tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73580419262761783642024-02-20T12:22:38.803-08:00Machine ZealotsJaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-71435605909810947392015-04-23T12:49:00.001-07:002015-04-23T12:49:19.615-07:00Kartboy Shifter Stay Bushings<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RXxlJoIgr14" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Continuing on with our little car journey, we install the Kartboy front and rear shifter stay bushings. Most cars are designed with comfort in mind as one of the highest priorities. Being a Subaru, this does not mean that aspect is overlooked. As a result of this, most cars, even sports cars, come with very soft rubber bushings all around. While the rubber bushings does indeed make the drive to the grocery store less tiring, it is inevitably one of those things most Subaru enthusiasts modify.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
When it comes to the shifter bushing though, I think it's one of the lowest priority bushing upgrades needed for the STI. By installing these polyurethane bushings, you really tighten up the shifting feel, making each gear change more distinct. I bought the Kartboy short shifter, with the bushings together, and I'd say it was a fun installation, and a worthy mod. To be perfectly honest though, I think the short shifter is a more worthy investment in comparison.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
By now, you probably already have the shifter bushings, and if you don't, I'd suggest getting a feel for it in someone else's WRX STI before you get it. What I'm saying is, it's not a must have. To each their own, right?</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
As for the quality, it's great. I can't say anything bad about it. It's what you would expect from Kartboy. It's a good product, though a good ten dollars off the listing price would be nicer.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
For function? It does what it's set out to do. Limiting the "wiggles", the soft shifting, and the play between the gears. I don't even know how I rate products anymore, I should have that figured out. For the time being, I'll say this mod is a solid <b>9 out of 10</b>.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
What did you think about it when you installed it? I mean, it's no Turbo back exhaust. After I've installed the short shifter, I drove around with a smile on my face. After I've installed these bushings, I thought to myself, "Okay, I feel it."</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Again, if you are on a budget, you can be getting other more important bushings first. Eventually, I think you'll want to change these anyway, just to get the "completeness" feels.</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-51359143029501839152015-04-02T15:27:00.003-07:002015-04-02T15:27:58.430-07:00Importfest 2014 The Movie! Not really<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibmgh1riShk" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
This is just another Machine Zealots 'field trip'. A couple of months ago, we <a href="http://machinezealots.blogspot.com/2014/08/importfest-2014-photos.html" target="_blank">posted</a> on the details of going to this car show. Not much to say in addition to what you see in the video. There was lots of loud music, people taking photographs, and beautiful cars.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
One of the highlights to this show was getting some of the free gifts available. Another interesting bit was the test drive of the Scion FR-S. We lined up for a really long time to drive the car. 'Why not just test drive at a dealership' you ask? Well, I never had the time, nor the extreme eagerness to do so. I test drove the car because I was curious, but mainly for the gifts that were given to anyone who participated in the test drive. (It was worth it.)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The FR-S isn't bad to drive. However, I won't be selling my STI anytime soon for an FR-S though...</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-42181477317110102992015-03-19T20:14:00.002-07:002015-03-19T20:14:54.466-07:00Injen Intake on the MKVI GTI<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yzEYlH3mCcI" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
As we had mentioned in some of our earlier posts, the Golf GTI is sharing a much larger portion of screen time in this season. This was one of our biggest mods on the GTI, and it actually took longer to install than we had originally expected. Not because it was difficult, but because we ran into some "technical difficulties".</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Well, not really technical difficulties, it's just that we broke a hack saw in the process. [Pause for effect] If you feel that cutting some intake piping is a bit intimidating, don't worry. Honestly, pretty much any cutting tool with some teeth will eat right through the intake piping. Though I would suggest cutting tools rated for metal cutting, unless you don't mind shortening the lifespan of your blade. I think power tools are the way to go though, but at the time, we couldn't afford any. This is what it means to be modding in your own garage, taking whatever you have and making it work!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
As far as a bolt-on goes, this was a pretty straightforward installation. If you are going to be doing this as a first time thing, then expect to spend two to three hours on it. If you are a veteran, it would probably take you thirty minutes or so. Again, we took longer because of our broken saw, and also because we had to film each step.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
We would like to thank our sponsor, <a href="http://www.apexnd.net/" target="_blank">Apex Performance</a>, for their help on this episode. Modding can get expensive, but we can work on our cars a lot more often with their help. Be sure to check them out, let them know Machine Zealots sent you, and I'm sure they would take care of you!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-46856230381760980502015-03-05T16:14:00.000-08:002015-03-05T16:14:39.241-08:00Kartboy Short Throw Shifter<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6660cUicfx0" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The Kartboy Short Throw Shifter is probably one of the most popular short throw shifters out on the Subaru market today. I've heard tons of good reviews on this shifter when I was researching, and though many other brands had just as many good reviews, the Kartboy shifter seemed like a no brainer.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Needless to say, I am giving this shifter a five star review. The build quality is solid, and in some ways, it feels even more solid than the stock unit. The installation itself, as you can see in the video, isn't too daunting of a task. However, there are some little things we learned on the way to make the install even easier.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
In one part of the video, we came up with an easy solution for re-installing the reverse spring pin. By using a paper clip, we bypassed one of the toughest steps in the installation. Try not using the paper clip, or equivalence, and see what I mean.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The only thing that could be a potential issue would be the reverse check cable under the car. Some people have had their cable utterly chewed up because of the spinning drive shaft. The solution to that problem is shown in this video, though it is referring to another video on the actual instructions on how to bypass it. If you are smart, you can do it just looking at this video.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The video it's referring to will be a future episode, relative to this one. However, once that video has been uploaded, viewers of this video will have the luxury of moving straight to that video.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I would say the difficulty of the installation is a 3/5. With the help of a partner, it becomes even easier. Installation time should be around an hour to three hours, depending on your skill level. Having the tools listed in this video will help the process as well. We know that people in the past have used substitute tools to do some of the tasks, but it's up to each person.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Again, overall super satisfied with this mod, and would recommend anyone who has a stick shift Subaru to pick one up. I'd say, a short throw shifter and a cat-back exhaust are the bare minimum modifications you must have on any WRX or STI.</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-32354203524668493622015-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:002015-01-22T10:17:32.917-08:00Ironmen Show & Shine hosted at Willingdon Church<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/flcl8YnD8w4" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
This is the third official episode to air for Season 4. We mentioned this car show back in the summer of 2014, the <a href="http://adf.ly/wXh8n" target="_blank">5th Annual Ironmen Show & Shine</a>. We had the opportunity of volunteering as the primary photographers at the show, so we also took the time to plan a video for this event.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
While both Puyang and I are usually around the tuner scene, we did enjoy some of these American classics featured in the video. What was most amazing to me was how these men and women are so attached to their cars. They made every chrome piece as shiny as possible, and the conditions of the cars are just spectacular. Truly living up to the name of "Show & Shine".</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Now I'm inspired to give my car a nice good detailing.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Since admission to the car show is free, perhaps one day our cars may join in the fun too. Just saying.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
(Oh, in case anyone asks about the firetruck at the beginning of the episode: No one was hurt during the making of the video. It was a live demonstration of how local fire fighters would save a life from a devastating car crash! Thank God for men like these!)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-77414190961434182002015-01-08T09:23:00.001-08:002015-01-08T09:23:42.319-08:00Disabling the DRLs on the STI<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aMD-TLq1MI4" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I've been meaning to do this modification for a while now. If you are like me, and you hate seeing your daytime running lamps (DRL) turned on during the day, which are also your expensive HID headlamps, then you have got to take this important 10-15 minutes to disable them.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm sure if you own an STI, or WRX, or pretty much any Subaru, you have disabled your DRLs already. However, in case you have never done so, here is the video. I almost found it pointless to make a video on this, because it's so straightforward, but I can't stop myself from making videos on the STI; I'm sure you can understand why.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
This is the second episode of Season 4 to air this year. Though we may be starting off slow, the episodes only get better from here on out!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Hope you enjoy the video, and hope it comes in handy to anyone who needs it. Stay tuned for more.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-26048399485613745142014-12-25T11:38:00.000-08:002015-01-08T09:15:02.689-08:00Season 4 Premiere, Disabling the Soundaktor<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AO_pqxMZrKw" width="640"></iframe><br /></center>
