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

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