A Revived Knight's Tale

Selling my ride '04 Lexus IS200 -SOLD

2010-07-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Low Depreciation for a Lexus, Low Maintenance, Reliable, Genuine Mileage Done, High Paper Value. Safe Buy At Giveaway Price. Don't Miss!

Asking Price: POA (Msg me)
Road tax: $1,198 per year
Transmission: Auto
Engine cap: 1988 cc
Reg date: 14-Oct-2004
Mileage: 71,800 km
COE: $26,101
OMV: $30,471

PARF Rebate Amount: $23,463.00 (31Jul2010)
COE Rebate Amount: $10,966.00 (31Jul2010)

Features:
Rare Powerful Inline 6 Cylinders VVT-i Engine powering 155 bhp, Rear Wheel Drive, ABS, Traction Control, Selectable Power Mode. 4 x SRS Airbags, Folding Mirrors, Immobiliser, Full Bodykit With Rear Lip Spoiler. Signature Chronograph Styled Instrument Panel. Leather Seats, Reverse Sensors, Fog Lamps, 2 front Electric Seats, Cruise Control, etc.

Engine Enhancements:
• Air-Intake
a. Simota Carbon Charger
b. Customized Cold-air Intake
• Exhaust - Apexi Hybrid Evolution Exhaust
• Spark Plugs - Denso Iridium IK20
• Sparks enhancer - X-treme spark plug Optimizers

Handling/Footwork Enhancements:
• TTE Coilover
• TRD Front & Rear Sway Bars
• VTTR Steel Brake Hose
• 17" Sports Rim with Falcon Tyres

Electronics Enhancements:
• Piggybag ECU - Apexi AFC-Neo
• Voltage Stabilizer - Raizin Pivot
• Grounding - Silver's Hyper Power Cable

Interior Enhancements:
• Pioneer AVH-P5050DVD

Exterior:
• Stock Lexus 2004 bodykit
• Re-sprayed with Bluish Pearl Crystal Shine (074)
• TRD Front grille coded with 074
• HID Headlights
• Rear fog lights converted as tail lights
• Chrome Number plate with rear white lights
• Frameless Wipers
• Short antenna
• Re-painted Brake Calipers
• Solar Film

Interested, sms me at 98204481
Kenn

Parts

2009-03-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

The best option I can find to dock my iPhone

2009-03-16T07:44:00.001-07:00

My fav route..dangerously~

2009-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

HKS Altezza IS-220Z

2009-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Pictures compliment from tomsaltezza (HKS Altezza @ Changi Exhibition Centre)

No Mod yet..but dressed it up for cousin's wedding

2008-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

Modding & Blogging will resume in Nov 2008..

2008-09-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

Enough of mods & blogging for now. Gotta concentrate & finish up the final stretch of my studies. Stay tune in Nov!

Super Import Night 2008

2008-09-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

HID blinds the eyes

2008-09-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

But yet, I still install it..sorry. :p

Merdeka Race 2008

2008-09-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Coilover finally!

2008-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Bro Mojo, yeah I have installed a set of coilover to lower the car. It is from TTE, which is made by Eibach and Biltein - one of the best people to build shocks. They are the OEM fro BMW's AC Schnitzer and Mercs AMG, etc.

I am driving with it for a few days now, it is very stable & comfortable! Only concern is that the set is height adjustable only, and no damper control.

The current height settings is 1.5 finders for the front, and 2 fngers for the rear. Somehow, I feel it is not lowered enough. Perhaps 1 more finger lower will be better..

New Car Magazine in town! - Fastlane

2008-09-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Beside the popular Hot Stuff & Hypertune Car Magazines for Modders (Car enthusiats into modifications), have you heard of Fastlane?

I just came to know about this fabulous magazine after the 3rd issue (May - June 2008), because it is complimentary with circulation at most garage/workshop/petrol kiosk, hence not available at the usual news stand.

Fastlane is a newsletter under the publication of MPT Motor Trading. It is entirely on Motorsports and covers all events being organized by MPT, as well as other motorsports related events, article or announcements. Fastlane will be printed on a bi-monthly basis with a expected circulation of 50,000 per issue to be given out to the enthusiastic public free of charge.