<br />
It has been over a year since we've posted new videos. We at Machine Zealots are happy to say that we are back; with more episodes and more mods!<br />
<br />
If you have been a long time follower of Machine Zealots, you would have possibly read, or heard, that we are making our show a bit differently now. Due to changes in our personal lives, we can no longer do what we used to do; that is: film an episode, edit, and then upload. What we have found most efficient is to plan out all the mods and episodes on our breaks. Then we film all the episodes in the summer, while it is warmer with tons of daylight, and upload those episodes in sequence during the winter times, which is also our hiatus; and the cycle continues that way.<br />
<br />
We don't know how long this method will last, but it's much better than our previous methods for sure. The only down side is, you guys have to wait for larger chunks of time before any new content is posted online. With that said, we thank you for patiently waiting for us, and I hope the new season won't be a huge let down!<br />
<br />
With that long introduction out of the way, let's talk about the episode.<br />
<br />
This season will be slightly different from the past seasons. As you can see, the first episode we aired is focused on the 2012 Golf GTI. Ever since Season 1, we had wanted to integrate more of Puyang's car into the episodes. Largely due to budget concerns, he was unable to join. This season, as you will come to see, is very balanced in terms of the cars. You will see pretty much equal amount of screen time between the 2006 WRX STI, and the 2012 Golf GTI. You may also see some special guest cars here and there, but you'll have to stick around to find out.<br />
<br />
This episode specifically covers one of the first things that the GTI owners modify. Removing the Soundaktor, if you listen to the description in the video, is a key part in enhancing the driving experience. If you didn't understand the description, it's totally fine. In short, the Soundaktor is an artificial noise maker, that syncs to your engine RPM. It ends up being a tacky way of making the car sound sportier. While new technology is often cool, Puyang was very irritated at the Soundaktor. Either way, it has been disabled, so the GTI sounds so much better.<br />
<br />
It's good to be back. Merry Christmas everyone!Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-40663977355588537102014-12-13T16:27:00.001-08:002014-12-13T16:27:21.948-08:00Season 4 Airing on Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSczx3IF-RmB3dLFlFs_rJA6zNO_dcKNbYd9rvqqsn46lL9_YmyWeztk3rpfXiGWrDZULGQ3RfsZ_SIOXsKboUEeEaJ4qSzRVInk5lCt2b7aJeFVWHP7pcSN0ZdXHXcnm9jj6VpU7tpY/s1600/MZS4_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSczx3IF-RmB3dLFlFs_rJA6zNO_dcKNbYd9rvqqsn46lL9_YmyWeztk3rpfXiGWrDZULGQ3RfsZ_SIOXsKboUEeEaJ4qSzRVInk5lCt2b7aJeFVWHP7pcSN0ZdXHXcnm9jj6VpU7tpY/s1600/MZS4_Poster.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
Have a Merry Christmas, and happy holidays!Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-80898586505677594182014-10-29T15:14:00.000-07:002014-10-29T15:18:15.737-07:00Impact of the yearIt has been quite a while since I have made any post here on the blog. Of course, our YouTube channel has been even more inactive. There are already some episodes completed and ready for upload. As I have promised, I planned to have the episodes aired near the end of the year, so that episodes can run all the way to late spring and summer. That way we can concentrate on making content during the seasons of nice weather, and concentrate our efforts on editing and processing the episodes during the rainy autumn season.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I apologize for any of you guys waiting for our videos but have not heard from us. I will make a short vlog to explain what I have explained here as well. However, subscribers are still flowing in faster than people unsubscribing, so I thank those who have subscribed to us, and thank those who have remained patient. I know you guys will love the new season, it is our biggest season to date.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On a personal note, why we haven't been able to get out episodes sooner is because of changes in life: Settling down, buying a home, and focusing on work is no small matter. In fact, I am thankful that my future wife actually encourages us to keep Machine Zealots going. More on this later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had recently invested in an impact wrench, impact sockets, and some torque sticks. I was getting tired of changing my wheels by hand, and since these tools were on sale, I thought it would be wise to invest in them.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-40jLM_RN7mNlX-m1cluwZesLcKTyP4dwAHu_3EFJD6Maerylz9U6WYqC82RQZUecSroV4s1CEHoGZKu8MNNbWPzci6Qyi1oq1yZCva-2SgVORjtretPcvC2oXkdzS1xdeZjgSue7MU4/s1600/5T3A1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-40jLM_RN7mNlX-m1cluwZesLcKTyP4dwAHu_3EFJD6Maerylz9U6WYqC82RQZUecSroV4s1CEHoGZKu8MNNbWPzci6Qyi1oq1yZCva-2SgVORjtretPcvC2oXkdzS1xdeZjgSue7MU4/s1600/5T3A1971.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qGc-ThjXKIET7yAUaE91qWaBdZwEb5BQI2Obb7pDG3qITQSTpnsLZpguJrCNeYMKJEvtt0IDu9ko19A7HcmGbdtsFpl4g9l7F85yTFeAS-Xih1IJ6mCf0OWv0g3kk9E-_Li1zJqgy8E/s1600/5T3A1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qGc-ThjXKIET7yAUaE91qWaBdZwEb5BQI2Obb7pDG3qITQSTpnsLZpguJrCNeYMKJEvtt0IDu9ko19A7HcmGbdtsFpl4g9l7F85yTFeAS-Xih1IJ6mCf0OWv0g3kk9E-_Li1zJqgy8E/s1600/5T3A1972.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEInIrgMWDrLrAh_dsFReQJ48NiSskGCNYMV1um_s37RPST7xgygiGHXxQ5yFtAn6bU83mo_fJQNOPzAZaYyugLPQa8GQf1MJ6H0hS29lPjyVgTyviT2nQG3sDHjy-fy7_8Kfe9K3_TnQ/s1600/5T3A1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEInIrgMWDrLrAh_dsFReQJ48NiSskGCNYMV1um_s37RPST7xgygiGHXxQ5yFtAn6bU83mo_fJQNOPzAZaYyugLPQa8GQf1MJ6H0hS29lPjyVgTyviT2nQG3sDHjy-fy7_8Kfe9K3_TnQ/s1600/5T3A1973.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4G0aoCHlYOIHw6y01x6AKDOXy-Uiek4UDA-4LIshOSZzYGvclMc8jbKeXi_jbXduTuCQoSUSj68mFzjWY0YyhT2wTvj9ZcpaUw_-qi6VflczQlkCV3HpyYlZgDtXS9IdEE5kSSL3SmM/s1600/5T3A1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4G0aoCHlYOIHw6y01x6AKDOXy-Uiek4UDA-4LIshOSZzYGvclMc8jbKeXi_jbXduTuCQoSUSj68mFzjWY0YyhT2wTvj9ZcpaUw_-qi6VflczQlkCV3HpyYlZgDtXS9IdEE5kSSL3SmM/s1600/5T3A1967.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUClmm6CUHedHkSzpVNDl2NwhH70apVg5oHLBS9ENjfdJ3YTWMz_oeSHY1Ytj_Ytvr1mMS8_3CQ_y3MUTClCuWcossV0fhLMGdrAFlVG0fl5LyJClEqXkuW2H7zHJo7soi1phFI4u_guw/s1600/5T3A1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUClmm6CUHedHkSzpVNDl2NwhH70apVg5oHLBS9ENjfdJ3YTWMz_oeSHY1Ytj_Ytvr1mMS8_3CQ_y3MUTClCuWcossV0fhLMGdrAFlVG0fl5LyJClEqXkuW2H7zHJo7soi1phFI4u_guw/s1600/5T3A1968.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFdXRthOADb8mgtj1JadOdcJHMBUnLW1gDVLyBMgBpbqoecCBZyqPf_B0d3-mUTeVtdEbJAw1fqmhotE6Y9aC5PAtzqF0zJu2YBQgq-iwX5qj2zGOrdkeR7a58IW5_lWyTK93Q1-mMi8/s1600/5T3A1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFdXRthOADb8mgtj1JadOdcJHMBUnLW1gDVLyBMgBpbqoecCBZyqPf_B0d3-mUTeVtdEbJAw1fqmhotE6Y9aC5PAtzqF0zJu2YBQgq-iwX5qj2zGOrdkeR7a58IW5_lWyTK93Q1-mMi8/s1600/5T3A1970.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The impact wrench is a heavy duty cordless wrench running on 20V lithium ion batteries. Featuring a 1/2" square drive, with a friction ring system that securely hold sockets and adaptors in place. It packs up to 145 ft-lbs of beastly torque and has a maximum speed of 2700 RPM. It's equipped with a small LED work light for those late nights in the garage, or for darker working areas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It definitely sped up my summer to winter wheel swap. I think I spent only five minutes per wheel; from lifting up the wheel, removing, cleaning any rust, installing the new wheel, tightening, then torquing down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The torque sticks were probably the most expensive out of the three, relatively speaking. Though I was hesitating whether to buy them, I ended up getting them, and I didn't regret it. For the first wheel, I had to use my torque wrench to test the accuracy of these torque sticks. After getting used to the torque sticks, I realized that they do the job very well! Perfect job every time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm very happy with this investment, and I know I will put them to good use on other things as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's it for now! I will update you guys later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-80982572412433830912014-08-30T15:06:00.000-07:002014-08-30T15:06:17.318-07:00Importfest 2014 PhotosOn August 9th, Puyang and I were invited to Importfest 2014. We saw some of the same cars displayed at last year's Importfest (<a href="http://adf.ly/RC8Fu" target="_blank">Episode 0310 on YouTube</a>), but there were quite a lot of new ones too. In fact, I think Importfest 2014 was a better show compared. Puyang and I were also happier this year as we got a couple of free T-shirts, sunglasses, posters, and other small gifts.<br />
<br />
The Episode for this car show will be edited and uploaded at a later date as well. For now, please enjoy some of the photos we took at the show. There were lots of cool looking Subarus, <i>for you subie lovers out there</i>. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFfXh9n8TCo0JEdedbjulwTWMqJ14ZXsMt8h-V_ACGEcJSwq3KrJ4PQL7Omuf4E0H0zZbeEqFl6GrdkK86eYZ2ckRx-kFX1OaCzmalv7BHGsL1IUtDuEa2HusvSHlDsWWxUnGSzdfVBc/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFfXh9n8TCo0JEdedbjulwTWMqJ14ZXsMt8h-V_ACGEcJSwq3KrJ4PQL7Omuf4E0H0zZbeEqFl6GrdkK86eYZ2ckRx-kFX1OaCzmalv7BHGsL1IUtDuEa2HusvSHlDsWWxUnGSzdfVBc/s1600/001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZcRKrM0qru3Si-FuYtVlGx78dYD0WabXvzRyg-u6UdPVT87zvGBpb197ax9kDcGH4yGAynrw4nvsgJi51a-9GS0vm6EAnz6IPYOkWuzvHhyFQknYP-eSIUvBB2joJTKZFjwWG2TC7s/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZcRKrM0qru3Si-FuYtVlGx78dYD0WabXvzRyg-u6UdPVT87zvGBpb197ax9kDcGH4yGAynrw4nvsgJi51a-9GS0vm6EAnz6IPYOkWuzvHhyFQknYP-eSIUvBB2joJTKZFjwWG2TC7s/s1600/002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc03Q4kmiZzbbrqElv8MSvMQl6HRw1cOJM_-IOGsp_ojZyadmRwi2wZkQcGRiUGFJl_7kFcecF5QyKLxrje7EJe__lOK5ObFMkWb-7QendmDhMUG7BKXM32ZDpPGtZCum8CDTfSHLRW8/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc03Q4kmiZzbbrqElv8MSvMQl6HRw1cOJM_-IOGsp_ojZyadmRwi2wZkQcGRiUGFJl_7kFcecF5QyKLxrje7EJe__lOK5ObFMkWb-7QendmDhMUG7BKXM32ZDpPGtZCum8CDTfSHLRW8/s1600/003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk4Y2W0DxXGhzV0Q7qMxZ2OZODyhE1ojhM9-LTb1Wug8hSL43D2U9NQm0bcw3o5DALBBnMX7MY-oJXZCW_t4ppO6mdwU_gUOFMA7mBCajcX0JHX7ITmWGPsl3gJ93fXEu8cTVdP1SIjI/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk4Y2W0DxXGhzV0Q7qMxZ2OZODyhE1ojhM9-LTb1Wug8hSL43D2U9NQm0bcw3o5DALBBnMX7MY-oJXZCW_t4ppO6mdwU_gUOFMA7mBCajcX0JHX7ITmWGPsl3gJ93fXEu8cTVdP1SIjI/s1600/004.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhset_IO-1ALhMpACw_V2QA0XsXwVlE-V7ekBT1glAyrMBrXMMNoPnbEJhnqQ0NEp1f4YI9VeM1sHz-USwfw7lyaDH-3VGT66x64mkUZ2uv-iqba4V1IouzInFhVz9xORHwhpXqA-rsjg/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhset_IO-1ALhMpACw_V2QA0XsXwVlE-V7ekBT1glAyrMBrXMMNoPnbEJhnqQ0NEp1f4YI9VeM1sHz-USwfw7lyaDH-3VGT66x64mkUZ2uv-iqba4V1IouzInFhVz9xORHwhpXqA-rsjg/s1600/005.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy2jhxrEb4fqwghIcbVlzBmikF7HE-Xe4QZmnWRHhUA0QTmY7EiN5ZmfjrY5XNDwUELV_B_V2uL1jAVxdU1tzphVl8w1Fyy5Gyj3g-g-_hXZiLGeEMi5oCABH8fGcAqynVwYvs2N7oZo/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy2jhxrEb4fqwghIcbVlzBmikF7HE-Xe4QZmnWRHhUA0QTmY7EiN5ZmfjrY5XNDwUELV_B_V2uL1jAVxdU1tzphVl8w1Fyy5Gyj3g-g-_hXZiLGeEMi5oCABH8fGcAqynVwYvs2N7oZo/s1600/006.