The Snappy-ness Unfolds

Of late... Months past!

2010-10-13T08:24:00.004+08:00

So what have I been up to? Definitely updating this spot in cyberspace :P

Anyhooo, here are the updates so far... Caught this lazy bug fixing up cars at Kiong Lee...

Got to gettin' some burger action at Uncle Burger situated opposite the Esso station on Pearl Hill.
Got to hookin' up my home with a new lux couch... I can really lounge in this bad boy.. and I'm no midget!
Cleaned out my fridge and found a bottle of Wheat Germ from way back.... Price tag told me it was from Super Komtar (now defunct)...
Check out the expiry date... This bottle was from WAAAAAAY back~!!!
Remember the tuning that I keep grumbling about previously? Got Fer to finally do me a tune up and the petrol consumption was excellent! I was doing 8.5km/l (which equates to around 21cents per km) with a little mechanical tune up and electronics wizardry. Acceleration was much better too... I think one final round of refining the mapping and I'm set.

I was hooked watching Hell's Kitchen (my domesticated half is settling in) and got to cooking me some salmon. Not half bad if I do say so myself... And I do!

What? Your car can drift? Mine can make ME walk sideways... Here's how!
Now add some ice to the equation.. and Voila!
I woke up at 6.30a.m. last Sunday and decided to pay my old weekend haunt for b'fast. I used to come here every Sunday morning with my dad for makan-ing. Right at the corner of Jones road.
'Till next time then buddies. Ciao!

Chinese 7th Month

2010-09-08T08:27:00.003+08:00

The Chinese seventh month is a very significant duration on the Lunar calendar where Chinese believe the gates of Hades are open for a month for the dearly departed to return to their homes to receive necessities and food of all else. It is also this month that many believe straying after dark is strongly discouraged. Naturally, touge had ground to a stop for me and so here's what I've been up to in this auspicious month.

Visited a buddy in the hospital...

Had some cherry alcohol from Europe that my bro brought back from his travels...
Checked out a friend's new tire shop at Paya Terubong...
Found out that Gurmit Singh is actually the head of neurosurgery in Penang General Hospital :P
Swapped out my dying RE 070s (awesome tires!) for a new set of sponsored Federal 595 Evos...
Found a nice coffee spot on Steward Lane and made friends with the manager. Kopi Cine serves damn good coffee, either that, or the fact that the floor manager gave me extra espresso shots!
Met up with a old friends on Upper Penang Road by accident... Serendipity!
Checked out a Beach Babes & Hunks show at Gurney with Chong and TH.
My gf on the left & Yi Lai (second wife) on the right visiting from KL at Tai Thong. A nice and rustic place in town where food is actually better than all the commercialized crap elsewhere.
I got to visit the Christian cemetery along Farquhar street for the first time in all my years living in Penang.
Went and checked out the Peranakan Museum on Church Street with my bro and Yi Lai.
So it wasn't all that bad a month for me... What were you fellas up to during the Chinese 7th Month?

Petrol price hike

2010-07-16T08:15:00.003+08:00

The government says subsidies cuts are necessary to maintain the livelihood, the continuity of our economy, and to improve the standard of living in Malaysia. They also say that Malaysians are paying the cheapest petrol prices in our region and targeted fuel subsidy to receive the cut! But what "they" fail to mention is that we Malaysians are also paying for the most expensive car prices in the world! What we pay in car price taxes can pay for our petrol subsidies for the lifetime of our rides.... WTF?!?!?!

Subsidies to IPPs (Independant Power Producers) should be the ones receiving the cut since their reported to profit from RM 100mil to RM1bil every year, as mentioned by Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua. Why the heck should they be receiving subsidies is beyond my understanding.

WTF are "they" doing and why is the rakyat (the people) made to pay for all the misconstrued budgets and funding, and "payments" to privatised corporations? Why are we made to "subsidise" all the funding that have gone down the drain due to over budgeted projects and mismanaged funds?

Furthermore, there are ones that imply that we, the rakyat, should look into taking public transportation to ease congestion and to reduce fuel consumption. The people's main utilisation of trasportation is to and fro work but our public transport, here in Penang, does not travel to the industrial area where the factories are located. So how are workers supposed to utilise public transportation in this scenario? Not to mention our busses are never on time and no one even knows the public bus schedule! How is the price hike justified when the people are not provided the infrastructure to cope?

p.s. I hear rumours that Penang bridge toll will also be raised, which we were promised would only be paid until the cost of the bridge construction was paid off. However, just as that date was approaching a few years back, the bridge toll was privatised and we're still paying toll to date.

Northern Touge Road Trip - Cameron Highlands

2010-07-13T10:34:00.008+08:00

Pre flight checks are a pre-requisite before any road trip to ensure your vehicle will get you there and back in one piece. So I popped over to Hyper Racing to check my engine and miscellanuous lubricants and radiator water displacement to ensure all's well. I got my wipers swapped out since my old ones were crap and I got these new model kinky blue ones from Fer! Nice!
We were blessed with a cooling morning sun and cloudy skies for a beautiful drive up to Simpang Pulai.

It was an awesome drive amongst smooth flowing traffic and everything was just in place.

We eventually reached the Simpang Pulai exit and turned off for some Kuey Teow Soup and lemon juice (to wake our minds) before blasting up the hills to our destination in Brinchang. We drove past some of the best roads I've ever had a chance to drive on, sweeping corners and smooth lanes. Met with Dennis from TKA, on a photography trip with his cam buddies, halfway up the highlands... Until we hit Kg. Raja, where there was a super massive jam, and Soon and Fer were stuck behind me.

We got past that with stinky clutches and worn left feet and arrived at Raju's Strawberry Farm (right opposite Equatorial Hotel) where we were pampered with freshly picked strawberries in cream and honey.. Sweet! I managed to meet with a former colleague of mine here.

We then retired to our pre-booked apartment style accomodation in Brinchang to cool off and refresh ourselves. We managed to squeeze three adjacent parking lots amongst the super filled parking bay.

And here's Soon doing some calisthenics to warm up and stretch out... Tom's Stickers Pg was kind enough to wrap my spoiler in 3M carbon look sticker for my trip and it looks awesome!

The crew and I were famished after such a long drive, we decided to have a simple lunch at the nearby cafe and adjourn to the star at Cameron Highlands, the strawberries... And Strawberry Moment serves up some of the best concoctions of this flavorsome fruit.

As we had our fill of desserts and could fill no more, the team decided to retire to the hotel room for a good rest before dinner. On the way to get our cars, Soon picked up something out of the corner of his eye. It was a pristine example of an AE86 front conversion on a TE72. Having driven one before, I have nothing but love for this car!

I finally got to taking a pic from our balcony and the view looks superb! Our room was overlooking the entire Brinchang area along with the pasar malam and all the food outlets. We rested well that afternoon, lounging about in the cool highlands breeze.

We then went for an awesome and fulfillingly hot steamboat (hot pot) dinner with free refill veggies (good for me, I'm quite the vegan) and mind you, these were hydroponic organic vegs! The night view from our room is just as nice, Soon and Charlton brought back a couple of beers for the cteam to enjoy and we just kicked back to some movies.

We woke up bright and early, got prepped and checked out from our hotel to catch the drive down in minimum traffic, but we were hungry and we had to fill our tummies first. Nothing feels better in the morning than the familiar, so we went over to the eatery next door serving wan tan mee and kuey teow soup where I spotted this beautiful Perdana finished in flat black.

I loved this eatery as they served up loads of chillies prepped in diff styles, and since the place was full, we ordered some hot Milo to keep us warm whilst they prepped our meals.

A little friend also visited me after my filing breakfast, this fella was huge but missing one leg. I would love to see the beetle that did that to it.

We left after our beetle charming breakfast and made way to Simpang Pulai in good pace. But not before refilling at the local petrol kiosk where I met Boy from Balik Pulau (this is turning to be an interesting trip meeting so many fellows along the way). As we descended, I managed to capture this Garrett bus! Imagine if it was actually powered by that... Hmm...

What visit of Cameron would be complete without a tour of its many tea plantations? Our team stopped by to check out what all the fuss was about our local black teas and it was a scene new to us all. Terraced earth and plantations as far as the eye could see.

We were once again keeping the touge spirit alive and as we progressed downhill, Soon's turbo was right on my butt with his wastegate screaming (I could only distance him with some daft LFB). As we passed a beautiful left sweeper, I spotted this wonderful area for a pic to remind us of the awesome trip thus far.

Soon's temperature rose suspiciously and found he'd got a burst water pipe, so Fer immediately swapped in a replicate hose to sustain until we got to Ipoh where Soon got it swapped out for a replacement. See my el-cheapo gloves? Those helped keep my hands dry in the heat, and warm in the cold during our highlands run.

The Northern Touge crew were blessed as we once again drove in cover from the sun on our return trip, someone up there must LOVE us!

We stopped by Soon's home town in Taiping but Silver decided to run away and keep in supercars' company... But we pried it away from the intoxicating bunch!

After Silver's ordeal, we drove around Taiping to take in the sights and its lake was a wonderful sight of man meeting nature... And to catch a glimpse of my kinky blue wipers :P

The trees here have been carefully nurtured and each creates an arch for drivers to pass under whilst taking in the views of the wonderful lake.

Soon then led us to the Bukit Merah Laketown Park, where he worked as a part timer in his younger, non-grinder wielding days, for a guided tour and shakedown of the area. I managed to ty my hand (no pun intended) at a panning shot with my handphone cam through a wonderful touge strip somewhere in Taiping.

We eventually arrived in the Bukit Merah Lake area and the park seems like a nice place to plan the next Northern Touge road trip! Soon will of course be the guide then as well :)

We went about the park and took in a few rides before closing time. Beated and bushed, the lot of us decided it was time to head home to a hot bath and some well deserved rest. En route, I saw another TE72 at the Jawi toll plaza and I just wondered... Could this be a sign of things to come? Stay tuned...

I got home with half my right arm sunburnt, which was pretty unusual in my book...

And a 568km trip that cost me RM110 of petrol, including touge-ing up and down Cameron. I love my fuel consumption on highway drives :)

Phew... That was a lot to digest... See you readers next time, check back for more road trips in the future.

Cheers!

Apprehensible anxiety and amiable angst

2010-07-09T07:42:00.005+08:00

I'm hyped for the coming road trip tomorrow... It's always exciting going out in groups and visiting hometowns of the company we keep and getting to know their local fare. Awesome... This time we, the Northern Touge group, will be visiting Cameron Highlands (first time for me) and having a weekend vacation there. We hope to visit members' hometowns and to check out the roads along the way.

This'll be the first time Silver would be up to such a high altitude.

I'm feeling so anxious and pumped or this trip... Can't wait to start taking pics of the trip :)

2010-07-07T08:58:00.004+08:00

The weekend started with Friday night spent at Upper Penang Road for my first world cup experience (I'm not much of a football fan) with Tiger FC and their super huge screen.
Let me tell you from a non-fan perspective, even I was pulled into the moment as you can literally feel the tension and excitement of all the attendees there. The crowd was awesome as was the Tiger FC crew whom entertained us with a short dance during half time.

After a night of fun and a good nights' sleep, it was Saturday morning when I found this HUGE bee wandering about my room right as I was hanging up my towel from my morning bath.

I took it out with my specialist equipment... See below for pic of insect mass murder weapon! Did loads of errands, then cooked dinner (yes I cook.. I know...), then took in a swim and some gym time, and spent a wonderful evening at home with my girlfriend (cost saving for me and lovey-dovey time for her).

I returned to my parents' home to spend some quality family time with them and coaxed dad into having an Indian lunch with me. Wasn't hard work since dad is also a banana leaf kaki! We live in Tanjung Bungah so naturally, being a lazy Sunday afternoon, we visited Ananda Bahwan for lunch. Food was authentic and awesome! It's been a long time since I last had banana leaf and eating without utensils.

I visited Hyper Racing after work since I'd not been there in quite a bit and yesterday I aced the ISO audit for my company, so I got to leave early :) I was just talking to Soon at the back alley and thought to myself, "kinda reminds me of horsepower road (Sunway) backalley", sans supercars. Anyway, Silver needs a check-up and tune-up... Need to service rear brakes too. Haih... The pains of car ownership... But nothing feels as rewarding as driving a well maintained car for a long weekend out, which coincidentally Northern Touge will be having this weekend! Yay!

I came home for some swimming and met this little friend just by my door. A wonderful specimen of a moth complete with fern-like antennae and camouflage. Nice!

Have a great week ahead readers and check back next week for our road trip write up!

Northern Touge's Weekend Away

2010-07-05T09:24:00.003+08:00

Hey there readers... The Northern Touge crew will be headed out of Penang to take in the sights in other states not to mention to venture in a couple of outstation touge routes that we have yet to explore.

It'll be two days away with a friendly convoy of buddies... But locations are as yet unconfirmed. That's the fun ain't it? Having unplanned and impulsive touge sessions! Sweet!

I can't wait to end this week of work and start packing for my weekend away! I'd love to call it DILYSI but EJ's taken that :P

Cheers!

Silver's new fart cannon!

