Modifying A Smart Roadster On the Cheap
July 8, 2008
Since purchasing my roadster I have steadily added bits to it, 1st thing I did was to fit some carbon fibre look mirror shells made by michalak. I also fitted some wide-angle mirrors not pretty but I am glad of them in traffic.
Then I painted the Speedo surround and gearshift and ignition surround using Halfords chrome paint however it has not come out in bright chrome finish more of a very shinny silver
After that I purchased two of the silver stalk end caps, which match quite nicely. [pay]
Then I fitted two of the 4 disc CD holders into the centre console.
I have since fitted the city coupe/ cabriolet wheel arch eyebrows front and rear I found that if you fit the right one to the left and vice versa on the rear they sit much tighter on the arches.
With the help of a friend who is sheet metal fabricator who has worked on various projects XJ-S estate and is now on the MG Super car The SV -V8. We have fabricated some dummy tailpipes, which I think helps the look of the car from the rear.
This however is work in progress and we are currently working on some laser cut mesh grilles for the front side and rear of the car.
I would hope to have these fitted and photographed ready for the next issue. He will also be turning his attentions to the city coupe/ cabriolet soon after.
The part numbers of the smart items that I have fitted are as follow:
Data plate (oval smart badge on sill)
Q0012921V002000000
Wheel arch eyebrow l/h/r
Q0014440V001C22A00
Wheel arch eyebrow r/h/r
Q0014447V001C22A00
Clips for above 3 required per eyebrow
Q00144448V000000000
Roadster CD Holder for four CD’s
SQ0013113V003C96A00
Submitted By:
Matthew Beaumont [/pay]
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How To Replace A Smart Car Air Filter
June 28, 2008
For the purposes of this “how to “ we are using a K&N filter, however the process will be the same for all replacement types.
It is IMPORTANT that you read and follow the instructions that are supplied with the Air Filter you are attempting to fit.
1. Open boot and lift the carpet covering the engine lid.[pay]
2. Undo the Dzus fastener on the engine bay cover by turning anti clockwise and remove lid.
3. In the left hand corner of the engine bay you will see a black plastic lid held in by four clips.
This is the air box lid
4. To remove the clips use a flat blade screwdriver to “flick” the edges of the clips away from the air box.
5. Lift the air box lid out.
6. You will see an air filter, held in by a plastic sliding mount, Push this mount towards the front of the car and this will allow you to remove the filter by pulling it forward and then upwards.
7. You can then place your replacement filter into the air box by fitting the filter onto the mount at the back of the air box first and then sliding the movable mount back onto the filter.
8. Replace the air box lid and make sure all clips are fitted correctly.
Re fit the engine bay cover and tighten the Dzus fastener carefully.
9. Re fit the engine bay cover and tighten the Dzus fastener carefully.
10.Re fit the carpet.[/pay]
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How To De-Lip a Smart Air Intake
June 28, 2008
This simple modification to a Smart car quite simply increases the airflow into the engines air box and is undoubtedly the cheapest performance modification. For those that have fitted a sports air filter of any description this mod will in crease its efficiency.
1. The first step is to remove the air intake and this can easily be done with a flat bladed screwdriver and a little masking tape. Affix the tape to the bodywork at the side of the vent and carefully insert the screwdriver in order to lever off the air intake, taking car not to scratch neither intake or the bodywork. You can also use a little tape on the screwdriver blade.
2. Once you have removed the intake you will need to separate it into it is two component parts this can be done from either the front or the rear of the intake taking car not to break the three tabs that hold the front cover of the intake in place.[pay]
3. Once the intake is open, the offending lip (two lips on earlier cars) becomes visible. There are several ways of removing this but my preferred method is by using a pair of square nosed pliers to break it off.
4. Once the lip is (lips are) removed use a little coarse sandpaper or a Dremel style grinder to smooth the rough edges.
5. Once the inside of the intake feels smooth simply clip front cover back onto the vent and firmly push it back onto the car ensuring that it is fully home (you will feel it click into place) and the pipe leading to the air box is centred and connected to the vent.
6. Now treat your car to a decent sports (K&N/Pipercross etc) air filter.
This information is provided for guidance and doe’s not constitute official mechanics instructions. Smartimes can take no responsibility for damage or misfitting. Use of this guide is at your own risk.[/pay]
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Tech Test Post
June 23, 2008
More Content Coming Soon.
Regards,
The Smartimes Team
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