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-bSr9GVzigY2RzG5RS66piZ1ElOLaBsPQmaLMplqn1Ici-ls1vWSiceBG-687ukos1cup6kIqOfCu_HzTD0slkOO2NjTQnJp5_QE913jmKp0TbrUGaZc0_orOsWnoZIHMkLfJIJAxJU/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-bSr9GVzigY2RzG5RS66piZ1ElOLaBsPQmaLMplqn1Ici-ls1vWSiceBG-687ukos1cup6kIqOfCu_HzTD0slkOO2NjTQnJp5_QE913jmKp0TbrUGaZc0_orOsWnoZIHMkLfJIJAxJU/s1600/007.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCrQ9sIekYAelNr6QYH7D3xWFPd5ZRGH6RdYsekrC0T7wCNpZaKAdyMul4ktFJ06pB5db1gGwmQExv6vOl8HbL_kyVYIrIFKJVvwhobA6Zn6gY_nLcnH0P8Tdv_SAdsDZEtX8pAmoHpA/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCrQ9sIekYAelNr6QYH7D3xWFPd5ZRGH6RdYsekrC0T7wCNpZaKAdyMul4ktFJ06pB5db1gGwmQExv6vOl8HbL_kyVYIrIFKJVvwhobA6Zn6gY_nLcnH0P8Tdv_SAdsDZEtX8pAmoHpA/s1600/008.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VDf2Pd_oJ8EYTWMI_YGIedJE846oAc6SE5ergAiHhG9dUT2Fkz8skgzdSw_xii3q2QhCjAjAHJc-Sy4smwgODhD5AOuSmk6otEEyW3h5KuHWC4JUJxmzI8NwRwj9ajlK8TjIpkT0LJo/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VDf2Pd_oJ8EYTWMI_YGIedJE846oAc6SE5ergAiHhG9dUT2Fkz8skgzdSw_xii3q2QhCjAjAHJc-Sy4smwgODhD5AOuSmk6otEEyW3h5KuHWC4JUJxmzI8NwRwj9ajlK8TjIpkT0LJo/s1600/009.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtryYdGvie2BUY67wP_8SjTLqdj06JSjLyO0T22evAIjBwocseeJBvUCrDm8NXOYzZPpvm9VUnIa-m-xfwnAyJV4_44vl2fvgXbqzH0mMIdkJEDZX_IdITlGKqIaPCP5rJkdtHAw_sJY/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtryYdGvie2BUY67wP_8SjTLqdj06JSjLyO0T22evAIjBwocseeJBvUCrDm8NXOYzZPpvm9VUnIa-m-xfwnAyJV4_44vl2fvgXbqzH0mMIdkJEDZX_IdITlGKqIaPCP5rJkdtHAw_sJY/s1600/010.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfPdJd6F2U7jDlLYetLbODU062vSZSZBY3aZA8qUX2Ua0H3yd4uo_LVyxZ1Yk6_ZUivGOSMd9YQmhZxKPRHH66ifr0zMjVF66QsYHuJEz4nW8uvnPBLRG31QCyG0zd4B5kvJYU2dbShc/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfPdJd6F2U7jDlLYetLbODU062vSZSZBY3aZA8qUX2Ua0H3yd4uo_LVyxZ1Yk6_ZUivGOSMd9YQmhZxKPRHH66ifr0zMjVF66QsYHuJEz4nW8uvnPBLRG31QCyG0zd4B5kvJYU2dbShc/s1600/011.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5TWQ4ueDSF3xhbJu8YX-OO5vEPyjLE7Rs4oYs1Vi0ybCoDQyE2IDFt6U9ERbERRNBhJSZ5PLTSazcda2bWvgNzr7Yw8w_BDNp7TBjhhEup-6FjC_B-aB3Ezq3QoRiPUvBR4m9lmLWQE/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5TWQ4ueDSF3xhbJu8YX-OO5vEPyjLE7Rs4oYs1Vi0ybCoDQyE2IDFt6U9ERbERRNBhJSZ5PLTSazcda2bWvgNzr7Yw8w_BDNp7TBjhhEup-6FjC_B-aB3Ezq3QoRiPUvBR4m9lmLWQE/s1600/012.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope you enjoyed the photos. We will continue to make updates on our Season progress. Stay tuned!</div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-34535713821304989282014-08-25T11:56:00.000-07:002014-08-25T11:56:21.480-07:00GTI Autocross experienceOn July 19th, Puyang took his GTI to his first autocross event. It was one of the best autocross weather conditions I have ever seen. In fact, most of the drivers that day said it was truly a miracle. Apparently, the land around us was pouring rain while we got dry tarmac, clouds, and a bit of sun. It was the perfect temperature as well, while it wasn't too hot for us, the tarmac absorbed enough heat for some really nice tire grip. We have to thank God for all of it!<br />
<br />
Being a front wheel drive car, I was quite impressed with the handling of the GTI. There was definitely understeer and got a bit nose heavy, but it handled the corners quite well. We were also running on the stock all-season tires; a less sticky tire compound, and with soft side walls, so we were definitely at a disadvantage. For the first couple of runs, Puyang left the Traction and Stability control on. It was later that I told Puyang to turn them all off for a better sense of the car's handling. However, from factory there is a system in place for his GTI that helps with cornering. The system is called the XDS, and what it does is brakes the inside wheel on a hard turn so that the outside wheel can push the car back in the proper driving line, thus removing some of the understeer. Ideally, this is simulating what a limited slip differential would do, but for a fraction of the price. However, there would be faster brake wear present if one were to take hard corners all the time.<br />
<br />
Overall, Puyang learned a lot about handling his car and driving techniques. He has now set a benchmark for the factory car, and his future modifications will now be compared to this benchmark test. If you want to see the entire photo album for this event, please visit our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MachineZealots" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>. If not, then enjoy some of our favorite photos from this event below.<br />
<br />
We will have two episodes covering this event which will be aired at a later date. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUnCYq16oSZfTQ4nI1Rv6QlyJXa9XlkxMG407dAZrL0eYPbN5Jj9J94rh_aUW1_NnT9gx6uBmzYXh-PcEIACe-04xZ_t23NdLkYME76f23ovDluYf5kzTtTkBqedyrCuvx8gGkVUnZsE/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUnCYq16oSZfTQ4nI1Rv6QlyJXa9XlkxMG407dAZrL0eYPbN5Jj9J94rh_aUW1_NnT9gx6uBmzYXh-PcEIACe-04xZ_t23NdLkYME76f23ovDluYf5kzTtTkBqedyrCuvx8gGkVUnZsE/s1600/001.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAj802cpda0x7EB9SllxfWSaW5vJdI2wtUsxuxS-V1SKytVFpCu_xDiBJQPAV7XPdgDfjOGbiXaVSatvcpO0vWxSNusKjQzsyTLYfeC-08IT1tCW8E6NksxJt-S7LyAzX_yrhA_XlfKs/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAj802cpda0x7EB9SllxfWSaW5vJdI2wtUsxuxS-V1SKytVFpCu_xDiBJQPAV7XPdgDfjOGbiXaVSatvcpO0vWxSNusKjQzsyTLYfeC-08IT1tCW8E6NksxJt-S7LyAzX_yrhA_XlfKs/s1600/017.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lyAHRkMDNA-g1O19hp_AJCl98y_1ykbJY9_akF2v2lg9zZELugMt5Mx-2qjL1LxgATA14zSiKkBXnS19VIpHA7oyVDPlXkRlxVh-tq7m0qKo9J3SOissPgFAHKvnWgphrDlig2Zt-gw/s1600/043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lyAHRkMDNA-g1O19hp_AJCl98y_1ykbJY9_akF2v2lg9zZELugMt5Mx-2qjL1LxgATA14zSiKkBXnS19VIpHA7oyVDPlXkRlxVh-tq7m0qKo9J3SOissPgFAHKvnWgphrDlig2Zt-gw/s1600/043.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__5ZaCHR1sKH8lgGxk1qDbgWzdxNmSxGfpGNcJsEV-2EzJgeK878YELqtNelut7xpMsbvaF-_dTej74iqTfx9rVaYOH_bWcfipcAgpooKJBst7e7noUuhOVj8Bh_n-eNZNq-o4z9AYJ0/s1600/050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__5ZaCHR1sKH8lgGxk1qDbgWzdxNmSxGfpGNcJsEV-2EzJgeK878YELqtNelut7xpMsbvaF-_dTej74iqTfx9rVaYOH_bWcfipcAgpooKJBst7e7noUuhOVj8Bh_n-eNZNq-o4z9AYJ0/s1600/050.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-vVUcQv93Dqrc7SxERyLb1Tetc3ZjVpemb0p9xgoDD8_Bx86KoHsLn7KhXSg5humyAw2G0u9uYkW1XCOB5H-TaXtXNrRWsgldaCfZywsmoBtnLrfAsjc9IT9r9fhnl8Fq3SkSizBdkc/s1600/070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-vVUcQv93Dqrc7SxERyLb1Tetc3ZjVpemb0p9xgoDD8_Bx86KoHsLn7KhXSg5humyAw2G0u9uYkW1XCOB5H-TaXtXNrRWsgldaCfZywsmoBtnLrfAsjc9IT9r9fhnl8Fq3SkSizBdkc/s1600/070.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbPyZIcMKMk7AQww6DZ9JFa7KRZ6zyVVSbv0vchqm2ZCKh37zaqWgLhAMUJF-zVcKHZHQOeVEenQhV8fUkJLi5h9qxRd7XGSYLX3GwuHbPyALwvVpwRgJMI9ABB_KFOp1vxatJo3VR0Q/s1600/078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbPyZIcMKMk7AQww6DZ9JFa7KRZ6zyVVSbv0vchqm2ZCKh37zaqWgLhAMUJF-zVcKHZHQOeVEenQhV8fUkJLi5h9qxRd7XGSYLX3GwuHbPyALwvVpwRgJMI9ABB_KFOp1vxatJo3VR0Q/s1600/078.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpLpfizdZjeVacfrYPIqLRi9GL-X2oNcgtzY_5eoIS5g2ZQ4m4OMzWl2VQqU8xCkMW1XffeeC0mmEQs4ehMJ-Ifpx-Oe1YG8IS6m56rBgMo2ZqfC_rF6gLpirU026d2gyNeWS25KIxUk/s1600/092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpLpfizdZjeVacfrYPIqLRi9GL-X2oNcgtzY_5eoIS5g2ZQ4m4OMzWl2VQqU8xCkMW1XffeeC0mmEQs4ehMJ-Ifpx-Oe1YG8IS6m56rBgMo2ZqfC_rF6gLpirU026d2gyNeWS25KIxUk/s1600/092.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3VntoPhgvt472tBBACVNRhF4hz3UV4H6r4syx7akVlH3naDJmPIv6Tjyr5ZbX7QXBrxpuXU_HFq5upolg8kNEXXhVCcz0mCBIE2hpH2dgygc-ppSElqIzi5O1-J4-1ZXzRavukiLJ8Q/s1600/095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3VntoPhgvt472tBBACVNRhF4hz3UV4H6r4syx7akVlH3naDJmPIv6Tjyr5ZbX7QXBrxpuXU_HFq5upolg8kNEXXhVCcz0mCBIE2hpH2dgygc-ppSElqIzi5O1-J4-1ZXzRavukiLJ8Q/s1600/095.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-41166410750656335422014-08-16T17:37:00.002-07:002014-08-16T17:37:31.131-07:00Summer wrap upI can hardly believe that this year is already coming to an end! We have been extremely productive this summer on getting videos organized and filmed. If I remember correctly, we already have the entire eighteen episode season shot and ready for editing. However, I am not planning to release all eighteen episodes this season; I have explained in one of the previous posts this year that we are focusing on a lot of other things and don't have the time and budget to continue Machine Zealots to the same extent as Seasons 2 and 3. I am currently aiming for twelve episodes each season. After we get all the episodes edited, both Puyang and I will select which episodes to air for this season, and which episodes to air for Season 5.<br />
<br />
Wow, if we make it to Season 5, so in other words the fifth year, that would be quite the stretch. After working on our cars this summer, both Puyang and I got the modding bug back again. We are addicted to modifying our toys!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbs0O7kjhDmxIZzXE7uuV8fNpoLcjXzOPvMxR3SpjqtN0EalEp6iOkNOGBmIj_0utE8uMbTzknxUq467rdNfYffRXMkWZdwhm57l7EDdlTWY_ANsrWAPedt5BwGE2Bx0uf5o6Wr8Hb2I/s1600/5T3A1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbs0O7kjhDmxIZzXE7uuV8fNpoLcjXzOPvMxR3SpjqtN0EalEp6iOkNOGBmIj_0utE8uMbTzknxUq467rdNfYffRXMkWZdwhm57l7EDdlTWY_ANsrWAPedt5BwGE2Bx0uf5o6Wr8Hb2I/s1600/5T3A1708.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Our garage condition for taking out the Downpipe for a bung relocation.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have been following us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MachineZealots" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, you would have seen that we had been uploading a lot of pictures of our modding days. I think there was about three weeks where I had some down time from work, and we spent pretty much everyday of it outside working on our cars. I really enjoyed it. Of course, making a video while modifying increased the time outside about three fold. However, it didn't really bother me, it was just more time spent outside. Soon after installing the Turbo Back Exhaust (TBE), I quickly realized that the extra O2 bung I had gotten welded last year was off angle, therefore I could not possibly install a wideband O2 sensor there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to contact the shop that welded it and removed the downpipe, plus the heatwrap, for the shop to re-weld my bung. It was a pretty bad experience, but the removal and re-installation of the downpipe went much faster the second time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzKA00R_ik1Dz6Ri1hei49yF-a1dDN21lsoLDIdIk9sJPGdI0Z_5BhfIjUxXf8v-zAI1hT85mZBzCFiGCYNBMJxKGBxBGyxmxJEg5RXFjinsM8_Qdp0ODsOoYrtH1J-RODb1dmsqJ1EI/s1600/BungReloaded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzKA00R_ik1Dz6Ri1hei49yF-a1dDN21lsoLDIdIk9sJPGdI0Z_5BhfIjUxXf8v-zAI1hT85mZBzCFiGCYNBMJxKGBxBGyxmxJEg5RXFjinsM8_Qdp0ODsOoYrtH1J-RODb1dmsqJ1EI/s1600/BungReloaded.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Original position of the bung on the left side, the angle would cause the sensor to hit the firewall. The fixed bung angle on the right. Also tested to see if the angle of the bung cleared a standard O2 sensor. The sensor seen in the picture is my stock O2 sensor that later got placed back in the proper spot.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the most exciting things about this Season has been getting to Stage 2. Installing the Turbo Back Exhaust (TBE) has been one of the biggest installations on Machine Zealots to date. I know it's nothing compared to what some other people have done, but for us, it's a starting point. We are already looking ahead at the possibility to go bigger. Won't get into that now though. We've also got a lot of mini projects in mind, and have been buying little things here and there.