owned, so It will still take some confidence to use it to the full potential.
On the street, that is NOT going to happen. I was at full throttle on this twisty road for minimal periods.

This IS definately a track car, which opens a huge can of worms.

Spoiled

2010-12-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

KSP Spoiled ... Does that mean good or bad?

I am liking the style at the moment but that may change. I think this is pretty sweeping and long so the car really needs some lowering now.

There's actually a lot of up sweep on this so it should be effective.

This is very Ol'school for the FD. White RP-01, KSP wing, but soon it may get some vinyl so th elook will change.

I'd actually love the TFR viper ducktail style

But finding one of those cheap and in white may never happen.

So this one was 7000yen or $70, so I snapped it up.

I ran some vinyl over the multiple holes in my swiss hatch. Yes, that's swiss cheese.

11 each side = 22 holes all together.

Carbon or FRP hatch required?

Cheap Tricks

2010-12-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

What is this big banana?

It has vents...? But I'm not sure thats a good thing. Exhaust into the interior?

Sweeping sides challenge the lines of the FD.

Well, here is a clue.

Influence from the purple beast.

KSP Rear Wing Spoiler Type II. It was cheap and it will replace the GT-Wing.
I've been told a GT wing on the C1 or Wangan is an instant ticket these days.

Should get bolted on tomorrow, my cheap tools were not complying today.

Rear image is TOUGH.

Kind of squares things off. But also makes a unique statement.

Shopping Trolley

2010-11-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Some people say the GT Wing is a bit of a trolley. So I parked up in the right spot.

The car still is an FD. It still looks good.

I like the deep centre of the RP-01.

but I still need to drop it a touch.

Xmas shopping list

2010-11-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

Bride seat and rail
Harness and rear harness bar

That's all

SAB Reflections

2010-11-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

OK, so my first highway drive out to SAB in chiba. I can't believe I've had the car for over a month and I've hardly done 100klms. Well actually I can believe it. Many small issues and other shit going on.

I would like a circuit or mountain attack to test my fun factor, highway drive is about as boring for me as watching paint dry. But the car seems to behave itself in it's high state of tune on the trip.

The suspension is pretty hard, and any serious japanese highway corrigation isn't absorbed so well but that is to be expected, general handling however is very good. the few corners on the way provided surefooted direction change.

See if I can find some time before or after my Tsukuba trip. Parked next to this R-Magic demo car. the stance is way too high. I need it about 20~25mm down to be happy.

Stickin with the Wing

2010-11-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

What's different... maybe you can guess from the title. The wing is back on.

There's a few reasons for this.

I don't really like wingless FDs. Even though Version I didn't have a wing for about a year.
Balance on the car is better.
Looks more aggressive.
Prep for event.
Wing was taking up space in the house.

I also cut a couple of small stickers. "Scoot" for the wing and some small "RE-Xtreme" for somewhere.
I may add some red today... see what happens.

Version III Vinyl

2010-11-16T04:04:00.000-08:00

The RP-01 looks good. Ride height sucks.

I still love the bling effect. Something a little more is just a 5 minute photoshop to make trouble for me.

I have always loved Weds BVillens TS-V in 19" x whatever size and offset is always in the back of my mind for whatever car I own. The actuality of this is about 21" but i admit it looks freaking awesome.

The vinyl design is evolving. I don't want anything majorly devastating. The Sema designs got me thinking in a similar direction. I'd like to do it before the weekend but time may get the better of me. Realistically I need a couple of days for this. Not a couple of hours.

Russ.

Version III 2010

2010-11-15T21:58:00.000-08:00

Version III in the sun today at my favourite spot. I'm not sure the white suits this location though.

The car is still filthy! I love white! dirty or clean... It still looks ok.

I need it this high! Especially if I am going to run no wing for a while. I must say, power steering on this car is very light, response is up and the engine is simply a monster. Next week I am off to the Super Autobacs Meeting, but I won't be there until late. I hope there are still some cool cars around.

The other thing I did today was re-fit the short steering boss. Driving reach position is almost perfect again. Indicators stalks are far, but not too far. Effectively a 50mm increase over stock. 80mm deep steering wheel. Boss -30mm.

I just need a Bride Low Max drivers seat to get down into the car a bit more.

Soon. Long drive...

Side Effects

2010-11-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

Crap iphone pictures. Needs to be lower.

RP- OH WAN

2010-11-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Enkei RP-01 are finally on the car!

Last night my friendly drift sensei dropped off the wheels in his daily super Vitz and we fitted them this morning. Then went for a very small drive. Dai-san says... "Hayai ne!" Translation. Fast!

Immediately, I have more traction, but there was still a little drift involved. Very easily provoked. The tyres are quite old Pirellis.

