Traqmate Video

TGRacing TRAQMATE from Vimeo.

For anyone who thinks they are a good driver, you NEED something like traqmate. Our friend Richard from http://www.traqmate.jp/ in Japan set up the Traqmate system for TG-Racing to use in their prelude. It has some cool features like G-Sensors, car information pickups and most importantly video.

This video shows a theoretical best lap of me at Japan's Ebisu Circuit in the TG-R Prelude.

First thing I have to work on is steering hand position and learn to be more confident and consistent. I had over 1.5hours of footage to check. It really opens your eyes.

Russ.

Testing

Todays test.

Some of you may know my clutch is giving me stress. Basically because I have no money to get it fixed after I replaced and upgraded almost every single component in the clutch system. And It is still exactly the same changing pedal feel and a changing pickup point.

Fidanza Flywheel Face
Exeddy Clutch Disk
Exeddy Clutch Cover
Runmax Stainless Clutch Line
Mazda Clutch Master Cylinder
Mazda Clutch Release Cylinder

Well I did some testing and I still have the same no idea. At cold its ok. After 5~10Klms it gets bad.
So I think I can rule out mechanical issues as the cold start is a good indication I think.

The pedal feel is inconsistent, which to me points to air in the clutch lines. Everytime the workshop changes something or even jsut bleeds the line, it works fine for a short time. Even when the clutch itself should still be warm. Pumping the pedal sometimes makes it worse. But usually just normal driving will eventually make it worse too.

So I have received some pointers, but they will have to wait as everthing really requires time which is money. See what happens and how I feel later in the month.

But todays drive just reconfirmed my symptoms and stress. haha. At least it looks good.

Russ.

GT-Roadster

Went to the DIY centre to get a few things for some stickers. And took a few shots.

Wasn't many people around. So it was easy to snap a few.

I'm liking the rear. It's a good match with the side stripe.

The rear overhand is nothing. hardly noticeable from most forward angles.

But get down low and you will see my horrendous fujitsubo exhaust. I don't know if they designed it to discolour like this but the interior weld marks are digusting. +2hp +2kg ??? Sounds quiet. Previous owners useless choice.

The sun was out.

So top is open or down. whichever you prefer to say.o

Still looking pretty good.

But say good bye to the gold wheels. because one of the things I bought was wheel paint... hehe.

NOPRO NC GT Update

NOPRO NCEC 2.3 Aero is now under development. The large fenders will be able to accommodate huge rubber legally. New Lip spoiler with raised corners looks good too.

Monday RAIN FAIL

I was planning a trip today. But driving on the touge with this weather in likely fog is not desirable.

To be re-scheduled.

Russ.

Crank it up~!

Wash and a little shoot to see how the car is looking. Only major thing left to do in my stage 2 plan is to paint those wheels Black.

I must admit the car is looking pretty sweet. I'm liking my sticker design. The wheels look ok with the yellow trucks in the background. A little colour does look good sometimes.

With the canards attatched, intentions are seen, but the rear diffuser remains a subtle item from the front quarted view.

It's not until you get around the side that the car starts to show the full effect. Subtle changes don't change the overall image but just make you wonder about the details.

I wish I could say that there was a 250Hp renesis or 2.3L in there. But unfortunately stock will do for this car.

The Nopro rear under spoiler shortens the rear of the car and with the roof off, sets a pretty cool image.

The fuel gauge is on "E" and the orange light is ON. With and bills to be paid, I'll have to wait for a bit of driving as paying road tolls and gas is not a priority at the moment.

26th may see some dust come off.

Russ.

I can 'ardly go anywhere.

I put the canards back on today. Doesn't take long. I'll do a small shoot tomorrow maybe.

I need to paint wheeels, need to paint wheels. I have had enough of cars. But I'll give mine one last go. I won't be driving much though because this month is full of bills and things. But I'll give it until the end of the year. After a vacation to see how I feel.

My cars just seem to sit out side my appartment as decorations.

Thats the reality. I haven't really driven my car (except to the workshop since the Seventh of July)

I need to drive somewhere.

Russ.

Failure and Success

Whats wrong with this picture? Well you can't really see it.

There is a miracle mark that happened magically. I had a big greasy circle. Obviously caused by someones bicycle's handlebars falling against the door. When I went to Corn's this morning they noticed it. But when I came home I found the offending bike With it's greasy handlebars but the owner didn't confess. Shite!

Anyway after the polish came out and the greasy spot dissappeared I am now left with a NEW PROBLEM to think about. ANOTHER DENT!

F&^)*&^(*&^(*&ING Cars and F(*&^$(*&%ING bicycles. I've just about had enough.

The left hand side of my car is a complete mess. The front fender dent is a result of a previous bicycle incident. And now the door is rippled. If i try to find some small bright story, it is at least this one is small enough for a paintless dent removal company, but it's a complete pain in the ass.

One Success.
It looks like my clutch may be on the mend. Last time I mentioned that I replaced the clutch master cylinder but it was actually the clutch release cylinder that I replaced. So today I replaced the clutch master cylinder. It seems to be working ok on my short drive home. But I'll take it for a drive later in the week.

I wasted a LOT of cash to find the real problem upgradeing the entire clutch in the process. I need to get better at communication in Japanese and read receipts and parts information correctly.

Let's hope the Clutch Master Cylinder doesn't fail again.

Leave you with the dent image. All the lines in this picture should be parrallel.

Russ