BNR34 Multi Function Display (MFD) into the ER34

Pic 1: The Multi Function Display (MFD) set

Been wanting to get the Multi Function Display (MFD) off the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R (BNR34) into my ER34 for the longest time. Finally I got it done and boy does it totally transform the interior of the car. Those triple meters are removed and in goes the MFD which fits perfectly on the dashboard. 

There would be a bit of wiring to be done but nothing too major as wiring diagrams are available off the internet. And in my case, my set already come with the proper wirings all done and labelled by the Japanese chap I got it off from. So fitment wise was a bit easier.

With those trick MFD displays, the ER34 now looks a tad more modern and the most important thing is that I don't need those external gauges as it displays:-

Boost pressure

Throttle position

Injector duty

Oil temperature

Water temperature

Exhaust temperature

Intake temperature

Well, for now I only have the first five parameters displayed as I do not have sensors for the exhaust temperature and intake temperature. Perhaps one day I'll hook those up to complete up the display.

My MFD is off a late model R34 GT-R, hence it uses the Toshiba LCD screen instead of the earlier model Sharp LCD screens. Should be much more robust as the Sharp LCD screen tend to develop display problems due to age. 

Below are some pictures that were taken during the install.  

 

Pic 2: The Multi Function Display (MFD) set 

 
Pic 3: The Multi Function Display (MFD) unit

 
Pic 4: The Multi Function Display (MFD) cover

 
Pic 5: The Multi Function Display (MFD) wirings and sockets

 
Pic 6: Triple meter and AC vents are removed

 
Pic 7: Wiring it into the ER34 wiring harness

 
Pic 8: Wiring it into the ER34 wiring harness

 
Pic 9: Wiring work

 

Rear BIOT 322mm Rotors Upgrade (Biot Offset Kit)

If you have followed my built, you'll notice that the braking system have been upgraded to BNR34 Brembos all round. The front got bigger rotors courtesy of the BIOT 345mm Front Brake Offset Kit. The rears remain the stock BNR34 Brembo rotors measuring 300mm.

Pic 1: Comparison between stock Brembo 300mm rotors with BIOT 322mm rotors

I always thought that the fronts fills up the wheels nicely while the rear is a tad small in size. The rear BNR34 Brembo rotors are 300mm rotors in size. As luck would have it,  JDM Auto Link finally sourced me a set of a BIOT Rear Brake Offset Kit that would bring the rotors up to 322mm. 

Although many might not have heard of BIOT, they makes excellent brakes, but does costs a lot as well. The BIOT Front Brake Offset Kit is JPY 160,000 new and the BIOT Rear Brake Offset Kit is JPY 90,000 new. Yikes!!

Anyway, I finally got the rotors fitted but not without some "massaging" of parts to make it fit/clear everything. Just like the fronts, the calipers needed to be grinded off a wee bit to clear the brackets. It's all hidden from view as it's at the back hence does not have any visual impact. The rotor brake duct covers/shields also need to be 'enlarged' to clear the rotors. Unfortunately, a small part of the knuckle would also need to be cut away.

Below are pictures of how it looks fitted. In all honestly, I would think it's still a bit small. Works great though. I wonder if I'll be satisfied or will go for even bigger brakes in the future......

Pic 2: Grinding off a bit of the rear calipers

Pic 3: Grinding off a bit of the rear calipers

Pic 4: Enlarging the brake duct cover/shield

 
Pic 5: Fitting in the brackets. Note a small part of the knuckle is cut off

Pic 6: Fitting in the brackets


Pic 7: The end result

Pic 8: The end result

Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood & Aerocatch

Pic 1: ER34 with Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood & Aerocatch

In continuation from my previous entry on "Bodykit Options for The ER34", I've finally decided to go the easy route that cause me the least amount of downtime on the car usage and also one of the more cost effective options. 

I've decided to just install the ultra rare Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood and also Aerocatch locking decide to secure it down.

