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Old 30th July 2017, 18:42   #271
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leoshashi View Post
This video re-visits all the versions of the 800:
One car is missing. The A Star. It is very much part of the Alto family as the Zen is.

And the Zxi top trim wipes out almost all the cribs regarding the others - safety, build, creature comforts, except the space on the rear bench and boot

Last edited by Ramon : 30th July 2017 at 18:53.
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Old 18th August 2017, 04:30   #272
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Bought some essentials for the goose. Things like these ensure that the machine remains in top notch condition. Torque wrenches, thread locker and the OEM grease will now be an integral part of all my DIY maintenance jobs.


Medium strength Threadlocker:


The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170818_035538.jpg

OEM grease. Almost everyone questioned about its necessity, and I was like: Why would you not?? We spend so much on OEM spares, why go 99% of the way and ruin the machine by using a local grease??

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170818_035724.jpg

I guess 5 or 6 types of grease are used in a Maruti car. For example, Grease E is used in steering system, Grease H is used in driveshafts and so on. The one I bought is Grease A, because it is used in 80% of the applications like lubricating window winder to applying on wheel bearings, oil seals etc. I'll be following the service manual strictly to know about the type of grease for a specific application.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170818_035732.jpg

Signing off with a recent click of the Golden goose, sharing parking space with its more contemporary counterparts.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170804_084121.jpg

Regards,
Shashi

Last edited by Leoshashi : 18th August 2017 at 04:37.
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Old 18th August 2017, 22:11   #273
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Thanks to Dr. Naren and others for recommending, I purchased the 3M wipers, and I must say I am mighty impressed. No shuddering, absolutely silent streak-free wipes.

Stock size was 17/17. I went for 18/16, as 3M wasn't available in stock size. MRP was Rs.650, and I paid Rs. 590 after a 10% discount.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-img20170818wa0008.jpeg

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-img20170818wa0010.jpeg

Have used Minda, Bosch and OEM(Syndicate) in the past, but these 3M ones are much superior.

Regards,
Shashi

Last edited by Leoshashi : 18th August 2017 at 22:12.
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Old 26th August 2017, 02:37   #274
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

An unfortunate day: GG got intimate with a brand new Bolero

I was comfortably driving at about 40kmph when out of no where, a Bolero came and crashed into the rear left side. A loud thud and immediately, my car started drifting sideways. Somehow managed to stop it, and was in a shock.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-kkk.jpg

I was sure the quarter panel would be in a mess, since the memories of BHPian Sumitsinha0280's Ritz accident were still fresh. When an Omni could do so much to a Ritz, my teeny weeny 800 stood absolutely no chance in front of the Bolero.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-img20170314wa0006.jpg

Remembering all my prayers, I came out, and was pleasantly surprised. The LHS foglamp lens of the Bolero was lying on the road, the Bolero had fled, leaving some nasty paint transfer on the quarter panel of my 800. But luckily no dent on the panel. The bumper had dislodged from its place, but had absorbed all the impact. Immediately I took out the sprayer which had some degreaser and tried to rub on the area which had paint transfer. Thanks to the generous amount of wax, it came right away.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170819_124420.jpg

That revealed some deep battle scars in the clear coat. I attacked those with some rubbing compound and polishes, and after a single pass, the scratch was gone. Also removed the bumper to check for damages. The area where bumper bracket goes in, was a bit bent. Got that into shape with the super limited denting techniques I have.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170819_171509.jpg

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170819_172934.jpg

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170819_182406.jpg

At the end of the day, I was happy, as I had just escaped the nightmare by a whisker!! The old school design of 800's bumper also helped.

The Exhaust story: While going through some Japanese forums, I had once seen that the F8D Alto they got, had the option of going with some mild performance exhaust. Basically it was a part of the Genuine accessories for them.

I casually asked my friend Vikas Mahatre who is in Merchant Navy to check the part for me when he visits Japan. All I had was an image, no part number, nothing. Almost a year later, he surprises me with the exhaust delivered to my place.

Initial impressions:

What I liked:
  • Typical Japanese build quality, the Indian made exhaust feels poorly made.
  • Designed by Suzuki for F8D cars, so no chance of harming the engine. Absolutely legal mod.
  • Sporty Exhaust Note. Sounds like some of the bigger cars we know.
  • A substantial increase in the low end grunt. GG feels a bit free now.

What I didn't:
  • No idea about its price, it was a gift from him

Time for some pics. Suzuki embossed on the muffler.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170824_153941.jpg

Coated it liberally with Heat resistant paint, Silencer spray and Zinc Alu spray. Its a rare item and I'll do everything to protect it.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170824_173630.jpg

OEM Maruti muffler vs Suzuki Muffler. The Suzuki muffler was a bit oval in cross section, compared to the round muffler which 800 normally gets. Its also slightly wider

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170825_102745.jpg

I tried to record some audio clips, but the echo of the engine in parking space made it sound like a car with busted exhaust. Will record a proper video and upload here soon.

Regards,
Shashi

Last edited by Leoshashi : 26th August 2017 at 02:49.
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Old 26th August 2017, 12:35   #275
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

GG is a pretty girl. She'll have admirers both human (I am one) and dare I say mechanical too. Jokes aside I am glad GG came out relatively unscathed and is now back to normal.

