Pocong GTI

Awesomepowered.com T-Shirt

2012-02-08T15:36:00.001+08:00

On top of all the bills for Pocong, luckily there's something for me from awesomepowered.com :)

The H&R Monotube is IN!

2012-02-08T15:20:00.004+08:00

The coilovers have been installed last Saturday by my regular mechanic, Auto World Car Service in Wangsa Melawati. It wasn't a straight forward installation as the coilover casing has slightly bigger diameter than the original; and we've forgotten to slot in 'freeplay bearing' in between new front top mount and coilover. This has caused irritating noise during turning when vehicle was stationary also known as "coil-bind" problem. Luckily we realised this soon and redo the front installation again. Applying WD40 on the spring plates also helps fortunately :)

And yesterday, I've sent the car for its overdued tyre rotation & balancing at MPS Auto .... and I've actually met up with Faidzil Alang of FA Racing to seek his chassis setup service. Based on his enormous experience as a official test driver & racing driver for R3, I'm quite confident he'll setup my Pocong just as what I wanted: to be competent sunday drive tool with fluidity ride than outright harshness. The car will be in by this Saturday. So stay tune :)

With bigger casing, it's troublesome to install this H&R coilovers

Purposely set the ride height heigher a bit until FA Racing says otherwise hehe

H&R Monotube Coilovers

2012-02-04T15:41:00.005+08:00

As you know, the current SuperSport dampers has reached its EOL and replacement is inevitable. Instead of going through the same route of short stroke dampers again and again, I've decided to bite bigger bullet for this H&R Monotube Coilovers and it's finally here courtesy of Speedzone. The price offered by them is well almost the same offered by most of my regular online websites, and yeah it's no brainer really not to go for it. And I'm still banging my head that I should have gone for this in the first place years back!

Part Number: 29379-2 (9N3 GTI)
Dampers Construction: Inverted Monotube.
Damping Adjustable: No. 30% stiffer fixed damping from factory. No mentioned of spring rates.
Ride height adjustable: Yes. As much as 20-50mm front and 20-60mm rear.
Rebuildable: Officially not serviceable in here.
Front Spring Rate: Not known, Rear Spring Rate: Not known.
Top Mounts: Use back the stock rubber top mounts.
Price: RM4k landed

Finally after a month of waiting :)

The package with ever willing non-payable model lol

It's inverted monotube alright

Unofficially, the dampers made by Koni

90k kms service

2011-12-18T16:51:00.004+08:00

With the car’s mileage approaching 90k kms, another major service is imminent. This time around, the refreshment job was ‘contracted out’ to two of my regular workshops 1) Auto World Service & Repair; and 2) Ever Auto. Both are good in their own way and among the very few that I can leave Pocong without worries. Here’re the breakdowns of my bitter pills:

Engine Oil: Liqui Moly Top Tech 5w40 RM275.00
Oil Filter: VW 1.8T (06A 115 561 B) RM35.00
Labour: Engine Oil, Oil Filter & Spark Plugs RM80.00
Bushing: ECS Rear Axle Bushing Kit RM252.64
Brake Pads: ECS Red Stuff (Front) RM0.00
Brake Pads: ECS Red Stuff (Rear) RM205.91
Spark Plug: NGK Platinum V-Power BKR7E RM50.00
Coolant: Redline Water Wetter RM55.00
Brake Fluid: Motul Dot 4 RM44.00
Thermostat: Wahle 82 Deg Thermostat RM61.59
Labour: Axle Bushing Pump RM25.00
Labour: Installing Radiator Thermostat RM45.00
Labour: Skimming Brake Rotors RM50.00
Labour: Installing Rear Axle Bushings RM280.00
Labour: Installing Brake Pads & Brake Bleeding RM80.00

Total RM1,585.06

And that’s going to be the end because I’ve found out that the SuperSport dampers are getting weaker by the day. So coilovers are inevitable and now I’m at cross road between BC V1 or H&R Monotube Coilovers. Come to think of it, I should have went for it in the first place back then….sigh…oh well

DC Trip - Part 2

2011-11-21T00:17:00.016+08:00

DC Trip Part 2:)

The closest I can get to White House

Apple Store in Tyson's Galleria

Welcome to Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum!

Immediately greeted by "hanging" P-40 Warhawk

One of the very main reasons why I come to DC....Lockheed SR-71. No reconnaissance aircraft in history has operated globally in more hostile airspace or with such complete impunity than the SR-71, the world's fastest jet-propelled aircraft

MiG-21 F13 Fishbed

Grumman A-6E Intruder

Lockheed X35B

Sikorsky UH-34D Seahorse

Bell UH-1H Iroquois "Huey" Smokey III

Northrop N-M1

Boeing 707

At Overvation Deck overseeing Dulles Airport

Concorde

Recently completed Dulles's terminal train service

Dulles Airport is much more modern now

DC Trip - Part 1

2011-11-20T23:37:00.008+08:00

Just want to take a break from blogging about cars for a bit. My last trip to DC was in 93 and it's been awhile. And this time around, I truly had an awesome time especially in Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum besides Dulles Airport. It's just like Disneyland for Aviators :)

So enjoy the part 1 :)

A bit of exercise work for the Fiesta

Transit in Amsterdam Airport

Spotted A380 in Dulles Airport

Residence Inn Marriott next to my principal's office

No fancy restaurants but the environment of this place is just inviting

Shopping time at Leesburg Factory Outlet

I swipped my credit card as far as it can takes lol

Washington Monument at night

Walking at night feels awkwardly safe in US

I kinda like this picture, don't know why :)

Gathering Parts for 90k kms Refreshment Buffet

2011-11-20T23:04:00.003+08:00

Anticipating that I'll be in DC for a week, I intend to make full use of it by getting some stuffs for upcoming 90k kms refreshment buffet for Pocong. So few days before my arrival, a quick chat with the guys at Ohio easily landed these at hotel for a meagre USD10 courier cost via FedEx:

- ECS PU Rear Axle Bushing Kit USD79.95
- EBC Red Stuff Rear Pads USD65.16
- Wahler 80 deg Thermostat USD19.49

On top of that, I've had already purchased VW genuine front and rear wiper blades (RM100) and Lemforder front top mounts (RM110). Another 6k kms to go, gathering parts still continues :)

Received this package on Wednesday

ECS PU Rear Axle Bushing Kit

ECS Red Stuff for the rear to compliment the earlier unused gathered front pads

Wiper refills and Lemforder top mounts. Bought the top mounts because it's cheap, RM55 per piece. Proton's kinda price :)

Wahler 80deg Thermostat

Dodge Caliber

2011-11-20T22:43:00.005+08:00

I was in DC on a business trip for a week recently. With an exception of say New York, anywhere else, you need a car to move around. A quick ring to Enterprise Rent-A-Cara company did get me this, Dodge Caliber 2.0(A). Starting rent rate is quite cheap honestly speaking at USD40 but the moment I added up basic insurance, gps and sales tax, the rate per day is USD82. Oh well…

The Caliber to me is a typical American kinda design with bold looks, tall and high ground clearance. Treat it as scaled down and baby Dodge Charger with a meager 2.0 litre engine mated with CVT gearbox. Pretty cool considering at that time Dodge Charger is not available for rent. The engine, if I can recalled correctly derived from joint venture between Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai; is relatively brisk for entry level 2.0 NA. Still I got left behind 10 tiangs on traffic light drag with an old school Passat 1.8T. That’s about the only pluses I can say about the car.

The steering feel is non-existence through the turns like an SUV than a hatchback and body control is poor. Straight “As” flop. That’s probably the reason why I won’t bother in illustrating any further like other cars I’ve reviewed.

It’s far too crude and coarse inside out to be genuine rival to Focus, Golf or even Corolla. But for aunties who own small SUVs and not clearly educated on driving quality, this Caliber might make a weird kind of sense.

Not Alpinestar Unfortunately :(

2011-10-01T17:40:00.003+08:00

I'm diverting some attention away from Pocong at the moment, been trying out GT5 in PS3 only sold it two weeks after due to adrenalin of 100cc kart. Considering my gear is already nudging 4-5 years of age, it's high time for change. Not Alpinestar kit unfortunately, but Sparco stuffs:

- Sparco Slalom SLX-3
- Sparco Coolmax socks
- Sparco XCool balaclava
- Sparco XPro gloves

After this, got to wait till money grown enough on my trees to scout for:

- Arai GP5 or Bell Classic full face helmet
- Kevlar based rib protector
- Karting suit

New Stuffs

2011-09-11T00:41:00.004+08:00

Just got my hands on the new stock of BKR7E plugs and new Red Stuff pads. Time to peram :)

Being a newbie to photography

2011-09-03T01:52:00.003+08:00

Having my brother bringing in his Olympus E-PL1 camera to hometown for Raya, I've decided to give this a try :)

Starving No More

2011-08-19T14:34:00.002+08:00

As you all know Pocong is suffering of fuel starvation disease at high revs lately, but there’s a light after the tunnel after all. The original plans of getting Turbosmart 800 FPR with custom adapter and remap to Stg 2 didn’t materialised after AR have been pretty much put my car at bottom of its priority, ahh oh well. Then came a long a new friend of mine, Kenneth driving a Passat 1.8T on steroids graciously in handed me his old original Bosch 4 bar FPR. Installation is really plug & play. Couple with freshly cleaned injectors, the power delivery is much smoother from 3.5k till 6kr rpm. True enough upon handing the keys to Thomas of GT Auto, the Pocong AFR runs healthy at high revs 12.6-12.8 from 5k onwards. The only downside is it now registers a meager 205whp/305nm on their dyno treadmill. Say hello to sunday drive :)

Report Card Day!

2011-07-16T20:17:00.004+08:00

The new result figures have left me somewhat bittersweet feelings. On one hand it scores 216.40whp/326.97nm and no indication of any lag after shoving AH’s custom FMIC as the boost comes in earlier at 2.4k rpm instead of 3k rpm. But yeah a very critical but….the AF is running lean and because of this fuel starvation, the delivery is not smoothly clean as before. Obviously I’m worried!

There’s no other workaround except to go for stage 2 maps. So I straightaway send a request for customized stage 2 mapping from Mike Z of Unitronic CA. Hopefully, he can come out with some mojo to fix this issue which the Pocong can download it through the net rather than having the man to come here and do it manually. Here’s hoping …. Very!

Still difficult to spot the FMIC

Pretty stealthy against human naked eyes :)

Some say it's not worth changing the muffler for gains because there's isn't any....

After the remap, I'm seriously thinking of H&R monotube coilovers to harness all the increased of horsies

Lean....lean....lean.....lean..... :(

Typical Ah Heng’s Mojo

2011-07-09T21:57:00.007+08:00

You see, I was only supposed to fetch the Pocong this morning and enroute for slaving activity on this non-working day. But it turns out I had to spend the entire day at Ah Heng’s for his team to complete the work and troubleshoot issues of the new add-ons. Yet, I’ve no regrets because it was worth in the end.

And I won’t beat around the bushes anymore so here’s the list:-
1. Custom FMIC – Used Evo3 intercooler, all-new custom piping from turbo to intercooler and intercooler to manifold, plus relocation of DV.
2. Open-pod K&N filter with custom heat-shield.
3. Custom 2.5” catless downpipe.

Yup, typical Ah Heng and his crew mojo, awesome touches on every single thing making what I’ve paid twice the bargain! No kidding! As for the drives, well, what I can tell though there’s a slight (very slight) lag of 300-500rpm for the turbo to spools but once the revs past 3k all the way to 5.5k, the car pulls with fatter torque figures and more rush feeling at high revs. I just can’t wait to get the whole thing settled down and visit GT for another dyno exercise :)

2.5" downpipe locked and loaded on Friday

It's as noisy as stock so no complains...

Some adjustment on the inlet/outlet needed, if Evo 7/8 intercooler of the same size, it would be ideal

80% of the job completed on Saturday morning

AH relocated the DV to the front-left of the engine bay for more cooling

Amazing work on custom heatshield

The old Evo 3 intercooler seems to be working well which defies its age

AH managed to make a hole when I didn't think it can be done

Got to love the welds done by the Myanmar national staff, reminding me of seeing these things in the US

Pocong full of blues hahaha

Initially I couldn't flat on the throttle because they've forgotten to include the boost sensor but all is well :)

Tadaa...

Yup, the Pocong dah merajuk!

2011-07-02T20:04:00.004+08:00

Just two days after having test driven the Megane RenaultSport 250 Cup, the Pocong has started to merajuk! It was last Monday morning when the weather was raining, this car decided to throw overheating tantrum by twisting its radiator fan to pieces. I was left without a choice but to wait for some hours for the car to cool down before cruising at crawling pace towards Alex’s Ever Auto. Luckily, upon checking, the cylinder head and gasket are all ok hence I ‘only’ need to fork out almost RM1k just for that. And while at it, all major service essentials like timing belt, tensioner, water pump, fluids which resulted in RM2630 bill. Yeah that’s the price I had to pay this morning and following are the detailed breakdowns:-

Engine Oil: Q8 Formula Excel 5W-40 RM195.00
Oil Filter: VW 1.8T (06A 115 561 B) RM35.00
Spark Plug: NGK Platinum V-Power BKR7E (Own - RM50.00)
Fuel Filter: VW 1.8T (6Q0201051J) (Own RM48.00)
Air Cond Filter: VW 1.8T (1J0819644A) (Own RM70.00)
Timing Belt: VW BJX 1.8T (06B198480) RM195.00
Timing Tensioner: VW BJX 1.8T (06B198480) RM325.00
Water Pump: VW BJX 1.8T (06A121012G) RM550.00
Auxiliary Fan Assembly: VW BJX 1.8T (6X0959455F) RM850.00
Coolant: G12+ (2 bottles) RM90.00
Labour: Rectify front left door rattling RM75.00
Labour: Timing belt change RM230.00
Labour: Auxiliary Fan Assembly change RM75.00
Service Tax RM20.00

Total RM2640
And upon collecting it, I handed it over to Ah Heng for some essential upgrades which will help it the car to be more ‘cool’ and breathier than now. God willing, it’ll be ready in 3 more days provided he can work his magic party peace asap :)

The radiator fan somehow seized to perform harakiri on me

Ah Heng's boys started to do their job

I guess you know what will be sitting in between the crossbar and radiator/condenser :p

Too big!!

Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup – You've just messed up my mind!

