Old Shoes with New Clothes

Decided to re-install the OZ Superleggera 18" rims back on Nickie. They were nicely re-sprayed before being put into storage since September 2008. Figured it is time to give Nickie a new look as some aspects of the car's exterior has changed. As I was changing the rims, I realised how light these rims are compared to the 17" Rays 57. Anyway, the rims are gonna stay on Nickie for awhile since they are kinda nice and the Rays 57 can take a break. The next thing that needs to be done is to re-install the after-market headers. I miss those things the most. The Sunline centre-pipe will have to come off and replaced with the stock mid-pipe or else the boys in blue will nab me for sure. The Exedy racing clutch will also be re-installed since I think I might have blew the clutch after the last track day at Sepang. Bought over a second-hand Hot Inazma Pocket from a fellow forum guy for my motorbike but decided to try it on Nickie first. Wow...that is an amazing product. The lag in 2nd gear seems to have disappeared and my senses tells me that the car is definitely much more livelier. Where there used to be some hesitation during idle, all these seem to have gone away. There are people who sneered at such products doubting their effectiveness. For me, I listen to what they have to say but no matter what, the decision is mine to make. If it works, good for me but if it doesn't, then I just ditch it. Hopefully someone will buy it over but not without feedback from me. Enjoy the new pics although they are not well taken because it was turning quite dark.

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.