2003 Mitsubishi lancer 126000 kms update
Continued from here.
http://boyracer.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-decade-of-romance-with-2003.html
The Mitsubishi Lancer has given me strength over the 11 years since 2003. It has proved its loyalty time and again and is still running strong. But every machine needs an overhaul after sometime. I decided to redo the car from top to bottom. After all this was the car I took the girl of my dreams out for the first time. :)
Paint
Colour - Dripping drool red
Duration- 2months
Cost involved- 95000 Rs. ( 1600 USD)
Repainting a car is not a task every garage can execute with satisfaction. A lot goes into a repaint including a proper dust free paintbooth with correct heat temperatures, hi-tech tools for scraping and paint spray, skilled labour who can get you the right shade and a lot more.
Cama motors came out of tops after I saw their work on a 1948 Chevrolet vintage car. It is suggestion normally to select the same shade on the car so I just decided for a more in your face red. The flashy in your eyes red paint has shed the years off the cars design and people has starting eying it again.
The rattles have reduced by 80% and this is a two thumbs up for work done by people at Cama Motors. Their paint job people are experienced masters handling cars from vintage era to new age luxury cars. The 100000 paid for the strip naked paint job has been worth it.
Rear lights
Brand- Eagle Eyes Crystal LED tail lights.
Price- 7200 rs (USD 120)
Country of Import- USA
The car still had the same tail lights since 2003. My sister was coming from the USA for a major family function. I surfed ebay and found this tail lights for USD 200 and the rest is history. The LED lights look awesome and I am happy with the purchase. Next step is to get Angel eyes for my Honda Jazz /Fit.
image source- www.ebay.com
Engine
Kms- 126000 kms ( 77600 miles)
engine model- 4g15 Petrol
The engine has been giving pulsing vibrations after switching on the ac. The vibrations are strong enough to intrude the cabin and make the ride a little inconvenient. The Amaron battery is hardly a year old. The engine mounts have just been changed. I also got the ac system checked for gas pressure which is perfect. The timing belt has been replaced at 100000 kms along with the bearings. The fuses are also ok. The head mechanic at Cama might have found the problem in the radiator which I think is running noisy creating a ruckus and also sending jolts. Before getting on with the radiator check I intend to get the air filter replaced which seems dusty. A dusty air filter tends to reduce air flow to the engine thus sapping it of power.
Interiors
Interior upholstery- Faux black leather
Cost - 6000 ( 100 USD)
The OE faux camel leather upholstry was looking aged and worn. So it was time to get a replacement. A little thought went into the design. Finally decided to go for jet black with red stripes and stitches. The result is completely satisfactory. The black faux leather goes well with the steering wheel cover.
For the first time ever the OEM Ralliart Pedals needed a bolt tightening and now the grip as good as ever.
Dogs are a menace in India. Sadly, the roof lining came off the roof. A new roof lining has been installed.
image source- www.carwale.com (representation only)
Tyres and suspension
OE Tyres- MRF zvts 185/60 R14 (upgraded to Michelin xm1+ 185/65 R14)
New tyres - Goodyear Assurance 195/60 R14 (upgraded from Michelin xm1+)
Cost - 18000 Rs. (300 USD)
Tyres have a lot to do with the car. The actual MRF ZVTS were good but not good enough. They had minimal road noise. Also the grip and comfort levels were alrite. The set lasted 60K. The next upgrade to Michelin XM1+ were more comfort oriented. But rolling resistance was poor. Also the tyres were expensive and had soft sidewalls. The ride was exceptionally good and quiet. But the soft walls meant lots of cracks, bulges and punctures. Replacement to XM1+ were no better.
With 100% reviews suggesting 195/60 R14, My latest upgrade to tyres at 120000 came to 195/60 R14 goodyear assurance armorgrip. The tyres were cheap but the compromise was with noise. The tyres emit lots of noise and the rolling resistance is also poor. Comfort level is better and the tyres are extremely strong and made for Indian roads. The assurance armorgrip are excellent handlers too with phenomenal grip.
image source- www.team-bhp.com (for representation only)
The OE Gabriel Oil Struts have been replaced with KYB Excel-G/ GR-2 gas charged struts. Rides over highways is now smooth as butter but hard for city drives.
PS: whenever upsizing or going for broader tyres, the tyre pressure needs to be reduced. I am now running all four tyres at 28 (down from 30).
image source: www.forums.carclub.mk
(Fuel Efficiency)
With the tyre pressure experiment, FE has been hovering around 12-13 with ac in the city. Once that is settled, I expect to touch 14 with ac in the city with a little effort from a light right foot. A recent 250 kms trip (150 miles) on the highway yielded 17kmpl with ac on. The tyre pressure was at 29 psi.
Problems to be rectified in the next service.