Am eager to look out for the next issue!

Exotic Cars Turn Women On?

2008-09-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Putting materialism aside, at least this is proven by science..
Study Results:

"The unbridled roar of an Italian supercar turns women on but the soft purr of a fuel-efficient econobox doesn't stimulate anyone's MPG-spot."
"The revving sounds of a Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari shows higher levels of testosterone in subjects' saliva -- a measure of their arousal"
"Testosterone is indicative of positive arousal in the human body so we can confidently conclude from the results out today that the roar of a luxury car engine actually does cause a primeval physiological response.”

Check out these videos of Maserati,

Lamborghini

and VW Polo exhaust notes

Hear the difference, and feel your testosterone level rising.. : )

Interesting read..extracted from: http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/09/weve-got-some-b.html

The days are near..

2008-09-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Car Number Plate

2008-09-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Original placement of number plate frame: Shifted the frame upwards:Contemplating to replace the frame with a simple black background plate with stick-on alpha-numberic characters.. What do ya think?

Yeah I made it to the finishing line..

2008-09-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at a 10km run after so many years from the army half marathon during my ns days...that gave me the phobia ever since..But this run convinced me that running can be fun! Especially with friends. This time I have Alan as my pacer. I ranked 5,977 among more than 10,000 runners in Singapore...& completed the 10km route in 1hr 18min..ok i know its slow.. : ) This is the finisher bracelet :

Bro Aik Leong is so fortunate to be the pacer for Jessica Tan (Ms Singapore Universe 2007) *envy!!*

He was very involved in the Nike + human race and running retail ambassador

Thanks for his help in coordinating the delivery of the sponsored stuffs too. Excellent work bro!

P.S.*sad* did not get to see joanne peh in the run.. ; )

A few looks playing with the emblem

2008-08-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Which one do you think is nicer?

A) Current Original Emblem Look

B) Fast Car without Emblem Look

C) Mystery Look with black emblem (similar to IS-F)

D) 'GTR' Look replacing Lexus emblem with 'IS'

Give me your comments ya?

Another DIY attempt on the front grille

2008-08-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

Actually, the brake caliper paint job is not the first DIY attempt. Its the front grille, which is a much easiler task. It is a worthwhile attempt in enhancing the look. What do you think?

Before After
First you need to find a TRD Front Grille, colour coded (sprayed) to your car paint. The stock Lexus front grille's frame is chrome, whereas the TRD's is either carbon fiber or coded with colour.

Steps to DIY change of front grille:
1) Remove the three screws circled in yellow. Only the center screw requires a screwdriver, the other 2 on the sides are clip-on type. Just requires pulling out.

2) Removing the stock grille is the difficult part. Push back at the bottom of the grill.

*Bottom of grille with hetch

*bumber showing the compartment to hook on the hetch

*side of grille showing the hetch

Hope these views of the grille is helpful for you to have a feel of which part to exert pressure on in removing it.

Counting down.. 3 Days to RaceDay!

2008-08-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

OMG..in a flash, the Training for the Human Race! is just a stone throw away.. And I only managed to run 6km last week..

I gotta give both thumbs up to Nike in creating alot of hype for the Nike+ Human Race 10K event. With an approximate participation from 1,000,000 runners, the event is scheduled to take place in 24 different cities at the same time on 31.8.2008. Beside brand building & publicity, it was done for a good cause too. Nike is raising money for charities, where participants can choose to run for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, The UN Refugee Agency or the World Wildlife Fund.

Thanks to the Singapore Nike plus human race team with their excellent logistics arrangement for the race packs & sponsored products to be delivered to us. Cause I heard that runners were waiting in the 2km long queue for their race packs.

Check out Nike's new Zoom Victory+ Running Shoes above, its super light-weight and the design is cool!

DIY Painted Brake Calipers

2008-08-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

It still looks pretty bland now, will be looking for decal/stickers to complete the look. DIY is fun, but its tough tough work!