Before fitment, I sent in the hood to have it re-lacquered to give it that brand new look. I've also repainted the underside of the hood. Yes I know no one see underneath but I like everything to look good inside out. Cost me a fair bit as I use good lacquer that are able to withstand the hot Malaysian sun. Slap on a couple of layers too for good measure. The end result is pretty nice. :)

Pic 2:The vents

Pic 3: ER34 with Veilside VS D1-GT Carbon Fibre Hood

Initially I have my doubts on the hood as it's a tad too aggressive looking for me. After fitting in, it took me a while to get used to it. Something new to me to be able to see vents staring at me from the drivers seat. After driving it for sometime, I guess I've now gotten pretty much accustomed to it. Also getting 'friendly' with the white car, black hood look. Not particularly fond of it yet though.

Pic 4: The view underneath

Pic 5: Yes, it is an original Veilside item

With the hood on, it's a good idea to have additional securing device aside from the stock factory catch. Being so much lighter than the original hood, chances of it catching air and lifting up is not something unheard of. Plenty of cases where FRP/CF hood flew out from the catch and slam onto the windscreen and roof. I am not about to take those chances at all.

Traditional hood pins? Nah, those are so old skool already. Nowadays everyone uses Aerocatch. Even race teams in Le Mans uses them. But make sure you get the original Aerocatch as the market is flooded with cheap knock-offs. For additional strength, I also fitted in the optional Aerocatch Fixing Nut Plate Kit. This is basically an additional 'ring' of aluminum fitted underneath the hood for added mounting strength. 

Here are some of the pics. So what do you think? 

Pic 6: Vents

Pic 7: More vents. These are pretty unique

 

Pic 8: Drilling hole for the stud strikers

Pic 9 And another one

Pic 10: Stud strikers and bump stops fitted

Pic 11: How Aerocatch looks underneath with the Aerocatch Fixing Nut Plate Kit

Pic 12: All fitted and ready to go

Pic 13: All done up

Nismo Fashion Cigarette Lighter

Pic 1: Nismo Fashion Cigarette Lighter

Just got hold of an extremely rare Nismo Fashion Cigarette Lighter for the ER34. These are already very hard to source but to get one with the new Nismo type face logo is even more difficult. What it does it just to replace the factory cigarette lighter with this Nismo ones that are made to reassemble a kill switch. 

Just a novelty item I guess. :)

Pic 2: Nismo Fashion Cigarette Lighter installed

 

Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar

Pic 1: The Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar

I've just gotten the Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar for the ER34. Basically it is an aluminum strengthening rear bar that  travels up and over the centre tunnel section of the car where it has a central tightening section. The appropriate tension can be set to ensure the correct use of what is effectively a centre strut brace for the car.. Once installed it fits to either side of the car, utilizing the factory seat belt mounting points whilst still accommodating the seat belts.

The Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar reduces body flex which occurs under cornering and when the power of the engine twists the chassis and distorts traction to the ground. Well not that the ER34 is making a lot of power but hey every little bit helps I suppose.

Here is a picture of it installed.

Pic 2: The Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar installed

Largest Performance/Super Car Gathering at Super GT 2012

Pic 1: ER34 at the waiting area

Sorry for the late entry but yeah, JPM Motorsports yet again organized the Largest Supercar / Performance Car Gathering during this years Super GT. The turnout was massive! 

I would have thought that the numbers would be more or less like last year but this year, a whooping 608 cars turned up at the event. That's like 200 more cars than previous year!

Pic 2: This is what greets me when I first arrived 

Incredible indeed. Also thankfully, this time round, there were no untoward accidents happening on and also off track like last year where some exotics were involved in some bad fender benders. All over the social media network, pictures of wrecked Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and BMW M5 were being posted up and shared.

Anyway, if JPM Motorsports were to organize the same event again next year, I'm very confident the number would rise even higher as it seems like some other 'not-so-sporty' cars are also allowed in and be counted. I spotted a Mitsubishi Triton, A Chevrolet Colorado, a Mitsubishi Lancer GT and also a Honda City. Hmmmm ....... 

