edit!

Well, I'm too busy to actually condense my thoughts into a coherent journal entry to a quick edit for now.

dog283 is on Facebook now! ... After getting shit loads of invites and everybody at work bugging to me to make an account I've bit the bullet an made one.

Add me up if you wish dog283@yahoo.com

I have new lights again hehehe

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And so the New Year is upon us. Of course I'm going to side step greeting everybody 'cause it's already past Mid-January and I'm sure your pretty much saturated with all the Happy New year's

Quite a bit's happened lately which is why there's been no updates.

Let's pick up where we left off... December of last year. ...

Of course work's been so busy... With the Financial Crisis and all... But I spend waaaaaaay too much time at work so I won't mention any of that.

I broke up with my girlfriend mid-December. A number of reasons why really. It's was somewhat dramatic for a bit after that but I'm over it... Kinda decided to give that thing a rest for this year since I have a new found appreciation for being not-commited-to-any-relationship

Had this crazy idea I hatched with a buddy of mine to go get a Second 1st Gen Lancer to turn into an all out Race car... the kind I could crash and not feel guilty about. We found a perfect candidate. A Red 1976 2 door that's an unfinished restoration project. Sitting for 5 years after the body work was done. Totally rotten interior and has a set of Original Minilite Sport Wheels. Found it in the back of a shop. The current owner's gone bankrupt and can't pay up what he owes the shop so their holding the car. Trying to negotiate to get the car but the owner has his head in the clouds wanting way too much money. Playing a waiting game at the moment to see if he'll bite my bait. [link]

In the mean time I'd been playing around getting Lancer-chan some different shoes. For reference see THIS deviation Kinda wanted to set aside the Magnesium Minilites.

First was able to find a set of Rallye Wheels at the back of some obscure tire shop. The old guy there din't have any clue what he ha and we were able to get the set dirt cheap! The look like Campagnolo Wheels. The Aluminum casting was pretty heavy and worse there's a slight oblong on some of the wheels, Something rather common for vintage alloy wheels that have seen some use- and fine in most applications- but not in ours- the oblong causes strange vibrations when driving over 150 km/h.

That in mind I went looking for a second set of wheels which led us to a little adventure in down town Manila to a place refered to as Blumentrit (named after the train station next to it) there's a row of shops that had an awesome collection of Wheels... some of the rarest wheels I've seen only in Pics off the net I saw in the metal. Was drooling over a set of BG Cosmics that would look awesome on Lancer-chan however they too knew the price and literally we were looking at precious metals. But a luck would have it there was a set of Genuine Yokohama Advan Turbo rims- the type with a raised center section to force cold air to cool the brakes. As I noted with the pics their Uber-rare! and in immaculate brand new like condition! Something we've never seen before and also quite possibly never been used (until I got them) Forutnately given that the rareness of the wheels was exceedingly high the guys running the shop din't have any idea what they were and thus were price cheap... Bought them fast and got out of there before they realized we pulled a fast one! Also while there I picked up a extra cylinder head assy for Lancer-chans engine that will serve as the base for a race head (but that's a story for another day)

I fitted the very awesome looking super rare turbo wheels to Lancer-chan as soon as I got home that day... Unfortunately they looked to tame. Total fail! They don't go with the car at all! Just had them on for a quick drive around the block and to snap a few pics then I took them off. Quick to capitalize on the advantage we had, I immediately offered them for swap/sale in our local car club knowing that people there are so crazy for any form of Turbo Wheel they pay ridiculous prices for the Mitsubishi branded ones that are in need of much refurbishing how much more for mint condition Advan Turbo's? as expected withing a few hours of sending out an SMS that I din't like how they look on my car a deal was struck...

Opted for a swap. A set of Original German ATS Classics. Aside from the Minilites one of the wheels I would have killed to have! In need of refurbishment the deal was to swap the Advan Turbo's (that I din't like anymore) plus cash so I can refurbish them, find center caps and have a bit to have lunch out while going around. a few days later I met up with my friend for the swap and immediately dropped of the ATS wheels to a shop called Master Wheels to be turned from the yucky dirty silver they were to an awesome black with polished lip design. Then we went to yet another obscure tire shop where my friend had seen original ATS center caps and quickly bought them before the guy there realized they were worth much more then what we paid!