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1gstdkYOFXsn6g6d-f_CPBiTIEp2lN6NhtP2L49EAETd8vqGXpoapTLw4n-uScgOuAB7mLVnnA8j6Qyxdv2WBjDc4L9B6ztxTaQ9s4svYxURuqf447UYTC5pJuvys92ML59yodBBQS0/s1600/FoglightButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1gstdkYOFXsn6g6d-f_CPBiTIEp2lN6NhtP2L49EAETd8vqGXpoapTLw4n-uScgOuAB7mLVnnA8j6Qyxdv2WBjDc4L9B6ztxTaQ9s4svYxURuqf447UYTC5pJuvys92ML59yodBBQS0/s1600/FoglightButton.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Bought a fog light switch from an 05 STI owner.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nope, I'm not installing fog lights, instead this will work as a switch that controls something else I have in mind. This will give a cleaner OEM look. I also took out the light bulb so I can research what it takes to make these buttons illuminate red. If this is successful, then the Intercooler Spray button will also be modified. This is just an example at some of the "smaller" mods we've got planned.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvQefKgcsbEdB7PhgH612lJGx-btgvwWbdTdPMCb5fGKUGZ4lBeEI_pktTLOvULB2HjBmYl_kwYhBM_K1CN7zG8i9Ze36-J4wjK2O8UEjNOrWy_HDwDMn3yIgkxh6r2P0xobzYBjvtq4/s1600/GTI_Cleanup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvQefKgcsbEdB7PhgH612lJGx-btgvwWbdTdPMCb5fGKUGZ4lBeEI_pktTLOvULB2HjBmYl_kwYhBM_K1CN7zG8i9Ze36-J4wjK2O8UEjNOrWy_HDwDMn3yIgkxh6r2P0xobzYBjvtq4/s1600/GTI_Cleanup.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Polyurethane lip for the 2012 Golf GTI. Aw Yeah!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are a GTI owner, or even any European car owner, you will know that your aftermarket parts are generally more expensive than American, or even Japanese cars. Well, the Golf GTI, as affordable as the car is, is also no exception to this rule. Puyang had been researching for a nice aggressive lip for a really long time, and to no avail; the pricing of any 2012 Golf GTI lip can easily add up to 400 dollars, on top of that you've got taxes and shipping costs too. They would most likely be made out of ABS plastic, and would be prone to cracking and breaking if not careful. Finally, after months of research and looking, Puyang came across a deal too good to be true. A high quality polyurethane lip that costed only $150 shipped to the door! We were skeptical of the quality, but for that price, he was willing to give it a shot. Turned out, it was one of the best looking and cheapest mods he has gotten so far. In the picture above, we've only mocked it on, and we have to say, it looks pretty good as it is. We will get it installed at a later date while we look for the hardware.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DaCOs6I0TYkarBmB_s2oL_39bDz7AupwlAugCK9twnaGIM8MB2rU85vzYCheLR5re7sOwNTkY9BGNwue6dl-iTAayKMFTv9Mn9lPVzJjmlZGrC8vEkktGPYdHGzP8HD9IOiCVBM9x_g/s1600/KnexSpider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DaCOs6I0TYkarBmB_s2oL_39bDz7AupwlAugCK9twnaGIM8MB2rU85vzYCheLR5re7sOwNTkY9BGNwue6dl-iTAayKMFTv9Mn9lPVzJjmlZGrC8vEkktGPYdHGzP8HD9IOiCVBM9x_g/s1600/KnexSpider.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Introducing the Spider Pod.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Spider Pod turned out to be one of the most useful tools I've put together. It took five minutes to make out of K'nex, and in the spirit of saving money, it turned out very well. Its purpose was to serve as a P.O.V. camera when I work under the car. The high powered LED strapped to the pod serves really well as a lighting source for those hard to see areas. The legs detach in a matter of seconds for flexible height adjustments. Pretty cool huh?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also went to an Autocross event on July 19th, where Puyang raced his GTI for the first time. We've got photos on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MachineZealots" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page right now, but I will update the blog specifically on that event at a later date. We also went to Importfest 2014 on August 9th. Photos and videos will be posted at a later time as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you guys had a really productive summer as well! Till next time, stay tuned!</div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-76998731326516028562014-07-15T21:42:00.000-07:002014-07-15T21:42:14.701-07:00MultitaskingWe have been extremely busy with Machine Zealots during this summer, and it looks like we'll be quite productive in the next month or so as well. How about I just show you some of the highlights?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUNwdwtAHbf4eHx3RZAtMJzEn5VBCnOQAKXvjn9MdO6WoKR7d1YaZxhg2szUnXH-aIK2rqZ_buSpDnu69amRnEk1hmRAoyonPBjhCI4Rb_2m75cjITDAzt-8aYpXEUnUsvmmnposJOMo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUNwdwtAHbf4eHx3RZAtMJzEn5VBCnOQAKXvjn9MdO6WoKR7d1YaZxhg2szUnXH-aIK2rqZ_buSpDnu69amRnEk1hmRAoyonPBjhCI4Rb_2m75cjITDAzt-8aYpXEUnUsvmmnposJOMo/s1600/1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A large installation episode, fully removing the factory TBE, and installing an aftermarket TBE.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs_pbah6VhP9Es4p0yvShJB1jWsqIrEzMOxeahG3I3PYbRuaZRdt8ekbyQz7WU3jf8MZ9p_29Rxie0b1gnS2f8BaU1mEdj8GIqJ6c3qiOQH0JktkNUGDjxP9zE4hiBwZhibrlbwJB1nM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs_pbah6VhP9Es4p0yvShJB1jWsqIrEzMOxeahG3I3PYbRuaZRdt8ekbyQz7WU3jf8MZ9p_29Rxie0b1gnS2f8BaU1mEdj8GIqJ6c3qiOQH0JktkNUGDjxP9zE4hiBwZhibrlbwJB1nM/s1600/2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Tuning and data logging the OTS Stage 2 map with the Cobb AP.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t1ISILVsZit2mcSWYkgkm75Lfn2O0Z1R2K0tYJ_lELWEHXJwWTPu1HDq6qaEsxVbshH3Ql4wgROfbWAAqtBmwoeIYC5-YlQB3LXE28XjAKZ5TI3fb-5TbKs5QCX-XY8SB0xydJibl-k/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t1ISILVsZit2mcSWYkgkm75Lfn2O0Z1R2K0tYJ_lELWEHXJwWTPu1HDq6qaEsxVbshH3Ql4wgROfbWAAqtBmwoeIYC5-YlQB3LXE28XjAKZ5TI3fb-5TbKs5QCX-XY8SB0xydJibl-k/s1600/3.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Installation of the Grimmspeed Turbo Heat Shield.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOttzV9iSGpqZMwpXZtAbe2Q5HDxgiMC1BSk0k0BxAjCdRo75JDdTrTrAIpywkHHlX4DDJcBxcL474F92bInrSI7KgG2ggJmjM2ondoQUuFX4-KA9xyWXUNzQtR_gqY1UO54USo4Iv_4/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOttzV9iSGpqZMwpXZtAbe2Q5HDxgiMC1BSk0k0BxAjCdRo75JDdTrTrAIpywkHHlX4DDJcBxcL474F92bInrSI7KgG2ggJmjM2ondoQUuFX4-KA9xyWXUNzQtR_gqY1UO54USo4Iv_4/s1600/4.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Installation of the PTP Turbo Blanket.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEik-tmjWgzJDXgfrtmyVY7VN93qFwRFBmzZC7KhAVnIcGSB1uRIs-JldrDvKQjrvkeB0VmMlwkHuq4daHuiiLb9txzxhNKI5CYPDv_ZyWJaWTO_vQkrNTlU96nrUMUgq4dlKCbhrP_j8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEik-tmjWgzJDXgfrtmyVY7VN93qFwRFBmzZC7KhAVnIcGSB1uRIs-JldrDvKQjrvkeB0VmMlwkHuq4daHuiiLb9txzxhNKI5CYPDv_ZyWJaWTO_vQkrNTlU96nrUMUgq4dlKCbhrP_j8/s1600/5.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A detailed episode on installing the Kartboy Short Shifter.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The upcoming episodes for this season are some of the most technical episodes we have done to date. They are super exciting for us to shoot, and we are confident that some of these installation videos have never been posted on the web before. <i>(I could be wrong, but I did a lot of searching.)</i></div>
<br />
As the car has officially entered Stage 2, I am still getting a grip on several things: Tuning, supporting mods, data logging, but mostly research, research, and more research.<br />
<br />
I will make a more updated post on the tuning and data logging process a bit later; I am transitioning from the Cobb Accessport to Open Source tuning.<br />
<br />
We are now collecting all the shots for each episode, and will aim to edit them when the autumn season approaches. Stay tuned!Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-52572520689974644502014-06-20T16:46:00.000-07:002014-06-20T16:46:17.560-07:00Working on itThis is just a short update on what's been going on behind the scenes at Machine Zealots. We recently got a power supply for our electronics projects. We purchased it online for around $60 shipped, which is actually a really good price if you do some research. It has all the features that we would pretty much ever use; able to simulate a car battery so that many of our future electronics mods can be thoroughly tested before installing. I don't think everyone needs a power supply, but you definitely get more overall control with one. I am really enjoying the power supply so far, and it is seemingly a worthy investment for our applications.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFV7vWiVTKVh0tFqpEvKX2vgwFETFiNN32vvsGpaKoZ3PVhbG6eQUS1rYG5jF5LzpCtYmYBUmees5PBmiI-ZUji83D5fSi7qHbW4QojEmL260OSa8WBXPJpaqcG_Yea05Jk3tT33ZLPM/s1600/5T3A1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFV7vWiVTKVh0tFqpEvKX2vgwFETFiNN32vvsGpaKoZ3PVhbG6eQUS1rYG5jF5LzpCtYmYBUmees5PBmiI-ZUji83D5fSi7qHbW4QojEmL260OSa8WBXPJpaqcG_Yea05Jk3tT33ZLPM/s1600/5T3A1287.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Our brand new power supply, power testing the BlackVue dash camera.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With the power supply, I can put many of my ideas to the test. Whether I'm wiring switches, or other devices, it helps me visualize my wiring diagram without actually having to draw one out. Perhaps in the future I'll go through more of the specific features of this particular power supply.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As mentioned in the previous post, we have a lot of footage, and a lot of episodes to hammer out. While I was getting into the groove, I decided it was time for a new intro. With the new DSLR ending the previous season, I thought it would be nice to add nicer DSLR footage to a brand new intro sequence. Below is just a sneak peek at a work in progress.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMlO5KqoMn6pVcgaDOYqO-TxxtP4N_DwGgGlBJz_1oj_4klWuSVxB-EKff0clRwg4Nl95v9eIpurrmlza8Hrd-vKCgom0bjGUJAAloZbVRlGk_9wUqN3bJQQIC1wzNVbUilwcHtUur1k/s1600/S4_IntroPreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMlO5KqoMn6pVcgaDOYqO-TxxtP4N_DwGgGlBJz_1oj_4klWuSVxB-EKff0clRwg4Nl95v9eIpurrmlza8Hrd-vKCgom0bjGUJAAloZbVRlGk_9wUqN3bJQQIC1wzNVbUilwcHtUur1k/s1600/S4_IntroPreview.jpg" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A new intro sequence for the new season.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To be honest, I wish I had started Season 4 a couple of months earlier. I forgot how much fun it was to work on the cars and make these videos. We'll try not to delay as much when it comes to Season 5.</div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-59037309686266646932014-06-14T14:26:00.000-07:002014-06-14T14:26:21.682-07:00Ironmen Show & Shine, and some other stuffIt's been a couple of hectic weeks, but I finally have some time to update you guys again. Puyang and I went to a Show & Shine car show on June 7, 2014. It was held at our local Church, and it was a fantastic day of cars, food, and fun. I took this opportunity to volunteer as a photographer and shot an episode while I was at it, which I will be editing soon. Before I show you guys the photos, I'll just briefly update you guys on some Machine Zealot's news.<br />
<br />
