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Gearbox Meltdown & Chinese Takeout Article

Gearbox Meltdown & Chinese Takeout

A Landcruiser Adventure in CoonabarabranPicture this: cruising down the dusty outback highway, the sun blazing, a belly full of adrenaline from a weekend of racing at Bathurst. Then, a frantic call over the UHF shatters the serenity. My mates in the car behind are being showered in a geyser of oil, and the air is thick with the unmistakable stench of mechanical failure.Yep, my trusty 1988 Landcruiser had sprung a leak. A big one. The gearbox, after 510,000 kilometers of loyal service, had finally decided to give up the ghost in spectacular fashion. All forward and reverse gears refused to engage, leaving us stranded on the side of the road like a beached whale. RACQ to the rescue! The Landcruiser was unceremoniously towed to Coonabarabran, where it would languish in a dusty impound lot until I could arrange transport back to Brisbane. Defeated but not deterred, we checked into a motel and headed straight for the nearest source of comfort: a classic small-town Chinese restaurant conveniently located a mere 10 meters from our doorstep.Over a feast of spring rolls, sweet and sour pork, and copious amounts of Crown Lager (the peak of 90s Aussie sophistication), we pondered the fate of my gearbox. It was a victim of wear and tear, exacerbated by the relentless heat of the outback. Clearly, a cooler was in order. The Quest for a Solution: From Expensive Rebuilds to Shed-Find GoldGetting the Landcruiser back to Brisbane was going to cost an arm and a leg. The idea of a full gearbox rebuild was equally daunting, with quotes pushing $8,000. Time for some bargain hunting!After weeks of scouring online marketplaces, a glimmer of hope appeared: an original auto gearbox from a wrecked Landcruiser with only 70,000km on the clock, languishing in a shed in Canungra for the past 28 years. A quick road trip later, and I was the proud owner of a near-new gearbox for a mere $1,000. Score one for the tight-fisted adventurer!Preventative Measures: Enter the PWR Transmission CoolerWith a new gearbox in place, it was time to take preventative measures. I wasn't keen on another roadside breakdown.After extensive research, I settled on a PWR transmission cooler. These guys are the real deal, supplying cooling solutions to everyone from weekend warriors to Formula 1 teams. Their coolers are designed and tested right here in Queensland, so you know they can handle the Aussie heat.The Installation: A Breeze Compared to the Turbo DebacleThankfully, installing the cooler was a walk in the park. It's a simple aluminum heat exchanger that mounts in front of the radiator, allowing the gearbox oil to shed some of that excess heat.The Results: Cooler, Calmer, and Ready for More AdventuresThe PWR cooler has made a noticeable difference. The gearbox runs cooler, and the gear selector no longer feels like it's about to melt through the floor. I'm still keen to add some proper temperature monitoring to get a more accurate picture of how it performs under load.The Verdict: A Worthy Investment for Any LandcruiserThe PWR transmission cooler is a well-made, effective piece of kit that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any Landcruiser owner. It's a small investment that could save you a lot of heartache (and towing fees) down the road.So, if you're planning on tackling the outback or just want to give your gearbox a fighting chance, consider adding a PWR cooler to your arsenal. And if you happen to find yourself stranded in Coonabarabran, be sure to check out the Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant. You won't regret it. Link: PWR Transmission Coolers   * this is not affiliated or endorsed by PWR. I just thought its bloody good and wanted to share for other passionate 60 Series owners. 

