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

HKS Super Filter element change

Pic 1: HKS Super Filter

I didn't change the filter on my HKS Super Power Flow DD (Direct Drive) for ages. So long in fact, I was utterly surprised to find it already broken down. A large chunk of the filter has already disintegrated!

Quickly went to get a replacement and in goes the dry 3 layer HKS Super Filter. Wanted any other colour other than green but fortunately that's what they have in stock. I need it in a hurry thus didn't order it in myself. 

Did a quick change and now it looks and performs better. :)

Pic 1: This is how bad it looks

Pic 1: You can see clearly the three layers

Pic 1: All fitted in and ready to be back in the car 

Do-Luck Rear Tension Set

Pic 1: Do-Luck Rear Tension Set

In addition to the Do-Luck Rear Cross Bar, I've finally gotten my hands on the Do-Luck Rear Tension Set. The Rear Tension Set comprised of the Rear Tension Cage and Rear Tension Bar. The Rear Tension Cage are the bars that forms a "U" shape and connects the left and right side of the car via the seat belt points. The Rear Tension Bar further connects the Rear Tension Cage to the rear parcel shelf of the car.

Pic 2: Do-Luck Rear Tension Set

Basically this is a set of rollcage-like bars that strengthen the car and prevent flexing of the chassis. Do-Luck never did make a set for the ER34, only the BNR34 ones are available. A couple of years ago, I've contacted Do-Luck and was told that it will not fit the ER34 due to some missing screws on the ER34 chassis.They couldn't tell me exactly that is required to make it fit thus I've just left it as that. I had the Do Luck Rear Tension Set back then and decided to sell it off due to such.

Until recently, I managed to get my hands on another set of the Do-Luck Rear Tension Set. I've now decided to study it more thoroughly and see it for myself what are the differences. Comparing an ER34 and a BNR34 side by side, the only differences that I spot are:-

1) BNR34 have an extra rear suspension top brace that the ER34 does not have.

2) BNR34 have 2 extra screws beneath the speaker board that the ER34 does not have.

Best is to refer below pictures for a better idea of the difference.

Pic 3: ER34 Rear Parcel Shelf

Pic 4: BNR34 Rear Parcel Shelf

So, it's just 2 minor differences. Not really a problem. All I've got to do now is the order the top brace from Nissan Japan and figure out how to get those 2 screws onto the rear parcel. Shouldn't be too hard I suppose. 

Pic 5: BNR34 Rear Suspension Top Brace

Prior to fitment, I need to procure the missing screws. Originally from the factory are M8 screws; but I decided to go for the bigger M10 screws. They are bigger, hence a bit stronger I guess. These fit perfectly into the screw holes on the Rear Tension Bars.

Pic 6: Welding the Screws onto the Rear Suspension Top Brace

As the rear parcel shelf does not have holes for the screw to go through, it will have to be welded on the suspension top brace plate. Then holes will need to be punched on the rear parcel shelf for the screw heads to go through. And finally, the rear suspension top brace will be welded on the rear parcel shelf.

Pic 7: Marking the holes on the rear parcel shelf where the screws heads will land

Pic 8: Trial fitment

When that is done, the whole 'cage' will be able to fit in easily. The other only downside is that the speaker board will need to be trimmed to allow the Rear Tension Bars to go through. No escape in that so one got to do what one has to do. The rear seats will still fit hence no issue when the need arises to fetch more than one person.

After fitment, besides looking really awesome is that the ride seems to be a bit stiffer. Now this is going to affect my suspension plans. I have already gotten a couple of suspensions for the ER34. Not too sure which set I should fit in at the moment. Yeah, I know, it's just like my case with the "Bodykit Options For the ER34" entry. Can't decide hence bought a few sets. LOL :P

Being shiny aluminum, it's quite visible from the rear, hopefully I don't get in trouble with the law, else it's going to be really tough on the wallet!

Pic 9: The view from the rear

Here are some fitment pictures:- 

Pic 10: Fitting in the Do-Luck Rear Tension Cage

Pic 11: Do-Luck Rear Tension Bar

Pic 12: Do-Luck Rear Tension Bar

Pic 13: Do-Luck Rear Tension Set fitted

Pic 14: Do-Luck Rear Tension Set fitted

Pic 15: Do-Luck Rear Tension Set fitted

 

Pic 16: Do-Luck Rear Tension Set fitted

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