If you guys follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MachineZealots" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, I've mentioned that we have four episodes currently in the making. Puyang is a good help when I need an extra hand around the car, or shooting some videos, but I am usually the only person editing the episodes; this is why I can not finish all four videos at the same time. We have all the necessary shots to complete an entire episode, but I still need to trim, colorize, and treat the footage, as well as sync all necessary sounds and background music. It takes roughly thirty to forty hours to finish one episode in the editing phase, so it's a lot of work. Even though I work a full time job, and have other pursuits, I still want to make these videos. To be honest, I have a lot of fun working on cars and making videos, I just wish I had more time!<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures from one shot of each upcoming episode:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-_vJ-1BoCa48ELGYCVI0Eeg1XOjE3_zIJwIzY0roq2xC0pk5v1E6L1YrGmOvXDlkqUVWcbRvGEzvQNz2lIu_oU8RseYSYg7XKdUnXvP3nFY0CIbKf62S0K8s8_JeEZY-3XHswxS4kg0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-_vJ-1BoCa48ELGYCVI0Eeg1XOjE3_zIJwIzY0roq2xC0pk5v1E6L1YrGmOvXDlkqUVWcbRvGEzvQNz2lIu_oU8RseYSYg7XKdUnXvP3nFY0CIbKf62S0K8s8_JeEZY-3XHswxS4kg0/s1600/1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wJ719MdED17TeWC_SVM7EzCsKl55GpsLJD1b1B7dtin1P-QflEqVs_blPmnGPAYn0S_5Y3BqjipB3IpBxdLw2PnZcy3IZN3nhbz8HD-NnH4Z_tBcNznpmi7sjqggsrKjB6FK8zt4Z00/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wJ719MdED17TeWC_SVM7EzCsKl55GpsLJD1b1B7dtin1P-QflEqVs_blPmnGPAYn0S_5Y3BqjipB3IpBxdLw2PnZcy3IZN3nhbz8HD-NnH4Z_tBcNznpmi7sjqggsrKjB6FK8zt4Z00/s1600/2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIZ6TP_JHvTtrBZIPANFI8Pk-Xgqy1zQEFIwBK4do5LJOzTyX2giaDPoodj-dbXUcPEUHRgxwaAC55jbr-fWEhNfZIz2HPrBXHYtEtjb_mB-TEp9KOVTvUYUIAnOWydh1bxfiZ4YYdeU/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIZ6TP_JHvTtrBZIPANFI8Pk-Xgqy1zQEFIwBK4do5LJOzTyX2giaDPoodj-dbXUcPEUHRgxwaAC55jbr-fWEhNfZIz2HPrBXHYtEtjb_mB-TEp9KOVTvUYUIAnOWydh1bxfiZ4YYdeU/s1600/3.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpvraTrqzvlkJuReHZ-3nyY77y9qEc7Ten3Z8w0O4JLs1BwP_oKrEU8jlQYku5YBFs4EDFCgeJKRE7_pNNHzom9b07lFpZtjeFEoK2WX3k48SUQkIfa84qqMoPBov8z1Z_nlUVW0DpyU/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpvraTrqzvlkJuReHZ-3nyY77y9qEc7Ten3Z8w0O4JLs1BwP_oKrEU8jlQYku5YBFs4EDFCgeJKRE7_pNNHzom9b07lFpZtjeFEoK2WX3k48SUQkIfa84qqMoPBov8z1Z_nlUVW0DpyU/s1600/4.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not going to reveal exactly what each episode will be about, but I think some of the pictures explain themselves very well. Either way, I seem to have some free time in the upcoming week, so I will be getting straight to the episodes. I already have another two episodes lined up for filming. Both Puyang and I are determined to use as many sunny days as possible for shooting during this season. That way, we can have content to work on during the rainy days, or even the fast approaching autumn season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, that's pretty much it for updates. Below are some of our favorite cars from the Ironmen Show & Shine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyxehujsuTXwSnK03FywQPyO4OcvruhQH0rdEvH2umAmONfAfBhsrekbRAe2GlKJqjcNW_rk1JUMPizja0-gTsgHU4x-MgciwvZO294r-dY1vfLax8c4YgMCaMhBNaoo-BRvNosAUvhs/s1600/IM_ShowShine01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyxehujsuTXwSnK03FywQPyO4OcvruhQH0rdEvH2umAmONfAfBhsrekbRAe2GlKJqjcNW_rk1JUMPizja0-gTsgHU4x-MgciwvZO294r-dY1vfLax8c4YgMCaMhBNaoo-BRvNosAUvhs/s1600/IM_ShowShine01.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveAQQMMEssRl8n4M1DzgPvLJp-gpzTtVqrI7nfjZFDqj-c2RaQ-Ed8weQ2D5sXhrLBbRjLRy6hiYAVu-vTvAv4Qm-qnam5iYJofXKIuyJ6MzBOuzCJEavE3C3mMJ-fbGE0fAZ5p6LtdY/s1600/IM_ShowShine14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveAQQMMEssRl8n4M1DzgPvLJp-gpzTtVqrI7nfjZFDqj-c2RaQ-Ed8weQ2D5sXhrLBbRjLRy6hiYAVu-vTvAv4Qm-qnam5iYJofXKIuyJ6MzBOuzCJEavE3C3mMJ-fbGE0fAZ5p6LtdY/s1600/IM_ShowShine14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg4cFq8EG94cZAjILp8Zjp2nB54wVXDVHEAdzX_x9y1bDqPC5BkABk_q231VDixy5VxLKtbHBSDZtULopE7_Gab11TzEVzgm82fpF7XHEtjB9TQc2W7LX2Prw-1Dn99djOzZ5B8y6_c8/s1600/IM_ShowShine25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg4cFq8EG94cZAjILp8Zjp2nB54wVXDVHEAdzX_x9y1bDqPC5BkABk_q231VDixy5VxLKtbHBSDZtULopE7_Gab11TzEVzgm82fpF7XHEtjB9TQc2W7LX2Prw-1Dn99djOzZ5B8y6_c8/s1600/IM_ShowShine25.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFCSC5y-E1OkL4y4fG2oUhx9yEmHfJxVwn86ZFXFr5yv3TfcoA1PfGAWeHWgrt5yQp-Gg3xWR0B6_TlhfPgILgkEV2Q3LykBHQj2yvsraw3Lo0-RSxjEYHBOFzndO_upA9zMudqCE47I/s1600/IM_ShowShine40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFCSC5y-E1OkL4y4fG2oUhx9yEmHfJxVwn86ZFXFr5yv3TfcoA1PfGAWeHWgrt5yQp-Gg3xWR0B6_TlhfPgILgkEV2Q3LykBHQj2yvsraw3Lo0-RSxjEYHBOFzndO_upA9zMudqCE47I/s1600/IM_ShowShine40.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoS6sfeJwHk5BRnQVWjrNctMdtGBI3dlYKkD1XdeyXBkWbwuAX5qrTQhNEvtTuB_r_fVykh2EZVL1MI-z7Zkj8RsuYp5w3obxCmCjU0r5lPc5X79p8lkIUyAf048a95IWgLj10QSeZwM/s1600/IM_ShowShine45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoS6sfeJwHk5BRnQVWjrNctMdtGBI3dlYKkD1XdeyXBkWbwuAX5qrTQhNEvtTuB_r_fVykh2EZVL1MI-z7Zkj8RsuYp5w3obxCmCjU0r5lPc5X79p8lkIUyAf048a95IWgLj10QSeZwM/s1600/IM_ShowShine45.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DQ59Tk_ioQUHwqoN16CEqlVzHSpSOmFrMK32I73ncaQtkG_jIJqcZcjzUqqOU_va3Ii1N_eydR27R9tj9Mj1DJbC6Weg2H1bTujrvhPqMmMAcgBzni3mu1OynAfpv9OotPf_zWRwxvY/s1600/IM_ShowShine50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DQ59Tk_ioQUHwqoN16CEqlVzHSpSOmFrMK32I73ncaQtkG_jIJqcZcjzUqqOU_va3Ii1N_eydR27R9tj9Mj1DJbC6Weg2H1bTujrvhPqMmMAcgBzni3mu1OynAfpv9OotPf_zWRwxvY/s1600/IM_ShowShine50.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAJw6om5Y9QvUZ_CEMuW-gntEArhmGkO7g6yUww2lzrztutDp0DpfRGNGL5OlEPrceV4Vfu6Ac4nN-xdlouQEvzCmmm-pRIOWTrVqqApaBId7lhH14uPvmWHp1k_q4cODBqav5Jb7umQ/s1600/IM_ShowShine75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAJw6om5Y9QvUZ_CEMuW-gntEArhmGkO7g6yUww2lzrztutDp0DpfRGNGL5OlEPrceV4Vfu6Ac4nN-xdlouQEvzCmmm-pRIOWTrVqqApaBId7lhH14uPvmWHp1k_q4cODBqav5Jb7umQ/s1600/IM_ShowShine75.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZArXsvJPEG2n6amK9QZl1DB_gDrlx3H0vz14jlUfAC81fKD_Pd5Mn9OiXAJJ0wJJXIiNkT8GJFMbg3_mbnkOn1hyphenhyphen6S8EJjC-zaz1-1Rv9CqI6eiNxOjC1KFgkS2S1b8wbc8jAgEHL_g/s1600/IM_ShowShine85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZArXsvJPEG2n6amK9QZl1DB_gDrlx3H0vz14jlUfAC81fKD_Pd5Mn9OiXAJJ0wJJXIiNkT8GJFMbg3_mbnkOn1hyphenhyphen6S8EJjC-zaz1-1Rv9CqI6eiNxOjC1KFgkS2S1b8wbc8jAgEHL_g/s1600/IM_ShowShine85.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qRdweaXglfSIXiBytOgx5BRm7FYiwPw1QwoFtojuAULAIDNX-EjaTkcg3IxR3Bzq-E3N3dbm6wl9c2QtlrKrleYuONi9DYlK6xUxGzT5CJkKiZl_5iM0roWOO4q5uJ7T5Y68YCUPths/s1600/IM_ShowShine88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qRdweaXglfSIXiBytOgx5BRm7FYiwPw1QwoFtojuAULAIDNX-EjaTkcg3IxR3Bzq-E3N3dbm6wl9c2QtlrKrleYuONi9DYlK6xUxGzT5CJkKiZl_5iM0roWOO4q5uJ7T5Y68YCUPths/s1600/IM_ShowShine88.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTYe_i3riaxbLHLl67cQuBcX70v3sW-dHZk-hSJxlchQw1E6e1gLuM2nL1xkpj7WkUV0VOQUvx_NbfmzQNEuAscSJVBdWLr_TOC42zW5XMnv16WyXfEjJRjrxZPbSuGxibf5iF2JXJwo/s1600/IM_ShowShine93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTYe_i3riaxbLHLl67cQuBcX70v3sW-dHZk-hSJxlchQw1E6e1gLuM2nL1xkpj7WkUV0VOQUvx_NbfmzQNEuAscSJVBdWLr_TOC42zW5XMnv16WyXfEjJRjrxZPbSuGxibf5iF2JXJwo/s1600/IM_ShowShine93.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFjApgqjYG2Sp6XCaZzkGHET2B2rvL9GZEswhTZxGmshUGXEeOihzOVKHxyAZMKbCY94QVGCRr_JqUxb7clNmJN4XRfcWvYitdWtdIlRchIWWLOol-0LNQewl3R4muEjaZzDYias0oys/s1600/IM_ShowShine96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFjApgqjYG2Sp6XCaZzkGHET2B2rvL9GZEswhTZxGmshUGXEeOihzOVKHxyAZMKbCY94QVGCRr_JqUxb7clNmJN4XRfcWvYitdWtdIlRchIWWLOol-0LNQewl3R4muEjaZzDYias0oys/s1600/IM_ShowShine96.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1g-5DsEvI-CAMfzX30RjzPMJAoPAmnge1L62qp5KsXPBgsc1Jx9U2Z0WAmo4oBoY3koAS95phc_eKHDIhdIvAZ-OXSkTZU7n62IQiOBMyIog6-inlHqMJU63T6UyB8aIeS4emZColq0/s1600/IM_ShowShine114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1g-5DsEvI-CAMfzX30RjzPMJAoPAmnge1L62qp5KsXPBgsc1Jx9U2Z0WAmo4oBoY3koAS95phc_eKHDIhdIvAZ-OXSkTZU7n62IQiOBMyIog6-inlHqMJU63T6UyB8aIeS4emZColq0/s1600/IM_ShowShine114.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9xKzQPbuC0QUqTvwPuKp1dyW1iVOJPwP33fOmrYGAodaSH6UwYqjsNlus5hYG0RDJGOQfpF6heuY-C26cAY8EsJ4zQqHzqgOFJFMeNkBLWtofO2Q4_-xsdYWsgSzTRBMYeIwoPFmRYI/s1600/IM_ShowShine117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9xKzQPbuC0QUqTvwPuKp1dyW1iVOJPwP33fOmrYGAodaSH6UwYqjsNlus5hYG0RDJGOQfpF6heuY-C26cAY8EsJ4zQqHzqgOFJFMeNkBLWtofO2Q4_-xsdYWsgSzTRBMYeIwoPFmRYI/s1600/IM_ShowShine117.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NNrzvd7orhIw6ZmG3Dzt6cE_seV_X4KxGmJkB3dYcd8PDhtJJhKeJ9odGDugPIOVypBtXMGQLp062jPbAjTIPjEGraQ1UnMISzZiPkLF-ojnPbjewjObY1A4ym2e9Rr5u0PIb4zJGro/s1600/IM_ShowShine120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NNrzvd7orhIw6ZmG3Dzt6cE_seV_X4KxGmJkB3dYcd8PDhtJJhKeJ9odGDugPIOVypBtXMGQLp062jPbAjTIPjEGraQ1UnMISzZiPkLF-ojnPbjewjObY1A4ym2e9Rr5u0PIb4zJGro/s1600/IM_ShowShine120.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9DWX7Go-dzEIQZ2Y4C4rNCrgd_EYVYyHqsCS05Lwh3s_totazyM4PomelpgqyIaYpO2bJzdUaYBkj_2qftWtrGjCcaFXwWwretJJ1oU4Fk3rIiMwxgZhwkyXnvpvDwzUW9xJJxuQIoY/s1600/IM_ShowShine126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9DWX7Go-dzEIQZ2Y4C4rNCrgd_EYVYyHqsCS05Lwh3s_totazyM4PomelpgqyIaYpO2bJzdUaYBkj_2qftWtrGjCcaFXwWwretJJ1oU4Fk3rIiMwxgZhwkyXnvpvDwzUW9xJJxuQIoY/s1600/IM_ShowShine126.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SSKAQCZgkydzf73m8kbTmlp5mNv3JfyuSy2vKZQYAMtkmJwQ6PLRJ7dwqyG9v-OkWnB6DyiJIVbBwNDvtMuMDoXmJeFJKErndAPovQ5Td6tT_-WvwqD2QtsOgV7f2U6bVkHiGIPQavw/s1600/IM_ShowShine132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SSKAQCZgkydzf73m8kbTmlp5mNv3JfyuSy2vKZQYAMtkmJwQ6PLRJ7dwqyG9v-OkWnB6DyiJIVbBwNDvtMuMDoXmJeFJKErndAPovQ5Td6tT_-WvwqD2QtsOgV7f2U6bVkHiGIPQavw/s1600/IM_ShowShine132.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpZGZRqqLtPmKpPqWaF6F5L4E_edkmhcExBsTMl4rnEHeljVJoCIHb2XPXPIU8kVSzZR-FcfRKWrvhMz1V1-ldTG2jfC7wKuIXHeA_QmOeAyyjTDJ3DUb4sScwgjefJYt3yOnvLeigGU/s1600/IM_ShowShine135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpZGZRqqLtPmKpPqWaF6F5L4E_edkmhcExBsTMl4rnEHeljVJoCIHb2XPXPIU8kVSzZR-FcfRKWrvhMz1V1-ldTG2jfC7wKuIXHeA_QmOeAyyjTDJ3DUb4sScwgjefJYt3yOnvLeigGU/s1600/IM_ShowShine135.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkH4fA8BEM0nhzpScV6Q7QnzQUbvrPu8atiaDRAV8L-RQjDPcWAZvIKCfAcD0B-OpLb6zLQ1JsOc4JrE9oK6RYn4WaJJ4Lowv2CnAk1A_shFOPNrZKj_PFOdxkRwJs5c9W0mmJjzTns4/s1600/IM_ShowShine141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkH4fA8BEM0nhzpScV6Q7QnzQUbvrPu8atiaDRAV8L-RQjDPcWAZvIKCfAcD0B-OpLb6zLQ1JsOc4JrE9oK6RYn4WaJJ4Lowv2CnAk1A_shFOPNrZKj_PFOdxkRwJs5c9W0mmJjzTns4/s1600/IM_ShowShine141.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFQZ2ceeQ8PBHptJNHEBG8uGdVM2Itd9dsUL2p0ImPiulraLoQIaVYsCLjUJ38xJLxzmQ7S1rYWccEjLvfBSGd4FwgkhZM4GU5oyI7TZLCj4gQiGUhTIR3UZsLMQzIkYuDQzB4KKJAFg/s1600/IM_ShowShine143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFQZ2ceeQ8PBHptJNHEBG8uGdVM2Itd9dsUL2p0ImPiulraLoQIaVYsCLjUJ38xJLxzmQ7S1rYWccEjLvfBSGd4FwgkhZM4GU5oyI7TZLCj4gQiGUhTIR3UZsLMQzIkYuDQzB4KKJAFg/s1600/IM_ShowShine143.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-9117652416101644012014-06-02T11:15:00.000-07:002014-06-02T11:15:28.228-07:00Baby StepsAs mentioned in a previous post, we have started off this season a bit late due to circumstances in life. We have picked up the pace quite a bit in the last couple of weeks, and the ball should be rolling a bit faster now. With the weather finally getting warmer, we are prepping our tools and necessary components to tackle these upcoming mods and episodes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ1AaKA6pbMS9dza0wcsC9vBL8AJFLeuLAZAxqCBlvkLyyKmWYzBeGUEot9t4oWtkVMCBCfFxhv6rhfq50rkk7KbNbR3jOUnxQVbJhpZAGnqZsGwx8Qy_WwdTVOTVK4Q_-CV8apqidBc/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ1AaKA6pbMS9dza0wcsC9vBL8AJFLeuLAZAxqCBlvkLyyKmWYzBeGUEot9t4oWtkVMCBCfFxhv6rhfq50rkk7KbNbR3jOUnxQVbJhpZAGnqZsGwx8Qy_WwdTVOTVK4Q_-CV8apqidBc/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>An STI Episode.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2NOPYycuInG87GmBO77un-Du4qrNbv_CdQXR-cuEjtFWsX9K3rT_ZcE-rzP7wN0myhL-J1S7l-LLZAABSfK5kaSw7rtnyedXubdF_8mfWVqvTHWG3eC97HDGBgK5WElqyvTTn8KPX6w/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2NOPYycuInG87GmBO77un-Du4qrNbv_CdQXR-cuEjtFWsX9K3rT_ZcE-rzP7wN0myhL-J1S7l-LLZAABSfK5kaSw7rtnyedXubdF_8mfWVqvTHWG3eC97HDGBgK5WElqyvTTn8KPX6w/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A GTI Episode.</i></div>
