Modding My 2001 Rav4

Lately I've been thinking about what I can do to modify the Rav4. Part of the credit (or blame) goes to my officemates.

One of them is selling a 3S-GE BEAMS engine. Without getting too technical, that engine can fit in the Rav4 and produces about 180HP on an automatic transmission. Imagine what more you can get out of it if you can upgrade the air intake, air filter, headers, and exhaust.

I certainly can't think of an engine swap without first making sure the brakes and suspension can handle the extra power and torque. I was thinking of upgrading to coilovers so I can adjust how high or how low the Rav will stand. It can also help with how firm or how soft the damping is. That means for daily driving I can go with the stock ride height and softer damping, and when I want to track the Rav I can lower the ride height and stiffen the shocks for better handling.

Braking is also important. I don't know what kind of brake upgrade I can install, but I definitely want to make sure the stock brakes can at least handle the stopping needs. If I have to upgrade it has to be a reliable and safe braking system. I wish Brembo made GT Kits for the Rav, alas it doesn't. I won't put any experimental braking system on the car. My best bet would be sports discs and better gripping brake pads. And of course, steel braided brake lines.

I was also thinking of upgrading the interior. A new sound system with improved speakers would be a nice start. Then replace both front seats with sports or racing seats to make the car lighter. Possibly upgrade the front seat belts also without sacrificing the ability to sit in the back row.

Of course all of these upgrades are purely theoretical. I don't have the financial freedom to do any of the above mentioned. However, I can always dream and keep a plan in mind in case I find some spare cash to modify my car. I mean, my Mom's car that I always use.

Out.

319 - 325/365 - Lack of Inspiration

Much like my lack of practice with the Wacom pen & tablet, I also am lacking inspiration to blog lately. Maybe because I never imagined how draining it would be to try to blog once a day.

My project 365 isn't about blogging anyway. It's about taking a picture a day. So I shouldn't fret about my lack of blogging. However, I do find it relaxing to blog once in a while.

My biggest issue now with blogging is censoring myself. Of course I don't want to spill the most personal details of my life. I also have no desire to complain about work online, since anything I post online can be used against me by potential employers.

So now here I am, creating a post, lacking inspiration.

I honestly want to blog about a lot of things, I just can't because they're too personal.

Out.

Dunno if I got a picture of this before

Maica's mushroom and cheese omelette

My coffee stash at home

Some of my sources of inspiration

I want to try this dish featured on Food Network Asia

Is that a jeepney?

Macro of a kalamansi

316, 317, 318/365 - Problems

My early legos used this piece as a walkie talkie

Giving my Rav4 a 45-point check-up

Martina's pet sunflower

I've got a couple of problems nagging me right now. Stuff I'd rather not blog about here. One relatively personal problem I sort of vented already to one of my best friends.

I just needed to let loose some steam, because I didn't want that problem to blow out of proportions.

Out.

312 - 315/365 - Backstabbing

Travis

Martina's toys. Lots of toys.

PS3 revival. It still works - just not the bluray drive.

Okilidokily.

Backstabbing. So frustrating.

I don't mind getting lambasted, insulted, or yelled at. As long as a) it is warranted and b) it is done to my face.

What really pisses me off is when a person smiles at me then I hear from someone else that they were thinking otherwise. Why couldn't they just say it face-to-face? Or at least directly via SMS, e-mail, or handwritten letter. Why do I have to hear about it from someone else.

Sad.

Out.

308 - 311/365 - Bittersweet Week

My cheap tablet protector - cut up acetate

Giving away my Kobe Vs

(L to R): Ben, Chuchay, Pines, Karl, and myself

This Sto. Niño has been guarding my room since I was a baby

It has been a very bittersweet week. There were high highs, and there were low lows. I'd rather not talk about the really personal ones. Something about letting the internet know my deepest thoughts might cost me potential employment. So I will just focus on one bittersweet topic.

Last Saturday, May 17, 2014, I met up with Karl and Jona for a farewell reunion. They are finally migrating to Canada sometime this month. This was one of the last chances I have to see them. Little did they know that fate had other plans for our mini-reunion.

I had told Ben last Monday or Tuesday that Karl and family were leaving. He was also surprised since Karl apparently forgot to tell both of us his plans. Anyway, I informed Ben that I'd be meeting up with Karl this Saturday. One or two days later Ben tells me that he's coming to Manila with his wife and daughter. On Saturday. Perfect.

I told him not to tell Karl that he was coming here. And thus I set up a surprise reunion in SM Mall of Asia. I was sort of surprised I pulled it off. Karl and Jona were caught unaware, but were very happy and surprised when Ben showed up.

Long story short, we had a great time. I will be honest though, I've been feeling down too. I've known Karl for 10 years, and I was one of the best men in his wedding. The other? Ben. We've been best buds since first or second year college (third or fourth for me since I transferred to AdeNU).

I guess this is what it feels like when you know one of your friends is going away and you possibly won't be seeing him for a long time. I saw a similar scenario play out a few years ago when one of my other good friends, Third, left for Australia. Chito was his best friend and I could see the pain and happiness in his body language the day Third left.

Now it's my turn to experience it.

Out.