2011-06-25T21:34:00.006+08:00

Judging from many months of sabbatical leave of absentees here, some of you might have thought that this blog is going to rot in the blogger.com hosting facility. Well, while I can’t deny it has gotten rusty around the edges and I can’t help but to use cliché excuse of work commitments which partly comes with a hell of a nightmare in getting ArcGIS software to work in an clustered Solaris zone which I would say the OS behaving like an 100 year old senile old man. And for a fact, I’m still working to sort it out …. with a sledgehammer soon!

Having slept last night at 4.00 am and woke up at 6.30 am (to send wifey for hemodialysis treatment), it’s almost like ordinary F1 GP live telecast time. That’s just not enough time at to have a short dreaming exercise. Radioactively speaking, this has somehow short circuited my daily SOP whereby for the first time in my life, I had a big mug-sized brewed black coffee in PMC to stay up which I haven’t had any before. And I also just had a different perception on a car I initially thought as overhyped. And my fellow blogger Azmir’s latest posting does pour something in the caffeine that stimulates me in getting interested in asking for a test drive.

And because PMC was nearer to PJ, on the way home, I told wifey that I want to take a slight detour to PJ to stroll back some memory lanes with an intention of dropping by a place carrying an address of No. 5 Jalan Semangat. The Renault showroom. Upon walking to the showroom, I was warmly greeted by a guy named Amos who brilliantly manages to make me feels at home in there even though I was donning a VW GTI t-shirt with French cars prejudice tattooed in my forehead. This I can explain.

You see, I’m coming from over the years witnesses pretty much of horror experiences from my relatives who own Frenchies among which:-
1) A clutch assembly decided to disintegrate itself from my uncle Citroen BX while I riding it to cross Johor-Singapore border.
2) The very same car has appetite in leaking its hydraulic suspension lines, any new replacement will only be leaking the following months after.
3) My grandpa’s then ancient Mk3 Cortina has better reliability than his another always sick Peugeot 305
who ends up staying at workshop than at home; and {the best of the lots}
4) My cousin’s Renault Mégane decided to auto pilot itself after cranking up the engine even the gear lever still at P. That was in UK.
Not that I’ve anything against Frenchies owners out there but hmm yeah, now you can see why I always stay away from it…….

Now however, the introduction of the new Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup has started to get many chuckleheads throwing away Evos, Scubbies, Type Rs and GTIs for this striking and flowing hot hatch as their preferred sunday drive weapon of choice. And that has irked me a little considering from thick skull of mine, Frenchies comes with preloaded disintegration package for free of charge.

Gone by the days of the R26R was packaged with somewhat no holds barred, stripped out, anything other than air-cond being considered as luxury add-on with its sole party piece was all about thrills. Now, I feel Renault has modified the sporty Mégane’s angle of attack, nosed it a fraction towards the mainstream led by the mk6 Golf GTI, the hot hatch class seems intent on becoming all things to all drivers, with cars so polished that much of the texture has been worn away on concentrated Clorox formula inside out.

Sitting on my wish-list 6-way adjustable Recaro hugged seat with the engine on, I had to spend ¾ of an hour with Amos to understand how the electronic appliances, from radio, pedal cartography, digital gauge, g-nometer and main control console which resemblance a mini Gran Tourismo gadgetries of the CBR35. On the Godzilla, it’s ok but on the Frenchies, my gut feeling would say it ‘might’ just break after minutes driving out of the showroom. Again, I’ve let the prejudice got the ahead of me. But unlike the ubber reliable run-of-the-mill Golf GTI, this Megane has 6-speed manual box with mechanical LSD harnessing 250 odd horsepower from 4 potter 2.0 turbo engine upfront. A recipe that resembles a finely crafted mechanical watch which every tick gives a sense of bonding not some Playstation joystick.

Having said that, it’s a good thing that I can grasp how to alter throttle mapping from “Progressive” to the very “Extreme” on-the-fly before starting giving the car a good spanking towards Hartamas and back using E23 highway. To kick start this test drive session, I opted for “Linear” as I was told the delivery is ‘pretty brutal’. Check on that and next. The first impression upon getting the 18” matte black wheels rolling was the short-pressed clutch bites sharp and early; and the gearchange kind of stubborn to cog which some might struggles for balance a bit.

Going for ‘town’ drive towards Jalan Sultan Abu Bakar proved to be a little compromise. Having played back and forth from “Progressive” till “Sport” every hundreds of meters, the power delivery is very docile and very smooth with very much NA philosophy than outright forced fed stuff. And of course, typical French, on the rough surface and potholes, the Mégane is perhaps even more impressive. Never once being crude and frantic like typical JDMs and MCS, it soaks everything with 235/40/18 rubbers in its stride, utterly unruffled by quick progress. On the other hand, the clutch’s bite couple with the ‘need’ to swap cogs in between revs often might give daily driving especially on start-stop traffic something to think about. Nevertheless, those who’re used to aftermarket super single clutch will probably say it’s still a friendly puppy. 

With all that sober driving, the car stops at a traffic light junction besides Phileo Damansara with what separating me and E23 was less than 50 meters. Having ‘mastered’ the right hander scrolling technique, I opted for “Extreme” and began counting the moment to let it rip just a little bit.

Green pops up, immediately dumped the clutch, short shift to 2nd somewhere at 3k rpm, then only flat 2nd and 3rd at 4.5k rpm with gearchange started to show its true colour of giving satisfaction rowing through the cogs with precision but something has left me somewhat a little bit flabbergasted at first. Make no mistake this car is rapid and ubber responsive and smooth to an extend it doesn’t feel the G-excitement we normally get from force fed, in fact the meager chipped Polo GTI has more of that at midrange.

Decided to give another poke, I headed towards second part of the E23 towards Hartamas for another go. Flat 3rd till 5th, once you go past 4.5k all the way till 6.5k rpm, that’s where the 250 horsies comes to play ball nudging 200kmh on a short stretch before pestering after road hoggers. That’s what I call power! Combining with well stacked ratios of the 6-speeder, I’m not surprise if it can keep up with the 300bhp Focus RS at that range. So in terms of power, though not brilliant but that’s a check alright.

Moving on to dynamics, well honestly, I would prefer to have a nice flowing Ulu Yam to endorse but today’s session is good enough to note that it has most immediate, crispiest and very well weighted steering feel of all hot hatch I’ve ever driven yet. And even though it has close to 1400 kg of weight, going through rapid lane changes didn’t indicate it any heavier than the 1200 kg Pocong. To further add some spice, I flat it on a right hander just after Royal Selangor Club at 170ish, you know what, it just glided effortlessly and remains planted with a little bit of hint of its tail getting excited on slight liftoff courtesy of slower car going into the fast lane. If I want to be a bit more picky, I would say steering a little bit ‘numb’ at 15-20 deg of initial steering movement but then again so to all fwd cars. If this car were to let rip in Ulu Yam, it would be very very hard for many to keep up much less to overtake!

At this moment on, I’m left with a conclusion that no matter how much mods and fine-tuning on the Pocong’s suspension, it will never ever be as good as this Megane. And this has messed up my mind a little bit. Considering the price of RM228k which is steep I can deny, but given the ‘GT3’-like driving experience and mouthwatering pace on straights and curves, it make perfect sense for anyone having enough dough to buy this. Should I get one of these, it's going to don the colour of Oyster Grey with maybe the powder coating the wheels to bronze. Power upgrade might be inevitable and stock exhaust has got to be ‘upgraded’ for more rotty and pop character but suspension and brakes would stay stock. And I would name the car as Langsuir where unlike stock Polo hops in between, this car just serenely and goosebumply glides! :)

Sorry folks, I'm not being a fan of yellow. Oyster Grey is more stealthy!

The best place to look at this Megane imho

Journey in meddling with Car Dynamics

2011-03-26T00:04:00.001+08:00

Words like control, response, precise, grip etc. are …yeah… very much cliché whenever some blokes blabbering on car handling. But it is undoubtedly the key ingredient in making driving enjoyable enabling you to grin from ear-to-ear as you kiss the apexes after another. And I believe in that absolutely 100x100% before tax and excise duty.

My yuppie driving days started with the Waja, Satria GTi and now coming to 3 years of ownership, the Pocong (Polo GTI), I’ve always trying to meddle with things to get the word like responsive, precise, tenaciously grippy, and adjustable on the limits to be associated with these cars. Because having mediocre technically sounds, things I meddled doesn’t always ended up to be rosy as hoped. Nevertheless, trial & error exercise is a good thing to know which worked and which won’t.

I can still remember the first time I drove the Polo GTI. It was torquey little car courtesy of the ancient but potentially potent VAG 1.8T. But I suspect things just got half cooked plus trigger happy VAG cost cutting exercises, the car’s achilles heels are in the dynamics department. On stock form, it drives with reasonable feel from the steering (mimicking Mk1 Golf GTI which my parent used to own two decades back), city car nippy through the turns and very adjustable on the limits which I love very much. Ok that’s the brownies but now is the BUT part.

At high speeds, it’s just frantically nervous upon lane changes hence the main reason I named the car as Pocong, it doesn’t glide but it HOPS! Reasonable feel doesn’t mean precise or responsive, that’s what the steering feels, and in today’s hot hatch world, it falls back on the loathering line of the people’s mind. And when I had it reflashed for more grunt, Ulu Yam is a scary place to be because it shows how mad it behaves. I had lots and lots of goose bumps as I prayed it didn’t hops or hell somersault into the ravine should things goes south and thanks to stock brakes I always have to second guess whether I can brake on time not to kiss lorries upfront. I even took it to the no nonsense place – SIC. It was worst! But I knew it has the chassis that is good enough to be explored, that’s where the ‘what if change this’ wish lists went on like a disease rotten up my mind and my pocket.

The first thing I did was to replace the stock spring with H&R’s. Cosmetically, it lowers the car by about 30-35mm from stock 9N3 Polo. That’s good. With lower CoG and less axis movement, the car corners flatter, more rapid and precise through the turns just like a normal run-of-the-mill hot hatch is supposed to be. Although H&R’s is progressive by characteristics, because its shorter and stiffer spring rate, it doesn’t gels well with the stock dampers. That’s where it rides noticeably choppy on uneven highways.

Second on the list was the braking. Audi TT’s 312mmx25mm vented solid rotors with ATE 54mm single potter plus steel braided lines brings more stopping power especially from 200+ kmh. Even if the car punches out 200whp, it should do fairly well in assuring me not to kiss cars upfront. Higher temp pads and heavy duty slotted rotors would be a big plus on further complementing this setup. The only gripe for me is the rear. At 232mm diameter, it looks horribly pussy.

Other things like Seat Ibiza’s solid rubber bushings on the front wishbones build up on more solidity feel in nursing the trigger happy torque steer coming from 253nm flat from 3,000-5,00rpm. And more impressive is the Federal 595 RSR. Who would have thought that someone from Taiwan can make good tyres. It’s like this thing has gotten a great spell by the great Merlin in masking Pocong’s achilles heels by instilling very direct response from the steering and provide very very tenacious grips. Throughout my stint with these tyres, I’ve never been in overcooked situation on sunday drives. In fact the more it loosen the thread, the more grip it gives unlike AD07 I heard.

When the car’s mileage went up to 60k kms, I was short on cash for H&R coilovers and reluctantly ended up with SuperSport. It was the cheapest dampers I managed to get hold on to at €200 including shipping. That’s 50% cheaper than originals. What I didn’t know is it does its job unexpectedly well even compared to Koni yellows/Biestein B8. It rides with more immediate feedback through the steering, it corners flatter and cover more ground in terms of lateral grip with more fluidity rather than outright harshness. And speaking of fluidity, I sense that the SuperSport dampers give much more composure dealing with uneven and bumpy roads which means I don’t need to slow down to readjust the music volume and my wife shouldn’t get sick every time traveling on long distance. Well that’s until I ruined it when upsizing the wheels.

I’ve always wanted to copycat Mini Cooper S’s wider chassis allowing the ability to mesh the juice from the engine and it should stick to the road ala AWD rally machines hence the reason why I wanted to upsize the wheels. In doing so, I’ve to admit, this has ruined the ride fluidity, fuel mileage and much more damage on the credit card. But in essence, it does resulting in wider track, it corners with lesser flexes and this setup serves as a good foundation for more lateral grip once I ditch the ‘geli’ RE001 for RSR. Not now but soon.

With all that in place, I’m very much content with the car’s dynamic behaviour on the winding road and it’s ‘liveable’ on day-to-day driveability. Now, it gives MCS-like chunkability when approaching corners, good steering feel and covers more ground in terms of the lateral grip (would be even better with RSR soon). And yet this still retains the adjustability on the limit characteristics in which saves the car few times from t-boning the lamp posts as it tail out at speeds. Having done some joint exercise with friends on sunday mornings, I could sense that the car should be able to smell FD2R’s exhaust fumes on medium-high sweepers of Ulu Yam without being left out too far behind. That’s good enough in my mind as FD2R is a legend precision tool on that area of expertise.

The only problem is to get the power down cleanly on tight sequence of corners like Batang Kali to Genting uphill stretch. That’s where it couldn’t tight up its engine gut to defy the laws of physics unless of course LSD fitted. Second thing is I need to find ways to soothing the mid-corner braking reaction where it just wants to dance, great feeling but can get me a little off-guard. Hmmm…having thing long and hard, should I want to go further on this car dynamics subjects, it would be these things on my mind:

1. Heavy duty solid rubber or PU bushes on rear axle beam, rear spring perch, ARBs.
2. H&R monotube coilovers and get tuned by someone who obviously know what he’s doing and that would NOT be me.
3. H&R ARB 26mm front and 28mm rear.
4. VF Engineering End Links.
5. Wierchers CF struts bars.
6. Peloquin or Quaife LSD with automatic torque biasing.

Hmmm going to have a very sweet and wet dreams tonight!

Journey on fine tuning the dynamics still far and away...

Thanks to Mugil, I've learnt a thing or two on SIC

Alcantara

2011-03-20T00:18:00.003+08:00

This is something worth salivating after…hmm alcantara-ing the steering, dashboard and centre console; easily make the car a serious gym machine for sunday drives and track day. Can’t wait till the hire-purchase loan come to an end so that I can do something like this without flinching…

67.5k kms service

2011-03-12T14:34:00.003+08:00

I just sent Pocong for a schedule 67.5k kms oil change at my regular place today. So happen that they run out of stock of Castrol Edge 10w40, I decided to have a go on Liqui Moly Synthetic High Tech 5w40 which is about the same price RM218. Everything went normal except the mechanic pointed me that FL top mount’s nuts (yeah all three of them) are loose …. really loose… like I can unscrew using my bare hand with zero effort! Luckily there’s no damage spotted. Can’t believe I went for 4-5 sunday drives with loose nuts … I was nuts to do that!