<br />
We've got another batch of tools coming in soon for other episodes, but we took some time this week to get two episodes done. They aren't heavily technical episodes, but they have been something both Puyang and I wanted to do in our cars for a while. If you follow us on Facebook, you'll see some of these mini updates as they happen, so be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MachineZealots" target="_blank">MZ Facebook Page</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvPsvXzQYU70sv-BJ9SqJDTU_Y1eVvkILtbfDm5S8xFTH7Fls_XFKtt1KpiAgxZjWa5kqaZ-Of5pXd7FKwRQZViYbcymbFbqdAGOTvd_Ir5yX-OTfSK4nZUhHUfhsnurASpxGOplVrS8/s1600/GOPR0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvPsvXzQYU70sv-BJ9SqJDTU_Y1eVvkILtbfDm5S8xFTH7Fls_XFKtt1KpiAgxZjWa5kqaZ-Of5pXd7FKwRQZViYbcymbFbqdAGOTvd_Ir5yX-OTfSK4nZUhHUfhsnurASpxGOplVrS8/s1600/GOPR0945.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, because of life circumstances, we are keeping our budget as low as possible on our modifications. However, it would seem that Puyang has a higher budget on the GTI than I do for the STI this year.<br />
<br />
In keeping with budget restraints, I decided to create a camera dolly for sliding shots. Some of you may have seen it on our Facebook feeds, but here is the picture of the prototype:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPoAqQwNR7BzWporzEbP6u8KJpQGMfq4eQTd8xDEKkt-o1PxcSAc6Y137GivVkNjUAOnOl0_ccINRclThIJ-5QpbvU4OcDoqrbtT06frXZjdi6jytNVJfS3AhoZ3Mci3rgHg2AxUZS0Q/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPoAqQwNR7BzWporzEbP6u8KJpQGMfq4eQTd8xDEKkt-o1PxcSAc6Y137GivVkNjUAOnOl0_ccINRclThIJ-5QpbvU4OcDoqrbtT06frXZjdi6jytNVJfS3AhoZ3Mci3rgHg2AxUZS0Q/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>K'nex slider dolly Mk I. (KSD for short)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPHed0ILlCtW28eyZWjLnr7vT2BOVhizHmC2gncKI2VuSNjGUM-96nT1__uBtxxWX8qVrI_zOofW3YoeOF5vczgnP95HnjFvJ4WM7ws6XPb-o-TWtFT8E3w3B0zIY9jSpZSU7irkN6iU/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPHed0ILlCtW28eyZWjLnr7vT2BOVhizHmC2gncKI2VuSNjGUM-96nT1__uBtxxWX8qVrI_zOofW3YoeOF5vczgnP95HnjFvJ4WM7ws6XPb-o-TWtFT8E3w3B0zIY9jSpZSU7irkN6iU/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>KSD Mk I with automated sliding feature. (Battery powered motor attached. Working prototype.)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was an idea that came into my mind about a month ago. I never really sat down and planned this out, but it occurred to me that I needed some tools to help with my film making. However, instead of paying upwards of $200 for a good slider dolly, I thought of building one myself. I'm not great at working with metal, nor wood, so I thought about these K'nex pieces. When Puyang and I were little kids, we got whole boxes of these K'nex building toys. I would create tons of my own stuff, and got relatively good at it. These toys had been sitting in boxes for years, so I'm glad I got another chance to use them. Cost? Well, these were gifts, so it really didn't cost me anything to make this. I spent about six hours on this so far, and I'm not done with it yet. It's sturdy, stable, and makes pretty great shots actually. (You'll see in future episodes.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is actually a pretty fun little project, so I am going to continue to do updates on this; we are called <i>Machine</i> Zealots after all, not completely limited to just cars you know. I won't be making YouTube videos on these things though, but will definitely be updating you guys via this Blog, and the Facebook page.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More information to come soon.</div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-67412017029588101102014-05-15T22:07:00.001-07:002014-05-15T22:07:42.321-07:00The Summer PrepAs summer time is approaching, and with a new season launching, the Machine Zealots team took the week to get things prepared; starting with a good old car wash. It was a tiring day, we spent almost six hours to wash and clean three cars. A third car? Well, the third car isn't really a Machine Zealots project car, but a car belonging to one of our own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm0bVMQMisALsvjxjl-sAk_Z32-MHVzmmvtg7ljdqZpW2rbCwumh5hPtMAxx69VwlLz61Nqf90FWCR85vJQwc4I08f0ayxk2syjfibq9vZbKeytL9EpJOTA57Yah8Zy2V8eNEI9CRsTE/s1600/5T3A0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm0bVMQMisALsvjxjl-sAk_Z32-MHVzmmvtg7ljdqZpW2rbCwumh5hPtMAxx69VwlLz61Nqf90FWCR85vJQwc4I08f0ayxk2syjfibq9vZbKeytL9EpJOTA57Yah8Zy2V8eNEI9CRsTE/s1600/5T3A0923.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Puyang washing his white GTI. White cars get just as dirty as black cars.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8QrDW5e1SXzIeTRKK3SZzeDHDjuNGp3Ay-P66BTU4mPKnvZieb7xYFGZSAmgZXribRIoS7DBx2msDcljXks8Ex__vrH-hwovmhRpr3XayE6zSuJWwVRD1hlbqGPTvGp4ZMHrmYtLn8Q/s1600/5T3A0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8QrDW5e1SXzIeTRKK3SZzeDHDjuNGp3Ay-P66BTU4mPKnvZieb7xYFGZSAmgZXribRIoS7DBx2msDcljXks8Ex__vrH-hwovmhRpr3XayE6zSuJWwVRD1hlbqGPTvGp4ZMHrmYtLn8Q/s1600/5T3A0927.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Close to completion.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK3TKezXkyFcbNaHE1drh7ycrEc074uuBNjT8osS36PhHoxFSush1XH9Kx9kVu9AG1Yj53p1ZTLgOiPlamlVKlAZSW742CwhapeDddrksv5L3n1-picp-Qle0l-_Co0r7ULX2-BDN0n8/s1600/5T3A0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK3TKezXkyFcbNaHE1drh7ycrEc074uuBNjT8osS36PhHoxFSush1XH9Kx9kVu9AG1Yj53p1ZTLgOiPlamlVKlAZSW742CwhapeDddrksv5L3n1-picp-Qle0l-_Co0r7ULX2-BDN0n8/s1600/5T3A0928.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A humble guest joins the wash.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRwWu3wI-qvaruJ6fK9ghNQE66eMXXkhkLBjC3b0YqQazuGfCKdUKXAhPnKgaCoe1kfktxuLhrOBQINm0-AdjqklW3XJ7PceUROlBLp9D3FBu69TMEQeor3AjqKaCcbbg31MtxwntUD0/s1600/5T3A0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRwWu3wI-qvaruJ6fK9ghNQE66eMXXkhkLBjC3b0YqQazuGfCKdUKXAhPnKgaCoe1kfktxuLhrOBQINm0-AdjqklW3XJ7PceUROlBLp9D3FBu69TMEQeor3AjqKaCcbbg31MtxwntUD0/s1600/5T3A0930.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Clean and simple.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHn9rH0OXVgktMUu84iw0KQAkyhmJKJ79bA9WhUgE33qqcs8TdGhn_3jjG7e_NH0OVbvlXO2Lpj-_hFyMmW906jckXKXUSb5SepHtoGpF0jHq5pRDZF1AtDyqOseUXIeSYZaYerf9Y0o/s1600/5T3A0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHn9rH0OXVgktMUu84iw0KQAkyhmJKJ79bA9WhUgE33qqcs8TdGhn_3jjG7e_NH0OVbvlXO2Lpj-_hFyMmW906jckXKXUSb5SepHtoGpF0jHq5pRDZF1AtDyqOseUXIeSYZaYerf9Y0o/s1600/5T3A0931.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Just showing off!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While the first two cars were washed at the Machine Zealots HQ 2, the STI was washed at our main headquarters. Washing the STI was nice, but the shiny STI only revealed two door dings! People don't know how to open doors, or that they banged up my STI on purpose. It wasn't a real ding, but just some missing paint; which is annoying enough. The wash itself went by faster than usual because I had some help cleaning the wheels. She did a really thorough job; a lot better than what I could do actually. She actually asked for more tools so she could get the really tough spots. o_____o</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also found a fully built birds nest in the engine bay. A week previous to this car wash, I had realized the STI drank gas like it was nothing; I kept on thinking that maybe because I drove a lot harder, or that maybe I was just driving a lot more than I thought, but it was actually the nest blocking most of my TMIC!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was thankful that there were no signs of cooked bird's eggs, so I removed the nest, and placed it on a tree. I personally prefer birds over rats living in my engine bay, and I found it funny that a bird would choose an STI for a home. Flattering.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT0yce9ekohlvfN2sY8yLsc5A6jSm3jxgTsxSX4akHY5u3ALIVC2g2UlZZ4AYqnQC6IBwvFYH0wPFu3Ak_uTqDhxx8ktpYM3cKnUXetF2V4oOa1GH1iImUvLVIxG0fJbg_133yGX9azg/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT0yce9ekohlvfN2sY8yLsc5A6jSm3jxgTsxSX4akHY5u3ALIVC2g2UlZZ4AYqnQC6IBwvFYH0wPFu3Ak_uTqDhxx8ktpYM3cKnUXetF2V4oOa1GH1iImUvLVIxG0fJbg_133yGX9azg/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGwmyjj_PaXAoeZTToJz69BY_DgEhLMspMt2yjD2JldF_6irPjeVmmcDgVYL8NWjUDc2gZDRpYGreGYBCGnykYeXSwc69grLVa-vbkmFA7hrMK1iO-yvqn4z5xV-Srr-Hr3WZRzt2LV4/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGwmyjj_PaXAoeZTToJz69BY_DgEhLMspMt2yjD2JldF_6irPjeVmmcDgVYL8NWjUDc2gZDRpYGreGYBCGnykYeXSwc69grLVa-vbkmFA7hrMK1iO-yvqn4z5xV-Srr-Hr3WZRzt2LV4/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you for your hard work!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj1d_dBLSdKpKHLz3302B443El1ThSai26dPxQAINBw1sfDpZ2Blv4nJk9IHMNN4Y7QjFQ5OhIItkiRcuUc2e0FPtR6Xt0mlGhyNF1xgWVGODIRGudXp92MKfTFEaOQz3Mic1PBtj7Dg/s1600/DSC_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj1d_dBLSdKpKHLz3302B443El1ThSai26dPxQAINBw1sfDpZ2Blv4nJk9IHMNN4Y7QjFQ5OhIItkiRcuUc2e0FPtR6Xt0mlGhyNF1xgWVGODIRGudXp92MKfTFEaOQz3Mic1PBtj7Dg/s1600/DSC_0055.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The nest was a bit torn up, because I'd tried to remove it before I was told to take a picture.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0zbXz32ND5euAzIj5o50lWdgoCrvSTxNAF1vLH8WgBaLdWSvpRoB36gY042czOnwbAY90EB97A3cDqyCK09w0EWpSiYyxF1n6QsNswZQuJLjP9fF0shBfdbYuvgy8pmAG7AnclO7sx8/s1600/5T3A0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0zbXz32ND5euAzIj5o50lWdgoCrvSTxNAF1vLH8WgBaLdWSvpRoB36gY042czOnwbAY90EB97A3cDqyCK09w0EWpSiYyxF1n6QsNswZQuJLjP9fF0shBfdbYuvgy8pmAG7AnclO7sx8/s1600/5T3A0932.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>STI ready to do battle.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihllcQ2ClQ0HAa-LaKLLWWMRtWO4weM-cf_D8Tm63zkNmINGlfMcGmNfQ_UxIKyVO-1hz08mpiDO0LTtnaorxtGKXRkGGcAPfJehTyw6OJPMK032srJQ0oDMMkyUSud5WMpu2lvdrqq0/s1600/5T3A0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihllcQ2ClQ0HAa-LaKLLWWMRtWO4weM-cf_D8Tm63zkNmINGlfMcGmNfQ_UxIKyVO-1hz08mpiDO0LTtnaorxtGKXRkGGcAPfJehTyw6OJPMK032srJQ0oDMMkyUSud5WMpu2lvdrqq0/s1600/5T3A0933.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Nice clean wheels. They were pretty much dark bronze before this wash.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgswkbLhidbApkAGsMLsoprfhR265pv8O-lc8YauhYPu1UcELsz-snt9s8exstTtauq-7w-7sZHgo42VR5ZGCbZRU_eOfLfgc8RjgdY5BXPQsA1_XRln-svNbcMkThEsUaKLnnpfdths/s1600/5T3A0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgswkbLhidbApkAGsMLsoprfhR265pv8O-lc8YauhYPu1UcELsz-snt9s8exstTtauq-7w-7sZHgo42VR5ZGCbZRU_eOfLfgc8RjgdY5BXPQsA1_XRln-svNbcMkThEsUaKLnnpfdths/s1600/5T3A0934.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>An end to a tiring day.</i></div>
