Nopro Stabi-Links & Stuff

What's Today's Blog Story ....

A lowered Roadster half done is really not much fun. bumby bumpy harsh ride. Reason the stabiliser is twisted fully all the time and therefore allows Zero compliance.

I ordered some NOPRO Short Stabiliser links and man.... for a small thing they make a huge, HugE, HUGE difference. D.I.Y Installation took me a little while as I also took the opportunity to lower the suspension another 10mm at the reat and about 7 at the front.

It's low. But now I have a full range of stabiliser bar movement and the ride is much more comfortable. Around town it doesn't bump around at the rear anymore. I still need to adjust my ohlins for damping, but I need a few nice corners to sort those out.

I was doing the install at my friends place. He just got his FD back from Knight Sports. The single Knight Sports Turbo setup is making 431 bhp @ the wheels @ 1.1 bar. Bye bye RE-01s! Miguel also installed some LED rear lights today.

While I was there I noticed an old yellow faded GT wing lying around. I couldn't resist sticking it on the back of the car. I only had my phone camera so the pics are crap, but you get the idea.

This one was just simply way way way way too big for the roadster. I would never fit one anyway, but I had to check it out. Onto more interesting stuff.

I also noticed Dai-san was cleaning something.... It was only THE twin turbo veilside Z from Fast and Furious III - Tokyo Drift. This one's sold to a lucky customer. And is the last but 1 RX8 of 18 ff cars my friend aquired after the shooting.

This paint scheme got me thinking more about graphics. So I wanted to try something.

Stupid idea really. I went and bought a roll of electrical tape for $1.00 I added some TEMPORARY stripes to the roadster. I took them off already but I may re-add them on sunday when I go cruising with the R16 guys. I also tried some headlight eyebrows, but i wasn't happy with the silver tape I had. I'll try again.

Anyway, I'm very happy with the NOPRO links and the low Ohlins DFV setting.

Russ.

Mirra Costa

I live not far from Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu and the Mirra Costa hotel always provides a nice backdrop for some pics. It was a dark old day, so the top was up, but I still got a couple of nice shots.

I only used my small Canon IXY 1025is camera which gives a bit different appearance to what Dino got with the Canon 1ds and a nice wide lens when shooting my old car on a nice sunny day.

Light Tune

Headlight tune that is.

I got this idea from the Joyfast NC. It seemed like a good thing. The original orange looking lights are a bit ugly. To brighten up the front and match the main lights. I went to autobacs and used my loyalty points (567 yen) so I got them for free.

I got some Raybrig R130 T10 Platinum White 12V 5W （プラチナホワイト）They have a blue tint on the outside but the result is a pure white light.

When installed they give a bright white light. for a tuned look. I'll be adding some eyelines soon so that will help accentuate the look.

Russ.

Super Autobacs Damage

BEWARE! Low cars and Super Autobacs Tokyo Bay Parking don't mix. Going over the top of the ramp I didn't realize it was such a steep angle. Other cars have hit this before and ripped it up.

CAAAAAARRRRUUUUUUNNNCH CARRRRUUUUNNNCHHHHH.

I think the underside X bar used to be flat. I think it may be time to upgrade to a Laile or HKS Kansai item which are much stronger. Planning to lower the car more next week so it might be a good idea. Meanwhile the hammer may get a workout.

Russ.

GT-Roadster Phase 1

Plan is coming together for the Phase 1 exterior changes.
Simple as they are, they will bring a big change with a touch of carbon.

1. Tuckin 99 Offset Number Plate Stay.

This one is chosen for flexibility in repositioning the plate. Simple design you "could" make yourself. I want the plate on the right (drivers) side not to cover the air intake ducting and keep it away from future tow hook for the track.

2. Charge Speed Carbon Eyeline Or Burnout KD-X(ten) KD-IV Carbon Eyeline.

These I am still undecided. I like the design of the Burnout one more but I am not sure it will match the angle of the canards so the ChargeSpeed may be more suitable. From looking at other cars, they certainly add a little attitude to the front.

3. Integral Kobe Jet's Master Spec Front Canards - Carbon.

Now I am not sure how much downforce is added by these. I just want them to take off some of the roundness of the front. I will eventually add a lip spoiler but still waiting for a nice design.

4. Craft Square Mirrors TC-F Mirrors.

These are a must have for me. Brilliant on my FD and the big heavy ugly NC mirrors have to go.

I don't ever adjust the mirrors so there is no loss in usability.

I also want to paint/tint my wheels to bronze.

Russ.

Tsukuba Drive

Last minute plan to get out of the city for a day. Destination Mt Tsukuba.
First run up to the Tsukuba Skyline is marked with some small speed bumps to prevent drift and touge running. The ohlins don't like these at all.
Nice day for some open top running. Nice views over Ibaraki.
Parking area was full of Rx8, MR2, the odd lotus Exige, M3 and a few others. Sunday is not the best. It's a bit crowded but the odd Roadster was out and about. I saw about 10 throughout the day.
I like the fat arse of the <>.

Cruised up the loop to the ropeway.

Then back down the same return route to the to return home.
On the way back I took the 355 route across to Itako but a very boring drive. The return trip on the Higashi Kanto was more interesting with a couple of GT-Rs blasting past and the big jets across the road near Narita airport.
Stopped for some refreshment late in the afternoon and the Roadster looked good in the carpark so a quick picture, but it looked a bit dirty.
So a final clean at the car wash, has everything shining again.

A nice day out.

GT-Roadster Hot Tomica Ver.II

GT-Roadster modified Tomica and Hot wheels Version II and Version I upgrades.
Version I now has a rear diffuser with centre exit exhaust. Chassis is also more secure. for version II, I re-used the Tomica chassis and simply replaced the axles and wheels. Less modification required.
Version II was combined with parts from a Hot wheels Subaru Imprezza. The Advan Krutzer style wheels work well and the Subaru seats look like esculeto. I don't think I will modifiy any more of these though.

I do have the WRC rear spoiler though... hmmm....

Russ.

Vinyl Time

Tach Camo in Galaxy Grey and Bronze.Simple Bronze striping similar to 360 Modena.Keltic Tattoo on the Galaxy grey looks good.
Galaxy Grey Checker and then some.My favourite is actually theis Death machine. Red flames fuming through the skeleton holding a mazda badge steering wheel.
Nothing like some supercharged V8 action.
Blue Wave with purple accent. Yellow and Green Red stripes. Black rims.

A little eco-friendly turbo action. note the bonnet scoop on this guy.

Some more drag inspired goodies with supercharged loveliness.
Finally the blue lightening job is pretty nomal. Blue wheels set it off though.

When I have some free time at work. the odd 10 mins can go a long way to creating some craziness.

Russ

R16 Australia

Matt is at it again. This time with some nice Aussie pics. Australian Light is soo bright.

I like Australian Number plates RD57ER, The thin Nne South Wales plates are cool.

Proudly wearing a R16 Sticker. Now we shall just have to get him to Japan for some real R16 action.

Russ.