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1APANESE
700BHP TRACK SLAYING IMPREZA IS A REAL HOME-BUILT HERO

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765
BHP NDA
FN2 HO PE R
CIVIC TY

FINEST
UK’S ULD YOU CHO
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THE
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FACE
’S BEST BUILDS
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ED AS
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IT’S NA

265
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TOYOTAA
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AE86

japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
JUNE ’18 £4.75 No.209

ALSO INSIDE...
2J OR NOT 2J? THAT IS THE QUESTION
AND A REAR-WHEEL DRIVE EVO IS THE ANSWER
A JAPANESE LEGEND DOWN UNDER
RX-7 JGTC RACER IS ALIVE AND KICKING
PIONEERING SPIRIT
GT86 AND BRZ START NEW ICE AGE
 As Roy Castle famously said...
‘
Dedication’s what ya need!’ That is, if you want to be a
record breaker. And it’s true. When it comes to performance
cars these days, the bar set by the best of the best is
incredibly high. So high, in fact, that you often wonder how it
will ever be bettered. And yet it does. But this is not something
that happens by accident. It takes hours of blood, sweat and
grazed knuckles, and often extremely deep pockets and a
relentless drive to succeed. One person with such unending
ambition to take his car to the top is Adam Flowers. With the
help of Honda tuning gurus Clockwise Motion and TDi North he
has managed to build an FN2 Civic Type R with a record
breaking 765bhp. And this is no drag or Time Attack monster,
but a useable daily driver, albeit one with a rollcage. Check out
how it was done on page 18.
But while Adam may be the only owner in this month’s issue
to have managed to take his build to record breaking heights,
he’s far from the only one with an almost religious devotion to
his modified ride. Joining Adam’s Civic on the cover this month
is another build that is dripping in next level attention to detail.
Owned by Conrad Bradley, this has got to be one of, if not the,
best AE86s in the country. A painstaking 12-year build from the
ground up using only the finest JDM components it is a work of
art, but he’s not been a slave to the history books, as he’s also
added his own touch to the car by commissioning his own
design of custom box arches. They may not be JDM originals,
but they look period perfect and take the build to another level.
Other owners displaying equally insane levels of dedication
are Irishman Nathan Noone, who defied the doubters to build a
rear-wheel drive 2JZ-engined Mitsubishi Evo, and New
Zealander Aiden Barrett, who put off his home renovations to
put the money towards buying his dream RX-7 instead. And you
would likely too given the chance, especially considering that it
is a genuine JGTC racer from RE Amemiya in Japan. What a
machine! But then this is the calibre of cars we scour the globe
to bring you each and every month. We seek out those with
drive and determination and the world’s most amazing builds
are never far behind. Enjoy!

DAN SHERWOOD

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 5
WHAT’SIN +

48

FEATURES
18 RAISING THE BAR on the cover
Record breaking 765bhp turbocharged FN2 Civic Type R sets a new standard

28 SPRING INTO ACTION

62
Castle Combe kicks off its season with its annual Spring Action Day

31 MIMMS HONDA DAY

Honda fans flock to Santa Pod for the first Mimms meet of the year

36 FLYING LESSONS
Chopper pilot’s 1100bhp 2JZ-engined Nissan S14.5 is a drifter’s dream

42 THE LOTUS POSITION

42
on the cover
Home built GC8 Subaru Impreza is a true lightweight champion

48 SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE...

Mental Irish Mitsubishi fan home builds an awesome 2JZ-engine Evo VII

54 NO EXPENSE SPARED on the cover

Immaculate track-ready wide-arch Toyota AE86 Corolla is to die for!

62 A SPECIAL CHEMISTRY on the cover

Mazda RX-7 is a genuine GT300 Japan Grand Touring Car contender

68 PIONEER SPIRIT
GT86 and BRZ prove there’s more to in-car audio than bootfuls of bass SUBSCRIBE
74 10 MINUTE TECH: CLUTCHES See page 96 for great money-saving deals or visit:
10 quickfire facts about uprated clutches from specialist Competition Clutch www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 7
WHAT’SIN +
12

REGULARS
12 NEWS
Severn Valley Motorsport’s 2000bhp Nissan Qashqai R sets world speed
record, VMax 200 all-time fastest cars, 5 mins with... Rob Burkinshaw, show
preview: Japshow, world’s most powerful Honda Civic FK2?, new home for
iconic Top Secret Supra, revised Fensport GT86R is a winner, Japanese
79
sprint series dates

77 JAPSTUFF
Ramair Jetstream induction kit for Honda Civic Type R, Bilstein B16 coilovers
for Nissan 370Z, Goodridge brake hoses for Honda S2000, Powerflex steering
rack bushes for Starlet/Glanza Turbo, Forge Motorsport turbo blanket for
Subaru Impreza, Moss Europe turn signal intake inserts for Mazda MX-5 NA,

86
Mishimoto oil coolers, Fidanza ‘Quick Rev’ kit for Honda Civic FN2 Type R,
Coolingmist water/methanol injection system, Japspeed ‘Superlow’ toe rods
for Nissan S13/S14/S15, rebuild your Mitsubishi Turbo book

82 READERS’ RIDES
Our favourite readers’ rides this month. The winner gets a Meguiar’s New Car
Kit worth £40! Has your car got what it takes to win?

86 THE GARAGE
Project Rising Sunny gets fitted for a bespoke Air Lift Performance air ride kit,
Project Rotary moves closer to receiving a fresh coat of paint, Project CRZ gets
some fresh new Cobra seats, Project MX-5 gets new wider arches and Project
Type R visits Meguiar’s HQ to test out some new cleaning kit!

Editor Dan Sherwood Accounts Bev Brown

Tel: 01480 219990 Administration Sandra Househam
[email protected] Subscriptions Debi Stuart
[email protected]
Studio Manager Peter Simpson
Website
Designer Jonathan Henson www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk

Advertising Tandem Media Ltd. Managing Director Clive Househam

Managing Director Catherine Rowe
Tel: 01233 228750 Worldwide stockists
[email protected] To find your nearest stockist:
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[email protected] © CHPublications Ltd, 2018
For single copies and subscriptions: ISSN 1467779
Ad Production japaneseperformancemag.co.uk Don’t Miss Out
Liz Smith Tel: 01883 731152; Digital copies and subscriptions: While every care is taken in compiling
Fax: 01883 740361 pocketmags.com Japanese Performance, the publishers
[email protected] cannot be held responsible for any effects
Japanese Performance is distributed arising therefrom
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order this magazine
Tel: 01883 731150; Fax: 01883 740361;
[email protected]

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 9
 THE PISTON TECHNOLOGY LEADER

MAHLE MOTORSPORT POWERS CHAMPIONS OF ALL LEVELS

Subarus running MAHLE motorsport pistons have set and hold various world
European and track records.
Taking full advantage of 95 years of piston manufacturing experience from
MAHLE, powering champions around the world from Formula 1, NASCAR and
World Rally to Time Attack and drag racing, MAHLE Motorsport are the most
technologically advanced off the shelf piston kits available.
With an extensive range of piston kits for the Subaru bringing you forgings in
both 2618 and 4032 aluminium alloy pistons with an impressive bore size range
in the EJ20, EJ22 and EJ25 engine range.
Newly available are the Extreme forging and Extreme Plus Box-in-Box forging
with all the tech features you benefit from running MAHLE pistons such as
• Multi-ported forced pin oiling with machine drain backs
• Lightweight slipper skirt forgings
• Profiled pin bores
• German steel pins (optional DLC)
• Performance ring pack
All MAHLE motorsport pistons are coated with application specific surface
treatments with an overall phosphate coating that acts as a dry film lubricant,
then MAHLE’s proprietary Grafal® anti-friction skirt coating that significantly
reduces drag and wear, and when necessary a hard anodized top ring groove
to eliminate micro-welding.

Roland Alsop trade inquiries welcome, [email protected] 01276 858073

 PLANET JAP +
237.6MPH SUV!
SEVERN VALLEY MOTORSPORT’S
2000BHP NISSAN QASHQAI R SETS
NEW SUV TOP SPEED WORLD RECORD

Supercars and hypercars alike company has snatched the ‘As soon as I knew we had day nearly ended in disaster…
were blown away at the recent record from the grips of Toyota broken the record, I backed off. ‘On the second run we used
VMax 200 event at RAF North America, who set the There was no need to risk Map 2, which generates 2 bar of
Kendrew by this four-door, previous record of 230.2mph in crashing the car, we had boost in third gear – as soon as
four-wheel-drive SUV. It was their Land Speed Cruiser. The achieved our goal,’ explains I hit it the tyres lit up and threw
originally built by GT-R scary thing is, the guys at SVM Mike. ‘We started the project the car sideways, I only just
specialists Severn Valley reckon they can go even faster. around five years ago and we’ve caught it!’ Fortunately, mapping
Motorsport a few years ago and They completed just three runs already done 222mph in it, guru Romain Levesque was
completely rebuilt for this latest in their Qashqai R, that is when the engine was producing there to support the team. In
event in just three weeks, before basically an R35 GT-R approximately 1500bhp. Since fact, he only mapped the car on
this tall, boxy beast blasted its underneath the bulky bodywork, then it’s been parked up and the morning of the event, as
way to an unbelievable each time going faster than largely ignored, until we decided SVM had only just got the car
237.6mph, setting a new top before. On the record-setting a few weeks back to increase finished the night before. With
speed world record for Sports run the driver, SVM General the power and go for Toyota’s some quick recalibrating, the
Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Manager Mike Little, claims he SUV world record.’ Although he record-breaking run was
The Midlands-based tuning still had another 500rpm to go. admits that their record-breaking achieved on Map 3, which uses

12 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 VMAX200
VMAX200 WAS FOUNDED IN 2002 AS AN EVENT FOR SUPERCAR OWNERS TO

TOP GUNS TEST THE TOP SPEED OF THEIR VEHICLES ON A PRIVATE 2-MILE RUNWAY. SINCE
ITS LAUNCH, VMAX200 HAS GROWN IN POPULARITY AND HAS HOSTED THE
Incredibly, the SVM Qashqai R is joint third on the WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE AND EXTREME CARS, AS OWNERS COME TO EXPLORE
all-time VMax 200 leaderboard. In fact, there are two THEIR LIMITS IN A SAFE AND RELAXED ENVIRONMENT. RECENT EVENTS HAVE
SEEN SUPERCAR SHOWDOWNS FEATURING THE KOENIGSEGG AGERA RSN,
Severn Valley Motorsport cars in the Top 5. If you’re MCLAREN P1, LA FERRARI, PORSCHE 918 AND ASTON MARTIN VULCAN
interested, sixth place is occupied by a Bugatti Veyron… AMONGST MANY OTHERS. FANCY RACING THE RUNWAY YOURSELF? APPLY
NOW THROUGH THE VMAX200 WEBSITE AT WWW.VMAX200.COM
VMax 200 ALL-TIME FASTEST
1 Koenigsegg Agera RSN 242
2 Koenigsegg One:1 240
3 SVM Nissan Qashqai R 238
3 ES1400 (Porsche) 238
4 SVM Nissan GT-R 229
4 Nine Excellence 9EXXX (Porsche) 229
5 ES Motors ES1XXX (Porsche) 228

Picture by Jason Cornish

DETHRONED! 230.3MPH LAND SPEED CRUISER

BUILT BY TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA, THE TOYOTA LAND SPEED CRUISER WAS
BILLED AS ‘THE WORLD’S FASTEST SUV’ WHEN IT WAS UNVEILED AT SEMA. THIS
ALSO GENERATES A STONKING 2000BHP FROM AN EVEN LARGER 5.7-LITRE
CONTACT TWIN-TURBO V8, AND WAS DRIVEN BY FORMER NASCAR DRIVER CARL
SEVERN VALLEY MOTORSPORT EDWARDS. EVEN SO, IT’S PROVEN TO BE NO MATCH FOR THE SVM QASHQAI R.
01952 583917 WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A FEW YEARS BACK THAT SUVS WOULD BE
WWW.SEVERNVALLEYMOTORSPORT.CO.UK BREAKING 200MPH, LET ALONE CLOSING IN ON 250MPH. BONKERS.

‘just’ 1.6 bar of boost in third Qashqai is more of a

gear. Still enough power to crossover than an SUV. Then
leave owners of a long list of again, if social media has
exotic supercars open- taught us anything it’s that
mouthed in shock. people will find a way to
Now, there will be some complain and argue about
controversy over the record. anything and everything.
Firstly, SVM didn’t complete Just the fact that Severn
a return run in the opposite Valley Motorsport managed
direction, which is usual to create a GT-R-powered
practice for world record Qashqai impressed us.
runs to compensate for any Having one of their team
wind assistance. That’s just drive it to over 237mph with
not the VMax format, more to spare, should earn
unfortunately. There are also everyone’s respect.
those who will argue the SVM, we salute you.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 13
 NEWS +
FIVE MINUTES WITH...

SHOW PREVIEW ROB BURKINSHAW

JAPSHOW
SUNDAY 10TH JUNE
SANTA POD RACEWAY
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the popular Japshow, dedicated
to hot Japanese metal on the newly-resurfaced Santa Pod Raceway.
Billed as the first major event of the year for fans of Japanese cars,
Japshow mixes Run What Ya Brung action with organised drag racing to
create a unique event in the show calendar. The strip will host Round 2 of
the Jap Drag Series and Round 3 of the FWD Drag Series, with some
insane cars on display. There will also be stunt displays, drift rides and
you can have a go at the handling track in your own car. Prizes are
available to entrants in the Autoglym Show Car Paddock, too. Four runs
up the strip will cost you £20, which is definitely money well spent.
Weekend tickets are available to include the RWYB on the Saturday, too,
kids under 13 years of age get in free.

Q. HI, WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

A. HELLO, MY NAME IS ROB BURKINSHAW. I’M A TRANSPORT
MANAGER DURING THE WEEK AND AT WEEKENDS I DRIVE
THE RBMOTORSPORT HONDA INTEGRA TYPE R RACE CAR

Q. YOUR DC5 IS RATHER SPLENDID. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT

MORE ABOUT IT?
A. SURE, IT’S BEEN A GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OVER THE
LAST 10-YEARS. CURRENTLY IT HAS A 2.2-LITRE MOTOR BUILT
BY TDI NORTH, SHORT-RATIO GEARS, NITRON R3
SUSPENSION, TAROX BRAKES AND LOTS OF CHASSIS
TWEAKS OVER THE YEARS

WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL FK2? Q. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TDI NORTH TO TUNE YOUR CAR?
A. TDI NORTH HAVE ONE OF THE BEST REPUTATIONS FOR
Honda tuning specialists Dream Automotive here in the UK now have a TUNING HONDAS, FROM ROAD TO RACE CARS, SO IT WAS
dealer in Hong Kong. That’s impressive enough, but the real news is that THE OBVIOUS CHOICE. WE'VE HAD FANTASTIC HELP AND
SUPPORT FROM THEM OVER THE LAST FIVE-YEARS OF
Dream Automotive Hong Kong have already built a monstrously powerful RACING
FK2, in conjunction with 7Mod and Master Tuning Asia. It produces an
Q. HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH ON THE CAR FOR THIS YEAR?
impressive 580bhp and 494lb ft torque using just bolt-on parts – the A. THE DC5 IS PRETTY MUCH THE SAME THIS YEAR, APART
engine internals are completely stock. Plans are already in place to tweak FROM A FEW COOLING TWEAKS TO HELP KEEP THE
the cylinder head, beef up the bottom-end and go for even more power. TEMPERATURES DOWN
Is this already the world’s most powerful FK2? We haven’t come across Q. WHERE ARE YOU RACING THE CAR CURRENTLY?
one with more grunt under the bonnet. If you have, let us know at A. THIS YEAR I AM RACING IN THE HONDA VTEC CHALLENGE
AND THE CNC HEADS CHAMPIONSHIP
[email protected].
Q. HAVE YOU WON MUCH SILVERWARE IN THE CAR?
A. WE’VE HAD A FAIR BIT OF SUCCESS; CLASS WINS IN TIME
ATTACK, CNC HEAD SALOONS, CLASS AND OVERALL WINS IN
VTEC CHALLENGE, ETC. I’VE BEEN THE PRODUCTION AND
TUNER CLASS WINNER IN THE VTEC CHALLENGE FOR THE
PAST FOUR-YEARS RUNNING

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE UPGRADES

PLANNED FOR THE CAR?
A. I WOULD LIKE TO FIT A SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX

Q. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CIRCUIT?

A. I ENJOY CADWELL PARK AND OULTON PARK THE MOST.
THEY’RE THE MOST CHALLENGING CIRCUITS, WHERE
COMMITMENT AND CAR SETUP IS NEEDED TO ACHIEVE
THE BEST LAP TIMES

Q. WHAT ONE UPGRADE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND

TO ALL DC5 OWNERS?
A. SHORT RATIO GEARS. THEY REALLY IMPROVE THE
ACCELERATION OF THE CAR AND MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE,
ESPECIALLY ON A TRACK

Q. CAN WE FOLLOW YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

BRIEF SPEC A. YES, YOU CAN FOLLOW ‘RBMOTORSPORT’ ON BOTH
EVENTURI INTAKE KIT FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
DREAM AUTOMOTIVE DOWNPIPE
MILLTEK SPORT EXHAUST SYSTEM THANKS FOR YOUR TIME ROB, IT’S APPRECIATED
WAGNER TUNING INTERCOOLER
SNOW PERFORMANCE ST3 WATER-
METHANOL INJECTION
7MOD STAGE 2 TURBO

14 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 NEWS +
NEW HOME FOR ICONIC
TOP SECRET SUPRA
The mighty V12-engined Toyota
Supra built by Japanese tuning
legends Top Secret has moved to a
new home in the USA. The car has
been purchased by TrapTeam, a
group of individuals who import
rare cars from around the world to
add to their stunning collection of
rare cars. Their collection includes
some ultra-rare GT-Rs and a Spoon
NSX GT that was actually raced at
the Macau GP by Spoon boss
Tatsuru Ichishima. Now that’s what
you call a car collection!

REVISED FENSPORT
GT86R IS A WINNER
Adrian Smith and his Fensport team put in
the hours on their turbocharged GT86
over the winter and it’s paid off. He’s just
won the first round of the new Japanese
Sprint Series at Cadwell Park. He set the
fastest time of the day, even up against
four-wheel-drive Imprezas and Lancer
Evos in the 633bhp, rear-wheel-drive
Toyota. Impressive stuff. The recent
upgrades have been concentrated on
providing more grip. That required new
aero, including a new front splitter, front
wing gurneys to channel the air down the
side of the car, plus a new dual-element
rear wing. Universal Grafix have given the
car a fresh wrap, while the new
lightweight BC Racing RT53 forged
wheels (10.5x18in) are covered in Toyo
R888R tyres to maximise traction. The
Fensport GT86R will be in action at future
rounds of the Japanese Sprint Series and
at selected events throughout the year.

