'90 JC Cosmo - Okinawa!
12-10-15, 11:06 PM
#79
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Of course I could be wrong, and I kinda hope I am because it would be awesome of they light up lol.
12-11-15, 01:12 AM
#80
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Oh yea I'm not saying you shouldn't get one, I definitely think you should, they're severely under rated as in not a lot of people know the importance of them.
And YES, the side skirts are a back lit factory option! They're not super bright and HEY LOOK AT ME! They're pretty muted, but look awesome at night. It's a clear plastic sort like a clear side marker, and with the Cosmo script printed on the lense.
And YES, the side skirts are a back lit factory option! They're not super bright and HEY LOOK AT ME! They're pretty muted, but look awesome at night. It's a clear plastic sort like a clear side marker, and with the Cosmo script printed on the lense.
12-11-15, 07:45 PM
#82
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Oh yea I'm not saying you shouldn't get one, I definitely think you should, they're severely under rated as in not a lot of people know the importance of them.
And YES, the side skirts are a back lit factory option! They're not super bright and HEY LOOK AT ME! They're pretty muted, but look awesome at night. It's a clear plastic sort like a clear side marker, and with the Cosmo script printed on the lense.
And YES, the side skirts are a back lit factory option! They're not super bright and HEY LOOK AT ME! They're pretty muted, but look awesome at night. It's a clear plastic sort like a clear side marker, and with the Cosmo script printed on the lense.
WHAT?! It IS back lit? That's awesome! I thought it was just light shining off it.
12-23-15, 02:39 AM
#83
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Time for another bunched update!
Changed all the fluids earlier this month to include DOT 4 brake fluid. Found out that the Cosmo doesn't bleed brakes like most cars such as having another helper pump and hold the brakes, instead there's an accumulator next the brake master cylinder. All that has to be done is turn on ACC power, give the car a few seconds, then have the helper step on the brakes hold it down once, and then I break open the bleeder valve and the accumulator will continuously pump out brake fluid until I close the bleeder again. Talk about convenient! Plus the DOT 4 fluid seems to have made my initial bite a bit higher in the pedal travel. Either that or getting fresh fluid in there.
Kitty photo bomb!
While I was under the car, I just happened to catch a flash of purple from the side my eye and upon further inspection, I have an Exedy clutch! Never knew it lol.
With the cooler weather out here I decided to give the Cosmo a go at autocross. My current helmet was kind of stinky, and wasn't very comfortable so after a couple hours surfing UpGarage, I scored this nice Arai for a steal. Not too long after, I slapped a mirror'd gold shield on.
Unfortunately, no action pics of the Cosmo as I wasn't taking any pictures, but there were some guys there that got pictures of it stationary I guess
Changed all the fluids earlier this month to include DOT 4 brake fluid. Found out that the Cosmo doesn't bleed brakes like most cars such as having another helper pump and hold the brakes, instead there's an accumulator next the brake master cylinder. All that has to be done is turn on ACC power, give the car a few seconds, then have the helper step on the brakes hold it down once, and then I break open the bleeder valve and the accumulator will continuously pump out brake fluid until I close the bleeder again. Talk about convenient! Plus the DOT 4 fluid seems to have made my initial bite a bit higher in the pedal travel. Either that or getting fresh fluid in there.
Kitty photo bomb!
While I was under the car, I just happened to catch a flash of purple from the side my eye and upon further inspection, I have an Exedy clutch! Never knew it lol.
With the cooler weather out here I decided to give the Cosmo a go at autocross. My current helmet was kind of stinky, and wasn't very comfortable so after a couple hours surfing UpGarage, I scored this nice Arai for a steal. Not too long after, I slapped a mirror'd gold shield on.
Unfortunately, no action pics of the Cosmo as I wasn't taking any pictures, but there were some guys there that got pictures of it stationary I guess
Last edited by LoneStarS30Z; 12-23-15 at 02:43 AM.
12-23-15, 02:40 AM
#84
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So about the actual driving. The course was very small, I was never able to make it out of 2nd gear. The car did great reliability wise, but it definitely showed me it needs some more upgrading, granted this type of driving is out of the norm for it.
