Prev Feature: Cooling and Breathing

Next Feature: GREAT SCOTT!, 1.21 Gigawatts!

Metamorphosis - Stage 1 (Chapter 2)

After driving the R for about 500 Km's, I decided to bring her in for a complete lubricant and spark plug change. I'm a firm believer in using only great quality oils as not only it will improve your car's response and overall drivability, but will extend the lifespan of your engine in the long run. I was already very impressed with Torco Racing Oils and LubeGard products that I decided to have the same as I did in the previous project car, but this time it will come with an added product from Torco which is a must have by my reckoning. However, before moving into the Torco and LubeGard details, there's a short story about engine oils which best explains the its functions. 

Engine Lubricants: A Short Story

To Last A Million Miles... I Hope.

It is ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE (noticed I stressed on those words) that every car is serviced regularly and using only the best oil. I've heard loads of Lube Messiahs out there claiming that each and everyone of their oil is the best (mostly on the HP and Torque Gain claims), best mileage, low oxidization rate etc. I've heard more than my fair share of these false claims and tried enough to know which is the most suitable. There is another segment called the "Factory Stock" Enthusiasts who pray and worship 3S (Sales, Spares and Service) Centers as if they were gods. I came across a few instances whereby they recommended Mineral Grade 20W-50 to a Type-R. I was completely appalled. Imagine the audacity and the idiocy of that. Personally, using the wrong oils for any kind of engine is buying a One-Way ticket to damnation. I've seen all too many times, a good engine gone bad because of usage of wrong engine oils or thinking that engine oils can sustain for a million miles is purely crap. I have stressed this many times over. Good engine oils though more expensive than the off the shelf ones, will save you a hefty repair bill in the long run. Following proper service intervals will keep your engine fresh and will prevent sludge build up. 

Torco Racing Oils Vs. The Rest Of The Engine Oil Nation

For Project R, my choice of oil was clear. It was always going to be the Torco SR-5 5W-40. I was so very impressed with how Torco performed in Spyder-Net.com's previous project car that I didn't bother to look elsewhere. Once more, I stress that its very important to start everything on the right foot so that one can avoid loads of unnecessary detours along the way. Prior to using Torco Racing Oils, I've tried lots and lots of oils and brands out there with varied viscosities. None comes close to Torco in terms of smoothness, silent engine operation, high shear resistance rate, and optimum engine performance across time. Torco Oils' does a great job in reducing and engine's internals vibration and provides good lubricity for the cylinder head that it removes tappet noise almost completely, which in turn makes the engine run smoother. This is something that i do not see in other oils, which is why for Project R, it will run on Torco Oils completely.

Torco Racing Oils is exclusively distributed by Cosmic Elite Enterprise and its also available from their premium dealer, Kaitenaz Racing. After some discussion with the man behind Cosmic Elite, Tony, I decided to employ the use of Torco SR-5 5W-40 with the Torco MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer additive. I really love the support given by Cosmic Elite Enterprise and Kaitenaz Racing as we work towards finding the best combination of oils for different engine applications. 

Torco SR-5 Racing Engine Oils

Product Description
Developed under the most severe racing conditions, Torco SR-5 offers the highest level of performance and protection for highly modified race engines. SR-5 utilizes Group IV/V synthetic base oil chemistries and additive technologies engineered to with stand extreme loads, constant severe temperatures and maximum engine revolutions. SR-5 utilizes Torco's race specific MPZ® technology which reduces frictional losses for maximizing horsepower and torque.
Features & Benefits
- Group IV/V 100% Synthetic Formulas
- Maximizes horsepower & torque output by as much as 4%
- Reduces engine temperatures
- Highest level of engine protection

SAE 5W-40
Recommended for use in racing or highly modified street engines where an SAE 5W40, 10W30, 10W40 or 15W40 are specified. Commonly used in road racing, drag racing and circle track. Turbo and supercharged approved. Also recommended for early or late model sports cars and hot rods. Excellent choice for dual duty engines used for street and competition use. 

Torco MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer

Product Description
MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer is the same race proven, friction reducing technology in every Torco "Professional Series" motor oil. MPZ denotes Molybdenum, Phosphorous and Zinc which are Torco's propriety additive formula to their engine oils. MPZ MFR is a key component to reducing frictional losses and when added to other brands of motor oil can increase horsepower and torque by as much as 1%-3%. This directly translates to improved fuel efficiency (as much as 6.3% during city driving and 8.5% during highway driving conditions), improved component durability, reduced operating temperatures, reduce oil degradation and peace of mind. Compatible with all synthetics, synthetic blends and petroleum based motor oils.
Features & Benefits
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Increases horsepower & torque
- Increases wear protection for longer engine life
- Reduces operating temperatures

Gear Oil / Transmission Fluids

Gear oil is a fluid lubricant used in gears (gearboxes) for reduction of friction and wear of the gear tooth surfaces, removal of the heat generated by the operating gear and corrosion protection of the gear parts.