P.S. Yeah... like how my friends will be laughing at me 'bo liao', 'no life', etc.. all to the extend for just a brake caliper?? Haha.. This is called Passion my dears..

All prep to DIY paint my brake calipers

2008-08-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

See the vast difference between my plain Jane vis-a-vis those with decent brake kits?? I know its 'no pride' but I'm gonna do it! Shall attempt to DIY paint it with pearl gold colour for additional blink blink effect!! =p

Hopefully the effect will turn out well..

Shall upload the pix once completed.

WTS: IS200 Stock Parts for Sale

2008-08-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

These are the original stock/OEM parts from my Lexus IS200 (Yr 2004 Make):

1) Front Grille (Condition 9/10) *RESERVED*

2) Muffler/Exhaust (Condition 7/10)

3) Air Filter Full Set (Module Integrated Intake System) *comes with Lexus emblem cover (Condition 8/10)

4) Front & Rear Suspension/Coilover -Double wishbone (Condition 7/10)

5) Front & Rear Sway Bars (Condition 7/10)

Parts are in tip-top condition partly due to the low milleage of 50k.

Interested, sms me (+65 98204481) or email (kenn_chua@hotmail.com) your sincere offer ya.

Which Petrol Kiosk + Which Credit Card = Best deal!

2008-08-23T03:24:00.000-07:00

I must say PetrolWatch (PW) is a pretty neat site!
It shows you petrol price comparisons:

Petrol Price Trend: (let you predict when is the best time to fill up full tank before price dip right after you left the kiosk?)

Also where I discovered that I can redeem petrol vouchers with UOB's UNI$..

& most importantly, check on the best discounts offer by which credit card banks:

Time to do the math.. http://www.petrolwatch.com.sg/

Damn! The Lexus IS-F is so cool!

2008-08-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

The IS F is based on the IS series and comes with a new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and special aluminium wheels. The F refers to the Fuji Speedway on which Lexus has been extensively testing the car. The transmission is an 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission which can be operated either as an automatic or clutchless manual, a world first for an 8-speed transmission.

The 5,0 liter V8 (model 2UR-GSE) engine (a D-4S direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version, that combines both port and direct fuel injection) produces 311 kW / 423 hp at 6,600 rpm with 505 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Neat replies!

2008-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks bros! Beside the warm welcomes from 18 replies in the VIPSTYLE SOCIETY FORUM, here are some recommendations to my ride. Pretty neat!

Nacci: Well upsizing the rim and droping it lower...its the right choice Just my 2 cents, how bout having twin pipe..it looks cool on IS ride. >>Ken:something like the IS-F? hee..ultimate! i like it.

Sonicadio: welcome on the spot, yeah upsize rim with proper vipstyling design and slammed down...>>Ken:believe something to this effect eh?

Mojos200: wah u damm fast lor ken , hahaha now got access liaos . like wat all the tai lous here said , bigger rims and drop it , dont waste time with 18s go for 19s straight , hahaha i wasted time n money on 2 sets of 18s already .

David-VIP: Nice ride...try to change ur rims 18"/19" more fit ur car body~ and lower...twin exhaust...bodykit... if can try to convert the 1JZ or 2JZ engine

Sonicadio: true that, never waste two times money on the same size, i think me and a few of member here did past thru that, that is the reason why we keep on say again and AGAIN! u will end up waste money yet didnt not get any upgrade.

Mojos200: since u haven change any coilovers , slap on 20s , hahahahahahahha

Bandrew: welcome bro.. upgrade rim is matter.. straight away go for 20" is the best.. forget about 18 and 19s...

P.S.except for the red convertible, the rest r my dream car the IS-F. Cool right!?

