Clutch Replacement - ORC 409D

Pic 1: ORC 409D

Just got the clutch on the ER34 replaced with the ORC 409D. This is a 400ps/55kgfm pull type clutch. Previously I was running the URAS Super Single Drift Clutch which is essentially an ORC 409D but made to URAS specs with slightly different friction plate. It does not have a damper and the engagement was wonderful! It's a little hard to drive but far more than makes up for it with its positive points.

When I had the URAS clutch on, I converted the ER34 gearbox from a pull system to a push. Now to get this set of ORC 409D in, I've to convert it back to a pull system. Luckily I kept all the parts when I converted it to push. All I've got to do is just to reverse the process. No big deal really.

Pic 2: ORC Logo

Pic 3: Ogura Cluth

Got in a Nissan clutch bearing and I have all the parts required for the job. Inital impression is that this is way much easier to drive! Not so much of an "on-off" clutch like the URAS version. Good amount of play and much less juddering. I guess those dampers does make a huge difference in drivability. The only downside is that the engagement is not as direct as the URAS.

I've a strong feeling that I am going to miss my URAS unit. :(

Here are some pics of the install.

Pic 4: Nissan Clutch Bearing

Pic 5: Converting it back to a pull system

Pic 6: ORC 409D installed

Leaking Rear Differential

Pic 1: Leaking rear differential

Noticed that the ER34 has a leak on one side of the differential. Nothing major, just a leaky differential seal. So I got the car jacked up and the differential removed. Whilst only one side is leaking, well one might as well replace both sides of the differential seals since it's already removed from the car.

The ER34 uses the "Rear Differential Seal-Side, bearing the part number 38342-N3100". Ordered two of them and it was replaced after all the existing oil was drained out. I took the opportunity to change my differential oil while at it. Motul Motyl Gear SAE 80 W140 was ordered and in it goes into the differential.

Now it's as good as before. There's still some work to be done to the ER34. Will update as and when I get around to do it. Looks  like 2013 will see a bit of more work done to the ER34. :)

Pic 2: Rear differential removed from the ER34

Pic 3: This is the leaking side

Pic 4: The faulty oil seal

Pic 5: Motul Motyl Gear SAE 80 W140

Trust GReddy Performance Damper Type S and Nismo S-Tune Stabilizer Bars

Pic 1: Trust GReddy Performance Damper Type S and Nismo S-Tune Stabilizer Bars

I haven't do any upgrades to the ER34's handling for quite a long while. I've always wanted to change to thicker anti roll bars / sway bars for the ER34 and also to upgrade to better coilovers than the current set of Tein Super Street.

After years of using the Tein Super Streets, it's now got improved parts replacing it. In comes the below:-

1) Trust GReddy Performance Damper Type S

2) Nismo S-Tune Front Stabilizer Bar / Sway Bars / Anti-Roll Bars

3) Nismo S-Tune Rear Stabilizer Bar / Sway Bars / Anti-Roll Bars

The Trust Greddy Type S Performance Damper is a monotube coilovers produced in accordance with racing driver Takeshi Tsychiya. The features are as below:-

- Advanced Monotube design

- Screw type adjustment for increased accuracy
- Strengthened rubber upper mounts for improved rigidity
- Lightweight aluminium brackets to reduce weight over standard components
- Lightweight specially designed and manufactured high tensile steel spring
- Spring rates are Front: 8 kg/mm and Rear: 6 kg/mm

Pic 2: About to be installed

The pair of NISMO S-Tune Stabilizer Bars are thicker in diameter compared to stock factory ones and also comes with Nismo heavy duty bushes. The stabilizers have the below specifications:-

Front Spring Rate - 3.6kgf/mm, Thickness - 27.2mm

Rear Spring Rate - 4.4kgf/mm, Thickness - 23.0mm

I reckon this new combo should be much better yet retains the daily drivebility of the ER34. 

With this done, it would also means that my set of Tein Super Street is now up for sale. Bought brand new and is in mint condition. No knocks and leaks. Let me know you are interested in the set.

 
 

Pic 3: The Trust GReddy Performance Damper Type S installed

Pic 4: Installing the NISMO S-Tune Stabilizer Bars

Pic 4: NISMO S-Tune Stabilizer Bars installed

Pic 6: The stock stabilizer bars

Pic 7: My set of Tein Super Street is now up for sale

      

The Rising Sun Flag

I used to have a small Rising Sun Flag on the ER34 back in 2006. It was removed about two years ago to make way for another decal. So recently, an idea struck me and I've again, decided to have a replacement Rising Sun Flag.

This time around, it's going to be a bit different. I'm placing it on the fuel flap cover. The car being in solid white will form part of the canvas, thus only red decals are applied.

Below are how it looks like. Hmmm......rice or nice?

Pic 1: The Rising Sun Flag up close

Pic 2: A further shot

Pic 3: How it looks like as a whole

Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Boots

Pic 1: Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Boots

I had some carbon look fabrics from Hippo Sleek to replace my Gear Lever Boot and Hand Brake Lever Boot back in October 2007. Well, after so many years, it has really started to show wear and tear. The fabric is starting to break apart!

I left it as it is for quite a while before I got to order in some replacements. This time round, I ordered from Superior Auto Creative instead. Took them 3 weeks to dispatch these out for me. I ordered the:-

1) Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Shift Boot
2) Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Side Brake Boot
3) Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Side Brake Grip

Basically I only really need the Side Brake Boot but I got the Side Brake Grip as well thinking it'll match better. It turns out to be just a slot in cover. Not the kind of fitment I'm satisfied with but it's already here so in it goes. Not really satisfied though.

As for the Shift Boot, it's just to complement the rest of the items I guess. Anyway, here are pics of the parts and how it looked like installed. 

 

Pic 2: Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Shift Boot

 

Pic 3: Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Side Brake Boot

Pic 4: Superior Auto Creative Carbon Look Side Brake Grip

Pic 5: Before installation

Pic 6: After all is installed

HKS Racing Suction Kit

 Pic 1: HKS Racing Suction Kit

Just got hold of the HKS Racing Suction Kit (Part No. 70020-AN009) for the ER34. This replaces the factory rubber intake piping with a aluminum mandrel bent suction pipe that have been tested for optimal air flow. 

 Pic 2: HKS Racing Suction Kit

To install the HKS Racing Suction Kit, it takes quite a fair bit of work. Lot of pipe work needs to be removed to make way to reach the turbine. And of course, the air filter and AFM are also taken out. The suction kit needs to go all the way in and connects the turbine inlet to the AFM and air filter.

Air flow would be heaps better but the most significant difference to me was the sound it makes! When I lift off the throttle, it produces a series of "woo, woo, woo, woo" noise. Pretty sick me think.

 Pic 3: Removing the pipings


Pic 4:The factory pipe

 Pic 5: This is where the HKS Racing Suction Kit sits

 Pic 6: Installed pic


 Pic 7:A better view

119,000km Service

 

Pic 1: Bunch of Torco and Redline oils

The ER34 has just undergone it's 119,000km service. Fresh fluids in the form of Torco SR1 10W-40 went in together with an original Nissan oil filter (Part No. 15208-53J00). I also replaced the aging transmission oil with the same Redline Lightweight Shockproof Gear Oil. These have proven to work great for me hence am still sticking to it.

It's been a while since I've changed the differential oil, hence took the opportunity to replace it with Motul Gear SAE80 W140 oil.

Most of the fluids are now fresh. Should feel good.

Pic 2: Motul Gear SAE80 W140

Pic 3: Engine Oil Change

Pic 4:Transmission Oil Change