DTA (UK)

Hi there! Turned on the PC yesterday and after about 2 minutes a dialogue box came up asking if I want to download a Java update (I was working in Dreamweaver at the time). Clicked OK and after about 7 minutes another box appeared stating that the installation of "J2SE Runtime Environment 5 Update 6" was complete. Didn't think much of it at the time. Later on during the day I started noticing that opening applications was taking longer than normal. Also, when browsing the Internet pages were much slower to open. Performed all the virus and spyware scans I normally do on a weekly basis (McAfee Anti-virus & anti-spyware, Spybot Search & Destroy & Webroot Spysweeper). Nothing was found (took about 3 hours to complete all the scans). I then had a look in the "Add and Remove Programs" section of the Control Panel and found two instances of the "J2SE Runtime Environment 5" - one was update 3 (117Mb) and the other update 6 (119Mb). I've also looked at the memory usage and cpu load and both are well within their limits. Also looked at the programmes in the startup sequence and there is nothing there to suggest it should be running slow. Here's the relevant spec of the PC: AMD64 3500+ 2Gb RAM 2x 160Mb SATA HDD HIS Excalibur ICE-II X800XT ATI 256Mb Windows XP Pro (SP2) 2Mb aDSL Broadband (Nildram) Now here is the weird bit. If I first log-on to the PC using my wife's settings and then log-off and log-on using my settings there is no problem and everything is much quicker ... I'm not a PC genius so any pointers would be much appreciated! Cheers! Dan

That looks very good indeed! Guess LED technology has moved on a bit ... Thanks for the pics! Dan

:confused: Well, this is indeed very strange. Until further notice I'm suspending all sales of the 100W H3 Xtreme White Xenon bulbs. I invite anyone who's having similar trouble with them to get in touch with me. I'm investigating this problem with the bulb supplier and will post up any findings. I apologise to anyone who's having problems with these bulbs. Please get in touch and I'll do my best to sort things out with you. All the best, Dan

Has the car been standing outside in the rain? If so perhaps you've got some dodgy door/window seal which is letting water trickle in. Hope you find out what the problem is Vijay! Regards, Dan

Hi Tony, Let me know how the comparison test goes - I'd be very interested in the results! Danny

I haven't been to one of these for years! Unfortunately I won't be there either for this coming meet but perhaps later on in the year. Have fun though and if you're planning on eating at the carvery book your table early! Dan

Ok - as promised, I've done some digging around and found the before and after pics I was talking about earlier. To be completely honest, the "before" pics are of the 100W H3 Halogen bulbs I had been running for over two years (so not the stock 55W bulbs). Still the difference is very clear. The "after" pic was taken the following day after I had cleaned the headlights and realigned the lights. Before (100W H3 HALOGEN): After (100W H3 Xtreme White XENON - non HID): As you can see the difference is quite significant. In case you're wondering, the new bulbs had been converted to H3C to fit my JDM ZX TT. My investigation has only just begun but I will post up any useful information once I've had a chance to verify/duplicate the current problems. All the best, Dan

Just out of curiosity, don't you find that the tail/stop light bulbs project a circular pattern on the rear light? I tried similar bulbs but found them to be too "directional" if that makes any sense. Normal bulbs cast a far wider spread of light whereas the LEDs are very "defined". Dan

Hmmmm ... this is very odd. I've personally installed the upgraded 100W H3 bulbs into my JDM TT and have found the difference (compared to stock 55W H3 bulbs) to be significant. I have a lot more light on the road now and it is a hell of a lot brighter. I've got some "before-n-after" pics somewhere - I'll post them up when I find them. I too have cleaned the inside of the light units and it did make a difference althought prior to cleaning the light units the increase in brightness was just about as good. Can't really understand why both Bird and Tony have had problems with these as I have sold quite a few of these to people who have raved about the results ... Very odd indeed. Dan

That's very usefull Dave - thanks for that. :) An additional note (if I may ...); If you have purchased a lightened under drive pulley or indeed a whole set of lightened pulleys, you will require non-standard belts (usually available at the time of purchase). Standard belts will be too big and cause slipping (= squeeling). Dan

Hi Si, Your new A'PEXi will outperform the K&N one by miles! It has a far higher flow-through rate and superiour filtration. Although BHP increase is marginal it will allow the engine to breath more freely, thus allowing other modifications (ie boost controler, exhaust, etc) to extract more BHP out of the engine. Cheers! Dan

Hi Lee, I'm sorry you're having difficulties with the bulbs I supplied. From my own experience (and feedback received from six fellow ZX owners who are now running these bulbs) the difference is quite significant (in a positive sense, of course) and none of them have experienced the problems you are having. As I said on the phone to you last night I expect you are suffering from a lack of voltage at the bulbs and now that I've seen the pics I also suspect that (a) the bulbs aren't seated correctly and (b) the inside of the lights are dirty. Particularly point (b) will have a drastic effect on the amount of light leaving the headlights. Even if you'd install an HID kit you wouldn't see much improvement. See if you can sort out what has already been suggested here and then get back to me. The bulbs are fit for purpose and do exactly what they say on the "tin". Good luck, Dan

Yep, the A/C control is infact a Series 1 unit ... Series 2 have directional vent control, etc.