Gear oils should provide reliable, efficient (low friction), low maintenance operation of gears at different speeds, temperatures, oil contaminations.
The following properties of gear oils are important for their operation:

• Proper viscosity;

• Ability to withstand extreme pressures (EP);

• Thermal and oxidation stability;

• Corrosion and rust protection;

• Compatibility with seal materials.

Synthetic gear oils may be based on polyalphaolefins (PAO), esters oils or polyglycols. They may contain EP additives, rust and oxidation inhibitors, anti-foaming agents and demulsifiers. The viscosity of synthetic oils according to the ISO grading system is between 32 to 6800. Synthetic gear oils are used for gears operating under extreme conditions: very low or very high temperatures, high pressures.

Multigrade gear oils

Viscosity of gear oils may be stabilized by polymeric additives (viscosity index improvers). Viscosity of such gear oils is specified at both high and low temperature. These oils are called multigrades and they are designated by two numbers and the letter “W” (SAE 75W-90, SAE 80W-90, SAE 85W-140 etc.). The first number of the designation specify the oil viscosity at cold temperature, the second number specifies the oil viscosity at high temperature.
For example: SAE 85W-140 oil has a low temperature viscosity similar to that of SAE 85W, but it has a high temperature viscosity similar to that of SAE 140. Multigrade gear oils are used in a wide temperature range.

This time around, I decided to stick with the winning formula of Torco and LubeGard combo for the transmission. It worked wonders in the previous project car and there's no reason why it shouldn't perform its best right now. My transmission fluid of choice is Torco's SGO Synthetic Racing Gear Oil 75W-90 and the LubeGard Gear Fluid Supplement.

Torco SGO Synthetic Racing Gear Oils are designed to maximize power efficiency and provide the highest level of gear protection under the most severe speed and load conditions. SGO is formulated using a combination of Group IV/V synthetic base oil chemistries and additive technologies providing high shear resistance and many times the oxidation resistance of conventional oils. This combination of base oils and extreme pressure chemistries offer superior wear protection, improved power throughput, longer component life and prevents rust and oxidation. 

LUBEGARD® Gear Fluid Supplement is designed for use in all manual transmissions, manual transaxles and final drives. LUBEGARD® contains LXE(liquid wax esters) and their derivatives, a blend of high grade petroleum oil and synthetic base oils and a complete anti-wear formula. LUBEGARD® Gear Fluid Supplement is designed to provide high temperature stability to prevent coating of synchros and gears. 

With the combination of the two (Torco and LubeGard), the gear shift quality is so much better. Silent and smooth engagement and during quick shifts it doesn't even make a popping noise very synonymous with manual trannies during upshifts at high revs. 

Sparking Those Plugs

A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as, aerosol gasoline, Ethanol, and Liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.

Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by a heavily insulated wire to an ignition coil or magneto circuit on the outside, forming, with a grounded terminal on the base of the plug, a spark gap inside the cylinder. 

The plug is connected to the high voltage generated by an ignition coil or magneto. As the electrons flow from the coil, a voltage difference develops between the central electrode and side electrode. No current can flow because the fuel and air in the gap is an insulator, but as the voltage rises further, it begins to change the structure of the gases between the electrodes. Once the voltage exceeds the dielectric strength of the gases, the gases become ionized. The ionized gas becomes a conductor and allows electrons to flow across the gap. Spark plugs usually require voltage in excess of 12,000-25,000 volts to 'fire' properly. Although it can go up to 45,000 volts, and they supply higher current during the discharge process resulting in a hotter and longer-duration spark.

As the current of electrons surges across the gap, it raises the temperature of the spark channel to 60,000 K. The intense heat in the spark channel causes the ionized gas to expand very quickly, like a small explosion. This is the "click" heard when observing a spark, similar to lightning and thunder.

The heat and pressure force the gases to react with each other, and at the end of the spark event there should be a small ball of fire in the spark gap as the gases burn on their own. The size of this fireball or kernel depends on the exact composition of the mixture between the electrodes and the level of combustion chamber turbulence at the time of the spark. A small kernel will make the engine run as though the ignition timing was retarded, and a large one as though the timing was advanced.