ROUND 2 – THREE SISTERS, 19TH MAY

CONTACTS ROUND 3 – BLYTON PARK, 10TH JUNE
WWW.FENSPORT.CO.UK ROUND 4 – KENDREW BARRACKS, 8TH JULY
(01354) 696968 ROUND 5 – ANGLESEY, 19TH AUGUST
ROUND 6 – CROFT, 2ND SEPTEMBER
WWW.JAPANESESPRINTSERIES.COM ROUND 7 – SNETTERTON 300, 27TH OCTOBER

16 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 TToyota
oyota G
GT86
T
T86
Resonated
Resonated Cat
Cat Back Exhaus
Exhaust
xhaust System
System

Power
Power + 11 bhp

Weight
Weight - 5.1 kg

Sound + 7 dB
COBRASPORT.COM

LIVE. BREATHE. PERFORM.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 17
 RAISING
THE BAR
IMMACULATE 765BHP FN2 CIVIC TYPE R SETS
A NEW BENCHMARK FOR BOOSTED HONDAS
WORDS: DAN GOODYER PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

I
f there is a more doing both to one car is a ‘I bought the car way
powerful street-driven costly, labour-intensive back in 2011, with about
FN2 Civic Type R in challenge that would defeat 17,000 miles on it,’ he
existence, we can’t find it. most sane people. adds. ‘Championship White
Trust us, we looked. We Fortunately, 30-year-old FN2s were rare at the time,
asked Alexa, Google and Adam Flowers isn’t sane. they only made 600
even the know-it-all down Hang on, this isn’t coming Championship Editions in
the local cruise. Still we out right... total and I'd never seen one
couldn’t find anything to What we mean is, Adam before I bought mine. It
beat the almighty grunt has a special kind of was something a little
under the bonnet of Adam commitment that only the different, and stood out
Flowers’ stunning creation. most speed-addicted from the rest of the FN2s.
Seven hundred and performance tuning junkies It was in excellent original
sixty-five horsepower. It’s possess. He’s the kind of condition and only one
an impressive figure for guy that doesn’t understand previous owner. It was the
something with a big the phrase ‘that’ll do’, let perfect base to build, not
engine, a 2JZ-no-sh*t alone use it. He’s far more just a fast car, but a really
Toyota Supra for example. likely to do his best Oliver tidy one, too.’
Or a dedicated drag car. impression and ask for Within weeks, Adam had
For a road-legal, front- more – as the tortured K20 started the transformation.
wheel drive car with a engine hidden under that Initially he went down the
relatively humble two-litre Tegiwa carbon-fibre bonnet NA route, aiming to
inline four under the knows only too well. improve the car for the road
bonnet, 765bhp is just ‘It all started with a with occasional track use.
insane. Beautifully, simple HKS induction kit,’ The engine tuning focused
wonderfully insane. remembers Adam with a on breathing mods
Tuning an engine to smile. ‘It sounded including an RRC inlet
more than treble its output phenomenal, you could manifold with a J35 throttle
is an expensive puzzle. really hear the VTEC body, a Tegiwa exhaust
Building a mint show car is crossover.’ How many more manifold and a Milltek
time-consuming; although innocent young wallets is Sport non-resonated
we’re sure Adam would the VTEC bark going to exhaust system. The
point out he never set out empty? It seems to be a engine was then mapped at
to build a show stopper, or reoccurring theme among Honda tuning gurus TDi
particularly considers his VTEC heads. Although few North using Hondata Flash
Civic to be one. However, go as far as Adam. Pro, where it kicked out

18 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 TO SEE ADAM’S HOT
HONDA IN ACTION, AND
A SNEAKY A BEHIND THE
SCENE VIDEO OF THE
SHOOT, POINT YOUR
SMARTPHONE’S QR
READER HERE!

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 19
 TRACTION ACTION
WITH JUST TWO FRONT TYRES TRYING TO
KEEP THE FULL FORCE OF 765BHP UNDER
CONTROL, ADAM HAS MADE SOME
UPGRADES TO STOP THEM FROM
DISAPPEARING INTO A CLOUD OF SMOKE
EVERY TIME HE FLOORS THE THROTTLE.
A WAVETRAC LSD PUTS UP AN IMPRESSIVE
FIGHT, DISTRIBUTING POWER TO
WHICHEVER WHEEL HAS THE MOST GRIP.
WHILE THE TYRES THEMSELVES ARE
YOKOHAMA ADVAN AD08R SEMI-SLICKS.
ADAM HAS BEEN VERY CLEVER WITH THE
WHEEL WIDTHS AND OFFSETS, SO HE’S
SQUEEZED WIDE 235/40/17 TYRES ON THE
FRONT, AND HAS A PAIR OF CHUNKY
255/40/17S TO GO ON VERY SOON.
PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL, THE
ECUTEK HAS BEEN CALIBRATED TO PROVIDE
BOOST-BY-GEAR. SO LESS BOOST IS
AVAILABLE TO THE ENGINE IN THE FIRST
COUPLE OF GEARS TO HELP LAY DOWN
THE MAMMOTH POWER

240bhp, a decent hike from the on other Hondas, like the earlier
original factory-claimed power EP3, but the bodyshell is also
output of 198bhp. significantly stiffer than the EP3,
At this point Adam too. After the alignment it was
discovered a couple of so much more planted in the
surprisingly effective upgrades. corners, and is definitely a
He explains: ‘I fitted some worthwhile mod.’
Eibach 30mm lowering springs He also bought a used set of
and had a fast-road geometry Stoptech Touring Series brakes
setup that transformed the way off one of the Honda forums.
the car handled. I know some ‘I actually couldn't believe the
people point out the FN2 has a difference, I was never
solid rear beam rather than the impressed with the OEM brakes
independent rear suspension but the jump was massive. For

20 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 ‘FOR A LONG TIME THE
STOPTECH BRAKES
WERE MY FAVOURITE
UPGRADE’

a long time the brakes were my front splitter and rear spoiler, North in action, my mind was FUELLING AMBITION
ADAM POINTS OUT THE FUEL
favourite upgrade. I would GP rear diffuser, black mirrors, made up. It wasn’t just the SYSTEM WAS ONE OF SEVERAL
recommend them to anyone etc. After a while I got bored, as power, it was all the turbo BOTTLENECKS DISCOVERED ALONG
THE WAY TO 765BHP. IT BECAME A
tuning an FN2.’ you do, and started looking at noises I loved, too, and the roar PROBLEM AROUND THE 550BHP
Shortly after, Adam took his ways of getting more power.’ of the screamer pipe.’ MARK. THE SOLUTION WAS TO FIT
A SWIRL POT WITH A
increasingly hot Honda to its ‘For me, NA tuning is such a Adam ordered a TDi North COMBINATION OF WALBRO
first trackday at Oulton Park, costly exercise and I didn’t think GT30 turbo kit, along with a 225LPH AND BOSCH 044 FUEL
where it performed well, with no it would return the power I stage four Competition Clutch PUMPS. SIMILARLY, THE 2.5IN
EXHAUST WAS NEVER INTENDED
issues there or on the drive wanted anyway, so I started and Wavetrac 4.7 LSD to help FOR FORCED INDUCTION, SO TDI
home. However, there was a looking at the pros and cons of put the power down. Initially the NORTH FABRICATED THEIR OWN
3IN SYSTEM. MORE RECENTLY,
much more epic transformation supercharging or turbocharging turbo kit was bolted onto the ADAM NEEDED TO FIND SOME
just around the corner. Adam the engine. I did lots of standard K20Z4 engine. With COLDER COPPER-CORED PLUGS
AND GAP THEM CLOSER, AS THE
remembers: ‘I did some research and after seeing a the turbo blowing through the BOOST PRESSURE WAS BLOWING
bodywork next; Mugen-style 500bhp turbo FN2 tuned by TDi Milltek Sport 2.5in exhaust, and THE SPARK OUT PREMATURELY

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 21
 UNBREAKABLE
THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THIS MONSTER
ENGINE ARE EXTREMELY STURDY.
CLOCKWISE MOTION HAS FITTED THE K20Z4
BLOCK WITH DARTON MODULAR
INTEGRATED DECK (MID) WET SLEEVES. THIS
REINFORCES THE CYLINDER WALLS READY
FOR BOOST. WHILE THE STOCK CRANKSHAFT
IS FORGED FROM THE FACTORY, THIS HAS
BEEN COMPLEMENTED WITH SAENZ RODS
WITH L19 BOLTS AND OMEGA PISTONS.
A HOST OF OTHER UPGRADES HELP KEEP
THE ENGINE RELIABLE, INCLUDING AN FD2
OIL PUMP BALANCE DELETE KIT, WHICH IS
LIGHTER AND PROVIDES GREATER OIL
PRESSURE AT HIGHER RPM, PREVENTING
ENGINE-DESTROYING OIL CAVITATION

BILLET BUDDY
THE GARRETT GTX3582R TURBO HIDING IN THE ENGINE BAY SPINS THE WRONG WAY.
UNLIKE MOST TURBOS, THIS SECOND-GENERATION ‘SUPERCORE’ TURBO SPINS
ANTI-CLOCKWISE, WHICH HELPS IT SQUEEZE INTO THE CIVIC’S ENGINE BAY ALONG
WITH ALL THE NECESSARY PIPING. IT FEATURES A STAINLESS-STEEL .82 V-BAND
TURBINE HOUSING MADE BY AET TURBOS AND HAS A FORGED BILLET COMPRESSOR
WHEEL. THE MAIN ADVANTAGE OF THE BILLET WHEEL, IN ADDITION TO MAKING
IT EASIER FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO CNC PROTOTYPE DESIGNS, IS THAT BILLET
IS STRONGER THAN TRADITIONAL CAST WHEELS, SO IT WILL HANDLE MORE BOOST
AND ABUSE. THERE’S ACTUALLY A BIT MORE POWER LEFT IN THE TURBO. PAUL
AT TDI NORTH RECKONS THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO BREAK THE 800BHP BARRIER
WITH THIS TURBO IN THE NEAR FUTURE

22 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 THE REAL RANGE INCLUDES
PERFORMANCE OVER 2200
APPLICATIONS
CLUTCH

• Lightweight construction • Single and twin plate options

• Performance chromoly flywheels
eels available
• Various options for street or • Organic, ceramic and carbon
arbon
track use friction materials

xtremeclutch.co.uk [email protected] facebook.com/XtremeClutch

 the Hondata Flash Pro still just sell what he had and move uprated driveshafts. An even a fully built bottom-end), along
enabling the ECU tweaks, initial on. He was seriously bigger investment went into with a fully worked-over cylinder
power was 370bhp. After a few considering throwing in the the engine itself. head. These were then
weeks that was turned up to towel and starting again. Clockwise Motion in assembled and ultimately tuned
400bhp, then 425bhp and soon Thankfully he came to his Worcestershire have built some at TDi North, who by this time
after 450bhp. senses, priced up a 600bhp of the most powerful K-Series had replaced the Hondata with
All was going well. Adam build with Paul West and the engines in existence. While TDi EcuTek management. The
admits the car was already guys over at TDi North and North have tuned some of the results were incredible.
much faster than before and a dropped his car off for work to fastest Hondas around, With a GTX3582R turbo in
real hoot to drive. Unfortunately, begin. He admits: ‘It felt like including cars that have place of the GT30, power
one spirited drive resulted in taking ten steps back from the dominated in the UK Time quickly shot up to the 700bhp
him stripping fourth gear. 450bhp I had and starting Attack Championship, VTEC mark. ‘I was over the moon with
This was a turning point in the again, but I’m so glad I did it Challenge and the Jap Drag that,’ says Adam, ‘that was way
project. After spending a few now.’ To prevent a repeat of the Series. These tuning more than I expected, but Paul,
quid, Adam knew he was at a gearbox issues, Adam bought a superpowers combined to the owner of TDi, reckoned
crossroads. One way involved list of upgrades including a create something very special. there was much more to come.
spending even more money to PPG 1st to 4th gear set, plus Clockwise Motion provided a And he was right! We ended
‘do it properly’, the other was to MFactory carbon synchros and short motor (sleeved block with up at 765bhp at 23psi of boost,

‘THE FINAL POWER

FIGURE WAS MUCH
HIGHER THAN I
EXPECTED’

24 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER
ECUTEK PROVIDES THE BRAINS FOR THIS CHAMPIONSHIP
EDITION FN2. IF YOU HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED ECUTEK, IT’S
LIKE ENGINE MANAGEMENT AND A GAME APP ROLLED
INTO ONE. YOU CAN CONTROL LOADS OF THINGS USING
THE APP ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE, WHICH MAKES
CHANGING THINGS ON THE GO REALLY EASY. AMONG
THE TOYS AVAILABLE TO ADAM ARE LAUNCH CONTROL,
FLAT-SHIFT, ADJUSTABLE TRACTION CONTROL, MULTIPLE
MAPS, DATA LOGGING AND LOTS MORE BESIDES. IT’S AN
INCREDIBLE SYSTEM THAT WE KNOW TDI NORTH ARE
PARTICULARLY KEEN ON

a new record for a road-driven FN2 in the UK and

possibly even Europe, too! I was blown away. I never
expected that result.’
So what’s it like to drive a front-wheel drive car with
765bhp? ‘Surprisingly easy,’ claims Adam. ‘I don’t
actually use the traction control at all, just my right foot.
Obviously if you’re heavy on the throttle it will spin up
and won’t stop wheel-spinning until the top of third gear,
in the dry. So it’s a monster if you want it to be, but it

THANKS
PAUL, BEN, NEIL, ADAM, KIERON AND EVERYBODY ELSE AT
TDI NORTH FOR TRANSFORMING THE CAR FROM STOCK TO
THE MONSTER IT IS TODAY AND SETTING A NEW RECORD,
ANDY AND THE TEAM AT STAFFORDSHIRE CAR PAINTERS
FOR ALL THE BODYWORK AND PAINTING, ADAM AT
BRIDGEYS AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR ALL THE ASSISTANCE
AND MUCH-NEEDED HELP, PAUL AT SPOONER
RESTORATIONS FOR ALL THE CUSTOM PAINTWORK, SIMON
AT SCHUBAND AUTOWORKS FOR THE ONE-OFF RADIATOR,
CARL AT MIRROR FINISHING FOR ALL THE POLISHED
ENGINE COMPONENTS, JONATHAN AT JB DETAILING FOR
KEEPING THE CAR LOOKING SHARP, FINALLY TO
EVERYBODY WHO HAS SUPPLIED PARTS INCLUDING
CLOCKWISE MOTION, TEGIWA, FREAKY PARTS, GRINSPEED,
SW MOTORSPORTS AND TRANSBOX, I REALLY APPRECIATE
EVERYBODY'S HELP ALONG THE WAY!

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 25
TECHSPEC USING YOUR HEAD
MUCH OF THE MAGIC OF THE REV-HAPPY HONDA VTEC
ENGINE ENGINE LIES IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. NOT ONLY
2.0-litre, 4cyl,16v K20Z4 turbocharged BECAUSE OF THE CLEVER SWITCHABLE CAMS BUT ALSO
THE OVERALL GEOMETRY OF THE COMBUSTION
engine with 9.0:1 compression ratio CHAMBER. IN SHORT, HONDA K20 CYLINDER HEADS
using Clockwise Motion short block FLOW REALLY WELL, EVEN IN STANDARD FORM.
and ported cylinder head, Darton MID CLOCKWISE MOTION HAS MAXIMISED THE GAINS IN
THIS AREA WITH EXTRA PORTING AND A 3-ANGLE
sleeves, OE crank, Saenz rods with VALVE JOB USING A MIX OF THE FIRM’S OWN EXHAUST
L19 bolts, 86.5mm Omega pistons, VALVES AND SUPERTECH INTAKE VALVES. DOUBLE
Clockwise Motion baffled sump, FD2 VALVE SPRINGS AND UPRATED STEEL RETAINERS HELP
oil pump conversion, Mishimoto catch TO KEEP THE VALVES UNDER CONTROL AT HIGH RPM.
THE ‘HEAD IS CLAMPED DOWN ONTO A CLOCKWISE
can and oil cooler, Supertech inlet MOTION HEAD GASKET USING ARP BOLTS
valves, double valve springs and
uprated steel retainers, Clockwise
Motion Inconel exhaust valves and
head gasket, ARP head bolts, TDi
North turbo kit using Garrett GTX3582R
billet turbo with titanium heat blanket,
tubular exhaust manifold, Turbosmart
Hypergate wastegate with screamer
pipe, Turbosmart blow-off valve, TDi
North 3in downpipe and exhaust
system, K&N Xtreme air filter, front-
mounted intercooler with hard pipes,
Speedfactory 4bar map sensor,
Schuband twin-core radiator with 2x
12in fans, Walbro in-tank fuel pump,
internal swirl pot, Bosch 044 fuel pump
with return and rising-rate setup,
Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors,
Hybrid Racing fuel rail, NGK spark
plugs, EcuTek software, engine
components metal polished and
painted wrinkle black, aluminium
expansion bottle, gold heat-wrapped
boost pipes and fuel lines, carbon slam
panel, dress-up bolts

POWER
765bhp & 512lb ft of torque @ 1.6bar

TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual FN2 Type R gearbox
fitted with Pfitzner Performance
Gearbox (PPG) 1st–4th helical synchro
gear set, MFactory carbon-fibre
synchros, Stage 4 Competition Clutch,
Wavetrac LSD with 4.38 final drive
ratio, TDi North quickshift, MFactory
driveshafts

SUSPENSION
Tein Street Flex coilovers, Fast Road
geometry setup, camber bolts, toe
shims, J's Racing front strut brace

BRAKES
StopTech Racing big brake kit with 4-
pot calipers, 330mm two-piece discs
and Carbon Lorraine RC6 pads (front),
OE calipers, grooved discs and OE-
spec pads (rear), Hel braided lines

WHEELS AND TYRES also grips amazingly well if you colours of the Buddy Club presented.
9x17in (front) and 7.5x17in (rear) Team drive it properly.’ bucket seat neatly match the We often talk about
Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 alloy wheels in
It’s a real looker, too. We original passenger seat. Equally, performance tuning as being a
gloss black with 235/40/17 (front) and
225/45/17 (rear) Yokohama Advan
love the black and white theme, Adam has made good use of game of compromises. You
AD08R tyres particularly the aggressive front- crackle black finish under the aren’t supposed to be able to
end with the bumper cut-outs, bonnet. If it wasn’t for the gold have it all. However, Adam’s car
EXTERIOR canards and the minimalist front heat-wrapping and Hybrid demonstrates how small you
Mugen-style front splitter, modified grille. ‘Yeah, I’m really pleased Racing fuel rail, you might not can make those compromises if
front bumper and grille for increased with the grille,’ says Adam. ‘A suspect Adam has touched you have a clear vision and the
airflow, Tegiwa canards and vented few people have told me it looks much under there. Until he determination to push it through.
carbon-fibre bonnet, black wing unfinished but I like the fact it starts it up, that is! Having the support of
mirrors, Mugen-style rear spoiler,
exposes all the coolers. It’s just It’s hard to get over how well experienced tuning companies
Honda GP rear diffuser
a standard grille with the centre presented this FN2 is. The at the top of their game helps,
INTERIOR section cut-out. Everyone has a mighty power figure will always too. This front-wheel drive street
Buddy club P1 limited edition seat and Mugen grille, but I wanted grab the headlines, but it’s not car has just re-written the rule
rail, semi-stripped interior, SW something different.’ until you have a good look over book. 765bhp. That’s not just
Motorsport rear rollcage, boot-mounted A lot of attention has been the car that you realise every raising the bar, that’s throwing it
Odyssey PC680 lightweight battery paid to the finer details, too. The single component is beautifully into orbit. JP

26 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 Gears... that make records

AUDI GM FORD HONDA LAMBORGHINI MITSUBISHI NISSAN SUBARU TREMEC

ppgearbox.com
[email protected]
 WORDS & PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