Main issue I was having was putting down power. The VLSD is straight garbage, to the point I was questioning if it really had an open diff instead. There were 2 very sharp a slow turns that I had be extremely light on the throttle as too much gas would cause the inside wheel, and the inside wheel only to spin. IT WAS SO ANNOYING. I tried stiffening the rear dampers to hopefully kill some body roll, but it didn't help much. Otherwise the car did great with braking and powering out of the faster turns.
It didn't take long for me to realize this car needs a proper LSD. Luckily I found a Mazdaspeed 2 way here on island for a good price. I really wanted a 1.5 way, but the 2 way was just too convenient to pass up. I've ordered a separate pumpkin from Yahoo Auctions just in case this LSD acts like most harsh 2 ways,. If it does, I'll throw the stock back in and order a 1.5 way. Also, the word on the street is that'll I'll have to switch to using 13B Cosmo output shafts, so also waiting on those to come in also.
A couple days after the event, the GReddy Profec I ordered came in. I bought this to cure the low boost problem I was having. I was only seeing about 5.9 psi, but it was a rock solid 5.9, and I couldn't find any obvious broken hoses or the such.
So I got to working on removing the intake, but hose on the secondary was hard stuck. Managed to twist it off, only to hear it split in 4 pieces! Luckily nothing fell in the turbo's, but I supposed 25 years of heat will do this!
Decided to order a new one from Mazda after coming up empty on the used parts market. Apparently I bought the very LAST intake pipe Mazda has on shelves. Lucky me right?
A week later, the intake pipe showed up, and I got the Profec slapped in and everything back together. Got boost lo set to 8psi, and boost hi set to 12psi. Still working on the settings as the Profec is super finnicky and infinitely adjustable. I'm also trying to tune out the pressure drop in the higher RPM's. It pulls hard after the transition, and slowly drops above 5500rpms. I think the engine is just telling me it wants a single turbo lol. Sorry for the crap iPhone picture.
Found another great deal on a copper Koyo that I couldn't pass up. Been waiting for a used aluminum one to show up, as they're CRAZY expensive brand new. I think this Koyo should do fine for now. Also installed the Samco hoses I had laying around.
That's it for this round. Like I mentioned earlier, waiting for the other pumpkin and out shafts so I can get the 2 way installed. I'm pretty excited for that.
Main issue I was having was putting down power. The VLSD is straight garbage, to the point I was questioning if it really had an open diff instead. There were 2 very sharp a slow turns that I had be extremely light on the throttle as too much gas would cause the inside wheel, and the inside wheel only to spin. IT WAS SO ANNOYING. I tried stiffening the rear dampers to hopefully kill some body roll, but it didn't help much. Otherwise the car did great with braking and powering out of the faster turns.
It didn't take long for me to realize this car needs a proper LSD. Luckily I found a Mazdaspeed 2 way here on island for a good price. I really wanted a 1.5 way, but the 2 way was just too convenient to pass up. I've ordered a separate pumpkin from Yahoo Auctions just in case this LSD acts like most harsh 2 ways,. If it does, I'll throw the stock back in and order a 1.5 way. Also, the word on the street is that'll I'll have to switch to using 13B Cosmo output shafts, so also waiting on those to come in also.
A couple days after the event, the GReddy Profec I ordered came in. I bought this to cure the low boost problem I was having. I was only seeing about 5.9 psi, but it was a rock solid 5.9, and I couldn't find any obvious broken hoses or the such.
So I got to working on removing the intake, but hose on the secondary was hard stuck. Managed to twist it off, only to hear it split in 4 pieces! Luckily nothing fell in the turbo's, but I supposed 25 years of heat will do this!
Decided to order a new one from Mazda after coming up empty on the used parts market. Apparently I bought the very LAST intake pipe Mazda has on shelves. Lucky me right?
A week later, the intake pipe showed up, and I got the Profec slapped in and everything back together. Got boost lo set to 8psi, and boost hi set to 12psi. Still working on the settings as the Profec is super finnicky and infinitely adjustable. I'm also trying to tune out the pressure drop in the higher RPM's. It pulls hard after the transition, and slowly drops above 5500rpms. I think the engine is just telling me it wants a single turbo lol. Sorry for the crap iPhone picture.
