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Which box first? (Refer to post #154)

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Eunos Roadster V-Spec Maruha 2.1L BUDDY's Build

90K views 277 replies 72 participants last post by  iRoadster 
#1 · (Edited)
So after a not so-responsive thread I decided I should start another one in the correct section of CR. If interested you guys can have a quick look on my previous thread here: http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/20-exterior-sponsored-r-speed/64690-buddys-new-look-thread.html

I have a 1992 Eunos Roadster V-Spec (i.e. RHD). Below is an overall outline of the things I plan to complete:

- Maruha 2.1L stroker upgrade with ITB kit (power)
- lowered and stiffer than stock suspension (handling)
- wheels
- cosmetic stuff to go for the vintage-style look
- minor transmission mods, engine cooling, etc. etc.

Anyhooo, the build starts with the engine upgrade. In search for a reliable tuner, I came across Maruha where they seemed to be quite internationalised with their English/US version of their website. A brandname parts manufacturer with quality products was very important to me. I was sure many manufacturers out there offered quality products. However, the brand was equally, if not more, important. I didn't just want a high-end modification giving me superior yet reliable performance at an economical price. For me as a Miata owner, I hoped to keep most of my mods as JDM as possible (yes, there is some insensible JDM fanboi thing going on here).

So, I came across Maruha and RS Aizawa, with Maruha being what I wanted. From a bit of searching I found out that Chikara was the authorized dealer. So I contacted Ocean and everything started from there.

One very challenging issue about this story is that I live in Hong Kong but I'm from Vancouver. Meanwhile, Chikara/Ocean is based in Vancouver while Maruha is in Japan. Although it makes more sense to work with Maruha directly according to my proximity to Japan, me and Ocean are both Canadians and we communicated very well. Hence, the engine upgrade part of the build starts with me committing to Chikara.

In a nutshell, the engine will be built by Ocean@Chikara, shipped halfway across the world to Hong Kong for my Roadster.

So far the engine is coming together. Maruha parts were ordered in two shipments previously.
Here's the first shipment which includes the 2.1L stoker kit (pistons, rods, camshafts, crankshaft, etc.)



Mahle Pistons, Maruha Racing camshafts, connecting rods, and other bits ordered from Maruha via Chikara










While this batch of parts arrived Chikara, Ocean had been working on my engine base. More pictures of his work will be posted in the next few days. Those would be more interesting than the parts pics I think....
 
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#82 ·
UPDAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!

Pictures are worth a thousand words so hwg:













(God just look at that finishing)


Japan Power - *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap*


OOOOOOOOOOKAY.

So I was rational enough to wait for my suspension upgrade before fitting on these effing expensive, ultra light weight rims so I can save some labour $$ and have both things installed in one go. And this brings me to the next topic of this update.

I ordered a set of BC-BR coilovers. These babies are already among the top choices for "best-bang-for-the-buck" coilovers out in the market - meaning they are fairly priced in the coilover market but they deliver good enough performance. Of course there are the elite ones that'll cost $$$. If you've been following, you'll see from my updates that everything is costing me an effing big fortune (I checked on Friday and my account has HK$20.60, you do the math to convert!). But of course I shouldn't settle for "good enough performance" with the project (Right?!). SO, the coilovers had custom valving work done to increase the performance of the shocks.

I must apologize that I'm unable to post pics of the customization work since it (again) is the trade secret of my fabricator. However, pics will follow below and I can give some explanation. The custom valving job was done meticulously by Damon. He used to be in Vancouver with Ocean@Chikara and is now stationed in Hong Kong specializing in chassis tuning and alignment service for track and race cars. Although he is in Hong Kong, Chikara is his products' distributor in USA/Canada. Ocean focuses on "power", and Damon focuses on "handling" :icon_cheers: (Everybody~~~~!)

What has been done: The original shocks in the BC coilovers use linear valving. Damon's custom valving turns the linear valving shocks into digressive valving shocks, providing a solid suspension in twisty and winding roads all the while maintaining a compliant ride on uneven, or even bumpy surfaces on the road. Hence, once the shocks are compressed the digressive valving will allow the synthetic shock oil to travel through the ports and valves which give a dampening force that provides a better performance than the original valving. Enough bulshxt, pic time.

Disassembling the shocks


Each shock was tested on the dyno before and after the custom valving job to show the difference between the linear and digressive valving performance:


The coilovers going in....




