Evo IX and AD08

Yokohama is a tire that I long for. It was a dream come true when all four 09' dated AD08 came with the IX. Again I found similarity more than improvement over the AD07 I once used but disliked. The ride is choppy, grip is dependent on ambient temperature and tire pressure, and noise level not impressive. It is true that it has a great turn-in sharpness, and responsive steering response. AD08 is a more adequate tire than the AD07 and can hold its own against the acclaimed RE11.
Unfortunately and fortunately I wanted to change to RE11 but there wasn't newer 11' tires available. The size 235/45R17 is no longer a popular size.

Evo IX and the Problems

Suddenly I found the feeling on the Evo IX less satisfying. After the morning drive I found the engine losing the sparkling performance and a lot of friction in the drivetrain. I suspect it is caused by the poor engine oil. It is just downright draggy. I changed the oil to a silky Miller 0W40 and it seems to be much better but I could feel the difference. It is just not like that before.

I also find the ride on AD08 rough and intolerably draggy. I will try to inflat to see if it helps but I also order a set of RE11. And I feel extremely guilty about just placing order, thinking I should not be spending more and still getting the same result. But over a late night shower I feel I ought to spend the money and give the Evo IX my best shot to make it tolerable or livable. If it is still not good then I will sell it after a few months.

After driving the Evo X (2008) I think I am more in love with the X. the Evo X simply makes the Evo IX feeling ancient. There is a lack of drivetrain friction. And the car is fast but heavier. It is a totally different Evo from previous Evo. The Evo IX is similar in experience to the Evo IV that I once owned.

Bye bye Corolla!

Finally it is gone for good. It went to an enthusiastic young owner. I cleaned it up real nice and of course I removed all the niceties from it, with battery and stereo to the Evo IX, and BS GR90 and TM spark plugs to the Honda Civic. Even the carpet set was removed.

I didn't want to spend more money on the suspension (lower the ride height and occasional clunking noise). And the windshield cracked by a high-speed stone and the strange noise from underneath the instrument cluster really nailed it for me. It was up for sale to clear up the parking space for the Evo IX.

So long my first Toyota and Corolla. It has been a great 13 months of ownership.

Evo IX Returns from the Shop

Finally a pair of used wheel hub bearing were replaced and the noise problem solved. There is no more draggy feeling and the car feels absolutely right. I also fitted the Acre 800C brake pad to improve bite as well as stopping power. I also rotate the tires front and wear, but it does not solve the problem of the aging Yokohama AD08. Even it was made in 2009 it has lost its stickiness all together and the surface feel hard. And the traction is so so. I am looking to spend more money on tires, BS RE11 preferably.

Evo IX GSR After the First Week

I found a few things about the GSR, although not something new.

But before telling about them, I would like to record the things I have done so far.

1) Replace a Bosch car battery (swapping a newer one from Corolla)

2) Replace a newer Kenwood 2-din unit

3) Replace the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on both sides

4) Rotate the tires front and rear

Back to the 'few things'. First of all, the car is draggy to drive and has a lot of friction throughout the drivetrain, which is completely opposite to Corolla (almost frictionless). Second the 4G63 engine feels powerful and responsive but also slightly blocked by catalytic convertor. Third, there are three parts to the handling. The front will grip as much as it physically can. And when the front starts to slip, the rear with the help of AYC will immediate slide proportionally in order to counter-balance the understeering. This is indeed very effective for almost all kinds of corners, especially the tighter one. However all the magic is gone if one lifts off the throttle, as then one needs to catch the sliding tail. So the best thing to do is to keep the throttle pressed and let the system does its job.

The wheel hub bearing generate somewhat humming road noise especially after 70kph. The Tai Wai garage found out this afternoon that one of the rear bearing was burnt and the other started to do so. And I found the AD08 tires a bit slippery today. I wish the limit could be higher. RE11 in the calling.

Evo IX GSR - The Fifth Day

I like its driving position and the seat. They fit like a groove. The Recaro bucket seat is very firm but comfortable. Superb. The Momo steering wheel could be a tad thicker.

The instrument panel is a tad dark but and the speedo is a bit small. The whole layout of the dashboard I would say is very good and is not unlikely BMW's 1 and 3 series theme.

I absolutely like the notchy and affirmative gearshift. The gear ratios for 1st, 2nd and 3rd are in perfect harmony in daily use. And the gears engaged cleanly.