Just another day of TLC-ing the Pocong

I was told it's a good oil, let's see how it performs at upcoming GTJ

Pocong's Specs

2011-03-06T01:34:00.004+08:00

Some people have kept asking .... what you've done to Pocong? The answer is very very mild, nothing much to shout also. But not to disappoint, following is a compiled list of the current specs of the car. Pending for more funds injection, I fancy some additional stuff to pour in to reach 200whp which is pretty ideal and not going too far from being a bitch to drive daily.

Engine

Stock VAG BJX 1.8T 20V
1781cc in-line 4, 81mmx86.4mm
9.5:1 compression ratio
Cast aluminium alloy cylinder head
Grey cast iron blocks
81mm Mahle forged aluminium alloy pistons
Fracture-split forged steel connecting rods
Borg Warner K03S turbo
VAG SMIC
VF Engineering Race Bypass Valve
K&N drop-in filter

Exhaust System

Standard exhaust system

Electronics/Engine Management

Bosch Motronic ME 7.5
Direct Ignition with individual direct-acting coils
Unitronic Stg 1+ Reflashed
NGK BKR7E (0.028 gap) copper plugs

Transmission & Drivetrains

VAG 02R 5-speed manual
ECS Stg 1 Clutch Kit
ECS Single-mass 14lbs flywheel

Suspension

H&R sport spring
SuperSport short-stroke dampers
Seat Ibiza solid-rubber bushings
Ford Mondeo’s ARB links

Brakes

Front: VW 312mm x 25mm vented rotors
Front: Single pot ATE 54mm calipers
Front: Textar brake pads (Audi TT standard)
Rear: VW 232mm x 9mm solid slotted rotors
Rear: Single pot Lucas 38mm calipers
Rear: VW original brake pads
ECS Steel braided lines

Wheels & Tyres

Wedsport SA70 17x7.5 rims
Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE001 215/45/17 tyres

Dyno tests:

178.57whp/253.67nm on wheels at GT Auto (25/10/2008)
174.6whp/288.7nm on wheels at Millennium Motorsport Sunway (10/12/2010)

Sunday drive with Gojiras

2011-02-27T11:40:00.000+08:00

Having working in a pressure cooker environment, I need to have stress detention activities and sunday drive is one of them. So having being invited by Temujin for GTJ drive with the Skyline boys, it would be stupid to say no. And yet I used visiting to inlaw’s place as an excuse for early drive on Ulu Yam’s road the day before.

So this morning around 7am-ish, familiar figures are geared and set for the drive - 2 BNR34 GTRs, 2 ER34s, 1 BCNR33 GTR, 1 ER33, 1 BNR32 GTR, 1 DC5R and a puny Pocong. But we’re missing Blood Red’s ER34 as he chooses to have shotgun ride in DC5R.

Being the lead driver, I had to set up a good pace for these guys and having matte black BNR34 GTR breathing behind my neck, I was kinda pushing the Polo as well. Surprisingly, the RE001 tyres behaving a bit better than before but being overhyped tyre, they’re on boiling point on the second half of the drive giving boring understeery ride.

Nevertheless, it was a good pace for everyone. What I need know is FMIC, custom exhaust and open pod intake and better tyres *hint*hint* RSR…. But before that Pocong needs to get its timing belt replaced. Money money money .... where are you??? Oh yes, I’ve also attached couple of images and a video for you folks.

Being the earliest to reach the RV point

There you go ... in between monstrous machines lies one puny Pocong

Ketua Darjah trying Temujin's new loceng clutch

Not ideal but can give some glimpse of how fun it is

New rims & tyres shakedown

2011-02-20T12:37:00.000+08:00

The reasons I opted to upsize an inch up on the Pocong is merely trying to get more steering sharpness and a kind of retaliation for Federal RSR 205/45/16 prices that soared from RM350 all the way to RM440 per piece. And having Ah Tee of HupShun Sunway played his party peace of manhandling the calculator played significant role too.

The plan to save tyre replacement expenses on short and long term is going well too when he offered me grippy and ‘potong air’ Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenalin 205/40/17 at RM380 per piece. But 205/40/17 is a tad too narrow for my liking and that have got me insisted on 215/40/17 and boy oh boy the price of that size from the same brand and type is almost RM100 dearer per piece due to the fact that it’s made in Japan and kind of odd size too. Having a long day from attending a long boring meeting between different government agencies and prepping up for conference made me kept my eyes closed and let the magic card to its work.

The end result of this so called engineering enhancement has become a little bit of nuisance I must admit. Even though the SA70 is a lot lighter than BBS buttercups, because of higher rotational mass, I felt somewhere between 5-10% laziness of getting more GGGG from acceleration and it rides 100% a lot firmer than what some Fiesta owners complaining of a harsh ride from their ride. That’s not all, the RE001 Adrenalin has a wee bit softly sprung sidewalls and that’s NOT GOOD AT ALL!

Having finished up done a presentation to GIS professionals and academicians in the user conference held last week, I’ve decided to do shakedown test on how this new setup would be doing using our very own ‘Nordschleife’ – Batu Caves - Ulu Yam – Batang Kali - Genting route today! But before starting to gunning it out, a quick stop to Shell to dial 36psi front & 34psi rear and I accidentally pour in Shell V-Power Racing retailing RM2.70!

Just after turning right towards Jalan Sungai Tua, I gave the Pocong a quick spanking, flat 2nd and 3rd averaging 100-120kmh left-right-left uphill turns and immediately I feels the grip traction is a wee bit nervous and greasy on turn in. Then after passing rest area on my left doing circa 140ish downshift from 5th to 3rd immediately the car went being nervous again this time the rear end getting a wee bit too naughty then only start grip around 70-80 through tight sequence of turns. I’m not sure whether 36/34 psi combination a bit too much for the tyres or the moulding compound still yet to torn out from this donuts.

On the bright side, the steering on the other hands feels almost as good as Federal 595 RSR with lesser flexing throughout the turn. Getting on song with the uphill long sweepers at high speed is surprisingly easy and stable but I must admit a bit bouncy and droningly noisy on uneven surface. There’s also not so noticeable difference in terms of GGG running 17” which is about 2.5% bigger overall diameter radius than stock but the Pocong will get lazy on lower speeds because of the bigger mass inertia.

Upon reaching Batang Kali and line up Pocong for uphill tight twisties, again the turn-in feels nervous then only starting to provide good grip throughout the turns. Not as brilliant as RSR but good nevertheless. And because of an inch up on the rims, the mid corner grip is very good. Just like the MCS, I can almost mesh the throttle out of the corner. Great! And reaching the multiple speed bumps, the car doesn’t need to crawl like turtle to avoid getting bottom up.

That is about some comments I've so far on the tyres on fast road driving but I will try further pushing it once I found the right balance. I’m pretty content with this RE001 but it’s not the sort of tyres that can be in the same league as RSR, AD08 in the enthusiasts/track ready level. Having said that, I’m thinking it would last longer and a bit more friendly when going through standing water on the roads. On another note, I need more power... time to start thinking on new intake, exhaust, fmic and perhaps Shrick cams. As for my tyre preference?? Still RSR!! No question about it!

RM2.70/litre...sekali sekala tak apa la

I would be more pressing you harder on you next time!

In goes 17" Wedsport SA70

2011-02-10T19:19:00.000+08:00

The inevitable happened this afternoon when one of the tyres had punctured on my way from Putrajaya towards my office. After a quick fix by the road side, I went to Hup Soon Sunway and end up with this Wedsport SA70 with 215/40/17 Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenalin. At the moment, I'm pretty dismayed by the lateral grip of this jambatan batu ..... if things really goes south I'm going to trade these for RSR!! Having said that, now I'm officially broke :(

Goodbye buttercups rims

It fills the gap better than 16"

Have to do something of the center caps which got it FOC... people would be think it's a ASPAL (Asli Palsu) hahaha

Grooming session part 3

2011-02-02T18:35:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year everyone :)

It has been exactly a year since Pocong received last grooming session and tendency of getting bird droppings almost on alternate days basis, the paintwork has been unrelentingly oxidized and dull. Realising this, I just bought myself a Black & Decker WP900 polisher, extra pad sets and other grooming goodies for today’s slaving activity together with my brother for his new Fiesta. And after five hours of slaving and 3 sets of torn pads, wet shinning glossy surface is back with the Pocong! And yeah I’m tired as hell!

Not as powerful as I'd have imagine

Can't deny the convenience though

Just applied tar remover on the lower half of the car

Damn, this was my last pad!

RM300 expenditure plus 5 hours of slaving is more expensive than sending it to detailing shop

My brother was on Kit Wax, as expected the shines is good but won't last long. And he still hasn't pass me the keys for testing...double bummer!

Almost but didn't materialized

2011-02-02T18:23:00.000+08:00

I’ve to confess, I’m a sucker for SSR Type C rims and getting up 1” bigger could and should give a wee bit better feel to the car. A week back with salary routinely transferred in, my fingers got unusually itch. Dropped in Hup Soon Sunway quite early on Saturday morning, I’ve decided to go for cheapskate way by getting myself a replica with norm 205/40/17 Bridgestone RE001 Adrenalin. But unfortunately, one rim of that replica is having unusually wide width and because they only carry one set, I had to postpone this silly upgrade. In the meantime, I need to study if 215/40/17 can fit without scrapping the fenders.

New shoes for Pocong ... almost anyway!

205/40/17 is too narrow for my eyes

This one (above) is the culprit!

Almost being a Bridgestone convert .... hahaha

SuperSport Shocks - Installed & Shakedown

2011-01-16T15:14:00.000+08:00

The Pocong finally has gotten itself new SuperSport short stroke dampers to work alongside with H&R spring. But it wasn’t smooth sailing “waiting & be happy job” on Saturday I thought it would.

First off, Alex’s Ever Auto don’t have 36mm axle socket so they can only replace the rear dampers. Decided not to be a patient man, I went to Auto Reign to get the front replaced. Guess what they too don’t have that axle socket hence they need to take out both driveshafts to yank out the whole knuckles to replace the dampers and yes it took them 3 hours. Then only I took the car to Mun Jee to get it realigned and balanced. That’s a good 7 hours of waiting and RM384 of labour charge debited from my credit card…

The outcome was a mixed one. Because the SuperSport casing and its rod is shorter and thicker than original, the ride height went down ~10mm on all for corners. At this point, I was worried whether 1) Is there have enough suspension travel? 2) How am I going to go through speed bumps on full load?

That would have to wait until initial shakedown today. Both me and my brother on Fiesta 1.6S took the tight twisties of old Gombak road towards Genting Sempah and then Jalan Genting Highlands towards the peak.

What I can say now is that it rides with more immediate feedback through the steering, it corners flatter and cover more ground in terms of lateral grip with more fluidity rather than outright harshness. And speaking of fluidity, I sense that the SuperSport dampers give much more composure dealing with uneven and bumpy roads which means I don’t need to slow down to readjust the music volume and my wife shouldn’t get sick every time traveling on long distance.

In all honesty, I doubt SuperSport is as good as the established H&R Cup Kit and Bielstein B12 in terms of sharpness but it should be a bit more comfortable and definitely the most bang for buck upgrade. Having said that, you can’t use it with stock spring as the housing is a wee bit shorter. Next up is FMIC and full exhaust and of course it’ll be done in slow, cheap but definitely special on the Pocong. :)

This Audi 100 Wagon is the grandpa of soccer mum's as it has Porsche 944 2.7 turbo and Brembos all around.

Stock Sachs vs SuperSport

Ever Auto managed to install the rears only

Mun Jee did the alignment trice to get it right :)

New ride height...the rear is wee bit too low

Shakedown of both Pocong and Fiesta went well but that Fiesta needs to get up to pace for more thrilling sunday drive

Very foggy morning in Genting Highlands

SuperSport Dampers

2011-01-14T20:47:00.000+08:00

After so many of tak percaya ding dong by Kastam in regards to the price, at last the SuperSport dampers finally reached home. I can’t blame them really because in UK websites, they’re retailing almost £60 per piece. Oh well, I just can’t wait to get it installed at Alex’s place tomorrow followed by a little shakedown test on Sunday :)

SuperSport Dampers (1 set): €125
Shipping Charges: €69
Total: €197

Myth BUSTED!

2010-12-31T03:08:00.000+08:00

It’s very much unfortunate that due to work commitments, I had to neglect this blog for quite some time now. But this Pocong is darn good at cunningly and intentionally all in the same body language grabs me back in with its new set of TLC requests!

It was last Monday after my wife taking a pot shot at this fella that it idles like a mesin tebu due to the ECS Stg1 clutch kit fitted, and to my surprise this Pocong taking it very personal. Few minutes after, it went on to becoming notoriously extra vocal in whistling upon spooling at WOT and idles coarsely loud and rough like a mad truck.

On a perpetual disturbed mind, I went to start thinking whether the turbo bolts gotten themselves loose or boost leaks or downpipe/exhaust leaks or is it the first sign the K03S is doing a harakiri etc. The next morning after tiring thinking about it even during my wet dream, I went to drop the car at Alex’s Ever Auto to check it up. That’s where I was basically carless for 3 solid days as they’ve got ½ of dozen of backlog Audis to clear first.

Two days went by and upon calling Alex, the problem myth is BUSTED. It turns out that turbo metal gasket was torn to pieces, specifically the one from the K03S turbo outflow to intercooler needs replacing. This made absolute sense because upon diagnostic checks during 60k kms service we encountered "17705 - Pressure Drop between Turbo and Throttle Valve (check D.V.!)". The original gasket itself is not expensive which is about RM50 but the labour charge is 3 times more as Alex’s right hand man needs about 3 solid hours in getting the job done courtesy of very space constraint engine bay.

But at the end of the day, you know what, to me it’s worth every penny. It now spools stealthier with very very timid whistling with very smooth delivery throughout the rev range. And I’m very certain the car feels punchier now as I can have much more mental torque steer at 3rd gear. The idiocy is BACK!

And while waiting for SuperSport dampers to reach Frank’s place sometime now, I just have a pretty good idea of how my ideal cheap & cheerful FMIC would works great in giving cooling consistency and reasonable response. All I need is a good condition used aluminium intercooler like Evo3, new piping route from turbo-intercooler-manifold with ~2” diameter and Ah Heng’s magic hands. Clues are available below :)

Oh yes, I suppose to rant my thoughts of the new Fiesta 1.6S and how well it cope with the uphill & downhill curves at Ulu Yam but unfortunately my brother who just gotten the delivery of it keeping his keys miles away for me to grabs it. Nevertheless, I’m still going to try HARD to give it a go hehehe

The troublemaker ...