Scott
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Kinugawa Turbo: Outback-Tested, Wallet-Approved Upgrade for your 12HT Article

Kinugawa Turbo: Outback-Tested, Wallet-Approved Upgrade for your 12HT

After 32 years and half a million kilometers, my 1988 Landcruiser's factory CT26 turbo finally cried 'enough.' It had endured scorching heat, torrential rain, treacherous water crossings, and enough dust to bury a small village. It had, quite frankly, earned a long and luxurious retirement in a turbocharger nursing home.Now, most sane individuals would simply replace the old turbo with a like-for-like unit and call it a day. But, as any Landcruiser owner knows, sanity is a luxury we can ill afford. So, the idea of squeezing a bit more oomph out of this brick-on-wheels started to percolate in my mind. A bit more grunt, a bit more go, a bit more... well, you get the idea.**Disclaimer:** I'm not a mechanic, an engineer, or even remotely qualified to offer advice on turbochargers. This is simply a chronicle of my own experience, fueled by equal parts curiosity and a stubborn refusal to follow the herd. So, armchair experts, holster your keyboards and prepare to be mildly entertained (or possibly infuriated).The Gospel: An Echo Chamber of PraiseMy quest for a replacement turbo began with a deep dive into the murky depths of the internet. And everywhere I turned, one name kept popping up and it wasn't Kinugawa. Now, there's plenty of fine products on the market. The endless chorus of "just get a ..." started to grate on my nerves. Where were the real-world experiences? The tales of DIY installations and honest performance assessments? It seemed everyone was simply parroting the same advice without any personal experience to back it up. It was always on a mates car, never their own. With most suggested options starting at $3k, I figured it couldn't hurt to be that test dummy. Enter the KinugawaIn my search for alternatives, I stumbled upon Kinugawa. Once again, the internet naysayers were quick to dismiss. I've learned to be wary of online echo chambers. So, I took a gamble and pulled the trigger on a Kinugawa CT26-GT3071R upgrade.Why, you might ask, would I trust a turbocharger that was universally panned by the keyboard warriors? Well, let's just say I have a history of embracing the underdog. Plus, I've seen these turbos take a serious beating in drift cars. If they can handle limiter-bashing abuse on a 40-degree day at Queensland Raceway, surely they can handle the leisurely pace of my Landcruiser.Installation: A Triumph of Perseverance (and a Bit of Engineering Help)The Kinugawa kit arrived with a fancy certificate and a promise of "bolt-on" installation. As any seasoned tinkerer knows, "bolt-on" is often a euphemism for "prepare to wrestle with wrenches and curse like drunken pirate." This was no exception. The fact I have no idea what I'm doing tends not to do me any favours. Clocking the turbo and getting it to fit snugly proved to be a challenge, requiring some creative finessing. But the real headache was the oil return fitting, which stubbornly refused to hold pressure. This was not a Kinugawa part, but one I purchased separately, hoping to make the installation easier. HA. After a week of frustration, I finally conceded defeat and enlisted the help of a local engineering shop. A bit of welding and pressure testing later, we had a leak-free seal on the oil return attachment.Performance: Efficiency Gains and a Satisfying WhistleWith the new turbo finally installed, I eagerly fired up the Landcruiser. The symphony of the turbo spooling up brought a smile to my face - it was the sweet sound of newfound power. Don't expect to be drag-racing Ferraris, but overtaking road trains is now a breeze. (as long as there's not a mild incline. Down a hill with the wind in your sails is best for such maneuvers). The Kinugawa didn't transform my 60 Series into a rocket ship, but it did deliver in other ways.The most significant improvement was in efficiency. The boost now kicks in earlier and holds strong throughout the rev range, making for smoother acceleration and improved fuel economy. Real-World Results: Conquering Hills and Towing with ConfidenceWhere the Kinugawa truly shines is in everyday driving situations. Hills that once had me downshifting and muttering obscenities are now dispatched with relative ease. Towing is less of a chore, and overtaking is no longer a white-knuckle affair. It's not a night-and-day transformation, but it's a noticeable improvement that makes the driving experience more enjoyable.The Verdict: A Cost-Effective Upgrade for the Sensible AdventurerAfter 30,000km of driving through all manner of conditions, I can confidently say the Kinugawa CT26-GT3071R has proven its worth. It's reliable, efficient, and delivers a noticeable improvement in performance without breaking the bank. Sure, the installation wasn't a walk in the park, but overall, I'm happy with my decision. **Remember:** Always handle turbocharger installations with care and consult a professional if needed. FYI: I paid for the turbo myself, this is not a paid placement. It is an accurate reflection of my experiences, as I couldn't find any so thought it would be worth journaling my own. 

