gunat

Since this is supposedly mandatory since november, has anyone had the experience of being unable to renew their Rev. License because they didn't have the emissions test?

Looks like its already been said- there is not performance gain from an aftermarket BOV. All modern turbos come with stock units that do the same job. As for reliability, my car is on its 10th year in stock configuration. No reliability issues. In the end, its a question of noise/no noise.

Given that the RA-R is a very limited edition (300 cars), i would put the value around 5-6 Million Yen- don't even want to speculate the cost of getting one on SL roads. Reviews say that the STI 9 Spec C still runs circles around the new STI, although there is talk that the new granny hatch STI Spec C will put that all to rest.... Dev, are you sure the car you saw had the short spoiler and white wheels? The RA-R wheels are 18" spoked rims that are similar to the Evo 6 TME. It may well be a S204, but even that car has distinct differences to the RA-R- it does not come in white rims, and the spoiler is body coloured. Either way, there's a new kid on the block. Very curious as to who/what it is...

i doubt Romani would paint his- It looks stunning in white... I haven't heard of a another car...but its possible someone else is a lucky owner of a second car...(yes the spoiler is black carbon fibre and smaller than the usual wing)

I'll take the 5th on that one, evilmak.

There's only one RA-R i know of in SL (mind you, only 300 were made...) Do you mean STI Spec C Type RA? The distinctive difference is the RA-R has a small black spoiler and white wheels....

the WRX conversion is far more straightforward than a EVO conversion owing to the fact that the chassis does not need any modification. The drivetrain is a direct fit since the NA imprezas also do come with AWD. It does, however, lack the structural re-inforcement that are installed on WRX's at the factory. I'm going to be a Snob and call out the difference between an STI and a WRX. STI's are specifically blueprinted before going into production- the engine, suspension, gearbox, drivetrain and ECU are endemic to each STI version. Most of the SL imports that came from Japan are STI's- save for a few WRX's. STI's are available as JDM/european (excluding UK) models that supplemented the JDM WRX. WRX's are basically Turbo'd Imprezas without the STI livery- in stock form, they are not as powerful as the STI. A visual check of a STOCK WRX would be the tea-tray spoiler in place of the massive, obnoxious wing (yeah, i'm guilty too...). These are the cars that were also officially exported from Japan to Europe, UK, Oz, NZ, etc. The reason for calling out this distinction is that many of the conversion kits available at Dealers in SL are called "STI Conversions", but you may not necessarily be paying for an actual STI engine/drivetrain. Its easy to tack on a STI intercooler or STi badges on the body parts and say that it is an STI, but it may not be the case. A lot of the differences are the internals such as pistons, bearings, ECU, etc. So word of caution to those who are looking to do the conversion. In addition to this complicated terminology, there is also the engine type. The Boxer engine came in two types (logically, Phase I and Phase II). Phase I is found on all turbo'd subarus up to 1998 (upto and including the STI 4). The Phase II are for all turbos from 1999 onwards till the STI 9. Phase I has an cast-iron block, while heavier, is a lot stronger and is best for power modifications. The Phase II is more sensitive as it is a lighter block using a different manufacturing process. Naturally, internals such as pistons, cranks etc aren't easily swapped between the two...but Turbos/IC's/ and external ancilliaries are possible, although may need modification. To distinguish between the two: "Look down at the block just behind where the power steering pump use to be located. You will see the words "Japan". Just in front of that will be either 1 ridge or 2 ridges (approx. 3-4 inches long) If there is one ridge, it's a phase 2 block, if there are two ridges it's a phase 1 block." Myth: Phase II is better than Phase I While Phase II is a newer engine, when talking modifications Phase I takes trumps Myth: Conversions are easily done While the mechanical side is easily carried out, the structural difference between the chassis types are significant. WRX and EVOs come with specific reinforcments to cope with the power jump. This includes the safety cell (ie. passenger area). Additionally the ECU in EVO/WRXs are made to work the relevant SRS safety components of the same type of car- this could (read: could, not is) be compromised in a conversion scenario. That said, you could double the fun factor of a basic lancer or Impreza car by spending 200-400k. Not a bad deal- my suggestion is to however spend an extra 50k and see where you can also ensure safety.

So I recently heard this from a colleague in the Legal occupation... There is supposedly a impending new ruling/by-law/govt. bill that will stipulate that all cars can be subject to compliance on the following: 1. Loud Exhausts 2. Aftermarket bright/non-standard headlights (ie. blue/xenon-effect headlights) 3. Blinged accessories such as chassis lights, etc 4. etc...(not sure yet) Not sure how factory spec cars like Evos, STi's will be considered... Still don't know the details as yet, but looking to get more information. Basically, the same double standard on petrol vehicles (when it comes to cost of fuel) will now be extended to appearance as well. Love to see if the cops will stop trishaws and buses that have various add ons etc., but that's just wishful thinking.

