You will have already seen the work of Dream Road Restoration (DSR), a restoration agency based by rally driver and former Proton R3 staff member Suriya Sankaran and his son, Dharveen Suria. DSR specialises in rebirthing C99 chassis-based Proton fashions such because the Proton Wira 1.8 EXi, Satria GTi, Putra and Satria R3. Following on from the agency’s restoration of the Satria GTi, it’s the R3 model we now have a look at.
The primary full restoration to have emerged from DSR is a 2000 Proton Satria GTi, coded DSR-001-C99 after the automotive’s thorough refresh, and now comes the second restoration coded DSR-002-C99 for a limited-edition mannequin that seen a run of simply 150 models ever – the Proton Satria R3.
As with the primary DSR rebuild of the Satria GTi, our colleague Farid from the paultan.org BM staff as soon as once more had the privilege of sampling a lovingly rebuilt Malaysian scorching hatch – extra on the drive in a second – and in addition acquired to discover the finer particulars of what makes the Satria R3, an R3 product, because of Suriya’s shut working relationship with different Proton R3 staff members.
The Satria R3 could have been seen as a Satria GTi that has been given further efficiency upgrades and styling tweaks, although in response to Suriya, the restoration course of for the Satria R3 is much tougher as a result of below the pores and skin is definitely a bespoke mannequin that sports activities loads of mechanical parts which aren’t interchangeable between the GTi and the R3.
In comparison with the Satria GTi DSR-001 instance that was obtained for restoration in a forlorn state, the idea for this R3 challenge begins from a sparingly used and well-kept instance. That mentioned, the present proprietor of this Satria R3 purchased the automotive having already been repainted in a special color, a perforated entrance bumper, shorn of its unique R3 carbon-fibre rear spoiler, and the unique suspension had been swapped for a completely adjustable set.
This instance right here was despatched in for a fashion of restoration that’s certainly consistent with DSR’s objectives, that’s to make it pretty much as good as, if not higher than its factory-original state. Like different true restoration processes, DSR’s begins with a full dismantling of parts in and out for cleansing, therapy and repainting.
You will have heard tales of the Satria R3 utilizing the entry-level 1.3L variant as a place to begin as a substitute of the Satria GTi. Right here, although is the reality concerning the foundations of the Satria R3 as relayed to us by former Proton R3 product growth government Faisal Asri.
The Satria R3 challenge started when the automaker’s R3 division was led by Tengku Djan Ley as division head of Proton Motorsport, whereas the Satria R3 challenge itself was spearheaded by Proton Motorsport head of particular tasks division, Adian Yein Khalid who now graces these pages as chief of the Malaysia Pace Competition (MSF).
Again to the automotive. The bones of the limited-run hatchback are from neither the bottom Satria 1.3L nor the Satria GTi, and as a substitute originates proper from the start of its personal manufacturing course of on the essential Proton manufacturing unit. The Satria R3 bodyshell is assembled with twice as many structural welds; for instance, if the gap between weld factors on a given part of the Satria GTi bodyshell is 100 mm, the corresponding weld factors on the Satria R3 bodyshell are 50 mm aside.
This makes the Satria R3 bodyshell way more inflexible than that of the Satria GTi, which in flip gives even higher dealing with by offering a stiffer basis for the suspension to work from. In different phrases, one might bolt on elements to an everyday Satria variant to seem like an R3, however it’s going to by no means be the identical by means of and thru.
As soon as the Satria R3 bodyshell is put collectively, it stays on the essential manufacturing unit for spray-painting with a particular color named Incognito Black. Enjoyable reality concerning the color’s identify: In 1995, BMW launched an commercial for the E36-generation M3 that includes two vehicles, one in yellow and the opposite in black, towards a black background. This was captioned “The brand new M3, in yellow or incognito,” which afterward impressed the Incognito Black identify for the Satria R3’s color.
The 1.8 litre 4G93P naturally aspirated engine was put in into the Satria R3 additionally on the essential manufacturing unit, albeit with out the sound insulation and ABS system current on the Satria GTi. This considerably takes after the idea adopted for the Honda Civic EK9 Sort R, which is to cut back as a lot weight as attainable whereas providing the motive force the next braking threshold with out ABS intervention for attaining the absolute best lap occasions on a circuit.
At this level, the automotive emerges from the principle manufacturing unit sporting 14-inch metal wheels, and the cabin is given primary trim from the Satria 1.3L, similar to its seats and base-level urethane steering wheel. After this, the Satria R3 base automotive is taken from the manufacturing line on the essential manufacturing unit, and despatched to the R3 facility for completion.