Scott
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Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven Review: Is it a 7-in-1 Wonder or Just Smoke and Mirrors? Article

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven Review: Is it a 7-in-1 Wonder or Just Smoke and Mirrors?

7-in-1 cooking marvel or just a load of hot air? We put the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven to the test. Click to find out if it's worth the hype!

Scott
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The Mazda Cosmo: A Pioneering Halo Vehicle of the 1960s Article

The Mazda Cosmo: A Pioneering Halo Vehicle of the 1960s

In the annals of automotive history, few cars have the distinction of being such an advancement in technology and as exquisitely designed as the original Mazda Cosmo. Image: Japanese Nostalgic Car  This vehicle was not just a car; it was a statement—a bold declaration by Mazda of its engineering prowess and a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology. The dawn of the Mazda Cosmo, known as the 110S in its export version, debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1964 as one of the first production cars to feature a two-rotor Wankel engine, alongside the NSU Ro80. The Wankel engine was a revolutionary design, offering smooth operation and high power output from a compact size. Design and production the Cosmo was the brainchild of designers Heiji Kobayashi and Kenichi Yamamoto, who created a sleek, futuristic body that encapsulated the optimism of the Space Age. The car’s styling was both elegant and sporty, with a long hood, short rear deck, and flowing lines that suggested speed and agility. Production of the Cosmo was a meticulous process, with each unit being hand-built at a rate of about one per day. This resulted in a limited production run, with only 1,176 units built between 1967 and 1972, including 343 Series I cars and 833 Series II cars. Equipped with a 982 cc 0810 engine for the Series I and a slightly more powerful 982 cc 0813 engine for the Series II, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission for the Series I and a 5-speed manual for the Series II. The car’s lightweight construction, at just 940 kg (2,072.3 lb), allowed it to make the most of its rotary engine’s output. Image: Japanese Nostalgic Car Mazda was clearly determined to make a statement. In 1968 they entered the grueling 84-hour Marathon de la Route at the Nürburgring. The Cosmos, mostly stock, showcased the durability and performance of the rotary engine in one of Europe’s most demanding races.  A change was made to the cars with a butterfly valve switched from the side to the peripheral port as RPMs increased. The engines were limited to 130 PS (96 kW) to improve their durability for the endurance race. In a field of 60 cars starting the race, a Cosmo piloted by a Belgian team brought the car over the line in 4th place overall.  Image: Japanese Nostalgic Car The Cosmo served as a halo vehicle for Mazda, successfully launching the Mazda Wankel engine and setting the stage for future rotary-powered vehicles like the RX-7 and RX-8. It also became a cultural icon, and remains a coveted classic among collectors and enthusiasts. The Cosmo that we have here, is one that currently resides in Brisbane, Australia. A Japanese Domestic Market pre-export model, this example was built July 1967 and delivered in Aurora White with black and herringbone trim.  With an original motor, clutch and four speed, the more you discover about this particular car, the more I realise the pure unobtanium in front of me. The engine and drivetrain have never been removed and only touched for routine maintenance. Right down to the original twin exhaust system, this car is untouched. A survivor.  As you walk around the car, the design is a striking eye to the future as you imagine a world, deeply embedded in the space race. Certainly a dash of George Jetson. Under those flowing lines are rack and pinion steering, IRS front and rear and even aviation grade finned rear drums with disc brakes up front.  The SSR mesh wheels are believed to have been offered by Mazda as an alternative to the stock 14 inch steel wheels.  The Mazda Cosmo was more than just a car; it was a symbol of innovation and a testament to Mazda’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in automotive engineering.  Today, it stands as a classic icon, a reminder of a time when the sky was the limit. My sincere thanks to Daniel Berlouis for sharing this automotive icon with us. 

Scott
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