4 days later I get a call from Master Wheels that my ATS are ready for pick up. Wrapped in the 186/60/r13 Michelin's that were previously on the Minilites they look Wicked. 13x7 inch wide they fill the fender well and since the tire is pretty stretched over the rim they afford a stiffer side wall that makes for MUCH better handling. As much as I'd hate to admit... I'm loving the ATS even more than the Minilites Filled them with Nitrogen instead of Air 'cause that sounds more aweome

I also finally found the time to take to roll bar out and have it powdercoated. I went with green the same shade as TEIN coilover's because I though it'd be funny... it actually turned out really well Here's what the parts look like [link] have it installed again.

Notice in the pics I've uploaded that Lancer-chan is currently sporting the no-bumper look made popular in the 80's by racers looking to save weight. Actually I'm having the bumper brackets painted and having the bumpers pressed straight an rechromed. Phase one of restoration... Comming soon. Remember, last year I said I hope to finish her THIS year

Finally went with *wraith11's advised and ditched all those Cibie FOG Lamps in favor of longer range lamps... Better when driving really fast in the dark! Normally would have suggested a pair of driving lights but all the better cause I found Spot beams!!! I picked up a pair of Cibie Iode 45 IGM Spot lamps. Excellent condion. [link] I've got them installed as well. Loving it!

Wow. This is quite long already. I think I have more to say but I'll leave it for another day.

P.s. Gas price is going way down! It's like it's 2003 again!

Last updated Oct. 21, 2008

Damn, time flies.

I guess with the rate I've been updating I'd better greet everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year while I'm at it

Seriously, things have been busy. Perhaps most unfortunate is that I really don't have much time for anything else aside from work right now. Heh. The little time available is spent catching up on sleep, doing errands and tinkinkering with bit on the car.

Not much major since the roll cage got finished- heck, have not even had the time (or funds) to take it out and have it powedercoated- mostly due to the fact that the GLXi got T-boned by a Jeepney (Google it if you don't know what it is) so quite a bit of time and budget have gone to getting a mashed up door tin smithed and painted and finding new window and mouldings. I did buy 2 more Cibie's though (For the win!!)

So many things I want to do but no time. Hillclimb, Vintage Racing, even going for a fun run seems hard pressed to schedule in these days. For the most part I've been content to hoard parts for future projects. Kinda at a cross roads right now which project to pursue so kinda coasting along, Lancer-chan is set to get painted this summer- that's for sure- so we're on target for the 09/2009 deadline to finish her.... whatever the 'finish' may be Cardomain was updated; [link]

I joined a new old-school car club that being formed, and when I posted up I was quite surprised that a few people had already known about us- quite a number in fact over the years. I figure I've already established enough of a legacy with with that car so I want her done so I can be content with at least 1 finished project and I want to start something new.... I have plans already

December seems to be the deciding time on what will follow next. Kinda anxious right now while waiting for funds to clear and sort of letting fate decide what comes next. Lots of opportunities, dunno how long they'll be around, so I guess if it's there when it's time then that's what meant to be...

That's all I have now really. Time to catch up on some more sleep. Wish you all Happy Holidays

Finally got Lancer-chan's roll cage done. Just have to paint it next week. Will update pics soon.

Sunday morning I got invited for a drive and breakfast up to Tagaytay through the all-too-familiar Sta. Rosa road. A chance to hoon about in the mountains and test the dynamics of our much stiffer chassis... not to mention free breakfast!?! Of course I was game for some of that!!

Our 3 car convoy of Lancer-chan, and my buddies Turbo-charged MX-5 (Miata) and a Toyota Corona 'Macho Machine' met up at the Petron Station along the SLEX Sunday morning. As usual the place was chock full of car and bike clubs including a number of exotics... Ferrari Dino, Lambo Diablo, a number of Porsche 911's and a Speedster (replica) to name a few.