When all the cars were parked on the circuit, I overheard a funny conversation amongst the organizers. They were standing next to the Honda City pushing the responsibility to each other to approach the owner of the car. Apparently, none of them wants to take the task to ask the owner to leave. LOL

Pic 3: TJ Chin giving instructions on the proceedings of the day

Pic 4: All cars waiting to get into the circuit

Pic 5: All cars waiting to get into the circuit

Pic 6:A Honda City amongst us all

Pic 7: Chevrolet Colorado

Pic 8: Pink wheeled Mitsubishi Triton

Pic 9: Mitsubishi Lancer GT parked right behind a DC5

Pic 10:The same Honda City at the circuit

Pic 11:Not a bad spot I reckon

Pic 12:Right at the first lane

Pic 13:The rest of the participants

Pic 14:The rest of the participants

 

Race Report: Super GT 2012 Round 3: Sepang International Circuit

Beneath the scorching hot Malaysian sun, the 2012 Round 3 of the Super GT had just concluded last weekend. And what a race it was! The crowd turnout was nothing short of amazing with 80,000 people storming the circuit during the race weekend.

Where else would one find the perfect combination of fast and great looking GT cars, hot race queens and enthusiastic crowds all rolled into one? I’m a self confessed Super GT seasoned chap. Been reporting every single Malaysian round of the championship since the it first came to Malaysia in the year 2000 (that time known as the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship). So needless to say, every June is an exciting month for me.

In the GT 500 class, the competing cars are pretty much the same as per last year but in the GT300 class, there’s a host of new entrants in the form of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Audi R8-LMS, Subaru BRZ, Corvette Z06R GT3 and the Toyota Prius. This class is getting a myriad of vehicles from foreign makes. It used to be dominated by the Japanese.

My favourite team didn’t do too well, the Calsonic IMPUL GT-R got 5th place. The rest of team running the Nissan GT-R got 8th place (Motul Autech GT-R) and 14th (S Road Reito Mola GT-R). The D'station Advan GT-R retired just after 2 laps!

The S Road NDDP GT-R, being the sole Nissan GT-R competing in the GT 300 class got 4th place.

In the GT500 class, Machine No. 18 WEIDER HSV-010 took Pole Position during the Qualifying Session, and went on to win the race, although for most of the race, Machine No. 38 ZENT CERUMO SC430 was snapping at its heels. Takashi Kogure, Driver 1 of the No. 18 WEIDER HSV-010 remained steady under pressure and by Lap 13, he was leading by 3.438 seconds. Carlo Van Dam took the wheel in Lap 29 with the car still in the lead, and continued all the way to the chequered flag with a time of 1:47:52.531 seconds.

When Van Dam took over, he looked to be in a little trouble putting in quick laps at first. However, when speaking at the Post-Race Press Conference, Van Dam clarified, “I went more slowly at the beginning because I was trying to preserve the tyres so I took it easier – maybe a little too easy. Even so, I could see that the car behind me (No. 38 ZENT CERUMO SC430) was just keeping up, so I decided I would push the car a little more and it couldn’t follow anymore.”

In the GT300 class, Machine No. 33 HANKOOK PORSCHE claimed the chequered flag after 49 Laps of furious racing. The HANKOOK PORSCHE, which also took Pole Position in the Qualifying Sesion had a steady race with no problems. Drivers Masami Kageyama and Tomonobu Fujii made consistent and quick laps with the HANKOOK PORSCHE, crossing the finishing line with a time of 1:47:57.011 seconds. At the Post-Race Press Conference, both drivers attributed the win to keeping the tyre pressure and temperature steady.

After the Sepang Round, the Super GT entourage will move on to Round 4 SUGO, which is set to be on the 28th and 29th of July, giving the teams and their drivers plenty of time to rest and regain their strength after the gruelling two days in Sepang. Currently, Yuji Tachikawa and Kohei Hirate are leading the drivers standing in the GT500, while Kyosuke Mineo and Naoki Yokomizo are leading in the GT300.

Below are more images from the race. For the complete album, head on to this LINK.