Original VW 1.8T intercooler flow...

This is what I have in mind...unfortunately Ah Heng is pretty tight up :(

Heart Breaking Dyno Dynamics at Millennium...

2010-12-11T05:04:00.001+08:00

Just got back from Dyno Rev Party at Millennium Motorsport Sunway organised by a good friend of Satria GTi Club. At first I wasn’t too keen at letting the Pocong let loose on Joshua’s new ‘heart breaker’ Dyno Dynamics treadmill because 1) 99.99% chances some of the horsies will be MIA 2) 50-60% chances it could be more than 10-20 hp 3) I was flat broke with settling summons, SuperSport dampers and 100cc kart test.

True enough, lots of 4G93s registering well below 110hp and another friend who dyno-ed at the same place I’ve gone registered 139hp but at this ‘heart breaker’ dyno merely 119hp, that’s 20 horsies gone! But considering my unbearable curiosity, I went for this Russian Roulette at the very last minute.

The end result is expectedly lower than before but not by much …. 174.6hp/213ftlb(288.7nm) which got me smiled all the way home. ~4hp MIA but gain ~35nm! I suppose much of this down to the value for money ECS Clutch Kit Stg 1 complimented by the DV and cheap & cheerful BKR7E copper plugs.

Having said that, the power delivery wasn’t as linear as before and Pocong is suffering from heat soak as subsequent runs netted 10hp less which means FMIC is inevitable!

I was kind of happy actually but power delivery needs to be more linear

This was done in two years ago

Not bad against the Clio 197 F1 (The Chase Car)

2010-12-04T02:24:00.000+08:00

Autosport Polo Chasing the Bull...

2010-12-04T00:30:00.000+08:00

Autosport Australia is certainly serious in breaking their non-modded engine Polo GTI into 1min10s barrier at Wakefield as this video certainly giving it a very good encouragement. Can't be said to that Lambo driver though...

SuperSport Dampers

2010-11-28T00:39:00.000+08:00

There’s nothing much to write about on the Pocong nowadays as I’m pretty much ‘content’ with the current setup. It now has adequate juice to keep up with most cars and has reasonable feel for handling and grip on the twisties.

Yeah, I can wish a lot more but a lot more means more money which I can’t afford to unnecessary spend and make time out of my even busier schedule than before. Besides, the tuning effort might not be worthwhile because probably at the end of the day, if I want to get a focus driving horse, I’d be better off with RWD NA S2000 or yeah in my wildest dream … ahem pristine Duke 916!

That can only realize in some years to come and for Pocong now till then, what I can do is giving it good refreshment maintenance but not necessarily TLC kind. And that brings me to suspension dampers. As it clocks slightly shy of 61k kms now, the dampers are starting to show signs of softness. I remember vaguely that my old Waja stock dampers ran out of steams after 10k kms of usage, so at 60k kms is quite alright in my book of thoughts.

My original plans of getting a coilovers was almost dead set until I realised it’s going to set me back into broke warning signs in my head and nowadays I’m driving it in a very civilized aunty-like way as rempiting workout of the past has now transferred to gokart. Hence, coilovers is pretty much overkill really.

So finding the right dampers replacement is the way to go. I just found out that there’s a brand called SuperSport which is a sister company to Spax is offering sport dampers for Pocong. When they meant sport dampers, it’s the usual stuff - shortened and slightly larger piston rods, partially foreshortened housing for more suspension travel, 30% uprated damping than stock, gas assisted, heavy duty and 12 months warranty etc. And having read reviews coming from VW junkies in the states and UK, it’s the best bang for buck and rides well too. But what’s not usual is the price. Having looked at orangetuning.de, it retails at €128 for a set of four (inclusive 19% VAT)!

Having done the math, it should cost me €110 at most plus shipping another ~€50-60 which is still way cheaper than source original dampers locally and almost Proton like costing which is great. On another note, I seriously doubt it gives the same feel as the Bielstein B8 or H&R cup dampers but I’d be very satisfied if it can gives 70%-80% the same feel. That said, I buying one otherwise it’s going to be H&R cup dampers which is additional €100 up. Hmmm….

€110 is darn good value for money!

SuperSport PU Top Mount for paltry sum of €55

Plan B Option - H&R cup dampers. Going this route means no budget for Alpinestars Tech 1-K :(

60k kms Service Done!

2010-11-14T20:16:00.000+08:00

The Pocong just had her 60k kms major service done yesterday at Ever Auto which so happens accompanied by 2 Mk1 TT 225 and 2 Mk1 TT. Everything went very well except upon changing the ripped rr brake lights, it worked as dimmed as rear tail lamp something isn't right there. Oh well, got to do it next week then! Oh yes, if nobody was around, I could have sawed MTM muffler of one modded TT 225 and get it weld to Pocong but my luck wasn’t that bright haha…

Once done with that, sent the car for alignment & balancing at Mun Jee (MPS) Sunway. Tyres were flipped and rotated, toe calibrated to 0 and some other magic mojo and I'm happy to report the steering feels much more pointy than before!

Here’s the breakdown of the cost this time around:

Engine Oil: Castrol Edge 5W-40 4L RM205.00
Engine Oil: Castrol Edge 5W-40 1L RM51.25
Oil Filter: VW 1.8T (06A 115 561 B) RM35.00
Spark Plug: NGK Platinum V-Power BKR7E RM50.00
Coolant: G12+ RM40.00
Rear Bulb RM3.00
Labour RM80.00
Service Tax RM4.00
Alignment & Balancing RM84.0o0
Total RM468.25

Cun looking MTM muffler there!

Mun Jee's mojo rocks!

Media Formula Plus 2010 Revisited

2010-10-30T23:45:00.000+08:00

Pictures tell a thousands words right but which words?? Well some of the words in the last Media Formula Plus 2010 area these courtesy of 1Motor resident photographer....

Group photo...1Motor conquered rightist, leftist and centre!

Team discussion took place with Firman aiming for the TOP!

All smiles except him again hahaha

Satay

Firman

And yours truly

Kiki of Driven gave a thumbs up!

This is where you can see smiles widen so much so that the teeth are clearly visible from everyone especially us

Malay Mail successfully defended the title

And when it comes to us, the team manager says it all!

Mk1 Golf with a JDM heart!

2010-10-25T16:41:00.000+08:00

A mate of mine has just got another toy car, Volkswagen Mk1 Golf! The conditions are pretty at sorry state at the moment but the same can’t be said on its heart power plant. Gone the bone stocker 1.3, say hello to the 1.4 4EFE forced fed delivering 135bhp/157nm. 135bhp might look a bit commoner nowadays but on a chassis that weight less than 800 kilos, it’ll go like stinks. And that bone stocker 4EFE could potentially surpass 200hp on wheel with some mods added on, it’s a new definition of madness retro of the old school!

I wonder if this can sayur the guy's other monster RB25DETT Skyfiro on the 1st-2nd gear acceleration...

Gaga Frog inspired Rocco!

2010-10-21T20:17:00.000+08:00

We’ve heard loud and clear by the Bar Council almost putting authoritarian stamp to the government to expedite court cases and of course out of the blue ‘individual rights’. Though in recent years I think Bar has moved into becoming a political joker party in which doesn’t seem to be my cup of tea, but on the expedite cases I honestly applaud them in doing so.

But while they keep on fighting, their members aka lawyers are the crooked lots. Intentionally and indirectly all in the same body language, they still want it to be more or less of the same practices. And one of the readily available examples is convincing the court of postponing cases when things don’t go to their ways. And of course, more delays might means more professional fees further imposed on clients per se.

And that’s what happening to me in recent years till indefinite years. I’ve been slapped with subpoena three times to attend a court hearing as a PP witness and each of the dates given which include today and tomorrow have been postponed again and again. Surely having me ranting about this out loud will definitely be waking up their fangs but hey isn’t that freedom of speech is among the agenda by their ruling body?

Looking back at yesteryears movie like The Godfather, lawyers are there for The Don but they weren’t the war consigliere but guys like Rocco Lampone is. To sum it up, his character is obedient as he’s ruthless and brutal, all in one go. Is that the same case applies to Volkswagen Scirocco? That’s what I’ve got to know this morning.

In an effort not to waste my successfully applied leaves, me and my friend went to VW showroom in Bangsar for him to have a go at Mk6 Golf 1.4 TSI which I drove earlier. We reached there when the sun is just about 40 degrees up and greeted warmly to our hearts and eyes by a out of this world hot looking with model-like body lady SA. If I wasn’t wearing my cheap looking specs, I honestly thought she’s the product we’re window shopping for.

And while we waited for her to get the keys of the Golf, we were busily looking at the cars then her then the car then her again till my eyes trajectory accidentally shifted towards the bay window which overlooked the Scirocco 1.4 TSI. And in a formula 1 split of a second, she’s standing right in front us. Cheeky enough I did asked her if that Roc can be test driven as well and she said YES!

Coming towards the Roc, visually, it’s exactly the same as the 2.0 FSI minus 17” wheels, Merlin fabric seats and of course force fed 2.0 200 hp replaced with the same 1.4 TSI engine as in the Golf. And as for the looks, the Roc isn’t as seductive as MiTo, girly as MCS, far from being beautiful, this Rocco looks like a product of mad love making between a funky Lady Gaga stylist and a frog which in turns transformed into love hate fashion thing. And when it comes to fashion, I’m first class graduate dull!

And the same theme is replicating on the inside. The same stylist has inevitably educated Wolfsburg Ingenieurs applying the same funkiness into the dashboard which origins carried over from Mk5 Golf, weird door handle and seventies rear seats. Typically enough these Ingenieurs still have a common sense in their forehead, ergonomics are still user friendly, all the buttons and levers are being placed at the right place except for the hand brake which is biased to the left and every time I think of touching it, coincidentally nearing that hot chick, a reminiscence of my wife sour face keeps popping up.

My typical habit of beginning a test drive session involves making sure the seating position and mirrors are spot on but this time around I was busily thinking how to make a socialize conversation with this hot SA with her skirt getting shorten by an inch as she seated into conti-Recaro hugging designed seat. And every time, I try to think of something, a vision pops my head of my wife armored with Uzis signaling a WW3 is coming very soon!!

So in my forward defense move, I quickly fired up the engine, slot the transmission to S and line up the Roc to the Jalan Bangsar towards Mid Valley for power and handling so called test. And just like the Golf 1.4 TSI and Polo 1.2 TSI, it hesitates to move rapidly as I floored the throttle. I wonder why this characteristic is in placed for these new VW cars as certainly Mk5 didn’t!

Power wise, I was told this Rocco has 20hp extra than standard which the same thing I heard from SA in Jalan 222 as well. But as floored and I’m sure of that, it looks as though that it pulls exactly the same like the Golf, not an inch different. So a million dollar question is where on earth that 20 horses went? A quick googling habit led me to know that this Roc has the same power figure as the Golf. Given that, I guess probably that remaining horses still got stucked in customs as they negotiating reduction from what already ridiculous 40% tax on CIF for the extra horses.

It’s still a brilliant engine nevertheless as details in the Golf review but not quite punchy and rapid as say R56 MCS. It’s hard to find the reason here but perhaps the gearing is a wee bit longer than ideal? I don’t know for sure. For bone stocker golf is no issue but for Roc, it is. And that’s a bad news for VW because MCS is the obvious competitor in this hairdresser performance car category. Thankfully enough, the price of the MCS is similar to Roc 2.0 FSI.

Having said that, the Golf drives sedately civic but this one is very sporty but obedient. Wider rear width, ACC trickery and 17” giving plenty of grip to fool around and I’ve a hunch the same applies to 2.0 variant as well. Doing 140ish on a sweeping road back towards Bangsar doesn’t upset the stability at all, it just hold on tight its frog inspired body to go through it without much fuss. The steering too has much better positive feel than the Golf but again not quite as engaging as the R56 MCS but close enough and that means still behind FD2R. And in the 1.4, you could hardly get to see the chassis aided by ACC is going to work overtime given the lacked of power.

But unlike an FD2R and MCS, it has way more comfortable ride going through rough patches. And of course you could meddle with the ACC to soften the car a bit more. This I think a real treat for hairdressers before of course devil slipped into their veins to become a complete chucklehead like yours truly.

By no means, it’s still a very good hatch with tidy handling and gives RM40k savings over 2.0 FSI and as mentioned by that hot chick, she prefers Roc over MCS :) As long as you stay away from the 2.0 FSI variant you should be fine but there’s also a devil thought of topping a meager RM10k more for an FD2R for complete chucklehead experience. Not quite a Rocco Lampone experience I’m expecting hence the reason I went to City Karting in the afternoon to burst some steams away by tapauing Italians duo claiming they topped the timesheet of 1.01 min in a 80cc kart. It wasn’t a waste annual leave it seems :)

With the colour and the looks, I can't be wrong right?

For Sale: NGK V-Power BKR7E

2010-10-11T21:17:00.000+08:00

Item: NGK V Power BKR7E
Description: A range colder than stock plug, ideal for chipped VAG 1.8T. Being copper based, it has better efficiency than similar range iridium based plugs. And priced 1/3 cheaper!
Condition: Brand New Price: RM50/set

Interested? Contact Firdaus @ +60123827575

Smaller cc can have lots of POKE afterall!

2010-10-09T08:58:00.000+08:00

It’s a stereotype and commoner perception that bigger is always better especially coming from the accountants because 99.9999% of them are money centric. Err actually I should have put the lawyers as well come to think of it :P

Naturally bigger cc engines should be more powerful and better but on one corner you’ve these German grease monkeys whom given their sense of humor are anything but funny thought since they managed to shoved in an engine on the wrong end and still can get away with it, now might as well come up with engines with all but smaller cubic centimeters but can still tapau others when it matters.

End result is an engine of 1.2-1.4ltr with both functionalities of supercharger and turbocharger and greener to the environment and of course to the wallet too. So it’s hardly surprising that it has been awarded Engine of the Year 2009-2010 on the trot! Or has these been overhyped??

Moment of truth comes recently that I’ve got a call from Francis about test drive invitation of Mk6 Golf 1.4TSI and just soft launched Mk5 Polo 1.2TSI. Next day passed, as I en route to KL for a troubleshooting the troublemaker appointment, a quick detour to FA Wagen Jalan P Narayanan for a quick spin!

