CAMPRO N/A Monster (169.6 hp on wheel) - updates

I first posted about the 169.6 hp CAMPRO NA engine about a month ago. Since then, this engine have been further upgraded and some minor modification was done to achieve higher horsepower and higher torque without compromising its reliability. The engine now can safely produces a hefty 180++ horsepower with torque reading of 19.7 kgm3. The exact horsepower figure was not given by the owner due to various reasons. But it is in the region of mid 180++ hp. According to the owner, among the upgrade that was recently done to the engine is:


- Custom new spec forged piston from Wiseco
- ACT full racing clutch
- Custom Porting and Polishing of the Cylinder Head
- Forged and Lightened Crankshaft
- High Performance Competition Con-Rod Bearings
- Walbro Fuel Pump
- Custom Porting and Polishing of the Intake Manifold
- Custom 4-2-1 Exhaust Manifold

More upgrades to come in 2012...stay tuned

Thailand TOP 10 Drag Monster...SUPER FAST

Here is a video clip showcasing the top 10 monster in the Thailand Drag Scene. Insanely fast ...this is real madness. If only Malaysian motorsport can be at par...

This SuperFast Nissan R32 really caught my eye. That is an R32 folks...

Proton Exora Turbo

Since Proton have just launched the new Exora fitted with a turbo-charged engine, i reckon that it would be fitting to write an entry about a bolt-on-turbo that was done to a CAMPRO CPS engine in a Proton Exora a few years back. This Proton Exora is still maintaining a stock CAMPRO CPS internals parts. Meaning the pistons, con-rods, bearings and is still the same as a stock Proton Exora. It was then fitted with a turbo kit designed by one of the pioneer in the world of campro turbocharging, Xenon Motorsports. This Proton Exora is using a small turbine as the owner only wanted it to boost up to 0.35bar. Even at that low boost of 0.35 bar, the Proton Exora manage to extract around 150hp on wheel. The owner want it to be reliable and safe for everyday use and not to attract the attention of authorities. That is around 12hp gain compared to the latest CFE engine. But then, this entry is not about to comparing the two. CFE is a new engine with a lot more great features and upgrades. Just want to share it with you guys.

A very small Intercooler is hidden behid the grill

PS: the Exora in the video is not the same as the one mentioned in the article. 

Automatic Transmission Maintenance

The automatic transmission is one of the most complicated and vulnerable plus one of the less reliable parts of any vehicle. The repair of an automatic transmission is often complex and very expensive. Automatic transmission problem can even make your car unsafe to drive - some transmission defects, for example, may cause the car to stall, imagine the car that you are driving stalled while on a steep hill climb. Damaged auto transmission can also cause car to roll with the transmission in Park or even drive forward in Neutral. On the other hand, with good care your transmission can last longer.


What can damage your automatic transmission


Most of the transmission troubles start from overheating.
Under heavy load, such as towing a heavy trailer, rocking the vehicle from the snow, having continuous stop and go traffic in hot weather, racing, agressive driving and constatly down shifting etc. the transmission overheats. At higher temperatures the transmission fluid burns, losing its lubricating qualities and becomes oxidized leaving deposits all over inside the transmission. Exposed to the heat the rubber seals and gaskets inside the transmission become hardened causing leaks. The metal parts warp and lose their strength. All this, sooner or later, results in transmission failure. For example, a friend of mine burned the transmission when he was spinning the wheels too hard trying to free his shiny Audi from the snow on the next day after he bought it!
However, overheating is not the only reason - sometimes transmission breaks down because of poor design, due to lack of maintenance or after being rebuilt by inexperienced technician. Few other reasons: harsh driving, too low or too high transmission fluid level or wrong transmission fluid type - a person I know added gear oil into the automatic transmission... guess what happen, the transmission died after 40 minutes of driving! 

How to prevent the transmission from damage


- Regularly check your parking space for leaks. Doesn't matter, is it the engine oil leak, power steering fluid or transmission fluid; if you discover any, get it fixed before it caused something serious.
- Once a week, check the transmission fluid level and condition. Not all cars however have the automatic transmission dipstick, in some cars, for example, in late Volkswagen models, the transmission fluid can only be checked by the dealer. Consult with your owner's manual for details. If the transmission fluid level is too low, there is a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed. 
- Change the fluid as often as it said in your owner's manual or when it becomes too dark (rather brown than red) or dirty.
Also, keep in mind that an automatic transmission can not be drained completely - there is always some transmission fluid left inside the transmission (the torque converter, in the valve body, etc.) which means you only can change about %60 of the fluid at once. This is one more reason to change it more often. 
- Use only the same type of the transmission fluid as specified in the owner's manual or on the dipstick. Many newer vehicles are very sensitive to fluid type. For example, an Owner's Manual for 2008 Honda Civic says "Using transmission fluid other than Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause deterioration in transmission operation and durability, and could result in damage to the transmission".
- Never shift to the Reverse or Park until the car comes to a complete stop.
- Never shift from the Park to other gears when engine rpm is higher than normal idle.
- In many cars, the automatic transmission can be damaged if towing with the drive wheels on the road. Check your owner's manual for the proper way of towing your car.
- You can also install an aftermarket oil cooling kit to keep the lubricating temperature down if you have an aggressive driving pattern.