SPRING ACTION DAY

CELEBRATES THE START OF
SHOW SEASON WITH A
FANTASTIC TURNOUT

SPRING INTO ACTION

D
ubbed the ‘official Despite mixed performance cars. sessions were laced with that were hand-picked
kick-start to the weather reports With an impressive white-knuckle by the event sponsors –
performance car beforehand, the day array of clubs and some professional drifting helping to illustrate just
show season’, Castle proved to be largely dry awesome club cars, the demonstrations to keep what a diverse mix of
Combe Circuit’s Spring and mild, and didn't Club Display Areas were the crowd’s pulse racing machines were in
Action Day – held on 7 dampen the spirits of not to be missed and from start to finish. There attendance.
April – marked the those descending onto provided a fantastic was also the MCR The Top 25 Show and
beginning of a string of the race track’s scenic array of vehicles for Specialist Cars and Shine stand this year
exciting events grounds to witness a show-goers to admire. Infinity Exhausts parade hosted a seriously
scheduled over 2018 at great day dedicated to On the circuit itself, – a rolling display of the formidable array of
the Wiltshire venue. the worship of public track time Top 25 cars of the day gleaming metal, making

28 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
the judges’ task of Hudd’s Cosworth- metal on display, this time, with Ford Sport tuning industry on-hand
picking the Top 3 powered Escort van year’s coveted prize was South West taking home to offer parts and friendly
finalists a seriously claiming the top spot. All claimed by Dave Wilson the ‘Best Small Club’ technical advice.
difficult affair indeed. finalists received goody and his immaculate Mk1 trophy, Track Obsession An extremely exciting
Eventually, though, bags kindly donated by Ford Escort which was receiving the ‘Best Big start to what promises to
the winners were acclaimed cleaning never too far away from Club’ award, and Race be another year of
announced: Bryan gurus, Dodo Juice. a group of envious Club securing the fantastic action-packed
Marland’s Audi Coupé in Other awards looking bystanders. ‘Overall Best Club’ prize. events at Castle Combe,
third, Marios Christofi’s included Car of the 2018’s event saw the Elsewhere, a bustling head over to the website
recently-finished Honda Show – unfortunately, club awards broken Trade Village saw some castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Accord Euro R in although there was a down into three of the country’s most now to see what else is
second, and Mark tonne of awesome Jap categories for the first respected names in the coming up. JP

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 29
 IT WAS SANTA POD’S TURN TO
WELCOME THE HONDA FAITHFUL AS
MIMMS HONDA DAY DESCENDED ON
THE LEGENDARY QUARTER MILE STRIP
WORDS & PICS: CHRIS PRESLEY

MIMMS
HONDA DAY
2
018’s first instalment With the chance to go fastest. And it was smiling on the high- cracking time, all the
of the much-loved head-to-head down the obviously a chance that revving Hondas and while giving a single
Mimms Honda Day fabled quarter mile appealed to many as, on persistent precipitation finger salute to the
events saw us leave the against other Honda the day of the show, the stopped play on the strip appalling weather
familiar bowl-shaped enthusiasts, this was an Pod was packed with all day. conditions.
surroundings of opportunity for fans of Hondas of every model. But this didn't stop the With no power to put
Rockingham Motor the red H badged cars to Unfortunately, the bhp hardened Honda faithful on display, it meant that
Speedway and head to really put their money, or Battle Royale that we filling up the hard there was a seriously
the UK’s premier drag at least their pride, where were all hoping for never standing display areas eclectic mix of rides
racing venue of Santa there mouths’ were and materialised, as the show and the show ‘n’ shine entering the show ‘n’
Pod Raceway. see who really is the gods were certainly not paddock and having a shine competition, and

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 31
 everything from Rosenberg in the are always prominent at Looking immaculate, AWARD WINNERS
BEST INTERIOR
parachute-equipped EG jpr2two2 Civic Jordan. Santa Pod, and Mimms despite the horrible ANDY BOYLE EK9
Civic drag cars to a pair And it was quite an Honda Day was no weather, and showing off BEST EXTERIOR
CHRIS COULTON EP3
of mega-rare and minty achievement, too, different with an their amazing wire- BEST WHEELS CHOSEN BY
fresh MugenRR FD2s especially considering abundance of clubs tucked and smoothed WHEEL WHORES
SIMON CARR GEN1 CIVIC
and even an NA2 NSX-R that he had driven all the braving the weather to engine bays and BEST ENGINE BAY
all rubbing shoulders way from Wales to make show off their wares. exceptional builds, they MAZ CL1 ACCORD
and vying for some the show and it was still However, it was were an obvious class CLEANEST CAR
PAUL ROSENBERG CIVIC
silverware. gleaming despite the noticeably the HondR above the rest. Andy JORDAN
The award for the torrid conditions. boys that stood out Boyles’ K-swapped EK9 BEST #MIMMSPREP
BRETT SARGEANT FN2
cleanest car went to Paul Quality club stands among the crowds. Civic and Ashley Ellis’s

32 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
AWARD WINNERS supercharged EP2 Civic awarded the Kleenfreaks concrete drag strip to are out to enjoy the
BEST CAR ON CLUB STAND
JORDAN THOMPSON EJ/EK were both built by the sponsor’s choice award remain redundant scene, and we salute
CIVIC Honda gurus and were for his CL1 Euro R throughout the day, it you for it! With the day
BEST DRAG CAR
RAY SAUNDERS CIVIC EG firm fan favourites on the Accord and Russell has to be said that the done, we are now
BEST OF SHOW 1ST day. The co-owners of bagging the coveted turn out was still huge. looking forward to the
RUSSELL TAYLOR HONDA
STREAM the Oxfordshire-based Best In Show trophy for And this just goes to second instalment of the
BEST OF SHOW 2ND Honda tuning firm, Maz his nutty 490whp K24 prove that the Honda Mimms Honda Day, back
RORY BAILEY DC2 Christofi and Russell turbo Honda Stream. scene in the UK is still as at Rockingham on July
BEST OF SHOW 3RD
TOM PARKER CRX Taylor also came away So despite the vibrant as ever. Come 22nd. Fingers crossed
KLEEN FREAKS CHOICE with some accolades of horrible wet weather rain or shine the for somer better weather
AWARD MAZ CL1 ACCORD
their own with Maz resigning the brand new hardcore Honda owners next time around! JP

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 33
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34 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
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FLYING
LESSONS
CHOPPER PILOT SEAN
ABELLANA MAY WELL
HAVE HIS HEAD IN THE
CLOUDS DURING HIS
DAY JOB, BUT WHEN IT
CAME TO BUILDING HIS
PERFECT DRIFT CAR
THERE WAS NO WAY
THAT THIS DREAM
WASN’T BECOMING
A REALITY
WORDS: MATT SHAW PICS: VIKTOR BENYI

A
wise man once said: ‘It’s done just that. Sean may have start of the story… the Gulf of Mexico, so with that
not what you have, it’s more than a few dollars in his Sean’s earned the majority in his back pocket he and his
what you do with it that wallet, but he isn't the type to of his money by being the go-to wife Terra, and their combined
counts.’ But, if like Sean boast about wealth, in fact he’s man at Maverick Helicopters in entrepreneurial spirit, set-up Las
Abellana you have a bloody quite the opposite, but by the US, and putting that into Vegas Air Charters, a company
great piece of the pie to start working hard all of his life in a layman’s terms means that he that arranges private flights to
with, what you do with it will job he loves, he’s managed to is something of an uber, Uber Vegas for the high rollers and
need to be all the more create the kind of life that most driver – well, a pilot in fact. His social elite.
impressive. And from the looks of us can only dream of, and day-to-day role used to involve With a vocation as high
of his Supra-engined Nissan calling Las Vegas, Nevada his dropping off workers to the ranking as that, you wouldn't be
S14, it’s pretty clear that he’s home sweet home is just the 3500 oil rigs dotted offshore in surprised to hear that discretion

36 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
is a key word in Sean’s mention anyone else. If you when his hand isn’t grasping checking out a local drift event,
vocabulary and, when it came want to build a car of this the helicopter’s joystick. Sean was lucky enough to
to pulling in the major players calibre without wasting time and ‘Back in 1983 I had a Volvo bump into Forrest Wang and
for the build of his jaw-dropping money, then this is the way to 240 turbo that I used to rip the the Get Nuts Lab crew. These
S14 drift car, this was carried do it,’ he proclaims. handbrake up and slide around guys knew exactly what the drift
through to his creation. Although this is Sean’s first corners,’ He reminisces. But scene was all about and lead
‘It took some time for me to ever crack at building this was a world away from the man Forrest was pretty damn
discover the right mix of parts, something so instantly evolutional thoughts running handy with the spanners as well
retailers, builders and tuners,’ impressive, he's always been through his brain that got him as his Nissan out on track.
he tells us. ‘But I did, and into his cars and even finds to where he is now. Sean was immediately
there's no reason for me to time to take in some racing After moving to Nevada and impressed with the build and

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 37
 DUAL CALIPER
ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT
THE FIRST TIME WE'VE
SEEN THEM, DUAL
CALIPERS STILL GET
US A LITTLE HOT
UNDER THE COLLAR.
AND ON A CAR LIKE
THIS, THAT'S BEEN
BUILT TO BE USED
AGGRESSIVELY IN
THE DRIFT ARENA,
IT'S NOT HARD TO
SEE WHY THE TWIN
SUPERLIGHT
WILWOOD CALIPERS
HAVE BEEN ADDED
TO THE SPEC LIST

38 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 ‘THE 2JZ-GTE PACKS A
BEASTLY 1100BHP AT
THE WHEELS!’

abuse his cars took. ‘I was so Virtual Works Racing and the ‘Dana Westover at Virtual now that it has been teamed up
inspired by Forrest’s street- Get Nuts Lab to do all of the Works Racing has been with the awesome Racepak IQ3
driven black S14 240SX, that heavy lifting and the so-called building bat shit 2JZs ever head-up display, it makes it a
both he and I set about finding dirty work. since the year dot!’ Sean doddle for Sean’s tuner Kyle Le
a stock S14 for me to build my ‘I considered an RB laughs. ‘He even has a personal Blanc (no relation to Top Gear’s
perfect drift car, and in-turn I powerplant first of all,’ Sean seven-second Supra that has Matt, apparently!) to keep an
decided to create the perfect explains. ‘But with the power taken savage amounts of abuse eye on and squeeze the best
street/drift S chassis,’ he says. figures I had in mind and the for the last two years and is still out of the car’s beastly 1100
Sean and a few friends range of support there was for in one piece, launch after wheel horsepower output.
made a start on the project by the 2JZ-GTE engine, there really launch after launch,’ he reveals With the engine side of the
stripping the newly purchased was only one choice.’ excitedly. ‘My build was a little build well and truly ticked off, it
car down to the bare bones, Now we all know what an different as it’s completely street was left to Forrest Wang to sort
and while the interior was being epic engine the 2JZ-GTE is in legal. They opted to retain the the car’s body to match its
lightened a full Mil-spec wiring standard form, in fact it wouldn't stock block, build it to the hilt beating heart. The arches were
harness was created to lighten be out of order to proclaim that with a race ported head and swiftly tubbed to allow for more
the load even further. They also it’s one of the finest engines custom fabricated manifolds clearance when the wheels are
installed most of the interior’s ever created, so when you’re and manage it all with a on constant full lock, and the
trick bits and, with the help of looking at stratospheric power trustworthy Haltech ECU.’ suspension towers that play
Rainer Ramolete at Raysfactory, figures above the magic explains Sean. host to Tein coilovers received
came up with the perfectly- 1000bhp mark, it’s a pretty safe Not only does the Haltech significant bracing to keep the
formed carbon-fibre dash. It bet that the 3-litre straight-six Platinum Sport 2000 keep an S14 pointing in the right
was left in the safe hands of can fit the bill. eye on the engine’s vitals but, direction. Inside the car Forrest

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 39
TECHSPEC
ENGINE stitch-welded the body from power to the Tarmac isn’t going angry,’ he chuckles. But after it
3.0-litre, 6-cyl, 24v 2JZ-GTE, Brian front to back and fabricated a to be a walk in the park and, was given the nod of approval
Crower crankshaft, adjustable cam fully gusseted roll-cage and a with the stretched tyres that from the infamous Kei Muira at a
gears, CP rods and pistons, Clevite rod rear support for the massive Sean originally opted for, season opening Formula D
bearings and main bearings, Next boot-mounted fuel cell to sit on. anything above 300bhp and the event in Long Beach, you know
Level Fab race-port cylinder head, The exterior saw similar car was dancing around all over he’s done something right!
Ferrea Competition Plus valves, bronze attention to detail with front and the road like Ant McPartlin after Even with the instant
valve guides, Precision 6766 turbo, rear bash bars created to mate a few bevvies. ‘It was nutty on gratification accepted, Sean isn't
46mm wastegate, Turbosmart blow-off up perfectly to the uprated S15 the motorway,’ he laughs. ‘Even about to be gunning for his
valve and fuel pressure regulator, front end and prototype 2F switching lanes and giving it Formula D licence just yet. ‘This
Accufab 90mm throttle body, Get Nuts Performance ‘Super Doof’ kit some throttle made it feel like I is going to be my weekend
Lab engine mounts, ARP lines and that shows off the car’s aesthetic was driving on ice!’ he says. warrior that will be used at a few
fittings, Griffin dual-pass radiator and qualities perfectly. Sean swiftly swapped over to local events like Top Drift, Vegas
front-mount intercooler, SPAL fans, With most of the hard work some much wider Hankook RS3 Drift and Sonoma Drift,’ he says.
Titan Motorsport cam gears and fuel out of the way and the awesome rubber to complement the huge ‘I just need to get a little practice
rail, GReddy oil filter relocation kit, uprated R34 GT-R axles and diff 9.5x18in and 12x18in Weds in before I start getting carried
Virtual Works Racing modified oil managing to keep the 1100 Kranze wheels, and now, touch away.’ We're pretty sure this is
pump, turbo manifold and intake horses from breaking free, the wood, all is right with the world one car you’re going to be
manifold, Zex 150-shot wet nitrous only problem left to solve was and he’s free to use all that seeing a lot more of in the future
system, LQ9 coils, NGK spark plugs, that of keeping traction. power to his heart’s content. and as for more practice? Who's
AEM Macvalve, 50-1005 fuel pumps Obviously, getting that much ‘The car is always very, very up for a few flying lessons? JP
(x2), Fuel Injector Clinic 2150cc
injectors, Walbro 450lph fuel pump,
Holly inline fuel filter, USP motorsports
surge tank, RCI fuel tank, Haltech E-85
flex fuel sensor, Lifeline Racing battery,
Haltech Platinum Sport 2000 ECU

TRANSMISSION
Getrag V160 transmission, Driveshaft
Shop one-piece aluminum driveshaft,
R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R axles and
differential, GReddy differential cover

SUSPENSION
Tein coilovers and tie rods, Parts Shop
Max S14 Super Angle knuckle, rear
drop knuckles, rear lower control arms,
Battle Version front lower control arms, LAS VEGAS AIR CHARTERS
IF YOU EVER FIND
toe bar, traction rod, rear upper control YOURSELF IN VEGAS AND
arms, Get Nuts Lab S14 Power Brace, WANT TO AVOID RUBBING
SHOULDERS WITH THE
Sikky front sway bar RIFFRAFF AND YOU'VE GOT
A FEW SPARE SHEET IN
BRAKES YOUR POCKET, HEAD OVER
TO SEAN'S COMPANY LVAC.
13in Wilwood forged Superlite big THEIR PERSONALISED AIR
brake kit (front and rear) with dual rear SERVICE CAN WHISK YOU
WHEREVER YOU NEED TO
SPD caliper bracket GO AND, THANKS TO
ONLY USING SMALL
EXCLUSIVE AIRCRAFT, CAN
WHEELS & TYRES REACH INTO THE SMALL-
9.5x18in (front) and 12x18in (rear) EST AIRPORTS THAT
Weds Kranze LXZ wheels with OTHER COMPANIES CUR-
RENTLY CAN'T
Hankook RS3 tyres

EXTERIOR
2F Performance Superdoof body kit,
Chargespeed over-arches, Seibon
carbon-fibre bonnet and boot, Rocket
Bunny carbon-fibre wing, front and rear
bash bars, tubbed front wheel arches

INTERIOR
Racepak Smartwire switch panel, fully-
gusseted rollcage, rear fuel cell,
custom Speedparts Biz carbon-fibre
dash, Tilton 600-series pedal box
assembly, Woodward precision
steering column, ASD upright hand
brake, Next Level Fab gear shifter,
Safecraft fire suppression system,
aysfactory S14 interior panelling,
Racetech door pulls, Bride 'low max'
seats, TeamTech harnesses, Racepak
IQ3 dash

40 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
WORDS: DAN GOODYER
PICS: DAN SHERWOOD
TRACK PICS: NICK BARRETT – XTREME PHOTOGRAPHY

THE
LOTUS
POSITION
COLIN CHAPMAN WAS FAMOUSLY OBSESSIVE
ABOUT REMOVING WEIGHT FROM HIS CARS,
SO HE WOULD DEFINITELY APPROVE OF THIS
STRIPPED-DOWN SUBARU IMPREZA RACER...

L
ighter cars are faster. It handling and traction issues – do. However, the surprising into his car, after working so
really is as simple as that. the tyre effectively ‘slips’ across thing is, it can be a very difficult hard to remove the weight in
Although we can try and the surface of the road, hence process to get right, as Chris the first place.
be clever and bend the odd law the term ‘slip angle’. It’s one of Grinstead highlights with the He originally built a black
of physics, we can’t escape the reasons given for the R35 tale of his superlight Subaru Bugeye to compete in the 22B
them. All things being equal, a Nissan GT-R being relatively Impreza Type R. Anyone with a Sprint Series way back in 2012,
light car will accelerate and heavy; it was intentionally set of tools and a bit of and much of the DNA from that
decelerate faster than a heavy designed that way to make the enthusiasm can remove bits of car survives today in this
one. It will also change direction wide 20in tyres work effectively. the interior. If you’re really Classic. Chris competed in the
quicker, corner at higher However, the reality is your car serious, you can yank out all S2 Class for fast-road and track
speeds and require less power would have to be extremely the creature comforts including cars – his Bugeye was still very
to push it along. light – a single-seater or a Lotus the audio system, air- much a street car in the sense
The only downside to this 7-style kit car for example – to conditioning and sound- that it didn’t have a rollcage and
rule is there theoretically comes really suffer from too little deadening material. However, was driven to events. However,
a point where a lack of weight weight. So putting your car on a the end result isn’t always it did have a rather special
makes it harder to get the tyres diet is still one of the most pleasant to drive, especially engine under the bonnet. It was
up to temperature. A lack of effective ways to make it faster. on the road. Which is exactly built on an EJ22t block by Mike
mass pushing them into the Of course, removing weight why Chris has recently put a Latimer into one of his
ground can actually cause from a car is relatively easy to few creature comforts back legendary 2.35-litre engines.