First on the checklist was the Golf. Hmm it has been two years Mk6 Golf has been around, although the outlook has started to grow on me but given my obviously honest answer, I still prefer the flashiness of the Mk5 even though nowadays already started to look dated. And if I may, the rear end of this Mk6 is the most pemalas design which incidentally inherited from the not so good looking Toureg which many grandmas will still call it ugly even after putting on their spectacles upside down.

That’s just about it really because once you climb inside the car, it feels no-nonsense, matured and almost Audi-feel quality material fit and finish, far departure than the Mk5. And even the fabric seats, though from photo looks cheaply grey but offers fantastic at ‘home’ feel with good posture and support. Having said that there’re still some parts with contrast cheapness like the flimsy indicator/wiper stalks – typical Volkswagen.

The first thing after I did once fire up the engine to life was to get it into reverse. Interestingly without throttle being applied, it creeps automatically just like the old Iswara autobox which is nice after thought. And when I line the car up to join the main road, the dry clutch DSG seems to be hesitant to move forward rapidly, exactly the same feeling like driving an AMT Savvy. I know this well because I crashed one before because of this!

But once you engage the DSG in manual mode and plant the throttle to the floor, my GOD these Wolfsburg Ingenieurs have nailed every cubic of this engine perfectly! I’d be wrong to say that virtually it’s lag free, far from it, it feels actual, reality, fact is lag free! And unlike standard Polo GTI 1.8 which runs out of puff after 4.5k, this thing actually pulls further up….a wee shy before 5.5k rpm. And at no time I felt any interchange awkwardness between supercharger and K03 turbo, the power delivery is very linear and smooth. Out of a 1.4ltr engine, I shook my head in an instant!

And it’s mated to this flappy paddle DSG which ratios have been tailored to suit this masterpiece of an engine. Yeah, every gear change feels rapidly precise as usual and of course followed by unapologetic farts. And they make a good companion by a mile in comparison to the MiTo 1.4 T-Jet, 308 Turbo and even the one I’d like to own someday the R56 MCS (A).

The ride and handling characteristics on the other hand are all but sporty. The steering weighted far biased for the city runabout, it just lacks of feel couple with a commoner 205/55/16 tyres and softer sprung ride to become a hot hatch nor it aspire to be. That’s Golf GTI’s territory. On the bright side, it soaks bumps remarkably good and more comfortable without getting overly floaty.

It’s hardly a rocket science that this Golf is being marketed to executives with small family in mind, bundled with ample lots of goodies and needed an understated car yet not a laughing stock for valet parking in front of event functions. That’s German business sense to you.

Getting out from the Golf and into the Polo, I knew beforehand that Golf is the better car except the looks which I really really like it a lot. What makes the styling a little more sort of standout and flamboyant is the fact that they’ve taken something very simple and translated into something big. Understated, typical German eh?

But at the same time, you get certain features, certain flamboyant and certain flair that perhaps haven’t been seen in a small hatch before. Example, look at the way the headlamp cluster made up from different material, different colours and it’s also more of mean and classy looking at the same time. And yet there’re lots of layers, different surfaces and texture and that is a very high-end car feature which we haven’t seen in a small car before this.

Come around to the side of the car and that’s where you’d get to see more of the muscle. This sharp lines flowing all the way from the front and comes back and turned into a nice shoulder. Very neatly done and adds definition to the rear end. Same applies to wheel arch, it’s flared yet it has flat fleet along with sharp lines. So overall, the car tad bigger than the old Picanto inspired Polo but looks way stunning!

But because trying to price the car as cheaply as possible, they’ve skimp on the accessories e.g. basic alloy wheels wrapped in 195/55/15 tyres almost ruining the whole thing! God the wheels looked hideous!

Apart from the exterior, massive improvements were done on the inside. If I can recall properly, the dashboard material is almost exact quality feel like the bigger brother Golf and ergonomics like typical Volkswagen simple designed control at all the right places. But cheapness still can be seen on the door trimmings, control panel meters and also the shiny surface HU.

Unlike the 1.4TSI, this 1.2TSI only has a single turbocharger pushing to power to 105PS/165Nm mated with the same dry clutch DSG 7 speeder. And rightly so, not exactly punchy but adequate enough to drive around just like the 1.6 NA with better torque to rely on except you only need to pay RM55 of road tax and better fuel consumption than Focus TDCi too!

Because this is entry level Polo, the driving refinement is well basic. Just like the golf, the steering feels lighter than too light of the Golf for feel, 195/55/15 tyres couple with standard dampers and spring giving a basic continental feel without sporting credential.

But these little bits here and there are what made up the car being chosen as Car of the Year 2010. And rightly so because none of the superminis which are up for grabs in here can make this Polo a bit rugged on the edge when it comes to looks, practicality, safety features and goodies. What’s more RM109k is a reasonable price to pay(….this is until they watered down the pricing structure like before hahaha)

I could have been separating out the review but there’s a reason for that. These two cars hold some of the possible insights of the new Polo GTI coming to our shore next year. A nice bit of kit that compliment standard Polo outlook, 17” Denver wheels and the same 1.4 TSI carried over from the Golf only more powerful at 180PS/250Nm. By then, I guess even accountants would even like it :)

It looks fine until ....
Images taken from Bangau

... you see this :(
Image taken from Bangau

In contrast, to me Polo is the better looking brother

Next year coming soooonnn....

Some people say OVERKILL, I’d say COOL

2010-09-23T23:19:00.000+08:00

The first reaction many would say (including me initially) is OVERKILL seeing people wearing diver watches when in reality that they’ve never been ‘diving’ even on the kitchen sink. Same goes to overly large fridges and the same thing goes to pickup trucks. Now why is that?

The last pickup that rocked my mind was none other than the Nissan Navara 2.5 turbo-diesel! With four of my mates on board, at around 4.00am I still remember, that bad boy trucker easily climbing up an undisclosed construction up hill with surface covered with anything but muds without even flinching. And once we’re done with our so called myth busted experiment, we took it out for a short sprint having a bad taste beng-up Vios for early breakfast. I was so sure that kid driver must have gone straight to mommy to cry over the river hehehe

But Navara isn’t the once I’d like to rant over err no but the Toyota Hilux 2.5 turbo diesel is. It’s commonly known that Toyota Hilux is the favorite transport of choice of unker Pua Chu Kang and of course the Talibans. It’s one of the very few that can take you almost anywhere anytime with up-time reliability probably surpass well almost anything. Now this beast is my parents’ favorite mode of transport and definitely I've had a plenty of go in it :)

Considering that I’ve been driving lots of hatchbacks for quite sometimes, getting into the Hilux makes me feels like a midget trying to tame a Godzilla, not a GTR Godzilla but Godzilla size Godzilla....

Not just this, this thing is just almost impossible to be parking friendly, not just to the driver but the covered car park as well. This is the first time I went to covered shopping car park fearing that I will scrap the upper concrete and almost none of the parking space I’ve been that can actually fit this thing.

Don’t bother to talk about driving dynamics because it excels straight As on the wrong side of the road. Yes the steering feels exactly like maneuvering a sinking boat and it rides crushingly horrid. Probably things work better off road doesn’t swell right on road unlike a Range Rover.

That’s not it, apart from Avanza, I truly think the interior built quality especially the material used for this Hilux is mimicking a lot like the Viva. No, I'm not kidding. Toyota of today is no longer the Toyota of yesteryears that’s for sure.

But once I started to actually drive this beast, just like the Navara, this Godzilla really moves! The figure did say 144bhp and 343nm. Given the mass of nudging 2 tonnes and yes it does feels like it on the move, though not Navara level, the way it pulls reminded me of my old Satria GTi when it was standard. On Auto still! It gives me goose bumps first time I drive it. And I can count how many times I get this 1) shotgun ride with friend’s 300+hp fwd Satria GTi boosting along Persiaran Surian when the surface was wet 2) Flat out the Pocong along Ulu Yam with no inch to spare on the throttle 3) almost sliding into a ravine at old Gombak road 4) Witnessing my mechanic doing wheell on tricked Wrangler powered by 2JZ…..that’s it I think.

And, it was during this recent raya season that this truck transported my family from KL to Jitra within 4 hours including a stop for breakfast driven by my MOM! Scary to believe yes but it’s true because my brother who took Air Asia flight only needs to wait about ½ hour for them to pick him up at Alor Setar airport which they themselves dropped him at the KL Sentral station for hitching a bus ride to LCCT 4 hours back then.

People say diesel fed engine save fuel right? But that’s not the case for this Hilux, I think, because it needs RM90 worth of diesel to reach there. Hell that’s RM20 more than what my Pocong needs on Ron97 fuel for the same range and same cruising speed.

Even with so many flaws from what I’ve seen, I still like it in fact I think it’s a cool car for common people can afford. Given that traffic jams are getting crazier by the day, I think it would be a good idea to have one so that I can sneak out from it through dividers and slope contours. You can’t hardly say pointless to have 4wd on city roads can’t you? And of course it has given vertically challenge people like to feel like 6”3' :)

Adik ku yang mereng besides the Beast

Awesome Sport Machine!

2010-08-27T17:55:00.000+08:00

I've been hooked to Honda S2000 for quite sometime now. Everything is just right - rwd on a roadster but really drives with none of the conventional weakness, very precise and of course F20C that revs till 9,000rpm. The next AE86 cult status, hell yes I'd like to think so! Once I'm done buying a landed home, this is NEXT!

52.5k kms oil change

2010-08-15T06:10:00.000+08:00

Pocong just had new heart fluid change at Ever Auto last Saturday. Typical 4.5ltr of fresh Castrol Edge 10w40 and original oil filter replacing the old. And prior to that, the mechanic did not fine any signs of leaks at all CV boot covers and rear bearings still ok. A total bill came to about RM316.75 which includes RM75 for the oil filter. This is a bit odd because either it’s so expensive in here or Alex got it confused with Pocong as Mk5 Golf GTI. Either way, I’m happy with the place and will visit again on coming 60k mileage for major timing belt replacement, perhaps bringing oil filter, plugs and G12+ coolant on my own hahaha

Media Formula Plus 2010

2010-08-08T11:25:00.001+08:00

Karting on a competitive level has never been my soon-to-do-list because I feel I’m not ready for it. But it turns out that I’ve got a call from a friend asking me to join 1Motor team for Media Formula Plus 2010 endurance race which held yesterday in Speedway Plus circuit where everything are fully sponsored. Not setting any expectation, I’m game for it because it’s FREE!

Woke up a wee bit early, warmed up the Pocong and drove straight there and it turns out I was the earliest bird arriving at 6.40ish am. With a sandwich pack in my hand, while eating it as breakfast, I went for a walkabout tour of the circuit which I haven’t driven before, come to think of it, the same applies to the other two drivers (Satay and Firman) and it’s the first time too for the team. A tall order to expect anything except finishing the race. What amazes me by doing this walkabout, “detail, details, details” pops up to my eyes on exactly the track width, elevation changes, surface quality (some areas are in mediocre state due to drifting runs held), minor pot holes but enough it giving a hell ride and of course a good starting point for entry points etc. Danny Sullivan’s book is right after all hahaha

Upon registering, 1Motor has been listed in Group C, where the format gives us 8 mins practice & qualifying, and 25mins endurance race. Our strategy of the day was to give our lead drive Satay the whole 8 mins for qualifying and being first driver pulling a long first stint, followed by Firman and I’m the last one acting as fail-safe should we need to climb places at the very last minute. A good strategy nonetheless….

With 9 teams competing in Group C, Satay managed to grab pole by some margin of about mid 1:01mins. Things however starting to look like a Hollywood when our kart failed to start which leaving us at dead last of the pack and this allows TV3 Po-Nai to take the lead. Ironically this also happens to Kiki of Driven but luck, skills and experience on their side when they climb up the pace and finished on top in Group B.

Hoping to achieve the same sort of feat, Satay managed to keep his frustration at bay and began putting the hammer down, nailed just right to climb up places. And by lap 6, we’re back in the lead with TV3 Po-Nai still on his tail. And when it’s Firman’s turn to go, TV3 Po-Nai managed overtake him on the long sweeper and retake the lead and by then gave us a good margin distance.

Being the fail-safe driver, I’ve got pressure amounting to at least catch up to them but things doesn’t turned to be rosy when the kart engine failed to start again and we’ve lost a good 5secs there alone. Going out with track familiarisation and flat out all in one go, I decided to take late apex on all corners on the first lap to get myself acclimatised fast and coming to next lap, I began pushing hoping to catch a glimpse of TV3 Po-Nai by lapping 2 teams in the process. But my overdeveloped trigger-ness on the last corner causes us to lose time and managed to embarrassingly spun on the area on my cool down lap after being chequered. In my defense if I may, I’m struggling to modulate the throttle and brakes ala on-off effect, on when for full out running and anything lesser than full throttle just want to die. Nevertheless we still retain 2nd and heading for the final!

A bit of rain came and camouflaged the track surface and obviously made it slippery especially first and last turn. Another hindrance is our new kart this time is down on power than the problematic first. But that doesn’t stop Satay to clocks high 1:00min but that only good enough for 3rd placing. Given that we’re competing against pro drivers of defending champion Malay Mail XMM, TV3 Po-Nai and Driven, 3rd place is just the best we can possibly do for now.

A biggest surprise of the final was F1 hopeful Nabil Jefri is joining the race albeit starting last. And as expected, he rocketed to fourth behind us on the start. Satay did his absolute best to keep him at bay but that doesn’t stop Nabil to overtake on lap 3 as we dropped down to fourth while Malay Mail XMM and TV3 Po-Nai already about ½ track ahead. Looking at damage limitation, we’re working on to retain fourth placing till the end. But on 2nd stint, Firman got overtaken by 2 karts though unsure whether they were overtaking for position of unlapped themselves. Pressure began to mount to the team for a good finish.

Decided not wanting to repeat the rookie mistakes, as my turn to drive in the end, I decided to taking it easy on first turn but flat all the way through long sweepers and got good rhythm on the slow technical turns on the last section while taking it easy on the last corner. It turned out to be a good approach as I managed to catch-up with the two karts and overtaken them on the technical section and one at the last corner approaching to the final straight. 3 laps to go was the final lap with me taking it cautiously on the last one to bring home the kart in fourth with Driven team behind us!