Refer to Your Car User's Manual to Determine What ATF to use

How to use overdrive


Generally speaking, overdrive (O/D) is the highest gear in the transmission. On most cars the automatic transmission has 3 speeds and Overdrive (forth speed). Overdrive allows the engine to have less rpm with higher speed in order to have better fuel efficiency. When you switch it on, you allow the transmission to shift into overdrive mode after the certain speed is reached (usually 30 - 40 mph depending on the load). When it's off, you limit transmission shifting by third speed.
In normal driving condition the overdrive should be always on.
You may need to switch it off when driving in mountainous area or towing a trailer.
[The automatic transmission automatically shifts from OD to the 3-th gear when it feel more load. When it feels less load it shifts back to the O/D, but under certain conditions, e.g.: driving uphill or towing a trailer, the transmission can not decide to stay in OD or to shift into 3-th speed and it starts to shift back and forth. That's the time you may switch it off and help the transmission to decide.] .
You also may need to switch it off when you want to slowdown using the engine braking, for example, driving downhill. [For more details, check your owner's manual]

AfterMarket Oil Cooler Kit

Servicing your transmission


I'd recommend to go for a service to your car make dealer - they have original parts, they know exactly what type of the fluid to use and their technicians are highly trained to service particular vehicle model. Even if you go to the independent garage, always ask to use original parts - sometimes, the after-market parts are not of as good quality as original.

CFE (Charge Fuel Efficiency) Engine Spec

What can we make of the new CFE engine by Proton? The engine is slightly de-stroked by lowering the stroke ratio compared to its predecessor, the CPS engine. It is to accommodate the mild turbocharged engine to maintain it compression ratio at 10.0:1. Thus the need for the engine to be de-stroked. A high compression rate in a turbocharged engine could cause damage to the piston in the long run and this will affect the reliability of the engine itself.

Comparison Between CFE and CPS Engine.

The major thing i noticed is that Proton have now equipped the CFE engine with a Forged Steel Crankshaft. I would presume that this will overcome the issue of "broken crankshaft" often encountered by previous CAMPRO users. The con-rod (connecting rod) is also being upgraded to a High Strength Steel material and a performance con-rod bearing is being used. Now, you can constantly high rev this engine with a peace of mind. Proton also have equipped this engine with the Intake Variable Valve Timing. It can optimized the performance for adventurous driving and have a better fuel efficiency under normal driving condition.

 I would say that this new CFE engine by Proton is a very big leap in terms of their engineering and design capabilities. Looking at the pricing, i would say that it is a bargain indeed.

The NEW Proton Exora PRIME fitted with CFE engine

Rumours has it that new Proton Exora PRIME with CFE engine is due to be launched today. Public can visit Proton Showrooms to get a closer look at what look to be a massive upgrades to the already hot-selling Proton Exora. The Bold Variant and the Prime Variant will be fitted with the new CFE engine that is rumoured to be producing around 138 hp and 20 kg m of torque at a very low 2000 rpm. 


Variants:
1.STANDARD B-Line
2.BOLD M-Line
3.BOLD H-Line
4.PRIME


1. STANDARD B-Line
Engine: Campro CPS
Gearbox: MT Only


*No change


2. BOLD M-Line
Engine: Campro CPS
Gearbox: MT & AT
*New Front Bumper & Grille (improve air flow)
*New Blacked Out headlamp
*New Rear Skirting
*New rear Combi Lamp


3. BOLD H-Line
*Engine: 1.6 Campro CFE (205 torque @ 2000rpm)
*Gearbox: CVT Only


New Front Bumper & Grille (improve air flow)
New Blacked Out headlamp
New Rear Skirting
New Rear Combi Lamp
*Leather Wrapped Steering wheel
*New finishing (Center Panel)
*Reverse Camera projected on Rear Mirror
*Electric Folding Side Mirror
*New 16" Sport Rim
*4 Disc brake
*4 wheel ABS + EBD


4. PRIME
Engine: 1.6 Campro CFE (205 torque @ 2000rpm) Gearbox: CVT Only
New Front Bumper & Grille (improve air flow)
New Blacked Out headlamp
New Rear Skirting
New Rear Combi Lamp
*Rear Garnish (Warm Grey)
Leather Wrapped steering wheel
*Leather Wrapped gear shift
*New Walnut Finishing (Center Panel)
*Electric Folding Side Mirror
*Integrated Touch screen Monitor + Navigation + Reverse Camera
*Headrest Monitor on driver & front passenger head rest *2nd row captain seat (6 Seater)

New Grille and Front Bumper Design

Interior Fitted with a Walnut Finish

Fitted with the New CFE Engine

Rear View Mirror with Reverse Camera

The new Exora is definitely not just about face-lifting. It's taking the Proton Exora to a higher level. Power, looks and affordability. This is one really good package.

