Orange Spot: July 2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

Joji's KP61

Or at least it was owned by Joji way back when. Last time I saw this car was probably around 2000. It's changed hands a few times over the years according to it's new owner. But at least it's still on the road and being driven, looking quite decent. Most times cars just seem to disappear off the face of the planet or live out a horrible life of being stripped of it's dignity.

Back in it's show car days, this was the cleanest Toyota Starlets I ever saw. This is what it looked liked. Cute don't you think?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tekken 3d

Image via WikipediaWay back when I used go to the local arcade and play Tekken. It's been a while since I played the game. But when I heard a 3D movie was coming out for a one nite showing, I knew I must watch. Have to say I wasn't disappointed. The 3D wasn't the best but not completely terrible. The storyline was o.k. but was a tad confusing if you're not up to date with the latest Tekken sequels. It had it's moments, but of course you need to wait til the last 30 minutes of the movie the to see the battle royale. But the CG itself was superb, hence why I enjoyed watching start to finish.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Fixing the EGR

One of the problems, with ol' slow n dirty, was the NOx levels were on the high side. The problem may mean the egr wasn't functioning at it's fullest. 1st test was to pull vacuum on the egr valve itself. If it has a poor idle characteristics then it's functioning correctly, check. Next is to check the vacuum modulator to see if it's functioning correctly. Refering to the service manual for this one. Lastly cleaning of the EGR pipes and valve.

This ended up taking longer than expected. The EGR bolt broke and I ended up removing the exhaust manifold to remove the bad bolt. Luckily I had a spare bolt in the back, ~~accumulating~~ hoarding parts for these cars over the years is finally starting to pay off.

Hopefully all the sweat today, will pay off with a pass grade at the smog station.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Hittin' switches J style

Toyota crown, in the land down under (Australia), on hydraulics. Usually these are reserved for old american iron, it's interesting to see it on a japanese car. I wonder if anyone else does stuff like this to their toyotas?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Found only one

Rare Japan part from Noby Booth. Never seen another one like it. Probably never will. Looks like something from Home Depot motorsports.

Monday, July 18, 2011

It's that time again.

Took the car for smog. Didn't pass the test. It's getting tougher and tougher each passing year. But I refuse to give up the car. Back to the lab and figure out what's wrong with it.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A party for J. Mac

Good friend and old corolla buddy Jony M. is getting married this weekend, during the ~~carpocalypse~~ carmageddon no less. But before that happens, a must was party held in his honor to celebrate that last few days of being single before stepping up to the responsibilities of married life.

So you may think boobs and beer will be the order of the day. Not quite for a bunch gear heads, let's get on some tarmac and battle it out in Torrance. So a small private competition was held at K1 Speed, with some electric go karts. Never drove electric go karts before so it was definitely and interesting experience. Though I really was terrible at it, I must say i'm hooked on it. And must return another day whenever I need to fulfill my need for some turns and tarmac.

After some fierce competition, we were all quite spent. So Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles was in order. And it was very good, actually too good. Stuffed myself so much I started to suffer from food coma and was barely functioning. But yet there was one more to stop left.

Karaoke time, dunno why, can't sing and have no rythm. But there was sake in these little bottles to round out the day. Lots of fun after that.

A day well spent for an awesome guy. Congratulations to Jony and his soon to be wife Athena.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Adam Carolla and 3 other guys

Since Adam's demise at Top Gear USA, he has gone on to host another car show, called The Car Show (that took alot of thought). I wanted to check out the show, so I attended one of the taping sessions this past weekend,to see what this has to offer. Let me tell you, don't expect Top Gear from this show. The show comes in on a different tangent and right up in your face. Very different and very raw. But then it kinda reminds me a car version of The View. But i'd rather watch this show. Leaving know no stone unturned the show let's the audience their true feelings in the automotive world. Adams potty mouth even takes a wack at the Corolla GTS. If you're a gear head or have any interest in cars and have an open mind, it's a show worth checking out. If you're thinking out side the bun, this show maybe for you. Check it out July 13th on Speed. At least they're starting to have more car related shows, instead of cooking and talent shows WTH?!