<span id="goog_1113844082"></span><span id="goog_1113844083"></span><br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-8618160048077621672014-05-08T18:19:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:21:27.291-07:00Are we back?<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xFAX9Ofe5hc" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I have realized that I haven't posted anything in nearly half a year; which is quite a long time for a "break". For our current followers and friends, assuming you haven't left due to the dead silence on our end, I wanted to say thank you for checking up on us via private messages and YouTube comments. We were not seeking any attention while we were gone, but it was nice to know that people still think about us. As you can see above, I am still passionate about film making and video editing; hopefully, you'll appreciate the constant growth and effort put into the edits. I do apologize for not being as active on Machine Zealots as I used to be. As some of you know, we do this as a hobby, but mostly for the viewers. Both Puyang and I have jobs, and Machine Zealots doesn't make any money to sustain our daily lives. I wish we could just focus on Machine Zealots for a living, but I still have yet to find a way to do that. Again, we thank our Sponsor and friends who support us in various ways. (You know who you are, and what you have done to help!)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I am also personally moving into a different part of my life, so Machine Zealots will not be working the same way as before. We will no longer upload an episode every two weeks. We will continue to make videos and post them, but without a set schedule. We want to keep Machine Zealots as a fun hobby, instead of making it into a chore. I hope you guys can understand.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnt0uw2x6rYXUIp4KGTjx5HqsIzqFt-gU_VJbZhymrTFAU0nYMwF_9aNEV-B6pyy40cM6my3CJ88donKjoRgvAlmGwt1NIfCh-bOw7buV_nI96VTyrCPc8PaFRvwaa_e7Jlr7oqYuGq7I/s1600/1500Subs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnt0uw2x6rYXUIp4KGTjx5HqsIzqFt-gU_VJbZhymrTFAU0nYMwF_9aNEV-B6pyy40cM6my3CJ88donKjoRgvAlmGwt1NIfCh-bOw7buV_nI96VTyrCPc8PaFRvwaa_e7Jlr7oqYuGq7I/s1600/1500Subs.jpg" height="331" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
In other news, I am surprised at the growth of Machine Zealots subscribers. It's not crazy growth, but we are at 1500 subs with half a year of inactivity! Awesome.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Both Puyang and I have a couple of sponsored episodes to make during this summer; we got most of our tools ready for the videos too. I am not sure if we are going to force eighteen episode seasons anymore. It's still all up in the air, but perhaps ten episodes per season, or we remain with eighteen episode seasons, but with no deadline; which means we call a season finale at the end of eighteen episodes, regardless of what month we are in. I will update you guys on that later.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
In the meantime, take a look at the goodies we have prepared for the installation episodes, and we will update you guys later.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqZ7RN3JQqyUsHm3ifHQffbS1htSMKZfdwQgyFhWmyUT95P5axAK3obRrcO7lyEmINbjSGjQKSXN-kUCw97yFgovX2qfZbamEoql0VdqQu26WLHdFDgvDYt7iDK3LftI3ExsSfNQt-p0/s1600/5T3A0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqZ7RN3JQqyUsHm3ifHQffbS1htSMKZfdwQgyFhWmyUT95P5axAK3obRrcO7lyEmINbjSGjQKSXN-kUCw97yFgovX2qfZbamEoql0VdqQu26WLHdFDgvDYt7iDK3LftI3ExsSfNQt-p0/s1600/5T3A0918.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i0tA-WZG4td-YUYqGT3owZvwqx4XuS_SRTIt5JYoJFL8X1Ya_pOZ1HNXL-JCNQFdhpxcCywnWb_Jg_nROr37lrDTgTfhDn_ugrHC1hOJq9u77FKeTPc-P-QxpCWFIOlxH9mDhYVt4iA/s1600/5T3A0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i0tA-WZG4td-YUYqGT3owZvwqx4XuS_SRTIt5JYoJFL8X1Ya_pOZ1HNXL-JCNQFdhpxcCywnWb_Jg_nROr37lrDTgTfhDn_ugrHC1hOJq9u77FKeTPc-P-QxpCWFIOlxH9mDhYVt4iA/s1600/5T3A0916.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg1E2XJPO0K52WahptDq4qPzDdlkwqTJqoXdoDkoJa3bjygpfnZ4HNWRp9SUOwtwCOzmZSoJj26qIO2VgzMAJkUtijZ95TbrLN4yMgrzk0X1uMMdvydwB5HIsqfiYax2J41z8jYPNIXU/s1600/5T3A0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg1E2XJPO0K52WahptDq4qPzDdlkwqTJqoXdoDkoJa3bjygpfnZ4HNWRp9SUOwtwCOzmZSoJj26qIO2VgzMAJkUtijZ95TbrLN4yMgrzk0X1uMMdvydwB5HIsqfiYax2J41z8jYPNIXU/s1600/5T3A0919.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-25689992948038979672013-11-24T22:37:00.000-08:002013-11-24T22:37:05.974-08:00Machine Zealots Promo VideoThis is just a sneak peak at a video I've worked on over the weekend; we aren't starting the new season just yet. YouTube has really evolved their service over the years; the changes are especially oriented to benefit the video creators and content developers. One of their newest features for their YouTube partners is their Fan Finder program. You can create your own channel advertisement, and with their own relevant audience algorithm, attempt to find an audience that would be interested in subscribing to your channel.<br />
<br />
It's a totally free service for YouTube partners, and I just thought it was very cool of them to do this.<br />
<br />
Below is a storyboard of the final video. Hopefully, you guys will see this ad floating around somewhere ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDjkOqyI8GCbv88oxeTc3Odqiqyd-OqDtpR9pr3g9wA_TZljOvxUsGu62OTeZ5Ewmv1Gl02IauH0QxLttsq3XsHDKawvMBKq_8NYsMpwz55tlBZ5Dbr73ZNt-awNicUGLGPsqKwa2XCk/s1600/MZ_Promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDjkOqyI8GCbv88oxeTc3Odqiqyd-OqDtpR9pr3g9wA_TZljOvxUsGu62OTeZ5Ewmv1Gl02IauH0QxLttsq3XsHDKawvMBKq_8NYsMpwz55tlBZ5Dbr73ZNt-awNicUGLGPsqKwa2XCk/s640/MZ_Promo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-91777073915282028492013-11-07T10:06:00.000-08:002013-11-07T10:06:17.954-08:00DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9ns7hKN42Ts" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
This season finale episode is sponsored by our friends at Apex Performance; they have been extremely hard working on behalf of helping us out with aftermarket parts. We are very thankful of their sponsorship.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap is a must have if you are trying to keep heat where it's supposed to be. It is slightly more expensive than your typical fiberglass wraps, but well worth the price. You don't need to wet this wrap, nor prepare any silicone spray. When breaking in your wrap, DEI claims that smoke may come off the wrap; this is normal, so don't panic.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The installation was pretty easy for the most part. It would be great if you have a working table with some huge clamps, that way you can clamp the pipe down so it would ensure a much tighter wrap. Puyang was supporting the downpipe as I was wrapping, so it wasn't too bad. At the end, we got a nice clean looking wrap so this downpipe is now ready for installation. The full review of the DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap will come after the downpipe has been installed.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm sure you guys are waiting for the big install.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
As winter is drawing near, the weather is becoming freezing cold, so like the previous years we are taking our production break; which means no more episodes for 2013!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
If all goes according to plan, we have Season 4 pretty much lined up. If you have been following us for a while, you will know what exactly we've got lined up. I will be writing about our upcoming plans later on.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Again, please check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/apexnd">Apex Performance</a> for your modifying needs; they carry over 150 of the most popular aftermarket brands, and they will match, or beat the competition in price!</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-46515944345464362202013-10-24T12:24:00.000-07:002013-10-25T10:38:21.085-07:00STI Rear Differential Fluid Change<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cXrJCdiWraI" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Changing your rear differential fluid is a very essential part of your car maintenance. Have a habit of changing your rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles; change it earlier if you track your car, or if you have a frequent habit of pushing your car harder during daily commutes. I highly recommend having some essential tools as shown in the video, especially the fluid pump. You don't need to buy this exact one, but having one will speed up the process; even with my simple to use fluid pump, the Wilmar W1139 Fluid Pump, it took me around ten full minutes to pump to the fluid limit; my arms were very sore by the end of it.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
There are a couple of choices when it comes to choosing your rear differential fluid, but I've heard only good things on Motul gear oils, so I gave it a shot. I have been driving with the changed fluid and have had no problems at all; my rear differential seems to be liking this fluid.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
A quick note: Depending on the year of your STI, you may not be able to use this gear oil, so please do your research before purchasing.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The whole process should really only take you an hour or two, including set up and clean up times. However, this isn't a competition, so take your time and be careful.</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-16778229486280579532013-10-18T14:00:00.002-07:002013-10-18T14:00:46.919-07:00A wrap for the season?As the weather is getting colder, we are very blessed to have a couple more days of sunshine. However, sunset is approaching sooner, so we are getting ready to wrap up Season 3 of Machine Zealots.<br />
<br />
Puyang and I took advantage of our last days of sunshine to film an episode, wrapping the DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap on our aftermarket downpipe. Of course, this lovely episode is sponsored by our friends at Apex Performance.<br />
<br />
The wrapping and filming took around an hour and a half, then another half hour to clean up. It was a fast episode and a simple install. There are some tips and tricks on doing this, but we will reveal them when the episode airs.<br />
<br />
