LONGTERMER #3, Vol 9: Proton Waja 1.6 4G18(A)

In this blog entry, I'm updating my daily ride, Proton Waja 4G18 (A) 2001. This is the 9th update and happened to be my 1st year anniversary owning this car.

Yes, I bought this car from my Uncle exactly 1 year ago.  Mileage bought 128,548km.  Mileage now is 138,686km (more on that later).  Averaged 845km per month only.

This 2 months is a "BUSY" Month and lots of happenings for my Waja.

Firstly, on Mid May, I finally changed my brake pads.  The brand is "BESTFORMBRAKES" Ceramic NAO (Non Asbestos something).  I bought it from a Lowyat Forummer at RM70 only (reflected in my last update).  See photos below:


Then, on 10 July 2012, I changed my front tyres from Goodyear NCT5 to Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max 195/55R15.  I paid RM210 per tyre (Ie. RM420 total).  This includes free 4 tyre valves and balancing which is good deal in my book. Though the tyres' manufactured in 4411 (week 44, 2011).  I changed the tyres at "Chuan Ann Auto (Sunwaymas) Sdn,Bhd.  It's a Goodyear Dealer (listed in Goodyear Malaysia).  See photos below:

Above 2 photos: Old Goodyear NCT5.  Notice the wear on the sides.  It's my fault, didn't check tyre pressure regularly.

On 11 July, I send my Waja for round 1 dyno at RS Dynotune Puchong. The result: 98.6hp@6000rpm (80.4whp) and a pathetic 126Nm @ 5000rpm of torque. Round 2 to follows 2 days later as I have something in store.  RM100 for 2 runs. (see photos below)



The next day (12 July) was my 1st year anniversary owning the Waja. I treat the Waja for an ECU Reflash called "Killer Rom Ultimate" (see photos below). Being a 2001 car, the Waja needs to be stripped off the Centre console to reach the ECU (the "flasher" said 2003 model don't need).  See photos below:



Above: Mileage during ECU Reflash.

The Cost: RM850 poorer.   The Effect: Rev cut at 7500rpm, speed cut 190km/h removed, car feels lighter, rev happier, reaches 110km/h faster and lastly more fun to drive.

But 1 day later, 13 July, round 2 dyno shows disappointment.  The Waja have great improvement in Max hp (Now 102.7hp@6000rpm (90.2whp). Slight increase at crank hp but WHOOPING 9.8whp increased in whp (wheel hp). But and a big but, torque was relatively Unchanged.  Still 126Nm with same rev at 5000rpm. I was so pissed of the outcome that I called "the flasher" demanding for answer.  He said the torque was LIMITED BY YOUR AUTOMATIC GEARBOX. Now I wish someone can reprogram the gearbox as well.

All is not lost, the drivability is there and FC Increased by leaps and bounds too. Previously 110km = 1/3 tank gone. As I'm typing this, 110km, the fuel gauge only moved by 0.2cm (ie. dropped 0.2cm from full tank). Here's hoping I can reach 600km per 60 litre full tank VS 420km averaged previously.

Without further ado, let's proceed to LOGBOOK:

Mileage last update: 136,933km
Mileage may to June: 897km

Mileage June: 137,830km (pic below)

Mileage July: 138686km (pic below)

Mileage June to July: 856km

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

ALL TIME:
BEST: 12.8km/l. 100% highway driving (to Penang). 700km per full tank.
WORST: 6.85km/l 100% City driving. 2 hours KL traffic jam. Mere 342km per full tank.


LAST 2 months:

Best: 8.65km/l

Worst: 7.6km/l

Performance:
0-100km/h 12.9 secs (slight downhill and 13.3 secs flat road before ECU Reflash. 11.1 secs (after reflash)


EXPENSES:

June:
1) Ambi pur (9.90 @ Tesco)
2) Parking: RM45
3) Workmanship for Brake pads: RM30 (Ah Choy @ Jln Block C, Happy Mansion, Jln 17/13)
4) Fuel: RM237 (Once Shell, else Esso).
5) Toll: RM15 (estimate)
Total: RM319.90

July

1) New tyres. Goodyear Assurance Fuel max: RM420 (210x2)
2) DYNO Runs: RM100
3) ECU Reflash: RM850
4) Fuel: RM190 (Esso all the way)
5) Parking: RM50 (averaged RM2 per day, 4 days/week MPPJ parking plus some shopping mall parking charges)
6) Toll: RM15 (estimate)
Total: WHOOPING RM1,645.

Before I go, here's a parting shot:

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry, an original Jeff Lim's production.  Not to be copied without credits or links.  See you on 15 September for the next update.