Lucky he came around, because my "lightweight" FD3s jack died in the process. This shot is before the suspension settled down again.

Anyway, for the stance hunters, Im still running pretty normal height.

For me these offsets are perfect, but I'd like the tyres under the guards and about 1.5" lower.

For this car, Speed may win over style as the sus is quite good for track although independant ride height is not adjustable, but you never know, some substantial drop may occur for some drift action.

Last pic shows the machining of the hub. RP-01 are actually a pearl colour so they match the body very well.

Now I just have to clean everything and sort out a lot of rough edges, that may take longer than I expect.

Russ

SEMA Mazda Designs

2010-11-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

SEMA highlighted some new design influence for the motorsports focussed Mazdaspeed.

This is the one applied to the Mazda 2 only in White. RP-01 Enkei style. This will be VERY cheap to do.

I have everything here at home for this.

I drew from the tripoint Mazda 6 and the Mazdaspeed Mazda 6 for these two. The RENOWN influence is heavily integrated in the bold stripes not unlike the last design I did.

This last design is from an older RE-Amemiya RX3 savanna

Play time

2010-11-05T02:02:00.000-07:00

What do you think?

Massive 19" VR-G2 in custom hyper bronze.

Scoot Custom Carbon Air dam. <- Now something like this I am actually thinking of.

Note angry birds pig emblem.

Steerwinglesscone - frustration

2010-11-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

Now we shall start the story with the happy ending. Fortune D1 Spec 80mm deep cone steering wheel with blue stitch and a much better driving position.

Here is the frustration part. these two were sooooooo tight I bent the bemuck out of my allen key and then with help from a friend proceeded to strip them. Anyway. luckily I had the original boss and I could push the horn button aside to remove the rapfix short boss.

So after a lot of cursing and angst, I now have a nice interior. 1 issue. The boss if for Nardi and these are momo setting so the centre point is 5 degrees off. But when I get the short boss back in action I'll be set.

So anyway, on my return home, I passed about 10 cop cars, all of which love looking at a foreigner in a loud sports car with the huge GT Wing.

I think 1480mm is legal on an FD but this is 1600mm so thats a bit risky, I decided to remove it around town and keep it for track excursions or dedicated mountain adventures.

I may pick up a stock wing, but there are sooo many holes in the hatch, I am not sure it would look good.
Maybe an old school RE-Amemiya swimming pool style wing maybe cool.

We shall see, but for now it looks pretty normal.

First Shoot.

2010-11-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Went for a short drive today to my favourite little photo shoot area. It is rather loud! Can't wait to hit some tunnels.

Even with stock rims, the car looks pretty nice. Stock body FD is all you need.

I love how white hides sooo much filth. Scoot aero parts really stares right at you.
Up close it's not a pretty sight. But over time it will get some love.

Rear could use a diffuser but it won't get one unless I change the rear wing. I think the size of it should generate more than enough downforce for my antics on street tyres.

Interior will change soon, this is more of a point in time shoot. As of today I already have an 80mm deep cone D1 Spec steering wheel to go in place of the Momo prototipo.

Next week my RP-01 should be back from the hub machining shop. Chopped the stock rims up size for a comparo. These will be sold soon anyway. I was going to try and keep the 8.5 rears and buy two more for the track, but it aint worth it. Probably get some other old wheels from yahoo.

but I wonder what direction the car will take. You never know with me. A little vinyl tape here and there. It really doesn't take much to create maximum impact.

Russ.

RP-01 18" Wheel Weights

2010-11-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

I found someone selling wheels and they had weighed the Enkei RP-01 Cast Wheels

Wheel Weights are...
18x8.5" = 9.52Kg
18x9.5" = 10.43kg

Not the lightest, but not too bad.

The Advan RS 18x10 were 10Kg each.

BTW,

Wheels are off to the machine shop today.
Maybe by the end of next week.

Check my old comment on this post.

http://rextreme.blogspot.com/2010/04/yeti.html

RP-01 reality

2010-10-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

RP-01 Wheels. Rear are 18x9.5JJ fitted with 265/35/18.

Here is the controversial issue. 65mm. I need 67!!!!! Can I machine these? At what cost?

Side image... Yummy!

With 215 crap rubber up front there is heaps of room. fenders have been trimmed... poorly.

But 235 on 8.5 +25 ??? close. Very close.

Right now 245 RE-01 Potenzas on the rear provide ZERO grip at full throttle.

So the 265 is probably required but at +28, clearance may be an issue. low ride height is out of the question right now. I was trying to avoid rolling the fenders. DIY might be in order.

Costs and more importantly TIME keeps racking up. I've waited a long time for the car, maybe I'm just too impatient.

calm down.

RP-01 Drama

2010-10-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

***Photoshop above

Ok,

So I got some White RP-01 second hand.