2010-07-02T17:18:00.006+08:00

It's been ages since I got a muffler change and seeing that the entire contents of my currently serving Werewolf (branded) muffler has been corroded and the silencer has since gone missing, running around my daily tasks have gotten a bit too loud for my liking. Not to mention much bothered neighbors :P

So off I went to visit Kiong Lee where Kiong, whom has done my exhaust since three touge machines ago, understood all of my intricate requirements and knew immediately which muffler was for me. I'm a picky bugger when it comes to how my car sounds.. I feel that it contributes a a a lot to the overall feeling of my much loved weekend cruises, don't you?

Kiong chopped off the old (locally made) Milo tin muffler and brought out what I would expect to serve me well into the next few years. We tacked it into place and tested how this massive tank sounded, and immediately, I was sold on this unit, Kiong knows me all too well.
APEXi's Dunk Megaphone is soft at idle, burbles at higher flows and growls at high RPMs, yet there's hardly any audible noise in the cabin... Kiong mounted it slanting sideways and upwards, just how I like it to be... Perfect~!!!

Now maybe I'll get some Autosol and start working on its finish this weekend :P

Of weekends past

2010-06-30T08:32:00.005+08:00

I know.. I know.. I've been neglecting my blog again, BUT with fair reason! The past couple of weeks have been fun filled with activties and charities that I lost track of time. Let's flashback to two weeks ago...

I came home from a terrible day at the office to a comforting home made dinner of "bak chang" which are rice dumplings filled with a variety of savory items. What makes this special is that my grandaunt made them and there's no other taste like the taste we grew up with aye?
I then dropped by Hyper Racing to see Fer (I haven't seen him much since kicked off my current job) for a change in engine lubricant and to finally personally test out the Ultrex Ultimate (red) high temp pads.

These bad boys are the second highest grade in Ultrex's range of brake pads and I have to say kudos to them for an awesome product at VERY competitive prices. The initial bite and progressive feel of the pads are awesome after a very tedious bed in process. Lots of smoke and heat involved... I shan't go into that.

Fast forward to the next morning.. Don't worry... Of course touge sessions were compulsory to test out Ultrex's ultimate street pad (thumbsup).. and I'm sitting under a shroud of trees with my gal waiting for our Pan Mee breakfast. We ordered some starters (nyonya otak-otak and a dish of dumplings)...

Before the main attraction arrived to be deliciously devoured.

You can see from the expression (or lack thereof) how contented she was with the meal :P

The following week was spent with Chew Kongsi members (yes I'm a Chew [surname] and my family is steeped in traditions) performing charity at Relau's old folks' home whilst celebrating a 105yrs old man!!! Imagine that... I misplaced my file and am sorry I can't share his pic :(

We were then off to the Penang Snake Temple (which was my first time there believe it or not) for some sightseeing and fooling around with our reptilian buddies.

That dude actually KISSED a king cobra.... And I had only found out that its called King Cobra because not only is it large in size, it is also immune to other snakes' venom~!!! Awesome innit? After the very chatty fellow's reptilian lovin' the Chews duely adjourned to Balik Pulau for some local Durian at a personal estate. Imagine living here with a personal orchard in your back yard. Awesome!

Soon, Pin, Daniel and myself had an ad hoc (albeit VERY short) touge session before having a drink to finish off my wonderful weekend. Daniel's tires were not so fortunate and we had a keepsake to prove it :P

The usual suspects...

And then some...

Oops... I missed out on my wonderful dinner that my dear girl had prepped for me. She cooked toufu in savory sauce, pan grilled mackerel, daikon radish soup, and some tauge before my touge :P

I went home to my parents' on Sunday and caught a glimpse of my treadmarks on the pavement and thought to myself... I wonder how it'd feel to drive something with tires that would make those wide marks!?!?!?

Monday night was when I finally removed my Federal sponsor sticker (this was the largest one mind you... at 44".. albeit slightly trimed) for a new sponsor.

Hope I kept you, my dear readers, up to date... I'll see you all in the exciting months ahead. Northern Touge is planning a road trip in the coming weeks... Check back for more details!

Cheers and have a wonderful week!

Auto City Carnival (part2)

2010-06-15T13:54:00.003+08:00

Finally, the piece de resistance, Soon's masterfully crafted DTM lookalike Alfa Romeo 156 which looked every bit the part along with Dekra stickers and the works! In the pic also is the man himself... Mr. Hyper Custom... Ah Soon~! Look at him beaming all over... But dun ask me why he's grabbing his balls :P

The ever supportive Toms Stickers were present and helped install some eleventh hour decals.

Even the lovely beauties were attracted by the winking Alfa that they couldn't resist raring their rears to it. Soon got some lovely pics of them and some with him as well. Lucky b@stard!

The Alfa clinched the first prize and Soon returned home with the Champion trophy that night. Congratulations and all the best with the next project Soon~!!!

Cheers~!!!

Auto City Carnival (part 1)

2010-06-15T09:09:00.005+08:00

Another Sunday afternoon was going to pass me by when Fer called up as he was planning a trip to go see the Auto City Carnival going on at Juru. I took a quick shower and off I went to meet up at Hyper Racing, where Kang's massive Cefiro was waiting to greet me.

We closed up and we were off to visit Soon at his display area. After a tedious search and finally parking Silver, we browsed the gallery a bit on our way to see Soon's display. I came by this curiously low Myvi on classic deep dish wheels... What puzzled me was how the participant managed to raise the car up to change wheel? It was almost scraping the floor it's sitting on!

Then as we proceed to Soon's area, the crowd suddenly got pushy and we were blockaded in a mass of homo sapien barricade. At which point we saw the parade had started, so our group also stopped to stare... At the cars la of course :P

Miss Auto City was on all the open roof cars and waving to all spectators. Photo op!

I couldn't withstand taking a pic of this modded classic. Sweet ride!

Like I sed... Time to stop and stare :P

The make up and fashion beauties were also out for a stroll, showing off their facial fascia and flowing gowns in the evening sun.

The group of us then took a rest at Subway for a hearty meal and some cooling drinks after making our rounds around the galleries. I had my fav... The veggie delight.

Soon then requested that we all take a group photo at his pride and joy... His masterpiece. So we did. And being the cheeky fellow I am, I took a photo of the photographer (Yan Yan) whom was waiting for all of us to get in line and for the crowd to clear.

Soon's other creation was an outrageously kitted classic Fiat which's model eludes me.

Monday morning blues

2010-06-09T11:14:00.004+08:00

Monday morning blues... Blue skies that is. Or at least that was when I left for work early Monday morning. I decided to have a drive up to Tun Sardon's vantage point to keep Silver's strides in check.

I arrived to wonderful scenery and crisp morning air filled my lungs. At that point, it all felt right, it felt as if its going to be an awesome day ahead! *amazing what a little touge and clean air does to ya*

I drove by idly Balik Pulau and decided to take the Teluk Kumbar way to the office just to see how the elevated highway was going on. I got loads of earth on my car from the construction going on there and everything is coming along quite briskly.

Took a photo at my favourite spot, where you can see the old road that'll be closed once the new highway is done.

I got a call at the office and met up with Kang at Smart Tint in Bukit Jambul to check out his new baby after selling off his L200 Kancil. His new project is a luxuriously large Nissan Cefiro in silky black paint.

We got his tints chosen (legal spec of course) and installed and I intro'd him to Chian Soon Tyres where he'll be getting his 18" rollers installed this week.

And yes... That badge tells it all... He got the 3.0 V6 model with the full shebang! See the owner standing proudly by his babe in black?

Cheers buddy!

And a great week ahead to all my readers.

TKA Mango visit

2010-05-31T07:59:00.005+08:00

Dennis from TKA recently called me up for a meet since he was visiting his elders on the island and it turned out they were situated near my location so we met up for a short drink and for him to show off his (finally completed) Mango!Mango was fitted with an awesome set of wheels and a sweet scoop from a donor hood.

Lookin' fierce from da front but the proverbial "eyes" look a little droopy. But heck, see this frontage coming at you on the track, just move bit*h!

I'll admit, I've a sweet spot for this model in particular, having owned one myself. It was the best fun to drive around. A little scary since I didn't have proper suspension setup and chassis refurbishing, but it had the highest power to weight ratio of any car I'd owned and driven (sorry Silver) :P

Tyre Promo at Chian Soon Tyres Bukit Jambul

2010-05-15T08:43:00.004+08:00

The good folks at Chian Soon Tyres have extended a tyre promo to all Snappyscav.blogspot.com readers. There are various sized tyres and batteries on promo, and while you're there, check out their new selection of rims.

Just print the coupon above and present it to the helpful staff there when placing your order for a new set of rubbers. Enjoy!

Let there be light

2010-05-11T08:11:00.004+08:00

I've been driving around almost blind for the past two years as I'd bought my car with dulled and worn headlamps. As the rainy season is around the corner, I'd decided its time to keep safety in mind and get some new headlamps.

Here's how my headlamps looked like when I purchased Silver.

These are the new headlamps which Alvin had hooked me up with a sweet deal.

How does Silver look with its new eyes? I'll be finally able to see in the dark again...

And for the first time, I can see the actual colour of my HIDs. These were during the warm up, my lights are actually yellowish (4300K ma) :P

I couldn't 'tahan' not taking a pic of Silver in its allocated space. Damn those new eyes look awesome!

I'm working on a tyre promo for all my loyal readers so check back on this space soon for updates.

Teething pains and working woes

2010-05-03T08:19:00.002+08:00

Every initiation into any activity or any new group of people is sure to face teething pains. For me, the transition from my previous company to my current one has been smooth and painless. I have a free hand in all my tasks and responsibilities as well as the option to choose my own team of people to work with.

The big man has left me in charge of my department, solely, and that is something I should be proud of but I feel it's also a hefty burden to be born. I've picked two staff which will be joining me end of this month and hopefully will improve the practice here and beef up my quality of work.

We'll see how things proceed... As for my automotive induced pals, I'm sorry for the lack of updates on activities as well as on Silver. I've been kept really busy with work and no time for my hobbies yet. I hope to get out of this torrential flood of workload and get kickin' again.

Of friction and rotten smells

2010-04-26T09:03:00.003+08:00

I recently sniffed a thoroughly unpleasant.. kinda "rotten" smell through the air conditioning system and thought my clutch pumps were leaking again. So I went over to see Fer for a check up. It so happens that clutch fluid was indeed leaking, but not from the pumps. A hole was found in the gearbox housing and many many hours of welding later, all was well and patched.

Since it was in the shop and gearbox was dismantled, I thought it wise to replace the almost-2-year-old clutch (which was soaked in fluid by the way) and repair my synchro whilst Fer was at it. Another dismantling of the gearbox for those reasons would've been costly.

Sadly, I've been sooo busy with work these past weeks that I've no photos (more lost memories) of the welding, clutch that went in and synchro repair :(

Just an update for the sake of updating. Cheers all!

Of pathways and crossroads

2010-04-12T10:19:00.003+08:00

I know.. I know... There's been a lot of complaints and bother on my lack of updates, I'm really sorry guys, but the past few weeks were really hectic and I just couldn't find the time and mind to update my wee blog.

There were a couple of incidences and some self improvements happening over the past weeks, and I'm currently blogging from my new office! That's right, I've changed jobs and am currently attending to a customer issue whilst blogging. Kena mental block liao ma!!!

Anyways, I had a great touge last Friday and I hope to meet all my buddies again when time permits. Thanks for all he fun guys, maybe I'll bring around a new Type-R friend in the next few weeks ;)

Cheers all! And have a productive Monday.

Sat Night Fever

2010-03-17T13:49:00.003+08:00

Come on one and all, Northern Touge will be having a mass gathering at the previous audio site (the lookout point) at Jalan Tun Sardon from 10p.m. onwards. We'll be gathering for kicks and come about to flaunt what you got! ;)

The location of this event is just turned off the Jalan Paya Terubong hill road onto Jalan Tun Sardon. Go uphill till you reach the peak (mid-hill) and voila! Some Balik Pulau kaki will know it better as Jalan Baru, connecting Balik Pulau to either Paya Terubong or Relau.

Be there or be square!

Han Chiang Open Day - Autokhana

2010-03-15T08:23:00.005+08:00

I attended the Han Chiang Open Day Autokhana last weekend and was pleasantly surprised to see so many friends from all over Northern Malaysia coming for this event.
I first met with my buddy Fujiwara from Ipoh in his pristine KE70.

Then with Wan Dreamer in his Datto Even Cushion Hao (aptly named because he does interior restoration) attended in his L2 Kancil.

And of course our local Satria heroes were present such as Ray, Deon, Robert, William, and Alvin (R3). I was away for drinks during some laps, and sadly didn't manage to capture all the runs (but got some blur pics when I eventually ran back).

The hatches proved too hot to handle, but Jackson Foo was the upcoming driver to watch for. He entered the double apex at a 35/40deg and slided his rear all the way out ala rally style!

Not one to be outdone, Unker Pang (in Boon's Putra) came out to show all the young lads how to perform an awesome double handbrake turn.

I then caught a glimpse of VictorGR's previous ride in action in the hands of its new owner Darren. He was still a little hesitant when on the "happy pedal", but give him a little time and I'm sure the 7 will be slippin' and slidin'.