Melaka get-away weekend

2008-08-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Just back from Malacca! If you have never been there, pls don't have the impression that it is still a small town, check it out fr these pix:
Malacca night spot-Pure Bar -Its happening!
It was great fun with a bunch of colleagues

Sadly but true, the most memorable part of the trip is the bed of Renaissance Melaka Hotel where we put up at.
I like this photo the most..An impromptu photo taken with Rina when I bumped into her at the lift, turned out to be a nice shot! We jokingly agree it looks as if like a couple outfit.. lol

All set to be poisoned by VIPSTYLE SOCIETY

2008-08-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just joined the forum VIP STYLE SOCIETY. There is a rule to intro yourself & ur ride before you can be granted access..check out my intro:

"WOW! I am indeed impressed just from reading all the intros.. Thanks to bro mojos200 who recommended this forum, after knowing I am also Pro-VIP Style for our rides..

I am from Singapore, my ride is a IS200 (aka Altezza). Immediately after getting my dream car last Nov, I gave it a new Bluish Pearl Crystal Shine coat. Recently replaced with 17" Forged Rims, & TRD Front Grille.

Some engine enhancements were made like Simota Carbon Charger Cold Air Intake System, Apexi Hybrid Evolution Exhaust, & Apexi AFC-Neo.

Had installed Pioneer AVH-P5050DVD for ICE aswell.

Am looking for ways to give my baby the VIP look! Next items in mind are a set of coilovers to slam my ride, & upsize the rims.. any other suggestions??"

In less than 15 mins, the moderator granted me access, & together with 5 comments to my intro! What an active forum!!

Stay tuned for more mods soon..

Seriously Poisoned

Volt Stabilizer + Supplementary Earth = Superior Results?

2008-08-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Voltage stabilizer in combination with supplementary earth bring you electrical efficiency.

Raizin brings you not only ideal electrical efficiency and voltage supply stabilization, but with our original circuitry design and our special noise reduction condenser you can enjoy diminished noise and lessened high-frequency impedance.

Benefits:

·Improved audio quality.

·Increased torque and response and power.

·Stabilized idling and improved engine kick over.

·Increased headlight brightness.

·Improved fuel economy.

·Improved battery life.

How true is this? I have installed the Silver's Hyper Power Cable, needed a volt stabilizer to complete the equation eh?

Silver's Hyper Power Cable

2008-08-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Concept of Earth Grounding System

On a normal system, electric current flows from a positive terminal to a negative terminal through the car body. But there are much resistance at connectors of body, engine and transmission. The resistance disturbs this flow of electricity to a degree that electrical components such as computer, lamp and spark plugs cannot perform at their peaks. In order to get the highest performance out of any automobile, it is necessary to achieve a maximum electricity flow with the least resistance along its electrical circuit.

What does the Earth Grounding System do?

EGS can achieve an extreme improvement on electricity flow and stability by providing a direct ground path from the body, chassis and engine components to the battery negative.

What's its history?

This theory has been known & such system has been used among Japanese WRC (World Rally Championship) racing teams for years. Since 2000, it has become the hottest modification performed by car enthusiasts in Japan. Its effect on automobile has been proven by dyno tests again and again.

What benefits does it provide?

Faster engine start-up : You can feel the difference even with A/C on and at maximum fan speed. This system reduces the loss of electricity to nearly zero at ignition coil and produces better ignition spark.

More stable idling : You will hear your car engine noise quieter than before. It shows that the minimized resistance resulting from the installation of the EGS Smoother and faster throttle response Increase low & middle engine torque It helps to achieve a close-to-perfect combustion at low or high revolution of engine, resulting in faster acceleration.

Better milage: In particular city driving. So this system does not just save you money on gas, but very ecological, too.

Cleaner exhaust gas : Lower density of HC and CO

Brighter headlight output : Improvement that you can see. Thanks to a better alternator performance.

Improve car audio sound quality : Improvement that you can hear. Thanks to an overall enhanced equipment performance including but not limited to: Car audio, power windows, power sunroof, etc.

Its recommended to use the grounding earth cable with a voltage stabilizer for better result.

Calling all is200 and altezza driver for meetup!

2008-08-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

Extracted from Singapore Altezza Club

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:33 pm Post subject:
calling all is200 and altezza driver for meetup! Ex- owner , got stuff to sell/buy can bring item for viewing , current owners, or a fan... etc..