We were again delivered a jolly good news that Plus team driven by Nabil and gang didn’t classified as competitors which moved our standing to 3rd with prices of RM3000 cash and trophy. It’s a bloody good outcome considering it’s the first time entry for the team with drivers got no experience on this track at all.

I’ve told Mio of 1Motor that I’d like to come back for next year and together hopefully we can challenge for top spot. Until then, my novel has not finished yet and of course in between the time I’m heading for City Karting with buddies for another rempiting session :)

Confirm aku memang layak sebab free hahaha

Not sure whether this is the ideal line in Speedway Plus....but the last turn need to take it wide

Had a walk-through when the sun yet to rise

Glimpse of the sun starting to wake up

It's daylight alright and just done with the walkabout tour

Hmmm

Looks the part but the old junk at City Karting is 30% more powerful

Suubbbbaaaruuu

Geng-geng rempit yang berjaya bersama Mr Manager-nya. It's the first time for the 1Motor team to enter this event, first time track for us all but rezeki murah ini hari hehehe

Mild mods performance stats and new POISONS

2010-07-25T18:47:00.000+08:00

It’s been a while since I’ve been actively blabbering about things in here, well the very lame and cliché reason I can say is ‘career’ related. My attention has been glued to it since few months back particularly when I’m in the midst of heading to different paddy field to kais pagi makan petang and also doings lots of catching up on database and geodatabase technologies.

I’m happy to report that the new SQL Server 2008 is twilight years ahead of SQL Server 2000 which I’m certified for; plenty of administrative controls over database schema, impressive TDE and of course almost seamlessly able to accommodate direct injection of spatial data without middleware while performance tuning points largely remained unchanged. Of course, it doesn’t mean it will outcast the tried and tested Esri ArcSDE anytime soon because I can’t see how the SQL Server able to manage geoversioning without much customization.

Well none of that now because it’s not what I’m going blog about anyway. I’ve received two screenshots of Azdilizan’s Polo GTI PocketDyno result. Looking at it, there’s nothing not to be pleased about it. 0-100kmh in 6.85 secs, 0-150km/h in 12.93, ¼ mile in 15.03secs! Quite similar performance figures of a stocker DC5 ITR which is still a very rapid machine. Should he improves on his RT, I definitely think low 6secs in 0-100km/h and mid 14s in ¼ mile is on the cards.

Another thing that caught my eyes is, there’s a possibility of PnP a pair of Porsche Boxter’s 4 potter calipers into the Pocong while still retaining 16” rims as both using the same 312mm rotors. Hmmm I like that! And also for the umpteenth times, I’m still contemplating on getting coilovers and at the moment I know just the right brand, model and at a price that won’t nuke my pocket and of course it’s a landed price. What I can tell you right now is the brand starts with H…

But these two won’t be happening any time soon as I’ve got a novel to write about which is called job handover, it is now eating up the pages akin to a script of Indonesian Sinetron which you can never can say it will be completely finished as branches suddenly keep on expanding like no tomorrow. But having said that, there’s not a day goes by without me thinking of getting these two so stay tuned :)

This reminds of doing frequent 'visits' to route E6 in the wee wee hours with a buddy and G tech gadget glued on the windscreen and floor all the way till the engine went to heaven, that was a loong time ago....

I'm at loss for words here .....

For Sale: Used H&R Sport Spring

2010-07-15T17:15:00.000+08:00

Item: H&R Sport Spring
Description: H&R Sport Spring that lowers the car by 35mm than normal Polo height
Condition: Good
For: 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf

Reason Selling: Unused
Price: Negotiable

Interested? Contact Wu @ +60122733483

Close Shave

2010-06-18T13:40:00.001+08:00

Speaking about close shave, in my years of driving, legally and illegally, plenty of close shaves have happened including a motorbike rammed into me while I was stopping for traffic light stop which happened last week.

The condition of that bike was as sorry state like Dean’s Impala was crashed into by a demonically-possessed truck driver in Supernatural finale, only this time caused by the rider’s own doing. The rider was semi conscious and wet himself in the process, a quick rush to PPUM and thorough checks confirmed that he only suffers bruises. And to sums a long day for me, I’ve been to not one but two police stations to lodge a cover report.

Although it’s never my intention to claim damages because honestly I don’t think there’s a good chances that he’s able to pay and high chances that motorbike might not have valid road tax/insurance but I’m merely just taking up insurance should there be any twist down the road. And damages to the Pocong are very minimal - slightly damaged paintwork & dent on the bumper, slightly cracked rear tail light. You’d struggle to actually notice it really.

Speaking of this, it reminds me of some close shaves I’ve experienced down to my own stupidity among which was fish tailing a Waja coming down Genting facing directly towards a lorry (which again repeated in Section 14 PJ), driving blindly onto opposite direction in the darkness of the night in Jalan Skudai near Danga Bay, playing fire with fishtailing Satria GTi at old Gombak road and almost slipping into a ravine where no one would ever know to just name a few.

Since then, I’ve gotten myself laid back and only doing it when I really need it to be doing and on the road I know well and strong mobile reception should things go south. A wee bit chicken attitude there but sure is wiser I’ve become. Probably age already catch up…. but I can all out at karting but then my karting buddy had turned turtle experience the other day. Bummer!!

Just a cut here and a crack there... nothing serious

Only need to make time to visit bodyshop for some respray

Ajae's kart after turned turtle

RM50 penalty for this is a BARGAIN hahaha!

ADAC VW Polo Cup Duel

2010-05-30T10:13:00.000+08:00

Have a look the the vid below, pretty exciting duel between Jimmy Johansson vs. Philipp Leisen in ADAC VW Polo Cup. Regardless of who came on top, doing wheel to wheel stuff and even watching it is really exhilarating to say the least. Oh yes, VW Polo Cup based on mildly tuned VW 2.0 litre NA mated with 6-speed box from Lupo GTI.

Ford Focus TDCi

2010-05-29T20:16:00.000+08:00

Going into an era where fuel prices has catapult up way faster than many politicians can walk their talks has prompted us Malaysians to look for alternative fuel be it diesel or hybrid. Whatever the positive findings of hybrid technologies can be, they’re still in infancy stage which is why many car manufacturers still banking on new age turbodiesel.

Common praises including ‘zillionth’ percentage of better fuel economy, superior torque low down, and lower emission levels. All is a jolly good news for us motorists but is there any free lunch in this world for something that is too good to be true?

In here, Ford has already loosing its appeal to Malaysians since the Laser and Telstar days in the nineties. They managed to crawled back just a bit with the Ranger for short period until introduction of Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux and the likes rath back at them. In these trying times, and to get its anchor dealer Auto ConneXion to breathe for survival sake, they’ve brought in Focus 2.0 TDCi at affordable sums of RM125k OTR (excluding insurance) which is about the same price as Honda Civic 2.0, Toyota Corolla Altis, Nissan Sylpy and Mazda 3 2.0. And as we kept hearing fuel prices going to be revised again and again, I truly think it’s a smart, cunning and brave move!

And so today after going rounds and rounds of window shopping of which is the best place to go for custom FMIC installation with for the Pocong, I found myself cruising along Federal Highway en route home until I saw Ford dealership on the right side. What the heck, let’s waste my not so precious weekend time for window shopping that Focus.

The moment I stepped into the showroom, Mane who’s the SA on duty came to me and said “Afternoon Sir, let me guess you’re in for the Focus turbodiesel right? We don’t have on in the showroom but you can have a look at our test car at the front and maybe going for test drive?” Surely I can’t say no :)

Practical and great to drive, the Mk1 Focus is really hard to fault, only thing we can’t never be entirely happy with is its looks. That’s where Ford responded to that by giving the new Mk2 Focus pretty substantial makeover with headlamps which is very Mondeoish, grill and front end also being redesigned to take on latest Ford’s corporate look. And while it’ll take a very keen eye to notice changes on the profile and the rear end, the whole new outlook is very much muscular and modern than its dated predecessor.

Going inside, the dial pack is again Mondeo inspired; sharp red-and-white background instead of the boring old green and some silvery touches surrounds for the dials except on this TDCi, the redzone starts from 4.5k rpm while speedometer up to 240 km/h. Fit and finish remains well ok. However, the plush bits on top part of the dashboard contrast painfully with the hard, dull and well cheap stuff everywhere. By Ford’s standard in the past, this is by all means mediocre. Even the leather seats, as supportive and comfortable they may be, feels not really seem to be made of leather, quite frankly PU is more appropriate if I’m being honest.

Like most Fords, it’s quite reasonably well equipped. Apart from its 2.0 four pot that makes 134PS and 320nm out of diesel force fed and being delivered onto the tarmac by Ford’s very own double clutch’s Powershift 6 speeder, it comes with 16” alloy rims wrapped in 205/55/16 profile tyres, Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC), rear air-cond vents, electronic adjustable front seats, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering and audio control mounted on steering column. Safety and security being kept in checked by ABS with EBD assist, ESP, dual airbags on the front and of course 5 star NCAP crash rating.

After getting myself strapped in the driver’s cockpit with driving position set just spot on, cranked the engine with ‘S’ button located at the gear console turned to ON. First impression I’ve got is, blimey, it’s seriously quiet in here hardly I hear diesel clatters, hell the Pocong’s idling is way more noisy.

As I drive it out of the gate with right foot firmly nailed to the floor, it made me realise that turbodiesel in car nut point of view memang indah kabar dari rupa. This is where diesel’s superior torque can’t in many ways to compensate lack of revs and horsepower. Full stop.

Plenty of faults I can pinpoint here, first of which is the lack of response on the delivery, the boost finally come on song after around 2.5k rpm, in the diesel world is pretty laggy where as mentioned earlier redzone is 4.5k rpm. 320nm claimed figures feels overrated really. And how ‘much’ it gives at that powerband comes in one lump sum but after 4k rpm, you need to change gear. That’s how much frustrating driving diesel fed cars. Mind you this is using 6 speed double clutch gearbox, if it’s 4 speed conventional Ford’s, it’ll be horrid.

While the designers have done much on the car, the engineers look like skipping office hours with lots of ELs and MCs. And that’s not a bad thing really because dynamically it’s already class leading. McPherson strut on the front while the space saving control blade on the rear carried over from Mk1 is already good enough in providing well balanced chassis and good compromise between good road holding and comfort.

Although the test route wasn’t exactly spritely by nature, the steering feels sharp, positive and above of all is natural. Better than many hot hatches around including Satria Neo CPS, Alfa MiTo, and regrettably Polo GTI. Still I stand corrected that R56 MCS may have an edge on this department compared to Focus but I can imagine if you’re driving this Focus on the twisties, you’ll definitely forgotten for a while that this is actually a proper four-door family hatch, with generous space inside which happens to has a very spot on dynamics all around. And let’s not forget, it’s never in anyway anytime uncomfortable, the setup on this thing is brilliant. You’ll go into a bump and it immediately settles down again, it’s really as I said earlier a class leading.

Should Proton needs a new yardstick in ride & handling, it has to be this Focus. This is because of all Proton’s I’ve driven and I’ve driven all of them, they have never been as this Focus’s competent.

That said, I truly feel, Focus TDCi is quite an astonishing family car in every way given its price tag and diesel fed benefits. Of course build quality is declining but you don’t pay for a VW. The 308 turbo and Civic definitely got their work cut out by some margin here except only left in mind is how affordable is the maintenance of the car. But hey, since Malaysians rarely keep their cars for many years, why bother much on this when it comes with 3 years warranty and free servicing.

PS: Should you buy one, please for the love of God uncheck the optional blue stripes. It’s very loud and rice!

Clunking sickness

2010-05-26T09:23:00.001+08:00

The Pocong started to clunks on uneven surface or through speed bumps for almost a month. Not exactly loud but irritating to hear it every time going through my office parking ramps everyday.

Since then, I've been doing some googling works, looking at that symptoms, possible causes involves worn arb bushes, ball joints and bent tie rods.

Upon inspecting the suspension, all joins and links appears to be fine and strapped together, no hell bending whatsoever. I've even spray silicone grease for good measure. But you know what, it's not working!

Things spices up more after my recent sunday drive. I guess accidentally running over speed bump going down Genting really turned things for worst. Now it's really getting on my nerves!

Scrapped all my to-do-list for today (oh well yesterday), went off to AVS Auto early morning and bought a pair of tie rods and ball joints. RM600 for all that (OEM mind you) is well ... pricey!

Visited my mechanic shop near home, he did plenty of test drives and checks, he guarantees me that it's the Mondeo’s drop links that spoiled. Funny enough after fitting my old drop link on right hand side, it's still clunking…. even louder like trashed 10 year old car.

Couldn't tolerate this kind of aggregation anymore, I went to Kawa Koshi immediately. Peter unexpectedly agrees with my mechanic that it's the drop links, which have excessive freeplay at its joints. And the reason why I keep hearing clunks is because it wasn't tightened properly. So now it's quiet except there's still clunks on the left.

Drove off to AVS and returned the tie rods, ball joints and got myself an arb link for the other side and got it installed right away. Walla! All is well and at a cost cheaper than what I expected except I’ve taken EL for the day. Luckily my boss was over the sea otherwise she’ll be pissed again! hahaha

Expensive affair, thank God it wasn't either of you

There's more to it than meets the eye

2010-05-23T10:36:00.000+08:00

Just got back from my shiok sendiri sunday drive to Genting and Bukit Tinggi just like walking on memory lane on how I use to regularly do with the old GTi. It was cool and dandy on how Pocong behaves itself there and on the way back had fun toying with Gallardo and R56 MCS on Karak highway towards Gombak. Although there're plenty of performance machines which are more powerful and have better dynamics but there's more to 'it' than meets the eye when it comes to Picanto inspired looking Pocong!

Looks like RSR getting worn out alike Staedler Mars eraser being used excessively during PMR exams but these sure get the job done alright!

Quaife LSD

2010-05-21T20:58:00.001+08:00

ECS has dropped in an interesting email to my inbox this week. As per other emails before, it’s just common product advertising campaign they’ve been doing for quite sometime but not enough to shaken me much until now.

Who would have though they’ve shredded down Quaife LSD for VW 02J gearbox by some margin! This will seriously help the Pocong on putting all the power down properly and of course getting better bite at corners. But, although it Pocong’s 02R box and Mk4’s 02J is almost identical and even sharing the same bellhousing but it would not guarantee this Quaife 114mm ring gear would slot nicely in it unless open it up. And finding the right shop to do this surgery is another matter altogether!

Oh well, this will still remains as my wishlist within 2-3 years down the road then.

Very tempting!

