Review: Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore 2013 (12th-14th April 2013)

Last weekend (12th-14th April 2013) was the Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore 2013. Many automotive folks around the region were very excited at the prospect that the Tokyo Auto Salon is coming to Singapore. Being in Singapore and not in Japan would mean better accessibility as it is nearer and cheaper than to travel to Japan especially for those in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Why does it bears the name Tokyo Auto Salon while it's not happening in Japan? The organizers, MediaCorp and Muse Group aims to bring the select best of Tokyo Auto Salon to Singapore and capture the essence of the actual show in a smaller scale; this is the very first time in its illustrious 30 years history of the Tokyo Auto Salon! On top of that, the group, AKB48 will be performing at the show - at no extra charge!

To me that was properly communicated by the organizers. It is also announced that 20 cars from the Tokyo Auto Salon will be making a presence while the rest would not be. As such I am quite bewildered as I've been hearing a lot of bad comments and/or reviews from visitors to the show. 

 
It ranges from:-

1) Just a handful of cars were from Tokyo Auto Salon
2) Poor selection of cars
3) Most cars were from Singapore and Malaysia
4) A waste of time
5) A waste of money
6) The group, AKB48 was on the B list of acts from Japan

I would have to disagree whole heartedly with those comments. I took a flight down to Singapore from Malaysia in the wee hours of the morning to catch the show and to fly out of Singapore back home in the evening. Was it worth the effort? I would say definitly yes.

If one were to understand what would be at the show, one would not be disappointed. If you were expecting a full fledged Tokyo Auto Salon, then by golly, you'll go home feeling shortchanged.

Actually, there were 19 cars and not 20 as announced. While not all of the 19 selected Tokyo Auto Salon cars were the top of the show back home in Japan, most of them were not bad in my opinion. The cars that made it were as below:-

1) Saitama Institute of Automotive Technology SIAT500 (Nissan March Cabriolet)
2) Top Secret Super 86 (Toyota GT-86)
3) Amuse S2000 GT1 (Honda S2000)
4) Scuderia Ciociaro Corse Giappone 500 Maxi (Fiat 500)
5) Spoon Sports NSX-R GT Racing (Honda NSX)
6) Zesty Racing FD3S (Mazda RX-7)
7) Varis GT-R (Nissan GT-R)
8) Mugen RR Advanced Concept (Honda Civic Type-R)
9) Abflug Aloof 01-R Ver. 2 (Nissan GT-R)
10) RE Amemiya NA Super-7 (Mazda RX-7)
11) Veilside 4509 GTR (Toyota Supra)
12) Damd LFT-86 (Toyota GT-86)
13) Tommy Kaira LS-F Premium Sports (Lexus LS460)
14) Top Fuel S2000 Type RR (Honda S2000)
15) Kazuki-kun Open Aristo (Toyota Aristo)
16) Car Sense Patrol-kun Moe-Moe Version (Toyota Crown)
17) Job Design Jdred Lexus (Lexus LS460L)
18) RK Design Laguna Niguel ZR1 (Chevrolet Corvette ZR1)
19) KRX RX-7 Hirameki (Mazda RX-7)

 
I spent 7 hours at the show basically just looking at the cars; chatting with like minded automotive enthusiasts, local Singapore booth owners and also the Japanese chaps that were around representing their respective vehicle on display. 

In those hours there, I also witness how crazed Singaporean youths are towards AKB48. They literally went crazy at the sight of AKB48. - shouting, chanting, singing and dancing to their tunes.

I've to admit I've not heard of AKB48 till of late but damn those fans surely and definitely are super thrilled that AKB48 are here. I would only imagine that they think the entrance fee of just SGD 25 (About USD 20) is really value for money!

 
Besides the vehicles from Tokyo Auto Salon, they were also a few supercars from Italy and Germany and loads of modified JDM rides from Singapore and Malaysia. There were a notable few that were done very well.  

In my opinion, Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore 2013 is a great start and a good first step in bringing Tokyo Auto Salon out of Japan. I can only hope and wish that the organizers see fit to do this again in the future.  

For more pictures from the show, go to this photo album in JDM Auto Link Facebook page. There are 171 worth of pictures in there. Enjoy!

Rocker Cover Gasket & Crank Oil Seals

Pic 1: Removing the rocker covers

Recently notice that the ER34 have a wee bit of oil leak. It's actually quite minor to the point there isn't even oil stains on the floor where I usually park. Nevertheless, it needs to be looked into.