42 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Chris explains why he chose Syvecs S6GP ECU, which he DRUNKEN PURCHASE
‘I DIDN’T EVEN OWN A CLASSIC WHEN I BOUGHT THIS GLASSFIBRE DASH
this route: ‘At the time, this was bought from Charlie Wright of ON EBAY!’ LAUGHS CHRIS. ‘IN FACT, I DIDN’T REMEMBER BUYING IT, SO I
considered pretty much Syvecs and Surrey Rolling WAS SURPRISED WHEN IT TURNED UP. I THINK I HAD SIMON’S CAR IN
indestructible. You also got the Road fame. Mapping was MIND AT THE TIME, BUT IT ALL WORKED OUT BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO
MAKE GOOD USE OF IT IN THE END.’
best compromise between the carried out by the Jolly Green
torque of a 2.5-litre and the Monster, Simon Roe. Sadly, conversations that we agreed the first round of the 22B Sprint
willingness to rev provided by a Simon is no longer with us after one way for me to go faster was Series in 2012.’
2.0-litre engine.’ losing his battle with cancer in actually to pull a lot of the That’s an insane
Mike built the bottom-end November 2014. Like many tuning parts off the Bugeye and achievement. To put together a
and Chris took care of the other stories we’ve heard, swap them into a Classic car that quickly with no formal
cylinder head, which he ported Simon had a profound influence bodyshell, which was qualifications, just some tools
himself. Despite having no on the destiny of the car significantly lighter to begin and a bunch of enthusiasm.
formal training in car photographed here. with. Shortly after, I found a Chris points out the swap
mechanics, Chris built 99% of ‘He wasn’t just my tuner, he bare Classic shell locally that instantly improved the power-to-
both his Bugeye and this became a really close friend,’ was literally stripped. It didn’t weight ratio, estimating he
Classic shape Impreza. Most of admits Chris. ‘We used to talk even have a roof. I took the gained an extra 100bhp per ton.
the work has been undertaken at length about different ways to project on myself and effectively One big difference between
on his driveway at home. This is do this and that, and it was built this car on my driveway in the two cars is that the Classic
also where Chris wired in a during one of these only 60 days. Just in time for was given a full rollcage. The

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 43
 BOXING CLEVER
CHRIS HAS SWAPPED THE ORIGINAL 5-SPEED ‘BOX
FOR A LONG-RATIO 6-SPEED DRIVER CONTROLLED
CENTRE DIFFERENTIAL (DCCD) ‘BOX FROM A
HAWKEYE INSTEAD, ALONG WITH THE PLATE-TYPE
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIALS FROM THE SAME CAR.
ENGINE POWER IS CONNECTED VIA AN ACT
6-PADDLE CLUTCH AND THE SYVECS ECU HAS BEEN
USED TO CALIBRATE THE DCCD SYSTEM. AT 20MPH
AND UNDER, POWER IS SENT 50:50 TO THE FRONT
AND REAR WHEELS. AS THE CAR ACCELERATES, THE
POWER IS GRADUALLY PUSHED REARWARDS UNTIL
IT’S PUTTING OUT 65% OF THE POWER TO THE
REAR WHEELS AT 60MPH AND OVER. CHRIS SAYS
THIS IS SPOT-ON TRACTION-WISE ON A DRY DAY,
WHILE MAKING THE CAR A BIT MORE TAIL-HAPPY
AND FUN TO DRIVE ON THE LIMIT

bare shell was already fitted trackdays instead. crankshaft with H-beam rods THE FIRM
with a minimalist ’cage from That strong 2.35-litre engine and Mahle pistons to give the CHRIS HAD BUILT A TRUE
HANDLING MACHINE BY CREATING
Custom Cages. Chris fabricated remains under the bonnet. It 2.35-litre capacity, beefed-up A SOLID BASE. HE ADDED EXTRA
new sections to beef it up, but has to be said the whole under- with ACL bearings and RCM BARS TO THE ROLLCAGE,
MODIFIED THE GEARBOX CRADLE,
the ’cage was one of the bonnet area looks great. There 11mm head studs. The piston FITTED HARDRACE ENGINE AND
reasons given by the organisers are no unnecessary wires or crowns have been modified to GEARBOX MOUNTS, AND CREATED
CUSTOM ANTI-ROLL BAR CARRIERS.
for bumping his new build up bolt-on bits. It’s certainly no make full use of a set of ALL THESE MODIFICATIONS HELP
into the Unlimited S3 Class, show car, and Chris would Cosworth cams, Supertech GET THE BEST FROM A PAIR OF
putting Chris in among the big never claim it was, but the valves and WRC-spec double- WHITELINE ANTI-ROLL BARS AND
SOME TRICK 12-WAY ADJUSTABLE
boys. He still had fun, but addition of braided lines, valve springs, so the engine AST COILOVERS
ultimately this was never a ‘proper’ fittings and chunky can easily rev to 8000rpm
build intended to compete pipework reveal this is all- when required. Syvecs offers great knock
against tuning companies with business in a very tidy way. Chris also went to the protection but I knew the lateral
big budgets, although he Hiding at the back is a trouble of fitting a dry-sump kit. loads would challenge the
did manage to get on the Scoobyclinic GT35 turbo, ‘This was a preventative factory lubrication system, so
podium at Teeside. These days bought from another well- measure,’ explains Chris. ‘The the dry sump gives me peace
the car rarely gets entered known name in the Scooby last thing I wanted after all that of mind.’
into the sprints and generally scene, Mikee Singh. The effort is the engine to be Mapping has been taken
gets used and abused on bottom-end uses a 2.5-litre starved of oil and blow up. The over by Duncan Graham at

44 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 ‘I BUILT THIS CAR
ON MY DRIVEWAY
IN JUST 60 DAYS’

FUELING THE FIRE

FEW PEOPLE GO TO THE TROUBLE OF UPGRADING THEIR
FUEL SYSTEM AS COMPREHENSIVELY AS CHRIS HAS. NOT
ONLY DID HE FABRICATE A LARGE FUEL TANK IN THE BOOT
OF THE CAR, HE SMOOTHED OVER THE ORIGINAL FILLER
FLAP, TOO. IN ADDITION TO THE USUAL INJECTOR AND
FUEL PUMP UPGRADES, CHRIS HAS ADDED A FUEL COOLER,
STEALTHILY HIDDEN BEHIND THE REAR NUMBERPLATE. HE
ALSO FABRICATED A NEW FLAT-FLOOR AT THE REAR OF THE
CAR. PROPER JOB

RaceDynamix. There are three the bodywork on the car myself, carbon-fibre one to lower the of sets of wide, low-offset
main power settings: 520bhp including painting it.’ He admits overall centre-of-gravity, wheels with rubber for all
low boost setting on 95ron the resulting finishing won’t win something he can do now that occasions. We’ve
Unleaded, 615bhp on Shell V- him any show ‘n’ shine awards, the car has a full rollcage. photographed the car on the
Power (2bar boost), and a but it cost him peanuts The RB5 rear spoiler is a ‘dry’ road and track wheels, a
massive 675bhp with a 20% compared to paying a relatively recent addition. Chris sexy set of Work XT-7s wrapped
Methanol, 80% V-Power mix at bodyshop to do it, even if he did experiment with a high-level in Michelin Cup 2 tyres. Chris
2.1bar of boost. Considering did stink his garage out with carbon-fibre wing on the back, also has a wet setup (Team
there really isn’t a lot of weight fumes from the two-pack paint. but decided to take it off after Dynamics Pro Race 1.2s with
here to move about, added to Once again, Chris has no officials at the Nürburgring Michelin Pilot Sport tyres), and
the grip provided by the four- formal training in car bodywork. Nordschleife surprisingly has recently been
wheel drive system and super He just bought the bits and got banned him from the track experimenting with used BTCC
wide rubber, you can stuck in! He’s modified the front because ‘the police wouldn’t slicks on XXR 550 wheels. He
understand what a fearsome bumper to feed more air into like it,’ even though he had had literally just got back from a
point-to-point weapon this the filter, attached FibreWorx already completed several visit to Spa Francorchamps in
super Subaru really is. canards intended for a Honda laps? Weird! the car, so it seems his
It looks the part, too, starting Civic and reversed the bonnet You can’t miss the ABW ‘trackitis’ is unlikely to be cured
with a P1 front splitter that Chris scoop. He also replaced the Motorsport arch flares, either. any time soon.
extended himself. ‘I’ve done all missing roof panel with a They’re required to cover a trio With EJ22t blocks becoming

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 45
TECHSPEC
ENGINE
EJ22T stroked to 2.35-litres, EJ25
crank, Carillo H-beam con-rods, Mahle
pistons modified by SMG, ACL
an increasingly expensive and them! So I had to fabricate a car that is also comfortable. All
bearings, Cosworth 11mm head studs, rare item, it only makes Chris’s new internal door frame and you have to do is: start with one
Cosworth head gaskets, JDM Ver.8 car even more special. Would come up with a new electric car, transfer everything into a
AVCS big-port cylinder heads (ported), he sell it? It’s unlikely. He was window mechanism.’ new ’shell, cut weight out of it
Cosworth 276/278 cams, WRC double more open to the idea of buying Chris also added some and then put some of the weight
valve springs, Supertech valves, OE
shimless buckets, Cosworth inlet
some more bits for the car, such layers of sound deadening back in! All joking aside, what
manifold, Roger Clark Motorsport as a DCCD controller, rather material and fitted a small Chris has managed to achieve
(RCM) dry sump, RCM under-bonnet than replace it. Although he has heater, which has stopped the in his home garage with limited
oil tank, RCM exhaust manifold with made the car slightly more windscreen from fogging up so previous experience is a credit
3-bolt flange removed and replaced ‘sensible’ in recent times. he can actually see where he’s to him. Sure, this will never be
with v-band, home-made up-pipe and
downpipe with external wastegate ‘When it was a pure sprint going, which is always comfortable in comparison to a
recirculated back into downpipe, billet car, I removed every bit of preferable when you’re zooming big heavy car with soft
Garrett GT35 turbo (.82 exhaust weight possible,’ explains Chris. around a track. An Acewell suspension and armchair seats,
housing), modified Revolution 3in ‘Now that I just do trackdays in digital dash and Toucan display but it’s a really good
exhaust, HDI front-mounted intercooler it, I’ve tried to make it a bit more keep Chris informed of what’s compromise. Besides, it’s been
designed for a Newage Impreza
(flipped with custom pipework), billet comfortable. At one point I fitted going on, and allow him to done for a reason. Nothing
alloy fuel rails, custom fuel tank in boot glassfibre doors and Perspex make important changes on the beats the thrill of pointing a
25ltr/88ltr split, 2x Bosch 044 fuel windows and removed the go. He’s even squeezed a pair lightweight car at a series of
pumps, Torques fittings throughout, heater matrix. The trouble was it of speakers under the dash, not bends, feeling the lack of inertia,
FuelLab adjustable pressure regulator,
was noisy and the windscreen that you would otherwise know the eagerness of the front-end to
rear-mounted fuel cooler, 25-row oil
cooler, Hardrace engine mounts, used to steam up a lot. So I re- they were there. dart into the next direction. It’s
Syvecs S6GP ECU fitted the original doors, but I’d So it seems that it is possible the kind of car that we’re sure
previously cut the innards out of to build an extremely lightweight Colin would’ve loved, too. JP
POWER
675bhp on 80% Shell V-Power/20%
Methanol mix (2.1bar boost)
Weight: 1124kg with fuel
NO PARACHUTE
CHRIS ISN’T A FAN OF ABS
TRANSMISSION OR POWER-ASSISTANCE ON
6-speed manual ‘long-ratio’ DCCD TRACK CARS, SO HE’S FITTED
gearbox from a Hawkeye (controlled by AN ADGESPEED PEDAL BOX
Syvecs), plate-type LSDs from a WITH A BIAS CONTROLLER
Hawkeye, ACT 6-paddle clutch AND REMOVED ALL THE
SERVO ASSISTANCE. HE’S
RUN HIS OWN COPPER LINES
BRAKES WITH BRAIDED ENDS
AP Racing 6-pot front calipers with THROUGHOUT THE CAR,
355mm discs and Mintex FR4R pads, FEEDING POWERFUL AP
Brembo rear calipers with OE spec RACING 6-POT, 355MM
discs and Mintex FR4R pads, BRAKES UP FRONT WITH
MINTEX FR4R PADS
AdgeSpeed pedal box with bias bar ALL ROUND
and servo delete, copper brake lines
with braided lines at calipers

SUSPENSION
AST 12-way adjustable coilovers,
Whiteline 24mm front and rear anti-roll
bars, solid Whiteline drop links front
and rear, modified solid gearbox
cradle, custom anti-roll bar carriers,
Hardrace gearbox mount

WHEELS & TYRES

9.5x18in et20 Work Emotion XT-7 alloy
wheels with 265/35/18 Michelin Cup 2
tyres (dry), 8x18in et11 Team Dynamics
Pro Race 1.2 gloss black alloy wheels
with 225/45/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4
tyres (wet), 9.75x18in et19 XXR 550
alloys wheels with 245-section Dunlop
BTCC slick tyres (track only)

EXTERIOR
P1 front splitter with extension, front
bumper modified for air intake,
FibreWorx canards, reverse bonnet
scoop, ABW Motorsport arch flares,
carbonfibre roof panel, RB5/Prodrive
rear spoiler, modified rear bumper, flat-
floor under boot area

INTERIOR
Motordrive bucket seats with 5-point
TRS harnesses, OMP steering wheel,
glassfibre dash, Acewell digital dash,
Toucan for calibration switching and
gauges, ‘race’ heater matrix, custom
centre-console, Custom Cages
clubman ’cage with additional braces
added, custom doorcards, flat boot
‘false floor’, Kenwood KDC BTB141U
headunit with hidden speakers

46 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
48 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 THEY
SAID IT
COULDN’T
BE DONE…
WORDS: DAN SHERWOOD PICS: ADE BRANNAN

WHEN NATHAN NOONE REVEALED HIS PLAN

TO BUILD A 2JZ-ENGINED EVO, HE HAD HIS
DOUBTERS, BUT THAT JUST SPURRED HIM ON
TO PROVE THEM WRONG

D
rifting is like a drug. through Nathan like the writing Nathan explains. ‘The first was
For anyone that has in Blackpool rock. that it have four doors, so I
experienced the thrill of ‘I really enjoyed the could fit my mates in; the
slewing sideways at speed, competitive side of drifting in second was that it was rear-
smoke pouring off the rear tyres my S13s, but it’s extremely hard wheel drive (so it could drift,
and the way ahead now only to compete if you don’t have obviously), and thirdly that it
visible through the side any sponsorship,’ he explains. should have a big power
windows, you’ll understand how ‘Even just the cost of tyres for a turbocharged straight six
it’s a feeling that gets under few rounds soon mounts up, engine. Oh, and it had to be
your skin. Once you’ve done it, and it just became more hassle Japanese too!’
you want to do it again. And than it was worth, so I dropped Now as any good Jap fan
again. And again. One person out.’ Which was when he can tell you, looking at Nathan’s
who knows the addictive decided to fill the void with his list of requirements, there are
qualities of perpendicular wild, road-going S14a. already a few good options
driving only too well is Irish drift ‘The S14 was a blast, but straight out of the box. Cars like
fanatic Nathan Noone. you could only ever take one a four-door Skyline or a Toyota
‘I’ve always been into passenger along for the ride,’ Aristo or Chaser, but none of
Japanese cars and have owned he says. ‘So when I was made these floated Nathan’s boat.
two Nissan S13 drift cars with a silly offer to sell it, I decided ‘I’m not really a fan of the
CA18DET engines and an S14a to let it go and start a new Chasers and GTS-T Skylines so
road car with a fully forged project. One that my friends was wracking my brain thinking
engine, overfenders and wider could enjoy, too.’ of something that would better
wings,’ the 26-year-old digger Now car-less, Nathan began fit the bill, when I hit upon an
driver reveals. ‘Needless to say, to devise a plan that would fulfil idea,’ he says. ‘I mentioned that
none of them spent much of both his love of drifting and I’d always liked Evos and how
their time pointing forwards…’ having a laugh with his mates, great it would be to stick an RB
he chuckles. but the end result was or 2J engine into one and make
Add to these sideways something far more ambitious it rear-wheel drive.’
speed machines a stint drifting than anyone could’ve Now, bear in mind this
competitively in a series in predicted… discussion was taking place
Northern Ireland and you can ‘I set out a few basic ‘must late one night over a beer or
see that the art of skidding runs haves’ for the new build,’ several and you can imagine

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 49
 STAGGERINGLY GOOD WHEELS
NATHAN HAS SOURCED A SET OF STAGGERED
FITMENT ROTA TORQUE WHEELS IN A MATT BRONZE
FINISH FOR THE EVO, WITH 8.5X18IN ET40 AT THE
FRONT AND WIDER 10X18IN ET20 AT THE REAR

how his mates responded. engine-less Evo on his ended up purchasing a crash- into the Evo’s bay Nathan used
‘They laughed at me and driveway, he began damaged Toyota Aristo from the Aristo subframe with
told me it couldn’t be done,’ contemplating his options for England,’ Nathan recalls. ‘At Vibratechnics mounts and
Nathan says with a wry smile. the new powerplant. £4000, it was a bit more than I custom made hangers.
‘And that’s when it sealed it. ‘I considered a Nissan RB25, was planning to spend, but it ‘I may drive diggers for a
Telling me that was like waving which would’ve probably been had been converted to run a living, but I’m a fully qualified
a red rag to a bull. I’d bust my the cheapest and easiest five-speed R154 gearbox with a mechanical engineer and a
balls to prove them wrong.’ So option, but I thought: if I’m triple-paddle clutch and some certified welder and fabricator,
the challenge was on. going to go to all this trouble of other tuning goodies, so it was so I do most of the work on my
As a strong believer in fate, converting an Evo to rear-wheel well worth the price.’ cars myself,’ Nathan reveals.
even Nathan was surprised drive, I may as well do it right, When he finally got the ‘Including all the custom
when just a few weeks later an and that meant one thing – busted Aristo home, it was fabrication work.’
Evo came up for sale on a Toyota 2JZ-GTE.’ simply a case of stripping out Other areas where Nathan’s
Ireland’s popular Done Deal The Toyota lump is one of the engine and offering it up to skills with a welder came in
classified sales website. the most sought after engines the Evo to see what needed to handy were when mounting the
‘It was the perfect base for in tuning circles, as its reliability be done to get it in. transmission.
the project,’ Nathan laughs. when running at high power is ‘It was a tight fit,’ Nathan From the factory, the Evo
‘It was an Evo VII in good unsurpassed, meaning the laughs. ‘But it wasn’t as bad as features a transversely-mounted
condition complete with 500bhp that Nathan had in I thought it would be and it engine with a side-mounted
everything except the engine mind would be within easy would fit without any gearbox meaning there was no
and transmission. I managed to reach of the muscular motor. modifications needed to the room for a longitudinally
pick it up for just 1500 euros.’ ‘To get hold of the engine bulkhead or the slam panel.’ mounted gearbox under the
And once Nathan had the and necessary ancillaries, I To mount the Toyota lump car’s chassis. To rectify this