Meetup Venue/Date/Tme: Club 9 (at maxwell rd next to red dot house, old TP headquarter), at 2130 pm on the 14 Thursday, 08 for chill out and exchange.

Pls feel free to post your comments, questions and suggestions. Pls make effort to come for this one, cos rarely we have one. If u want to come but unsure, can register 1st and indicated not confirmed. thks! We need more feedback!

please register here! (Updated 13th Aug 2008)

1) Blitezza (Gene) ,altezza, ETA= 8pm

2) ZoomP (Dave) ,golf GTI

3) tomsaltezza (nick), altezza

4) kidrift (warren) ,altezza

5)pro- photographer (cheesiang) - pending confirm , stream

6) twincams (wayne) - not confirmed n can only drop by awhile if can makit , celica GT4

7) trd-rg (russell) - need to leave early, Euro R

8)crashover77 (Alan) ,

9) mojojojay (jay) is200 - ETA - 8ish

10) smoofspeed (eddie) - not confirm - GS300

11) Kennchua (Kenneth), IS200 (not confirmed, will try my very best)

12) Snope (Stephen) / STI - ETA 8pm n need to leave early

13)weezard (dylan) / altezza - ETA 2030hrs

14) slowpoke (Andrew) / altezza - (not confirmed, but it will be my first time - please be gentle with me )

15) Leoboy (arun) - is200 - (Trying my very best as well, haha its my 2nd time but 1st time was 2005 !!! , but i'm sure we all would have a great time , its been so long.)

16) zigzagzok

17) altez78 (Aaron) - will try to make it A4 1.8t

18) Gazer (Desmond) - Altezza. Nice effort and this will be my 1st meetup as well.

19) TORNEO(Edmund) Altezza.

Hmm..out of the 19 bros, 10 of us are still driving the Altezza/IS200 while the rest have changed their rides from this 'extinct' species on Singapore road..

Nice to relax at the beach again..

2008-08-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

Didn't realise that the last time I went to Sentosa was 1 year ago..how time flies.

Thought we are crazy, but there are crazier beach bums at Sentosa KM8 where we spent the lazy Sunday afternoon.. especially when it was raining.. Had lotsa fun playing beach volleyball, frisky, games & boozing with Leon, Joanne, Alex, Shaz, Sticky & Junior (Last two are dogs).

Advices to further mod my ride

2008-08-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all bros from the Altezza forum for your feedbacks! I will definitely consider these enhancements, probably slowly one at a time.

Summary:

Needs a full coilover set to lower the car for aesthetic & better handling
Add Braces for better handling
Changing the engine bay bonnet to carbon fibre to reduce weight
Adjust camber to open up for fiercer look. (Negative 3.5 degs for the rear, and 2-2.5 degs for front)
Supercharger kit to enhance power
LSD (Final drive) to enhance power too

Just for laugh

2008-08-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

if you catch the joke..

Hint: fr an ad...

"Super nice car plate no. "SDP 8888 X" for sale: S$15,000.00"

2008-08-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Would you pay S$15K to buy a nice car number? Apparently, many who believes in numerology, or feng shui do!

There seems to be such a need in the market, where Eurospeed recognised & become Singapore's biggest player buying & selling vehicle plate no. Check out some of their quotes & explanation for the no.

Interesting quotes:

"Be very careful when you use numbers like 4444 (12) , 8888, 1111 or 2222 as these are strong numbers since in the kabala number 12 is of grief and suffering and even double digits like 11, 12 and 16 can bring bad luck.." (Lucky car numbers by Anupam V Kapil)

"But my brother's car got alot of 8s.. he also never strike 4D although he had been buying that number plate for yrs!"

"If u watched the feng shui show, having a lot of 8s is not necessary good for car plates. it's just a common belief cos it sounds nice."

"My car plate consist only of 6s and 4s and it sounds like 'die'(4) and 'drop'(6) in cantonese... initially I was telling hubby this number plate very bad but surprisingly it 'opened' few times in 4Ds... "

"My new ex-colleague who got a new car for his outdoor sales job, however after receiving his car about 2 days or the first day, he was sack by the company his car number is something like SDW???4X (they say with 4X is even jia lat (hokkien)."