Taken with an iPhone 4




*Sigh* The 20 image limit per post is annoying.... stay tuned for the 2nd half of this update where I will post:

- Pics of the installed rims :smile:
- Pics of the rims installed with the coilover :D
- Pic of my Y3 sport shoes XD
- Pic of my car with the above additions installed :mrgreen:
- Teaser pics :ibtl:

TO BE CONTINUED....
 
#83 ·
So good! I'm ready for part 2! Are you allowed to post the dyno graphs of those shocks? I'm very interested in the before/after.
 
#88 ·
Good stuff dude! Wish I could try the custom "DC Racing" or "Panda Racing" valving!

I wonder how much would the limited batch of "mTE37" in 15x8 +25 will be, if god knows how one can get them from anymore. :haiguyths:




edit: Any chance you will go test out the dampers at the HK twisties and mebbe give a brief review on these bad boys? Should be an interesting update material!
 
#89 · (Edited)
MTE37 are no longer available (not even for custom special order). I believe Saiji-san (Maruha for those of you guys unaware) checked with Volks per Ocean's request. I originally thot of getting those but now I personal feel MTEs are not as aggressive as the TE37Vs for the same +25 offsets.
 
#92 · (Edited)
........Continued

Since I only had HK$20.60 I couldn't pick up the car yet without settling the bill (LOL). I'll be going to the shop to pick up the car on Monday night (morning for you guys on the American continent). However I took a few pics immediately after the installation:

Everything installed on the car while the mechanic is fine tuning the height of the shocks


The car jacked up while the final height adjustments are being done


As you see from the 1st pic above, the car isn't far from the side walls of the garage so I had to sit my @ss down to take a low enough pic. Hence showing off my Yohji Yamamoto (Y3) sneakers ;)


The car fully on the ground. I made fun of Damon who is shown in the picture, about him wearing a weird apron to keep his clothes clean while doing the customizing valving. He said his wife kept complaining his clothes got shock fluid and oil on them when he goes home LOL.


If you're reading this Damon, listen to me and at least get a black apron knowing the style-freak/fancyboi that I am hahaha.
 
#99 ·
Too bad I didn't get the chance to check out Oscar Pro last time I came back for Macau GP... was running back and forth HK and Macau. Reeeeeally wanted to see Damon's shock dyno in action! Lucky you, not only you got to see him at work, you are using his re-valved masterpiece.
 
#105 · (Edited)
Not so much of an update but I'll start off the picture posting with some details of the latest suspension upgrade. As said previously, there's some sensitive issues with posting the dyno graph of the custom valving suspension. However, I've gotten a green light from Damon to post the graph part of the dyno but have to leave out the axis. He said showing the shapes SHOULD be good enough to give a brief idea of the performance increase of the shocks while also protecting the trade secrets.



After driving the car for ~1.5 weeks, the suspension feels really solid but not to the extent that its unacceptable for DD. In Hong Kong the roads are pretty bad compared to North America. I'd say 50% of the time the road is bumpy. It does feel a slight bit annoying when I hit the bumpy streches but its not to the point that I feel embarrassed when I'm giving my girlfriend a lift. Of course, the car isn't lowered to the floor like some fanbois prefer but rather, the height is focused on performance. Here's some pics. Have yet to measure the height with a measuring tape...

Front Fender clearance


Rear Fender clearance


Rear Fender clearance at an angle. Paint came off from rolling...needa fix that!




And there we go:
 
#107 ·
OOOOOKAY~~

First of all, Happy Chinese New Year to all you folks! Its the Year of the Snake. Wish you guys great health and a prosperous year!

Following up on the recent suspension upgrade and lowering, just thought I'd post some details on the ride height and camber/toe for reference.

After some measuring, here are the heights.

Front

Floor-to-fender: 57.5cm / 22.64in
Hub-to-fender: 30cm / 11.81in

Rear

Floor-to-fender: 59cm / 23.23in
Hub-to-fender: 31cm /12.20in
The above side-shot of my car is outta focus. Here is a better one. I'm just sharing this so that people who are researching can have some reference material.



Found a great background to make a wallpaper with my car in it but apparently I needa stop using my iPhone and get a way more decent DSLR or 4/3s camera.





Alignment Report

 
#113 ·
The above side-shot of my car is outta focus. Here is a better one. I'm just sharing this so that people who are researching can have some reference material.

Great height and fitment! :D
 
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