50 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
‘THE 2JZ WAS A
TIGHT FIT, BUT
NOT AS BAD AS
I THOUGHT’

problem, Nathan busted out the known to be bulletproof, but are lock for drifting, so I couldn’t The front suspension
angle grinder, cut a big whole in very expensive and I wanted rely on the limited Evo setup.’ therefore required a custom
the Evo’s floorpan and welded something with less gears and After much head-scratching, solution to work with the Evo
in the transmission tunnel from longer ratios.’ measuring and researching strut tops and the S15 hubs, so
a Mk2 Escort. A compromise was found various parts on the ’net, Nathan called suspension gurus
‘The Escort tunnel worked with a BMW E39 five-speed Nathan came up with a solution BC Racing to see what they
perfectly and even fitted with manual from a 530d. This was to his problem. could do.
the original interior, too,’ Nathan then connected by a PMC The rear was the easy part ‘BC Racing made me a
says proudly. ‘Look inside the adaptor plate to a custom as he could simply bolt on a custom set of front coilovers
car and everything still looks flywheel and ACT six-puck pair of Evo VII-IX coilovers, it using Evo shafts with adjustable
completely factory,’ he beams. clutch. A custom one-piece was at the front where things top mounts which were
With the tunnel in place, propshaft was then made to got more complicated. connected to S15 bottom
Nathan could get the engine transfer power to the rear ‘I needed more lock so used mounts,’ Nathan highlights. ‘We
and ‘’box installed and wheels via a Mitsubishi 3000GT a set of Geomaster hubs from then specified a 10lb spring to
connected up, however, he had limited-slip diff mounted in a an S15,’ he says. ‘These are counterbalance the increased
doubts about the R154 ’box Racefab rear subframe. reasonably priced and can be weight of the engine.’
handling the pace. ‘Once I’d got drive to the used with Evo Brembo brakes With the suspension and
‘The five-speed Toyota rear wheels, I could turn my with an adapter. They were then steering taken care of, Nathan
transmission is known to have attention to figuring out how the connected to the Aristo front could finally return to work his
issues with much over 500bhp, suspension and steering would subframe and steering rack with magic on the engine, where as
so I needed to find an work,’ Nathan says. ‘This was Japspeed S14 track control well as completing a partial
alternative ’box,’ he remembers. going to be a bit trickier as I arms, tension rods and R32 wire-tuck, he also converted the
‘The Toyota six-speeds are needed to have more steering trackrod ends.’ engine to run a single turbo.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 51
TECHSPEC
ENGINE
3.0-litre, 6-cyl, 24v 2JZ-GTE VVTi, ‘Going single turbo meant that custom wiring harness to be made modern bodywork with a coat of
converted to single turbo, Japspeed 6 the engine bay was much neater and the engine to be mapped via burnt orange paint with a special
branch tubular manifold, Link G4+ and also helped release some a Link G4+ Extreme ECU. one-off show lacquer to really
Extreme ECU and custom harness, extra ponies,’ he smiles. ‘The ‘Stiv did an amazing job,’ make it pop!
Evo III quad-core aluminium radiator, blower itself is a hybrid unit using enthuses Nathan. ‘Not only did ‘When I got the car back I was
large capacity Evo VII-IX intercooler, a Mamba T4 housing and custom the car make a cool 471bhp on really impressed with the result,’
350lph Walbro fuel pump, standard fast spool internals and is the dyno, but all the factory Evo Nathan beams. ‘It just looks like a
injectors and intake manifold, stainless mounted on a Japspeed six- electrics, gauges and dials work nice standard Evo...until you open
header tank and oil catch can, silicone branch tubular manifold.’ as they should, too.’ the bonnet, that is!’
hoses with Mikalore bands, 3in This was then connected to The final piece of the puzzle of But there is another way you
stainless cat-back exhaust system with a large capacity Evo VII-IX Nathan’s awesome hybrid can tell, and that’s when Nathan
custom down-pipe and screamer pipe, intercooler with custom pipework. masterpiece was of course the plants his right foot and swings
wires tucked, carbon fuse box lid The stock 2JZ intake manifold eye-popping exterior. the rear of the Evo into a massive
remains along with the OEM ‘The Evo was originally white smoky drift with an equally
PERFORMANCE injectors, but the fuel pump has and that’s how it was going to massive grin on his face!
471.3bhp, 1200kg been replaced by a much beefier stay, but then I realised there This Evo is a home built car
350lph Walbro item. where a few other white Evos in that defies convention, and to
TRANSMISSION ‘The exhaust system is an off the area, so decided I needed to some it even defies belief. For
Rear-wheel drive, BMW E39 530d the shelf 3in stainless steel cat- change things up a bit.’ those that laugh and dismiss a
5-speed manual Getrag gearbox, back item that I connected using a To ensure it stood out, Nathan project before it’s even started, or
Mitsubishi 3000GT LSD with Racefab custom downpipe,’ Nathan says. gave his Mitsi a facelift, fitting Evo sneer that something can’t be
rear subframe, PMC adaptor plate with ‘It sounds immense, especially VIII front and rear bumpers, rear done, let this mental Mitsubishi be
a custom flywheel and ACT 6-puck with the screamer pipe, too!’ spoiler and side skits as well as a a lesson to you. With skill, vision
clutch, custom one piece propshaft, Once all the oily bits were host of additional carbon-fibre and a steely determination to
custom fabricated front subframe complete, Nathan handed the car additions to really set things off. succeed, when it comes to
mounts, Mk2 Escort gearbox tunnel over to the capable hands of Stiv The car was then sent to his mate modified motors, there’s literally
at MD Tuning in Urlingford for a Emmet, who drenched the more nothing that can’t be done! JP
SUSPENSION
Custom BC coilovers, adjustable top
mounts, Evo shafts with adjustable
damper and rebound, S15 bottom
mounts and 10lb springs (front), Evo
VII-IX coilovers with adjustable damper
and rebound, and 5lb springs (rear),
Aristo front subframe and steering rack,
S15 Geomaster hubs, Japspeed
S14/15 track control arms, Japspeed
R32 track-rod ends, Japspeed S14
tension struts

BRAKES
Brembo Evo VII-IX brakes with front
adapter plates to fit S15 hubs, traction
control and ABS bypassed, bias valve
for rear brakes, copper nickel lines with
stainless braided hoses THANKS
BIG THANKS TO MY GOOD
WHEELS & TYRES FRIENDS WHO HELPED OUT
WITH THIS BUILD, ESPECIALLY
8.5x18in ET40 (front) and 10x18in ET20 GARY, ALSO EMMET FOR DOING
(rear) Rota Torque alloys in matt A CRACKING GOOD PAINT JOB
AND STIV AT MD TUNING FOR
bronze with 225/40/18 tyres THE WIRING AND MAPPING

EXTERIOR
Evo VIII front bumper, Evo VIII MR rear
bumper, VII-IX side skirts, Evo VIII MR
spoiler, carbon front splitter, carbon
side skirt extensions, carbon bonnet
vent, carbon rear bumper extensions,
carbon vortex generator, carbon
Mitsubishi badges front and rear,
carbon EVOLUTION lettering, Civic
Type R aerial, Evo VIII MR tail lights,
Evo VII MR headlights with OEM
foglights and xenons, secret paintcode
with show lacquer

INTERIOR
Standard Evo VIII interior, carbon
dipped trim, Double DIN stereo,
custom seat lowering bracket

52 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 NO WORDS: DAN GOODYER PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

EXPENSE
SPARED
CONRAD BRADLEY HAS SPENT A SMALL
FORTUNE ON HIS TOYOTA COROLLA
AND THE RESULTS ARE PRICELESS

A
ny financial advisor a car and making it unique is It features an insane spec list
SWAP SHOP
worth their salt will tell not purely a financial decision, that would get any Corolla THE BLACK-TOP VERSION OF
you that spending though, it’s an emotional one, enthusiast foaming at the THE BEAMS 3S-GE WAS ONLY
money modifying an old car too. Turning a standard car mouth: screaming 2.0-litre EVER AVAILABLE IN THE JDM
TOYOTA ALTEZZA RS200
isn’t sensible. You’re unlikely into something unique BEAMS engine that revs like a (SXE10). THERE WAS A GREY-
to get your money back, generates a special kind of motorbike, slick six-speed TOP VERSION AVAILABLE IN A
FEW OTHER TOYOTAS, BUT
because the kind of people happiness that money just ’box, custom wide bodywork THIS WASN’T QUITE AS
who buy classic cars want can’t buy. featuring JBlood and Run POWERFUL AS THE DUAL-VVTI
BLACK-TOP VERSION. TO GET
standard cars. When investors If proof were needed, 49- Free goodies, MoTeC THE ENGINE AND MATCHING
get their hands on a classic year-old Conrad Bradley from electronics and a catalogue of SIX-SPEED ‘BOX INTO THE
car, they rarely drive them. Yorkshire spent the entire genuine parts from some of AE86, THE FRONT
CROSSMEMBER HAD TO BE
Instead, they hide them away photoshoot grinning from ear the sexiest names in the world MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE
until the values rise enough to to ear. He’s spent twelve years of Corolla tuning, such as THE ENGINE, ONE OF THE
PRIMARY RUNNERS ON THE
sell for a chunky profit – which turning his 1987 Toyota TRD, TODA and Techno Toy TRD EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD
seems such a waste for those Corolla Levin GT into a wide- Tuning. Plus a set of genuine TO BE MASSAGED AND THE
TRANSMISSION TUNNEL HAD
of us who genuinely enjoy arched piece of rolling art, RS Watanabe wheels, of TO BE MODIFIED, TOO
driving. The process of tuning with no expense spared. course. It’s enough to make

54 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 55
 any ‘hachi-roku’ fan green several Mitsubishi Lancer seconds at over 160mph. COMPLETELY WIRED
IN TERMS OF ELECTRONICS, CONRAD
with envy. Evolutions and loads more So it’s no surprise his HASN’T MESSED ABOUT. HE PUT HIS HAND
But then we shouldn’t besides. There was also a Toyota Corolla is very special. IN HIS POCKET AND SPLASHED OUT ON A
expect anything less, Nissan Skyline GT-R built You only have to catch a MOTEC M84 ECU, ALONG WITH A MOTEC
PDM UNIT THAT REPLACES ALL THE
because Conrad has a from the ’shell of an old glance of it to know it’s a ORIGINAL FUSES AND RELAYS WITH ONE
history of building insanely magazine project car, a fast- serious piece of kit. The BOX. IT’S LIGHTER AND MORE RELIABLE.
DAVE ROWE OF EPS MOTORSPORT IS A
good cars. The list of his spooling 622bhp Evo X smaller details say a lot; MOTEC SPECIALIST, HELPING OUT WIRING
previous projects reads like nicknamed ‘Project exposed fixings on the rear THE NEW ENGINE, ECU AND PDM TOGETH-
ER. WHILE ECU TUNING LEGEND PAUL
the garage most of us only Response’, plus a face- windows, aerocatches on the BLAMIRE TOOK CARE OF THE
assemble in Gran Turismo or melting Evo VIII drag car boot-lid and a bright red MAPPING ON THE DYNO AT ROGER CLARK
Forza Motorsport – countless capable of covering the towing eye protruding from MOTORSPORT. PAUL HAS MAPPED SOME
OF THE HIGHEST-PROFILE CARS IN THE
WRX and STI Imprezas, quarter-mile in just 9.1 the front bumper all shout SCENE, INCLUDING RCM’S GOBSTOPPERS

‘THE FRONT AND

REAR FLARED
ARCHES ARE
CUSTOM MADE,
AND SUIT THE
PERIOD LOOK
OF THE CAR’

56 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
STOP!
SORTING THE BRAKES OUT PUT A ‘go’ rather than ‘show’. bodywork on the car and I’m I looked at other cars and
SIGNIFICANT DENT IN CONRAD’S Especially when combined over the moon with their work. came up with the arch style
WALLET. NOT ONE TO DO THINGS BY with the skinny door mirrors I love the wide arches. I drew that suited the lines of the car
HALF, HE PLUMPED FOR POWERFUL AP
RACING FOUR-POT CALIPERS ON ALL and the chunky rollcage a plan up for the car and I and the period. If you think
FOUR CORNERS. THIS MEANT CUSTOM gussets visible through the knew I didn’t want a stick-on back to the ’80s you had BMW
BRACKETS HAD TO BE FABRICATED AND
THE REAR SETUP RETAINS THE windscreen. It’s clear that kit, although there are loads E30 M3s, Lancia Integrales,
ORIGINAL CALIPERS, WHICH ARE NOW Conrad has tried hard to make available for eighty-sixes, Vauxhall Novas and Audi
DEDICATED TO THE HYDRAULIC
HANDBRAKE. HEL PERFORMANCE his AE86 Corolla as light as because they just look like an Quattros – all of which had
BRAIDED LINES HELP KEEP THE BRAKE possible, and it’s a real looker. afterthought. I wanted it to flared box arches. I think
PEDAL CONSISTENT, WHICH IS ‘The front and rear arches look factory, if that makes the finished article
ACTUALLY CONNECTED TO A VERY NICE
TILTON PEDAL SET AND WATERJET-CUT are unique,’ he explains. sense?’ Conrad adds: ‘With complements the lines of the
ALUMINIUM MOUNTING PLATE ‘Rukus Customs did all the the car being from the ’80s, car and the era it came from.’

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 57
 We totally get it. The AE86 days. They’ll also recognise memories of travelling the INSIDE JOB
Corolla has become a cult the bumpers and sideskirts Shuto Expressway in Miguel’s THE COCKPIT HAS ALL THE HALLMARKS OF
A QUALITY BUILD. IT’S A CASE OF QUALITY
car over the past decade or as Run Free items from own AE86 and FD3S Mazda OVER QUANTITY, WITH THE ORIGINAL
so and, as a result of its Japan, albeit stretched out to RX-7, over ten years ago now. SEATS RIPPED OUT AND REPLACED BY TWO
BRIDE BUCKET SEATS, PROVIDED BY
popularity, you usually see match the wider wings by If you’re in the market for NEWERAPARTS. THE DRIVING POSITION IS
one of two kinds: completely Rukus Customs. These are some rare, genuine parts, FOCUSED ON AN AIM MXL DIGITAL DASH,
VISIBLE THROUGH THE SPOKES OF A KEY!S
standard or tracked to death. ‘the real deal’, as all the rare NeweraParts comes highly RACING DISHED STEERING WHEEL. THE
So it’s refreshing to see one JDM aftermarket parts on the recommended. INTERIOR IS DOMINATED BY THE
that has been spec’d to car are. Of course, Conrad needed EXTENSIVE ROLLCAGE, WHICH FEATURES
SOME SATISFYING CARBON-FIBRE
perform, but also had care Conrad sourced these some badass wheels to DETAILING ON THE DOORBARS. NOT ONLY
and attention spent on the goodies through Miguel at complement the extra width. DOES THE ‘CAGE PROVIDE REAL
PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ‘OFF’,
styling, too. NeweraParts. A top guy who Once again NeweraParts IT ALSO HELPS IMPROVE HANDLING BY
Corolla geeks will notice lives in Japan and lives the came up trumps, with a set of STIFFENING THE BODYSHELL. THIS IS
HELPED BY EXTRA STITCH-WELDS ALONG
the Redline rear lights, an tuner lifestyle through and legendary RS Watanabe THE SEAMS AND SOME ADDITIONAL
increasingly rare find these through. We have fond wheels in low-offset, 8x15in STRENGTHENING OF THE CHASSIS RAILS

58 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
SHOCKINGS AND SUSPENDERS flavour. The Toyo R888 rubber mods required to let the engine The fully-built BEAMS engine
THE SUSPENSION SPEC IS they’re wrapped in is needed, sing at high rpm. The engine is actually produces 195
DOMINATED BY TWO VERY
IMPORTANT TS: TOYOTA RACING as under the bonnet is a mated to a six-speed ’box, both horsepower at the wheels,
DEVELOPMENTS (TRD) AND TECHNO screaming ‘black top’ BEAMS of which were swapped over around 265bhp at the flywheel
TOY TUNING (T3). UP FRONT,
CONRAD HAS GONE FOR TRD 3S-GE two-litre engine, from a JDM Toyota Altezza (where engine power is usually
COILOVER INSERTS COMPLEMENTED complete with individual throttle RS200. It needed a bit of quoted). It took some work, but
BY SWIFT SPRINGS, A NOTABLE
NAME AMONG RACING AE86S IN bodies (ITBs), lairy cams and a encouragement to squeeze into the high-revving engine is a
JAPAN. WHILE THE REAR-END frightening 10,500rpm redline! the little Corolla’s engine bay, perfect match for the Corolla’s
FEATURES A CUSTOMISED T3 FOUR- The engine was built by along with some clever wiring. nimble, lightweight chassis.
LINK SETUP, WITH EXTRA BOXES
WELDED INTO THE CHASSIS FOR Pete Whitfield at Whitfield Race The engine may not develop With properly sorted
STRENGTH. THERE ARE ADJUSTABLE Engines. He used to build a million horsepower, but when suspension, a stripped-out
SUSPENSION ARMS AND THE FRONT
STRUT TOWERS HAVE BEEN LINKED Formula One engines, so he driven well on a twisty B-road, interior and semi-slick tyres this
INTO THE MAIN ROLLCAGE. knows his stuff. It features a or indeed on the Touge, you Corolla is a weapon.
EVERYTHING IS POWDER-COATED,
AND CLEAN ENOUGH THAT YOU fully built bottom-end, with all would need something pretty ‘I never intended to go so
COULD EAT YOUR DINNER OFF IT! the headwork and valvetrain special to keep up with it. far with it,’ admits Conrad.

‘YOU WOULD NEED

SOMETHING PRETTY
SPECIAL TO KEEP UP
WITH IT’

APPRECIATE A CLASSIC?
AT THE TIME OF WRITING CONRAD’S AWESOME AE86 IS UP FOR SALE AND CAN BE
YOURS IF YOU CAN STUMP UP THE CASH. CHECK OUT CLASSIC CAR SALES
SPECIALISTS APPRECIATING CLASSICS IN NORFOLK IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
OWNING THIS SLICE OF AUTOMOTIVE ARTISTRY. ALTHOUGH OTHER JDM LEGENDS
ARE ALSO IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.
WWW.APPRECIATING-CLASSICS.COM

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 59
TECHSPEC
ENGINE
2.0-litre, 4-cyl, 16v BEAMS 3S-GE
LEVIN VS TRUENO THANKS
engine, MoTeC M84 ECU, MoTeC PDM IF YOU AREN’T FAMILIAR WITH PETE WHITFIELD FOR AN AMAZING
30, blueprinted engine with TODA AE86 TOYOTA COROLLAS, YOU ENGINE BUILD, CRAIG AT RUKUS
forged pistons, Eagle forged rods, ACL MIGHT BE CONFUSED BY CUSTOMS, PAUL BLAMIRE FOR THE
Race main and rod bearings, alloy crank REFERENCES TO EITHER A LEVIN
OR TRUENO. WHAT’S THE ECU MAPPING AND WIRING LOOM,
pulley, TRD sump, oil pickup and head
DIFFERENCE? SIMPLY PUT, THEY’RE MIGUEL AT NEWERAPARTS FOR THE
gasket, head work comprising port
THE SAME CARS WITH SPECIALIST JAPANESE PARTS, DAVE
shaping, chamber work, valve seat
MARGINALLY DIFFERENT ROWE OF EPS MOTORSPORT FOR
angles, Ferrea valves, TODA valve BODYWORK. CONRAD’S CAR WITH THE WIRING TWEAKS, JON WEBSTER
springs and retainers, TODA race-spec THE FIXED FRONT LIGHTS, IS A OF WEBSTER RACE ENGINEERING
cams, belt and adjustable pulleys, LEVIN. WHILE THE SPRINTER FOR THE EXHAUST WORK, ANDY
individual throttle bodies with Jenvey TRUENO MODELS HAVE POP-UP
HEADLIGHTS. SOMETIMES GRADY OF ADG TRANSPORT FOR
trumpets, carbon-dipped airbox, Afco
COROLLA NERDS WILL ALSO TALK CARTING THE CAR UP AND DOWN
aluminium radiator with SPAL fan, TRD
ABOUT ZENKI (EARLY) OR KOUKI THE COUNTRY
thermostat, modified TRD headers and
(LATE) MODELS. FOR EXAMPLE,
custom exhaust with Titanium tailpipe, THE REDLINE REAR LIGHTS ON
uprated injectors, SARD fuel rail, Bosch CONRAD’S CAR WERE ONLY FITTED
044 fuel pump, black -8AN aftermarket TO LATE-SPEC (KOUKI) CARS.
fuel feed and return lines, custom rear SO NOW YOU KNOW!
tank and fuel pump compartment,
battery isolator kill switch, Odyssey
lightweight battery, full motorsport-spec
engine loom