Topped up with some high Octane gas and we left early. Had planned on doing a slow cruise to the top to save gas and so the Macho Machine could keep pace... But it had been a while since we last attacked the mountain so I was a bit itchy... add the fact that we had not yet had a chance to fully go at the mountain since SMT re-tuned the carb to the cam and new exhaust... and I could not resist beating the shit out of some wannabe drivers on the way up... the slow drive increased pace until I was going through the gears to the red line (love the new shifter!!) and running Expressway speeds through the pass with the MX-5 in hot pursuit!! Whohoo!!!! Stress relief at its best!! Everything fell together nicely. The engine was getting smoother and smoother as we climbed- perhaps due to the fact that carbon had built up over the last few months of City driving and that she favored the cold mountain air. The new shifter action was a pleasure! The only miss was once when I pulled down from 5th to some horrifice syncromesh grinding thinking I was in 3rd going to 4th only to see we were running 130km/h up a straight Need a 6th Got to the top almost as quick as when we were chasing the Full Race Lancer last Feb. only difference is we wern't even pushing as hard! Oil pressure normal! The Macho Machine had plumes of white smoke from the front wheels though which worried us- brake pads were cooked.

Had a good breakfast and chatted a bit before heading home. I had come from work the night before so I needed some early rest.

On the way down we agreed to go slower... you know, like the pace normal people drive at Considering the Macho Machine had burnt brakes we din't want to push it at all. We we're making progess down hill which was busier then when we got up since it was later in the day- around 10 am or so. Out little convoy was joined by a bunch of Porsches, a Lancer Evo 8 and the Lambo Diablo we saw that morning... Seeing that monster pass our row of 10 normal speed cars in one shot was enough to make my hairs stand on end... it sounded simply AWESOME!!! Intimidating even!!!! it took some 5 min. from when they passed for me to decide to break away from the group. Sent an SMS to my buddies "I'm itiching to give chase!! see you down the hill" ...

Then we started to drive... For the first time was I actually had a target. Obviously the 1439cc Lancer even with Rally spec engine will be no match for the V12 Diablo on a Staight away but the narrow twisting mountain roads are our element! It was just a matter of curiosity really. I just wanted to catch up the Bull and follow it... if we could... Damn! I should have gave chase earlier! It was no where in sight!

Picking up speed I passed a few kids who were obviously trying to do the same thing. We dispatched them quickly and after what seemed like an eternity of corners (but in reality around 3 min.) I caught up to the monster!! Sure, obviously the Diablo which took up like the whole lane plus a few inches was not going full throttle since it's waay too big for the tight road and he's so low he must have a hard time seeing the corner exit. Still he was going pretty quick and the sound it makes was so fucking awesome that when we both accelerate to pass a lesser machine I could not even hear my own car!! Din't even bother to try an pass it. Tailing it was joy enough... We we're in lock-step with the Bull- never mind that conditions were very much to our favor. besides I don't think that would be possible since it was so freaking wide there was no space to pass I managed a few video clips on my cell in some of the straights. I'll upload after I check if their any good

The ironic thing is that as we approached the bottom we met with traffic on the pass as it crossed a small town. Now, Mid engined Italian car that had been pushing a bit combined with hot tropical weather don't go well together. The driver pulled to the side and politely signaled us to go ahead. I nodded my head in respect. A few Km/s down and his Porsche buddies were going back up the hill to the rescue.

Probably going to be one of my more memorable drives. I went home satisfied. Yet now... every time I think of it I fee the my heart start to beat faster and I feel like I need to come up with a reason go back up the mountain... again! Dammit! I wanna see if we can tail a Porsche next!

Damn, I've really manage to ingnore this for the last long while. For those who care; no worries I haven't gone off the big end in a spectacular fireball just yet!

Just been really busy with work, cars, the girlfriend and other stuffs...

