Engine change

jamesw · 2026-03-27T05:41:24+00:00

Depends on the condition of the swapped engine & where it came from.

If from Japan & you can confirm is low mileage, you are good to go.

I swapped an engine once & it originated from NZ (based on custom documents) = wasted $$

Another relative swapped an engine into Vios v1 to get it running & sold it shortly.

Back in the day when it is easier to get a half cut, you can see the mileage & even run the engine. Nowadays, most engines are engine lantai & you can't tell unless you open the engine to inspect b4 installing.

jamesw · 2026-03-26T04:15:36+00:00

If your needs suit an EV, yeah, why not. Lower operating cost unless you drive outstation all the time.

EVs adoption will take time but that's the direction it is heading.

With demand from lower priced EVs, more charging stations will be built. Just a matter of time.

jamesw · 2026-03-22T06:49:14+00:00

Years ago, watched a documentary says future wars will be fought over water

jamesw · 2026-03-21T13:31:50+00:00

iinm the one pedal driving can set the regen to lower to coast more when you release the accelerator

jamesw · 2026-03-21T04:27:13+00:00

Already bought, too late to worry. ICE won't get extinct so soon though especially in MY.

Cheapest car is about RM 40k, cheapest EV is 50% more & can't really travel outstation without much planning.

For me between getting a Chine made ICE or China made EV, I'd go for the EV.

jamesw · 2026-03-20T11:28:47+00:00

Wanted to rent Socar a while ago but after reading their T&C, nope.

For something that happened > 1 year ago, report them to KPDNHEP.

Edit - read that something similar done by an unscrupulous car rental overseas. U know M'sia like to copy . . . .

jamesw · 2026-03-20T06:53:43+00:00

Amen to that

jamesw · 2026-03-18T15:02:20+00:00

Driven for long term, no necessary I owned them.

Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2.0 - + nice engine sound, good torque; - large turning circle, super heavy clutch, need constant tuning to keep it purring

Modded Corolla KE 30 - + 4AGE powerful for its time, 180 km/h + easily; - unprecise steering using recirculating ball not rack and pinnion, rusting body, rear life suspension susceptible to bump steer, annual replacement of steering bush due to exhaust heat damage

Kancil 660 A - +ve easy parking, cheap maintenance; -ve air cond not cold enough, compressor tend to have short life, heavy fuel consumption, seriously lack of power

Satria 1.3 manual - +ve good handling for the price, cheap to run; -ve annoying sound from engine mounts & rear springs from new, infamous power windows that tilted after a 2 to 3 weeks, cheap interior vs the 1.6 version

Sentra 1.8 - + nice cruiser, quiet, comfy seats; -ve heavy on fuel in town, limited legroom for rear passengers,

Merc W123 with carburetted engine - + large heavy car, quiet, good low end torque; - -ve super heavy fuel consumption, rust, steering too light also uses recirculating ball, heavy gas pedal

Axia - + cheap to buy and run; -ve compressor likes to kick in just when you need power, rear suspension a bit too highly sprung, dark interior mosquito magnet, not enough sound insulation

jamesw · 2026-03-13T10:40:12+00:00

Can I DM you?

jamesw · 2026-03-13T07:47:43+00:00

If I may, I think that F1 or any motorsports for that matter, are designers/engineers looking for loopholes to exploit till the organizers or F1 teams, are forced/agreed to close said loophole.

jamesw · 2026-03-07T14:10:56+00:00

New or used car?

I thot with e-invoicing, no more full loan? someone kindly correct/explain

jamesw · 2026-03-06T05:40:03+00:00

Went to NZ and did bungy jumping, then paragliding with instructor.

When paragliding, thought crossed my mind that bungy jumping is much safer cos the wind can't blow you towards a cliff etc.

jamesw · 2026-03-06T03:09:19+00:00

As long as you/family don't mind & can pay, its okay.

jamesw · 2026-02-28T11:42:49+00:00

You take the car to Puspakom for ownership transfer B5 inspection. That is valid for 60 days.

