Saturday, May 29, 2021

Modifications to Cars

So there are many blogs and also articles about car upgrade performance and so fort

But are they really worth the price you pay for this modern era??


Here are my top things to invest in a car as people would say "Smiles per Gallon"



1. STRUT BARS


So i get some people say this brand is good and that brand is good and etc however it all comes down to your own research and also how reliable are their products. Personally myself have used only Ultra Racing Bars which i just did stage 1 for my previous cars (Proton Persona 2008 and Perodua Viva) and now with present Toyota Vios NCP 150 2014. 

It does comes down to budget of yours however some were advising to install stage 2 but as my personal advice will be install the bars that is needed as companies tend to do as Marketing gimmick to sell it as lump sum. PERSONALLY  Stage 1 is more than enough for Daily driven cars.

What does it do? Enhance Stability. I kid you not! It does strengthen the chasis to a certain point but however it's a great start. There are videos on Youtube about strut bar and yes it's not a gimmick. HOWEVER just beware of the rubber bush giving up earlier. Had this experience with my Proton Persona.


2.Good Tires   

Why? Cause tires are the item that keeps intact with body of the car and road. There are people whom thinks tires is not important. It does in certain manner of stopping power and so on. In lay man terms, don't be ever stingy on tires. It's all about your safety and love ones. Ignore those with people who says upgrade tires and rims to odd sizes.

Yes there are people who love upsizing rims and tires. There's no right or wrong but however must be within certain specification.



At this moment for 15 inch, the best tires that I've use is Pilot Sport 3 from Michelin. It's about ranging about RM 250 to RM 280 per donut(195/55/R15). This tire is those kaki touge and loves to speed on rainy days. Personally i would rate it 4.5 outta 5. Don't get me wrong, you may have other alternatives such as RE004 which is under Bridgestone. It all depends on your wallet. Seek advise from forums as some of them may have use the tires and give honest reviews about them.

But if you're looking at comfort tires, some says Continental is alright for daily use or Michelin XM2+ if not mistaken. And of course there are some ECO tyres which it's okie but just have to beware during raining season or wet roads. Remember what you invest is what you get. 

There are also Semi Slick tyres which I'm unable to review as I've not driven with these set of tires as which is better to read up local forums as lowyat.net

3.Headlamps

This topic would be subjective as I would say. Some would invest and some won't. If your headlight comes with halogen, well there are two options as for my understanding. If you want something cheaper and brighter, i would reckon to grab Night breaker series. Both Osram and Piaa are well known brands for lighting with Philips joining along. And recently Blaupunkt has entered the market as well producing for Nissan cars for Malaysia.



But if you have higher budget, you may opt for LED series but always remember to read the specs. There are always reasons why are they some cheap LED ones vs Premium brand ones. 

  • Always read the lumens. The higher the better
  • Some may last for 3000 hours and some may last even more than 10000 hours
  • Warranty also there are some companies offer as 5 years and some only 3 years 

But wait, there's more! You will realized about a term of kelvin. So what is it all about and why is it important?


So in Malaysia, we have sources stating that the local enforces will summon those who are using more than 6000K in which these days manufactures are creating cars with LED lighting claiming it's better and also brighter than a usual halogen bulb. Indeed it's true that a LED bulb of 12W can produce a similar power of 55w halogen bulbs. Now that's amazing!

The JPJ rules hasn't stated that LED is disallowed however to keep it safe, install those lesser than 5000K bulbs as it will reflect the road better than just Pure white lights(6000K onwards).Yes it may look fancier but upon reading forums on lowyat alot of them have changed it into yellowish to able to see the road on raining day.After all, an upgrade should be better than before bulb
The only illegal lights are banned at this point of time is the HID lights. 

4.Rims

This factor alot of youngsters eventually change rims upon getting new cars. Some of them literally trade in their rims upon receiving their brand new cars! Well don't we have that experience.

The original rims are usually heavy and let's just say ugly to certain consumers. There are few things to learn about rims before just going blindly to the tires shop to change it. There are few reasons to change it as well

  1. To make the rim and tire wider as more road contact surface means more grip
  2. If the rims are lighter yes it may give you extra kilometers 
  3. It's a trend!
When i got my vios it was an usual 15 inch rims 5.5jj and stock tires are 185/60/R15 


So bare in mind that 185/60R15 is normal tires and aftermarket tires for this size is a lil lesser than usual 195/55/R15.

My 1st upgrade was to change to 195/55R15 as it will create more road surface contact. However years later I've changed into Enkei rims with 7jj hence the difference being shown on the image above. When there is more road contact, the fuel consumption does increase but negligible. 