Zechs was there in a monstrous Cefiro A31, and in the spirit of keeping the excitement going, Zechs really pushed the RB to slither his A31 through the cones. The big guy was burnin' some serious rubber~!!! Best performance I say...

The event was so hyped up even a doggie came on the track and did donuts~!

Which Timothy Ketit promptly responded to both the A31 and doggie with an awesome gliding show in his sponsored Silvia S15.

Glad to meet all you buddies out there on that sunny day, and hope to see you all again soon. Cheers!

Vios - Refurbished!

2010-03-09T13:32:00.005+08:00

Soon has completed another "salivacious" car and its the ever popular Toyota Vios brought in by Joven's buddy. The car came kitted with a horrendous bumper and the full of gaps.

Soon brought upon himself to resolve the gap issues and satisfy his customer's requirements.

The bumper was re-made and most panels were remolded to close up all the "in-between" gaps.

Soon put in the final piece, the number plate, and the Vios was good to go. All this was of course brought to you by Hyper Racing with Soon's ever diligent craftsmanship.
After resolving most outstanding jobs, we were relieved and refreshed to take on a night's partying. It being Soon's birthday and all... We went to Khun Thai for wonderful thai delights.
Where the three stooges celebrated their birthdays together. The cake was specially made for us by our Northern Touge baker buddy, Sean.

Although stuffed, the festivities had to go on. So we continued at our usual drinking spot, d'Oasis. A few calls were made and all our buddies arrived... With Kenny being tardy, which he duely paid for the party!
Soon was feeling awefully artistic and decided to garble us a few tunes. Tall, dark and hairy Soon quickly gathered a flock of beautiful fans.

With an exceptionally affectionate individual taking to his broad shoulders! Hahaha...
An awesome end to a beautiful day. Cheers all!

I got Stiffer...

2010-02-26T16:39:00.002+08:00

Adjustables that is... What were you dirty lot thinking? Believe it or not, these are my first set of proper shock & spring combo. I've always ran on cut springs, aftermarket springs and chopped absorbers, although I advise all others not to do so (I'm too cheap not to!).
Anyways, regards to Hyper Racing and HWL for kitting Silver with these awesome uprights!Fer fitted them in with the initial settings at mediocre everything and I went for a drive, but came back unappeased... So we (actually Fer did all the work whilst I blabbed away) readjusted and went for another test.

Was I satisfied? Look at the pic below and tell me what you think...

Off it all came and readjustments were warranted... We must've done this same process at least a billion times, bringing the system lower, higher, stiffer and softer... I know... I'm a real pain when it comes to stiffies but what else is there in a car?

I finally settled on what I felt is the best compromise for muar, and it was already late into the night so we bade farewell... And more adjustments after work today! Yay for me!

Ya Would If Ya Could

2010-02-23T09:40:00.011+08:00

As I'd promised, further updates are in order after the month long slow down in my blogging. Without further ado, I'll kick off our list of activities that you know ya would if ya could!

Leng got us a sweet deal to celebrate in a VIP room at a friend's joint. The place was huge with awesome facilities. Everyone was hyped up for the celebration... But who's that in the background?
Being the ever dedicated mech and workaholic, Fer was using the free internet access to search out some tech specs whilst we partied outside.

Kai Xing was having a ball on stage along with our dancer for the night...

Mr. Daniel "the horny" Civic!Cake cutting is always warranted no matter the location, and being the dedicated people us Northern Touge kakis are, we even included our sponsors list in this pic.

Leng was our silvertongue for the night... This dude could belt it out all night and still keep his voice! Kudos buddy!

During the CNY holidays, Soon had already opened shop to kit an Innova as his initial customer depsite the festivities.

Beautiful job done... Note the red crackers still on the ground as part of the Chinese festive tradition.

A spoiler was later added to complete the look.

Soon was still doing final checks on fit and finish as we were closing up. Diligence ultimate!

On the fourth day a bunch of us decided to have an auspicious touge + makan2 trip in the afternoon. As usual, we met up at Relau Shell, whom graciously allowed us to park and pose for some pics.

We then pushed off for the first stop at the peak of Jln Tun Sardon where we met up with an old friend from Balik Pulau (Blue KE70) and to get some refreshments and "jeruk" (pickled fruits).

We then traversed Balik Pulau and on to Teluk Bahang, through all the beautiful scenery and ending up at the Tropical Fruit Farm for some ice kacang and rojak. Plus, the scene there was awesome and the atmosphere serene.

After a refreshingly relaxed pit stop, the gang continued downward to the Teluk Bahang dam for a photo op.

It was a bright and sunny day out so I thought WTH, why not take a silhouette pic with all the beaut water and scenery surrounding us.

We ended the trip with Daniel (Civic), Soon (Wira GSR), Ewejin (Satria GSR), and Kenny (Wira 4G91) going for a cooling dip in the beach just down the road. Leng (KE70) and Pin (Wira 4G91) traversing back through the Balik Pulau way, and Fer, Joven (Wira GSR), and myself going for a light dinner before leaving for home.

An awesome end to an awesome Chinese New Year. I'm now back in the office... So happy working all! Cheers!

Soon Soon Bodykits

2010-02-22T09:51:00.008+08:00

Ah Soon is officially in business and taking names... He'll be operating out of Hyper Racing located at Sunway Tunas in the Bayan Baru area. Here's pics of some of his handiwork...

Pak Li's Perdana widebody conversion.
Philip's beaut Toyota Corolla LE...

Along with all round skirts.

Daniel's low down monster.. Custom fabricated with some creativitiy and loads of passion.

Here's some earlier work which is a massive... and I do mean Massive Fiat.

Fer's Evo III with monster I/C mod fitting.

Soon's personal ride going through a mid-life crisis. Changing from Evo to Scooby.

And the man himself at work. Check out the diligence.

And if you're thinking this dude is outta touch, check out his latest project car. An Alfa Romeo 166 widebody with full bumper conversions.
And trust me, those tailpipes not only look great but sound awesome.

Feel free to ring him up at 012-5731161 for free consultation on your next autoshow exotica.

Wading through some CRD Multigrade

2010-02-12T09:13:00.002+08:00

It's the festive season and activities (especially automotive induced ones) have ground down to almost a halt with everyone beautifying and keeping their rides in check for the festive season.

I've multiple parties asking about the sudden slowing down in my blog, and I'm glad to say that nothing much has changed, only that upgrading works have been going on and everyone is still progressing in their careers and automotive wise.

One such tale is that Hyper Racing has incorporated and providing bodykit services. From skirts to wings, bumpers to aero installs, and minor modification jobs to full fibre fantasy project cars. All fibre works will be done by Ah Soon (formerly from RABK, then at Mansion II), whom is already reknown for his craftsmanship and dedication to completing kits to your fulfilment.

There will be some more changes, so watch this spot for highlights after the Chinese New Year.

Silver banana goes stag!

2010-02-05T16:23:00.004+08:00

Staggered fitments look great especially with some fat rubber and kickin' up some dust in the touge.

Looks like a kindergartener's asymmetrical drawing but I kid you not, these tires are just awesome! Sidewall is stiff as heck (should grip like mad when corner carving) and on road manners (noise) is completely bearable.

I got these awesome pups courtesy of the guys over at Hyper Racing. These are the rare Bridgestone Potenza RE070s (standard kit on the R35 and FD2R).This is the maximum size that'll fit under Silver's fenders. All geometrical movement is unhindered.

I'm still pending a set of suspension components then off I go for the tire test... Read back here for the report.

Happy Chinese New Year~!!!

2010-01-27T08:59:00.006+08:00

Xing Nian Huai Le... Chinese New Year is just around the corner and I was never really into the whole spirit and excitement berdering this celebration and its auspiciousness until I found that it affects so many people in such diverse ways.

Decorations and lightings will be put up, providing a demand for products and services which aid manufacturers and laborers alike. Unlike other cultures, the Chinese occasions were all designed to keep money flowing within its country. *Do you realize that Chinese have occasions on every month of the year?*

But aside from the monetary standpoint, I've grown to respect and enjoy the Chinese New Year as its a time when the entire family gets together and share their year's endeavours. Its also a time to watch traditional lion and dragon dances which grow to its prominence around this time of year. Their costumes flashing with a gazillion sequinnes and bright colours, along with their fluid and mimmicking movements enthrall the crowds.

Streets will be packed full of shoppers and shops will have a chance to raise their offered products to festive prices or to offer bargains to rid their old stock.

Not only does this culture happen only in the Asian regions, but a worldwide rush for all things festive are going on and preparations throughout the world will kick off for the Chinese New Year.
I was especially delightfully awed when a search of mine yielded me a picture of downtown Chinatown in London where, although not as packed, festivities and deco do not lose out to the Asian countries.

After the family gets together for the traditional hot pot (steamboat) reunion dinner and as the festivities progress, the "yee sang" is a meal not to be missed. It is a dish of sweet and sour taste, a little zing to perk you up, with cabbages, cucumber, carrots, some other greens and the ever significant fish that simbolizes the bringing of good fortune for the year ahead (Nian nian you yui).
As for the children (or anyone not married, like me), nothing excites us.. er.. them (the children) more than the ang pau (red packets filled with $$$).
What's a Chinese celebration without wine and song? So see below to better understand how we get drunk and intoxicated.... It's my public service to you to *ahem* avoid getting into this situation. Drink (ir)responsibly and keep safe y'all!
On a final note, I'd like to wish all my readers and buddies out there a thoroughly enjoyable new Year's celebration and a wonderful year ahead with health without despair, wealth to share and prosperity to spare!

Cheers!

SLS AMG sticks!

2010-01-26T17:51:00.004+08:00

Pic caught of the new SLS AMG doing an aero stand through a tunnel.... Does it make you want it? Tell me you want it.... Heck! I want it~!!!

A weekend to a wonderful week!

2010-01-14T14:44:00.006+08:00

I had a wonderful weekend with my family last week along with all the extended family members having a couple of outings and keeping grandma entertained. First meeting was at night at the Tanjung Tokong flats food court for some excellent Hainanese coffee and toast.

The old couple that runs the stall there serves a traditional set of bread with butter and kaya (homemade of course) along with their superb blend of Hainanese coffee.

Even my little cousin was having a ball with the nocturnal delights!

We were a little adventurous that night and decided to try their eggs on toast which turned out to be superb, the little guy licked the plate clean!

Here's a picture of the homemade kaya that sells for RM3 a jar. Pricing has not went up for years. Note that its rough texture denotes it's steamed instead of cooked atop a stove.

We decided to go back to the same food court for our lunch the following afternoon as there is an excellent Malay stall there that serves good food at reasonable prices. We then proceeded further into the Tanjung Tokong village to the Tua Pek Kong temple.

This corner of the island was previously a fort and you can see the battlements in the picture above and a watchpost, covered in roots and branches, to the left on the picture below.

The sand was just too inviting and the waters cooling, all the kids, myself included, left our sandals on the shore and went in for a little tomfoolery in the water.

My cousins looking out at the barrier built after the tsunami, that hit here in '05, as a breaker just in case there's a repeat performance.

The waters were clear and the beach was really clean, and from this outing we could really see that the beach clean-up project is going smoothly and effectively.

Another family was "dredging" for shellfish and the little guy decided to join in anyways.

And for the automotive inclined readers, don't you even think that one of my weekends go by without some spotting or other, I caught this on my way home. The driver of course caught sight of me taking pictures like a buffoon and decided to gimme a demo run off the lights. Let me tell ya, the acceleration and aural bombardment was immense!

Then on Monday, we had a rojak party at the office as one of our colleagues bought us some awesome rojak sauce from her home town, homemade of course!Anxious, I'm sure!
This fella was caught sneaking a bite before preparations were complete.

And here's the cutie responsible for buying us the prawn paste concoction!

'Till next time, ciao!

Dreaded Damping Deficiency

2010-01-06T11:09:00.009+08:00

After querying myself in my previous post on my automotive year that was 2009, it seems my dampers will again need to be revised in order for me to improve and advance. Why do I mention this? Well, allow me to elaborate...

Of late, I keep feeling a loss of traction when powering out of corners and initially, I thought that a better set of tires would be a good upgrade to keep traction in check. However, as I am now running a set of Eagle RS on loan from Fer, I'm still experienceing traction loss when powering out. I had to delve deeper into the recesses of my driving style and instead found that my entry speed is too slow resulting in me powering out of corners well before the apex.

I enter late into corners and at speeds much less than I can afford. This sort of driving is safe for the street as entering late allows me to see much more of the road ahead and lower entry speeds means much more room for error if any were to arise. I guess my driving is a result of self-cultivation in keeping a broad safety margins that are well within my limitations. Why risk anything during touge right? After all, I am supposed to be enjoying myself.

That having been said and resolved as an issue with my driving style, another pending issue that needs to be dealt with is that my suspension is bottoming out at certain corners. Now bottoming out is not a good thing as it promotes massive loss of control over vehicular dynamics. I've delved into this topic a couple of times myself and every answer I come up with requires me to uprate my suspension damping rates.
However, I feel adamant at increasing damping rates as my car is a daily driver and I'm quite comfortable as it is now. But on the other hand, one cannot improve unless changes are made, and I for one understands that changes are imminent, just a matter of "when"? With this future increment in damping, braking will also be improved as energy is not lost to vehicle dive. Not to mention that with this increase in damping rate, I'll also save up on revising the anti roll bar upgrade and bushings replacement I was having planned this year. So I'll be killing two birds with one stone innit?

