GT-Roadster: June 2008

What is a Hachi Roku doing on my Roadster Blog?

Well today I went to Nikko Circuit with my friends from Newera and a bunch of others.

It turns out the Roadster is a fantastic camera car. I took a few shot's of Dai-san's AE86 on the way. After we fixed a flat tyre. grrr.

A short stop at the tyre place allowed time a nice shot before we headed to the circuit.

First up I rode in Miguel's AE86. A few off track excursions means he's trying very hard.

Dai san's fast handbrake entry to corners looks cool.

But Andy from Power Vehicles stole the show. So much smoke from his TO4Z equipped Chaser the full length of Nikko circuit.

After a great day at the track, I headed the 30klms to Nikko along the 119 and the 120 Up to lake Chuzenji. But the rain started to come so my pics were not as I hoped.

I like all the Cedar trees beside the road on the 120. I headed to Nikko centre near the river.
In Nikko Centre, opposite the famous temple. There's a nice spot for a quick pic on a rainy afternoon.

On the way Up Iro Hazzaka it started to get a bit misty, got the car a bit sideways, etting the feel for it. But not much attack due to the wet roads. Ohlins give lots of feed back on these smooth Japanese roads.

This shot in the tunnel near the top was kind of surreal. Something like a movie with all the mist around.
Once at the top I parked up beside Lake Chuzenji. It's a really nice spot for a photo or two. I took plenty here.
BUT unfortunately, there is usually a nice mountain and lake view in the background. But the mist and fog coverred everthing. It still turned out nice though. Maybe it was Andy's drift smoke.?!

Just to prove there is water nearby my photo location.

Ok time for a little attack. I slowed in two places for a couple of pics, but the downhill section of Iro Hazakka is an experience. The roadster handled it very well. Much better than my first fd.

Towards the bottom the road and weather started to clear again.
I know I'm close to home when I see this at Kasai-Rikai Park.

The meter now reads as follows. A nice little day's outing.

And the car handled it all without a hitch. I'm getting to know the bits and pieces. But I'm sure I'll learn more as I go.

Russ.

Finally some sun came out. Not too brightly though.

AWD dash panel... Very shiny with the flash on the camera!

Russ.

I am waiting for the rain to stop so I can take some good pics.

Russ.

A friend of mine gave me an new roadster phone strap that he had lying around. (Thanks Dino!) Of course I couldn't leave it red, so it received some modification including bigger wheels and a new paint job.

So now my Roadster Key is unmistakably mine. I guess I could have modified it to be an RHT version but thats just going too far. :p

Russ.

The Advan RGII Suit the car well. They are only 17" but they still have a bit of a dish to the design. The RHT version has some nice features including the chrome grille surround, chrome lights and door handle covers as standard items. You can notice the clear side indicators in this pic too.

The interior is nicely prepared. The AWD dash surround is offset with the Blitz throttle controller. I have some more AWD aluminium dials and plates in a box, but they will not be installed. I'll sell them when I have the chance.

In the bottom picture you can see the Nardi Punched Leather Classic Wheel with grey stitching matched to its Works Bell Boss. The AWD Dash and the Kenwood audio in the background. Metal pedals are also visible.

Russ.

Mazda
Roadster
Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT)
2008 NCEC-251594
5 Speed Base Model

Body Colour : 32S Galaxy Grey

MG One Body Coating.

1655 Klms from Auction.
1700 on Delivery from Newera Imports.
currently just over 6000 klms

Mazda Options:

Floor Mats

Rear Trunk Mat.

Exterior Options Standard on RHT:

RHT Chrome Head Light Option

RHT Chrome Front Grille Surround
RHT Chrome Door Handle Set

Non Standard Options.

Mazda Leather Steering Wheel (replaced)
Mazda Leather Brake lever
Mazda Alloy Pedal Covers

Exterior:
M'z tune Front Lip Spoiler (painted)

Integral Kobe Jet's Master Spec Carbon Front Canards

Craft Square TC-F NCEC Carbon/Aluminium GT Mirrors

Tuckin99 Front Number Stay

Mazda Clear Indicator Lenses

Footwork:

Mazda OEM Roadster "RS" Grade LSD (Limited Slip Differential)
Ohlins DFV Adjustable Coilovers.
NOPRO Short Stabilser Links.

Project Mu brake pads.

Wheels and Tyres:
Advan Racing RG II 17x7.5 +45
Yokohama S drive tyres 205/45/17 .

Engine:
Fidanza Flywheel
Fujitsubo Legalis R Exhaust

HKS Super Hybrid Air Filter Element.

DC Shoes Wrist Bands - Master/Power Reservoir Covers

Electronics.
Blitz Throttle Controller.

Interior:
Nardi Classic 340mm〔N344〕 Black Spoke Punched Leather Grey X Stitch Steering Wheel
Works Bell Rapfix II Boss Black
Kenwood CD Reciever E323

AWD Alloy Full Dash Panel Kit ( Vent rings and AC rings not installed )

Welcome to GT-Roadster. This blog is for lovers of the NC roadster and Grand Touring.

My name is Russ and I am based in Japan. As of this day, I am driving a 2008 Mazda PRHT Roadster with a few mods. I previously owned an NA6 MX5 in Australia which I loved for it's chuckability and no fuss style.

I am based in Tokyo and I like cruising around in the mountains. I have met a club and group in Japan called R16. They have introduced me to some great roads and are a great source of modification experience.

I'll also be tagging along to some Japanese meetings and providing some info on Japanese NC tuning options.

Enjoy GT-Roadster.

Russ.