Tom's Suspension Test Drive

The Tom's Suspension set for Toyota Wish was recently released and we have yet to see in on the shores of Singapore yet. However, I had the chance to test it's performance on Lao Pi's ride at SE Motorsports in Taipei.

This is the actual set installed on his car.




From his comments, he said that the Tom's set is better than TRD's set in terms of handling. Basically, the set is priced higher than TRD's, but the car is lowered more than the TRD set. In terms of hardness/comfort, it's interesting to note that The TRD set is softer in front than the Tom's set. For the rear, the TRD set is harder than the Tom's set.

So we took a test drive and at one point, we were doing about 150 to 160 km/h on his turbo charged car. The road holding is very good and the car seems even more stable due to the lower CG. In term of comfort, it does not seem harder than the TRD set. It's a shame that this set came out so late. Otherwise, I would actually prefer this set to the TRD one.

Anyway, this is the bling ride that we tested on. Notice how low the car is.



By the way, 19" DAD chrome rims. Bling ah!!

Cheers,

Original WALD kit in Taipei!

So far, there is only one set of Wald Executive Line kit for Toyota Wish in Taiwan. It's a replica kit and it's on a white ride.

But today, that will change. The orignal Japanese Wald Executive Line kit will land it Taipei, making it's coverted appearance and both kits will be owned by none other than...Grant!

This picture was taken when the kit was being checked in at the Singapore airport. Weighing only 16 kg, it was not a problem to check it. It's the size that's a killer.



Obviously, the station crew and the customs officials were curious about what's in the big box. However, they did not give me any trouble at all. They thought it was from Germany due to the German words on the box.

My trolley attracted quite a lot of stares from curious onlookers. It was pretty tall indeed when stacked on the trolley.



Thanks to Raymond for storing it in his warehouse first and arranging the van. Also, thanks to Ah Lim for helping to transport the huge box and returning the van.

Cheers,

Bonnet Damper installed

Ok. I've had the bonnet damper for the longest time but never got around to fixing them up. So today, whilst we were at Audio Concepts, Justin helped me fix them up.

This is the black version as I don't quite like the CF type. It's really strong and should be able to take a sound proof bonnet easily.



In total, we drilled 3 holes. 1 was a mistake, but no big deal.



Got the full set up, but still, the bonnet was too light for the damper. It springs up when we lift up the bonnet. Perhaps I'll change a set. Sigh.....

Cheers,

Wish security sticker

Available from Japan. Toyota Wish security sticker!!



Not original Toyota, but certainly looks real and adds a touch of refinement in a small, but clearly visible way.

Wonder if anyone will do it locally?

Cheers,

How to make your Wish ugly 3

Yup. More ugly options.

These should be in Singapore for a while already. Saw them at the Taiwan Autoparts show too. Suitable for quite a few Toyota models, including Camry, Wish, and even the LEXUS LS430!!




Being external light fittings, they are obviously illegal in Singapore too.

Cheers,

Wald Emblem

Hmm... Wald emblem would be nice on my car....

There's two version, but I think this one is a lot more simple and elegant.



The older version is a copy of the Mercedes AMG logo. Very sporty look.

Actually, I don't have space at the back of my boot door for any more emblem. If this goes up, then either the "X Limited" or the "TRD" has to come down. Too many emblems makes the car looks like a cheap wannabe.

Cheers,

White Toyota Emblem

Yes. We've seen the standard chrome one and there's the red one. But, did you know there is also a white one?



Great for white colored rides like the very fierce 040 White Wish with angel eyes!!

Cheers,

Side mirror LED marker Ver 4.0

There is quite a variety of side mirror LED marker on the market. Besides the 2 original Toyota Wish version. There are at least 3 other types. But interestingly, those from Japan rarely make their way here. Probably due to the high cost.

Anyway, this is one of the other executive styled type in the Japanese market. This version is already the fourth generation in terms of design. It uses 5 LED bulb and angled reflectors.