Having said a whole lot in this post, I will still be touge-ing with this setup as it feels like these dampers are still going strong (congrats on the good job Fer) with plenty of life left in them and are still plenty adequate for the fun drives up touge!

p.s. All pics are for illustration only. Dun try this at home kids :P

Times and Trends

2010-01-04T16:50:00.006+08:00

What is the most influential automotive trend for you?
I love big rims and even bigger tires. Though I also love the slammed look, but my ride has to be functional, so its a no-no for me.
What was your most significant mod?
I'm a real softy, so I'd have to say my suspension was my most significant mod. It's damped nicely for touge and still comfortable enough to live with every day of the week. However, its approaching its limits and I might see another revise this year. *hint*hint*Chris (Fer)*
What's your highlight of 2009?
The definitive highlight for me would definitely be organizing the Northern Touge Race Day for Penangites to go have a blast. I'd like to thank our members from as far as KL for all your support and hope you had fun!

Which would be your car of the year 2009?
This may be hard to swallow, but for me, it would come from the Korean stables of Hyundai. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe just does it for me as the car of the year 2009. Looks awesome, and it runs a 4B11T longitudinally for some rear wheel induced euphoria!
Which would be your concept car of the year 2009?
I risk the sound of being cliche, but I love the Toyota FT86 concept. Just the thought of running a Toyota tuned performance chassis with a boxer under the hood turning the rear wheels just sends goosebumps up my back.

Do drop me your comments on these five questions. It's definitely something to discuss over TT ;)

Inaugural TT & T session

2010-01-04T09:05:00.005+08:00

Northern Touge had our first Teh Tarik and Touge session on the 1st of January 2010~!!! We all met up at Goodall cafe opposite for some good fare.
I arrived albeit a little tardy and they'd all makan'd liao...

Everyone was having a good time chatting over drinks and burning time.

As the touge session grew closer, more kakis joined in and we had both tables filled up with another group already at the meeting point.

We pushed off and had a nice cruise around to check things out and eventually headed up the touge for some thrills and spills. I had such a good time I'd forgot to even take pics of the cars!

A good start to a new year I'd say.

Cheers all!

End of Days?

2009-12-28T13:42:00.005+08:00

As the year 2009 draws to a close, I've been finally catching up on some movies I'd missed and it all seems to tell of civilisation coming to an end with humanity desperately fighting to retain whatever we can salvage.

I've just watched Day After Tomorrow and 2012 in succession. I know, I'm REALLY slow to catch all these movies and I'd just found time after completing the Northern Touge Race Day and before starting to plan for the next event.

It's kinda sad to think that it'll all end with nature taking its toll after all humanity has been draining nature's resources at an extremely alarming rate of consumption. These events mentioned in the movies are somewhat affable if not grim to ponder, but do you think that we'll one day face extinction and will all of humanity's knowledge and technology be able to save us from the impending doom that will be cast upon us?

Or will we be claimed by the Dark Lord, no... not Voldemort, Beelzebub! From a religious standpoint, and from Arnold's (The Governator) movie End of Days, the Lord of Darkness himself will rise and wreak havoc on earth and all humanity for the sins we've committed.

How do you think it'll all end and what do you think we'll be able to do about it? Will we be claimed by nature in a torrent of molten rock and a wall of oceans bearing down on civilisation or will Beelzebub himself be summoned to (literally) raise hell on humanity?
What do you think?

The Finalists!

2009-12-09T16:20:00.004+08:00

Below are the list of champs that battled it out over sweat and blood for the podium finish!

1.3 Class:
Champion - Robert Loke
1st Runner Up - Sunny
2nd Runner Up - Sham

1.5 Class:
Champion - Nasir
1st Runner Up - Robert Loke
2nd Runner Up - Sunny

1.6 Class:
Champion - Nazrul
1st Runner Up - AK
2nd Runner Up - Nasir

1.8 Class:
Champion - Lee Chin Hooi
1st Runner Up - Bob
2nd Runner Up - Nazrul

Open Class:
Champion - Lee Chin Hooi
1st Runner Up - Yam Keng Yin
2nd Runner Up - Suhimi

The Conclusion

2009-12-07T09:36:00.006+08:00

The Race Day was a great success with much thanks and gratitude to all participants and sponsors for their immense support, encouragement and cooperation.

Here are some teaser pics for you to look over whilst our media crew process their shots.

The races were remarkably energetic and truly enthused!

I would also like to thank all the track helpers for being there to aid and to ensure the smooth running of all activities laid out.
My heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for your support and enthusiasm. I would personally like to thank Northern Garage, Ultrex, Hyperlube and especially Federal Tyres for being there with their crew along with loads of displays, and their offer of the 595 RS-R series for all racers at the event.

Evidently, tyres are the best bang for buck handling improvement one can purchase! As shown with our RS-R shodden champs in multiple categories.

Thank you again to everyone that has attended our last event this year and we'll see you next year at the tracks!!!

Update (7/12/09): Pics can be seen at VictorGR's blog.

Update (10/12/09): Pics from our official photog can be found on his blog linked here.

Race Day Countdown~!!!

2009-11-25T16:12:00.016+08:00

This post will be kept up to date with the most current available spots left for the Northern Touge Race Day 2009~!

1) 13 Spots left (20-Nov-09)
2) 11 Spots left (23-Nov-09)
3) 10 Spots left (25-Nov-09)
4) 9 Spots left (27-Nov-09)
5) 7 Spots left (30-Nov-09)
6) 5 Spots left (02-Dec-09)

7) CLOSED~!!! (05-Dec-09)

Northern Touge Race Day 061209

2009-11-25T09:00:00.007+08:00

Venue: Dato’ Sagor Track, Kg Gajah, Perak

Date: 06th December 2009

Time: 9.00a.m – 7.00p.m.

Fees: RM150 per Participant

Category: 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc, 1800cc & Open class

Rules & regulations: helmet & sport shoes are required
Rewards: Champion – RM150 cash prize; 1st Runner Up – RM100 cash prize; 2nd Runner Up – RM50 cash prize;

Hamper, trophy & NorthernTouge T-shirt will be given out too
Each participant is allowed to race in their own category & the following 1 class upper. (e.g. cars that qualify to race in the 1300cc category are also allowed a second race in the 1500cc category only).

All participants are required to reach the track by 9.00a.m. sharp for briefing and practice runs.

We are limiting the participation to only 50 participants & confirmation will be based on a first come, first serve basis upon payment.

NorthernTouge T-shirt is available for sale at RM30 per pc. We'd be grateful for early orders, before the 15th of October, if you’re interested in allocating one of these limited NorthernTouge T-shirts for yourself, your spouse, or your grandma!

Contact Person:

Leng – 016-4430016

ScAvEnGeR – 012-4077575

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, participants and all those contributing towards the success of the “NorthernTouge Race Day”
Our Sponsors Include:

- FEDERAL Tyres

- Ultrex Brake Pads (Brake Pads sponsorship)

- Camo3

- Nidastudios

- RPM Autowork

- Tommax Sticker

- Tit Luen Exhaust

- Kean Auto Cooling Services

- Car Magic Car Wash

- TWC Car Audio

- Evo Car Audio

- Chian Soon Tyres (PG) Bkt. Jambul

- Kiong Lee Exhaust

- Soon Yee Exhaust

- Northern Garage

- M Power

Participants:

1) Daniel (Honda Civic – PDV8663)2) Lee Chin Hooi (Civic EF 1.6 PCW 7323)3) Soon (Wira gsr- KAK8209)4) Suhaimie (Wira mivec- PCU6181)5) Jackson Foo (Satria 1.8 PDJ 8395)6) Shazwan (DC5 V-Tec-WKH3266)7) Hazuha bin Hussin (Satria 1.3 WGE 7791)8 ) S.Mathan (Integra 1.8 JGB 7200)9) Chun (Waja 1.6 PDF 5107)10) Hong (Subaru v.7- WNU2894)11) Hin (Myvi PHK1511)12) Pin (Wira PDU9686)13) AK (Satria 1.6 PDB5948)14) Roxes (Civic V-Tec PCW6128)15) Kenny Chan (Wira 1.5 PDC127)16) Sunny (Kelisa AES 6570)17) Loo Boon Tat (Civic EG 1.6 JCW 3122)18) Kwang (Kelisa 1.0 PFE 5342)19) Khen (TX3 WFT 7263)
20) Azhar (Wira 1.8 PDP 3389)
21) Mohd. Faizal (Wira 1.5 PEQ 7596)
22) Muhammad Khairul (Waja 1.6 PGM 2983)
23) Ezwan (Iswara 1.3 PEW 8108)
24) Nizar (Kancil L2 IFB 45)
25) Muhammad Syahrul (Satria 1.6 PDD 7115)
26) Adi Azman (Wira 1.6 WFM 3595)
27) Shahril (Kancil L2 WFL 3415)
28) William (Wira 1.8 PCN 9762)

29) Mail (Iswara Aeroback 1.3 PDW 9738)

30) Ivan (Satria 1.8 PDF 7308)

31) Yee Mun Hong (Wira 2.0 PDI 2508)

32) Justin Cheah (206 1.4 PHL 2827)

33) Robert Loke (Satria 1.3 PDL 6567)

34) Low Yong Fook (Toyota AE80 1.6 SS4889B)

35) Baharum B. Mat (Kancil L2 PDD 1085)

36) Chan Khai Pin (Wira 1.6 PEM 9488)

37) Nazrul (Wira 1.6 PCY 8530)

38) Dicky Ramfatiwi (Wira 1.6 PDW 7076)

39) Erik tan (Proton satria 1.8 ADW 8887)

40) Albert (Proton satria 1.8 WXX 8178)

41) Shahrul Hisham (KE70 1.6 KN 2427)

42) Mohd Noh (Saga 1.5 WCH 5040)
43) Jan (Saga 1.5 JCJ 5746)

44) Bob (Wira 1.8 PDM 6668)

45) Saw Kah Chun (Honda City 1.3 PDT 3738)

46)

47)

48)

49)

50)

Federal Tyres offered at Chian Soon, Bkt Jambul

2009-11-23T08:25:00.006+08:00

We, the Northern Touge crew, have continuously strived and bargained to bring you the best from Federal Tires. In this final leg and with tremendous support and effort, Federal Tyres have offered their top performance tires for our event at a bargain price.

The 595 RSR series 205/50/15 tires will be selling at ONLY RM300.00 each... What a steal... and it's only at Chian Soon, Bukit Jambul!

Orders will have to be placed ASAP as delivery of the tires will take a week or more. Cheers all!

13... Sap sam.... Ser san... Thirteen~!!!

2009-11-20T09:00:00.002+08:00

There are a mere THIRTEEN spots left for track day participation... I'm so excited... Can't wait... Just two more weeks...

*recites peace mantra*

Sabar... Sabar...

Automotive Oddities

2009-11-12T09:01:00.002+08:00

Y'know how you'd feel if there was just something wrong with your beloved ride and how we'd have to get it fixed no matter what? Since you're reading my blog, I assume you're an automotive enthusiast, and know that feeling. There is just no limit to the extent someone would go to to get their car moving again... Check out the photos below!

Shifting on vodka whilst "sailing" his Jetta???
Directional air conditioning vents!

Batmobile Al Fresco...

Once you pop, you can't stop!

Got a light? Here's lookin' at ya'!

You carbon fiber boys ain't got light... I'm the essence of the word light.

I'm just lost at captioning this one :(

The ultimate drifter.. On caster wheels~!

Mercedes Bends~!

Projector headlamps ala DIY.

Hyper Racing Performance (Update)

2009-11-06T17:09:00.002+08:00

Hyper Racing Performance has been updating it's product and services since its launch on the 20th October, slightly over a month back. From a plain, bare-bones exhibit... To a colourfully laid out interior.

So here's a peek at what's, literally, on the tables now!
Seeing the thermo inefficiency of rubber as an OEM (it cracks.. *shock*), we've stocked up on loads of silicone products from hoses, elbows, pipes, you name it... Full range of Ultrex brake pads from OEM replacements right up to racing 800deg. resistant pads. Aluminium heat exchangers (radiators and oil coolers) and racing harnesses. We also carry the entire range of Triniti clutches and Hyperlube as well as Idemitsu engine oils.

All items are ready stocked and available from the get-go.

BBQ dinner for all Northern Touge members

2009-11-03T10:49:00.004+08:00

Hey all the Northern Touge community, we are organizing a free BBQ to all members and friends. Come one and all, bring a friend or partner, for a fun filled evening with the Northern Touge crew.

Event: Northern Touge BBQ Gathering
Location: Hyper Racing
Date: 6/11/09 (This Friday la!)
Time: 8.00p.m. onwards

Cheers and see y'all there!

Hyper Racing Performance Opening Night

2009-10-21T17:13:00.006+08:00

It was an evening to remember... As the sun went down, our car count went up exponentially! From car nuts (those who live and breathe octane), to the simple automotive enthusiast... Everyone who's anyone in the car scene around the Bayan Baru area was there. Business owners, factory workers and even friends and family were all present to support.