I've actually found some time to get back to art. I'm not quite focused enough to finish any yet but I will soon... promise!

About a month ago I hit a nasty pot hole or something on the road that did some sidewall damage to the Michelin on the GLXi... Kinda short on cash until the next payday I stuffed her in the Garage and did the daily run with Lancer chan... now in full C-I race spec trim. (Which of course if followed bu C-II and C-III as it get more upgraded) I was having waay too much fun to bother getting the other car in running condition until I got my credit card bill... you know you've been having waay too much fun when your Fuel bill hit 12,000 Pesos... damn, convert that to any exchange rate and that's still a shitload of money!

A friendly reminder that each machine has its own purpose and really do you wan't to drive a race car on the street? Ask me and the answer is a resounding yes! If only I could fucking afford to!

So what's new? Got the GLXi running again- New Michelin, Also picked up an Awesome Pioneer head unit with MP3 player connectivity Replaced the orignal Cassette deck unit so I can live in the modern age of car audio.

Lancer-chan is gonna go back to SMT in a week or two to have a roll cage fitted- half cage design copied from the original Ralliart hand book- I'm not really concerned about rolling over protection- but more for stiffening the chassis to prevent the frame from twisting. I saw SMT install the same in a Porsche 994 and it was wicked!! The next and final steps of the project is a race head with big valves, double springs and full headworks, a bit more tuning then off for body work and she's done. I'm targeting 09/27/2009 to have everything done, so that 363 days to go.

I've even off loaded that set of Enkei Rally rims I bought a few months ago (with sizable mark up) to fund the project. I'm busy scouring online sources for a few choice parts I need.

Goodnews is fuel price is going down... Quite a bit actually- So looks like the happy driving days are comming back again. I still kinda want to get a bike though...

I watched a movie last night with my girlfriend... Eagle Eye. Nothing special really- I won't recommended paying money to see ut. Something about a highly advanced computer that decides it knows better and starts doing things on it own. Mmm. I actually enjoyed the trailers more, one of which was this; [link] which should prove to be good. hehehe. We've all had mixed feelings about the last 3 movies of the franchise using words like; "it's so cheesy it actually becomes cool"

Anyways, that's for now. For those who can, there's this new eating place popping up around here called Plato Wraps- give the Ham and cheese one a try- go for the optional Pesto wrap- I swear there must be drugs in it 'cause it's freaking addictive...

Edit!!

I was driving Lancer-chan last night when I kicked the throttle and was greet by a slump... no power!! After a quick scare that I may have blown the engine (but no boom) I pulled over the side to assess my problems. Apparently the throttle linkage broke. Damn... you know you've been kicking the gas too hard when the linkage between pedal and carb is bent and the metal has freaking stress fractures in it!!! A bit of bush mechanics to restore the connection between foot and carb and I was able to get her home. *sigh* Most should know the drill by now... It's upgrade time again

/edit

I have again found a girl who's willing to ride along in my passenger seat But when I took her for a ride in Lancer-chan she found it a bit too noisy

Commitment in relationships sometimes involves making compromises. So as much as I love the Badassness of the side pipe I was off the SMT today to have exhaust made.

No more side pipe for Lancer-chan... replaced the whole side pipe half with a SMT powerflow muffler and a down pipe terminating just before the rear axle. Actually runs MUCH better now since that setup builds torque, the dyno session showed that the Rally cam builds torque early and this plus some tuning of the Weber's jets, emulsion tubes and the addition of custom made mini airhorns has us riding on a mountain of torque just after 2000 rpm all the way to 6000! Sounds better too. In a way I'll miss the blaring anger of the side pipe- which aside from being illegal (noise level wise) was awesome for setting off car alarms The downpipe though, due to its downward poiting nature is even better for setting of alarms... Infact it can even just driving by slowly since it makes the sound and the resonance of the exhaust pulses bonce off the ground! Kicks up dust clouds too

In other news; Not much else is new Still very busy with work. But I have stuff for here pending as well as a few other projects I'm working on. Shall update as they come.