"we had our first car with number ends with ...8X, and got an accident (total lost) after driving for 1yr."

Do check out Singapore Pool's 4D checker!

I did a search for 4444, 7777, 8888, indeed the frequency of striking these no. is quite low.
This is interesting!

Related Reference:

Land Transport Authority - Bid a Car Number

ONE.MOTORING - How To Bid Number

Patriots on the road

2008-08-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Singapore National Day is just around the corner, did you notice a number of Singapore flags on cars these days? I am no exception, being a patriot. Arrhmm. Anyway had some small talks about it during lunch, and one colleague joked about pasting the flag decal like mine will create the visual effect:
+ 5 horsepower

haha. how they know I was imitating those racing cars representing their countries in Super GT , WRC, etc. races..

A statement from the Information, Communications and the Arts Ministry: "Following a relaxation of rules in 2007, the Singapore national flag now may be displayed on clothes and costumes during the period of National Day celebrations. This period lasts from July 1 to September 30 each year. It may also be flown on private and commercial vehicles alike during this time. Decals, stickers, posters or other visual images of the flag may also be displayed freely. The only requirement is that the flag must be treated with respect at all times."

Then another colleague added that when fixed with HID headlights, the visual effect is + 10 horsepower !

Which is so true, imagine on the road, you see some fierce looking cars like these tail gating you, they do look faster & dangerous! wouldn't you give way to be safe.. : )

My Mysterious GF ?

2008-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Received a series of weird sms from SingTel Internet SMS (88888805529) today:

"Jeslyn has initiated an Internet SMS chat session with you."
"Jeslyn: First-Timer Applicants: You and the essential family members listed in the application for purchase of the flat must not:"
"Jeslyn: be the owners of a flat bought direct from HDB, a DBSS flat or an Executive Condominium bought from the developer; or"
"Jeslyn: have sold a flat bought direct from HDB, a DBSS flat or an Executive Condominum bought from the developer; or"
"Jeslyn: have received the CPF Housing Grant for the purchase of an HDB resale flat; or"
"Jeslyn: have enjoyed other forms of housing subsidy (for example, enjoyed benefits under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme, etc"
"Jeslyn: dear you can apply 1st. but we must produce our rom cert if under me and your name."
"Jeslyn: dear lol. so don't tink u wana buy a house under ur name and mine soon dui ma.?"

Sounds like a girl is 'proposing to me', but who is Jeslyn?? LOL. or is this a prank on me.. I did not reply the sms since it is from SingTel Internet SMS (88888805529)..

P.S. My dear Jeslyn, hope you have found out you have sms'ed to the wrong number ya. Don't be angry with your bf for not responding to your 'proposal' msg.

Damn Damn Damn!

2008-08-04T07:56:00.001-07:00

Watching Mummy 3 or was it The Forbidden Kingdom?

2008-08-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

Just watched the third sequel of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns today. While watching the The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, I have the feeling I was brought on a similar fantasy-actionpack journey like The Forbidden Kingdom.

Emperor Jin (Jet Li) was turned into a 'Chinese mummy' (terra cotta statue) vis-a-vis Sun Wukong(Monkey King) (same cast Jet Li) was turned into stone..hows that for a start?

Especially so with the love relationship between Alexander "Alex" O'Connell Luke Ford with Lin (Isabella Leong) and Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano) with Golden Sparrow Liu Yi Fei.

Not forgetting to mention the sweet-looking girls Isabella Leong & Liu Yi Fei in these movies.. Oh! How amazed I am with wikipedia in finding out information even on people's early life (Isabella Leong was born in Hong Kong on June 23, 1988. Her Portugese father died when Leong was a few months old and she moved with her mother to Macau. They remained in Macau until Isabella was 15 years old.)

Even personal info like: "To help her mother support the family, Leong joined the Emperor Entertainment Group at 12 years old and began to work as a teenage model. She later turned to singing and released her debut album, Isabella, at 16 years of age. Isabella did not achieve the success hoped for and Leong turned to acting instead."

