Nickie's New Nose

A forum member made this grill as a trial to see if there were enough takers for him to make a group purchase. Sadly, no one took up the offer. Seeing the chance that since this is a one-off thing, I bought over the prototype from him. I think the stock front grill looks nice but somehow, I preferred a smaller grill. There were some options to consider eg. Scrit or B-crews but those are common and expensive. I got this cheap since he had no use for it anymore. Got it sprayed red instead of black because I really wanted to make it look different. The result is rather satisfying. I will put back the chrome (but matted) S insignia on the vertical. Let's see how long this look will last before I make another change.

Indycator Gear Knob

It's not a spelling error. That's the name of the indicator gear knob that was installed last week. It's not really necessary to have a gear knob that tells you which gear you are in. But, this was bought as a favour for a very good friend who wanted me to help him advertise this new product. Anyway, it's quite a cool toy and it does come in useful at times when you really cannot remember which gear you are in.

On the racing track at Sepang

We spent a day at the Malaysian F1 track at Sepang. This was the first time the little car was going north. Admittedly, not much preparation was done except for a quick wrap of the front areas of the car to prevent stone chippings. Despite that, a few chips could be found but it was better than nothing. We did a very quick drive from the 2nd link up to Sepang. Surprisingly, the car was quite well-behaved at high speeds. However, the noise was unbearable and the volume on the stereo had to be turned up louder. Oil temperature went up to 120C and this has prompted me to re-think whether an oil cooler is needed. Under normal circumstances, this would not be required. The buggeration about installing the oil cooler is that the bumper needs to be removed and this means having to break the seal on the front number plate.

As for the experience of driving on the track, let's just say that this would probably be the first and last time. Personally, there's not much enjoyment driving round and round. I would rather do those long road trips because there is a destination to look forward to and the excitement of the uncertainties of getting there. However, it was fun but this is just not my cup of tea.

Looks like all the work put into the car has paid off. The rammed air intake has indeed given more 'lungs' to the car. The absence of the sports headers is certainly being felt. Notwithstanding, the car is a pleasure to drive long-distance. Next stop could be Krabi.

NTC Bodykit

This is the bodykit I would consider in lieu of the wide bodykit. It's simple, subtle but somewhat aggressive. Made by a German company, quality should be top-notch.

Nickie is on a Calendar

Nickie is going to be featured on a calendar.

What next for the little one?

Someone asked me what's next for the Swift? That started me thinking. Do I need to do more? The car is runnning well, it doesn't look too sloppy. But of course, more can be done. So, if I could find the time and resources, here's my wish list.

Major Mods

1. Headers. Having experienced it previously, headers are real bang for bucks. Nothing can add power and efficiency like good headers. Hopefully, there will be approval given for after-market headers.

2. SSS Superchager SC150. Another bang for bucks mod. Forget about all those CAI, semi-flow, hi-flow air filters....this one is it. The only thing holding me back is the need for a piggyback. I prefer a re-mapped stock ECU. Adding the price of the SC and ECU costs a whopping 12K. That's too much money for 25bhp. Apparently, Suzuki Sports is willing to supply a re-mapped stock ECU with the supercharger for the same price. If this is true, looks like a supercharger is on the way.

3. Wide body kit identical to the Super 1600. I have been searching high and low for a manufacturer but no success. Although I did find a widebody kit supplier but I didn't like the look of their kit. I saw a picture of a 4-door Swift with the original body kit and it looks awesome. But more than just looks, the wide-body kit will provide the stability required for my kind of driving.

Minor Mods

4. Seats. The stock Recaro seats are nice but they are too high and not the most comfortable. Would love to switch those seats with some full-bucket ones to reduce some weight as well as increase comfort, if any.

5. Put back the Exedy racing clutch if mods 1 & 2 can be done.

6. Engine mount/suspension bushings. The stock mounts were designed for comfort, which is why they are soft. Being soft, power is lost. Although not significant, but harder shock mounts will increase efficiency at the expense of a louder engine note.

At the end of the day, I think it's important to set out the objectives of the mods. For me, power and handling comes first. When I think I've extracted some juice out of the car, then I work on exterior mods. But, this is always a see-saw affair....so, the car is always in a constant stage of change. But of course, once the mods I want to do are done, all mods stop. I don't get distracted by what others do.

Workshop Crap

As advised by my regular mechanic, I brought Nickie to the workshop for a check on the steering rack. This workshop is linked to the dealer shop who sold me the car. As the car had a 3-year or 60,000km warranty, I thought I might be able to make a claim for a new steering rack. But, I never heard or know of any workshop who would dish out a new part for you without giving you some crap. With this expectation in mind, I made an appointment and brought Nickie to the shop. I told the receptionist what the problem was i.e., there was a 'clicking' sound whenever I turned the steering wheel to the right and it only happens at a particular angle. There is a another 'click' sound when the steering wheel is turned back to the centre and also, at that same angle. Obviously, she had no clue what I was talking about but I did not want to spoil her day. The first mechanic that attended to me twisted and turned the steering wheel and heard the sound for himself. He thinks some nuts and bolts are loose. So, with a couple of spanners in his hands, he tightened every damn bolt there was under the engine. The sound did not go away. He called his senior mechanic. This guy came, heard the sound, took the car for a spin, came back and said, "your gantong (shocks) are making the noise." I looked at him and told him that firstly, those shocks are coilovers, they have just been tightened, they have been installed for over a year and not a sound was heard till last week. He looked dazed because he obviously knew that I know my stuff and when I insisted that the sound is coming from the steering rack. So, he called the workshop manager. He hopped into the car with the senior mechanic, went for a spin, came back and said, "Because your car is lowered, there is a lot of stress on the steering mechanism. Also, your wheels are too wide and your camber is not enough. So, it is harder for the steering mechanism. Nowadays, the material used is thinner than last time. So, not so strong. Anyway, your car modified, so cannot cover under warranty." I said, " Thank you. Give me my key please."

Why do all mechanics take car owners as idiots? What makes them think that they can pull all this crap and get away with it? It only proves my philosophy that if you own it, know it. Spending time under the bonnet helps to know you car better. Getting your hands all oily and greasy to help your regular mechanic goes a long way in knowing what goes where and what does this and that. DIY some of the stuff, if you mess it up, don't worry...it is never that bad. You can always call your regular mechanic. Lastly, read and do your research. Learn lessons from others and how the problem was resolved.

I drove away from the workshop feeling glad that they did not do more damage. The only irritation I felt was that they put their greasy bums on Nickie seats without even putting on a plastic cover. It's good not to expect too much because you won't be disappointed.