Found another great deal on a copper Koyo that I couldn't pass up. Been waiting for a used aluminum one to show up, as they're CRAZY expensive brand new. I think this Koyo should do fine for now. Also installed the Samco hoses I had laying around.
That's it for this round. Like I mentioned earlier, waiting for the other pumpkin and out shafts so I can get the 2 way installed. I'm pretty excited for that.
Last edited by LoneStarS30Z; 12-23-15 at 02:46 AM.
01-19-16, 02:54 AM
#85
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Alright, new update.
Finally got the boost controller dialed in. Aimed for 12 psi on high boost and it usually maxes out consistently between 11.6-12.0 psi. It pulls like a freight train, that 3rd rotor torque is amazing!
Also, I got a bit tired of the Defi bluetooth set up. It worked great, but a couple of things were annoying me. First being was that my phone was sometimes bluetooth stupid, and I'd have to turn the bluetooth on and off to get the phone to connect to the Defi box. The box and the app worked FLAWLESSLY, but my phone was letting me down. That, plus it was getting to be annoying having to back out of the app to change music, because I'd have to reconnect to the box when backing out.
So one day, my friend mentioned how he just installed his Defi Advance ZD, and I was like WTF man I've been trying to sell mine for months. Then it hit me, why am I not using my BNIB ZD?! Initially I had wrote it off because it didn't read boost, but the GReddy Profec reads boost big as day. So with a little messing around, the ZD is installed!
I actually prefer this set up as everything is centralized, and no screwing around with my my phone. The ZD blocks the speedo and tach a bit, but the important parts are visible.
Then the big news, I finally got my under body braces back from Australia! These things are seriously rare, like Yeti fist fighting Big Foot rare. So when I bought them around last July, I had them sent straight a good friend of mine, and fellow Cosmo owner who had connections that could get the braces scanned and reproduced.
Took some time, but got them installed! I really want my own lift.
That's it for this time. The other big news is that I found out I actually needed a pumpkin and axles from a 13B Cosmo to install my Mazdaspeed LSD. After a month or so of coming up empty trying to find a junked 13B Cossie, I finally found one locally that another Cosmo guy bought to cannibalize. So score! I should have the LSD installed by the end of the month!
Finally got the boost controller dialed in. Aimed for 12 psi on high boost and it usually maxes out consistently between 11.6-12.0 psi. It pulls like a freight train, that 3rd rotor torque is amazing!
Also, I got a bit tired of the Defi bluetooth set up. It worked great, but a couple of things were annoying me. First being was that my phone was sometimes bluetooth stupid, and I'd have to turn the bluetooth on and off to get the phone to connect to the Defi box. The box and the app worked FLAWLESSLY, but my phone was letting me down. That, plus it was getting to be annoying having to back out of the app to change music, because I'd have to reconnect to the box when backing out.
So one day, my friend mentioned how he just installed his Defi Advance ZD, and I was like WTF man I've been trying to sell mine for months. Then it hit me, why am I not using my BNIB ZD?! Initially I had wrote it off because it didn't read boost, but the GReddy Profec reads boost big as day. So with a little messing around, the ZD is installed!
I actually prefer this set up as everything is centralized, and no screwing around with my my phone. The ZD blocks the speedo and tach a bit, but the important parts are visible.
Then the big news, I finally got my under body braces back from Australia! These things are seriously rare, like Yeti fist fighting Big Foot rare. So when I bought them around last July, I had them sent straight a good friend of mine, and fellow Cosmo owner who had connections that could get the braces scanned and reproduced.
Took some time, but got them installed! I really want my own lift.
That's it for this time. The other big news is that I found out I actually needed a pumpkin and axles from a 13B Cosmo to install my Mazdaspeed LSD. After a month or so of coming up empty trying to find a junked 13B Cossie, I finally found one locally that another Cosmo guy bought to cannibalize. So score! I should have the LSD installed by the end of the month!
Last edited by LoneStarS30Z; 01-19-16 at 02:57 AM.
02-27-16, 02:05 PM
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Time for another periodic update.
Big news, I FINALLY know where the military is taking me next....back to my first base in Tucson, Arizona!