Here are some preview close up pictures of the final results:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcOTVus-NPcvgaTdl3e-gQaD6o-tkvoketW2NaoMQ-jzpifWSQMcOuiNxY5nnCV5S2dNIfbGZicTx3QlE_cTIfqqeEwha-9JYt-JOXvlS9bnWg5rd5suRTCxjO8UEE9oP3AwQpE8WPlQ/s1600/5T3A0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcOTVus-NPcvgaTdl3e-gQaD6o-tkvoketW2NaoMQ-jzpifWSQMcOuiNxY5nnCV5S2dNIfbGZicTx3QlE_cTIfqqeEwha-9JYt-JOXvlS9bnWg5rd5suRTCxjO8UEE9oP3AwQpE8WPlQ/s640/5T3A0817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipORAa9f6PYgopO8Pjz1256eoDpfO-1JHlFlWFF_3-vot0-dSrMqppH1kygQEe33EDQaiCFeWF34ZC9KUN1tiMXfE8XvlULZWCDK-cXexCNlweAqum3FiWjlci0IpeJFatHbcXH87kfmU/s1600/5T3A0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipORAa9f6PYgopO8Pjz1256eoDpfO-1JHlFlWFF_3-vot0-dSrMqppH1kygQEe33EDQaiCFeWF34ZC9KUN1tiMXfE8XvlULZWCDK-cXexCNlweAqum3FiWjlci0IpeJFatHbcXH87kfmU/s640/5T3A0818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this point, the downpipe is ready for the <i>big</i> upcoming Stage 2 install. We are planning out a more efficient method on filming the next couple of episodes, which will be aired in Season 4, so please be patient. Of course, we will continue to post updates on the blog, and the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MachineZealots" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, so please check us for updates.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As time draws closer to the end, I'll tell you guys what we have in store; both for the end of Season 3, and the Season 4 breakdown. As for now, stay tuned!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LAmWUmTfUNC9SyrCh-uqkh3Zwt1vjfge2sfW7mejvY2-Ldh3WLeSFb9cgllAUYIo4AuDw0Qx7Jf5JkjAcdXh3c3hJ426l2gh2Ej1clRo_i2rmikmuJn_efm4SRN72H5d65_8AlDqRNs/s1600/5T3A0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LAmWUmTfUNC9SyrCh-uqkh3Zwt1vjfge2sfW7mejvY2-Ldh3WLeSFb9cgllAUYIo4AuDw0Qx7Jf5JkjAcdXh3c3hJ426l2gh2Ej1clRo_i2rmikmuJn_efm4SRN72H5d65_8AlDqRNs/s640/5T3A0815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-14119027958537047252013-10-10T13:08:00.000-07:002013-10-10T13:08:05.607-07:00The Cobb Accessport V3<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EzPcKU02W_4" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The Cobb Accessport is a great handheld tuning device. Cobb has done a great job making these devices for some of the most popular turbocharged cars to date, including: BMW, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and of course, Subaru. When you buy an Accessport, Cobb will have already pre-installed some tunes that will make your car crank out more power; they have been thoroughly tested, so you don't need to worrying too much about your car breaking down. However, Cobb does have a disclaimer warning the user that they hold no responsibility in any damages, should you risk installing their tunes.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I have personally been using the Cobb Accessport ever since I bought the car, and it has been a great device. The Cobb Accessport even allows drivers to set things such as launch control, and flat foot shifting. I have been using the launch control feature a lot during autocross events because it gives me a consistent launch every time.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The Cobb Accessport v2 is a smaller device, but ultimately does the same things as the newer v3. The only difference is that the v3 has a larger full colored screen, so displaying real time data is much clearer and nicer to look at. There is also a nice new feature on the v3 that the v2 didn't have, an off button. That's right! I find this function very nice, especially if you plan on never removing the Cobb Accessport off its mount. In the previous version, you had to unplug the OBDII cable from the device every time you wanted to turn off the device. Even removing the key from the ignition will keep the device turned on. However, in this newer version, there is an off button on the top of the Cobb Accessport. It will prompt a message when you hit the button saying something like, "The device will turn off in 10 seconds. Hit any button to cancel."</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
If you leave it, it will shut down even with the cable plugged in. I found this feature as a major bonus on this new device. A small edition, but an important function in my honest opinion.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Pros and cons? Well, it is a much nicer device compared to the v2, but you'd be paying around $100 more for the v3 just for the bigger screen and the off button. The tunes are identical, so you will not be gaining more performance from this new device! If you are a person who just wants to load the Cobb tunes into your car and never plug your device in, I'd say stick with the v2. If you are someone who wants to have some nicer looking gauges, or if you just like having the latest new toy, then I'd say you'll love the Cobb Accessport v3.</center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-26343903222344731512013-10-04T17:13:00.000-07:002013-10-04T17:13:17.178-07:00Injen intake for the GTI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8K-SqqR5qPs28UR8c6MmkQiQabPULXyuWzhP-ebfmXcRpOP2CEK0YMtcypv3eIVVpBhbz_3ewCFZtl1f4oiyVx4ygXqks8WpD0e72HQHnePI__ofr2TKU0VbIVUekjCDje2fkfg9tkoU/s1600/5T3A0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8K-SqqR5qPs28UR8c6MmkQiQabPULXyuWzhP-ebfmXcRpOP2CEK0YMtcypv3eIVVpBhbz_3ewCFZtl1f4oiyVx4ygXqks8WpD0e72HQHnePI__ofr2TKU0VbIVUekjCDje2fkfg9tkoU/s640/5T3A0659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Puyang has owned his 2012 Golf GTI for a little over a year now, and we are really enjoying this car. The weather has gotten very cold recently, and we've been thankful for the heated seats that came with the car. The car is fun to drive, and it is very fuel efficient compared to the STI. What about modding fun? Well, we have that planned too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got the GTI an Injen intake, proudly sponsored by our friends at Apex Performance, hoping this intake will really awaken the beast within. Although there isn't much power to be gained from a straight bolt on, we are hoping for a sportier driving experience after the install. There are two options from Injen for this intake, bare metal chrome, or this black color. We chose the black color, because Puyang wanted a slightly stealthier looking engine bay. However, this intake is actually extremely well painted; they used black paint that has some glitter in it; sort of like the paint that comes on some cars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Below are some pictures of this intake:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ESKOEfs1V5arJGZUtZRO9RGkdZ7OJ0pYBdV-d5p5nKkLcRDmCFWJSXb2vf3JoTp-XYzsilyIc8JH3unnnXqPOCuKmryERi26RBJoxJmRsY9zemRxhv4kKkqBbr6rwEgWz6Vl2A0j3fg/s1600/5T3A0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ESKOEfs1V5arJGZUtZRO9RGkdZ7OJ0pYBdV-d5p5nKkLcRDmCFWJSXb2vf3JoTp-XYzsilyIc8JH3unnnXqPOCuKmryERi26RBJoxJmRsY9zemRxhv4kKkqBbr6rwEgWz6Vl2A0j3fg/s640/5T3A0806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPVY5_kGld1t-mwjrMHf_l1IU4k1v6l3ev5v1AAA-IWidrteFm4pTrlcFqA9VPJlJD-nIzBoVsa_WrPJZWN1rzyS9hPGGhw4Y1Tl_xl3yfqEXMqjqStSZDuV1SQ21XkgdLfeWbF_vywo/s1600/5T3A0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPVY5_kGld1t-mwjrMHf_l1IU4k1v6l3ev5v1AAA-IWidrteFm4pTrlcFqA9VPJlJD-nIzBoVsa_WrPJZWN1rzyS9hPGGhw4Y1Tl_xl3yfqEXMqjqStSZDuV1SQ21XkgdLfeWbF_vywo/s640/5T3A0808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrM4YxjPJqFJhkMSygBFUPOQOTR6ZIwmrzPMN4YHwmHMfHIi5HFfQ3joScuUKbU_39gymg-pDLq_iHUeLTW4hqx_ZAhynyKjrC7Fvb6eo4cWV7oeD7c0WoKgBH0VHibyVGQDiqRub0lE/s1600/5T3A0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrM4YxjPJqFJhkMSygBFUPOQOTR6ZIwmrzPMN4YHwmHMfHIi5HFfQ3joScuUKbU_39gymg-pDLq_iHUeLTW4hqx_ZAhynyKjrC7Fvb6eo4cWV7oeD7c0WoKgBH0VHibyVGQDiqRub0lE/s640/5T3A0810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4r9eDhynRfihznIbwH7aAiGef3oeIAZWe3UrdS9Ef9bMidjAS8XathgAl32Xr89BYXSCE7TJZoae0P7OHMsB5Uui6YEdzn3TBsJ0MzLjt4n7FWDa-Ik3lsseHXab_EN8unUmeYvaYpo/s1600/5T3A0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4r9eDhynRfihznIbwH7aAiGef3oeIAZWe3UrdS9Ef9bMidjAS8XathgAl32Xr89BYXSCE7TJZoae0P7OHMsB5Uui6YEdzn3TBsJ0MzLjt4n7FWDa-Ik3lsseHXab_EN8unUmeYvaYpo/s640/5T3A0812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXemAYEZlwFAyug6HgOzmZHVn7hCOvt1dzncnlq89FjUcqt2kwLlaEE8W1nr8uGFS2RNRCIs6fBn75RhyphenhyphensnJL1_WBd0WmnKMYH3VGsgSZIADI7v3_uJJxngYglH8JjpuibzlmB7xiXvVM/s1600/5T3A0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXemAYEZlwFAyug6HgOzmZHVn7hCOvt1dzncnlq89FjUcqt2kwLlaEE8W1nr8uGFS2RNRCIs6fBn75RhyphenhyphensnJL1_WBd0WmnKMYH3VGsgSZIADI7v3_uJJxngYglH8JjpuibzlmB7xiXvVM/s640/5T3A0813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTQz65bY_0Xxkb8FIbnfhsyngP-1dwXxHeRpb0oriAhz7dVsFON0l4HddBdLI9saBpR_0buu0txH9EIl5-hQo19VRecLUwwBEC2hdEFfQoFhpzHU4FXmNEPZSykUejp-l6gImuAldj-k/s1600/5T3A0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTQz65bY_0Xxkb8FIbnfhsyngP-1dwXxHeRpb0oriAhz7dVsFON0l4HddBdLI9saBpR_0buu0txH9EIl5-hQo19VRecLUwwBEC2hdEFfQoFhpzHU4FXmNEPZSykUejp-l6gImuAldj-k/s640/5T3A0814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Puyang recently bought that Batman Domo plush, and he insisted on placing it in the photos for fun.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is apparently something we have to customize for this intake so that the car will run properly. We will get into this install when we open up some time. Hope you guys stick around for more fun and news as we round up the final episodes of Machine Zealots Season 3.</div>
<span id="goog_1927005272"></span><span id="goog_1927005273"></span><br />Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358041926276178364.post-76648126427590582952013-09-26T08:41:00.000-07:002013-09-26T08:41:07.321-07:00Beatrush Forged Aluminum Pitch Stop Mount<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/G18LdD2a9iI" width="640"></iframe></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
This is the first installment of our "Next Stage" selection of modification installs. If you haven't seen the big reveal video, sponsored by Apex Performance, check out that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0FBdJDzPAc" target="_blank">video</a> first to see what you can expect in future episodes!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
This is the Beatrush Forged Aluminum Pitching Stopper Mount. Quite a mouthful; believe me, I've had my tongue tied more than once when I was recording the voice over for this episode. If you do your research online, this particular pitch stop mount is more expensive than any other pitch stop mount. Why the expensive price tag? Well, to be honest, they claim it's a much lighter product than its competitors, but we clearly debunked that in the video. To be honest, if you are looking at a pitch stop mount option, I would spend my money on a cheaper Kartboy one, or something similar. This Beatrush one is JDM, and is very nice looking; then again, this part is under your top mount intercooler, so aesthetics have no real play in this matter.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Any STI owner should buy a pitch stop mount as one of their first mods. It is extremely easy to install, and takes no more than a couple of minutes to install the actual mount. However, removing and installing the intercooler will leech the majority of your time for this install; we have a completely different <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crysXk51nLs" target="_blank">episode</a> for that process.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
There was an immediate difference when I drove the car with the new pitch stop mount installed. The in cabin noise was slightly louder, but not to an annoying extreme. Most people will probably not even notice the increase in cabin noise depending on their current car modifications. There is slightly more vibration in the car, and in the gas pedal itself, but this was a good thing to me. Feedback! I love driver feedback. The pedal and throttle response seemed to have improved ever so slightly. There is noticeably less pitching when on and off the throttle as well. All in all, it made the driving experience much less 'sluggish'.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm sure some new engine mounts, transmission mounts, shifter bushings, and steering rack bushings will really change the feedback of the car. I'm really looking forward to the further changes on the car in the near future!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
As always, we thank Apex Performance for their partnership on our show. They are real gentlemen, so please check them out for your modifying needs! They carry over 150 of the most popular aftermarket brands, and will match or beat the competition in price! Please check out their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/apexnd" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>, or <a href="mailto:sales@apexND.net" target="_blank">e-mail</a> them.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Stay tuned to Machine Zealots for more information, updates, videos, and fun ;) See you guys next time!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
Jaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02849844074283018287noreply@blogger.com0