Bangau's ranting on Satria Neo R3 Lotus

2010-05-10T08:57:00.000+08:00

Here's copy of ranting by my old friend Bangau in regards to Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing. Frankly speaking, he has a very good point there and the Proton's folks may find it a bitter pill to swallow but that's the reality mate!

==============================================

Thanks to Proton Motorsports, I had the chance to sample the Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing, the car that has the longest name in Proton's history.

Colleague Daniel Wong picked up the car from Proton, and I "curi" the car from him for a 3-hour drive around Bangsar, Cyberjaya and Putrajaya.

The car attracted enthusiasts while those who were not must be thinking it was just another modified Neo.

I have nothing to say about the appearance as looks is subjective. The Neo has always looked nice, and to me, it is Proton's best designed car.

I also believe the R3 team has done a splendid job, given the time and budget constraint.

And so my complaint goes to the management, the ones who decided that the project should be done.

Where sir, did you get the idea to sell a modified Neo for RM115,000?

I said modified because the car is using parts which are available in the market.

Yes, the FRP wings might be new but I heard it will be available soon in the market.

The Ohlins shocks are RM30,000, but that too can be ordered.

The bodykit is the same as the R3 Neo, the carbon fibre hood is easily available from many shops and the wheels are not specifically designed for the car.

The seats are stock, covered with Napa leather. The gear knob is R3's chrome unit (at least my Neo uses a Sparco one), the pedals are also R3 (and mine are Momo Corse, lagi best) and the mats are R3 (mine are from Momo, Italy).

The engine is a CPS, but has been done up by R3 but it is still the same n/a engine.

Why this half past six job? Why not give the team ample time to come out with something really spectacular?

The dashboard and interior can be covered with Alcantara. The two front seats should be Recaros, and the rear must also have matching patterns.

Get somebody to redo the instrument cluster. In the same time, get another audio system, with more speakers and a subwoofer.

Change the gearbox ratios, make it a close ratio box, then you can really harness the power.

Turbocharge the car, or supercharge it (its a limited edition unit, you don't need EU approvals). Give it more power.

And how about HID lights? A different designed bodykit is also a must, made from FRP.

Tell your suppliers that they are not to sell the design to anybody else, and sue companies who try to come out with imitation kits.

Only then you can start slapping RM100k plus price on the car. Don't get me wrong my dear friends at Proton. When everybody else is condemning you, the last thing you guys need is a project like this!

But it is not too late. Lotus had the Carlton before, so why not resurrect that trend and come out with a Lotus Neo?

Right now, I find it difficult to justify that green car, especially when I see a Swift Sport running around.

http://cbt.com.my/blog/satria-neo-r3-lotus-racing-it-can-be-lot-better%E2%80%A6

For Sale: VW 9N3 Polo GTI Parts

2010-05-01T05:41:00.001+08:00

Hi guys,

Following are the stuffs I put up for sale coming from my VW 9N3 Polo GTI 1.8T

VW Polo GTI Front Brakes
Description: Single pot 46mm calipers, caliper carriers, 5x100 pcd 288mm x 25mm vented rotors, stock Ferrodo pads with wear sensor
Mileage: 1/2 year, 20,000kms mileage
Condition: Good condition but rotors needed to be skimmed.
For:
Plug & Play – 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf; 3) VW Mk4 Jetta; 4) Seat Ibiza 6L; 5) Skoda Fabia
Good upgrades – 1) VW Mk2 or Mk3 Golf provided using 5x100 pcd rims

Reason Selling: Upgraded

Price: RM1200

VW Polo GTI Rear Rotors
Description: 5x100 pcd 232mm x 9mm solid rotors
Mileage: Less than 2 years, 45,000kms mileage
Condition: Good condition, skimmed rotors but yet to be used
For:
Plug & Play – 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf; 3) VW Mk4 Jetta; 4) Seat Ibiza 6L; 5) Skoda Fabia; 6) Audi Mk1 TT

Reason Selling: Upgraded
Price: RM200

VW Polo GTI Brake Lines
Description: Original brake lines made by PBR
Mileage: Less than 2 years, 45,000kms mileage
Condition: Good condition
For:
Plug & Play – 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf; 3) VW Mk4 Jetta; 4) Seat Ibiza 6L; 5) Skoda Fabia; 6) Audi Mk1 TT

Reason Selling: Upgraded
Price: RM200

VW Polo GTI Clutch Disc & Pressure Plate
Description: Made from Luk for 225mm flywheel only
Mileage: Less than 2 years, 45,000kms mileage
Condition: Fair
For: 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf; 3) VW Mk4 Jetta; 4) VW Beetle 1.8T; 4) Audi Mk1 TT

Reason Selling: Upgraded
Price: RM200

VW Polo GTI Dual Mass Flywheel
Description: Made from Luk, 225mm flywheel
Mileage: Less than 2 years, 45,000kms mileage
Condition: Good
For: 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf; 3) VW Mk4 Jetta; 4) VW Beetle 1.8T; 4) Audi Mk1 TT

Reason Selling: Upgraded
Price: RM1200

VW Polo GTI Coil Spring
Description: Original GTI spring that lowers the car by 15mm than normal Polo height
Mileage: 1/2 year, 15,000kms mileage
Condition: Good
For: 1) VW 9N2/9N3 Polo; 2) VW Mk4 Golf

Reason Selling: Upgraded
Price: RM400

Interested? Contact me @ +60123827575 or firdausasri@gmail.com

Thorough refreshment buffet for Pocong

2010-04-30T21:08:00.001+08:00

The Polo GTI or VAG 1.8T’s stock clutch in general, won’t last long once the car has been reflashed. Based on what I’ve seen and heard, burnt clutch has already started to occur as early as 20k kms on some cars. And having just surpassed 45k kms, I wouldn’t want to wait till it slips and burnt and that’s why I can’t wait any longer to get it replaced.

Last Thursday morning, I managed to take some time off and have the car sent to Kawa Koshi Auto Air-Cond Service in Kepong at 11.00am, gave Peter (the owner) all the parts and fluids to get the job done; and then shoot back to office using taxi.

Kawa Koshi is highly recommended by Jed (Polo GTI owner) given their fair share in handling Polo GTI from simple oil change to upgrade works including clutch installations. While they’re not VW specialist from my point of view, their attention to detail and TLC surpass any mechanics I’ve seen and majority of car owners that I knew (and I’m one of them!). Hence you can imagine all the hype.

After getting some things done at my work place, I came back to the workshop around 5.00pm and found out that clutch installation just completed and they’re proceeding on the rest. Unfortunately, 10 minutes past, heavy thunderstorm rain just came down and that delays the progress. Oh well….

Somewhere around 7.00pm-ish, they restart the works. Everything went smoothly except lots of time taken on the steel braided lines. Plugging out the old and in the new ones is not exactly “plug & play” and this took them closed to 2 hours. And the one I though is tedious, injectors’ o-rings job took merely 5 minutes. As needle passed 10.00pm, all is done!

For the amount of works done on the car, you just wouldn’t believe the amount I had to pay. 6 hours job for the entire works with 4 foremen including Peter cost me less than RM400. Yes, it’s not exactly pocket change money but honestly I certainly feel it’s bang for buck given their positive approach during the entire process. And although I live somewhere 40kms up north, I wouldn’t mind sending the Pocong there again and again.

Upon getting back the keys and crank it up, I sensed that the gear chatter noise (because of lighter single mass flywheel) is more prominent inside the car than from the outside. Weird but that’s all that I can whine about as the rest of it feels rejuvenated, energetic and much more responsive from low-to-mid range and I haven’t fully nail the throttle yet! Even so, the ESP was awkwardly busy toning down the power on 2nd and 3rd!

While I realise these sort of refreshments doesn’t come cheap but in motorhead’s way of thinking, it’s well worth the pain! And I can wait to go out for shiok sendiri sunday drive tomorrow :)

Stock clutch disc seems ok though

Stock dual-mass flywheel. 15-18kg easily...

New slotted rotors for the rear

Old plained rotors (skimmed) vs Slotted/Drilled rotors

Stock PFR6Q plugs, Pocong better off with BKR7E even though it's copper base

ECS Steel Braided Lines is shorter than original, need to use the inside route to make it fit

Rear brakes after Peter's detailing job done.....

Leaks around fuel injectors

2010-04-24T22:32:00.000+08:00

Upon checking my engine this evening, I spotted strange leaks of oil/fuel around fuel injectors which attached to intake manifold. From what I managed to dig out from the net, it's mostly because of the injector seals/o-rings getting harden over time due to heat and boosting (that's where it got leaks). In my case, the leaks are not as severe image below. Nonetheless, I'll call AVS Auto first thing Monday morning to get it and have it replaced together with the clutch next Saturday.

Don't want to wait for things to turn like this

If only I can stretch further for Genesis 380cc injectors and 4 bar VW FPR

ECS Tuning package finally HERE!

2010-04-23T23:10:00.000+08:00

Alas after extensive ding dongs on parts arrival from factory and flight delays due to infamous Icelandic’s ash clouds, my ECS Stg1 Clutch and ECS steel braided lines finally reached my doorstep last friday.

The journey from Wadsworth Ohio to Petaling Jaya is still not without additional drama though. This week smarties from UPS tagged 30%+10% tax on, then toned done to 5%+10% (same structure being charged to other Polo owners previously), then shoot back up to 30%+10% because of so called automotive parts and when it reached my doorstep that afternoon, nothing needed to be paid! Either the Customs got so much workload to clear sudden influx of cargo or UPS within themselves aren’t communicating properly. Either ways, I’m darn lucky.

Let’s see what that I’ve been messing about on this Stg1 Clutch kit:

Sachs Clutch Pressure Plate for VR6 (x 1) USD90.65
Sachs Clutch Disc for VR6 (x 1) USD128.00
Rein Release Bearing (x 1) USD21.04
ECS Flywheel 228mm 14lbs (x 1) USD61.03
ECS 228mm Clutch Alignment Tool (x 1) USD5.13 (not in the box)
Flywheel Bolts (x 6) USD18.62
Pressure Plate Bolts (x 6) USD3.97
ECS Steel Braided Lines - Front (x 1) USD50.99
ECS Steel Braided Lines - Rear (x 1) USD43.46
UPS Expedited Courier USD136.57

Colourful they may be, I’m going to “peram” the package till next week Saturday for installation. Hoping it to be smooth sailing, darn seriously hope so!

Made the order last Mar 31st, it set sailed on Apr 13th, got stucked in Cologne for 7 days and Shenzhen for a day *sigh*

Good day Mr Firdaus, attached in the box are parts we’ve managed to ripped off from your almost dry wallet and thank you for reluctantly agreed on chosen UPS Expedited service

Hope this pressure plate can stand up to 275bhp as claimed

Nothing fancy about this disc though

14lbs still heavy to carry, it’ll encourage the Pocong to chatter though.... errr not like dry clutch chattering like the Duke, more like diesel-fed lorry

Even the bolts needed to buy, just missing the alignment tool, need to borrow from Jed

ECS steel braided lines is as solid as the AP Racing but more “red”

The rest of it, still missing “oel filter”

For Sale: Apexi NA/Turbo Timer

2010-04-20T09:07:00.000+08:00

Item: Apexi NA/Turbo Timer
Description: Black, pen type. A/F ratio, battery volt, O2 & timer display.
Condition: Good condition
Price: RM200

Interested? Contact Zaid @ +60129787811

For Sale: Evo 3 Intercooler (Original)

2010-04-20T08:58:00.000+08:00

Item: Mitsubishi Evo 3 Intercooler (Original)
Condition: New core and fins in excellent condition
Price: RM500

Interested? Contact Zaid @ +60129787811

If the inlet piping doesn't clash with the Pocong's oil cooler, I'd have taken it :(

Parts for the Waja

2010-04-18T15:54:00.000+08:00

While waiting for my ECS clutch and braided hoses to reach my doorstep (3 weeks of waiting for the clutch alignment tool to be stocked, 3 days got stucked in Colongne due to Iceland's volcano eruptions and 1 day stucked in Shenzen due to bad weather and so the excuse counting up and up), my brother and I went to PH Auto yesterday to buy replacement parts for the Waja:-

- Sachs Super Touring dampers for RM370 a set
- Top mount RM110 a pair
- Tie rod end RM50 a pair
- Don brake pads RM100 a set
- Radio antenna RM35
- Bendix Dot5.1 brake fluid RM20
- Revised aircond vent RM65

We got most of the parts installed at my old mechanic place, RCT Autoworld in Wangsa Melawati. Pretty well done up as usual with these guys. Having said that, I was thinking of getting them to replace my Pocong's clutch. Might not be VAG specialist but they've had fair share in doing lots of Bimmers, Mercs, Jags and Japs, so Pocong could be another car they can do, hopefully.....

Things I like about Proton, they're cheap to maintain!

Skyfiro is BACK!

2010-04-10T16:41:00.000+08:00

After months of hibernation, finally the Skyfiro has come back to light up the tarmac of Shah Alam. Aside from turbo upgrade (which is still pending), it now has fresh coat of paint, new wheels & rubbers and screamer pipe! Unfortunately the owner is buzy this weekend because I can't wait to have a go again and again!

Matte black was self done mind you.

Pancung Auri! Pancung! hahaha

Mini Cooper S

2010-03-27T11:28:00.000+08:00

I was on leave last Thursday and my morning agenda was to fetch Ajae from the Audi Hangar Glenmarie as he’s sending his Polo for rectification. And knowing him well enough now, it’s never come as a surprise to me that he will always be late in anything (pun intended Ajae! :P). During my initial waiting at the Hangar looking at arrays of B8 A4 2.0T and Mk2 TT 2.0T, it tickers my bell, is a pre-reg Mini Cooper S R56 a bargain now?

There and then, I drove out of the Hangar and head straight to Auto Bavaria which is less than 2 clicks away. Parked the Pocong at the “Customer Only” parking, I strolled into the showroom and meet a Mini Specialist by the name of Adam. Sad to say there’s no pre-reg Mini available because they don’t have problem in selling them! And there’s no MCS on displayed too but there’s one for test-drive….

Honestly speaking, I prefer the looks of its predecessor R53 as I feel the R56 getting too grown up and bengkak front end doesn’t helped either. Interior design funkiness is still not my cup of tea, and why a huge speedometer placed at the centre? Do you want me to get kicked in arse by my wifey for going 1km/h above speed limit?! And why in the god’s world they only bringing in auto?

