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Archive for November, 2005
My 1996 Dodge Stealth RT/TT
Nov 28th
In late 2001 to 2003, I had the privilege of owning one of the finest Japanese sports cars produced in the nineties. The Dodge Stealth RT/TT is just a rebranded version of the more widely known Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4, or as it is called in some other countries, the GTO twin turbo version.
Some quick specs:
- Engine: 6G72 3.0 DOHC twin turbo
- Compression: 8.0 to 1
- Drive train: AWD with rear LSD
- Turbo Boost: 1.0 bar
- Power: 320 HP @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 315 lb/ft @ 2500 rpm
- Transmission: 6 speed Getrag close ratio
- Tyres: 245/40 ZR 18
- 0-100 km/h: 5.5s
- 1/4 mile: 13.6s
The Stealth I had was basically completely stock, down to the original air filter and the quad-exhaust. I had intended to do a stage one upgrade to get a few extra horses, but due to unforseen circumstances, the plan went up the air and I decided to come back to Malaysia instead. An open pod K&N filter, after market exhaust, and a boost controller will easily push the power output to the 360+ level.
Many had thought that the Stealth/GTO/3000GT is a sports car, but Mitsubishi had designed a touring car instead. In fact, GTO stands for “Gran Tourismo Omologato”, which basically means Grand Touring class production vehicle. True to it’s spirit, the car is excellent at sustaining high speed travel. I have taken her through long journey, from Cincinnati to Chicago, and to Washington DC metro area. Each way was over 1200 km, and the vehicle takes it gracefully.
The interior of the car sports full leather seats for the driver and the shot gun, they are rather spacious and comfortable, while back seats are only fit for kids. The driver seat is also fully powered, you can adjust it’s height, tightness and firmness electronically.
The cockpit displays the speedo meter with 180 mph as the limit. I’ve personally only tested her to around 145 mph before my balls shrunk (don’t ask.) Rev limit stood at 7000 rpm with the ECU rev cut at 7,300 rpm. There’s also the standard water temperature, fuel gauge, oil temperature, batter meter, and boost indicator. Climate control and cruise control comes standard, and it includes a 6 speakers Infinity head unit with 6-CD changer too.
Speed when I needed it, comfort for long distance, with an aggresive look that is the pinnacle of the Japanese sports car era in the 90s. It was truely a sweet ride.
Related links:
Stealth 316 – A site devoted to Stealth RT/TT and 3000 GT VR4
Team3s – Stealth and 3000GT mailing list
Photos: SSO Proton Putra R3 at Sepang Circuit
Nov 27th
These pictures of the SSO Proton Putra R3 were taken at the Sepang F1 Circuit during the A1GP practise session. The car was parked right next to the SSO Proton Satria R3 and Tengku Djan’s Proton Gen2 R3.
Rear view
Funny how the car is fitted with Yokohama Advan A048 semi slicks, but the stickers on top displayed the street going Advan Neova AD07
Toyota MR2 Teh Tarik Session
Nov 26th
I finally went to the Toyota MR2 teh tarik session for the first time. Had to miss the last one as I went back to Penang for a friend’s wedding. I’m most likely not able to remember all the new names, but there’s always the next round.
There were close to 10 cars that came to the Shell station at TTDI on the friday night. Among the over half dozen MR2 SW20s, there were 2 MR-S, including Alan’s ride with execellent body kit and really awesome paintjob, and a really sweet looking MK1. The guys were friendly and a few of us are newcomers, including soon-to-be MR2 owners.
After spending some time talking with each other at Shell TTDI, we moved over to Dataran Prima for a drink. There were more sports cars there, including Mazda RX-7 & RX-8, several Mitsubishi Evos, Nissan Skylines, Honda S2000, Subaru Imprezas, and even a Nissan Silvia. I think I should remember to bring my camera the next time around.
a bunch of MR2 owners mingling around
my car with the mismatching front bumper color smacked right in the middle
MK1 right next to the newer MR-S
Autcross Full Results, Official Time
Nov 24th
Results from the Grass Racing Autocross event at KLCC is out at the group mailing list at yahoo grassracingautosports group. Click on the link to join the group. View the entire post for all results.
Class A: Below 1300cc
1st: Andy Kow, 42.35s
2nd: Chan Yau Koon, 42,47s
3rd: Faisal Asri (Ah Fai), 44.03s
Click here for higher resolution result photo of Class A.
Class B: 1301cc to 1600cc
1st: Julian Pang, 41.28s
2nd: Soo Sing Kuan, 42.25s
3rd: Ho Wai Kok, 42.97s
5th: Mohd. Zulhazmi, 43.44s (Fastest Novice)
Click here for higher resolution result photo of Class B.
Class C: 1601cc to 1900cc
1st: Julian Pang, 39.13s
2nd: Vernon Chan, 41.87s (Novice 1st)
3rd: Hammad Lai, 43.06
Click here for higher resolution result photo of Class C.
Class D: 1901cc to 2400cc
1st: Julian Pang, 41.31s
2nd: Yogaretnam, 44.63s
3rd: Damian Goh Ling Fong, 44.72s
Click here for higher resolution result photo of Class D.
Class E: Open Class
1st: Austin Teng Tu Siang, 39.28s
2nd: Dominic Ang, 40.56s
3rd: Marcus Chye, 40.85s
Click here for higher resolution result photo of Class E.
Class F: Sports Car Class
1st: Marcus Chye, 38.51s
2nd: Dominic Ang, 39.97s
3rd: Austin Teng Tu Siang, 40.12s
4th: Johnson Tan Soo Lim, 44.88s (Novice 1st)
Click here for higher resolution result photo of Class F.
K-Car Award – Below 1000cc
1st: Andy Kow, 42.35s (Novice 1st)
2nd: Chan Yau Koon, 42.47s
3rd: Faisal Asri (Ah Fai), 44.03s
Click here for higher resolution result photo of K-Car Award.
Autocross Video – Funny Datsun Fairlady Z
Nov 24th
Video from Autocross KLCC, 20th November 2005. This old school Datsun Fairlady Z had made an almost decent last run, until the last 360 whereby the inadvertently spun out. Instead of continuing the run to the last bend, the Fairlady decided to make a few more donuts and hit a cone before gong out in a cheer.
It was unfortunate that I didn’t get his previous run where the car went wild on the course and spun 3-4 donuts knocking everything down and created a smoke so thick it probably caused a few spectator lung cancer. View the rest of the entry to see the video.