Mike, None of the kits on the market have this facility build in as it is a feature of the 300ZX. You'll need to modify some of the electrics to allow dip beam to remain on when switching on the main beam. Dan

Mark, Make sure that your truck isn't utilising a 24V electrical system (like many trucks, SUVs, etc do these days). A 12V ballast won't be any good to you. Dan PS - if the flea-bay seller doesn't do 24V ballasts you can always get the HID kits from me ;) We do both 12V and 24V systems.

Hi guys, Funny that this thread should pop up just as I'm finalising plans on bringing in three Carbing front strut braces! These really are the best you can get and are designed to fit perfectly under the bonnet. I do believe you need to remove the central throttle cover plate but you can get aftermarket ones with the appropriate cutouts to replace it. These aren't cheap and will cost around £230-£250 delivered. Also, they are perpetually out of stock at the manufacturer's in Japan hence the reason I'm importing three (one for myself and two to sell on). If anyone wants one please act very quickly as the order is being finalised this Wednesday. Payment must be received by then as well as the transaction is being completed via international bank transfer directly to Japan and I currently can't afford to pay for all three plus shipping/import duty/vat up front. A pic has been attached below. Regards, Dan

Bugger, that's what I meant ... vac hose, not electrical wire. Sorry - I was in the process of wiring up some equipment just before I posted that response. I've edited it now ... Cheers! Danny

These really do make a difference to the brake pedal "feel", ie it firms up the pedal due to decreased flex in the firewall but it does not increase your braking performance (ie shorter stopping distance). The ones we do are a straight bolt on item and comes with full fitting instructions and fixing bolts/washers. It is also adjustable so that if things do move around you can still adjust the brace to provide optimum performance. Our item is priced at £25 inclusive of postage. HTH Dan PS - I've just had a quick look at the ebay item and on first appearance it seems (a) a bit flimsy and (b) it has two parts which means there is an increased likelyhood of flex. I'm sure it's a well researched item and the above is just IMHO.

Hi Rob, If it is indeed Dutch then it will most likely originate from the northern end of the country - for example, from the province "Friesland". Cheers! Danny

Hi Lee, I know we've just spoken on the phone and I'm sorting out the bulbs but for everyone elses reference: UK Spec cars: Dip beam (circular lens): H3 Main beam (rectangular lens): H1 J-Spec cars: Dip beam: H3C Main beam: H1 Fog light: H3 My prices are: H1/H3 55W (standard spec): £11/pair H1/H3 100W (uprated): £14/pair plus £1.50 postage Conversion on H3 bulbs to fit J-Spec cars: £5/pair Foglight bulb will require minor modification to the spade connector Speak soon mate. Dan

Hello Rob! Welcome to the Forum - I'm sure you'll find there's a wealth of information on here! By the way "Grouwstra" sounds Dutch? Are you by chance, like me, from the Low Lands? Cheers! Dan

Legrath is right. Our Interpower HID kits retail for £250 to subscribed members of this forum (£285 for all others) and I also sell uprated bulbs. These typically retail for £12 - £14 per pair. Dan

Yes, normal H3 bulbs will fit your UK car. If you don't fancy paying Halfraud prices for uprated H3 bulbs then give me a shout - I can now supply an array of bulbs - check out the bulb thread in the DTA section of the Traders Forum for prices. To get to your dipped beam bulbs: 1. twist the plastic cover ring counter clockwise to undo it (should only be half a twist) 2. pull back the rubber cover, this will expose the actual light bulb housing 3. there is a spring clip which you'll need to undo by pushing on the small metal lever and then pulling it to the side 4. you'll now be able to pull out the bulb 5. disconnect the spade connector from the wiringloom connector and insert the spade connector from your new H3 bulb 6. reassemble the light in reverse order It can be a fiddly job, especially on the passenger side of the car but definitely possible - you just need patience! Hope this helps! Danny

OK will do! Wish your daughter a happy birthday and happy new year to you all! Regards, Danny