franco

Hey Guys My clutch is in need of replacement. <_< I *just* missed out on a deal from Trademe for one that went for $350. Gaa! Anyone point me in the right direction - most appreciated. PS I'm in Auckland; can someone recommend an excellent garage for servicing Altezza's? Franco

Out of interest, I've recently done a huge trip from Wellington -> Auckland -> Wellington -> Westport (South Island) -> Wellington. All up, 1900+ KM's in 2-3 days. I got 660km's out of the Wellington -> Auckland leg before pulling into a gas station in Auckland. Hell, the yellow light had been on since 591kms, so I was getting a bit worried at the 660km mark With the lesser 60L tank on the Altezza, yup I was happy :D PS got myself a crap radar detector for the trip but it still paid itself off several times over, esp detecting those cop cars (including the under cover ones) in time for me to safely scrub off speed to under 110kph. Especially recommended for the nite time when you can't tell what's coming towards ya.

Yo Hoon sweet. I may be coming up towards the end of this month, early next so I will get in touch with you closer to that date. Cher cher, Franco

SCHWEET ! So what do you think of the ride firmness (ie bumps and stuff) ? And as you know I had to swap mine out with standards - long story - and have noticed my car handles like a sponge. Well, that might be overstating it, even a std Altezza feels rock solid compared to most other cards. So now I've gotta get my Apexi coilovers reconditioned. You mentioned Autoline as the people to go with ?

Boy, the most I've ever thrown into my tank is 55L - the 'ol petrol light on and everything. I think I've seen somewhere before there is a difference in tank capacity between the Altezza's, the IS200's and IS300's. Can someone remind me what they are? Also, on a RS200Z, does anyone know how many litres are left in the tank when the petrol light does come on?

Hi Altezza girl Another tip I've picked up is the water temperature. I belong to a biker forum, and they swear by only using cold or room temperature water to clean the paintwork on their bikes, eg do not use warm or hot water, as it can potentially soften the paint over the long term (leading to easier scratching etc). I don't know how true this is, but figure hey what the hell...so I only use cold water now. B)

Photos...must..have........photos.. and a review of course. Can't wait to hear about what you think of them.

1/ The beep - yes, it's saved my bacon a few times, esp when I first got the car and was still getting used to the idiosyncrosies of the manual shift - it felt way too easy to slip it into Reverse as opposed to 1st. Am used to it now, but I don't think I would get rid of the beep anytime soon, just in case. 2/ I'd be interested in a response to Manic's question. My hubs are all ugly and brown. It's typical for jap imports. I noticed in the photo above that the brake calipers were being spray painted? It looks pretty easy and thinking of doing this - anyone got any comments or tips ?

Yeah I know. Well, it's not my $$, it's being covered under extended warranty (Autosure). It will be good to get my ride back...in the meantime they gave me a loaner - a '91 Honda Legend - and I feel like I'm in the sequel of Whale Rider...Whale Rider II

Hey Hoon They are Apexi N1 coilovers. Basically they were installed by the previous (Japanese) owner. I don't think they are very common here in NZ. I believe they can be rebuilt, tho I just need to understand who would be the best option to do the work. In the meantime, I have instructed the dealer/garage to go ahead with the susp replacement, which they claim is going to cost $2500, though they still couldn't tell me what they are replacing it with yet. Good news is that I've made sure they will give me back my original stuff, so if it is stuffed and is rebuildable at least I have the option. Sweet, thanks for the PM, I will give you a holler once I know more. cher cher, franco

AAARRRRGGGGHHH ! :o I took my car into the dealer yesterday to have the rubber bushes replaced with firmer polyurethene ones. Got a call last nite saying that their garage replaced all the bushes (as agreed) but found that my front right shock is "shot". So they are going to replace "all" of my suspension with some "good stuff". Hmmmm. Am going down to sort it out. If what they say is true, I want to know what they consider is good stuff, AND get my orginal coilovers back. If the front right was shot, I think they can be repaired/ reconditioned? Being a newbie with this type of thing, anyone got any advice?

I would go interior too. Total tint, Leather trim, 2 blondes...hugh hef style...

1) ELF 2) $61 Mobil Synergy 8000 3) 450km metro, 530km open road

Yup, I get this noise :( But since others on the board say it's ok, well I haven't bothered getting it checked out, accepting it as normal characteristic of the car :P

I have Apexi N1 Coilovers. I'm not much of a critic, not having driven anyone else's Altezza, but I can tell you that the ride is firm, real firm. In terms of comfort, there is some but not alot. I tend to avoid severe road bumps and potholes wherever possibe. Being a motorcyclist this comes natural anyway. In terms of handling, there aren't many other 4 wheeled vehicles around here which can touch it! Let's say that high speed cornering and driving through twisty roads is a real pleasure... I'm in the process of having the rear rubber bushes replaced with uerothene (sp?) ones, as the old ones are shot.