Odd goods

Tissue by Yamaha? Got this from a AE92 front clip at the shop. Don't know what it says, but I assume it's some sort of promotional item.

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More crime

Image via Wikipedia

I'm not sure what the hell is going on, but why is the shop taking in more heinous vehicles I don't know. Oh yeah I forget the economy. I guess they'll taking anything at this point. But as usual I swing by the shop to work on the Corona wagon. A few cars down there's an early Corolla, already equipped with a 4AGE, definitely a cool idea and something i'd like to do one day. Probably throw in the turbo motor. This one in particular came in running bad.

Hmm, could it be the way the computer is mounted? To my dismay this was one horribly rigged up car. I don't know who setup it up, nor do I want to know. I hope his excuse is that he's a Honda guy trying to get on the bandwagon?


To top it all off, the exhaust has a nice hole in it for an extra spoonful of oomph. He must be a Honda guy.

AE86 Tech #86-12: Taps/Chasers

Image via Wikipedia

It's not a tool used very often but it's nice to have. Kinda like insurance, you'll have the confidence you know your covered. There will be times that you'll run into a boogered up thread or need to clean out rust and junk in your threads. There will also be times that you'll be at the track and your set is at work. Because you didn't think you'll be running into that situation.


Here's a trick I learned a while back. It's not a 100%, but it might just save the day.

Take a file and a bolt with the correct thread needed for the job.


File perpendicular to the threads like so.


If you've got a dremel or air tool with a cut off wheel, your job has gotten just a little bit easier.

Now wasn't that easy? Do about 2-4 grooves. But don't be doing this on all your bolts and calling it your tap kit. It's always better to get the right tools for the job. Don't cut steak with a butter knife.


As ghetto as this may seem, even the next door neighbor mechanic event used it successfully. I should charge him a consultation fee.

Since those days i've already own a tap and die kit. But I actually still use these to chase out holes with dirt and other garabage in them. It actually works quite nicely. No sense in wasting a tap for just clean up.

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Replacement Battery

Jumper boxes are probably one of the best investments when working on cars. Besides jumping cars, i've used it to power air compressors, and use it as a 12v source to test ecus and other electronics. I've had mine for a number of years and it's served me well. When it was time to replace, instead of buying a new one, I decided to look for a replacement battery. But the price on just a replacement was almost the same as buying a new one. But me being the frugal person, I looked elsewhere.


Found comparable battery at batterymart.com at half the price. I don't know how good it's going to be, or even how long it will last. Only time will tell, but for the price you can't knock it.

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Another interesting swap

Late model Toyota 3.4L into an early model 4Runner aka HiLux Surf. Yeah the one with the removeable rear cap. Just doing little odds and ends so it will be ready to run. Wiring wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Being some of these trucks came with the 3.0L motor, which is POS, it's definitely a good upgrade in power and gas mileage. And if you're ultra baller they'll opt for the TRD supercharger.


Seeing this 'Runner makes me wish I still had mine. But I would be torn between doing 3.4L or the 2.4L diesel. Unfortunately, the diesel is not an engine imported here in the states, but it's still available through importers. But i'd say diesel, because power is nothing without some grease from Mickey D's

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Just noticed

Of all the years i've been to Willow Springs International Raceway, this was the first time I noticed this crank. Looks it's been hear for a while. I wonder what's the engine it came from?

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Paint at the Depot

Image via Wikipedia

One thing I like about a simple paint jobs, is that when the car gets damaged, it's an easy fix. And my car, like many other who do battle on the asphalt does have it's share of damage.

From this


To this.

Now for the other side.






While I was picking up paint at the home depot, I decided to pick up some grape. Grape paint that is. Maybe I'll do a purple panda.


Here's a test of what it may look like. I think it needs to be a darker shade. Better go back to the depot and see what else they have.

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Off Topic

Why is Kat hatin' on silver cars? Visit her blog and ask.

But I just wanted to an excuse to put a picture of my car all nice and clean.

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March Field Air Museum

I notice the museum on my way to Inland Drift. Since I wasn't planning to be drifting all day I made a detour on my way home. Since I was already in the area, I might as well take advantage.


The museum itself is housed in a few hangers joined together, housing military artifacts from both sides of the many wars we learned about in history class. Though the cool stuff was outside baking in the hot hot sun.

I've seen some of these planes back when I used to attend the air shows when I lived on military bases, watching the acrobatic flying of the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.


Stepping outside to the aircraft parking lot I was drawn towards the bombers. Never really seen one up close and they are definitely a site to see. Since they pretty much tower over anything else. Here is the inside one of 2 bomb bays in the B-52. Without a reference it's difficult to gauge the size of the bay.


The wingspan creates a lot of shade from the sun. Notice the bench seat near the end of the wing.


SR-71 Blackbird looking very menacing. Or could this be Jetfire laying in wait to be awaken again?


B-29 Superfortress hiding between 2 F-4 Phantoms


Cobra gunship don't piss this guy off.


A-4 Skyhawk in Aggressor Squandron colors. Holy shit, it's Viper!

It was alot of walking, but definitely worth it. Even in 100+ heat. But if you like aircraft that can kill please visit their site for more info.

View the rest of the photos here.

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Next Generation (its' not Star Trek)

Photo by UNLV @ Club4AG

Looking through the photos of AE86 nights track day was like a flashback


It reminded me of the old days. When Corollas ruled Group C.

It's good to see the next generation of Corolla drivers.

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Red Sun

All the smoke from the fires makes for a pretty picture. Be safe out there.

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