I got new Nissan Rocker Cover Gasket (Part No. 13270-58S01 & 13270-58S11) and also three new Nissan Crank Oil Seals (Part No. 13510-50B10) to replace the old ones. After the replacement, I got the stains on the engine bay cleaned and it's all back to its old good self. :)

Pic 2: Nissan Rocker Cover Gasket & Crank Oil Seals

Pic 3: Oil Leak!

Pic 4: Oil Leak!

Pic 5: New Rocker Cover Gasket

IMPUL Emblem

Pic 1: IMPUL Emblem

I've been looking for this IMPUL emblem for quite a long time and finally got my hands on one. Needless to say this is a pretty rare find. Need it on my grille to add a complete touch to the IMPUL 534S bodykit. With the addition of this emblem, the front now looks more finished in my eyes.

Pic 2: IMPUL Emblem

This screws on the grille and thus is pretty secure to keep away peeps with itchy fingers, who loves to flick emblems.

Shall it be the only emblem on the car or do I need another lettered IMPUL emblem at the rear? I have actually bought the lettered IMPUL emblem and it's awaiting shipment in from Japan. Hmmm.....

Pic 3: Against the Grille

Pic 4: Halfway through fitment

Pic 5: Fitment Done

Pic 6: Fitment Done

Pic 7: Frontal Look

   

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

Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore 2013

Missed the Tokyo Auto Salon last month? The distance and cost to visit the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan could be a hindrance to many, but now, Tokyo Auto Salon is coming closer to home.

For the FIRST time in history Tokyo Auto Salon is coming to Singapore, showcasing the finest tuned cars and race queens from Japan!

Tokyo Auto Salon will be coming to the shores of Singapore for the very first time in its illustrious 30 years history. With the full support of the Tokyo Auto Salon Association (TASA) of Japan, Singapore’s leading media company MediaCorp and Muse Group will jointly unveil “Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore 2013” at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands from 12 - 14 Apr, 2013.

More than 20 of the finest and most unique cars from Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 will be showcased at the event, together with Japanese race queens, J-Pop idols and other entertainers to provide visitors the unique and unforgettable Tokyo Auto Salon experience

Key Highlights
• Exotic Supercars
• Iconic Japanese/European Tuner Cars
• Specially Tuned Up Show Cars
• TASSG Autostyling Showdown Competition
• Hot Import Race Queens from Japan
• Miss TASSG Race Queen Pageant 2013
• Japanese Anime Cosplay Showcase
• Daily Stage Activities

Public can also look forward to participating in lucky draws that will be held between 1st February to 1st March on the Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore Facebook Fan Page. Simply “like” the page, register on the Lucky Draw tab, and stand to walk away with exciting prizes such as a set of Westlake SV 308 17” tyres and S$500 worth of Takashimaya vouchers. “Invite” or “share” with friends on Facebook to increase one’s chances of winning.

About Tokyo Auto Salon
Launched in 1983 by the editor-in-chief of the iconic custom car magazine Option, Tokyo Auto Salon has today grown to become the largest automotive after-market parts and accessories exhibition in the world. Every year, more than 250,000 automotive fans from all corners of the globe converge at Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan over a 3-day period.

More than just a motor show, Tokyo Auto Salon brings together the most creative minds from the automotive world, culminating in a display of hundreds of custom-built automobiles by after-market parts manufacturers, custom and tuning workshops, car manufacturers and automotive vocational schools. Tokyo Auto Salon also serves as a valuable channel for automotive professionals to deliberate upon the latest trends and innovations from the automotive sector and with a wide array of after-market parts and related accessories showcased, Tokyo Auto Salon is the ideal platform for companies to network and expand their business. Key decision makers and experts from the auto industry are present at the show, including professionals from the repairing, painting, vehicle tuning and auto accessories sectors.

Event Details
Event : Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore 2013
Date : 12 Apr (Fri) – 14 Apr (Sun)
Time : 10:00am – 10:00pm Daily
Venue : Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands (HALL A TO C, LEVEL 1)
Admission Fees :
1-DAY PASS – Adult: S$25.00 / Children (under 12 years old) S$10.00
3-DAY PASS – S$70.00
Website : www.tokyoautosalon.com.sg

Some of the confirmed race queens and cars that will be making an apperance in the Tokyo Auto Alon Singapore 2013 are as below. See you there!

 

Saki Tachibana

 

Megu Aoyama

 

Ayari Takeda

 

Power House Amuse S200

 

Rowen-Tommy Kaira Lexus LS-F

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