Toyota not Achieving It's Annual Forecast by Half

Toyota, set to lose its crown as the world's top-selling automaker this year, more than halved its annual profit forecast to $2.6 billion, reeling from a strong yen and Thai floods that severed its supply lines.

Toyota Motor Corp's inability to make enough cars - production was also ruptured by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March - is expected to see it overtaken in sales this year by General Motors Co and probably Volkswagen AG.
While Toyota is poised for record production next year as it rebuilds depleted inventories, the yen's persistent strength against virtually every major currency means profit recovery will continue to be slow given its huge exposure to exports.

"Toyota is hitting a trough," said Cho Soo-Hong, auto analyst at Woori Investment & Securities in Seoul.
"Its market share will recover next year with output normalization and new model launches, but I don't expect too much from Toyota's earnings as the yen is expected to remain strong because of appetite for safe-haven assets."
Japan's top automaker expects operating profit to fall 57 percent to 200 billion yen in the year to end-March, well below a consensus forecast of 419 billion yen in a survey of 23 analysts by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The company's previous forecast of 450 billion yen, issued in August, was withdrawn last month after Thailand's worst floods in 50 years cut off the supply of parts to Toyota's factories in 10 countries. It said the floods would effectively cost the company 230,000 vehicles in lost production this business year.
With floodwaters having receded and recovery work under way at Thailand's industrial parks, Toyota has said its production has returned to normal in most regions, leaving just Thailand and South Africa operating at reduced rates. It said on Friday Thai production was expected to return to normal this month.
Toyota projected an annual net profit of 180 billion yen, down 56 percent from last year and a sharp cut from its previous forecast of 390 billion yen.
The Thai floods and the March earthquake and tsunami hit Japanese automakers particularly hard due to their dominance at home and across southeast Asia.


Toyota said the floods accounted for 120 billion yen of the downward revision to operating profit, while the yen's strength, which makes exports less competitive and eats into overseas profits when brought back to Japan, cut another 190 billion yen. These were offset by 60 billion yen in profit-boosting measures.
Once the supply issues are repaired, Toyota's new models, including the Camry sedan, are set to pose tough competition for rivals such as Hyundai Motor Co next year, analysts said.
But Chief Financial Officer Satoshi Ozawa expressed deep frustration with the firm yen, which Tokyo has failed to weaken through intervention, warning that current exchange rates could threaten Japan's very foundation as an export-driven economy.
"(The revision) is partly because Toyota's exposure to currency swings is big, but I think it also brought to light the severity of the crisis Japan is in, because the country is founded on its export strength," Ozawa told a news conference.
Toyota has committed to building 3 million vehicles a year in Japan by improving its cost structure and selling more cars at home, accounting for about 40 percent of its total global output. With more than half of that bound for export, its parent-only operating loss forecast ballooned to 530 billion yen, from a previous outlook of 370 billion yen.
Ozawa said the strong yen was forcing Toyota to raise car prices significantly in some markets, even if that dents sales volumes. Toyota expects to sell 7.38 million vehicles worldwide in this financial year, fewer than the 7.6 million it flagged in August.
"It will be difficult to keep domestic production if the dollar stays below 80 yen," said Yasuo Sakuma, portfolio manager at Bayview Asset Management.
"When the dollar fell from 100 yen to 90 yen, or from 90 yen to 80 yen, the main question was whether Toyota can cope with the pace of the yen's strengthening. But when the dollar is below 80 yen, the problem is the absolute level of the dollar. Given this, we just can't buy Toyota shares."
Those shares closed down 0.4 percent at 2,636 yen before the forecasts were announced. The stock has fallen 18 percent this year, in line with Tokyo's main Topix index, and last month touched a 15-1/2-year low. Shares in Honda Motor Co are down 24 percent year to date.