POWER
265bhp with 10,500rpm rev limit

TRANSMISSION
6-speed J160 gearbox from JDM Toyota
Altezza, TRD gearknob, modified
gearbox tunnel, TRD clutch and cover,
TRD flywheel, custom propshaft, LSD

SUSPENSION
TRD front coilover suspension inserts,
Techno Toy Tuning T3 adjustable
camber plates, Swift front springs, TRD
front anti-roll bar, Techno Toy Tuning T3
adjustable front lower suspension arms,
TRD rear dampers and springs, TRD
rear anti-roll bar, Techno Toy Tuning
billet rear anti-roll bar mount and drop-
link kit, Techno Toy Tuning T3 equal-
length 4-link suspension kit, powder-
coated live rear axle, custom fabricated
4-link boxes welded into the chassis
with support bar, reinforced strut tops
linked to rollcage, front slam panel
replaced by aluminium tube

BRAKES
AP Racing big brake kit with two-piece
discs and 4-pot calipers (front and rear),
OEM rear calipers for hydraulic
handbrake, modified OEM handbrake
lever, Tilton pedal set with 75 series
master cylinders and throttle linkage,
HEL custom brake lines

WHEELS & TYRES

8x15in RS Watanabe wheels, Project
KIKS hubcentric wheel spacers, Toyo
R888 semi-slick tyres

EXTERIOR
JBlood carbon-fibre bonnet, Run Free ‘Originally, I bought it as a fun car reason for that, too. Without the do is give his Corolla new abilities;
front bumper, sideskirts and rear
bumper all modified to fit custom front
for trackday use. The intention extra size and weight of modern more power, increased speed,
and rear flared arches, JBlood glassfibre was to just put a ’cage in it and cars, not to mention all the new levels of grip. All the while
boot lid with integrated rear spoiler, fuel drive it, but I always like to be electronic assists, the Corolla retaining that intense, raw driving
filler relocated to behind the creative and make my cars does one very important thing. experience that all good Corollas
numberplate, JDM front windscreen,
Plastics4Performance polycarbonate
different. I like to push the It forces you to drive. provide. He’s done it with a Toyota
windows, late model slotted front grille, boundaries a little and 99% of the When you’re stringing a series engine and ’box under the skin,
TRD grille badge, APR mirrors, Red Line time I get carried away, as you of bends together, you’re the one too, there’s something very neat
rear lights and numberplate surround, can clearly see!’ blending them together. There and satisfying about that.
Techno Toy Tuning towing eye,
paintwork by RUKUS Customs
Conrad bought this Corolla isn’t any stability or traction They say money can’t buy you
back in 2006. He looked at eight control to help you out, no happiness. And while that’s
INTERIOR cars that all had issues before he double-clutch gearbox providing technically true, it can help you
Completely stripped with sound proofing found this rust-free example for every shift. You’re doing all the turn a relatively humble hatchback
removed, multi-point rollcage, AIM MXL
digital dash, KEY!S steering wheel,
£4500. At the time, it might have work. That’s why the Corolla from the ’80s into a loud, agile and
quick-release boss, Bride Low Max seemed like a lot of money for a gained cult status. That’s why it fun car that truly is unique. If the
seats with Takata harnesses, flocked relatively simple 1.6-litre Toyota inspired Keiichi Tsuchiya, Initial D, smile that spreads across
dashboard, carbon-fibre doorcards and hatchback, but the irony is that as Ueo and pretty much everything Conrad’s face every time he gets
centre console switch plate, TRS door
pull straps, WRE aluminium driver’s heel
technology has moved on, simple that’s cool about the idea of behind the wheel is anything to go
rest, seam and stitch-welded bodyshell, cars like the AE86 Corolla have drifting and touge. by, that’s about as close to buying
chassis rail strengthening soared in price. There’s good What Conrad has managed to happiness as it’s possible to get. JP

60 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 WORDS & PICS: CHRIS NICHOLLS

A SPECIAL
‘CHEMISTRY
NEW ZEALANDER AIDAN BARRETT HAS
BEEN A ROTARY FAN SINCE HIS
CHILDHOOD DAYS, AND ALWAYS
DREAMED OF OWNING AN RE
AMEMIYA CAR. LITTLE DID HE SUSPECT
HE’D EVER END UP OWNING ONE OF
THEIR ULTIMATE CREATIONS…

62 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
J
GTC has a special place in like Wakisaka Juichi, Iida Akira Tourers, even old Group C Haruhiko Matsumoto to fifth in
the hearts of JDM fans. and Kinoshita Mitsuhiro (all also prototypes and F1 cars these the 2000 championship – and
The pinnacle of Japanese seen on Best Motoring and Hot days, but try buying an old featured in ’98 spec in Gran
tin-top motor racing, right Version videos), Gran Turismo GT300 or GT500 JGTC machine Turismo 2?
around the time when most of game appearances and a and you’ll often find your path Well, the story actually starts
our current ’90s dream mystique in the West that could blocked by some very insistent way back in the ’90s, when
machines were still sold new in only come from the pre- (but polite) Japanese folk who Aidan first visited RE Amemiya.
dealerships, it resulted in broadband, pre-livestreaming don’t wish to let these cars sit His dad owned the local Mazda
unbelievably fast, sexy racecars ’90s, meant JGTC remains one on any garage floor but their dealership (which, combined
that, apart from in the final of the top racing categories to own. So, you have to wonder, with New Zealand’s renowned
years (where rule changes have ever existed in most how did a New Zealander like rotary culture, meant Aidan was
allowed the GT500 cars to people’s minds. Aidan Barrett manage to get his a rotary fan from a very young
become mostly silhouettes), However, unlike many hands on one of the most age), and his uncle lived within
were still closely based on what similar race series, one thing famous GT300 cars of all time – walking distance of RE
the average punter could buy JGTC also grew famous for was the 1998-built, 2000-spec Amemiya at the time, so when
and drive on the street. That not selling its old cars to the Matsumoto Kiyoshi-sponsored Aidan’s dad went on a business
relatability, combined with general public. You can buy old RE Amemiya FD3S, as driven trip to Japan once, he took
exciting racing, famous drivers Group A cars, old Super by Tetsuya Yamano and Aidan with him, and together,

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 63
 ‘SIMPLY BUYING A
JGTC CAR IS VERGING
ON IMPOSSIBLE’

64 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
they dropped into the rotary didn’t know it at the time, back abiding mysteries of this car’s Hugh’s business started to
god’s premises while they were when Aidan was playing around story is that soon after arriving expand at a rate where
there. Perhaps unsurprisingly, with other rotary machines, one in Australia, and despite the continuing that growth would
the visit had a lasting impact, of the ultimate RE Amemiya new owner having gone to the mean an injection of capital, so
ensuring Aidan’s lifelong dream cars was actually on a boat, trouble of applying a new black he reluctantly put the RX-7 up
remained an RE Amemiya car, headed towards Australia, and and white livery to match his for sale. And this is where Aidan
despite satiating his rotary would eventually help him fulfil other racecars, the RX-7 ended comes in.
desires otherwise with a variety that dream. This is because, as up parked. It apparently did just ‘I saw it and thought: this
of desirable Wankel-driven luck would have it, one of the one trackday, then didn’t move won’t happen again in my
machines over the years (such RE Amemiya GT300 team again for around 15 years. lifetime, so I’ve just got to jump
as RX-2s, RX-3s and even an members at the time was Tragic. Thankfully, the owner on it.’ However, there was the
Australian Group C SA22C RX-7 actually an Aussie, and around prior to Aidan, a guy named small problem of freeing up
racer, which he campaigned the time he finished up with the Hugh in Western Australia, was funds first, as he and his wife
during the early 2000s). team and decided to head much more passionate about were due to start renovating
‘Before this, I’d always home, he was offered the the car, and after having their house at the time, so cap
wanted an Amemiya car, even chance to buy the car for badgered the first Australian in hand, he asked his wife very
just something with an himself. Needless to say, he owner to sell it for some time, nicely if they could delay the
Amemiya bodykit – their cars took the team up on the offer, finally got his wish and started renovations for a while and use
looked the best, in my mind, and shipped the car down work restoring the car to its the money to help buy the
and they were anything rotary,’ under to enjoy. former glory. Only problem was, Seven. As you can see, she
he says. However, whilst he Except he didn’t. One of the halfway through this process, said yes. Of course, buying an

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 65
 old race car sight unseen is a trying to get it to run at his Motorsports Park in his new toy really out there, driving in
very risky business, but Aidan event last year (where we shot (alongside fellow GT300 car Australia for the first time, at this
was OK with that, given the it), prior to it being shipped owner Dale Malone in his S15), amazing circuit, and in this
likelihood of never seeing this back to New Zealand. Given the thrilling crowds with the car’s amazing car, with a lot of the
car come up for sale again, and car was still in pieces at the incredible noise and presence, world watching on the
also as he initially planned to time, this was easier said than and also got to fulfil a dream of livestream.’ And while the car’s
finish the car’s rebuild once he done, but Aidan got Hugh to being on the same bill as the Le peripheral-ported NA 20B may
got it home to New Zealand, put the car back together, and Mans winning Mazda 767B sound raucous and evil, thanks
where he could get renowned Ian very generously organised racecar. Not a bad weekend. to its thin-walled straight pipe
rotary experts Green Brothers the signwriting to return the car The funny thing is, due to all (it’s highly possible most of
Racing to look over it and fix to its full Matsumoto Kiyoshi this rush prior to the event, Sydney could hear the car at
any major issues anyway. livery, as well as new Advan WTAC was actually the first time full-noise), Aidan said its
However, things didn’t quite slicks, and the transportation to Aidan had even seen the car, let endurance race setup and
work out like that, as Ian Baker, the event and shipping back to alone driven it, so he says the power steering meant it was a
World Time Attack Challenge NZ afterwards, to ensure it initial experience was quite sweet pedal. ‘It’s so easy to
CEO, soon got wind of Aidan’s happened. End result? Aidan surreal. ‘Taking it out for the first drive, and it drives so well. It’s
new purchase, and set about got to run around Sydney time, I couldn’t believe I was just so enjoyable,’ he says. Of

66 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 TECHSPEC
ENGINE
RE-Amemiya-built 20B 3-rotor engine,
peripheral porting, wet sump
lubrication, custom alloy intake piping
(with JGTC-mandated intake restrictor),
custom intake plenum, MoTeC throttle
bodies, Bosch fuel pump, 3x1000cc
injectors, ATL fuel bladder, dry-break
fuel filler, 3-into-1 stainless steel
exhaust manifold, straight pipe
exhaust, custom alloy radiator with
carbon ducting, MoTeC M4 ECU

PERFORMANCE
300bhp (restrictor on), 414bhp
(restrictor off)

‘THE PERIPHERAL-PORTED DRIVELINE

NATURALLY ASPIRATED 20B Hewland six-speed dog ’box, twin-plate

clutch, custom driveshaft, Mazdaspeed
LSD, custom driveline oil coolers

MOTOR SOUNDS RAUCOUS

AND EVIL’
SUSPENSION
Custom Mazdaspeed subframes and
suspension arms, Quantum/RE
Amemiya coilovers, custom chassis
bracing

BRAKES
Brembo four-piston monobloc calipers
with 380mm two-piece floating Project
Mu discs and Project Mu pads (front),
Brembo four piston two-piece calipers
with 335mm two-piece floating Project
Mu discs and Project Mu pads (rear)

WHEELS AND TYRES

9.5x18in (front) and 10.5x18in (rear)
Desmond Regamaster Evo centre-lock
wheels with 250/650/18 (front) and
280/680/18 (rear) Yokohama Advan
slick tyres

INTERIOR
Full custom Mazdaspeed rollcage,
Mazdaspeed-branded carbon/Kevlar
Recaro racing seat, Sabelt harness,
custom carbon-fibre dashboard,
electric driver’s window, RE Amemiya
custom steering wheel, Hewland shift
course, it wasn’t all peaches and thankfully, it will be used as Aidan had just finished running it knob, MoTeC ADL dash logger, AP
cream, as the years finally took intended) would be as trouble- at both the famous Leadfoot Racing brake bias adjuster, custom
their toll and led to a snapped free as possible, too. ‘After we Festival and the smaller Rotary pedal box, custom battery box,
driveshaft on Thursday practice, got it home, we replaced a Reunion at Taupo, and says he air jacks
necessitating an emergency visit bunch of parts like the starter even plans to enter a couple of
to a local driveshaft shop to get motor and so on, and the guys local endurance races, given that
a custom one made overnight so at Green Brothers retuned it [the was what the car was meant to EXTERIOR
the car could run on the public last time it had been tuned was do. There are even plans afoot RE Amemiya/Bomex developed
days, but overall, things went 2003 at Fuji Speedway, to ship the car over here to the custom GT300 bodykit with
pretty smoothly, especially for a according to the logs] using the UK for the Goodwood Festival of carbon-fibre doors and bonnet
machine that was hastily rebuilt old DOS-based software, and Speed, as long as the organisers and FRP arches and bumpers
after having sat doing nothing for now it starts and runs fine, and can find a suitably themed year
most of its life. we actually want to run it in a for it to fit into. Given how
After WTAC, Aidan says he couple of events here that we unbelievable the car sounded at
got the Green Brothers crew to think would be suitable for it.’ Sydney Motorsport Park, anyone
go over it thoroughly, to ensure As for those events? Well, attending would be in for a very
the next phase of its life (where, shortly before our interview, pleasant sonic treat indeed. JP

www.japaneseperformancemagazine.co.uk
www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 67
 PIONEER WORDS & PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

SPIRIT
FORGET BOOTFULS OF GAUDY
GLASSFIBRE AND MORE SUBS
THAN YOU CAN COUNT, AS THIS
BRZ AND GT86 ARE FORGING A
NEW PATH FOR IN-CAR AUDIO

I
n-car audio used to be huge occurrence to find whole boot this was fine back in the early offs – all that additional weight
– in every sense of the word. areas filled to the brim with noughties, where modified car and loss of usability actually
Not only was it a crucial brightly coloured glassfibre, fans were constantly looking to made their car worse. This led to
element of practically every neon lights and more TVs than outdo each other at who had the many of the younger generation
show car’s spec list, but many your local electrical store. most mental machine, people of car fans being totally turned
installs were physically big, too. Extreme bass-heads looking to eventually began to realise that – off the idea of uprated audio, to
In some cases, so big that they maximise their SPL (sound unless it is a dedicated vehicle the point where many don’t even
left little room for the driver, let pressure level) readings would with only one purpose in mind, consider it a worthwhile
alone passengers or practical even fill their car’s roof and such as competing in Db drag expense. But while in-car audio
storage space. It was a common doors with concrete! And while racing competitions and sound may have dropped off people’s

68 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
radar over the last decade, it’s audio fans to see how in-car weekend toy. show what kind of sound quality
certainly not gone away, and in entertainment has changed and ‘This is the second BRZ that you can achieve these days in a
fact we reckon it’s making a bit whether it’s an upgrade that’s we have used as a demo car to relatively compact space,
of a comeback, with audio worth your wedge. show off our latest audio without ruining the car’s
manufacturers focusing on In the monochrome BRZ is products,’ says Mike. ‘The BRZ, practicality or performance.’
quality over quantity and 30-year-old Mike Haseler. As the and GT86 of course, are such With gloss black Rota Grid
designing systems that enhance product and marketing manager cool cars as standard and work wheels tucked into the arches
our car-owning experience for Pioneer, Mike is in the lucky really well when modified. The courtesy of a set of ST XTA
rather than hinder them. position that he gets to use the fact that it’s quite small and adjustable coilovers, plus a fruity
We caught up with this pair of firm’s super Subaru car as his sporty also helps as it can really sounding Milltek stainless steel

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 69
 exhaust system it certainly looks GT86 are a case in point. Both unit, which features Apple Car moving away from hard storage
the part, but understandably it’s great handling cars, that are a Play for hands-free phone calling and using the many media
what’s inside that matter most. thrill to drive (even if most of us and access to a host of your streaming apps that are
‘Over the years, car agree they could use more iPhone’s apps. It even works available instead.’
manufacturers have invested power), but both are also pretty with Android phones, too. Like the BRZ, the red GT86
more in higher quality audio, but lacking in the audio department. ‘We’re seeing more owned by 32-year-old Simon
they’re still built down to a price ‘We would always headunits that interface with Addison features limited
and lag way behind what you recommend starting off with a your smartphone these days,’ performance mods as he has
can achieve with an aftermarket decent headunit upgrade,’ Mike explains. ‘This is partly also decided to invest in
system,’ Mike says. ‘This can be explains Mike, ‘as not only will down to the new laws on using uprating the car’s inadequate
especially true in performance this make your standard phones while driving, but also standard audio system. He also
models where the emphasis is speakers sound better, but it will because people want total kicked off his audio upgrades
placed on creating an exciting give you a load of cool integration with all their devices with a headunit, too, this time
drive rather than worrying about connectivity features too.’ and this includes their car using Pioneer’s flagship
in-car entertainment.’ The BRZ is equipped with stereos. Many are even coming AVIC-F88DAB unit.
Subaru’s BRZ and Toyota’s Pioneer’s AVH-Z5000DAB head without CD drives as people are ‘The new headunit made a

70 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
massive difference to the sound cut the most,’ explains Mike. them, which is exactly what Mike front, but this isn’t Mike being
quality and meant that I had ‘Take out an OEM speaker and and Simon have done in each of greedy as it features two
access to millions of tunes that I have a look at its construction. their cars. different ranges of speakers
can stream direct to the stereo,’ It’ll likely be very flimsy and offer ‘I run a set of component which Mike can switch between
Simon says. ‘Most things you very little in terms of sonic speakers in both the front and to demo each range to potential
need to do can also be quality compared to an rear off a four-channel amplifier customers – clever, eh?
accessed via voice control by aftermarket set – even branded mounted under a false floor in ‘It’s a great way to highlight
using Siri, including sat nav, so factory systems often use very the boot,’ says Simon. ‘The what you get for your money,’
it’s really easy to use.’ inferior speakers in their setups.’ clarity and power without any Mike says. ‘Although both are an
But as good as an uprated As most aftermarket distortion that you get from the improvement over factory
headunit is, it’s only the first headunits offer much higher set up is amazing and would options, the higher end units do
piece of the puzzle to gaining power outputs than factory units, blow any factory fit system out of sound noticeably better, but then
awesome audio and the right they can run aftermarket the water!’ you do pay more, so really you
speakers are the next step. speakers pretty well, but to get Looking at the BRZ’s door get what you pay for.’
‘Factory fitted speakers are the maximum from your sexy cards it’s clear to see it’s running The final piece of equipment
the area where costs are often new speakers it’s best to amplify two sets of components at the that completes the systems in

‘LIKE TUNING, WHEN IT

COMES TO CAR AUDIO,
YOU REALLY DO GET
WHAT YO PAY FOR’