Silver was done up nice and pretty by Tommax Stickers (thanks a bunch Tommy)
Daniel (Civic turbo) had come up with the banners and setup the shop for the evening's festivities.

Much thanks to all the flowers, thoughts and all!

Then the caterers arrived and lining up the buffet...

The early birds helping out with the event setup and reserving parking spaces for all our dear guests.

The three earliest "birds" all lined up.

And by seven, loads more arrived at Hyper Racing for the opening night.

Later in the evening, aural sonic booms and drift videos were seen and heard from our canopy...

Whom else but TWC coming by to show their full support. Oh and they also brought their demo car! Heh! Blingy!

It was also Mark's birthday that day so Daniel and Ewejin got him a birthday cake to which everyone belted out the birthday song, ever so loudly, to a bashful and blushing Mark.

The evening was coming to an end with the guests slowly clambering into their faithful machines and droning away into the night.

Myself, being the morning person I was, arrived at Hyper Racing bright and early to drop off Silver for a day's worth of scrutineering.

Help! Silver's swallowed Fer!

Yong is Fer's assisstant at Hyper Racing. He's young, but ever willing to learn! Aaah... We love fresh minds, we do!

Fer removed the high flowing Mitsubishi cyclone manifold in exchange for a common and simpler one. This should slightly reduce the powerband but everyday driving should see better mileage and lower powerband.

Fer and Leng got me a set of silicone hoses for my cooling system, which Fer duefully installed.

My first of many visits, and a very satisfactory one I might add, to Hyper Racing Performance located at Sunway Tunas, Bayan Baru.

Hyper Racing can be contacted at 010-304 3902

Fer Fer's direct line at 016-477 2663

Hyper Racing Performance Launch~!!!

2009-10-01T17:13:00.008+08:00

A great big "Howdy" to all Northern Touge family members! It's been hectic lately and Fer's latest project will be unveiling itself soon. Us Northern Touge "kakis" will finally have an awesome site to get all our automotive worries and woes resolved, somewhere to hang out after a hot days' work, somewhere to meet up, to chat, to always see friendly faces... Somewhere to call HOME!

Store frontage bare and barren... But with Daniel's help (Civic turbo)....
We are proud to bring you Hyper Racing's frontage-with-some-signage.. And loads of cleaning done, of course.. Proper hygiene and all. See how much we love ya? The work area is spacious enough to fit two full length sedans.
With an innovative exhaust collector to rid us of spent hydrocarbons.

The soon to be completed waiting room, air-conditioned of course, with a select array of displays.

The counter and partial waiting area, where Fer will be dispensing his diagnostics and advise.

Toilets are well cleaned and far back, also seen is the lengthier exhaust fume collector, remember, I told you we could fit two in here ;)

The back of the shop where customization, splicing and wizardry gets on. You could wash your car back here if you'd like, I would.

Auspiciously colored rides attending the preview.

Brothers in arms... er.. In this case, rims :P

The signboard vividly lit at night for all to see, a beacon for all the Northern Touge community.

With the launch of Hyper Racing Performance, we will be starting a new chapter within the Northern Touge family, as we strive along our paths to automotive perfection. Finally, touge go-ers Penang wide will have somewhere to turn to for all their modding and tuning needs.

Come be a part of this new chapter in the Northern Touge “tengoku”!
Launch and dinner : 14 October 2009
Venue : Sunway Tunas, Bayan Lepas, Penang
Time : “7.00”p.m. till you itch for a touge session!

Contacts:
Hyper Racing direct line : 010-3043902
Christopher aka Fer Fer : 016-4772663
Leng aka Dragon70 : 016-4430016

Credit Card Fraud

2009-09-24T08:45:00.002+08:00

Bank Negara Malaysia would like to caution members of the public to be vigilant when receiving any calls or SMS claiming that it is from Bank Negara Malaysia or any commercial banks.The facts are:There is no department called "Unit Kad Kredit Palsu" in Bank Negara Malaysia, 8659-XXXX is not a Bank Negara Malaysia telephone line.

Bank Negara Malaysia will NEVER request for personal banking information through SMS or telephone calls.Based on recent complaints received by Bank Negara Malaysia , there has been an increase in incidents of fraudsters making such calls and sending SMS to unknowing members of the public in order to fraudulently obtain their personal banking information, with the aim of siphoning monies from one's account.

From Bank Negara Malaysia 's investigations, the modus operandi of the scam is as follows:
Victim receives SMS or telephone call: Requesting victim to confirm a credit card transaction for the purchase of goods or services purportedly charged to the victim's credit card.When victim calls the telephone number provided in the SMS, the fraudsters identify themselves as agents of a commercial bank, and again, ask the victim to confirm whether the credit card transaction had taken place.

When victim informs the fraudster that he has no such credit card or transaction, the fraudster will start to sound concerned and will advise victim to lodge a report with Bank Negara Malaysia 's "Unit Kad Kredit Palsu", or with the commercial bank's "credit card management department".

The fraudster will provide the victim with the telephone number for the "Unit Kad Kredit Palsu".When victim calls the telephone number provided, they are greeted by a automated voice message which identifies the company as Bank Negara Malaysia, and the call will then be answered by someone claiming to be a Bank Negara Malaysia officer.

This officer will request for information relating to the victim's banking and credit card accounts under the pretense of lodging a complaint on behalf of the victim.

The fraudsters now have sufficient information to illegally transfer funds out of the victim's bank account.

Members of the public are reminded not to disclose their personal banking information to any unknown party without verification.

For further information, enquiries or complaints, members of the public may contact or visit:
BNMTELELINK (Customer Contact Centre)
Tel: 1-300-88-5465
Fax: (03)2174 1515
Email: bnmtelelink@bnm.gov.my

Xenta Absenta

2009-09-23T08:15:00.011+08:00

I'd like to kick off my first post after a long absence with a hearty "SELAMAT HARI RAYA" to all my Muslim readers and I'm sure it was a much appreciated break for all non-Muslim kakis as well!
The Chinese 7th month is a busy month for us with all the prayers everywhere and temples to visit. It's blitzes past kinda like after having absinthe... It's just as blurry and hallucinetic.
Secondly, I'd like to thank my "brother from another mother", Ben, for the excellent bottle of Absinthe from Ukraine!
Let me take you back to the start of the 7th month... We started off with prayers in the office, as usual, for the first day, fifteenth day and the last day of the Chinese 7th month. As we were waiting for a couple of fellas to arrive, we thought it'd be fun to fool around with the new RM50.00 bill.

This one's a little off...

And Perfect-o!

But I still think Wei was the funniest match up.

The offerings, and our eventual dinner, had arrived and setup was crucial.

The prayers going on and Silver's sound system was used as a makeshift "ko tai" playing Hokkien songs all evening.
Our Manager chopping up some roast pork for us, which I eventually took over the job... Since all the best bits go to the one chopping. Hehe..

Our resident "sai gong" doing his thing!

Then back home to have prayers at home to honor and thank our ancestors, kinda like thanksgiving, in a morbid way.Our family heirlooms of beautifully handcrafted batik porcelain.

Baba Nyonya dishes all laid out in rows.

Fast forward a couple of days.. My girl worked up some courage and modelled for a hair show, organized by Penang Hairdressers Society (or something like that :P). The Northern Touge group was there for support and it was a PRETTY fun event for us save for a couple of guys that kinda look like "not guys". *Hehehe*
"Pai seh" for the lousy pic, I was seated wa-a-a-a-a-y back, and you can see the crowd that was present! Dang!!!
After that loud and deafening event, I decided to spend a serene weekend away from it all. I went home to my parents' place for a couple of relaxed and zen days. But a BBQ was inevitable as everyone was around this weekend. So we gathered at granny's and had a fiesta.
KL Unc's excellent Angel Hair Alia Oglio.
Big Aunt's zingy Tater'N'Egg salad

Mom's superb lamb chop... You ain't never tasted anything like this!

Our spread of standard food items for the pit... Zero level of customization here, and naturally, last to go and only after all the "specialties" were done with.

The entire family was out enjoying ourselves downright silly... And yes, Silver was utilised once again for the sounds.

We also had garden salads and a variety of finger foods for the children.

After a fulfilling meal, I went around roaming one on of my relaxing drives and came across a beautiful example of a Volvo. This has got to be one of the best one I've seen so far.

This is actually the first Volvo I've come across that I couldn't get my eyes off it!!!

I fealt unappeased somehow, then it struck me, I hadn't ridden Silver yet. I picked up my reins and "hey ho Silver, away", for a cruise along the beaches. I met a 911 Turbo along the drive and after turning into one of the newer developed areas, I caught sight of a beautiful 430 Scuderia! At which point my air conditioning "konked" out on me. But a few timely pics were called for.

Rear end raucuous, check out those pipes placement!

So I sped off to RPM, I can't live without air-conditioning (not in Penang anyway), to find that everyone was there as well. I spent a lazy afternoon at RPM only to diagnose that it was just a loose wire. Phew!
Soon was fixing some leaks and Daniel helped Soon clean up his engine bay. Daniel couldn't stand the sight of a dirt encrusted bay.

Ewe Jin was just hanging and doing some DIY on his new toy....
Which he damaged by disconnecting the air gun without holding on to it.. Hahaha... Er.. Oops, I mean... Aww.... *sad*

Finally, we had a peaceful, and thankfully, uneventful sunday relaxed and just plain chillin' at Kiong Lee's

It has been an exquisitely long post this time around and I'd just like to close by sharing with you, my dear readers, what I found at Prangin Mall a couple of months back.
A donut stand called Bloggers! How cool is that?

Pipes!

2009-08-25T20:03:00.003+08:00

The Snappy one is glad to bring you another offer, this one on pipes, from our sponsor.
Kiong Lee Penang, situated at Bukit Jambul right next to Kayu Nasi Kandar, has prepared great deals and offers for the performance enthusiast going for the Northern Touge Race Day this year end.
Pipes, extractors, resonators and mufflers. You name it, they've got it... At the very least, it can be ordered for you.
With great workmanship, reasonable pricing and friendly service (although not at all times, we all get cranky on the job aye?), it's the place go for all your piping work.

Just spec them on power gains or mid RPM improvement, they're on the job.

Cheers and happy motoring!

Rubbers!

2009-08-25T08:30:00.004+08:00

One of our sponsors, Chian Soon Tyre Battery at Bukit Jambul (right behind Kayu Nasi Kandar), is offering performance tires for all Northern Touge "friends and family" (and participants).
Just provide me with the make, model and size of the tires you need by 15th of October 2009 and Chian Soon will get it for you at a promotional price! You can place your orders with Leng or the Snappy one himself.

Leave your order in the comments section along with your name and phone number or you can contact us at the numbers below:
Leng: 012-575 7555
ScAvEnGeR: 012-407 7575

Cheers and happy motoring!

Of events and Northern Touge

2009-08-24T18:50:00.008+08:00

Northern Touge will be holding an event this year end and I guarantee you an update once the posters are up. Although, I'm glad to see the entire Penang already buzzing with this news wave (new has reached down till KL thanks to the Blue Imp for making it happen) even before the official "press release" happening right here on the Snappy one's blog! Be sure of more categories, more opportunities and awesome (but friendly lah!) competition!
I'm glad to see such enthusiastic response and undying support from all Penangites. Also, much thanks to the sponsors for their support, merchandise, and service. My heartiest gratitude to you all!

It's time to start prepping your drivers and cars, one and all, it's gonna be a blast of an event!

*Keep posted right here on the Snappy blog for event updates*

You can also contact Leng or myself for participant registration or drop me a comment on the blog or meet up with our team for sponsorship and marketing opportunities.
Leng: 012-575 7555
ScAvEnGeR: 012-407 7575

Bashful Blue Babe joins the NT Family

2009-08-17T17:28:00.005+08:00

I got a call from Chun that another buddy will be joining the Norther Touge family with hurried intent. I arrived to the sight of a bashful blue babe hidden in a dark corner waiting for its engine mounts to be fabricated and installed.

Our new buddy will be running a 4A-GE 20Valve Blacktop under its bonnet! (As you can see from the overexposed picture below) I've always only imagined how this setup will run and here it is, right before my eyes. It should be a super smooth touge monster with its lightened internals and its advanced VVT-i system should pose more than a worthy threat to the usual touge kaki.

Check out all 4 of the ITBs (independant throttle body) just gleaming to be opened WOT (wide open throttle). Can't wait for a test drive! See ya soon buddy!

Eekay schmeekay... The Power of Dreams

2009-08-14T11:18:00.003+08:00

I recently came across pics of this interesting looking Civic (EK model) which had an interestingly HUGE chunk of metal under its bonnet.
After some searching and endless scurrying around the entangled worldwide web of uploaded digital crap. I finally zero-ed in that this is a supercharged 3.2-litre V6 VTEC engine!!!

I got bored looking at Hondas with their plethora of K20 transplants and buzzing B-series revvers, this indeed is a refreshing and much welcomed oxymoron, albeit unorthodox mod.