Up sizing is also common these days where by the rule of thumb is One inch bigger or maximum 2 inch. In market there are various type of models and brands. The lowest grade would say it will be China rims which are usually cheap heavy and not durable. Their finishing for the rim detail is a little off from Thailand and Taiwan. Quality wise is bad in which i wouldn't recommend anyone to use China rims. Taiwan rims are still acceptable and Thailand is also not bad as it's the closest to made in Japan rims.

Japan rims are the most expensive rims you can get in the market and their resale value is amazing. If you purchase a set of rims today at RM3000. You still can obtain at least RM2000 in the market after 10 years later. It is also depends on the rim design and trend during that era. Most of Enkei rims are same design for the past 10 years at least. So yes you're safe to invest with them. Malaysians will not invest on them as they are high prone to be stolen. So most of them settle for Thailand which their cutting is similar to Japan rim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXOsnJZnCtY    

You may watch the video above to see the comparison of the rims in detail.

If you feel that you should invest light rims and budget is less, look out for Advanti rims as they are local made and it's very light. An original rim of vios is the same weight as 17 inch Advanti Storm S5. There are alot of car tire shop dealers are dealing with this brand. Go ahead and check it out. If you're not into rims i will suggest to stay stock until the stock rims are bad and it need alternatives. 


5. Audio



My favourite factor all time. CAR AUDIO!!!
Some may say meh, I just need a radio and working speakers which is not wrong. I do agree in certain aspects that some people have various hobbies. 

At average according to WORLD OF BUZZ, Malaysians spends about 53 mins of their day driving to work. Isn't it madness?

https://worldofbuzz.com/kl-ites-spend-53-minutes-stuck-traffic-jams-everyday-study-shows/

As some may not buy highest spec cars, the items being included for the audio is not very up to standard these days. For example Perodua doesn't invest like Proton but as for Proton it has been well known that they usually give good stuff and it's acceptable for consumers compared to Perodua in which they usually don't focus on that department as they feel it's not important. However lately Proton has been collaborating with Kenwood for their audio sources for their X70 and it's impressive which requires aftermarket modification.

Compared to Perodua, they just rely on Betamek Audio Sources which is just below acceptable quality at times but it does the job of giving radio and speakers. 

For continental cars some company does invest on brands as Harman kardon, Bang & Oulfsen, Focal, Fender and many more. I even saw Denon on Citroen!! Companies like BMW and Mercedez Benz these days keep it as optional upgrades.

Some may change speakers but honestly i would rather invest on radio than speakers as they are claim as the brains for audio. Trust me! Changing from stock head unit to an aftermarket ones really makes difference. They can range up from RM 200.00 for single dins right up to RM 5000 double dins and single dins.

Don't worry, audio companies has cater for every peoples wants and needs. If unsure about car audio You may hook up with Xcite Audio or Fasmoto. They do have intenational shipping and would be glad to assist you in any manner.


 6.Coilovers


A topic which still learning about it but maybe give you some pointers for those are interested in stability. The image above is a FTUNED CLS which the company target those users for lowering their cars and without sacrificing comfort.  In Malaysia it's known as lowered springs and lifespan of a normal coilover it does depend on your usage. At average it will be about 100km. 

FTUNED is a local based suspension company in Malaysia which they are specialize in Adjustables Suspension. There is another company as well named FAWSTER in which I didn't use their services yet however they are specialize in what they do.


So as earlier I've mention about lowering springs, the image above is Adjustable suspension in which it gives you flexibility to increase-decrease height and also soft- hard suspension. These will be a superb upgrade and give you more room for modification compared to just lowered springs. Usually these sets comes with adjustable damping of 16 step,24 step and 32 step. As they say the more setting damper the more costly it will be. So it comes down on your personal needs.

They are famous brands are also into this market such as TEIN, BC Coilovers, GAB and many more. 

Both has it's pros and cons but however it all comes down to budget and self satisfaction. My needs was to lowered the car to obtain more stability. Should I invest in Adjustables? Maybe someday I may upgrade. Below video is an interesting video from my favourite you-tubers named DONUT Media and they explain much

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kef1wXcQYw


6.Engine Oil 


To a common man, Engine Oil is Engine Oil. Yes true, won't deny it however engine oil companies are proving day to day that their oil is better than other. This will be recommended for those have finished warranty with companies if they have favourite brand oil to try. For this step is recommended to refer to car manual book and read up on Engine oil as there are many grades of oil.

Key word is Viscosity. I'm pretty sure you have seen such 5W-30, 10W30, 0W20 and so on. The W represent of word WINTER. So in layman term the lower the number, the thinner the oil and the better the oil’s cold temperature. The number after the W describes how thick the oil is at the engine’s normal operating temperature. 

