by Kevin Sullivan » Fri Mar 09, 2018 03:53
Just passed my 2yr "Sha-ke-n" (Japanese car inspection/MOT) today. Needed a new battery. Recommendation was the headlamps are weak, the reflectors need cleaning, and an LED H3 replacement (from Amazon) was a good idea.
Overall reliability has been outstanding, no big issues. Did need to replace the electric power window switch in the center console 3 years ago, and rear differential bushings 4 years ago. The turbo@100k kilometers was a bit worn and weak, my solution was an engine swap with a crashed Cappu with under 50k on it and a fresh(er) turbo, with a new clutch and cam belt and any worn seals while all was apart for the swap. Not counting brake pads and fresh tires.
From stock Cordoba Red 1992 EA11R, a few modifications and upgrades along the way:
-Stainless Steel brake lines (firmer pedal than old rubber)
-15" rims (and original 14" with summer tires, and 14" with snow tires)
-Engine:
--Monster Sport N1 ECU Kit (one step colder spark plugs and a re-flashed ECU that advances timing, better/extended fuel maps for up to 1.2bar boost), removes the 140k/83mph electronic speed limiter)
--Electronic Boost Controller (I keep at 1bar, no desire to risk the head gasket, though a metal one is available...)
--Intake - K&N low-restriction air intake, and modified air filter box for an extra 2" intake tube
--Exhaust: full 2"/52mm stainless steel (catalytic converter mid-pipe + stainless dual exhausts)
-Interior:
--Boost gauge (to 1.5bar)
--Momo red/black leather steering wheel and gear shift knob
--red LED backlit instrument gauges
--Bluetooth stereo
-Exterior
--fresh paint, stock red.
In all, a happy spunky car. A few more upgrades and I would call it done for me:
-Interior: Black leather seats & door cards
-Handling: Under hard cornering, the inside rear tire can lift, and fuel starvation at the pump pickup if fuel is low. I would like a Cusco LSD 1.5-way to keep delivering power, and perhaps a baffled fuel tank. However, as the car is currently used as a Sunday driver and rarely hits the switchbacks and mountain passes I find it hard to justify the cost {were my wallet fatter, no problem...}