When the R3 division was requesting approval for the creation of this restricted version automotive, head of Proton on the time Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Arif accredited in on the situation that the R3 is produced not merely as a tuned Satria GTi, however as a special mannequin completely. The inside, as an illustration, options particulars that are just like these from the GTi, however are literally totally different.
The plastic trim for the dashboard and the gear lever encompass on the Satria GTi is completed in silver, together with cupholders which stay black on its exterior. The identical elements on the Satria R3 are given a darkish titanium end, whereas the trio of foot pedals, whereas resembling these on the GTi, now not have the GTi logos right here within the R3 to additional distinguish the 2 variants.
All primary elements that have been put in on the essential Proton manufacturing unit have been then eliminated on the R3 facilty. Right here, they have been changed with extra distinctive parts similar to Recaro SR4 entrance bucket seats, and the rear seats upholstered to imitate the pink and black trim of the entrance bucket seats.
The bottom Satria variant urethane steering wheel is swapped for a Momo Tuner steering wheel, fitted on a 20 mm R3 steering boss package, whereas the gear lever is topped with a carbon-fibre knob. R3 carpets are fitted, together with pink seat belts and pink door card trim.
The lightweighting method continues with the usage of manually-adjusted aspect mirrors, as a substitute of the electrically adjustable models on the Satria GTi. In actual fact, the carpet set for the R3 is thinner than these on common Satrias for a similar goal of weight discount; total, the Satria R3 ideas the scales slightly below the one-tonne mark at 995 kg.
On its exterior, the R3 bodykit begins with the entrance bumper over-fenders, aspect skirts and rear bumper that are the identical as these on the Satria GTi, whereas headlamps and taillights are smoked objects. Past the Incognito Black paintwork, the R3 is additional distinguished by pink stripes, a carbon-fibre spoiler, and R3 rims by Advanti measuring 16 x 7 inches shod with 205/45R16 Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 tyres from the manufacturing unit.
Within the case of this specific automotive, DSR-002, its inside has managed the passage of time comparatively unscathed, and the DSR restoration has handled it to a number of DSR-branded items similar to carpets, alloy pedals and equipment knob. All these comply with the shapes and designs of the unique R3 objects, albeit right here with DSR logos. In actual fact, the DSR merchandise are made by the identical producer which provided the unique elements for the R3 in its day.
DSR has additionally fitted this automotive with the entrance bumper spoiler that’s an unique R3 elective half, whereas the ‘bloodstripe’ R3 decals have been reproduced by Motorsport Playground, the identical outfit that at the moment does the outside graphics for the R3 race vehicles.
The unique Advanti R3 rims have additionally been procured and restored for fitment on this automotive, full with recreating the centre caps with the unique R3 emblem as on the unique manufacturing unit vehicles. The unique Advan Neova AD07 tyres are now not in manufacturing both, and the automotive right here wears the extra fashionable AD08R.
Sadly the unique carbon-fibre rear spoiler on the DSR-restored Satria R3 has gone lacking and has had to get replaced by new unit from a special maker. Homeowners who want to acquire a alternative unit can get in contact with DSR, the agency mentioned.
One other enjoyable reality: the unique carbon-fibre spoiler for the Satria R3 was made by Composites Expertise Analysis Malaysia (CTRM), a DRB-Hicom subsidiary which additionally makes composite parts for plane similar to athe Airbus A320, A350, A380, A400 and several other others. Past the spoiler, CTRM additionally made the carbon-fibre cam valley cowl for the 4G93P engine within the Satria R3.
This powerplant is actually the identical as that within the Satria GTi, one that’s electronically managed by a Siemens EMS 400 management unit. R3 has given it some tweaking for this ‘Stage 1’ state of tune to reach at outputs of 140 hp and 148 Nm of torque, because of an adjustable cam pulley and an exhaust system with out catalytic converters. Exhaust gases exit by means of a single outlet with an R3 emblem, and that is mentioned to be impressed by that of the first-generation Lotus Elise.
Transmission additionally primarily options the identical gearbox as that within the Satria GTi, although its fifth-gear ratio has been shortened from 0.756 to 0.777. This reduces its prime velocity from 210 km/h to 205 km/h, although this turns into extra helpful at a observe such because the Sepang Worldwide Circuit, the place the automotive might be extra responsive in its prime gear and nonetheless attain its prime velocity on the 2 longest straights.
The engine on this specific automotive, DSR-002, really didn’t require a full overhaul as its accrued mileage was nonetheless low, and most of its parts have been nonetheless in excellent situation when taken aside. Nonetheless, DSR does so anyway because the Satria R3 is given the agency’s signature blueprinting course of.
Right here, the method includes a rebalancing of the engine’s crankshaft, whereas each inner part within the engine is reassembled with a fair nearer watch than throughout mass manufacturing, and the best tolerances are employed right here.