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 71
TECH SPEC – PIONEER BRZ TECH SPEC – SIMON’S GT86
ENGINE ENGINE
2.0-LITRE, 4-CYL, 16V DOHC SUBARU FA20 ‘BOXER’ ENGINE, PIPERCROSS 2.0-LITRE, 4-CYL, 16V DOHC SUBARU FA20 ‘BOXER’ ENGINE, MISHSIMOTO
PANEL FILTER, 63.5MM MILLTEK SPORT STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM INDUCTION KIT
WITH DUAL 4.5IN TAILPIPES
TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION STANDARD SIX-SPEED MANUAL
STANDARD SIX-SPEED MANUAL
SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION STANDARD
ST XTA HEIGHT AND DAMPING RATE ADJUSTABLE COILOVERS
BRAKES
BRAKES STANDARD
STANDARD
WHEELS & TYRES
WHEELS & TYRES 8X18IN OZ ULTRALEGGERA ALLOYS IN GLOSS BLACK WITH 225/40/18
8X18IN ROTA GRID ALLOYS IN SATIN BLACK WITH 225/40/18 YOKOHAMA ADVAN SPORT TYRES
TOYO PROXES T1-R TYRES
EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR STANDARD OPTIONAL AERO PACK
STANDARD
INTERIOR
INTERIOR FACTORY HALF LEATHER INTERIOR WITH RED ALCANTARA, AVIC-F88DAB
FACTORY HALF LEATHER INTERIOR WITH AVH-Z5000DAB HEAD UNIT, FLAGSHIP NAVIGATION UNIT, TS-C171CI FRONT COMPONENTS, TS-C131CI
TS-Z65CH FRONT COMPONENTS, TS-D65C FRONT COMPONENTS, REAR COMPONENTS IN CUSTOM MOUNTING ENCLOSURE, TS-D12D4
2X TS-D12D4 SUBWOOFERS, 2X GM-D8601 MONO AMPS (1 PER SUB), SUBWOOFER, PRS-D1200SPL AMPLIFIER TO POWER THE SUB, GM-D8604
GM-D8604 4-CHANNEL AMP FOR SPEAKERS 4-CHANNEL AMP FOR SPEAKERS

THANKS THANKS
HUETS – THE IN CAR SPECIALISTS FOR INSTALLING THE AUDIO SYSTEM, PIONEER, JOHN KLEISE IN CAR AUDIO READING FOR THE ENCLOSURES
LANDSPEED FOR INSTALLATION OF ALLOYS, EXHAUST AND SUSPENSION KIT

both cars is the one that Want a great sounding system pair of 12 subs in the boot, each increase in weight, but unless
perhaps divides opinion most with tight controlled bass, that one powered by its own you’re going for lap records or
among performance car fans, won’t add too much weight? amplifier for ultimate quality. trying to beat your drag strip PB,
and that’s the subwoofers. Go for a small compact sub, or ‘The system in the BRZ is the reality is that you’re unlikely
Subs produce the extreme even a tiny underseat option. designed to deliver excellent to feel any difference in your
low end of the audio spectrum It will fill in the crucial lows quality, look good and go loud!’ car’s performance, but will
and to do that there is no getting without compromising boot Mike smiles. ‘It’s more of a show definitely notice the
away from the fact that they space or adding too much install than Simon’s and will improvement every time you
need to be pretty big and heavy. unwanted heft. feature a further two 12in subs in crank up the volume on your
‘Good quality subs almost ‘I’m running a single 10in sub the future, which will make it favourite tunes.
always use a large magnet, in a small enclosure in the boot,’ really banging.’ So is it worth investing in
which unavoidably adds weight,’ says Simon. ‘Powered by a And that it does! As you can audio? We certainly think so.
Mike says. ‘They also require Class D mono block amplifier, see, even full-on manufacturer With even the most highly tuned
mounting in a relatively sizeable it goes super deep and is very demo cars don’t need to be cars spending the majority of
and strong enclosure, which punchy, retaining great filled to the brim with kit to their time on the road, stuck in
ramps up the weight gain again. musicality. It also takes up very sound amazing – in fact, it’s traffic or simply used for getting
However, the benefits to the little room, meaning my boot is often the case that less is more from A-to-B, rather than
sound of the system that a sub still very useable, which is a real with modern audio, as long as adrenaline fuelled B-road blasts,
will bring is huge – both in terms bonus as a daily driver.’ you remember the mantra that the ability to enjoy good quality
of quality and ear-bleeding bass.’ As a demo vehicle, the BRZ you get what you pay for. Yes, music is something that can
And this is where you can doesn't need to worry about adding upgraded audio will make even the dreariest of trips
tailor your cloth accordingly. sacrificing space, so it features a inevitably come with a small all the more memorable. JP

72 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
10 MINUTE TECH CLUTCHES
EACH MONTH WE QUIZ A SPECIALIST WITH 10 QUICKFIRE
QUESTIONS ABOUT A PRODUCT TO GIVE YOU THE
KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED TO NOT ONLY MAKE THE RIGHT
DECISIONS WHEN IT COMES TIME TO UPGRADE, BUT ALSO TO
HAVE THE AMMUNITION TO IMPRESS YOUR MATES AT YOUR
NEXT MEET. THIS MONTH WE SPEAK TO COMPETITION CLUTCH
TO GET THE LOWDOWN ON CLUTCHES…

1. WHAT IS A CLUTCH AND

WHAT DOES IT DO?
IN SIMPLE TERMS, YOUR CLUTCH IS THE
COMPONENT THAT CONNECTS THE ENGINE
TO THE TRANSMISSION TO DRIVE THE
WHEELS. IT WORKS BY USING A FRICTION
DISC (CONNECTED TO THE GEARBOX) THAT
IS PRESSED BY A SPRUNG PRESSURE PLATE
AGAINST A FLYWHEEL (WHICH IS
CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE) TO TRANSFER
DRIVE BETWEEN THE TWO. DISENGAGING
THE CLUTCH, BY PRESSING THE CLUTCH
PEDAL, SEPARATES THE FRICTION DISCS
AND THE FLYWHEEL, STOPPING THAT
TRANSFER, ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO
CONTINUE TURNING WITHOUT THE
CONNECTION TO THE WHEELS, THIS IN
TURN ALLOWS YOU TO CHANGE GEAR OR
STOP ALTOGETHER

2. ARE THEY ALL THE SAME

BASIC DESIGN?
MOST AUTOMOTIVE CLUTCHES USE THE
SAME PRINCIPLE OF SOME FORM OF
SPINNING FRICTION DISC CLAMPED TO A
FLYWHEEL BY A PRESSURE PLATE TO
TRANSFER POWER, BUT THE TYPES OF
FRICTION MATERIALS USED, THE SIZE AND
DESIGN OF THE DISCS THEMSELVES AND
THE NUMBER OF FRICTION DISCS USED IN
ANY PLATFORM OR APPLICATION CAN
VARY. YOU START WITH AN OE
REPLACEMENT CLUTCH FOR NON-MODIFIED
VEHICLES. HOWEVER, ONCE YOU BEGIN TO
INCREASE POWER, YOU WILL NEED A
CLUTCH WITH A STRONGER PRESSURE PLATE
AND MORE AGGRESSIVE AND HARD-
WEARING FRICTION MATERIALS. THESE
GENERALLY COME IN STAGES, SUCH AS 2, 3
AND 4, AND ALLOW GOOD STREET
DRIVEABILITY. NEXT IS MULTIPLATE
CLUTCHES, WHICH INCREASES THE TORQUE
CAPACITY WITHOUT THE NEED TO INCREASE
SPRING STRENGTH OR CLUTCH DIAMETER.
THESE USE MULTIPLE (USUALLY TWO OR
THREE) CLUTCH DISCS, WITH FRICTION
MATERIALS ON BOTH SIDES OF EACH AND
MAKES FOR A LIGHTER CLUTCH PEDAL
THAN AN EQUALLY-STRONG SINGLE PLATE
APPLICATION. THE FINAL OPTION IS WHAT
IS KNOWN AS A ‘PADDLE’ CLUTCH, WHICH
INSTEAD OF THE CLUTCH PLATE BEING A
CIRCULAR DISC, IT IS MADE UP OF A
NUMBER OF FRICTION ‘PADDLES’ OR
‘PUCKS’. KNOWN FOR THEIR SNATCHY 3. WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?
NATURE, BUT ALSO AN ABILITY TO HOLD WHILE THE OUTER PRESSURE PLATES ARE GENERALLY ALWAYS A SPRUNG METAL DESIGN, THE
HIGH POWER WITHOUT SLIPPING, THEY CLUTCH DISCS THEMSELVES WILL USE VARIOUS FRICTION MATERIALS DEPENDING ON THE
COMMONLY COME IN 3, 4 AND 6 PUCK APPLICATION AND POWER HANDLING. HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON MATERIALS AND
CONFIGURATIONS THEIR QUALITIES:
ORGANIC
SMOOTH, DURABLE (AND USUALLY QUIETER) AND EASY ON THE OPPOSING MATING SURFACE,
ORGANIC MATERIALS ARE COMMON BUT SUFFER IN HIGH PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS DUE
TO THEIR INTOLERANCE TO HEAT BUILD-UP AND SHORTER LIFESPAN
CARBON/KEVLAR
SIMILAR CLAMPING PROPERTIES TO ORGANIC MATERIALS WITH SMOOTH OPERATION, BUT ABLE
TO WITHSTAND HEAT MORE VIGOUROUSLY WHEN MATED TO A HIGHLY-RATED PRESSURE PLATE
CERAMIC
OFFERING THE HIGHEST FRICTION CO-EFFICIENT, CERAMIC OFFERS A LOWER NECESSITY FOR HIGH
CLAMPING FORCE AS THE MATERIAL PROVIDES MORE GRIP. THE FLIPSIDE IS THAT CERAMIC
MATERIALS WEAR THE FLYWHEEL’S SURFACE MORE QUICKLY, SOMETIMES CAUSING SHUDDER AND
A HARSHER FEEL. MAINLY FOR COMPETITION USE AND APPLICATIONS WHERE YOU ARE DOUBLING
OR TRIPLING YOUR CAR’S STOCK OUTPUT

74 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 CLUTCH TECH
10. OTHER THAN ENSURING YOU GET THE RIGHT CLUTCH FOR
YOUR APPLICATION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING AN UPRATED CLUTCH?
LOOK FOR A REPUTABLE BRAND (SUCH AS COMPETITION CLUTCH) THAT YOU KNOW
OR HAVE SEEN IN MANY MAGAZINE ARTICLES AND THAT IS USED ON RACE CARS
AND ENJOYED BY FELLOW ENTHUSIASTS ACROSS THE GLOBE. THAT WAY YOU
KNOW YOU WILL HAVE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BACK-UP SHOULD YOU
HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. AS FAR AS PRICE IS CONCERNED, YOU REALLY DO GET WHAT
YOU PAY FOR, AND THAT UNBRANDED EBAY-SPECIAL MAY END UP COSTING YOU A
LOT MORE IN THE LONG RUN IF IT FAILS TO LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS. WE’D ALSO
RECOMMENDED A PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION BECAUSE CLUTCH INSTALLS
(ESPECIALLY THE ALIGNMENT) CAN BE A MORE DIFFICULT JOB THAN YOU MAY
THINK. THE RIGHT TOOLS REALLY MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

9. ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES TO

UPRATED CLUTCHES?
WITH SINGLE-DISC CLUTCHES, THE ‘IN TRAFFIC’
DRIVABILITY TENDS TO SUFFER IF YOU MOVE PAST
ORGANIC AND SEGMENTED CERAMIC SETUPS AND
ONTO PADDLE CLUTCH SETUPS. THIS IS BECAUSE OF
THE SNATCHY, ALL OR NOTHING NATURE OF HIGH
PERFORMANCE PADDLE CLUTCHES MEANING
USEFUL CLUTCH SLIP (TO AID MODULATION WHEN
ENGAGING) IS ALL BUT NON-EXISTENT.
THE SOLUTION TO THE DOWNSIDES OF A HEAVIER
PADDLE-STYLE CLUTCH ARE SOLVED BY USING A
MULTI-PLATE ORGANIC CLUTCH SUCH AS THE MPC
FROM COMPETITION CLUTCH. THEY HAVE THE SAME
POWER HOLDING CAPABILITIES AS A RACING
TWIN-DISC CLUTCH, BUT THE ‘IN TRAFFIC’
DRIVABILITY OF A STAGE 2 STREET CLUTCH

8. WHAT OTHER MODS SHOULD

YOU CONSIDER WHEN UPRATING
YOUR CLUTCH?
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER UPGRADING THE
FLYWHEEL IF IT IS AVAILABLE FOR THE VEHICLE, AND
ALWAYS REPLACE THE THROW OUT BEARING AND
FLYWHEEL BOLTS WHEN INSTALLING A NEW CLUTCH.
IF YOU ARE UPPING THE POWER CONSIDERABLY,
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER FITTING A
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, UPRATED DRIVESHAFTS
OR EVEN AN UPRATED GEAR-SET, TOO

7. WHAT CAUSES CLUTCHES TO FAIL?

CLUTCHES ARE FAIRLY DURABLE, BUT HEAVY ABUSE
OR INCREASED POWER GOING THROUGH THEM WILL
MEAN THEY WEAR MUCH MORE QUICKLY AND NEED
REPLACING MORE OFTEN. IF THE CLUTCH SLIPS
(DOESN'T FULLY ENGAGE), THE LINKAGE COULD BE
OUT OF ADJUSTMENT, OR THE CLUTCH DISC COULD
NEED REPLACEMENT. YOU CAN TELL IF YOUR CLUTCH
IS SLIPPING BY FLOORING THE PEDAL IN A HIGH
GEAR AT LOW REVS AND SEEING IF THE REVS RISE
WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN SPEED.
IF THIS IS THE CASE, YOUR CLUTCH IS ON ITS WAY
OUT. CLUTCHES CAN WEAR OUT FROM REPEATED
SLIPPING SUCH AS STOP-STARTING ON INCLINES
OR FROM LAUNCHING THE CAR WITH HIGH REVS

4. HOW DO AFTERMARKET 5. WHY, OR WHEN, 6. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO

CLUTCHES DIFFER TO OEM ONES? WOULD YOU NEED TO GET THE RIGHT CLUTCH?
OEM CLUTCH KITS ARE DESIGNED TO WORK
WITH THE FACTORY POWER OUTPUT OF THE
UPGRADE YOUR CLUTCH? ASIDE FROM MAKING SURE YOU GET A CLUTCH THAT
IT IS WORTHWHILE UPGRADING PHYSICALLY FITS YOUR CAR’S TRANSMISSION, YOU
VEHICLE AND MOST WILL BEGIN TO FAIL IF YOUR CLUTCH IF YOU ARE ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER YOUR CAR’S POWER AND
YOU SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE POWER PLANNING A CONSIDERABLE TORQUE, PLUS YOUR DRIVING STYLE AND HOW YOU
THROUGH TUNING. AFTERMARKET CLUTCHES INCREASE IN POWER AND INTEND TO USE THE CAR. WHILE THERE IS NO POINT
ARE AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT RATINGS TO BE TORQUE – FOR EXAMPLE, BOOST SIMPLY BUYING THE STRONGEST PADDLE CLUTCH
ABLE TO WORK AT MUCH HIGHER POWER INCREASES, RE-MAPPING AND AVAILABLE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE THE
AND TORQUE LEVELS, MEANING WHATEVER ENGINE BUILDS – AS THIS WILL POWER TO WARRANT IT, UNDER SPECIFYING YOUR
YOUR CAR’S POWER OR DRIVING STYLE, PLACE MORE STRAIN ON THE CLUTCH CAN LEAD TO IT WEARING OUT
THERE WILL BE A CLUTCH AVAILABLE TO SUIT. WHOLE DRIVETRAIN AND WEAR PREMATURELY AND NOT BEING FIT FOR PURPOSE.
ALSO, MANY AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE OUT A STOCK CLUTCH MORE JUST BEAR IN MIND THAT FOR STREET DRIVING,
CLUTCH OPTIONS ARE LIGHTER THAN STOCK QUICKLY. THIS IS WHEN YOU PEDAL WEIGHT AND EASE OF MODULATION ARE
CLUTCHES TOO (ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED NEED A PERFORMANCE CLUTCH. ALSO A CONCERN IF YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO DRIVE
WITH A LIGHTWEIGHT FLYWHEEL) MEANING THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU WELL AND BE USEABLE IN TRAFFIC ETC., WHEREAS IN
LESS ROTATIONAL MASS FOR THE ENGINE TO WILL DEPEND ON YOUR LEVEL RACING CONDITIONS AN AGGRESSIVE, SNATCHY
TURN, EQUATING TO FREER REVVING AND OF POWER UPGRADE AND CLUTCH IS LESS OF A PROBLEM AS LONG AS IT
LOWER TRANSMISSION LOSSES INTENDED USAGE CAN TAKE THE ABUSE

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 75
 
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JAPSTUFF +
BRINGING YOU THE HOTTEST NEW PRODUCTS ON THE JAPANESE TUNING SCENE
Every month we bring you the latest
and greatest products on the Japanese
section and also highlight the ‘must-have’
products at either end of the
save your pennies to afford the 'Big
Spender' or simply splash a little spare
tuning scene. We always showcase a budgetary scale. pocket change on the more affordable
'Red Hot' product at the front of the This way you can decide whether to 'Chump Change' product. Enjoy!