1. An air filter
2. Replace spark plugs and cables
3. Front left power window motor needs replacement.
4. Rear speaker parcel shelf rattles over bad roads.
http://boyracer.blogspot.in/2013/09/a-decade-of-romance-with-2003.html
The Mitsubishi Lancer has given me strength over the 11 years since 2003. It has proved its loyalty time and again and is still running strong. But every machine needs an overhaul after sometime. I decided to redo the car from top to bottom. After all this was the car I took the girl of my dreams out for the first time. :)
Paint
Colour - Dripping drool red
Duration- 2months
Cost involved- 95000 Rs. ( 1600 USD)
Repainting a car is not a task every garage can execute with satisfaction. A lot goes into a repaint including a proper dust free paintbooth with correct heat temperatures, hi-tech tools for scraping and paint spray, skilled labour who can get you the right shade and a lot more.
Cama motors came out of tops after I saw their work on a 1948 Chevrolet vintage car. It is suggestion normally to select the same shade on the car so I just decided for a more in your face red. The flashy in your eyes red paint has shed the years off the cars design and people has starting eying it again.
The rattles have reduced by 80% and this is a two thumbs up for work done by people at Cama Motors. Their paint job people are experienced masters handling cars from vintage era to new age luxury cars. The 100000 paid for the strip naked paint job has been worth it.
Rear lights
Brand- Eagle Eyes Crystal LED tail lights.
Price- 7200 rs (USD 120)
Country of Import- USA
The car still had the same tail lights since 2003. My sister was coming from the USA for a major family function. I surfed ebay and found this tail lights for USD 200 and the rest is history. The LED lights look awesome and I am happy with the purchase. Next step is to get Angel eyes for my Honda Jazz /Fit.
image source- www.ebay.com
Engine
Kms- 126000 kms ( 77600 miles)
engine model- 4g15 Petrol
The engine has been giving pulsing vibrations after switching on the ac. The vibrations are strong enough to intrude the cabin and make the ride a little inconvenient. The Amaron battery is hardly a year old. The engine mounts have just been changed. I also got the ac system checked for gas pressure which is perfect. The timing belt has been replaced at 100000 kms along with the bearings. The fuses are also ok. The head mechanic at Cama might have found the problem in the radiator which I think is running noisy creating a ruckus and also sending jolts. Before getting on with the radiator check I intend to get the air filter replaced which seems dusty. A dusty air filter tends to reduce air flow to the engine thus sapping it of power.
Interiors
Interior upholstery- Faux black leather
Cost - 6000 ( 100 USD)
The OE faux camel leather upholstry was looking aged and worn. So it was time to get a replacement. A little thought went into the design. Finally decided to go for jet black with red stripes and stitches. The result is completely satisfactory. The black faux leather goes well with the steering wheel cover.
For the first time ever the OEM Ralliart Pedals needed a bolt tightening and now the grip as good as ever.
Dogs are a menace in India. Sadly, the roof lining came off the roof. A new roof lining has been installed.
image source- www.carwale.com (representation only)
Tyres and suspension
OE Tyres- MRF zvts 185/60 R14 (upgraded to Michelin xm1+ 185/65 R14)
New tyres - Goodyear Assurance 195/60 R14 (upgraded from Michelin xm1+)
Cost - 18000 Rs. (300 USD)
Tyres have a lot to do with the car. The actual MRF ZVTS were good but not good enough. They had minimal road noise. Also the grip and comfort levels were alrite. The set lasted 60K. The next upgrade to Michelin XM1+ were more comfort oriented. But rolling resistance was poor. Also the tyres were expensive and had soft sidewalls. The ride was exceptionally good and quiet. But the soft walls meant lots of cracks, bulges and punctures. Replacement to XM1+ were no better.
With 100% reviews suggesting 195/60 R14, My latest upgrade to tyres at 120000 came to 195/60 R14 goodyear assurance armorgrip. The tyres were cheap but the compromise was with noise. The tyres emit lots of noise and the rolling resistance is also poor. Comfort level is better and the tyres are extremely strong and made for Indian roads. The assurance armorgrip are excellent handlers too with phenomenal grip.
The OE Gabriel Oil Struts have been replaced with KYB Excel-G/ GR-2 gas charged struts. Rides over highways is now smooth as butter but hard for city drives.
PS: whenever upsizing or going for broader tyres, the tyre pressure needs to be reduced. I am now running all four tyres at 28 (down from 30).
(Fuel Efficiency)
With the tyre pressure experiment, FE has been hovering around 12-13 with ac in the city. Once that is settled, I expect to touch 14 with ac in the city with a little effort from a light right foot. A recent 250 kms trip (150 miles) on the highway yielded 17kmpl with ac on. The tyre pressure was at 29 psi.
Problems to be rectified in the next service.
1. An air filter
2. Replace spark plugs and cables
3. Front left power window motor needs replacement.
4. Rear speaker parcel shelf rattles over bad roads.
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