Current look

Moroso Oil Pan

Finally replaced my leaky oil pan and gasket today.

Before

After

Moroso Oil and Hondahabit Oil Pan Gasket

Instead of using the original oil pan gasket, I got the Hondahabit Oil Pan Gasket instead.  Based on the positive reviews from Honda-tech.com and claims by Hondahabit, this gasket will not leak and is reusable. The material seems to be some sort of fiber-like material and is unlikely to deform under pressure.  Although with proper installation and using stock oil pan gasket, the leaks can be eliminated, it doesnt hurt to use better alternatives ;).

Flywheel Cover

With the moroso oil pan, the stock aluminum flywheel cover will not fit.

The edges will get the way

'some' grinding will be required to be able to fit back the flywheel cover.

You should grind down the edges so that flywheel cover can slide over the oil pan.

You should be able to slide it about a inch over the oil pan as the pic above

Wrong application of gasket glue = leaks. Previous handy by another workshop.  Gasket glue should be only applied to the area where there is a groove (4 points).

Clean off the glunk before installation of the oil pan and gasket

Installed the studs that I ordered with the hondahabit gasket.  Instead of using bolts and nuts combination, most will be nut down.  Take note 1) that there are two bolt holes on the crank pulley side which will not allow the installation of the studs as the holes are threaded through 2) On the oil filter side, the area where the flywheel cover is bolt on:  The hondahabit studs cannot be installed as it is too long and gets in the way of the flywheel cover.  Therefore, threes holes will still require the use of the original bolts.

Remember to apply sealant on the drain back plug to prevent leaks and after the installation of the oil pan, it requires about 4.5L of engine oil.

Thanx to Ben aka URACO for the tips on the installation :)

Desmond Regamaster Evo and Spoon Calipers clearance

Finally fitted my Regamasters (15x6.5 offset 35)

Just to illustrate the clearance that I have, it's slightly less than 2mm

refer to this for more info on the caliper installation http://honda-eg6.blogspot.sg/2012/01/spoon-twin-block-brake-caliper-45020.html 

At offset +35, its almost flush ;), running 15/195/50 tires

EG6 Torque Mount aka Stopper reinforcement

My stock torque mount gave way just a tad over 1 year of installation.  Got a pair as replacement.

Left Stopper Part No.: 50842-SR3-N10
Right Stopper Part No.: 50841-SR3-N10

The original design is quite flimsy, especially the left mount.  The thin rubber would be able to hold against hard driving.

To strengthen it, I stuff some fuel hoses into the gaps to reduce the flex of the mount.

Next I filled up the gap with some polyurethane.  I went for the marine grade, hoping that it can withstand the weather better.

I tape up one side of it before pumping the polyurethane in to prevent it from flowing out the other end.

Once done, leave it alone for a couple of days for it to be fully set.

The reason I am not filling it fully and using hoses, is because I dont want to it to be too stiff.  If the mount is still soft, I can alway fill up the hoses with polyurethane to increase the stiffness :)

I had a pair of this, but it was way too stiff for daily usage...

DESMOND REGAMASTER EVO 15x6.5 +35

Got a friend of mine to professionally paint them in matt black with matt clear coat.. no more dirty white wheels ;)

My friend's workshop.. (spot the 350Z in the background?)

Neptune TunerView II regular: Case

Manage to fabricate a case for the TunerView

The CF sticker is cover up my lousy cutting skills. If only I can get someone to CNC a aluminum face plate for this.

The buttons were swapped to smaller ones to save space.

It looks quite ghetto, but at least its better than just showing the PCB.

Neptune TunerView II regular: S300

Sometimes I would like to know what are the sensors reading and Hondata S300 adjustments or when the car is having erratic behavior, I can have quick check on the parameters.  Usually I would have to hook up my laptop to the ECU and mount the laptop on the dash, which can be troublesome.

Neptune RTP TunerView II Regular Dash Kit

The other solution is the NEPTUNE RTP TunerView II ;).  This kit allows me to monitor all the parameters in the S300 and its easy to install.

The unit dimension is 98mm x 60mm

Before installing, u need to set up the unit by connecting it to the computer. You can download the software from this link: http://www.hrtuning.com/software/index.php?file=TunerView%20II/ .

In the TunerView II setup, select S300 under the system option.

Next u have the prepare the connection cable. The cable that came with the unit requires a little work to it.  You will have to swap the last two wires on the right to be able to use with Hondata.

You will need the HONDATA Module which has to be ordered separately.

Connect the module wires; red to ignition (+12v) and black to ground.

Another thing to note is that the heatsink (The metal piece protruding out of the box) get very hot.  So avoid having that part touching anything when selecting a position to mount it.

Connect the USB cable to the S300.

Connect this cable to the display unit

Note: the TunerView does not comes with a box, so I have to fabricate one.

SPAL 30102044 Radiator Fan

SPAL radiator fan (30102044 13" puller) made in italy

Tight clearance

I had a Aux fan installed to improve the cooling. But I wanted to reduce the clutter and to have more clearance between the radiator fan and the exhaust manifold.  So I got the SPAL fan which is rated to flow at 1700 CFM to replace both of the fans I had.

Comparing the fans: stock vs SPAL.  Puny stock radiator fan motor vs huge SPAL radiator fan motor.

Do remember to tighten the fan motor before installation.

The 13" SPAL fan sits nicely on the radiator

Less clutter and more clearance!!  Surprisingly, the fan is quieter then the stock fan and the air flow is good too.  The plastic housing feels a lot more durable than the E-bay radiator fan and so is the fan motor housing.   Another thing to note is that it heavy at about 10 lbs/ 4.5 kg.

Wheels: Desmond RegaMaster EVO

Finally got my hands on these!! +35 offset. Those who are in the know, will understand the meaning of the photographs ;)

EG K-Tuned Traction Bar Part 3

The K-Tuned control arm mounting tabs fits well onto the front LCA. Its a simple bolt on job.

With the radius bolt on.

 Good clearance for both sides of the traction bar

Take note: Do not tighten the radius rods during initial installations, make sure there is some free play before lowering the car.

After installing the radius rods, I ensured that there is some free play and hand tighten the lock nuts. Then I drove the car for a short distance to make sure the front wheels gets to settle back into their neutral position.

Once that is done, I reached under the car (four wheels down on the ground) and tighten the rod to ensure there is no free play, followed by tightening the locking nut.

Initial verdict: As my ride is on soft suspension setup for daily drive; during high speeds turns, it tends to "wobbles" slightly.  After installing the traction bar, the "wobbles" are eliminated and the car feels more controlled.  All this is before a wheel alignment is done to get the castor corrected!  

As for wheel alignment to adjust the castor, it will be a complicated process. This is because when the castor is adjusted, the camber and toe of the wheels will be affected; So do get it done professionally.

update: 18 Jun 12
1) The traction bar may work with half radiators if use the stock radiator mounting point.
2) The K-tune radiator mount bracket will not allow the Half radiator to mounted in the original position.  The radiator will be offset about 1.5 inch to the cam gears side if using the radiator mount.
3) If u have the integra radiator (full size), which u will likely to have adjusted the original radiator mounts lower then stock position.  Then the traction bar will not fit as the stock radiator mounts will get in the way.
4) Using the K-tune radiator mount bracket it will push the full size radiator 1cm / 0.4 inch higher.  Thus, you have issues closing the bonnet.  Alternatively is to lean the radiator slightly which will facilitate the bonnet closing.
5) Another solution is to weld radiator mount brackets directly onto the traction bar.