Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tekken 3d

Paper glasses for viewing Anaglyphs.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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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?!
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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Gettin' air



I think they have this at 24 hours of lemons. I think the MR2 would be great at it.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Last year

Made romp down to Los Angeles Convention Center to attend the Anime Expo

Got my groove on at All Star Bash at Streets of Willow


This year I worked at the shop.  Very hot, no fun.
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Friday, July 1, 2011

Beat the heat.



It's gonna be a hot one down in socal, gonna pick up some watermelon for later. Happy 4th of July and be safe out there.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Kombi stance



Tired of the slammed stance of the JDM cars, need to be unique and try something new?  The next possible trend to come from the land of the rising sun.  Slammed volkwagen vans, hippie vans for those who grew up or knew of that era.  But would it still be considered JDM or GDM?
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Monday, June 27, 2011

Used electronics

When it comes to buying used parts, people should take caution.  Most of the time it's basic parts that don't really go bad.  But when it comes to electronic devices, there have been times that i've installed them and they end up being junk. 

Now i'm back redoing a setup for a car cause the above ecu was bad from the get go.  Unfortunately, the owner is serving our country and can't get a hold of the seller of the item.  It really sucks for buyer who spends hard earned cash to purchase something that ends up being an expensive paper weight.


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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Gymkhanna MR2



I really like this mr2.  Moves with quickness and finesse of a water strider.  Simply a beautiful piece of work. Though the driver needs to work on his finishing move at the end.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

AE86 Tech #86-22: Like Boxer engine

For some of us who like to use aftermarket spark plug wires may have experienced this at one point or another.  Spark plug wires slipping off the cap.  The way you can tell is when it starts to sound like the distinctive boxer engine of Subaru.  Unfortunately, it doesn't include the power.  Zip tie the leads, before a romp on your favorite piece of tarmac, is a must.  Though I wonder when the FT-86 arrives on our shores will it sound like a WRX.  If it does, at least you know you can make your AE86 sound like an FT-86 by disconnecting a spark plug lead. 
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Friday, June 17, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

RWD Meet


I don't know who may even remember this meet, since it was small.  A few years back, it was all about Honda, drag racing, and shows.  A small number of rwd enthusiasts decided to make a meet dedicated to import rwd cars.  It was mainly Toyotas with a sprinkle of Nissan.  I found a couple pics I took at the event.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Aiming for the top

When I first got my Corolla, canyon runs were quite the norm.  But then initial D began seeping into America.  Then all these chinese kids started showing up and crashing.  Cause the first bootleg copies were subbed in chinese.  Then I left and my dream of becoming king was left on the mountain.  But then I discovered track days.  It's much safer.
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Like a Smart car



But way cooler.



For those who are curious on what it is. Daihatsu Midget II. That name would never fly in america.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

OMG



I always thought the most boro drift cars were in So Cal. But then Japan seems to always step up their game. I wonder who's gonna step up to plate and beat that.

This a Toyota Carina AA63. With a 4AGE turbo, with a very interesting blow off valve.
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Friday, June 3, 2011

Love from Japan

It's nice to have a relative from Japan.  Every once in awhile, she sends the family a care package with nice goodies.

Though she never forgets her roots.  mmm the mango.

Even with the disastrous events a few months back, she is still in good spirits.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Yard hopping: not again.


 I never really like going to the yard much, but when you need parts, it was now a must.  And it seems i've been on a binge for a few weekends.  So this past weekend, I stopped by the Pick a Part on Katella ave. in the city of Stanton.

Friday, May 27, 2011

V12 hotness



It was cool until I saw this big cat on the hood. If it were me, i'd put an aztec queen on the hood. That's how you do it.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Counter steer

I notice everyone in the bay knows how to countersteer.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Star Wars & bicycle drift



I have no clue what the introduction is all about, but it had the Star Wars theme and had to watch it.
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Junkyard hopping: Rapture edition

The day after rapture, I went to the yard.  Found this guy hiding from the rapture.  No corollas were found, I must be in hell.
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Monday, May 23, 2011

AE86 Tech #86-21: A Cheater's Roll center

As I continue my quest to finish the 7.5in project.  I came across a way to modify the roll center.  Usually there's the weld on pieces from manufacturers like Cusco.  If you race on a competitive basis, usually the sanctioning body rules disallow any changes to the suspension points of the vehicle.  But what if we skirt under the radar.


Sunday, May 22, 2011

Silly pet tricks



Can't even get the neighborhood cat to do that.

Friday, May 20, 2011

A day at the pool





Reminds me of a school of fish swimming in a pool. May be an angry school of fish.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Exploring the Bay

I've been up to the Bay area few times, but this is the first time I decided to stop and smell the salty fresh air.  My first time in the bay was when I was in a ROTC shooting competition at the Presidio, that's so long ago.  Unfortunately, we were restricted on base and couldn't get out to explore.  Other recent times I've been here, was for either participating track days or watching the races.  Once it was over I immediately headed home.  Since I was here for a friend's wedding, I made it a point to take in the sites.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A Wedding Gift


Your friend who's a Corolla guy, is getting married.  What do you give the newlyweds?  TRD shifter, Japanese bumpers, or maybe some new Volk TE37Vs, the new wife may not approve.  Since they're Chinese and you're cheap, what's more correct than 86.00 dollars in cash.  Too bad I couldn't find 1985 circulation currency.  Congratulations to Andrew (86Fever) and his new wife Cynthia on their marriage.


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Thursday, May 12, 2011

LPG tanks



Cause recycling old LPG tanks makes the world a better place.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Junkyard Hybrid

Even though the Lexus SC was available with a V8 engine.  Someone decided it wasn't enough and decided to drop a Ford 5.0 power plant.  Is this another shop vying for Formula D glory?  Obviously it failed since it's now at the yard.
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Suislide Girls Drift

 
After some wholesome break in time at the dyno.  It was time really test Barney and it's cleaner emitting tune.  Signed up the the Suislide Girls drift event at the balcony at Willow Springs Raceway.  It's cheap, low number entries and there's girls.  But they didn't have any tattoos as far i'm aware of, but they do like to drift.


Monday, May 2, 2011

Junkyard Concept Car

Can you guess what kind of car this is?  Definitely taking the Fast and Furious Route.