As with the DSR-001 that got here earlier than, Suriya gave Farid an opportunity to pattern the DSR-002 Satria R3. Along with the distinct consumption sound, the DSR-002 Satria R3 brings the added dimension of exhaust sound from its aforementioned catless system.
Granted, a naturally aspirated engine similar to this might by no means supply the low-end torque that’s the area of contemporary turbocharged engines, mentioned Farid, however the trade-off is the enjoyment of working a rev-happy engine with out compelled induction. The sound and responses from the engine goads the motive force on to make full use of its rev vary, our paultan.org BM author notes.
The blueprinting lavished upon the engine shines in operation, the place the 1.8 litre unit proves to be refined, easy and secure. Even when driving at low speeds in a excessive gear, there was no vibation to be felt from the engine, save for the dearth of thrust because the engine spins under the majority of its powerband. Magical, says Farid.
The dealing with of the Satria R3 can also be distinctly totally different from its GTi sibling, says Farid, and that is because of the R3 division’s magic contact. The damper stoke lengths of the 2 vehicles are an identical, but when the GTi dampers are used as replacements for the R3’s unique objects, the R3 would experience too excessive.
It is because the setup is bespoke to the R3, which rides round 10-15 mm decrease than the Satria GTi, and this isn’t merely from totally different springs. Relocated spring bases allow the R3 to have the identical suspension journey because the GTi regardless that the R3 rides nearer to the highway for a decrease centre of gravity – a intelligent design. The suspension has additionally been calibrated to be used with the factory-specified Advan Neovas, and if a special make of tyre is used, the Satria R3’s drive dynamics will certainly be totally different, says Farid.
Suspension tuning for the Satria R3 was carried out by Tengku Djan himself, with in depth testing carried out. He needed the automotive to haven’t simply uncooked cornering velocity in a given part of highway, however moderately to have a suspension setup that didn’t deflect from the motive force’s prescribed line when on uneven surfaces. This provides the Satria R3 the power to hold velocity not simply on observe, but additionally on regular roads.
On account of these objectives, not solely have the R3 dampers used a special construction to these on the GTi, but additionally its inner valving, spring specification, larger-diameter entrance anti-roll bar and its rubber bushes are totally different from the GTi’s, and due to this fact not interchangeable for the R3.
The suspension’s bespoke nature is a think about most R3 house owners selecting to modify to aftermarket full adjustable models; the unique suspension parts can now not be bought. How then, does DSR deliver its restoration of the Satria R3 as shut as attainable to its manufacturing unit chassis specs? Enter Fawster Motorsport, a homegrown suspension outfit owned by Proton R3 alum Faidzil Alang, who developed the unique suspension for the Satria R3.
DSR tasked the suspension setup completely with Fawster Motorsport, with a view to faithfully recreate the strctures and calibration of the unique Satria R3 suspension. When on the wheel of the DSR-002 Satria R3, Farid was amazed by its grip by means of high-speed corners, and resistance to being deflected off-line on uneven highway surfaces – simply as Tengku Djan had initially prescribed for the Satria R3 from the manufacturing unit.
On the unique time of sampling, Farid was knowledgeable that the automotive’s suspension setup had but to be finalised by Faidzil; Suriya afterwards advised Farid at time of writing that the setup has been accomplished. As a result of the setup had not been accomplished on the time of this automotive’s images, the unique R3 strut bars in entrance and on the again had not been rematched but.
Braking parts for the Satria R3 have been upgraded in manufacturing unit kind, with EBC drilled and sloted brake discs paired with Mintex M1144 high-performance brake pads.
This specific R3 additionally comes with an R3-specific proprietor’s handbook complement, and Farid has additionally had the possibility to briefly peruse its contents. Right here’s somewhat nugget to stir the fans – the handbook reminds house owners to make sure the Advan Neova tyres are sufficiently warmed up earlier than taking a nook at velocity.
Nonetheless with us at this level of this very substantial piece, expensive readers? Nice, however wait, there’s extra! The story of the DSR-002 Satria R3 restoration challenge continues to be being penned, mentioned DSR, as when the Proton Satria R3 was initially launched in 2004, the R3 division had really supplied Stage 2 and Stage 3 upgrades for house owners.
When the house owners caught wind of those upgrades, requests have been put in with DSR for these improve packages to be carried out. These upgrades might be utilized to the blueprinted engine of this DSR-rebuilt Satria R3 as soon as it has surpassed the 1,000 km break-in mark. to know what goes into these upper-stage upgrades? Keep tuned as we discover them after they change into obtainable.
This text has been translated from the unique story written by our BM counterpart.
2004 Proton Satria R3 official photos
