AE86 Drift comp: Barely making it

At the last post, we last heard of our hero's computer crapping out on him. Still unknown what may have caused the problem. Luckily, I still had my old HKS piggyback system in the back. So in it went. Since it was a plug and play system, it should be and open and shut case. Wrong, once I got it up and running it really ran crappy. Now I was debating if i should swap the suspension and LSD into the stock car or bring the purple yam out to the event and see if i can figure this one out. As most who have attended the event, I chose the latter.

The car was like this for most of the morning

Unfortuantely, all morning I was trying figure out what was going on with the car. Running pig rich and sputtering all over place. Barely making any usable power. Fortunately some advice for good friends helped me figure out most of the issues. Enough that it was decent to drive, so instead of throwing in the towel, I prepared for battle.

The car wasn't it's best, I needed to keep clutch kicking/ feathering the clutch just to keep the car in the upper rpms and away from the rpm dead spot. It's like i'm driving an n/a 4ag. But it's all good, cause it just motivates to adapt and try harder, reason why I like corolla.

Anyways I was able to qualify. But was taken out in the first round. The SR powered corolla just walked all over me. But it wasn't because of that I lost. It was because I choked.

Anyways since I'm out let's check out some highlights


I think she should be the new spokesmodel for Red Bull.

Let's meet the judges for this event.


Taka A. : Corolla geek


Alex P. : In the closet Corolla geek


Brandon F: He does weird things to Corolla in the mountain


This is the guy took me out first round. Luc with an SR powered corolla.


Hi guys!


Tomas got distracted when some dood passed by?!?


Geoff trying to stimulate the car. I think it worked.

Here's a few pics from the day's battles:





The wild card for today was this guy


J Mac


Driving a very modest corolla worked his way up to 4th place. His skill never ceases to amaze me. His hair too.


Congratulations to all the winners!

I saw this chick who was holding a helmet that matches my car and had to have a picture of it. It so matches the style of my car. You know it's about lifestyle when you drift.

After the competition, it was time for some fun runs. After a couple of laps, something happened to the car and started idling high. I looked it over and thought screw it, it's o.k. Took a lap and realized the car is running great, no more sputtering and no dead spots in the RPM range. WTF?!

The day isn't over until I break something. But you know i'm going to try and use it again.


It was a great day overall but now it's time to pack up and head back home.

Image by the Frankfurt School via Flickr

But first a stop at Taco Bell for some energy w/ some friends.

Thanks to all who made this possible it was cool to hang out with old friends and new. It's what being a corolla owner is all about.

For more cool pics of the event click here.

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R.I.P. another tool

It seems that the more work i've been doing in the garage, i've been breaking more tools. Now I sent to tool heaven and Blue Point die grinder. I don't how much I paid on the Snap on truck, and I don't really want to know. But it's years of service will not go unnoticed. Next time i'm gettng an Ingersoll Rand.

Just a little tease...

I'll post up when I'm not drooping over keyboard and have a clear fresh brain. Tire smoke is not good for the head.

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Happy Philippine Independence

Well it was actually last week, June 12. For many pinoys and pinays this is an important part of filipino history. That's if you can actually remember it. I had completely forgot about this even though I went to the motherland in '98 to celebrate the 100 anniversary. But a few locals still remember and what better way to celebrate than to shoot some guns.


So I attended a private range sponsored by a filipino practical shooting group. What is practical shooting? In a car guy perspective, it's like autocross. But instead you shoot at targets moving from point to point, instead of trying to avoid the targets aka cones.

Here's an example

Kinda of like Hogan's alley if you still remember the first Nintendo.

The object was to shoot at the brown targets. Sounds a racist if you ask me.


Definitely was alot of fun participating in this unique sport. i'll have to look into it more next time.

But I think the real independence should have began in July '46 when the white man left.

For a few more pics and vids swing by here.

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Curve ball

With the all AE86 competition coming up this weekend, i thought i had made enough preparations to get ready. Mainly hold off on events so I don't break anything until then. So I had some stuff worked on,

like getting the cylinder head ported and rebuilt.


removing broken studs from the turbo manifold.

Once everything was up and sort of running the ecu decides to take a crap less than a week before competition. Unfortunately, they won't be able to diagnose the ecu until friday. Now that's cutting it close and between now and then i've gotta start thinking of a back up plan quick to make this event. Just in case the ecu needs to stay in for repairs.