I know i'm going to get some hate mail on this one ...but I'm not surprised, given how much of a blind eye F1 took to when it came to Ferrari...and now they're all washing their dirty laundry in public http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=315890

Once you've figured out your tire size, here's a good source to understand everything about tires http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html rule of thumb- higher price usually means better quality (read: USUALLY, but not necessarily the case)

Kaluz- just checked out your photos. Fabulous! I have to ask, what is the camera/lens...?

Sad news... http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/andea-p...cycle-accident/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7547267.stm Andrea P. was responsible for iconic cars such as the Testarossa, Fiat Coupe, Alfa Spider

If i'm not mistaken, the '97 Legacy (or WRX for that matter) had a type 1 Boxer engine. The Intercooler (and consequently, the plumbing for the air filter/hoses) are slightly different from the Type 2. Best to find out which engine yours is: If it hasn't been modified, the intercooler sits at a slight angle to the right side of the engine bay and the spark wire distributor pod is also to the right side of the intake manifold. What year is your car?

So did Max TV end up televising the meet?

1. Regular Gearbox oil should do- up to you if you want to use synthetic though. 2. Hum could be the bearings...but also could be the rear diff. How long has it been since the last diff oil change?

Quick answer: "Most test programs look at only two pollutants: unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). Most also measure carbon dioxide (CO2) but only for diagnostic purposes since CO2 is not a pollutant (though it is a "greenhouse gas" that may contribute to global warming)." - http://www.aa1car.com/library/tr1196.htm

I'm one of those skeptics...so i guess i'll have to eat my words at this point. Seeing as how they are integrating this with the RMV, and preventing bogus certifications, i can see this is a real effort to make things work. However, as i said earlier, one protest from the trishaw/motorcycles/bus drivers and the govt. will remove them from the list of required vehicles. As mentioned on the other thread, i'm very impressed with the Drive Green business model- and i will definitely give them kudos in conversation with anyone else. Irony of this is that the first set of "Green" cars on the city streets are of the high performance categories! That bumper sticker will probably add to the 'trend'

I was very impressed with the professionalism and convenience of Drive Green's Mobile Units. I just spoke to Huzefa Akbarally and am working with him to come to our Company Premises to test all our employees cars- at least 100 cars! Its going to be part of a larger Drive Green campaign of companies "Going green"... You've started a trend Andrew!!! Kudos to that!

Nicely Done Andrew & team! Was great to put the faces to the names (and cars)....and errmm...pass the emissions test

You'll be only able to play Region specific DVD's (ie. US DVDs)...find out which region DVDs it can play.

Just as an FYI folks- having a cat does not guarantee you'll pass the emissions test...as its based on CO2 emissions. The older the car, the less likely its got a clean system. Cats also deteriorate and lose effectiveness over time. Add the fact that our petrol is full of impurities, and i doubt we'll actually have many cars passing. I suppose the litmus test will be when the first set of vehicles go for inspection next month.

Expensive is relative. You can have a diamond encrusted maruti and it can fetch value beyond the Bulletproof Merc. Valuable is more relevant- cars that are irreplaceable. I can think of 3 cars right off the bat: 1. 1917 Pipe (Belgium) - recently restored and was displayed at last year's classic car show (right @ the entrance to the closed building). Its the only car in the world as the factory had just opened before WW1, only to be bombed by the germans. The Pipe was equated as the european Rolls Royce. The owners are the 3rd generation of the same family- ie. One owner. 2. 1954 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, custom built for the Queen- brought to SL to commemorate the Queens ascent to the throne, and her official vehicle when visiting (then) Ceylon. Auctioned in the 60s and with the same family to date. Intact, but needs restoration. 3. 195x BMW 501 - Also one owner car, in original condition and running. I know the car, but never got around to having a look.

What amazes me is how much verbal criticism is laid upon Hamilton for the error, while Rosberg gets off. If you ask me, Rosberg was just as careless. I'd agree with Pila on the pathetic management of the pits...did anyone notice how the lights go green right after the collisions? That said, the Drivers championship just got more exciting...and Alonso didn't get any points (joy!).

They forgot to mention new policy to support politicos, their goons, families, rampant sons, failing airlines, and...NEW CARS.

Maithri- have a rather detailed question for you- can you pls email me at [email protected]? thanks