Interesting set of paints/coatings you have there. They have been stored in my mind for future ordering should the need arise.
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Old 30th August 2017, 01:28   #276
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Dear all,

Need some advice from you all. Yesterday, my 800's front right strut went bad. Suddenly ride became super stiff, and upon inspection, I saw the entire strut wet and the wheel well was wet with the leak. So finally after almost 18 years, and 3.2lac kms, the strut gave up.

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170828_152700.jpg

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170828_152654.jpg

The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27-20170828_152709.jpg

The left strut is still okay, but will change both as a pair. Now the dilemma is, which brand to go for. The available options are:

1. MGP(Munjal Showa)

2. MGP(Gabriel)

3. Aftermarket(Monroe)

4. SGP(KYB): Most expensive of the lot, but difficult to procure.

Monroes are a bit expensive, but I won't mind if they are good. People have advised me against Gabriel. Which brand would you recommend?? Looking forward to your suggestions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by R2D2 View Post
GG is a pretty girl. She'll have admirers both human (I am one) and dare I say mechanical too.
Thanks Sir.

Regards,
Shashi

Last edited by Leoshashi : 30th August 2017 at 01:33.
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Old 30th August 2017, 01:41   #277
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leoshashi View Post
Now the dilemma is, which brand to go for. The available options are:

1. MGP(Munjal Showa)

2. MGP(Gabriel)

3. Aftermarket(Monroe)

4. SGP(KYB): Most expensive of the lot, but difficult to procure.
I'll vote for Monroe.

Can you list out the costs in pairs for each of them from 1 to 4?!
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Old 30th August 2017, 01:45   #278
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Quote:
Originally Posted by a4anurag View Post
I'll vote for Monroe.

Can you list out the costs in pairs for each of them from 1 to 4?!
Thanks for replying.

I'll be going for the pre installed strut assemblies. The cost per pair for the options are:

1. MGP(Munjal Showa): Rs. 4000

2. MGP(Gabriel): Rs. 3800

3. Aftermarket(Monroe): Rs. 5200

4. SGP(KYB): Rs. 8900(expensive as these are direct import from Japan.)

Regards,
Shashi

Last edited by Leoshashi : 30th August 2017 at 01:47.
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Old 30th August 2017, 01:53   #279
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leoshashi View Post
I'll be going for the pre installed strut assemblies. The cost per pair for the options are:

1. MGP(Munjal Showa): Rs. 4000

2. MGP(Gabriel): Rs. 3800

3. Aftermarket(Monroe): Rs. 5200

4. SGP(KYB): Rs. 8900(expensive as these are direct import from Japan.)
Get the Monroe ones.

I thought the Gabriel ones would be priced near the Monroe but there is good price difference in between them.

Not sure if the KYB is actually worth it or price is inflated being an import.

Last edited by a4anurag : 30th August 2017 at 01:54.
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Old 30th August 2017, 01:58   #280
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Quote:
Originally Posted by a4anurag View Post
Get the Monroe ones.
Thanks!

Any idea if the Monroe Lifetime warranty is applicable on Indian products too?? European and American Monroes get them.

Tenneco-Monroe - Lifetime Warranty.pdf
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Old 30th August 2017, 08:48   #281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Leoshashi View Post

Which brand would you recommend?? Looking forward to your suggestions.

I am using monroe stock replacement struts on my Corolla for the last 35k kms/1.9 years. With amount of abuse my car has seen they have held up really well. But I regret not going in for the monroe gas struts. If you can get them then please consider those.

Asit
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Old 30th August 2017, 08:58   #282
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

If the OE strut lasted as much as it then I would prefer to get OE struts again unless there is a significant price difference between after-market and OE stuff.

Last edited by sumeethaldankar : 30th August 2017 at 09:02.
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Old 30th August 2017, 10:15   #283
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Quote:
Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar View Post
If the OE strut lasted as much as it then I would prefer to get OE struts again unless there is a significant price difference between after-market and OE stuff.
The OE ones were SGP but may or may not be the same brand as listed above.

Being SGP, it will be costlier and difficult to source. So the next best alternative I think for the 800 will be Monroe.
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Old 30th August 2017, 11:19   #284
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Monroe obviously is a good name. But I will go against the tide here and would recommend Munjal Showa. They are MGP plus in collaboration with Showa which is a reputed brand itself. Munjal is also OE for Honda cars, Yamaha etc which speaks a thing or two about their reputation in the industry. Being MGP, The pricing is also good.
SGP, as Anurag pointed out, is mainly expensive being an import rather than proportional worth in quality. Might be better but surely not worth the 2X difference. Take a call accordingly.

Regards,
Sakeṭ.
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Old 30th August 2017, 12:05   #285
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re: The love of my life - A 2000 Maruti 800 DX 5-Speed. EDIT: Gets export model features on Pg 27

Settle down with Monroe and there is no logical reason why you must opt for SGP by paying so much and experienced similar ride?

Monroe has a reputation, from good old 2 wheeler days to now and hence that would be my pick too.

As I said, suspension can go kaput due to unforeseen incidents and you don't want to repent having paid more in case of SGP.
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