Under a new business plan, Toyota is aiming for operating profit of at least 1 trillion yen and an operating margin of 5 percent over the next year or so, assuming parent-only sales of 7.5 million vehicles and a dollar of 85 yen. The dollar currently trades at 77-78 yen.
Ozawa said the European debt crisis posed another worry. As well as dampening demand in the region, he said, the crisis could prompt banks to pull money out of emerging markets and touch off a recession there, which in turn could also weaken those countries' currencies against the yen.
"The latter two factors would have a very big impact on our operations," Ozawa said. "We're watching developments very carefully ... as we compile our plans for next year and the year after."
Among Japan's automakers only Honda, the hardest hit by the series of natural disasters, has yet to come out with annual guidance. The chief financial officer has said he expects to provide annual forecasts by late-January.

4-Throttle CAMPRO

This is a new and rare modification and i would say that it is still in its RnD stage for CAMPRO engine for the time being. Most of the cars that has converted to this 4-throttle mechanism is running on a fully stand alone Engine Management System. It is known to achieve substantial gain in Horsepower and Torque but its driveablity for everyday use and its reliability is pretty much in doubt. But it sure is a revelation and a breath of fresh air for CAMPRO modders. It is only a matter of time before someone can get the fine tuning for this modification and this will surely be a hit amongst CAMPRO fanatics. The amount of money required wont be cheap though.

A Proven Race Winner

Powerful CAMPRO CPS Engine with 4-throttle

Saturday Night Fever Challenge series Grand Finale 2011

Last Saturday Night was really a night to remember. It was the Grand Finale of the Saturday Night Fever Challenge Series for 2011. Definitely an ocassion that is not to be missed. An estimated of 150 cars taking part in the Grand Finale that consists of 7 Categories for them to compete in. The latest category to make its debut this time around is the Retro Cars Category that manage to attract 19 participants.

As i reached Sepang International Circuit around 8 pm on Saturday Night, i was afraid the crowd would not turn up in numbers for this event. Mind you, there was live performance from DJ Tiesto at that night just around the corner. And one would expect that everyone will be attending the International Superstar DJ gig. But i was wrong, big time. These loyal petrol heads and race maniac couldnt care less about DJ Tiesto. All they want to hear is the roaring engine, some aggressive wheel to wheel action and also the smell of burning rubber and racing fuel from the race tracks. From my observation, it was one of the biggest turnout for the Saturday Night Fever Challenge Series to date. There were a number of Car Clubs to be seen also among that is noticeable is the Toyota Vios Club, Satrio Neo CPS and mini classic car club. Most of them have made this a event a Permanent go-to-event in their Calendar.

As it was the Grand Finale, the organisers invited a few of the local rock bands to perform just to add some spice on the event. But, the spice on the track seems to be more than sufficient enough. The crowds were glued to the actions on the track. I feel sorry for the rock bands though :p


On the track, the heat was unbearable as it was intense as usual. with racers trading best lap time after another. One driver in the Super 1.3 Categoty manage to clock an insane time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds in his Starlet EP90. Leaving the nearest competition 7 seconds behind. Another amazing lap time was in the Hyrax Oil Campro categoty. The winner Mohd Azlan Rabu from DNT Team stormed trough the tracks with a time of 7 minutes and 8 seconds in his Proton GEN2. Leaving behind some notable seasoned competitors from N1 Racing. There were some very fierce racing in the Ultra Racing 1.8 category and also the Superstreet (4WD/RWD/FF) category. The battle between "the twins" from N1 Racing Jon Teo in his super fast  Mitsubishi Evo 9 and Hsiao Tung Wei in a Subaru Impreza STI RA-R  running wheels to wheels with each other watched closely by the 3rd place driver Badrul Hisham Abd. Rahim with his Evo 8 MR eagerly awaiting for any opportunity.

N1 Racing Pit

Racers in Retro Car Category Undergoing Scrutineering

The race car category was awesome as expected. Great racing from the drivers with little room to spare. Special mention to the one and only female driver in that category, Leona Chin who managed to finished in a reputable position. The checkered flag was taken by Soh Kee Koon in his Civic EK9 with driver Boy Wong Yew Choong came in a very close 2nd place in his Civic EK9 and driver Faizal Hassim came in 3rd driving a Civic EK9 also.

The Only Female Racer in Race Car Category, Leona Chin

N1 Racing's Powerful DC5

Retro Car Category Lining Up to Exit Pit Lane

It was a great and very fitting Grand Finale for the Saturday Night Fever Challege Series 2011. Hope the organisers will come back with improvements and better pricing next year. Make it so that anyone and everyone who loves racing can afford it. I hope with the success of this event this calendar year, many more major sponsors can come forward and join forces with Ignition.MY to ensure the continuity of what seems to me to be a truly 1 Malaysia event.

Super Fast EK9...Especially around the Corners

Campro S4PH 4 throttle...

One of the Exhibition Car

Last but not Least...The Pace Car

Cheers