Nology Silver: Choice Of Champions

Nology Silver spark plugs are especially designed for high-performance engines. Silver is the best electrical and thermal conductor of any metal, which makes it the ultimate material for a spark plug's center electrode. The large diameter silver center electrode increases spark carrying ability and spark power. Silver is extremely resistant to erosion, guaranteeing a virtually unchanged electrode gap for the life of the spark plug. Most Nology Silver spark plugs are without a resistor, perfect for performance enthusiasts who demand the most from their engines. For racing or dependability and efficiency for everyday use, Nology Silver spark plugs deliver the most powerful spark.

When installed, compared to Iridium-based plugs like NGK, the Nology Silver delivers better performance in terms of cold-starts, mid-range to top-end power and torque and also long distance drives due to the heat range it covers. I did notice that NGK Iridiums with a heat range of 6 does not perform well over long distance drives, for I noticed a drop in performance and throttle response. Nology delivers a more consistent performance throughout. Iridiums are recommended for those who do bother to change plugs for the next 10 years or so as the Iridium material is extremely dense and therefore very resistant to wear. But, that's all there is to Iridiums. With such micro-fine firing tip, its very difficult to get a huge spark especially for those who wish to soup up their engines. Nology Silver has a larger firing tip which increases the size of the spark and thus delivers, faster more complete combustion, hence better response and top-end power. 

Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube

The Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube is a product added to the fuel tank during petrol fill ups. It is engineered with proprietary additives that apply a low friction lubricant film onto upper cylinders that normally run dry. With Torco RCL adding to the fuel, the lubricating film of Torco RCL remains to coat and protect the rings, pistons and cylinder walls. This allows free movement of pistons, increasing horsepower and fuel economy while reducing wear and lowering friction and heat. 

Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube has been field, dyno and laboratory tested. Field testing has been done with the Torco Oils Malaysian Distributor, Mr. Tony Tang, who approached Torco in early 2008 to have the product made to help solve upper cylinder issue with high performance engines. Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube not only performs extremely well to the protect upper cylinder but also giving a fuel economy as an extra benefit. The previous Spyder-Net.com Project Car, the Honda Prelude VTEC is the FIRST in Malaysia to use the Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube product and swears by it. Its undeniably smooth, torquey and responsive, the Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube definitely helps in a great deal when you and inspires you to push your car harder and faster. 

Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube works for all gasoline engines, diesel engines etc. 

For a price to performance ratio, the Torco RCL is a product that you can't beat. It costs very little but you get an ultra smooth, responsive engine with better mileage. The best part about the Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube is that each bottle is able to treat 200 liters of fuel and 50 liters for each quarter of the bottle, and that translates to an average of 4 petrol fill ups for each bottle of Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube.  

In comparison to similar products like octane boosters and fuel system cleaners, the Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube outperforms them by a very significant margin. Prior to doing the Spyder-Net.com's Project Car segment, I've personally tried brands like Redline Oil SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner, STP's Octane Booster and Injector Cleaner, Aerotech's Afterburn, Pennzoil Octane Booster and Nitrous Express Octane Booster. None of these products even come close to the performance of the Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube not to mention that the price of these products cost significantly higher than the Torco RCL.

Driving Impressions

While the oil change was being done, I changed the engine and gear oil sump nuts to Spoon Sports Magnetic ones. Reason being is that the magnetic oil sump nuts will trap metal debris and metal powder in the engine oil from all the wear and tear that is going on. It is a very worthwhile investment in the long run as it keeps the engine cleaner and allows it to operate smoother. Took it for a quick run after everything was done. By Jove, the car felt transformed. It felt truly alive, like a sleeping dragon stirred from slumber and unleashed from its mountain lair into the heavens. The revs are so much lighter that you can get the heaps of power and torque from minimal throttle input. The engine is so silent that the only sounds that can be heard is the injectors pulsing, the fans and the belt and pulleys running.

Fast forward a few days later, the car feels even better, smoother and even more quiet than the first day after servicing. I was informed that it was due to the fact that the Torco MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer has fully cured itself into the bearings, crankcase and also the piston rings which reduces friction levels between engine components, hence the reduction in engine component noises which is significant in prolonging the lifespan all engine components via reducing wear. Even Torco SGO performs much better as the additives have seeped well into every nook and cranny of the drivetrain and thus, the desired smoothness for gear shifts is achieved. 

In A Nutshell...

I for one am an individual that advocates the trial and evaluation of new products. And it is by keeping an open mind is what leads to knowing which is best and most suitable for your car. This is no exception when it comes down to lubricants. God knows, I've tried and tested lots of oils in the market all these years until I discovered Torco Oils and it has now become the stepping stone in Project R to getting things straight and proper right from the start. 