I'm sure it'll handle like a piece of butter on a hot pan on track, but with that beautiful bodywork, and pulsating heart, I'll just kick back and smoke teens in their "rice rockets"~!!!

Successful Brew

2009-08-12T13:04:00.003+08:00

No not the alcoholic variety. Today's my first day trying out the Kombucha culture and this tonic seems terrible at first smell due to its pungent aroma. But when refrigerated and drank cool, the flavor is sweet with a hint of sour (kind of like sourish sparkling wine) and since I used green tea, it also had a refreshing aftertaste. My successful culture is perfectly white and without any contaminations. I went so far as to wash every utensil that will come in contact with the brewing process and I even scrubbed my hands according to sanitary standards posted at hospitals. You can see the culture in small volume on the container to the right.Let's see if the health benefits are as what has been claimed, I'll drink according to the consumption instructions I've compared throughout multiple sites I found online. One should consume 3 times a day. Morning before breakfast, noon after food, and evening. It is known in pharmacology that absorption of certain active substances (e.g., certain fungicides) into the bloodstream or lymphstream is reduced if taken before meals. The small amounts of antibiotic substances contained in Kombucha are rendered especially effective when the beverage is taken in the morning on an empty stomach whereas, for example, the organic acids stimulate a better functioning of the digestive processes when the beverage is taken after the more ample midday and evening meals.

Of the Black Bitch and Doughnuts

2009-08-11T08:51:00.004+08:00

The Hairy One's (Ah Soon) Black Bitch had been MIA for some time so I popped on over to check up on him just to see if all's well. What came to me was a half empty engine bay...

And a disassembled tranny (transmission/gearbox) laying sprawled across the shopfloor.

Soon did a DIY gearbox bearing swap! So proud of him! Upon completing the process, where else to better test the fittings than at the T_ _G_.... C'mon, you guys know where :P

All's well and fine and Soon was brimming from ear to ear.

Something completely irrelevant: I was at Pranging meeting up with secondary school friends last weekend and I came across this doughnut shop called Bloggers! I hadn't had the chance to try it out yet since we were passing it on our way back from lunch.
This place would definitely be a place I'd like to visit some time. We're too full of Big Apple and Krispy Kremes :(

Northern Touge... Central Chapter :P

2009-08-05T19:03:00.006+08:00

Our Central (Malaysia) Chapter members (che wah!) called up and told us they were coming up to Northern Touge HQ (Pg la of course) so Daniel (Touge Monk) made a few short calls to the fellows and we had a TT organized in no time.
As we were going to meet up, The Monk called up and relayed to us that Shaz (Blue Imp) was running on a steel to rotor brake setup. So Fer and I went on over to Northern Garage to get a set of pads for him and we met up to install these.
Fer, being his usual helpful self, installing the brake pads onto those beeautiful Brembo calipers with Shaz and better half looking on. Awesome! I want my brakes to grow up like those :P

This dude is what you call a driver... He's ran the paint off those rims! Check out the discoloration!!!

A couple of drinks and a simple photo shoot was in order as it was getting late and it was a weekday. Great times! We should definitely do it again.

(L-R): ScAvEnGeR, Raj (Yup.. He's the Merc!), The Monk (Civic EK), Blue Imp (DC5) and Short Fart (L200)

Great to see you again Shaz and sorry I didn't get a pic of you, Dinesh. And to Shaz, I hope you brought Aliaa for her beloved Cendol, you know there ain't nothin' like it is in Penang!

Cheers!

A visitor, hitting 400, and a Meguiar's treat

2009-08-03T09:20:00.001+08:00

I'd recent received an SMS from an unknown number whom identified himself as Daniel stating his request for touge and to meet up. Being the ever friendly dude I am (ahem!), anyone's welcome within the Northern Touge group. Turns out it's a visit from Daniel of Danau Motorsports and his pristine MR2. A touge was inevitable and we chatted the night away, talking of future collaborations and past experiences.
It was a relieving Sunday morning drive when I realised I'd finally hit 400kms on a full tank of gas which I hadn't done so in a while. Thanks to Fer for touching up my settings and getting my electronics in order. Amazing what a little tweak does.

Finally, since it was a sunny day out, I got down to washing my car for the first time since the re-paint and decided to treat it to some Meguiar's Carnauba wax.
A little steeply priced, but it's well worth the cost and effort. I never noticed all the glittery stuff I had on.

I just couldn't resist another snapshot of Silver in all it's temporary shiny glory.

A well spent weekend I'd say. Cheers to all!

Fermented Tea?!?!?!

2009-08-03T08:49:00.005+08:00

I've read of the Kombucha vitality drink for some time and had always wanted to brew my own batch. I lucked out last week and a colleague of mine gave me a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) and a starter culture to kick off my first batch of Kombucha.

Preparation of the brew must be done with extreme care and cleanliness need to be observed. Clean everything that comes in contact with the SCOBY. Heat up 3 litres of water and stir in 200grams of brown sugar. Once all the sugar dissolves, bring the solution off heat and steep 4-5 tea bags (I used green tea) to preference. Once the solution cools, pour into a clean container (to ensure no vapor forms on the SCOBY infused brew).Cover the top with a porous material, of either fabric or fibre. I used kitchen towels which is used to allow the SCOBY to breathe.

In fear of suffocation, I punctured a few more holes in the "cover" just in case.

Now leave in a cool dry place (preferably 27-32 degrees Celcius) for a week to two and pour (sieve) into small containers and place in the refrigerator to enjoy a cool refreshing drink.

Jews, Gays, and other Stereotypes

2009-07-30T17:54:00.002+08:00

I think this movie is gonna get so much crap from the media. It is the most racist movie ever to be seen. Trust me on this one. Shit is crazy. There is going to be an outrage on this one S.B.C…
LOL.
There were funny parts in it but it was a pretty big bashing of gay ppl, Jews, and others… Sacha is out of hand. I’m sure people are gonna be offended..
Borat was nothing, compared to this…
I just can't wait!!!

Dragon's Flight

2009-07-26T10:08:00.004+08:00

After his maiden trip to the track last weekend, Leng was still doubtful of his Dragon70's abilities and stance, so we tested it out on the local touge!
Ewe Jin, in his pristine Kancil L200, called up just in time to catch the Dragon on his way up. After a short session and a couple of discussions later, a few flaws were identified and will be rectified over the weekend.

Watch out world, catch the Dragon's flight soon!

Eagles of a Feather

2009-07-26T09:44:00.007+08:00

I paid a short visit to Fer at Chian Soon Tyre yesterday to resolve some alignment woes and Chan (Fer's boss) approached me, utered to me some gibberish and to follow him. Seeing his ever willing-ness to help out us enthusiasts, I gladly did.
It turns out his new shipment had arrived that very day and he was bragging about his brand new F1 Asymmetrics to me.

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric on the left (upright) as compared to the Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 piled up on the right.

So I proceed to check out the tires and these seem extremely solid and made for cornering grip. Stiff blocks all around and aggresive threading are the composure of this tire. After the perusal, he made me an excellent offer.. And I'm honestly tempted!

Drop me a thought...

Pic with Soon's "Scooby"

2009-07-24T16:50:00.003+08:00

I went to meet Soon after work yesterday to see how his Blackie was doing and I'm pleased to say he's done it again! This dude has excellent craftsmanship and loads of patience to finely grind out all the rough edges.
Check out all the angles and fins on his new bumper.
Here's a closer look at the unit.

I just love how he manages to fit everything and actually make them jive!

A frontal shot of the upcoming touge monster.

Oh! And just a mind bender for you, this is a pic of Ray's meter whilst he was hot lapping. See anything wrong? We were in fifth gear.

He still managed to top out champ in his class with this kinda gearing!!! Go figure!

Fly like an Eagle!

2009-07-23T11:09:00.006+08:00

I'd experienced massive undulations and a whole lot of vibrations the past couple of weeks since I got my car and something was just not right. However, I soldiered on until the instability of the tire got quite dangerous, especially in light of current weather conditions (Malaysia has its monsoon season during its third quarter, or July to September)

So I drove on over to Fer's place (Chian Soon Tires right behind Kayu Nasi Kandar and Kiong Lee at Bukit Jambul) to have my tires checked. Tire pressures were all spot on... but upon removal, the threads were worn all the way through and I was already driving on the thread markers and my tires were already bulging (the worst condition). Fer got me an excellent deal for the Goodyear Eagle F1's, his shop is one of the largest Goodyear dealers in Penang. As the Eagle F1's have been rated and reviewed to be the best wet handling tire on the market, and our current weather, I grabbed at them hot off the bench.

I was just observing the difference in thread depth between the two, and the disadvantages of running a heavy car rears its (figurative) ugly, rubber consuming head. I just love the aggresive thread design... Dang, the thread looks awesome!
After driving around a while, I found that these tires are indeed a great all rounder with excellent grip in the dry and unbelievable grip in the wet, very progressive loss of traction, not as much road noise as my Kumhos and fantastic high speed stability (110km/h in a straight line of course).

Plus line tracking (tracing) and all round stability was up from the Kumhos.There's no doubt as to why it outranked all other tires as an all round performer on multiple independant tire tests.

Two thumbs up from me!!!

A relaxing weekend

2009-07-20T17:37:00.003+08:00

I had a wonderful lunch at Passions of Kerala last Saturday and the settings were just authentic for the Indian cuisine offered.
Banana leaves were set out as plates for us to eat off.
Then the vegetarian dishes were served.. And if you're a first timer to the banana leaf meal, it's good to note that all the dishes and rice can be refilled buffet style!

Rice was poured on and the accompanying light dhall curry and pappadam was served.

After that I met up with my buddy Ben who's just gotten back from Russia on summer vacation from his medical studies.So we visited Sunset Bistro, which is located along a beautiful patch of Penang's beaches, for some beers with my laptop for checking out his travel log and a cigar he'd brought back from his trips around Europe.

It was only 4p.m. and the place was teeming with a bustling crowd of sun-loving revellers.
Sadly, that night, my grandad was admitted to the hospital due to constipation and a slight infection and luckily everything turned out well on Sunday afternoon. So all's well that ends well.

Cheers!

Silver gone Black!

2009-07-14T11:47:00.004+08:00

I woke up to a gloomy, rainy Saturday morning and I just sat by Silver with a good cup of java for company. Under the incandescent lighting, with the droning sound of rain splatter, and caffeine early in the morning, the play of light on Silver's pearly paint just struck me that the wheels are too dang shiny in all its hyper-silver glory. A re-paint then!

Off I went to RPM, paint and masking tape in one hand, and sandpaper in the other, we were going to initiate the re-paint. Here's a picture of the all shiny rims in hyper silver.
And this is after a mild scrub using the industrial grade paper my buddy hooked me up with. Super efficient with water, the abrasives keep going on and on. I only used a 3"x6" strip to finish off scrubbing all 4 rims.

This is a close up of the scrub marks. Check out the spokes, all the lacquer and paint is gone!!!

Scrubbed down, scratched up and cleaned with Fab.

Then air dried to void contaminants and particles from the surface.

I did the masking job to prevent overspray and to maintain the perfectly polished lip.

Front rims were sprayed and proceeding to mask and spray the rears.
Fer doing all the spraying. He has amazing control of the spray cans in small areas. I swear he could be a graffiti artist in some past life.
The painter double checking all his fine work then the finishing touches will be layered on.

Fer doing the second layer of black which is also the third layer of paint if you count the undercoat.
Finally, the fruit of our 2 hour labor was a super shiny finish and all this was done in rainy weather! Sweet!

I then met up with Soon to see how he was doing with his project Scooby. He's doing all the re-wiring and minor adjustments on his own during free time. R-E-S-T-E-C-P.

We finished off a wonderful day of cooling weather, DIY projects and wonderful company with a Teochew dinner at Sunway Tunas.

Inaugural cruise with Silver

2009-07-14T11:33:00.007+08:00

I'd just got Silver (my one and only.... car) back from Leong's (the painter) last week, so I went to do a little cruising as I'd missed Silver so much during its absence. I only managed to cruise down the street from my place, only to land up at Soon's shop for him to install my side skirts (now painted... Finally!) and to check up on his hybrid Scooby.

Here's Soon prepping my skirt for the install. He is a very dilligent worker by any standards. R-E-S-T-E-C-P~!!! (I watch Ali G a little too much)
And Soon's plastic surgery on the Black Bitch is almost done... It's gonna be a beaut Scooby.Soon was done in a flash and as it was still super early, I continued with the cruise and saw this incident.

A Honda City (with a tipsy driver) smashed into the curb, then onto a Honda Accord, and finally onto another set of pavement and ended up turtled.

Luckily there were loads of helpful fellows around and they literally "turned" the situation right side up.

Well at least the headlight still works... One of them anyways...

Silver being fed with RON 97 Unleaded. Looks so nice and fat with the skirts installed. Sweet!

A shocking end to an otherwise wonderful evening of cruising with tunes in Silver. Don't drink and drive y'all. Cheers!

Will Roegge

2009-07-10T11:47:00.005+08:00

This dude, although recently graduating from film school, is making waves along the Formula D series and capturing, auditing and simply filming awesome videos for multiple series and races.
Edited, but still looks sweet!

Formula D in Atlanta

Workin' in the rain...

