Cosworth Supercharger - Unadvertising.

This is the funniest product. I thought advertising was to sell and promote a product, not put people off. Install it for over $6000 by the time you include other required products. But don't use it on the road, use it only on the track, But don't drive hard. It will cause engine damage.

http://www.cosworthusa.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=51&idproduct=363

All these disclaimers have come about due to a series of engine failures.

System requirements:

-Installation time 12-14 hours depending on skill
level.
-A lap top (PC) along with basic computer skills is required for ECU
re-flash.
-Must use at least premium 91 octane (R+M)/2 fuel.

Precautions:
The Cosworth MX5 Supercharger system is currently
available for vehicles sold only in North America. Using
this product on vehicles sold in other regions is not recommended.
-Not for use on vehicles with automatic
transmissions
-For off-road racing use only.
-Do not drive at sustained high speeds. Engine damage may occur.
-Not for
sale or use on pollution controlled motor vehicles sold in the state of
California.
-Excessive boost
pressure will cause engine failure.
-Repeated activation of the RPM limited will cause engine
damage.
"I thought RPM limiter was to prevent
engine damage."Russ
The car should be
driven by shifting the transmission below 6500 RPMs.
"Ok So thats why the RPM limit of 7000 will damage
the engine."Russ
-Your car must be
equipped with an oil cooler.
Do not install the supercharger kit unless your
car has an oil cooler. Engine damage will occur.
-Cosworth Supercharger kits are designed for engines in good mechanical
condition only. Installation on high mileage or damaged
engines is not recommended and may result in engine
failure, in which we are not responsible.
Cosworth is not responsible for the engine or consequential
damages.

-Superchargers add tremendous stress
and wear to your engine and may cause engine failure or damage. Cosworth is not responsible for engine, vehicle or any other
subsequent damage.

-If you are considering purchasing this system
and have questions, please contact Cosworth at sales@cosworth.com

So OK... I don't think I will. I would talk to http://thebluemeany.blogspot.com/

Russ.

NC 5MT Clutch Options

When it comes to 5speed NC Roadster clutches, It seems there are only a few options.

Exeddy Copper Ultra, Exeddy S Metal, ACT and Normal.

With the Fidanza lightweight flywheel the previous owner fitted, it seems the clutch is obviously going to be working harder to catch the less inertia and faster spinning of the clutch system. So replacing the standard item that failed with the same thing is simply rediculous. (not recommended)

Next choice is the ACT clutch set from the USA. I am in Japan (strike this option even with help from friends.)

So the only other manufacturer making a 5MT clutch upgrade is EXeddy.

So only one decision left, EXeddy Ultra Disk OR S-Metal 3 Puck. As I am not a 100% circuit runner, the S-Metal clutch is out as the car still needs to e streetable. From what others have said, EXeddy Ultra Disk Copper clutch has 30% more copper and when combined with the 40% stronger clutch cover it's still usable on the street and can handle the odd track day too.

So, I have booked my car for it's new clutch because there are other factors at play. Like in Japan and Time. When replacing something like, I think it's good to do it properly which leads me to the last dilemma.

The Fidanza flywheel. This thing is light Yippee but what is the condition going to be like when it comes from the car. I will start again fresh and replace the Fidanza flywheel face, (because it's cheap enough anyway.) then everything is new and should prove trouble free hopefully for a long, long time. My car only has 13000klms but this was all in Highway, Traffic and Touge with a touch of Circuit.

Whilst everyone in the USA raves out Fidanza, I would only recommend it with a Clutch Upgrade. It obviously didn't like Tokyo Traffic or hard use with the normal clutch.

So I have bitten the bullet and started progress on the following

Exeddy Ultra Disk 30%up

Exeddy Clutch Cover 30% more force

Fidanza Face replacement.

RunMax Stainless Clutch Line for reliability.

Of course bearings.

Master cylinder is already new.

Price... Ouch. Hard saving from now. Cars SUCK! I'd also recommend a different hobby.

Don't give your kids small toy cars. Give them a golf set or something.

Thanks to Carmake Corns, Nopro and Goodwin Racing for advice.

In Japan, it's difficult to just call someone.

Russ.

Bonnet Graphic

Ok, Graphics are all finished. I must say they are probably not professional level, But to me they are pretty damn good.

Total time for the total set.... 10~12 hrs I guess. Basically because I don't have the correct area to do this stuff. Compromise for work enviroment is a low back breaking coffee table and some floor area.

But compared to something you would buy for around $500 its pretty good. I just hope I don't stuff up the application...

Weather depending... this weekend looks GO for application. I may go to a carpark somewhere out of the wind.... hmmm. Super autobacs...? Everyone else does.

Russ.

Graphics

Just when I thought I was finished cutting stickers.
I thought, the bonnet would look cool if i highlight the hump.
I don't know if the NR-Spec AND GT-ROADSTER will go on. or Just the NR-SPEC
I guess I shouldn't be lazy and put the same NR-Spec AND GT-ROADSTER on it.
Any votes?
Russ.

Helmet and Suit and Stickers

More stickers. Getting near the end...should finish them today. Application will start soon.
I am debating where to paint the rear diffuser. My balcony is not really cut out for it.
But a drop sheet may work well.