Normally I am not a fan of Xeon headlamp, but I would say they work great in the GSR.
The paint work on the rear left quarter panel is not good.
I will leave the wheels in black.

But I will change the stereo and add a rear camera.
And I have been trying with tire pressure, now having 30psi/32psi. The handling is good but the ride is a bit harsh and overly firm on rough pavement.

Evo IX GSR

Finally Peter found me a nice all-black mint 2005 MIT Evo IX GSR. It does not have a good price to warrant as stock so Peter suggests me to privatize. And I do listen. It is a kind of Evo I have longed after, perhaps for 6 years since 2004. This is the first day so I make an entry here. It somewhat brought some excitement that have long missed. I can certainly make it a goal to keep it for a long time, as it is the last of its kind. Evo IX should replace the Corolla and SLK350. It also come with the Yokohama AD08 tires that I intend to put on it.

What Is More Appropriate?

From this title question one would wonder why I not say "What Is the Most Appropriate"?

It is because what I am going to consider is hardly the most appropriate and inherently flawed.

Again, for an unknown impulse, I would like to collect another, yet late-model, CL. In my defense (or justification), I would have to give up the Corolla to make space (in terms of parking and monetary). One can call the duplicate a focus, or else excessiveness. Tiki definitely would be against it as she does not need another big car that she is unable to park confidently.

In place of it, I can go back to W202, namely the best W202 in the world - C43. The justification would come from a few places. First Tiki would drive. And I have gained an option to swap the 18" AMG wheel and my beloved PS2 tires from the SLK350 to the C43. But then C43 itself is an ice-stick, as like the CL, which is impossible to re-sell if the situation calls for it.

In this logic, where both CL and C43 are hard to re-sell, then it would only be more appropriate to take the cheaper one if the temptation is irresistible. In both case I would have to get rids of both Corolla and the SLK350.

CL - unity. C43 - diversity. Can I have both?

Nitto Invo (窮人PS2) on CL500

After a horrified 4 days of heavy rain without much wet traction with the Goodyear LS2000 Hybrid II, I decided to get rid of it even though it performs adequately in the dry (chirping and squeaking at moderate cornering speed). I did have a fun session going to and leaving Tai Mo Shan the same day I changed to Nitto. My fall-back choice is the Michelin PSS if I cannot find something inexpensive and appropriate to the CL500. I have considered Toyo (T1S, T1R or C1S) as well as Hancock (V12 Evo). I have consider Michelin PS3 but there isn't stock for the size). I took a leap of faith and went with the Nitto Invo Link to Invo. Nitto is popular in North America making low profile large tires (17" up to 24"). Mother company is Toyo Tire Japan and most likely Nitto tires are made by Toyo as well. Tires (4 x 245/45R18) are made in Japan and date coded 2011 and 2010.

Did a trip from Mongkok back to Shatin and then to Maonshan. Street and highway driving within legal street limit. Compared to the Goodyear LS2000 Hybrid II, I had the following observation:

• Side to side pitching is much reduced, perhaps due to strong tire build.
• Side wall stiffer with reduced tire vibration on road impacts, and yet filters road irregularities and corrugation.
• Ride is firm and slightly harsher (compared to PS2) on road impacts. 
• Rolling resistance much reduced and the tire feels rounded and smooth riding.
• Quiet 
• Slight understeering now gone. Turn-in is sharper, clean and assertive
• Steering effort reduced in both at parking and road speed.
• Steering feel is direct and sharp in the straight
• Great braking response
• The car feels less sluggish
• Poor man's Michelin PS2.

 

Michelin PSS

I would really like to have the Michelin PSS. I am reluctant. First it is for the CL500. Second I want a (second) justification so I don't feel guilty or overspending afterwards. If I can find another car that may use the PSS then this will create justification.

Perfection is all about being appropriate, and not necessarily the best or the very top. PSS is right there at the very top and appropriate to the CL500. What about LS430?

Too Many Cars

I need a new framework of thinking to justify the fleet of cars I owned, as they start not to make sense financially as well as in terms of utility.

I love them, one at a time, especially when I drive them or think of them.

I hate them, in almost the same way, when I drive them or notice the defect.