They look incredible up against the car!
And they were cheap.

However fitment is a issue

5x114.3 18" x 8.5 +35

and
5x114.3 18"x9.5 +38

Perfect! Right? ... WRONG!

Why?

I assumed they would have a hub of 73mm like 99.9% of aftermarket Japanese wheels.
It turns out the hub is too small. Unadvertised feature from the seller.
Anyway, What to do?

I need a 8mm or 10mm spacer to be safe to clear the lip on the brake disk "centric hub"
That leads to a dilemma, maybe wanted or unwanted.
First I need long hub bolts and the spacers.
Costs involved here.
Spacers $30, $80 for bolts fitting probably $250. I'm not very DIY these days.

Stance will be awesome with wheels pushed to max.

But can I fit 18x8.5 +35 -10mm = 18x8.5 +25 on the front?

18x9.0 +29 is OK on the limit

Advice?

Should I try to fit these? or just go for XT7.

The other question is, should I swap the bonnet for my friends Carbon Scoot copy. Maybe suit the white car better? But then again, all white is cool!

Russ.

First mod

2010-10-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sleek lights are cool but provide terrible illumination.

The IPF bulbs are ok, It's just that most projected light is blocked by the housings.

I don't really care about that... cool is fine.

I added some IPF logos to them. The first sticker mod to the car.

Cheap but effective. Maybe need a bit bigger? not sure yet.

Flush it.

2010-10-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

I gave the major oils a flush today and as part of the process I ended up replacing the sandwich type oil sensor attachment with a Knight Sports one to support the defi gauges. This allows me to run a full size oil filter instead of a small one about 2" long. Somtimes things make sense.

Psycologically it feels smoother! haha.

Bung it out

2010-10-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

While I was around the back of the car, I found this little guy eating a sushi bento lunch box while hanging from the tow hook. Cool! He can stay.

Took out the exhaust bung and went for a little squirt. Fast and Loud. Me Like... Neighbours... maybe not so much.

Russ.

鍵を貰いました!

2010-10-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

I made myself a cool little keyring and picked up the keys today. You can make lots of little creative things these days!

Went to pick up the car and get the registration changed. The car has a long registration, so the expenditure here was minimal. I didn't get a special number plate. Just photoshoped 7:13. I booked it in for a full service at my local tuner, then brought it home. It's a beast, rough and ready but a project none the less. Sunday, it will get a fluid flush and a few things checked out, then it's a known condition.

First impression is hard to say right now. It's totally different to my last one. The exhaust has a bung in there, so until it comes out, it won't go to red-line yet. Suspension is relatively compliant, but that could be somewhat due to neglected tyre pressures and the crappy tyres also. One gripe at the moment. It's hard to heel toe with the cage in the way near my right leg. I'll have to sort something there. Maybe a new seat will change the position, If not, it may get the front section of the cage removed.

Pretty happy though. Needs wheels! URGENTLY! I don't think I'll post a pic of the side until I get some.
I don't think I'll need to change much.

My list so far includes. Wheels, Driver's seat and maybe mirrors. The rear wing may be swapped for a stockish one on non-track days. The rest will be maintenance.

ps It doesn't like Tokyo traffic either.Clutch is murderous. Likes the highway though.

Wahahahahaha!

Russ.

Enkei OK

2010-10-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

I think I have found a starting point.

I have loved these rims from a long time ago... 10 years ago I had an MR-2 with some in 17".

Some super cheap older White Enkei RP-01 in 18" could be just the ticket until I save for some real rims.

Wheels Dilemma III

2010-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Work CR-Kai were a favourite for me on their release.

9.5J retain the deepest taper.

I am liking these in 18x9.5+38 F and 18x9.5+30 R

Bronze are OK, but I like the Work Metal Bright chrome better.

More Wheel Dilemmas

2010-10-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

I had my heart set on the RP01 to replicate true FD style, but the used ones I'm looking at may be bad.

57D... +38 is that deep concave... NO! only +22 and that aint good.

Any thicker rims and white doesn't work. the car doesn't contrast.

Advan RGII maybe. Gold is striking!

Silver... pretty good...

Still not ruled out Advan... But they are pricey. Is the white the same white?

18x9 +29 gt-R size with 225 and 18x10 +25 = FAT!

RZ 18x9 +35 18x10 +35 GTR design & easy fit

RZ again.... BRONZE + ADVAN = AWESOME!

18x9.5 +38 225/40R18 with some stretch F 18x9.5+30 R 255/35R18 in Bronze

doesn't an RX7 need 7 spokes? Pretty cool. and these are cheap.

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

Wheels Dilemma II

2010-10-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

MMM Gun Metal Enkei NT-03 but cleaning is a P A I N

TE37 SL... ho hum?