How scary when one day, I wiki for Kenneth Chua, and the results show: "Kenneth is a Jerk, ass hole, b@^$#*........" since it is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Opps..I did not suggest anything...

Training for the Human Race!

2008-08-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

& I don't mean training in procreating for the Human Race! ; )

I last run 3km on the treadmill a month ago, but has been doing alot of sports lately..to build up my stamina gearing up for the 10km run on 31st August 2008. This is my first participation in a major run that is gaining popularity in Singapore like the S'pore Bay Run, Shape Run, Standard Chartered Marathon, Army Marthon, etc..

This run is organised by Nike called The Nike+ Human Race 10K where a million runners worldwide join in the 10k run at the same time! A Global Run away from what??!! I don't know yet.. I will find out during the run eh.

It is only left with 28days... experts' advice for beginners to a 10km run, is to run 6-8km, three times a week...oh boy..gotta buck up!

Partly motivated to participate because my idol Joanne Peh is running too.. check out her blog & the funny pix of her below:

Aren't she gorgeous or what??!

OMG! What a joke...Dragonball The Movie..

2008-08-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

I got a shocked when I saw these movie posters..that our dear hero in the anime Dragonball -Goku turned out to be an 'Ang Mo'!!! *no offence* but can you reconcile the diff?

Other casts

Chi-Chi (Jamie Chung)

Yamcha (Joon Park)

Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat!!!)

Bulma (Emmy Rossum)

All the info and photos above are taken from Dragonball The Movie.

But I must say Jamie looks stunning!

TRD Front Grille

2008-08-02T06:35:00.001-07:00

Had my original front grille replaced with TRD front grille (coded to pearl white). Do you think it makes any difference? Not much if added with the Lexus emblem, so thought of removing it..what do you think??

Bling Bling rims

2008-08-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Had my rims & tyres changed at Poh Heng Tyres (Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Blk 4002) Contact -Justin: 98368640. For more bling bling effect.

Apexi Hybrid Evolution Exhaust

2008-07-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

To improve the the low-end lagging, just replaced the stock exhaust system with the Apexi Hybrid Evolution Exhaust system.

The original:
The new replacement:

Had a 3-in-1 mod at RaceTech: Changing the exhaust system, De-cat, & adding cold-air intake to the current Simota Carbon Charger.

These are worthwhile mods, cos instantly, the low-end improves drastically! Plus the new exhaust produces very nice deep throaty rumble. But..it may compromise with FC.. Arhhww... FC Vs BHP !!

Btw, these are legalized mods. Especially the exhaust, although the tip looks big for bbq, and the sound is great, but it is perfectly legal for IS200 with cert from LTA.

Procedure for Transfer of Used Exhaust:

1) Go to your workshop for installation

2) Bring receipt from workshop to the distributor of your exhaust's brand (i.e. Apexi, Remus) or workshop where it was originally installed, get new certificate.

3) Goto LTA for Inspection with certificate from the distributor, doesnt need to be done on one day. Any convenient time. (Last heard within 2 weeks)

First Touch at Mod (Changing the Intake System)

2008-07-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Stock Module Integrated Intake System:

The straight-six engine is a naturally balanced and rigid, high performance, low noise engine. But further improvements in performance, weight reduction and noise levels have been achieved by the adoption of the Module Integrated Intake System.

The design integrates the air cleaner, throttle body, intake manifold, acoustic control induction system and air connector into a single system. The intake manifold and air connector are made of plastic to improve performance through weight loss and heat insulation effects.

Replaced with Simota Carbon Charger Air Intake System (SMT CB-654)

·Heat insulated & forced induction, forcing more cold air into the engine increasing power.
·Lively throttle response and great sound.
·Power increase of up to 10Bhp.
·Lighter and Stronger than standard system.
·100% Carbon filter enclosure.
·Unique 3D precision weaving technology for superior filtration.
·Cleanable and reusable.