As soon as I’m driving it out of the Auto Bavaria compound with sport button turned on and DSC off, my none-insured mouth began to shut up. The power feels very natural, responsive almost NA like with torqueyness of unmistakably forced fed. Unlike the 308 turbo which shares the same engine as this, the power doesn’t seem to be tapering off after 4k rpm, it keeps on pulling till it reaches to someway past 5k rpm. Though not as Pocong fast but it’s quick nonetheless at 184bhp and 260nm.

The only achilles heal to this is the auto box, it just doesn’t do justice to this MCS. Although it comes with slightly closer final drive than the 308 (I think), it’s not as responsive as DSG or DCT as what BMW calls it. As a driver’s car, it can only be fun with manual box which like a mechanical watch might not be as accurate and rapid as digital ones but it gives every sense of purity and enjoyment of every tick.

With the wider chassis and tracks, you can mesh almost all the juice coming from the 1.6 turbo going into the corner and it will stick to it. Might now be as JCW level but screw the MiTo, Pocong and Golf GTI, they wouldn’t stand a chance on windy roads, this is inevitable truth. Going really hardcore, you could trail brake as you turn into a corner, instigates a swivel, four wheel slides and the front bonnet should be able to pointing out of the corner very early in its radius. Once getting the hang of it, you can string corners together with dabs here, lifts there at huge amount of speed. And yet this MCS doesn’t comes with LSD.

Equally amazes me is the steering, it just full of feel, pure, quick but none of the artificial fuzziness you’d get from the MiTo. The only downside to this is wider turning circle than maybe a CRV. No doubt that it’s the best feel I’ve got from any road going car I’ve driven. People often enough scoff at the MCS for having choppy, at worst harsh ride but for me it’s OK, yes it’s firm but none of those jarring or harsh. In fact, I think ABT spring-ed Polo GTI would be far worse.

At this moment, maybe some of you would think the FD2R still has the edge over the MCS. In terms of raw pace, definitely hands down and to a certain extend handing too but you’ve to understand, Conti hatches have always giving more adjustability at the limit while the R badge Hondas making full use of its diff to really work with the chassis and give awesome grip in and out corners. Two separate recipes but outcome is pretty much the similar excitements. It’s very much of a case of some like cheese cake while some others prefer good ol apple pie for dessert.

After 15 minutes drive, honestly I don’t want to give back the keys to Adam but two things made me to. First and foremost is the lack of manual transmission in the MCS in here and second is the price of RM239k. It’s really hard to justify the asking amount when the FD2R which offers far more power, space and practicality bar the choppy ride at RM40k cheaper and the same amount can buy you Rocco Lampone inspired Scirocco which is the in-thing hot hatch nowadays. But if you’re looking for classic reincarnated hot hatch which isn’t only about the looks but goes really well too, you can never go wrong with MCS.

Back to me, looking at wifey going into a step higher in her career ladder and me god willing enroute to greener grass, this MCS will be in our radar for long time to come.

Laser blue with white stripes and top is my current favourite colour

Karting 4th installment

2010-03-20T16:00:00.000+08:00

As mentioned in the previous posting, yeah we had our karting session again last week Sunday. Part of the reason is my ex officemate by the name of Ban (tayar in Indonesian) just came back for holiday from Saudi Arabia, he will go merajuk should we opted not to go with him this time. :P

Since the session will kick off in the afternoon, I accompanied a Polo GTI owner, Ajae to Jooi Seng in the morning to ditch newly shod Dunlop LM703s (one week old) for RSRs. Just like Munir who changed to RSRs two weeks back, he got the same good bargain price of RM370 per piece. At last this guy has fallen for my racun after so much resistance on his side, see Ajae, as they say, resistance is futile! I’m a good recommender tau!

By 2.30pm most of us already in City Karting track, 8 to be exact including my brothers, getting busy conteng-conteng the forms, handing out cash to the towkey, strapping in our helmets and gloves and ready to rempit! This time around, it’s quite an exhausting one with the sun heating the track and those on it like an oven baking a hell lot of heat to melt the cheese; nevertheless all of us enjoyed the evening as every karting session we had.

That day, I managed to pick up few pointers of what separating us from the pros. Guys like Edwyn, who is a MyKart race driver (and Polo GTI owner too) managed to drive his line precisely clean and consistently over numerous laps. These couple with his car control alone will net easily 2-3 seconds off me and geng-geng se-angkatan per lap. And say his best laptime of about 1.09s, in 10 laps, he would be further ½ lap ahead!

And because of my over spending time on this new addiction brings me to one shameful confession. The more time I spend on karting, the more worsen I feel on driving cars hard on sweeping bends and long fast straights on the road or on the track. It’s something that the road cars’ compromise between comfort and fun causing it to be soft, imprecise, inactive and just not as rewarding compared to decent prepped kart. Of course, there’re cars offering more focus experience, but it’s no brainer to me because I don’t think I can afford one anytime soon (but I will consider one to nursing my up and coming midlife crisis in 10-15 years time :P)

Modding on the other hand, can brings more focus injections but it’s like a carving of what already been a neatly packaged sirloin meat by most run-of-the-mill gourmet shops where idiots like me might mostly end up spoiling the entire car. This then brings me to one penultimate question, should I abandon my modding junkie-ness on the Pocong and just get an uncompromised kart to unleash my lust or stay where I’m now i.e. agak-agak boleh modding junkie? hehehe

And back to road driving, I’m going back to my favourite Ulu Yam road tomorrow morning, trying to find out what road driving can offer where karting just couldn’t….hmmmm

Anyway, here’s an array of pictures of our karting session courtesy of Ban & his brother.

1st head underway...

Tussle between my two brothers (Adli and Qusyairi), the rempit came on top!

Adli still got to improve is line through

The tapaued Qusyairi soldier on... until...

...I came and lap him kakaka

Qusyairi correcting skids

Close up pic, helmet ok... gloves ok... but shoes not ok :P

Was it Ajae at the back there with the white/red top? hahaha

Kart21 (Kart 27 in previous weeks) was ok just down on pawar

2nd heat, this kart is extremely vibrating and very loose tail end but very PAWAR!

PAWAR! PAWAR! PAWAR!

Catching up to Haji Ban!

Bye bye Haji!!

3rd heat underway....

Who's got the rights to the corner first? Me me me says everyone here ...

1st lap done...

2nd lap Ajae and Ban hustling me down!

Rear brake pads

2010-03-14T06:11:00.000+08:00

I met Mike yesterday and got this original rear brake pad set from him. This pads (6Q0 698 451 B) are specifically for 9N2 Mk4 Polo, 6Y Skoda Fabia, 6L Seat Ibiza and 8Z Audi A2. Hmmm, time to get the rear rotors skimmed, fit this in and re-bleed the fluid at 45k kms service perhaps.

Small only

As usual, the pads comes with sensor and new clippings and bolts

Mk5 Polo GTI commercial video

2010-03-14T05:59:00.000+08:00

Have a look at the commercial video by VW. The Pocong’s successor is freaking awesome!! New car sickness already sipping inside me, slowly and hard. My heart already sending signal that it wants one but can it overrule the head…..

NGK BKR7E

2010-03-09T08:33:00.001+08:00

This BKR7E plug has got to be one of the endangered species where non of the shops I've been are selling it. Luckily I managed to make last minute phone call to my brother who's coming back home to buy these instead. This much cheaper and a range colder plug with 0.028" gap should works well with the Pocong!

3 sets, 2 sets for friends and only one for me :(

Karting 3rd installment

2010-03-07T15:36:00.000+08:00

My mates and I again had our karting session last week Sunday. The sun was shining, the track was dry, humid and grippy; and in my case, with exception of the 2nd heat, I had a competitive kart this time :)

Generally, our pace are getting better and I managed to get fruitful results from some experimentations of racing line and corner entry & exit, not to mention going wheel to wheel with seasoned karter Ajae for some laps with me managed to edge him in the end hahaha. Just that, I wish to know how fast we were going…..

There’s still more issues need to be addressed though. Among those is definitely on my stamina and fitness has to go a notch higher as I had to end 3rd heat earlier because of both my feet got crammed. And I have to get my racing line cleaner for better consistency.

In the end, all of us have been thoroughly enjoyed this one and realising this is getting more addictive hobby, we’re set to go again next week. Oh I can’t wait to rempit again!

In the mean time, do enjoy of array of pictures courtesy of Mohd Norhusairi :)

80cc again..

Nikon's colour is awesomely good!

I was about to lap the guys on 1st heat...

We were taking 5 after 1st heat

Even penyanyi rock Nasir also joined :P

Getting ready for 2nd heat

Rolling start commencing on 2nd heat..

This has to be the worst shitbox on wheels I've ever driven here. It's alignment wayyy off its axis and the talk about the power, I'd be better running than driving!

Joe getting more serious now :)

No Tazir, I'm getting back my kart from 1st heat :P

3rd heat commencing and I started from the very back...

Tazir tension as he too got shitbox on 3rd heat :P

Kart27 is the Kart yang keramat :P

Distraction #1

Distraction #2

Plenty of VWs there too

Me doing muka tak bersalah

Great start for this helmet hahaha

Stock Polo GTI on 150m sprint

2010-03-07T15:32:00.000+08:00

What we’re looking here is a stock 9N3 Polo GTI from Belgium where the only thing that has been altered were KW V1 coilovers, K&N drop-in filter and meager weight saving i.e. removal of rear seats and spare tyre. That’s it. The way he nailed those starts were almost perfect!

For Sale: Enkei Tracer 16" wheels

2010-02-23T10:53:00.000+08:00

Item: Enkei Tracer 16" wheels
Pcd: 114.5 x 5 lug
Offset: 38
Condition: Fair
Reason Selling: Can't stand wifey's blabering
Price: RM1,000 negotiable

Interested? Contact Auri @ +60123245654

Teaser to New Cross Polo

2010-02-20T05:59:00.000+08:00

Hmmm... very nice!

New battery for Pocong

2010-02-18T10:06:00.000+08:00

The Pocong's battery gave up yesterday morning after only about 18 months of usage. Oh well, but the car could have been sitting here since February 2008 so that makes it 2 years.

Anyways, I managed to get time off from work and began hunting for VW junkies workshops and the only one opened was 7th Gear. Azman got me GP maintenance free DIN66 battery for RM350 and installed it right away. Surely the price could be cheaper if I source it from PH Auto but I couldn't figure out how to remove the fuse box on top of it, so taking it to Azman's is like getting me a headache-free insurance at a price of course.

Speaking about this, I kinda fancy to relocate the battery at the back to make way for carbon airbox but first need to sort out the fuse box location. Until then, dream on....

I apologise for the image quality... DIN66

Neat looking battery housing don't you think?

Teaser to New Polo GTI

2010-02-18T09:38:00.001+08:00

Quick facts: 1.4 TSI | 177Bhp | 250Nm | 1184kg | 0-100kmh 6.9s

It looks sensationally brilliant. Hell I prefer this to the Mk6 Golf in terms if looks and rumours have been flying that the puny 1.4 TSI is tuneable to 200Bhp with just a reflash and easily nudge 280Bhp!

Interior wise looks have been much premium too. Aduh, I think I've been slowly infected by penyakit nak kereta baru :P

VW Beetle - A fashion on wheels

2010-02-15T15:28:00.001+08:00

There’s a car I unexpectedly fond after in non-sporting driven way and forgot to write about is the new Beetle. The old Beetle which is one of the last legacies of the Nazis, famed by Hippies, and macho car among the guys because of its flat four boxer engine blabbering has been revived, but the successor remains fame after in the opposite way. Nothing much changes on the design with exception that the engine is now in front, it’s the ladies are the ones crazy after and the moment it was launched, everywhere throughout the galaxy, many people think it’s a more of a fashion statement than a car really.

Truthfully I wasn’t be interested in driving one back then except there’s an unexpected delays on the delivery of the Pocong. Seeing that I was about to burst my tin kosong temperament, Resen my SA suggested me and wifey to do sight seeing in Penang in the company’s reflex silver Beetle 2.0 NA auto while waiting. Well I can’t miss this chance, can I?

With the car brimmed with RM50 worth of fuel courtesy by Goh Brothers, off I went to see how this prima donna will do. The first thing I realised, I was in an egg head with the distance between the steering and the edge of the bottom windscreen like miniature scale of Russia 's sovereignty width and the rear view visibility is just awkwardly weird.

I could go on bad mouthing the car such as the boot space can only store a medium size LV’s shopping bag but the fact of the matter is I was seating properly in a pretty much A-class supportive seats, the plastics in the cabin are just well ain’t plastics quality, well equipped and although the interior designed in funky way, I couldn’t fault its ergonomics even the unmanly flower vase.

A word of caution to all potential owners, drivers and joy riders, this car really attracts attention and I’m not kidding, not the slightest. Ok a perfect example, I was cruising along the Penang Bridge at 60kmh on the left lane and every time a car passes by, they were slowed down a bit and stare at me as if I was the fashion mogul of some kind. It would be worst if the colour of the car was sunflower yellow. But never minds all that, I took the time to stop by at Queensbay Mall just to buy Amy Winehouse CD and plays it in the Beetle as I’m heading towards Batu Ferringhi from Teluk Kumbar. Man I’ve to tell you, the experience was soothing, relaxing, full of eclectic and I’m sure 10-20 years from now on, I could still yawning about it to you folks.

The only mishap to this experience was this prima donna drinks fuel way more than the Pocong, which means I’ve to stop by somewhere in Petronas station nearby to fill another RM40 of fuel. I just don’t get this; a fashion model should be frugal on her consumption that’s why most of them are skinner than strip out chicken goreng. And the power from 2.0 engine isn’t that quick either, I’ve a strong feeling that a bone stocker Satria Neo 1.6 will tawaf keliling the car no problem at all.

And although underneath it is Mk5 Golf chassis, the dynamics is well below average. If you remembered that I was once made an intriguing comment of the Sylphy that it handles like maneuvering a boat, this Beetle then would be about 10-15% worse.

But still, none of these issues can bring down the charm of this Beetle in anyway. People especially the ladies will still buy it; it’s anyhow a fashion on wheels. Who could have argue the fact that ladies shirt is way small than a normal size toddler? And any man as freaking brutal as he may be has the nerve to say to his companion that high heels aren’t comfortable to walk?

I don’t have to look far to twice verify this because my wife, if the asking price can fit all of her cards combined credit limit, I can guarantee you that she’ll buy one straightaway without even blinking. And as for me, I wouldn’t mind driving one again and again so that it can mask my fashion illiteracy from the public point of view. :)