Petron E10 Premium

I have been using this in my car for a few weeks now and my mileage didn´t change. Prior to loading up with Petron E10, I used Xtra Unleaded (also from Petron). My car would average 10 km/L on city driving and more if I go on the Highway. Another note is that Petron E10 is relatively cheaper by P2.00 than the Xtra Unleaded variant. Not only is a bit cheaper but is also tested to have 95RON which is 2 points higher than the Xtra Unleaded variant and the same with the XCS Premium variant. I would also like to point out that since this has 10% Ethanol that it has fewer emissions than that of regular gasoline. You´re saving a bit from your wallet plus you´re also helping save the environment. Only wish that more Petron branches would carry this blend. As of the moment, only a select few has this. Lucky for me there is a branch that is pretty accessible for me.

Rear Seatbelts for corolla

Since the local LTO (Land Transportation Office) is being all fussy all of a sudden with private vehicles imposing large fines on different strange violations one of which is having rear seat belts. My corolla is the base model so most of the amenities are non-existent, e.g. rear seat belts. So the good citizen that I am (ehem-ehem) searched the local interweb to where I could purchase rear seatbelts from a Toyota Corolla (ae101 model). Luckily, a club member at GrupoToyota had a set. After a few PM´s, SMS, and a call later, the package arrived at my house a day later. It included the left and right three point seat belt and the center lap belt. It was a pain to install because I had to crawl in the trunk, remove the rear seats and remove a few panels (I even broke a bolt in the process). After all the sweat and anger subsided I sat back and said to myself, all for being a good, law abiding citizen (ehem).

2nd Phil International Motorshow: Drive the Future

It was my first time to attend PIMS and to enter the World Trade Center. It was a new experience for me. The hall was huge and there was another hall exclusive for suppliers, retailers, and shops. The main hall displayed cars from different car makers like Audi, Porsche, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Kia, just to name a few.

Most of the car makers had a display of hybrid or a car that runs on alternative fuel. One of which that caught my attention is one of Kia´s small suv, the Kia Sportage. It runs not on fossil fuel but as I understand on HHO or 2 parts Hydrogen and 1 part Oxygen. I think the concept is it produces its own Hydrogen rather than filing it with Hydrogen like Honda´s FCX. It seems that Kia has already a prototype running. I would like to have a chance to drive one or any hybrid car for that matter just to experience the difference.

On the other not so eco-friendly side. The first thing that I saw at the PIMS is the oh-so-sexy Audi R8. A sexy piece of machine. I couldn´t even touch it for the bodyguard of the car was very protective not to get any scratches or smudges on the car. Must´ve been a tough few days because when I was there kids were touching it as if it were just another run of the mill mass produced car. What I would give just to take it out for a spin on a track. Of course I wouldn´t dream of owning one, the maintenance of that car would buy a small car (plus I couldn´t afford getting the R8 either let alone even a pedal).

Anyways, click the link for some of the pics I took at the show. No models though. Sorry.

Click Me For Pics

Tanabe High Performance Brake Pads

Of course with a new set of rubber the occasional "spirited" driving comes in to play. I noticed that my pads were not cutting it anymore. With inspection, lo and behold, the pads were almost gone. I called up Autotech to ask what pads they had in stock and Tanabe Pads for Street Use were available. Went to them the next day and had them installed.

After the bedding in period I tried hard braking and brake feel were over-all improved (comparing from Bosch pads). Brake dust was reduced a lot and squeaks from braking are almost gone. And the life of the pads compared to OEM (according to manufacturer) are almost the same.

I'm still looking forward to trying these on the track. I still some gremlins I can't find on the suspension but as soon as they're sorted out plus extra dough for a track day I'll see what these pads can do.

TOYO Proxes T1-R

My old and almost "racing slicks" Bridgestone GIII's had got to go. They don't grip the road as much because the threads are almost non-existent, the roads here are getting slippery because of occasional rains so the grip on the rain is much worse, i had the tires for the longest time and I guess it is time to say goodbye.

Enter my new Toyo's. I searched through car magazines both local and international for a new set of rubbers and Toyo keep poppin' up. I've used Toyo's before but the T1-s model. Since the stats of the T1-R are good plus it just manages to be in my budget, I got my self 4 (r15/55/195) new rubbers for my ride.