Changed all 6 spark plugs (BK R6-376-4) enhanced with 3 X-treme spark plug Optimizers

Power grounding cable (Silver's hyper) has been added as well and tuned using Apexi AFC-Neo for FC improvement

The SAFC NEO marks the newest edition to the world famous Super AFC line of piggy back fuel controllers. Building upon the powerful SAFC II, the AFC NEO has taken piggy back style fuel control to a new level. The AFC NEO boasts an incredible 16 points of user definable fuel correction. VTEC control has also been incorporated for Honda/Acura applications. A complete monitor mode is also available to keep the driver/tuner informed of critical engine data.

Inview of the soaring petrol price, the milleage of 8km/litre is too much to handle. Hence had the above replaced/added hoping to improve milleage. Indeed, it is running at 8.5km/litre (an improvement of 0.5km). But better FC is at the expense of HP, my low end has suffered tremendously... Need to find ways to best compromise both FC & HP.

Changed my Car Audio (Pioneer AVH-P5050DVD)

2008-07-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Replaced the stock in-dash (6-disc CD changer)type audio system with a Pioneer AVH-P5050DVD. It has a cool 7" (16:9) Wide QVGA Fully Motorized LCD Color Display (can be kept when not in use) with 4-Channel High-Power DVD/VCD/CD Receiver.

Features:

-7" Touch Panel LCD Display (Motorised)
-24-bit DAC
-iPod® & USB direct connection
-Dual illumination
-AV Aux-in (front)
-2 RCA pre-outs

Before customizing the console unit , looks very raw. Now fixed with AFC-Neo Display unit. When LCD is kept:

When LCD is displayed:

New coat of paint - Bluish Pearl Crystal Shine

2008-07-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Good bye to the 'old' coat, & hallo to a 'brand new' Bluish Pearl Crystal Shine baby! The Colour code is 074, Colour Index-05/06, Manufacturer-Lexus (Year 2005-2008). You can find the exact colour codes of different manufacturers' at: http://color-explorer.rmpaint.com/index.php?language=8

This is the exact colour tone of one of the two new IS250's pearl whites. Had a hard time contemplating which one to choose...glad I made the right choice! Love the new colour.

Bought my dream car IS200 finally!

2008-07-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Bought this baby in Nov 2007, with original bluish-grey colour & all-stock parts & accessories..

Actually its original specs are pretty neat! That explains why owners seldom need to modify their rides.

The IS200 Specs (Auto):
Engine Type: 6-cylinder in-line, 24-Valve
Engine Capacity: 1988 cc
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Transmission Type: Front engine installation, rear-wheel drive
Max speed: 205 km/h
0-100 km/h: 11.2 seconds
Horsepower: 155 Bhp
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres
Features: 2.0 Litre VVT-i Engine, ABS, Cruise Control, Traction Control System & Electric Seats

Most common reviews of the IS200:
Comfort: Good
Road Handling: Excellent
Security: Excellent
Looks: Excellent
Fuel consumption: Satisfactory
Advantages: Features, Build Quality, Safety, Looks, Reliable
Disadvantages: Painfully Under - Powered at Low Revs

Strength of the IS200
It has a straight-six, 2-Litre engine that is boosted with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) that improves low engine speed torque (More than 160 nm from 2,000 rpm) & high engine speed power for the sports sedan.

The VVT-i also allows the engine management computer (ECU) to vary the engine intake valve open an close timing according to driving conditions and engine loading. Hence Fuel Consumption (FC) is not compromized; runs on a milleage of 9.6 litres/100km.

It is front engined, rear wheel drive (RWD) which is still the preferred choice for high performance automobiles because very powerful front wheel drive cars tend to understeer

Advantages of RWD: Weight transfer during acceleration - During heavy acceleration, weight is placed on the rear, or driving wheels, which improves traction.
Rear wheel drive cars are easier to throw into a drift because power is on the rear wheels making it is easier to “slip” the rear wheels

After 8 months of driving, personally I find it an aesthetically stylish, stable, quiet & comfortable ride! No regrets!! Except that although the VVT-i engines are powerful and impressive but can prove very sluggish at low revs.. so will look for ways to mod this baby to perfection..