In terms of brands in market, there are from Petroleum companies and also companies that I've used is Liqui Moly. There are companies do have a tie up program with certain companies for existence Proton usually uses Petronas Engine oil and Perodua uses Castrol Oil. Using other brand oil is okie as long it's within same viscosity and it should work fine. Sometimes some engine oil may surprise you in terms of characteristic of engine being much quiet in regards using lower RON petroleum. So everything is trial and error 

7. Grounding Kit 

It is something we overlook at times we don't really need it until some day. As times goes by, the ground for the car decreases. Alternatively this is the only option to be done to increase the eleccity flow in the car. That is not only reason


The benefits of grounding electric system are as follows:
  • Stabilised electric currents
If the electricity is sufficient there will not need extra power from battery which it does saves up a lil of the battery.

  • Lesser jerking
 Air-cond are the main culprits of draining much electricity and will notice your car lights deem within a second.So by having this grounding, it provides efficient current to all major electrical components and balances out the power usage for most components. Not only Aircond, amplifiers as well if you're into car audio. 

  • Reduce static shock
Remember those days when you have Proton and sometimes you get that Electric shock? or any other cars? This is because static being produce when two of the materials rub against each other making electrical discharge. The discharge will happen when you touch something metal. So having grounding kit eliminates this!


                                                            taken by carreviewandcare


These are my top 7 things i have to say! Feel free to comment or share!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

2016

Whoa.. Time flies before you know it

Pretty much this posting is more on 2015 tho. Indeed it was a great year till December which the mishaps happened to my house.

No joke.. It still saddens me till today about it. Still Fresh in my mind on how did it happened and stuff like that 


For those who don't follow malaysian news perhaps i can predict that you have no idea what happened..

It follows as this;


It was a Wednesday and christmas was approaching, Time really flies when you delay stuff, It was only 9 days away from christmas and we didn't do any shopping so called reason that we didn't have the mood yet. Much yelling from the head of the house and we decided to move.

Having breakfast at usual restaurant and we let for shopping. Had great time indeed with mom and lil cousin who stayed with us almost a month. Till a phone call came around 2 ish. Call from contractors stating they have bad news saying the wall collapse. To my surprise thinking it would be a small matter but nevertheless we rushed home to see what's going on.

When we reached home, I swear to god the only words i could say is FUCKKK!!! and yes that was infront of my mom. I just panic it was very bad...I don't know if i have the images but somehow i will find and upload it.

It was a fucking landslide at my house, It was too shocking till i just blanked out, saw a bike there and was wondering what happened to the worker who was clearing up the drain. Contractors rush to get the Excavator from outta no where and started digging. No one actually bothered about it

To make the story short, i called up the emergency hotline and they can even ask me what is landslide in Malay!!!!!! LIKE SERIOUSLY!!!!!

The commotion became worst when Fire Bridgette, ambulance and police came to the scene, estimated 1000 people was walking in and out from my house from the politicians till the ambassadors. After two hours of search, they manage to get the workers body which actually died on the spot.

the Press people actually was asking stupid questions which i bluntly fucked them up

  https://www.facebook.com/jpamcheras/posts/500518220109127


http://www.hmetro.com.my/node/100561

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/citynews/greater-kl/article/construction-worker-killed-in-retaining-wall-collapse-in-cheras/construction-worker-killed-in-retaining-wall-collapse-in-cheras

http://m.thestar.com.my/story.aspx?hl=Retaining+wall+collapses+killing+Indonesian+construction+worker&sec=news&id={8938FB6A-34C0-4222-914D-0601EF42B1F7}

http://www.hmetro.com.my/node/100622

Saturday, October 18, 2014









Some of my shot taken during London... All those without editing and purely on Sony Digital Camera's !!!!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Grandfather

It was back then when he was just a 11 yrs old kid
When he just only attended a normal ordinary engagement on a Saturday
It was a day after the writer's birthday and some how it didn't bothered him much
And the writer doesn't get attach to anyone easily..
To be frank that was the first time he really went inside the house and be with uncle through out the ceremony.
The adults were talking about marriages and engagement took place
The writer was basically was in his world of his own, no phones no gameboy, nothing!

The next day, his uncle brought his fiancee to the church
and the writer and his brother accompanied his uncle to his fiancee's house
As we arrive there, we were warmly welcomed by uncle's in laws.
Seriously huge family tree, Sometimes the writer wonders why doesn't he have the chance to have many siblings...
However, that's the 1st time the old man comes out, very stylish man, Hair being dyed to black

So he asked the writer's uncle whom are we
And the uncle explained..

"Oh wow! I'm officially a grand father"

Those words still linger in the writer's mind
And his hospitality towards us was amazing..
He made sure we ate till the fullest
Talked to us as if we were his grand sons

There was a year when he celebrated his anniversary in Pandan Lake club
The anniversary took place as if it was all wedding once again
And the writer sat with his cousins and his brother..
Came one of his sons and said
"Dei, Tata is calling you.. Better go to the main table and eat at there.. Not my instructions but his"
 So it was a stunner where he's a man who had alot of relatives and friends...
He could easily call up any of his old friends or relatives but instead he chose me to sit beside him at the main table...
It was a talking point in that function where people tend to asked who is this kid..

