Almex YSA Wheels


I've been looking for the right set of wheels to replace the steel ones on the Fairlady and only until last Sunday did I get to buy the perfect set for my roadster. I bought a set of old school Almex YSA wheels for just P7,000 (from P8,500) from Abel Tire Supply Shop along 20th Avenue. I'd say that's quite a bargain considering the wheels are quite rare and have only been refurbished about a month ago. I really like the "Iron Cross" design plus the Black color with silver trim. It definitely makes it more "kick-ass."


The wheels are made in Japan by "Yokohama Rubber" as posted at the back. It's light as well. Here are the specifications: 14" x 5.5" PCD 114. The front wheels have been balanced and a 1/4" spacer was installed at the front hubs (included in the price) to correct the spacing between the wheels and hub. The spacers did widen the track a bit by half an inch. The good thing was I didn't have to buy a new set of tires as I just used the ones I had on the stock steel wheels.



I've been driving the Fairlady for a few days now and I can say that handling and ride comfort have improved. Steering pressure is much lighter.


All in all, the Almex YSA wheels were definitely a very good find! And the roadster looks meaner indeed.

Restoration Update: Engine Overhaul Finally Finished!


About three weeks ago, I finally got Project Time Machine from R and R where the R16 engine was overhauled. Here's the list of things done during and after the engine overhaul:




1. New Main Engine Bearings
2. New Connecting Rod Bearings
3. New Piston Pin Bushings
4. New Piston Rings
5. New Timing Chain
6. New Intake and Exhaust Valves
7. New Valve Seals
8. New Gaskets
9. New Fuel Pump



10. New Hight Tension Wires
11. New Distributor Cap
12. New Contact Point
13. New Condenser
14. New Ignition Coil (Hitachi)



15. New Fan Belt
16. New Engine Supports
17. New Spark Plugs
18. Head and Block Test
19. Crankshaft Polishing
20. Gas Tank Cleaning
21. Brake and Clutch Fluid Flushing
22. Adjust Rear Brake Drums
23. Trunk Rustproofing



24. New Fuel Hose
25. Cleaned Fuel Filter and Fuel Line
26. Installed Jamex Air Socks



27. New Alternator Mount Bracket



28. New Carburetor Linkage Springs and Brackets


29. New Camshaft Bearings
30. New Piston Sleeves

And (31.) a kick-ass set of newly refurbished (14" PCD 114 Offset 5.5") old-school wheels by Almex (Yokohama Tire Co.) - Model YSA (Made in Japan)



I spent the first two weeks troubleshooting the carburetor backfire and engine stalling issues. I thought it was a failing ignition coil, but I eventually found out that the culprit was a badly degraded and deformed fuel hose in the gas tank, which was disrupting the fuel pressure into the Mikuni Type T carburetors.



Now the only issue is that the Type T's are running a bit rich. I'll have to have them tuned (pilot jets may need to be resized).