I ordered my suit and helmet before I needed cash. I am entering an endurance race, but these will also help me get back on tracks again without borrowing gear. Arai GP5W-Peak and my OMP trend 2 FIA suit. Now... whats my design for the helmet going to be.... I have many designs in my brain (now they will be protected).

Russ.

Final Design & Stuff

Final design. I can't wait to get my diffuser and stickers on. I'll re-attach the canards also.
It's going to look so tough.

I'm slowly cutting out my sticker designs. Some of them are too small. I should buy a machine.

But as you know in previous posts, the clutch in my car is not great so money has become very tight. Things are progressing slowly. I have just bought a helmet and race suit before this happened.

I have to save for a 5-Speed EXeddy clutch. I'm not sure whether to go for the 3 puck S-Metal disk which is going to withstand my driving but be a little more leg pressure, or the ultra disk which is just a slight upgrade and feels the same.

I have also been thinking about other cheap mods, but I think venting the hood will be one that falls into the NOWHERE to work on my car category.

I saw these awesome louvres on Miata.net. Hmmm.

Russ.

Sticker Design & Cut

Today's plan was just to get the design ready for the stickers. My printer wasn't playing ball, so I had to splice a number of a4 sheets together. Not Fun.

These are a rough layout of what I thought might look good. Practically though some of the designs are too intricate. See what happens later.

Anyway, the reverse side came along quickly with a bit of photocopy action and swap the NR-SPEC logo to the other end.

I finished quickly so I sat down and cut out the first one. One more to go then a lot of small stickers... Grrr.

Maybe the sticker cutter is worth it. But hey. I can say "I made em."

Russ.

NR-SPEC Parts Arrived

My NOPRO Rear Under Spoiler arrived today.
I didn't get the instructions with my diffuser so I'm just waiting a copy.

This is all I need + some semi gloss black paint and I'm good to go.

ps... Clutch is still not perfect... Hmm, Clutch cover??? Toda has a Clutch and cover for about 500 clams IF thats what's wrong.

Russ.

NR-SPEC

GT-Roadster NR-SPEC is here. The plan has come together. I picked up a Nopro rear diffusser very cheaply that should arrive on Sunday. I spent a couple of hours working out the final design for the side graphics and got the vinyl waiting ready to go. All I need is a few cans of matt / semi gloss black. and its all ready.

Check progress over the next few weeks.

Russ.

Clutch Cylinder

The last thing I need right now is major car drama. I thought I'd left that all behind when I sold the FD.

Anyway. I got the master cylinder replaced. and the result...

As yet undecided. I need a long drive, but the feel is far from what I'd call consistent. Sometimes it's all there and sometimes not so great. Contact and engagement is fine. It's just the feel of the actual pedal....

I'm still leaning toward the idea that there is a leaky manifold or exhaust gasket cause it's terribly hot under bonnet.

Wait and see. I guess. a little time may tell the true story. But for now, hammer down!

Advan F15

Now this really is dreaming. These things are expensive. Forged Advan F15s are nowhere near as cheap as Rays. But the matt black on these looks insane. Recently I looking for sponsors. HAHA.


This BMW had similar 15 spoke wheels although not nearly as sexily curved. Probably OZ made. I'm dreaming in semi gloss black at the moment.

Russ.

Tsukuba 7's Day

Today I headed up to Tsukuba to check out the RX Wars at Tsukuba.

It was a great morning. Here is Suenaga laying down the first set of lines on the tracks surface.
For more head over to RE-Xtreme.

Russ.

Small Plan

Small plans are all I can afford these days. I still haven't got around to painting the wheels semi-gloss black. But it's on the cards very soon. I am going to sticker the side with a line similar to the RS Factory STAGE car in black and continue this hopefully to a Nopro diffusser. This is the cheapest way I can completely change the look of the car, without spending much cash.

The end result should be pretty cool. Then the roadster is almost finished. Realistically Seats and Harness is all thats left. As much as I'd love 18" wheels. That ain't gonna happen anytime soon. Financial crisis you know.

It's also unlikely the dent in my fender will be fixed either. I'll wait to source a grey replacemnt from yahoo auctions when they pop up.

Russ.

Clutch Time II?

What is wrong with my clutch...part II ????

No one knows.

My trip to Mazda resulted in a big "Wakaranai". = I don't understand.

However, they checked and found no exhaust manifold leak.
They recommended replace the clutch cylinder and release.
OK I might do this cause in Japan it's only $70.

But after that I drove around for about 40 mins and its relatively OK. Pedal was fine in normal traffic. But occasionally feels a little "off"

So what to do... Hmmm.

I don't have any spare cash at the moment so big purchases are out.

Just wait till it fails completely...??

I'd like to make a trip to another tuner. But they are all so far away.
D-Technique and NOPRO are a good 1 hr away.

The small shop CB365 with NR-A cars around the corner from my house closed down. :(

Clutch time?

What is wrong with my clutch...

Cool is OK.
I drove to the local workshop corns, but it wasn't playing up.
I drove home. Nothing. ...
I went a bit further... Ahh there she blows.... not much pedal feel.

The super friendly guys at corns bled the air from the clutch line and started looking for the answer.

Maybe clutch cover... Looking a bit further... Maybe a small leak in the exhaust manifold. Pumps hot air onto the clutch line, get's hot and subsequently bad performance.

On their recommendation, I'm going into the dealer again tomorrow morning to get it checked out.

Cross my fingers, no money involved.

Russ.