As we grew up older,
He used to advise me about life
And he used to talk about numerology as he was quite good in it
When ever we see him anywhere, he will always say
"My Grandson! Come over here" and also introduce me to his relatives as his grand son


Eventhough the writer had his own grandfather who's in banting,
But he was never as close as how he is with this man..
Years gone by and just somewhere last year when the writer just told his grandpa
"Tata, you know something, So many years i've known you but not even once we took a picture together"

He answered "Hahahaha Come come grandson, picture only right"

Snapped pictures and that was the last diwali i saw him...


The saddest part was the writer remembered him saying

"Get married soon Grandson.. I want to see my great grandson before i leave"



Few months down the road, he received a call saying that he past away..


No words can describe how down was he...
How painful is that a man who was close to him
And yet he's just gone...
It still hurts him badly..
Sometimes when he goes for their family function,

He somehow can sense that his old man is still around
But he smiles cuz he's in a better place

Rest in Peace Grandfather... We shall meet on the shore someday!






Tuesday, July 16, 2013

All About Swag


All About Swag!
Thanks Vin =P Hope you don't mind me posting your face here =P

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Mother..

Some of them treat mother as goddess
Some kids treats their mom well as they are more closer to the mothers
Well? How about u?
For the writer,
He's just a 50-50 person
No doubt people can say many things..
Oh you should be grateful and etc..
true enough! Appreciation is there
But there's one thing the writer always fear
If the person is not there anymore...
Have you actually thought what if your mother is no longer with you?
The writer himself has experienced certain of his friends who their mother passed away
And the aftermath?
Few scenarios
When the writer was std 3,
He clearly remembered his class mate name Rajesh Kumar
The writer don't know how his mother died but however
The writer could only remembered that he became a "9"
For those who don't know "9" is, it's like a woman soul trapped in Male's body.
Till today, the writer has no clue what or where is this fellar could be
Another incident happened somewhere 3 yrs ago
Where his friend from same college but different course
Apparently her mom died of breast cancer
The writer only met her mom once
And the next year she passed on
The Aftermath,
The writer's friend was totally depressed
And till today
He prays that she would get out from that depression
Knowing how close was the relationship with mother and daughter.
Apparently she even flunked some subject's
Not the same college as the writer but in a different college.
 
The writer believes not all of them are the same,
Some folks can be very bold and strong
Some even just cover up with their usual mask
But the writer respects those who are actually accept the fact that they are no more around... Like mind tells you to move on... Don't care about what happens now but think about the future...

Monday, July 1, 2013

Let's change

Have you ever dreamt about waking up as another person...
Like.. A whole new different person
A person who is the total opposite of the current you(not changing gender)
Seems easy but it's hard right...

Well let just say that the writer just had to do some changes in his life
It's not easy but he sometimes thought that being good at times pays off...

How shall the writer put it?
It's kinda hard to explain certain things..
On why people change.. Or why they even think about doing some changes...
Some guys says cause of woman they change...
And the girls just use the other way around...
If it was for something bad to good.. The writer is pretty sure that many people would support along the way especially friends...

However...

If it was good to bad.... It's something to ponder about..

What the writer went through seems a lil unfair towards him... He felt he mingle around with ladies alot.. He respects them.. But yet certain people just declares him as womanizer.
Even recently, he just feels that he's like a rebound to certain people.. forgotten while they are in midst of happiness and when they are sad.. they don't know who to go to and they end up texting the writer as if they don't feel it's a lil awkward to text the writer after long duration.

Do you know what it pist off people at times? What every fat guy that treats a woman right.. like they always wanted... and they (woman) always end up with a "Punch" dialog.. A dialog which clearly indicates that you're friendzoned for life...That's it! full stop!

Seems a lil hard to take it right.. What if you actually spend so much of time being with her or him... Making sure she's/He's in good shape where her/his useless douche duffle bag of her bf/gf treats her so crappy... It's not that the writer is sad or whatsoever.. he feels very dissapointed at times.. 

The writer wished that she could see a clearer picture that the bf of hers is not the one for her.. writer knows problems raises and stuff like that as couples.. but you don't insult your partner.. that's all i'm saying.. As they say.. A tongue is sharp as knives.. It doesn't stab u physically but mentally as well...After all people fall in love not seeing their body sizes or whatsoever thing u call it.. But via the mutual understanding and so many criteria comes along the way...

Cases like this sometimes makes the writer ponder... Is it so bad to be the good one? You listen to their stories and things change along the way...
You know what... I'm sure many of you have watched the video below.. Watch it and enjoy it..

If you're in this situation.. It's up to you to change.. But as the writer thinks..

It's time for him to change..