Initial use got me noticing the grip. It's enough for me to handle plus it became more predictable on the road. Cabin noise are reduced compared to my GIII's. I seem to notice that the sidewalls of the Toyo's are quite stiff contrary to what people tell me. Treadware is rated at 280 so these babies will last me a long time even if i take these to track days or the occasional autocross.

Overall this is the best balance for my budget and spirited driving itches.

My car is back!!

Just got my car back from my mechanic friend. It was a long overdue major overhaul. If you remember the line from Vin Diesel's character from the Fast and the Furious about Paul Walker's character frying his piston rings? Well.... that just happened to my car. As they cracked open the engine the piston rings were not up to speck in terms of clearance due to old age. While the oil rings were "fried" thus was stuck up and couldn't hold down the oil from entering the combustion chamber. (My engine was bought second hand from japan as it was never released locally)

Before I could leave the car to my friend's care. I had to source out the parts. I had to search the net for the overhauling kit for my engine. Luckily, the local Toyota plant had one in stock. Next was the piston rings. That took me awhile to source one. With a stroke of luck Shagee, from Autotech (found in Quirino Ave in Manila), just imported two sets. I bought one set from him. Thanks Shagee!

The next problem was the schedule on when I could leave the car. My wife works in the call center so I had to drive her to and from work. Since she was usually on the night shift it was imperative that I do it. (Lots of lawless elements lurk during the wee hours in the metro) Then my dad told me that he and my mom will be going to the province for the Christmas. Perfect! I now have a spare car!

So on the 26th of December I left my car with Remy (my mechanic friend) and he promised me that I could get the car back by the 28th. His promise was good as gold as the car was ready by the afternoon of the 28th. Off to Anabu, Cavite to get my car and it was good to go! Gave him what I owe him and rushed to try the car out. It was great! It had it's power back but I think I should still take it easy because the rings hadn't fully seated. After a few days i'll go test it somewhere, maybe in Daang Hari if I could bring the car to the tracks.

autotech - 02-4043594 (they usually open around 10am)

remy - 0920-4246056 (if you're from imus, dasma, or bacoor area)

My first crack at auto-x

I always wanted to join some sort of legal form of car racing as i wanted to try out the car on how it handled or how it feels. Opportunity presented itself last October 2007 when Grupo Toyota (a toyota enthusiast group - more like a second family) sposored an auto-x event in cooperation with Shago Racing. It was held at Hobbies of Asia located along Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City. I was nervous because my car's not in tip top shape because it badly needed an overhaul. Nevertheless i threw caution out the window, filled the tank with enough gas, set aside a pocket money for entrance and food for the day, and topped the engine with oil - just in case.

The day started with briefing by Mang Danny of Shago Racing of the does on dont's on the track, with the car and around the track. The agenda started with the proper attire. One, we need a helmet. Any kind of helmet that would at least give some sort of protection to the old noodle. Two, no slippers or flip flops are allowed because it could hinder the proper use of pedals. Lastly, we should at least wear pants in case something bad happens, the legs are protected. Next was tire pressure. He said that it's not always necessary to fill the same tire pressure with each car. It varies from one track to another. Brakes should be working and no leaking fluids coming from the car. Inside the car, the seatbelts should also be working. He also demonstrated the proper seating position. Back should be straight and the wrist should touch the top of the steering wheel so when seated comfortably there is enough room to turn the wheel. For his parting words, Enjoy! And enjoy we will!

After the briefing we had a "track walk" so we could all be familiar with the track layout first hand. The track was a tight one. You blast out of the gates from first and before you could shift to second you will be turning right and a series of slalom cones will be welcoming you then a "ribbon" (left turn going to a u-turn then forward a little to tackle the next cone to the left with a 360 then last a cone that you enter like a hook before going back to the slalom cones) back to the slalom cones, you turn right after it then another set of slalom cones before the goal gate. It was tight i tell you!

We we're then let loose on the track! (mwahahahaha!!) As you could see on the pic there is bluish white smoke trailing from my car.

Now a view from behind. See what i meant with white smoke? The engine badly needed an overhaul but the temptation of an auto-x event was much stronger. The day ended without a hitch. I was tired, sweaty, my wallet was almost empty from all the drinks and food that I bought (i had nothing to do between runs and it was really hot!). Over all it was a good learning experience. Hope I can do it again.

*pics came from my GT brothers. lots of thanks! i forgot to bring my camera. hahaha
*you could visit the GT forums at www.grupotoyota.com.ph/forum/index.php