This is the man himself.

His signature is always a hunched panda with a speech bubble containing his initials. Creative, expect no less from this guy.

You can catch him at http://willroegge.com/blog/ or watch his vids at http://www.vimeo.com/

Ostracized!

2009-07-10T11:38:00.002+08:00

I was surfing around for some nice wallpapers since lunch time is around the corner and just couldn't resist posting this "epitome of ostracization"

New kid on the block?

'Nuff said!

Sharpie Hoodie

2009-07-10T11:29:00.003+08:00

This dude out in the other side of the hemisphere is awesome at graffiti and some canvas jobs so he thought he'd try out his Sharpie skills on his buddy's Bimmer.

Although you can still see the drawn lines up close (real close), but check it out when you look from afar.

Simply AWESOME~!!!

I'd have to say it was to great success, don't you think?

After which, my peepers accidentally picked up on a beautiful set of eyes... Now tell me if you can stare her in the eyes. Honest!

Numb nuts

2009-07-10T11:24:00.004+08:00

I saw this awesomly funny pic on the net and thought I'd share with you dear readers. These bunch of buddies thought they'd dyno their Miata MX-5 one evening, so they strapped it on the rollers and ended the evening with worn tires and equally hurt egos.
No Miatas were hurt in that evening's activities.

Of lunch and Silver

2009-07-06T08:35:00.007+08:00

My colleagues and I went for lunch last Friday at Cargas Cafe (excellent stingray curry and superb fried chicken). We went in a pals Honda City and en route, we found this pair of uber gay sunglasses in his glove compartment which he humoured us by putting it on and posing for us.
After a hearty meal, we were given rolling class by our machinist buddy. Awesome skill, he could use 2 leafs to combo into one huge dooby!

Lookit the size of that sucker!

After a hearty meal, we rushed back to work as we had a PFMEA to complete. After work, I was feeling a little dreary driving the SLK (small little kancil) around for two weeks, so I decided to give Silver a visit.

I'd always wanted to have a dark silver shade and my buddy Leong hooked me up with some wicked pearl effect dark silver he'd whipped up and some purty good lacquer.

They were doing some finishing touches as per my request. A little flat black here and there never hurt anyone right?

Leong, the master painter himself, was working on the finishing touches and minor touch ups.

The assisstant doing some final detail checking on the front to make sure there's nothing left unpainted.
I have to admit that the paint looked nice and dark in the shade, but not what I'd expected to see. After the rub down and polishing, the painters moved my car out into the light and I saw what I'd orinigally wanted. Silver was now a nice dark shade almost similar to the one found on the Altezza.

Awesome! I can't wait to drive it...

Last night my buddy, who's studying med in Ukraine, arrived and asked me to pick him up at the airport and have a drink. After drinks he passed me a container of microwaveable Siew Mai flown in from HK (his transit). Instant foods are definitely picking up eh?
An excellent end to a great weekend all in all... Silver should be out soon.

Silver and "Scooby"

2009-07-01T08:14:00.006+08:00

I'd paid a visit to Silver yesterday at lunch hour, and he's all nicely plastered, buffed and going into the paintshop soon. Everything got delayed due to my multitude of requests. But heck, this ain't gonna be a frequent thing right? So its gotta be done right.
One of Leong's (my painter) staff attaching the sound damping material on my bonnet.
Then I visited Soon in the evening the help out with his weight lightening project. Everything has to go!

Our buddy mech from the neighbouring shop stopped by after work to help out as well. Luckily he was around to help us remove the steering column.

Soon had a tough time doing so :P

Here's Soon's heavily modded frontage. It's going to resemble a Scooby once done. Honest!
Soooo.. appropriately written...

Northern Touge cars are all going through a revamp and we'll be rolling again soon.

Autobots... Roll out!... Er... Wrong call sign there, but you get my point! Right? Right?

As good as it gets Friday!

2009-06-27T10:00:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, big boss called an urgent meeting at 6p.m., being Friday and 6 being our time to get off work, we were properly pissed! Reluctantly, everyone gathered at the lobby only to be greeted by big boss wielding a cleaver and opening up durians (he'd brought from his orchard) for all to eat.

Everone were enjoying the durians off the back of boss' truck.

Big boss is in the long sleeved shirt and thick gloves opening durians for us.

Production's main man was awarded with the prized durian of the day.

There's only one 'biji' in there and the entire fruit is smaller than a rambutan.

After everyone's had their fill, everyone had a little extra to bring home. TQ Boss! I went to visit Silver, he's fitted with a new bumper, grinded down and plastered up. Now only waiting to be buffed then into the oven for paint.
Everything's going smoothly, Soon's car is also almost complete (Scooby conversion), and so is Daniel's. I couldn't imagine a finer ending to a hard week's work than this!

MJ Puns

2009-06-27T09:56:00.003+08:00

I received lots of SMS yesterday on MJ jokes and heck, I'd like to share with you, my dear readers, a couple of the best I've read.

What did God say to Michael Jackson when he got to heaven?
BEAT IT!

Farrah Fawcett died and went to heaven. God gave her a wish, and she wished for all the children of the world to be safe.
So God killed Michael Jackson!

Cheers all!

The passing of a Pop Legend

2009-06-26T08:14:00.007+08:00

I woke up this morning to morbid news on my clock radio, "Michael Jackson has passed on". It was the worst news I'd heard in ages, and it seems that to many, the King of Pop has influenced us in ways more than one. His songs are always charachterful, full of emotion and lively at the least. I always had his accompaniment when I'm sad with "You are not alone", "Ben" when reminiscing of pals of old, and "The earth song" for those holistic moments.

Transformation..

Critics may say he's a freak, his nose for one will be the point of jokes for generations to come, but I say damn you all. This dude is just awesome. Don't remember him for what he's done wrong, but reminisce of all that he's done right and what he has done for the world. A poor kid from Harlem that grew up to charity and worldwide recognition ain't all that bad!

On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the White House to receive an award presented by American President Ronald Reagan. The award was given for Jackson's support of charities that helped people overcome alcohol and drug abuse. Jackson won eight awards during the 1984 Grammy Awards. Unlike later albums, Thriller did not have an official tour to promote it, but the 1984 Victory Tour, headlined by The Jacksons, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans. He donated his $5 million share from the Victory Tour to charity

A young Michael with one of his famed flashy costumes. He was the originator of bling yo!

One of his pimped out military styled jackets which he publicly wore multiple times.

His album "Thriller" is still the world's biggest selling album of all time. This album remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for 80 consecutive weeks and 37 of those weeks at the peak position, won 8 Grammy Awards and sold up to 109 million copies worldwide!

Jackson's star on the Hollywood walk of fame, set in 1984.

He was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power". In the mid-1980s, Time described Jackson as "the hottest single phenomenon since Elvis Presley".

Michael was just inspirational, and to many generations, he is and always will be a legend, and part of our lives forever!

The King of Pop Passes On

2009-06-26T08:01:00.002+08:00

Pop singer Michael Jackson, whose rise to fame began at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater, died today in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles coroner told CNN.

A CNN affiliate says he was hospitalized just before 12:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time after suffering cardiac arrest.

Affiliate KTLA reports that Jackson was not breathing when emergency responders arrived and paramedics performed CPR.

The Los Angeles Times reported that he arrived at UCLA Medical Center in a deep coma. Crowds of mourners congregated Thursday night in front of the hospital.

Jackson gained national attention as a youth in the 1960s, where he performed at the Apollo Theater as a member of The Jackson 5.

Fans gathered Thursday evening in front of the theater to remember the performer and play his music.

He rose to international fame in the 1980s as the "King Of Pop," known for his innovative choreography which included the "Moonwalk" dance step. Nearly three decades after its release, his 1982 album "Thriller" remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. He later became a tabloid news standard with allegations of frequent plastic surgeries and charges of child molestation.

Fans who gathered in Times Square, including many who grew up listening to Jackson's music and watching his videos, said that they were shocked and saddened by the singer's sudden demise.

"I was thinking it's the end of an era," said one fan.

"It's sad. He's an '80s icon," said another.

"I grew up listening to his songs. There's no place that you can go where you listen to Michael Jackson that you don't start dancing, and that's sad."

The Reverend Al Sharpton of Harlem, who said he was Jackson's friend for 35 years, said in a statement, "I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."
Jackson was 50 years old.

Of farting pipes and Frus!

2009-06-25T20:52:00.005+08:00

Just felt like cussing and throwing a tantrum, but I'd rather touge to cool off right? I've been searching high and low for a 4G63 DOHC exhaust manifold and all I can find are cast items :(

I'd settle for the 4-2-1 which I've pictured Toda's excruciatingly painstakingly made model here.

And for the ultimate in choice, the awesome 4-1 manifold which I'd love to see/hear revved all the way to the stratosphere!

I would love to see my new engine with a shiny new manifold attached to its farting end of business. But heck, I guess Mitsu's most venerable engine is an FI enthusiast's dream, leaving us NA freaks bone dry for parts.

Psst... Silver's almost done at paint so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for now and I can hardly contain my excitement (this is the first time I'm sending any of my cars for painting) :P

Auto-City Carnival

2009-06-16T09:12:00.007+08:00

As the Scav man has promised.. Here are the pics from my short visit to Juru's Auto-City Carnival with Northern Touge.
I'm getting work done on Silver so I hitched a ride with Fer in his turbocharged monster and arrived to the roaring exhausts of 2 FD2Rs doing a demo lap around the Auto-City premises.
As the short race stint was done, we moved on into the main gallery to check out what's on display. We were missing Monster Workshop's (from Ipoh) cars, but heck there were these offroad time attack hellraisers on display!

Where there are cars, there will definitely be leggy beauties from the other gender present. That's why guys keep buying car mags now innit?

Super wide Beemer patrol car with matchingly clothed beauty alongside.

A little later in the afternoon, we were all treated to a couple of demo laps from some of the awesome machines on display. Here's the safety Toureg taking the initial initiative to ensure the "circuit" is clear of all obstructions.

These two are undoubtedly the only two display cars that went all out to make a fast lap.
I love this Celica... Psst... It's rear lamps are from the MkV supra!

Inspiration??? Hmm...

The last car in the line-up with the contender, whom was 1 lap ahead, right behind.

Ass shot... The Marlboro EvoVI in pole position is hunting down the wide-ass 350.

I was swimming in my trousers, so we went into the gallery area again to visit our buddies at Toms' Sticker where they had this awesome and intricately copied "Takumi Fujiwara" (from Initial D) replica on display.

Naza brought every FI enthusiast's wet dream along with every NA petrolhead's fantasy along to grace the event.

Finally, as we were about to leave, the MC announced that a GT car will be doing a few demo laps to our amusement.

The Thunder Asia GT Car was sublime and so low it could've scooped ant poop off the pavement. But the sound, oh-my-god, the sound was just awesome!!!

The driver then stepped out only to be fledged by the GT Queens present that day for a short photo op.

Whilst everyone was crowding the front, I couldn't help but sneak behind the lines to get another.. ass shot!

BHP held a little go-kart "pump and race" contest which out very own VictorGR took the top podium finish home. Check out his helmet head and that's Joy next to him btw. Congrats bro, on both the prize and the chick. Cheers!

I went home still stunned from the audial blast of Thunder Asia's GT Car. A quick surf on the net showed they were racing either an Ultima GTR or an Ultima Can-Am. Either of which are powered by Chevy small block muscle. These cars come spartan without electronic aid, ABS, traction control, power steering, and not even fuel injection! Which explains the super loud burble from the carb-fed V8.

I loves it... I wants it... I... I... Urgh! I hate Thunder Asia!

Auto City Carnival

2009-06-13T09:40:00.003+08:00

This looks ponna interesting... Their site statistics show at least 50K visitors for almost every event. This would be a testosterone filled event so I suppose the guy to chick ratio to be quite high. But heck, with 50,000 visitors... It don't sound too bad after all :P

So who's going? The Scav is...

Partners in Crime

2009-06-09T11:16:00.005+08:00

Relieved from the day's worth of DIY session, and long chats, Soon offered to have a run with my. So I put that on KIV and we'd met up at Jamal for dinner and some drinks, when Soon and his bro showed up in a white Perdana. After years of touge in Silver, I'd finally had the chance to run with another Perdana for the first time, who was I to say no :P

Soon's friend had Soon drive up his white variable valved (I know, but more on that later) Perdana through the Batu Feringghi twisties. After a short intro, it turns out I'd met this delightful fellow quite a while back at Tommax one evening. We arrived at the dam in two Perdana's to the shock of our usual crowd (I'm usually the only buffoon rolling in an executive sedan) and awe of the locals (which have gotten so acquainted with us).

Opening up the noisily inducted, fire breathing buffalo, we found a 6A12 MIVEC residing in its bay.

Being the itchy twat that I was, I'd gone and showed off my DOHC to the dissapointment of the masses. Hahaha...

We chatted and loitered and were found thirsty. So we made our (fast-paced) way down to Lan Burger at the Gurney round-a-bout for some drinks before parting ways.

This car was anything but slow, and it was so exciting to have another Perdana up the Teluk Bahang touge, I hope I get to meet more fellows.