Simple, but nice. Still, I prefer the Original Toyota New Face Lift version.

Cheers,

Endless parking brakes!!?

The rear disc brake for Toyota Wish has an integrated parking brake (drum). So that rules out a lot of options for rear disc brake upgrades.

So I was aimlessly looking around and I just thought I'll give Endless another look and what a surprise!!

Endless rear brake set with parking brake module!! See that blue clip on the rotor? That's the one.



Here's a close up of the parking clip.



Very nice!! But it is not possible for our car. Financially not possible. Sigh....

Cheers,

New WOLF logo?

Played with the WOLF logo a bit for a simpler but no less aggressive look. No sharp corners so that the sticker won't peel when the car is being polished or washed.



The O can be separated and used as a smaller logo for anywhere in the car too. Very discreet. Can be done on white reflective sticker to stick on white car. Suitable for Ah Lim.



For those wanting to link it as their signature. Use this direct hotlink in your profile. It's 640 X 203 pixels, but only 10K.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8656/wolfpawlogo2rri6.jpg

Hi-resolution file available. Comments?

Cheers,

Car Wash

Why our car wash locally are not like this? I'll wash my car everyday man!! Maybe even twice a day!

Perhaps Lim and John can make this a reality.

Cheers,

Taiwan launches NFL Wish

Taiwan will launch their minor face lift Toyota Wish on 20 Mar 2007. Here are some sneak pictures of the Z model.



Externally, the head and tail lights are different as with the bonnet grill. The back door garnish have been replaced by the JDM version. That would mean that the logo will now be unified for all Toyota Wish. Good news! I believe they have opted to use the PFL JDM fog light set instead of the NFL one. Shame.



The four spoke steering wheel is a nice touch as is the 3 ring 240 aerosports type meter. Perhaps I will consider this, but let's see how it goes. More importantly, Wish seems to be available in 209/202 black now! Easier for me to buy accessories in the future. Also, The ash gray trim are a nice touch. Classy!

Cheers,

Exhaust pipe damaged!

Just realised that my exhausted could have been damaged. Was looking at it yesterday but didn't really pay much attention. However, when I was looking through the photo, it seems that the welded joint has been ripped off.



Looks like it could have been the result of hitting some high bumps. Wonder why can I get it fixed? I hope it will be a simple issue to resolve. Wouldn't want to see it dangling on one side.

Cheers,

Under Carriage Soundproof

Ok. Went to AutoSavers to do the 3M undercarriage protection spray. Drove the car in, the wheels came off and the car was hoisted up.



They peeled out the "banana leaf" cover for the wheel arches to expose the metal underneath. So the 3M coating is applied between the chasis and the wheel arch.



This is the before and after pictures for the wheel section...



As I've done the front wheel arch with the foam sprays, they could not do it anymore so I left it as it was. The under carriage was also sprayed.



This protection spray is also anti-rust protection for the under carriage and comes with a 10 years warranty. Cost of the project is S$648, together with the sunroof soundproofing with 3M thinsulate. That's to be arranged seperately as I don't have time to do everything at one go.

Incidentaly, this is the first time that I saw my donut ring!!



After the session, went to my god mother's place for dinner and the battery went dead. Again. Realised that I forgot to switch off the radio and the whole 4 hours it was at Autosavers, it was turned on. Thank goodness Thomas and gang was still at Audio Concept and within 25 minutes of the call, my car was alive again.

Cheers,

Original PFL Rear Door Garnish

Here is the original rear door garnish from Toyota for the pre face life Wish. It is a one piece replacement for the current garnish with WISH wording and extends over the number plate.



Available for JPY 12600. Made of ABS. Can fit new face lift wish.

Cheers,

3 spoke rims

Looking at rims again...

This 3 spoke design looks simple and sporty. And it's easy to wash.



Wonder if it's available here....Should I change my rims soon? Should I stay with 17" or go with 18" like the rest? Decisions... decisions.... decisions...

Here is another slightly rounder design...



Cheers,