Torco Oils are all that they claim to be and then some. It does cost slightly more than other oils but when you get into the driver's seat, get behind that wheel and depress the gas pedal, you'll know why Torco oils are among the best performance oils around. The Torco SR-5 5W-40 + Torco MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer combo performs so well that you just want to keep driving and keep pushing the car harder and faster, and you'll find yourself very naturally weaving in and out of traffic as the engine feels so smooth that even while de-throttling, the revs seem to drop very slowly, as if everything has gone into "Matrix" time. Torco RCL Racing Cylinder Lube is like the icing on the cake, the cherry on top of the whipped cream and boy oh boy, it just makes everything so complete. A little tap on the throttle and the whole car surges forward. Like all good Torco Oils products go, it needs a while to have a proper mixture with the fuel and BAM, the car feels even better. Good things come to those who wait and Torco Oils are no exception to this cliché. Its truly the best bang for the buck.

The Torco SGO 75W-90 + LubeGard Gear Fluid Supplement combo makes the gearshifts seamless and silent. Honda gearboxes tend to have this stiff, notchy gear shifts in certain gears especially from the 1st to the 3rd. Torco SGO eliminated this issue and turned the gear shift quality into something so wonderful, so pleasurable. Its like your limbs are loosened and primed for the next round of action. 

I find myself taking the car out every night and when my part of the world starts to make their way into dreamland, I start to drive. It's the only time when there are much fewer cars (and idiotic drivers) on the road and the only time when I can just go flat out in the R, because Torco Racing Oils has that "thing" in it. Its some weird Ju-Ju that creates a feeling of ecstasy and then it just becomes pure addiction. Oh yeah, I tend to use my brakes a whole lot more to substitute for the lack of engine braking which I find is a good trade-off, because I can now enjoy driving my car without wondering and worrying if my engine's performance will drop or weird sounds will surface if I push her too hard.

So, the main question is this. Will I spend a few extra bucks to have a better performing engine, a quieter engine, an engine that can last longer and deliver pure driving pleasure? The answer is a resounding, YES!!!

SR-5 5W-40 Synthetic Racing Oil (5 X 1 Liter Bottles)

SGO 75W-90 Synthetic Racing Gear Oil (2 X 1 Liter Bottles)

MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer (1 Bottle)

Torco RCL: Racing Cylinder Lube (1 Bottle)

No.8, Jalan Gangsa SD5/3E
52200, Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

TEL : +603-6275 3188

Kaitenaz Racing

8, JALAN PJS 11/16,
BANDAR SUNWAY,
46150 PJ, SELANGOR D.E.

TEL : +603-5635 5351

SR5 5W-40 Price: MYR 82 / Bottle X 5 Bottles = MYR 460 (USD $ 23.50 / Bottle)

SGO 75W-90 Price: MYR 105 / Bottle X 5 Bottles = MYR 210 (USD $ 23.50 / Bottle)

MPZ Magnetic Friction Reducer Price: MYR 98 / Bottle = MYR 98 (USD $ 28)

Torco RCL Price: MYR 30 / Bottle = MYR 30 (USD $ 8.50)

Gear Fluid Supplement (1 Bottle)

No.8, Jalan Gangsa SD5/3E
52200, Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

TEL : +603-6275 3188

Kaitenaz Racing

8, JALAN PJS 11/16,
BANDAR SUNWAY,
46150 PJ, SELANGOR D.E.

TEL : +603-5635 5351

Cost: MYR 60

(USD $ 17)

Magnetic Oil and Gear Sump Nuts (1 Set)

Kaitenaz Racing

8, JALAN PJS 11/16,
BANDAR SUNWAY,
46150 PJ, SELANGOR D.E.

TEL : +603-5635 5351

Cost: MYR 150

(USD $ 42)

NOLOGY Silver Spark Plugs

(Honda Part No.: D4YS, Heat Range: 6 - 8) 

Kaitenaz Racing

8, JALAN PJS 11/16,
BANDAR SUNWAY,
46150 PJ, SELANGOR D.E.

TEL : +603-5635 5351

Cost: MYR 240

(USD $ 68.50)

Labor and Installation Charges

8, JALAN PJS 11/16,
BANDAR SUNWAY,
46150 PJ, SELANGOR D.E.

TEL : +603-5635 5351

Cost: MYR 60

(USD $ 17)

This Feature Segment's Total Expenditure:

 MYR 1,308

   (USD $ 372)

Prev Feature: Cooling and Breathing

Next Feature: GREAT SCOTT!, 1.21 Gigawatts!