When I love them, I keep driving them, until a point that I am too aware of the defect or grow tired of having the same experience. Then I switch car so I am no longer obsessed with the negative thought associated with the one I have been driving. But the problem is, the fleet is growing in number. How many is enough?

Is it possible to own merely one car? The answer is yes provided that the period is short.

Would I get tired of LS430?

Finally the LS430 is in my hand, immediately I sold off the RX300 which is also a Lexus.

It has power, and it has the refinement and smoothness. It is big and a handful to park, more so than the longish and biggish CL500. LS430 excels the CL500 with the convenience of 4 doors and the strong air conditioning. The gearbox is one of the best shifting 5-speeder I have tried.

The leather trim is a bit old and worn. The chairs sag.

Loose Thoughts on Corolla, Again

It is a basic and reliable means of transportation, directly addressing the need. It is an object of necessity, for me and in my case. My complaints, if any, would be its spartan-ness and its less-than-cool SUV look, and often forgivable considering the RS trim which makes it nimble and attractive in the first place.

It is simply not feasible to ask for perfection in the form of what it is like to be what a basic Corolla represents. Being spartan and having minor weaknesses are inherently two of the key characteristics of a car addressing purely the need (for transportation). Any more features and additions would likely become a luxury and reflect a desire over need. Here the line is drawn.

The basic Corolla provides freedom to choose and define the object(s), or car(s) of desire, in purer form, thereby freeing one from certain important compromises. These compromise defeats people's choice and decision when combining need and want (desire).

New JVC LCD Receiver for Corolla

JVC KX-AC646 6.1" LCD with RDS Radio

With the consent from my wife I switched from Kenwood 503U to the latest JVC headunit, which is not the top model. The cost is acceptable. It is a great improvement over the previous generation from JVC. I was told a lot of improvements have been made because of JVC's merge with Kenwood early this year.

Anyhow this is a big step towards user-friendliness. The old Kenwood has the operation issues - LCD impossible to see in broad day light and the main control button impossible to use correctly.

The other 'important' thing I fix is the backlit lamp behind the factory digital clock on the center console. It has gone dark for as long as I remember it. And I am glad that I brought it back after losing hope over it.

CL500 Restoration 10

18" Mercedes Eltanin
Front & Rear alloy wheels: 18x8.5" ET47
Wheel part number: MER B66470083
Additional alloy part number: A1404011302 

Over the weekend, I changed the alloy wheels 16" to 18" (both silver Merc factory wheels for C140) on the S500 coupe. Ride is a bit compromised on rough roads but handling is tightened and cleaner, especially in tight corners and small roundabouts. Steering is now a bit numb, heavier but firmer in feel. In general I like the change and they look great. Body roll is reduced and stability is enhanced. The steering vibration seems gone.


The used set of Eltanin 18" was removed from a 98' S500 Coupe in a Kam Tin junkyard. It came with a 08' and 09' Goodyear LS2000 II tires in a reasonable condition (with a bit of excessive shoulder wear on the inner side of the rear tires).  The finish on two wheels are bad and would require some dressing-up later.


The tire diameter is now 2% smaller and seems to me that the car gains in torque during startup. But I can feel the additional drag and perhaps it hurts fuel economy a bit. But the new wheel/tire set is acceptably good and definitely a keeper. But it does not stop me from fancying a nice set of high-performance summer tires.


On the first day I was unaware of the high tire pressure in the front (36psi), I did complain about the rough ride, hardness and vibration. On a second day early morning I set the tire pressure at 31psi in the front and 34 at the back. Immediately the car felt much refined and smooth riding, and much closer in ride comfort compared to the 16" that was fitted before. And the Goodyear tires seem to quiet down on highway after much travelling and rubbing off some block edges. 


I am beginning to think fitting the Michelin PSP, Yokohama AD08 or BS RE11. But I would wait.

BMW 528i (E39)

Accidentally I ran into a 1996 528i two weeks ago. And I quietly fell in love and took it as my personal project car. I push or restrain myself not spending. I am on a tight leash. This bimmer has a very nice all-alum suspension components, sub-frames front and rear, and inline-6 engine. It has just enough power and yet responsive and refined. Chassis and comfort are high, as stress level are low. What has bugging me is the smell of it and the muffled suspension noise. In fact I found it too refined after all the 4 engine mounts have been replaced.

It is a big step forward over the 523i.

