Spare Engine Rebuild Update: Tomei Poncams

The rebuild is going well and I've sent in my Tomei camshafts + Pulleys and a N1 Water Pump in for the final stage of the project. Looking forward to how the cams perform as not only will they improve response and overall performance but the poncams will also have a positive affect on the R33 GTR's exhaust sound.

And why Tomei? Tomei Poncam camshafts are designed as a "drop in application", so no dialling in required as the nock-pin has been pre-set. The Poncams are also designed to work with the standard valve springs and offer the best drop in performance gain for both street and track use.
 
Tomei Pon Camshafts + Pulley Set: Nissan BNR32/BCNR33 RB26DETT Duration IN 260, EX 252, Lift 9.15 (Pon Cam + Cam Pulley IN & EX) 143036 A Type + 153027 Cam Pulley.

Excerpt from nengun.com about the Tomei Poncams:

Tomei presents the popular poncams. Generally, engine tuning is to modify the torque characteristic of engine by changing cam duration timing and height of the cam lift, so as to gaining maximum torque and horse power. However, when tuning the engine strictly, it should be carried out with the idea of securing effective area of the valve not only by duration timing and height of the cam lift, but also by through improvement of its intake efficiency. High valve lift allows huge amount of air to flow in, yet it mechanically damages the system and gains friction loss. Also, wide cam duration will deriver great power at high RPM, but it gives rough engine character at low RPM too. Tomei have worked to get an ideal well-balanced profile of camshaft and succeeded to give it 1.3 to 1.5 times more effective area than regular camshafts.

Installed: Blitz Nur Spec R Exhaust

I've been looking around for a replacement exhaust in the lead up to my engine rebuild. My old exhaust system is a workshop amalgamation of a Kakimoto muffler and a custom straight pipe with numerous weld points. So it had to be factory crafted, loud and net a power gain. 

I was looking at titanium systems but not really sold on the sound - I prefer the more bassy note of stainless steel systems. Its also difficult to get a titanium exhaust repaired if anything were to break or crack, as we do not have a titanium welding facility here in Malaysia (or one thats accessible to the general public). Despite what some people say, you can't do a weld on titanium pieces unless its in a controlled environment, devoid of oxgyen i.e. a vacuum-controlled chamber!

So my search continued but time and time again, I came to the same conclusion. The Blitz Nur Spec R exhaust system came up tops among most Skyline owners in their forum discussions. The system also comes with a detachable silencer thats nests inside the muffler. So if there ever came a time to tone down the decibels (i.e. MOT tests), one can turn to this device (refer to the pic below - its the object next to the gasket and screws). The Nur Spec R is also one of the few exhaust systems thats completely made from 100% stainless steel - tip to tip.

So I ordered a brand new set from neweraparts a month ago and the exhaust arrived in Malaysia two weeks ago (80mm at the midpipe, 115mm at the exhaust tip). I also specified for a Zacetec Decat Pipe, which is required to replace the catalytic converter section of the system. This too came in the air freight box from Japan. Big up to Miguel from neweraparts for making all the items fit in a EMS shipment box - otherwise, I'd have to go with another Japanese air freight company and pay more. 

And so without further ado, here are pictures of the unwrapping and installation:

The package was long and huge!

Got a bit excited seeing the Blitz emblem

Factory packaging and bracing to ensure the exhaust is not damaged during transit

The Zacetec Decat Pipe

Getting ready to install the mid pipe

Wonder what lies beneath all that cardboard and plastic?

Isn't she a beauty?

I have to say that I chose well. The exhaust sounds amazing and loud enough to satisfy my inner boy racer fantasies. By removing the silencer, the exhaust is pushing out sounds above 100 decibels. And thanks to the small center cannister, there's absolutely no in-cabin droning, even at high speeds. Very satisfied with Blitz Nur Spec R and I hope to record the sound it makes, sometime this weekend - hopefully on a drive up to Ulu Yam with the boys.

R33 GTR Upgrade: Kakimoto Racing Full Mega N1

I initially had gone with a HKS Super Drager exhaust setup but found it to be lacking in the sound department. It was installed while I was out of town in December 2010. This entry was actually supposed to be about the HKS system but lets face it, aftermarket exhausts are meant to straddle a fine line between satisfying legal sound decibel standards in countries like Japan, while at same time, meeting car owner expectations. Its a compromise and honestly, nobody likes to compromise unless they really have to.

As for some, exhaust note is a non-issue but for me, its paramount. The R33 GTR is meant to be a fun weekend car. Exhaust note is crucial to the enjoyment of the Skyline as my daily cars are well mannered and refined. So yesterday, I was on a quest to find a suitable replacement to replace the HKS exhaust. 

Which brings us to Mun Lee Autoparts, probably one of the biggest sparepart and halfcut vendor in the Klang Valley area.

 Mun Lee's Puchong warehouse - mind boggling

I actually went to Mun Lee because my personal mechanic said that there was likelihood of finding at least something in that bazaar of automotive parts. And there was. A used Kakimoto Racing Full Mega N1 exhaust set had just arrived from Japan a few days ago via container. It looked in good condition and I purchased it. Why? According to this thread on gtr.co.uk, Kakimoto N1s are known to be louder than other aftermarket exhausts and their website actually rates the N1 at 93db. Nice! Just what I was looking for. With prize in hand (or in boot rather), I made my way to an exhaust shop that I've frequented in the past.

 The N1 being fitted

Upon reaching the Segambut workshop, the car was promptly hoisted up and the exhaust lined up for fitting. I decided to forgo the mid box (no catalytic convertor either) as I wanted a straight flow setup for power. It was my hope too that this arrangement would also generate a rip roaring exhaust note. I hope everyone realises that I was taking a big risk here because I wasn't sure as to whether such a setup would produce a good sound. At the same time, I was concerned that there might be severe in-cabin droning! 

 One weld had to be done to complete the straight flow setup

Once the smell of welded steel had dissipated, came the moment of the truth. The hoist was brought down and the engine started. Couple of revs later and I was a satisfied customer. The exhaust note was deep throated enough to put hair on a full grown man's chest! No droning too! 

First impressions upon sitting inside the car made me reconsider this setup as it sounded a tad bit too loud but after driving it around, I came to realise that I needed to get used to the new sound. The HKS Super Drager was that subdued! Each to his own, as others love the HKS exhaust. Well, I love my Kakimoto Racing Full Mega N1 :). Will post up a video of the exhaust sometime in the near future.