I'm both bummed and excited about it. I really wanted to stay overseas, like I would have sold my left nut bad, but on the flip side I still have lots a good friends in Arizona. Plus between Cali, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, I'm spoiled for choice on tracks. Can't complain about that.
So since I knew where I was finally going, I got to searching for a daily for myself. Stumbled across this great looking FB on craigslist. Turned out to be very close to a friend of mine and I had him check it out. Long story short, it's now mine! '85 GSL-SE which looked to be in good shape for it's age and mileage.
I wasted no time buying parts for this thing. Currently I have a set of 16x7 +25 16X8 +25 Watanabe's ordered and on the way to the car. Along with a Koyo radiator, Racing Beat silicone hoses, and Project Kics R40 lug nuts to compliment the Wat's.
Back to the Cosmo.
I finally snatched the 13B diff out of the junked Cosmo that was being parted, and had a local shop install the LSD for me. Pictured here is the 13B diff on the left, 20B on the right.
On the outside, they're identical, but on the inside is where things chang. The output shafts on the 13B are smaller than the 20B's, allowing me to use a Mazdaspeed 2-way made to fit a FC or FD's diff. The gearing is also shorter, giving a small bump in acceleration versus the longer ratio on the 20B diff.
I haven't properly driven the car hard with the diff in yet, but fooling around a few times trying to get used to it, it feels great ofcourse having a true LSD over the "meh, I'll lock when I feel like it" VLSD that was taken out. Also the Mazdaspeed 2-ways seemed to have a reputation of being more street friendly and less chatty than say a Kaaz or Cusco, and so far I can reconfirm those statements. I added some of Amsoil's Slip Lock Gear Additive, which is designed to quit down chatter, and so far it works like a charm.
Also managed to find a good deal on spark plug wires to rid of myself of the tired and ugly stocks ones.
I know I've got some severe color clashing going on, but I will eventually redo the grounding cables in a more neutral color, and change my radiator hoses, as I originally ordered them in black!
With my impending departure from Japan, I decided I needed to pick up the pace on converting my interior to black as I know shipping would absolutely destroy on me on some of the bigger items.
So far, I've gotten the center console and entire rear seat set delivered, along with a few odds and ends that I'm waiting to install when the dash shows up. I've got the center console and back seat in, I'm just waiting on door cards and the dash to be delivered.
Hard to tell form this picture, but the rear seats compliments the Recaro's a million times better. The beige interior was very gentleman like, but this black leather is so classy! Unfortunately it's damn hard finding black carpet and black headliner and such for this things. So looks like i'll be rocking a super sweet black and beige interior for a bit, cold be worse!
Lastly, went to a get together tonight which is usually the huge end of the month meet, but the weather was garbage. A group of us round eyes got met up in an arcade parking garage. Here's a video one of the GT-R guys took of the meet, I'm in there a few times. Enjoy!
Big news, I FINALLY know where the military is taking me next....back to my first base in Tucson, Arizona!
I'm both bummed and excited about it. I really wanted to stay overseas, like I would have sold my left nut bad, but on the flip side I still have lots a good friends in Arizona. Plus between Cali, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, I'm spoiled for choice on tracks. Can't complain about that.
So since I knew where I was finally going, I got to searching for a daily for myself. Stumbled across this great looking FB on craigslist. Turned out to be very close to a friend of mine and I had him check it out. Long story short, it's now mine! '85 GSL-SE which looked to be in good shape for it's age and mileage.
I wasted no time buying parts for this thing. Currently I have a set of 16x7 +25 16X8 +25 Watanabe's ordered and on the way to the car. Along with a Koyo radiator, Racing Beat silicone hoses, and Project Kics R40 lug nuts to compliment the Wat's.
Back to the Cosmo.
I finally snatched the 13B diff out of the junked Cosmo that was being parted, and had a local shop install the LSD for me. Pictured here is the 13B diff on the left, 20B on the right.
On the outside, they're identical, but on the inside is where things chang. The output shafts on the 13B are smaller than the 20B's, allowing me to use a Mazdaspeed 2-way made to fit a FC or FD's diff. The gearing is also shorter, giving a small bump in acceleration versus the longer ratio on the 20B diff.