Silver's Ammendments

2009-06-09T10:49:00.006+08:00

Sunday morning... Wake up... Doing my dirty deeds (purging and cleaning la!)... Fried some vermicelli for breakfast then called up the Fer for a meet up at RPM.

It was a lazy Sunday morning with beautiful cloudy weather which just invokes the "DIY-ness" in any petrolhead. So we brought Silver into one of RPM's bays and popped the hood to see what could be done.

I'd brought along my DOHC T/B for the Fer to inspect and he'd found some scum that the milling and polishing machine could not get to. He immediately got at it with some super fine abrasive paper.

Being the profecient and ever willing mech that he is, after every good job done, inspection is always warranted.The throttle body was smoothened out and all scum removed. Installation was immediate and testing went underway. Mid-RPM throttle was improved and idling was stable, high RPM power improved and on-off throttle response improved drastically.

But somehow, being the perfectionist that he is, Fer was not satisfied with the results mumbling on about how the 4G63 should be much more responsive.

After which he took a look at the crappy temporary fuel regulator I had on for trial runs. He spat at it and yanked the unit out.

Fer went and got one of his old Nismo (I think was done ala HKS design) units to be fitted on. This beaut little mechanical contraption made a beautiful tapping noise when its started up.
Looks like one ugly mutha, but who am I to argue with the top teams?

Fer then found that the air/fuel ratio was immensely rich and retrofitted a modded stock regulator for Silver.

Silver then revved smoothly and the RPM climbed without hesitation. The AF ratio had also improved and ran a little rich at high RPMs just as I'd requested... For engine longevity and all :P

Still unappeased, Fer started to play around with the ignition timing and further improvements were realised during on road testing.

Oh yeah... Norther Touge's highway monster had found a new pair of shoes! Looks beaut dun it?

Ooh... And I finally get to install my beautiful Mitsu strut bar, which I had in storage, after installing the modded DOHC T/B. Pics to come later.

Suck and blow! - Updated 09062009

2009-06-02T08:38:00.007+08:00

Breathing better isn't only important to an active sportsman, it's also key in making gobs more power and my darling Silver just ain't breathing right. So over lunch, I visited Fer (my mech) for a little tweak of the intake tract. Fer opened up my manifold a little more to provide more throat for the suck, then Kiong (exhaust dude) took out one of my resonators and welded a 2.2" pipe in its place for the blow.

Exchanging my Apexi unit with my Werewolf (local brand) currently used in Daniel's Civic. What a samaritan I am.

Billy hooking me up with the exchange.

Silver reunited with my "Werewolf" muffler. Locally made, low on budget, but works awesome and sounds fantastic.

DOHC T/B ported maximum and polished smooth.

As I was also facing trouble installing my strut bar (I've been running without one for oh-so-long and I miss it dearly), I'd also replaced the super large throttle body (which is a little rough around the edges) that came with the engine for my stock SOHC throttle body to get a smoother flow pattern in the mean time whilst I get my DOHC one modded to fit.

DOHC T/B getting prepped for milling to allow my strut bar installation.

On the mill for removal of excess material.

After some soft testing last night, it seems the combination of all three changes done had resulted in lower low end torque but with much more up top, with excellent response to boot. I also had better fuel economy and a smoother revving engine. I guess bigger isn't always better aye?
Still, I can't wait for the other throttle body to get back from the mill. I wonder how the larger throat would affect this setup?

Hooked on '63~!

2009-05-26T07:45:00.008+08:00

After delving deeper into the Mitsu experience, I've fallen for its' most illustrious powerplant, the 4G63. My recent excursions with the DOHC have gotten me more and more addicted, to a feeling I'm growing towards, a feeling I'm craving to experience again, an experience that lingers in the back of my skull, culling at my will, waning my restraint. Then it struck me... I'm addicted to torque!

After driving numerous turbocharged rides up the Penang touge routes, I've found that an FI FWD is a real challenge to be kickin' it with. But the amount of control involved, pedal work, and stupendous torque steer just livens the experience. I've been skulking around the www and found a tuner Sanjev is practically devoted to, the AMS team site. Enlisted are some of their works.

AMS SCCA North East Division Road Race Champion.
The multiple win, AMS SCCA South East Division Road Race Champion.

The brutal 2.3L AMS Time Attack EvoCheck out the stupendous rear wing... It bolts right onto the frame.

AMS is also the winner of the Castrol Top Shop Challenge where the target is the highest output per litre of capacity wins. This AMS beaut pumps out 1035HP runnin on only 100RON piss-water.. Dang!

Finally, for the 2009 season, the AMS Time Attack EvoX, which already has titles under its belt since November 2008.

With chassis work that's the stuff of dreams! Can you say chrome-moly costs moolah!

I know these being Evos and all... But with such potential that these turbocharged monstrosities possess, I'm sure the NA 4G63's aren't that far off... Right??? Right???

Guys... Wait up...

Scooby Dooby Doo

2009-05-18T07:51:00.006+08:00

Another Scooby visits RPM for an intercooler swap. This version nine belongs to my very "painted" friend whom traverses the N-S highway often. Good choice on the car to be making all those trips in. I just love the awesome bodykit. Those little carbon fibre lips are just to die for. Even so, just the little front lip costs RM1,300.00. Yikes!

The intercooler is removed along with all necessary piping and prepped for the install.

Anyhoo... His weary old I/C had battered fins and loads of other "battle" scars. See how much ink he has on (himself I mean)?

Another STi unit is installed and ready for blasting.

This is the first time I've actually watched the Defi VSD in action.

This is where it all happens.

Ooh... Version 9 has the DCCD fun button for some "slide-ways" action.

Awesome STi keychain made from actual carbon fibre, every Scooby driver's necessity! You dun even wanna know how much this costs.

Finally, a Ganador item to complement the outrageous body kit.

We talked and drank the afternoon away whilst Chun tried to manage 1.5 bars of boost on his Kancil. But that's another story, for another time. 'Till then, see all you readers again.

Ciao~!

Refreshed, Revised, and Reeeally Fun

2009-05-13T12:01:00.008+08:00

"R3?", you read??? I could only imagine Proton's "heffer-of-a-car", the Perdana, being improved by Proton's R3 division. But heck, I just couldn't resist using this title/connotation, with all the "R" abbreviations in our daily automotive banter. A summary and continuation from my Cuore Sostituzione posting, Silver (as the Silver Banana will now be known) has been refreshed with a new breath of life, running on a revised heart and it truly is much more fun to drive.

The old heart sitting at RPM, tired and weary.
With a failing crank and trouble breathing, Silver was refreshed by RPM with a 4G63 DOHC that promises gains in more ways than one. The initial "drop-in" was completed in a hardly believable day (since everything is plug and play), with the wiring taking just another day to complete.

Here's Chun and Joe checking out the head after opening it up in god knows how long.
It still looks "ponna" clean with no residue or gunk to be seen anywhere.

I'm not one for painted valve covers... So I got down to stripping the paint with some paint stripper and Joe did the finer crevices.

The valve cover all shiny and.. er... blank!

I got this awesome Mitsubishi strut bar from a buddy in Sg. Petani. Fits like a glove, and I ain't seen anything like it before.

Engine hoisted up and locked down.

An original Mitsubishi oil cooler came with the engine, so heck, anything that comes with, goes with right? So Joe hooked it up without a single hitch.

The DOHC sits in nicely with loads of room for them to work, still.

Here's Chun doing some final inspections and prepping for the initial crank. Some simple maintenance was done to ensure everything was running smoothly and off we were for tuning!

This is my first experience going for an on road tune and Fer (my mech) offered to drive whilst Mael (my tuner) did all the fiddling on his device. I just sat back and enjoyed as they pulled gear through gear en route. First round of rough tuning were completed and I was told to putter around to feel and feedback on lacking areas.

Finally, here's a pic of Silver at Kiong Lee to revise the piping diameter as the engine is suffocating from the stock exhaust system from 14yrs ago. Honest! I'm not really one for changing pipes. Kiong removed a restrictive resonator and retained the stainless steel reflective one (yes, I run 2 for noise reduction), and a new 2.2" pipe was installed in its place up front. Bring the noise!
Touge sessions were inevitable to test out Silver's new and hefty heart and how it would affect handling and control. After just an initial session, I found that acceleration has been much improved and I needed to increase the amount of steps in my throttle control to reign in the wheelspin mid-corner.
After 3 weeks of driving Silver, I can't wait to book Mael for my next tuning session with him for fine tuning and hopefully improved driveability and fuel efficiency. Not that I'm complaining though, I'm getting gobs more power (esp. torque) and only 2cents more per kilometre. I guess hitting 2 out of 3 of my initial targets (referring to the Cuore Sostituzione post) ain't that bad. Now I just gotta wait it out to see how the durability of this lump holds out.

I'm just loving this new lump of metal right now as its a whole new bag of tricks and I just can't perform enough to match it. Time to tighten up my lines and increase the level of pedal control.

Another Cardiac Transplant

2009-05-11T08:19:00.004+08:00

The Northern Touge family seems to be facing lots of cardiac arrests of late. A multiplicity of members are getting loads of surgery done and worst case scenario members are getting transplants. What of this grim post? I'm actually speaking of the automotive sense and such cases area aplenty as seen here, even our meek Mark is getting a massive build in progress.
Here's a look at the donor whose turbine infused aortal pump now resides in Meek Mark's green monster.

The long time service 4G93 SOHC is now belittled and regardless, now sits in Mark's garden as part of the landscape.

A retrofitted bumper, by Soon, from another donor now provides protection for the intercooler in the form of a this aluminum mesh.

The I/C is well hidden and quite hardly seen from prying eyes. Heck, we might re-paint it in a contrasting black just for kicks!

As gleeful as Mark is of his 4G6X (*hint* Green Monster is still kept legal *hint*) "cuore sustituzione", he'll be leaving for the US soon and this little baby might be left to the ever caring hands of the NT team. Watch out touge kakis, another contender has just been born!

p.s. With all the current automotive excursions and regular upgrades, I guess a little write up on the Silver Banana would be anything but uncalled for. Keep your eyes peeled on this site.

Northern Touge Mega Gathering

2009-05-08T18:41:00.005+08:00

Daniel and Soon were just sitting around chatting when Dan was struck with the idea of having a huge gathering of all touge kakis in Penang under the Northern Touge banner. A couple of SMS flew around and lo and behold. We had a mega gathering on our hands.
We all met up at the Balik Pulau Kassim, which we love coz got lotsa parking space, where friendly banter and chatter took place whilst more and more friends continued to arrive.
We managed to book 6 tables for all attendees and yet, our table was overflowing. We literally breached into the surrounding tables.
We did a little touge action and ended up at TB dam area where we cooled off to the excellent night breeze. Organizers Daniel and Soon can be seen laying back after the successful event.

Here are a couple of other members standing under the light having a chat and some automotive banter. There were many more in the shadows... You know us nocturnal types :P

Me Silver Banana posing with the most expensive touge car to date, a Merc CLS350.

Compliments to Patrick for this excellent shot of my Silver Banana with super bright HID backlighting. Thanks a lot for the great shots of our outing dude.

We concluded the evening's festivities with a cruise down to Gurney for a drink and off to bed we went!

Thanks a million to all the members that had showed up and for all that didn't... You missed out. Hah! But it's ok, there's always next time aye? You can be sure there'll be round 2, stick around.

Of new paths, Of late

2009-05-07T19:09:00.003+08:00

It's been a hectic transition and a fruitful one I'd say. I've been moving on to a new job, new people to work with, to get to know and to familiarize myself. New responsibilities, new adventures and misadventures. There's a whole lot of "new", with little familiarity, not even a sliver of complacence remains. But heck, nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

As such, my blog had laid to repose for ever such a long pause. To my dear readers, I assure you, tons of pics had been captured, moments laid in digital caches, and updates are imminent... So is death, I hear. Hence, I promise, the updates will be up soon.

Stay tiu-ned! Cheers all...

Project E30 - Complete

2009-04-23T10:13:00.003+08:00

Another trans-mogrified frankenstein (initially seen here) rolls out of RPM Autoworks, only to be unleashed on the streets of Penang. Seng's E30 SR20DET is complete and tests commenced yesterday. Good luck with the build and we don't hope to see you all too soon! :P

MR - Revisited

2009-04-23T09:42:00.005+08:00

I previously had a short stint in an MR-S (read here) around "congestion hour" (in Pg its 6-7p.m.) and thus I could only flavor its handling on very select occasions. However, this MR's owner called me up and told me he was getting some suspension parts replaced and a set of new dampers installed.

So I packed up my lunch and headed off to RPM and the install was nearly done, I got a few pics though :P TRD Sportivo shocks and springs yo!

And his little MR had got some huge new shoes. This white baby is now running on 18" staggered fitments. Upon completion, the owner told me that a test drive and review session by the Snappy one was warranted and who was I to refuse? We took off to the nearest hill and did a short run.

And of course, photo ops are never of short supply. I love Penang scenery.

Handling was fantastic, the TRD suspension set really gave the MR-S a whole new perspective. Plus this little car is really obedient and could be told whether to under or oversteer even mid-corner. Excellent!

I have to say though, that the ride was excellent save for the 18's kept scraping all round. I guess more is not always best ;)