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hmm... Should I?

I recently picked up this book. 600 hp 2jz 4door sounds very enticing don't you think?

86 Degrees

Cams are in and now it's time to check timing to make sure it's correct. The correct way of course, so out comes the trusty degree wheel.


If you ever see your engine builder rely on cam gear settings and not use a degree wheel, better get another builder, only tuner guys do it that way.



After an hour or two or three it's complete, now my back is killing me.

Maybe i'll do a write up on this a little later on, but on an engine stand next time.

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Studs

Broken are never fun. There are times that you get them out with a single tool. Other times you'll need a bunch of tools to get them out. The final alternative is to take it over to your local machine shop.


Unfortunately, with all the knowledge and countless tools, it's the last stud that was a pain to remove and fix.

The tap broke inside the hole. Since this is hardened steel, it doesn't drill out very easily. I had to use a Dremel with carbide bits to slowly grind away until I could yank out the pieces.


But mission accomplished.

Casualties:
1 Snap-on drill bit
1 M8x1.25 tap
1 Snap-on carbide bit
3 hours of sweat and cursing.

What annoys me most is the Snap on crap. Alot of money gone in a split second.

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Back at the shop

It's been over six months since i've been back at the shop to work. But I must keep a promise so i'm back to wire up another car. The car i'm working on is an old Toyota Corona Wagon, with a nice JZ motor. It's been sitting for a couple of years, but finally decided it was time to get it out of the shop.


For an old car its not too bad.

I think it was previously owned by a Japanese guy cause the ashtray is actually being used. We all know americans like dumping their cigarette butts out the window and causing fires.


Let the headache begin. It's good to have patience.

Once it's done, it'll be a screamer. Hopefully the rest of the car will hold up.

Quitting time

10:30 p.m. unfortunately i wasn't able to get it up and running. Damn I'm getting too old for this.

Break time

Relax and enjoy this impersonation of Mark Wahlberg

When Ben attacks

So I get a call saturday from good friend Brian U. It seems he's got a problem with rats and needs some assistance. To my dismay they decided to attack his beloved JZA80 Toyota Supra. Instead of attacking the AE86 Toyota Corolla. At least they know the where to go, for that high dollar good taste.


They chewed a couple of the wires, so I had to do some emergency surgery. Luckily the little boogers didn't do too much damage.


It also smelled of rats too. It'll need a good pressure washing.



So next time don't go pissin' off Ben or his buddies. This may be the result.

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Out of my way

Foodies always have their favorite restaurants. For me, I have my favorite hole in the wall shops. Saturday, I was able to visit both of them. A machine shop in downtown in L.A., and a smog station in Covina. Both are out of my way, but i've entrusted my business to them.


The machine shop, i've been going there for a number of years and had them machine many engines from built 3SGTE to 5AGE. I've always liked their work, compared to other places. I always get recommendations on shops to go to because they work on 'race engines'. Sometimes I think those types of shops work aren't up to snuff unless you're someone who's got a big budget and others look similar to everyone else.


My reg is up soon it was time to visit the smog shop. I known him for a few years when I used to work at a shop that was down the street. He's legit so don't roll by with your cammed and itb'd engines.


Took the stock daily for it's bi-annual test. Yes it did pass with flying colors.

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A message from our friends at Toyota.

I am Tundra from Toyota. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

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Going off course

This weekend I was supposed to install the rebuilt cylinder head. Unfortunately the machine shop didnt' get it done in time so my stuff is on hold until then. But the neighbor decided it was time to paint the car. Since I had time to spare, I assisted with paint. Pointing out spots he missed and areas that needed more paint.

But let's start the festivities by quenching the thirst on this warm Memorial weekend.


After a beer and a few cans of spray paint we come up with this. And I have to say it looks hella hawt. For now I will keep it a surprise. You can peep this work of art at the drift social meet/competition and car show, which is happening on June 20th at the balcony.

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Tonda?

I'm not sure if i really like or hate this thing. Definitely a very unique mix. Taking a old Honda hatchback and stuffing a Toyota's supercharged 4AGE into the boot, ala Ford Shogun or Renault R5. Though I think it's just the looks of it just turns me off. It'll need a good drop and some gigantic fender flares to make it look cool. After looking cool, the reat of it should be taken care of since there looks to be a couple loose ends that need to be taken care of before it should be considered safe for bashing on the street.

This beast is up on ebay looking for a new owner here.