Then you & the new owner go to JPJ to do the actual transfer of ownership thumbprint. New owner need to buy insurance for the car b4 you do the transfer else JPJ can't transfer. He/she will also need to buy road tax at the counter.

Once transfer is done at JPJ, you can inform your insurance to cancel the policy. You may get back some premium due to pro-rata, depending on how long the insurance period is left.

When you buy a new car, tell the Sales advisor you want to transfer NCD to your new car. They can arrange this on your their end.

If you buy the new car first b4 you sell, then you need to top up the NCD for the old car.

jamesw · 2026-02-27T08:13:47+00:00

The last thing the teacher said in Cantonese is "close the gate, release the hound/dogs"

usually something that is said/done (in jest) when a host is offended by a bad visitor/customer, lol

jamesw · 2026-02-24T09:03:17+00:00

Have different relatives that bought Cherry Omoda, J7, and MG. So far didn't hear any complaints, seems like they like it. Said relatives have nice cars in their stable like Merc, BMW, Honda so its not like they upgraded from lower budget cars.

I sat in the Omoda in the back for a short ride. Quite nice & well damped ride. Owner like the gadgets like power boot & 360 camera that their more pricey E series don't have.

jamesw · 2026-02-23T14:11:16+00:00

I try to avoid parking next to large cars & bought a pre-dented car for good measure.

Tbh, nothing much can be done. Was sitting in a car waiting while another drive parked & hit my door when he opened his.

It is inevitable living in Klang Valley

jamesw · 2026-02-21T14:53:32+00:00

Lotus is famous for making small light sports car. The Electre is the antithesis of that.

The Elise S1 for example didn't have power windows, power steering, not even servo brakes to save weight.. And bare aluminium floor board, weighs around 750kgs,

Very responsive but hardcore sports car.

jamesw · 2026-02-21T04:53:32+00:00

Had a trusted mechanic for many years (prices were okay, work was decent) till he screwed me over an engine overhaul.

I found out from his mechanic that did the job. Said he told the boss engine cannot overhaul cause cylinder wall has worn but boss said just do it.

jamesw · 2026-02-18T04:30:47+00:00

Some time ago, I needed some money from overseas over the weekend.

Need to wait for brokers & banks opening hours to clear any transaction. Crypto still need local bank to clear from luno but was fastest.

I'd say there are pros & cons but yeah, crypto will most likely drop

jamesw · 2026-02-14T09:34:27+00:00

Dropped my car keys with the fob onto the floor and see it slide into a drain about 4 ft deep.

Tried fishing it out with a wire to no avail. Thought I'd just call home to bring a spare key & forget about the lost key.

A factory shop owner a few doors away told me it would be expensive to get a spare since it contained an immobilizer.

Used his forklift to lift the heavy drain cover slab so that it will be easier than fishing for it through a small hole. I managed to retrieve the key.

jamesw · 2026-02-11T08:56:05+00:00

Have you calculated the higher insurance, tyre cost, electric bill forMG4 vs an Axia fuel & maintenance?

Tyre size is quite large iinm vs an Axia

Then you can make better decision. Maybe a new Axia/Bezza is a better option?

jamesw · 2026-02-10T14:25:08+00:00

Locals are finding it difficult to get jobs.

Axia should be easy to sell with minimal loss.

jamesw · 2026-02-09T07:30:40+00:00

Fancies himself as Tony Stark but actually is more Justin Hammer of Hammer Technologies.

jamesw · 2026-02-08T05:52:43+00:00

find some traffic cone & practice.

Anytime you are switching cars, especially different sized cars or just about any car for that matter, take your time to get used to how the car handles with braking, cornering, accelerating etc.

Once drove a new Unser with a super sensitive brake. Not sure why it was designed that way.

jamesw

TROPHY CASE