It is a good thing to own a balanced car, with not too much emphasis on performance. 528i is such a tremendously well-engined 4-door sedan.

The project was placed on a halt after learning that I need a pair of new rear shocks and rear lower arm bushes which would set me back another $3-4K. I was happy to know that the clunking noise has gone at a cost of $3210, including the front muffled suspension noise. Kin Yip did a good clean job.

Unfortunately, based on the rationale that I'd rather lose $3K on the book than to forking out additional $3K to fix the rear suspension, I sold the car on September 3 to a dealer via Peter. I am happy to see it gone even if I love the car so much.

Here is a note. I like the 528i more before the problems were fixed. This is true especially the engine note and response after changing the engine mounts. The masculine response was gone and there was simply too much refinement and smoothness for a BMW E39.

Would I consider the E39 again? I definitely will as it is the best 4-door sedan. I will consider a 2002/3 525i or 530i, whichever comes first.

Thoughts on Corolla

The Corolla is a basic survival car, especially for the hot summer. It is reliable, low on fuel cost, roomy, stress-free and rather painless to own and run. It has a great air conditioning and yet simple and effective ventilation. It is such a wonderful utility vehicle that reminds us that one can easily live through everyday life without added vanity, luxury and performance.

I found it hard to give up the Corolla. Even if I decide to give up, I would prefer to place the Corolla the last on the list. But in reality I would not easily give up vanity, luxury and performance. So the struggle continues, refusing giving up every want under my desire to address the needs under necessity. The fact is that I constantly refuse to grow out of desire even though I know well that I can survive with just the basic.

CL500 Restoration 9

The final step of restoration was done in another garage in Kwai Chung.

The minor concern of my existing habit is that I drive the CL500 as an everyday car. It is the fuel consumption.

Finally on May 27th I have both the Varta battery in Mongkok Nam Kee and the gearbox oil leak repaired at Tak Po, San Po Kong. With the exception of the very minor steering issue, the restoration is all done. All I need now is to clean the car as it has not received a proper car wash since I moved to the new home.

CL500 Restoration 8

Finally I bit the bullet and took in a brand new and insanely expensive air-flow meter. It was a Mercedes part built by Bosch in September 2010, and a last one in stock. Stephen helped me with the installation. I also replace the air-inlet temperature sensor (measuring the air-density or air-mass, whatever that may be) which is optional and supposed to affect the air-fuel mixture in a slight way so that the mixture would not be too thick. The air temp sensor cost me nearly nothing compared to the  new air-flow meter.

The whole engine and drive-train felt completely different after putting in the new air-flow meter. It is now much more torquey and responsive, and is more wiling to kick down and revvs from 4000rpm and onwards. The idling is now much quieter and even more smoother. The engine sound is healthy. I can finalize say that the engine is 85% to 90% of what it used to be when it was brand new. Although it is a personal speculation, but I am more than happy to feel and say it.

My rationale was that the fuel consumption had been high and I hope the new air-flow meter would correct it. And it feels like it does even though I cannot prove. I have changed every aspect of the engine components and it would be a stupid not to change the most expensive and yet crucial one. Before today, it was a big gamble and I am glad the lottery was won.

CL500 Restoration 7

The CL500 restoration project really is a month-long journey, tough and expensive.


The front upper arms have been replaced. The steering feels wonderful and buttery smooth but still the steering vibration isn't all filtered out. And I wonder if the mysterious steering vibration still exists. I suspect it still does, but at a smaller degree. Anyway I need to plan to have a wheel alignment done.

The crank position sensor (also known as flywheel sensor) has been replaced. The knock sensors were also replaced, which were buried underneath the engine mounts. The engine mounts were also replaced as they sacked and leaked oil. The engine would start very smoothly and willingly now every time. All the engine vibrations have been isolated to a large degree, with or without the a/c compressor on.

Overall the car feels silky smooth and flow through the traffic with grace, and rough roads with aplomb. It irons out all the road impacts and irregularities with the classic Merc signature selected bump-thumps, while keeping the car very quiet and comfortable. The road manner should be over 80% of what it used to be. At least this is what I have hoped for.

The driver side window now goes up and down with some assurance and determination, and not get stuck in the middle occasionally.

I love this project car, but I really spend too much. However, let me borrow from a saying:

‘There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.’

Oh well....I really go all the way here with CL500. I am slightly upset with the on-going list of parts to change.