I haven't properly driven the car hard with the diff in yet, but fooling around a few times trying to get used to it, it feels great ofcourse having a true LSD over the "meh, I'll lock when I feel like it" VLSD that was taken out. Also the Mazdaspeed 2-ways seemed to have a reputation of being more street friendly and less chatty than say a Kaaz or Cusco, and so far I can reconfirm those statements. I added some of Amsoil's Slip Lock Gear Additive, which is designed to quit down chatter, and so far it works like a charm.
Also managed to find a good deal on spark plug wires to rid of myself of the tired and ugly stocks ones.
I know I've got some severe color clashing going on, but I will eventually redo the grounding cables in a more neutral color, and change my radiator hoses, as I originally ordered them in black!
With my impending departure from Japan, I decided I needed to pick up the pace on converting my interior to black as I know shipping would absolutely destroy on me on some of the bigger items.
So far, I've gotten the center console and entire rear seat set delivered, along with a few odds and ends that I'm waiting to install when the dash shows up. I've got the center console and back seat in, I'm just waiting on door cards and the dash to be delivered.
Hard to tell form this picture, but the rear seats compliments the Recaro's a million times better. The beige interior was very gentleman like, but this black leather is so classy! Unfortunately it's damn hard finding black carpet and black headliner and such for this things. So looks like i'll be rocking a super sweet black and beige interior for a bit, cold be worse!
Lastly, went to a get together tonight which is usually the huge end of the month meet, but the weather was garbage. A group of us round eyes got met up in an arcade parking garage. Here's a video one of the GT-R guys took of the meet, I'm in there a few times. Enjoy!
Last edited by LoneStarS30Z; 02-27-16 at 02:09 PM.
02-28-16, 10:40 AM
#87
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All I can say is appreciate the memories. I REALLY regret not putting Okinawa on my dream sheet. Everyone who I've met who's been stationed there said they loved it. They definitely worked their asses off, but the return was worth it. You can imagine how jealous you've made everyone by not only experiencing Japan's culture(cars and people) but also building the Unicorn of the rotaries in the process. The best of luck to you during your PCS to Tucson. Are you taking the Cosmo with you? I think last I read you hadn't decided. Might as well use that free vehicle shipping with your PCS to your full advantage.
02-28-16, 12:59 PM
#88
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Thanks, although there's a decent amount of things I won't miss about this place, there's a ton of other things I will definitely be longing for when I'm gone. Not just Okinawa, but the Japanese culture as a whole. It's going to take a while to get used to being in America again, which is pretty sad in itself.
The Cosmo is definitely coming along with me. I was on the fence about keeping it many times, but it really does respond great to modifications. Nothing like spanking on FD's with this big ol' speed boat.
The Cosmo is definitely coming along with me. I was on the fence about keeping it many times, but it really does respond great to modifications. Nothing like spanking on FD's with this big ol' speed boat.
06-20-16, 01:27 AM
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Well not too much more in the way of changes. I finally got black doors cards and a black dash installed. Big news though is the car is finally on its way to America!
06-22-16, 03:13 AM
#93
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The track bug is going to bite me for sure, and I loved the crap out of my S2000 when I had one before the Cosmo, it was the most reliable sports car I've ever owned. But we'll see though, if the Cosmo kicks *** on the track like I think it can it could change my mind once again lol.
Just figured a S2000 would be a much more capable weapon, especially in supercharged form. I would hate losing the uniqueness of the Cosmo though.
Edit: And now here I am on S2Ki catching feels for some of the nicer ones, lol!
Just figured a S2000 would be a much more capable weapon, especially in supercharged form. I would hate losing the uniqueness of the Cosmo though.
Edit: And now here I am on S2Ki catching feels for some of the nicer ones, lol!
Last edited by LoneStarS30Z; 06-22-16 at 03:47 AM.
06-24-16, 04:24 AM
#95
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I think I know who you're talking about. Paint color is similar to mine, says 3 ROTOR on the plates?
Yep there's a handful of us in the States now. A few folks beat me to the lunch on getting theirs imported.
Yep there's a handful of us in the States now. A few folks beat me to the lunch on getting theirs imported.