D HO T
RE UC T
PRO D

RAMAIR JETSTREAM
INDUCTION KIT FOR
HONDA CIVIC EP3 TYPE R
Air filtration specialist, Ramair, has bolstered with a laser-cut, precision-folded heat
its range of Jetstream induction systems by shield, which sits snug in factory mounting
developing a kit for the Honda Civic EP3 points. Finished in black and provided with
Type R. Designed as a direct replacement DIY fitting instructions, this low-cost filtration
for the OEM setup, this free-flowing intake solution should deliver improved throttle
offers massively increased airflow qualities response at the same time as releasing
as well as a more aggressive induction trapped ponies.
sound. Featuring a moulded polymer neck Price: £89.99 inc. free delivery
with a dual-layer foam filter and stainless Contact: ramair-filters.co.uk
steel cage, the package comes complete or call 01672 564595

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 77
 JAPSTUFF +
GOODRIDGE BRAKE
HOSES FOR HONDA S2000
A sensation at launch, the S2000 was the ultimate
distillation of Honda's commitment to naturally aspirated
VTEC technology. The drop-top proved a potent performer,
every bit as capable as turbocharged offerings from
Honda’s rival manufacturers in Europe. The S2000 lived a
long life, but with the newest examples getting on for a
decade old, it comes as little surprise to hear owners
complaining about worn factory components. Fret not!
Aftermarket suppliers are on hand to help with a range of
tuning and performance parts for the gorgeous drop-top.
Fluid transfer specialist, Goodridge, is leading the charge
with braided brake hoses available for both first and
second-gen S2000s. Promising enhanced slowing by way
of swifter stopping, more composed body behaviour and a
firmer pedal feel, each hose is available to buy in a choice
of finishes, with fitting material made from zinc plate or
stainless steel. You can colour-code to your S2000 thanks
to a range of colours, too!
Price: From £82.96
Contact: goodridge.co.uk or call 01727 826714

COOLINGMIST WATER/METHANOL
INJECTION SYSTEM
Coolingmist’s latest range of water/methanol injection systems are
available in Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 formats to suit pretty much
all fast-road and trackday forced induction applications. The kits
include everything you need for installation, including injection tank,
dash gauge, wiring, fittings and nylon fluid transfer lines, although
stainless upgrades are available upon request. Impressively, you
can use Coolingmist’s offering as a standalone injecton system,
or use it to piggyback onto a number of different standalone
engine management solutions, including electronic brains
manufactured by companies such as Syvecs,
Emerald, MoTeC and Link.
Price: From £272.99
Contact: coolingmistuk.com
or call 07851 600828

REBUILD YOUR
MITSUBISHI
TURBO
Written by marque expert, Brian Smothers, MOSS EUROPE TURN
this step-by-step guide to teardown,
inspection, cleaning, machining,
SIGNAL INTAKE INSERTS
reassembly and torque settings
ECOMM
ENDED FOR MAZDA MX-5 NA
READ
relating to Mitsubishi TD05, TD06,
R Porsche 964 owners have been able to enjoy off-the-shelf
16G, 18G and 20G turbochargers turn signal bumper intake inserts for years. The parts are
might make a huge different to your carefully moulded to deliver an OEM fit, offering immediate
bank balance if you’re considering airflow enhancement benefits to areas of the classic 911
the upgrade, repair or replacement of your car’s snail-shaped bhp that get hot under load. But why should Stuttgart-crested
booster. We’ve all seen DIY kits online, but few have the knowledge cars have all the fun? Well, now owners of Mazda MX-5
or instruction to be able to successfully make use of the supplied NAs (1989–1997) can join the party thanks to freshly
components. Now, thanks to this easy-to-understand, 84-page designed urethane bumper scoops by Moss Europe.
paperback, you can rebuild Evo and Impreza turbochargers to your The parts offer a precision fit and can be painted to match
heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that, contrary to myths the host vehicle (although they come supplied in stealth-
maintained online, taking apart a turbo and putting it back together like gloss black if you’d prefer to leave them as supplied).
again is a straightforward task. And at less than twenty quid, this fully Allowing extra cool air to enter your roadster’s engine
illustrated guide might be the most cost-effective purchase you ever compartment, these excellent intake inserts are offered at
make for your modified Mitsubishi or saucy Scooby. low cost and are sold in pairs.
Price: £19.64 Price: £56.26
Contact: amazon.co.uk Contact: moss-europe.co.uk or call 0208 867 2000

78 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
FIDANZA ‘QUICK REV’ KIT FOR
HONDA CIVIC FN2 TYPE R
Fidanza is recognised around the world for producing lightweight flywheels for hot
Hondas, but determined to provide owners of the ace Civic
FN2 Type R with a complete high-revving transmission
solution, the company has launched a range of
‘Quick Rev’ kits for the car, including options for
fast-road and race applications. Massively over-
engineered in order to withstanding 850lb ft of
torque, each kit comes with a choice of organic
or ceramic clutch, a CNC-machined lightweight
billet aluminium flywheel, the appropriate bearing
and a fitting tool. Rapid revving, more focused throttle
response and reduced overall weight are just some of the
benefits of this neat bit of kit, which is available to order direct from Fidanza’s website.
Price: Organic kit £650, ceramic kit £715
Contact: fidanza.com

FORGE MOTORSPORT
TURBO BLANKET FOR
CHUMP
SUBARU IMPREZA
CHA NGE
2002–2009
A few issues back, we presented Forge
Motorsport’s excellent turbo blanket as our ‘Red
Hot Product’. Offered as a universal part designed
to radically reduce under-bonnet operating
temperatures on vehicles making use of forced
induction, the special part (manufactured from
complex calcium magnesium silicate wool and
heat-resistant silica fabric with stainless steel rivets
and fasteners), has been a big hit with sports car owners inside and outside of the
Japanese automotive scene. Nevertheless, Forge recognises petrolheads love nothing POWERFLEX
more than parts tailored specifically for their cars, which is why the same turbo blanket STEERING RACK
has been reimagined for Bug, Blob and Hawkeyed Subaru Imprezas (2002–2009). The BUSHES FOR
interior surface of the part can withstand a peak temperature of 1260°C (2300°F) and a sustained
punishment of 1000°C (1832°F). The exterior surface has a direct contact limit of 982°C (1800°F) with a
TOYOTA
radiant heat limit of some 1371°C (2500°C). In short, this blanket is the perfect addition to any standard STARLET
or hard-driven road car, allowing both car and driver to stay cool. GLANZA TURBO
Price: £59.99 Performance polyurethane
Contact: forgemotorsport.co.uk or call 01452 380999 bush manufacturer, Powerflex,
has added to its massive
portfolio of parts for Japanese
WEBCON CARBURETTOR BASE sports cars by introducing
PLATE ADAPTOR FOR SUZUKI steering rack mount bushes for
SJ413 JIMNY AND VITARA the Toyota Starlet/Glanza Turbo
We’ll let you into a little secret: we’re big fans EP82 and EP91. Worn steering
of the second-generation Suzuki Jimny! It’s a rack bushes have a massively
fun little four-by capable of tackling some of detrimental impact on a
the UK’s best off-road obstacle courses, vehicle’s ability to steer
providing you don’t mind getting covered in accurately, but replacing them
mud! The fuel system experts at Webcon like with Powerflex’s famous purple
the model, too, so much so that they’ve parts provides increased safety
introduced an adaptor kit to allow you to fit as well as restored steering
Weber 32/36 or 38/38 performance precision, creating a more
carburettors to the punchy 1.3-litre SJ413 and connected feel from steering
1.6-litre Vitara. Following on from the massive and handling. For those of you
internatonal success of Webcon’s range of in charge of track-focused
carburettor components for Suzuki 4x4s, this Turbos, Powerflex offers the
all-new kit includes a CNC-machined base same mounts as part of its
plate, all gaskets, studs and bolts, and is, of Black Series range.
course, fully compatible with the company’s Price: £22.14 per kit (round
new Retroject range of throttle bodies. bushes, ‘D’ bushes)
Price: £33.94 Contact: powerflex.co.uk
Contact: webcon.co.uk or call 01932 787100 or call 01895 460033

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 79
 JAPSTUFF +

BILSTEIN B16
COILOVERS FOR
NISSAN 370Z
German suspension specialist, Bilstein, has
released details of its latest beautifully
engineered damper package for Nissan’s
awesome 350Z. Offering OEM standards of
fit, finish and ride quality coupled with
significant improvements in handling, each
precision-machined threaded steel body
offers a drop in ride height of up to 50mm
with ten steps of adjustment allowing you

B
to alter bump and rebound through the

IG
selection of carefully prepared preset
ratios. In other words, whether you’re after
limo levels of softness or a dose of race
raucous, these ‘Billies’ afford you excellent
control of your Z-car.
Price: £1742
SPENDE
Contact: bilstein.com
R
JAPSPEED ‘SUPER-
LOW’ TOE RODS FOR
NISSAN S13/S14/S15
Rear toe settings play an important role in the overall
handling abilities of your car, especially if you’ve lowered
your ride. Japspeed has created a selection of
‘SuperLow’ toe arms for the Nissan S13/S14/S15.
Differing from Japspeed’s regular uprated toe arms,
these performance parts feature a kink to provide added
subframe clearance – ideal for those of you who enjoy
extreme lows, but have experienced standard toe arms
fouling the underside of your nifty Nissan’s subframe
under heavy compression. Made from high tensile steel
with heavy-duty pillowball joints and powdercoated to
prevent corrosion, these fully adjustable toe arms will
also suit Nissan’s 180SX, PS13 Silvia,
200SX S13/S14 and S15 Silvia.
Price: £149
MISHIMOTO OIL COOLERS Contact: japspeed.co.uk
Proper oil temperature regulation is key to extending and or call 08444 489080
preserving the life of your car’s stock or high performance
engine. American cooling equipment manufacturer, Mishimoto,
has a selection of oil coolers available to suit all applications,
from street to circuit. Capable of withstanding high fluid
pressures, each Sleek Silver or Stealth Black multi-row cooler
is made from 6061 aluminium and comes with a standard or
thermostatic billet anodised aluminium sandwich plate,
preassembled stainless steel braided oil lines (complete with
10AN fittings and dowty seals for durable, leak-free
connections) and a selection of sandwich plate adaptors to
suit most models. Plus, there’s Mishimoto’s legendary
lifetime guarantee and a price that won’t break the
bank. Hoorah!
Price: From £226
Contact: mishimoto.co.uk or 01384 897476

80 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 When conditions demand the best
Photo by Smokin Images

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THEGARAGE +
READERS’
RIDES
WORDS: DAN SHERWOOD PICS: OWNERS’ OWN

EACH MONTH WE GET TONNES OF SUBMISSIONS FROM OWNERS WANTING TO GET THEIR CARS
PLASTERED OVER THE PAGES OF THIS HALLOWED MAGAZINE. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT EVERYONE CAN GET
A FULL FEATURE, AS WE’D SOON RUN OUT OF PAGES! BUT RATHER THAN LEAVE THEM FESTERING IN OUR
BULGING EMAIL INBOX, WE THOUGHT THE BEST ONES COULD BE HONOURED HERE IN OUR READERS’
RIDES SECTION. SOME MAY EVEN GO ON TO BECOME FULLY-FLEDGED JAPANESE PERFORMANCE FEATURE
CARS! SO KEEP AN EYE OUT ON FUTURE ISSUES, AS YOU NEVER KNOW, YOU MAY HAVE SEEN A SNEAK
PEEK HERE FIRST! WE WILL ALSO BE PICKING OUR CAR OF THE MONTH, WHICH WILL WIN AN AWESOME
MEGUIAR’S NEW CAR KIT WORTH £40!

R!
WINNE
MARC PATERSON’S HONDA CIVIC TYPE R CARL CUNLIFFE’S SKYLINE 350GT
Marc Paterson’s recently refreshed EP3 Civic Type R Badged a Skyline, the 350GT was closer to being a
must be a proper weapon. Not only is it stripped out with beefed up 350Z on steroids than a true successor to
BC coilovers, an MFactory limited-slip differential and fat Evo IX wheels, but the R34 GT-R, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a cool
under the Buddyclub-style bonnet lies a fully forged K20 motor with a Precision base for a performance project. Carl Cunliffe has
5931E turbo bolted on to it! With ID 1000 injectors and a Walbro 255lph fuel fitted 20in RS wheels, a Seibon carbon bonnet and
pump it must get through the juice when on full boost, but with a cool 443bhp vented wings, plus uprated intakes and exhaust
and 300lb ft to play with at 1.2 bar of boost, who’s worried about petrol?! system giving the 3.5-litre V6 300bhp to play with!

COULD YOUR CAR BE A WINNER?

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF YOUR CAR APPEARING AS A FEATURED READERS’ RIDE, WINNING A MEGUIAR’S KIT OR EVEN GAINING A FULL FEATURE,
SEND GOOD QUALITY PICTURES OF YOUR CAR ALONG WITH A BRIEF WRITE UP AND SPEC TO [email protected] OR LOOK OUT FOR OUR REGULAR
READERS’ RIDES POSTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

82 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 ALEX MACRAE’S AE86 SPRINTER TRUENO JOE SANGUINETTI’S SUBARU FORESTER
It really doesn’t take much to make a classic AE86 Even though it’s got a whopping 308k miles on the clock and is the non-turbo
look cool, and Alex Macrae has got a great balance variant packing a paltry 115bhp, we reckon Joe Sanuinetti’s Subaru Forester is
of factory and original to make his Sprinter Trueno pretty damn cool. Although the engine may be basic, he’s not afraid to give it
model stand out. Blitz coilovers, an HKS filter and some stick on the circuit. To help him out he has uprated the suspension with a
an FGK exhaust system, complete with 14in SSR host of STI parts, plus Feal 441 struts and uprated springs. The brakes are
Longchamps XR4 wheels, it looks the bomb! beefier, too, using WRX items, and the bodywork has the STI treatment. Nice!

ALEX RAKHSHANI’S SKYLINE

Alex Rakhshani’s Nissan Skyline R32
GT-R is a really mint example of this
true Japanese classic. Not only has
it been treated to a full bare metal
respray, but it’s also had an engine
rebuild with fully forged uprated
Carillo internals and a huge T51R
ANDY PRICE’S NISSAN PRIMERA single turbo conversion. Running on
Equipped with a screaming SR20 engine, Andy has a Link G4 ECU it’s kicking out a cool
built his base-spec Primera into a full GT replica with 630bhp! At the time of writing he’d
17in alloys and K&N air filter in the tidy bay. just acquired a set of white Nismo
LMGT 2 wheels which he was keen
to get fitted when the weather
improves. Now that will look sick!

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 83
A MAN OF
THE HOUR
DIES EVERY
HOUR
Join us in the fight against prostate cancer.
prostatecanceruk.org/menunited
3872

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.
 MODIFIED CAR?or standard of course
Be correctly insured, it doesn’t cost as much as you’d think
MARKET LEADER “We trust them with ours”
IN SPECIALIST AND
PERFORMANCE
Japanese Performance Magazine Project car

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insurance for specialist japanese cars

THEGARAGE +

PROJECT RISING SUNNY

LOW DOWN AND DIRTY
SEAT DESIGN PICKED, IT WAS TIME TO TAKE THE DATSUN DOWN TO
LEICESTER TO THE INSTALL COMPANY FOR BOSSMAN PHIL JAMES TO
MEASURE UP AND DESIGN A BESPOKE AIR RIDE SOLUTION
Last month the Meguiar’s guys seeing to. aren’t exactly ten-a-penny. In the rear axle so cannot be
were taking in the wares of As is getting increasingly fact, they don’t exist full stop! simply swapped out for an air
premium posterior perch common these days, few full on This is no problem for Phil, bag alternative without
purveyors Cobra seats while show cars are complete without though, as he has designed fabricating a complete custom
having a tour around their a sill-scraping air-ride many bespoke systems in the four-link rear axle setup. It’s far
Telford-based HQ. With such a installation, and the pick-up past, and is well versed in what from impossible, but just takes
vast array of styles, trim options wasn’t going to be left out. is needed to do the job right first that bit more planning and
and fabrics to choose from it To that end, Dale and Tom time around. elbow grease to get everything
was a difficult task to pick just drove down to The Install ‘The pick up is a particularly to work together as it should.’
one combination to grace the Company in Leicester to drop tricky proposition to ‘bag’, Phil Phil has already taken the
Sunny pick-up cabin, but they the truck off with the firm’s explains. ‘The front end is OK, angle grinder to the truck’s
got there in the end. The final bossman Phil James to cast his as not only is it just a case of immaculate rear arches to
design is being kept under experienced eye over the fitting some struts and bags, but mock-fit the kit arches and
wraps for now and will be project. it will also have the Hakotora measure up for wheel clearance
revealed later in the series, so Phil has been building world kit’s wider front wings to ensure and suspension travel, so
keep your eyes peeled for that class modified rides for years lots of clearance for big wheels there’s no turning back now!
update as we’ve been assured and his audio and air ride and a big drop. The rear is
it will be worth the wait! systems are renowned as some where things get complicated,
THANKS & CONTACTS
But rather than simply of the best in the country. And though, as it uses leaf springs
The Install Company
twiddle their thumbs while he’s going to need all that and Tom and Dale have 07875 516557
Cobra’s talented seamstresses experience to pull off a siimilarly specified that they don’t want to
worked their magic, it was full impressive air-ride install in the make any modifications to the Meguiar’s
steam ahead with the rest of the Datsun, because, funnily flatbed. Obviously the leaf www.meguiars.co.uk
build and this time it was the enough, off-the-shelf air-ride kits springs not only control ride 0870 241 6696
suspension that was getting a for an old Japanese pick-up height, but they also mount to

86 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
SHIT’S GETTING REAL! THE DATSUN’S IMMACULATE ARCHES ARE CUT AWAY AND THE WIDER KIT ARCHES INSTALLED TO ALLOW THE AIR RIDE SYSTEM TO BE DESIGNED

THERE’S NO OFF-THE-SHELF AIR RIDE KIT FOR THE DATSUN PICK-UP, SO PHIL AT THE INSTALL COMPANY IS MEASURING UP TO CREATE A BESPOKE SOLUTION

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 87
THEGARAGE +

PROJECT Z
SITTING PRETTY
WITH THE CRZ SPECIFIC RAILS FINALLY ARRIVING, WE COULD GET CRACKING
WITH INSTALLING OUR AWESOME NEW COBRA DAYTONA SPORTS SEATS
With the aim for the CRZ being its products, each one hand- as it’s still a recliner, it will also resistor airbag bypass kit which
to give it some death on the made in Britain. For a UK work for comfortable daily can simply replace the plug
circuit, one of the most pressing manufacturer founded in the driving duties and still allow attached to the loom coming
issues I needed to sort was one early 1960s to still be in access to the small but useful through the floor. It’s a matter of
of support. The CRZ’s standard existence today, really says a rear seats. re-pinning the wires but MG
seats are not exactly oversized lot. Cobra’s seat range has The trusted technicians at created an extra stem within the
armchairs but, with my slight extended over the years, Ripley-based automotive wiring so the original plug
figure perched on them, it was consistently highlighting quality, specialists MG Auto Motorsport adaptor didn’t need to be
clear that when the driving heats safety and comfort all in one. gave me a hand to get the removed, therefore making it
up, staying locked into the seat For project CRZ I settled on old seats out and the new simple for fitting the OEM seats
will be a problem. Also, as well Cobra’s Daytona reclining sport Cobras in. First thing was to back in. Nice.
as reducing concentration on seat, equipped with subframes remove the original seats by Fitting the rails and
the job at hand, constantly and rails supplied by the car unbolting the four bolts around subframes is no harder than
shifting in your seat can reduce seat gurus at GSM each one. Once removed it’s a bolting a few bits of Meccano
the crucial feedback from the Performance. good idea to use the together: the rails attach to the
car that you feel through your In order to match the seats to opportunity to vacuum the seat, the subframe attaches to
backside. And if you’re not the current colour scheme in the unseen mess that gathers under
receiving that feedback CRZ’s interior, I opted for the seats, you’ll be surprised THANKS & CONTACTS
accurately, you could be Cobra’s custom trimming option at what you’ll find. Yuk! MG Auto Motorsport
missing out on the true potential with light grey Alcantara centres Then came the tricky 01773 745400
your vehicle has to offer. I and black leather edges, tied in electricals. With any modern
needed lateral support, and fast! with blue stitching to match the airbag equipped car it’s Cobra Seats
To solve my conundrum, I made blue lights on my dials. important to disable the airbags www.cobraseats.com
a call to Cobra to help me The Daytona is one of before tampering with the 01952 684020
choose the most affordable and Cobra’s best-known seats. seats, and then, if fitting
most practical seat option to Coming in a sporty, supportive aftermarket ones, be sure to GSM
meet my needs. design that can also be used fit an airbag bypass kit before www.sportseats4u.co.uk
0115 9893488
I’ve always admired the with harnesses means it’ll work fitting the new ones.
[email protected]
quality Cobra maintains within a treat on the track. However, GSM supplied us with a

88 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
THE NEW COBRA DAYTONA SEATS LOOK AMAZING IN THE CRZ, PLUS HAVE STACKS MORE LATERAL SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE SHOULDERS

the rails. What mustn’t be thing you want is your seat or not squishy like the OEM ones, There is so much more lateral
forgotten, however, is attaching seat belt coming loose! so I have more feel for the road support and no more bracing
the seat belt socket of the With everything in and surface. I specifically requested myself at every turn just to stay
original seats – the importance tightened securely, it was time for the wings of the seats to be in one place. They look pretty
of making sure these are tightly to test the Cobras out. What a narrower so my shoulders have awesome, too, and we’re now
bolted together is essential. In difference! It feels like a new support and I stay fixed within one step closer to getting the
the event of an accident the last car! The seats are much firmer, the seat, and it works a treat. CRZ on track! – Ollie

LIGHT GREY ALCANTARA, BLACK LEATHER AND BLUE STITCHING IS CLASS. COBRA OFFERS MANY DIFFERENT COLOUR COMBINATIONS

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 89
THEGARAGE +
THANKS & CONTACTS
Scoobyclinic
www.scoobyclinic.com
01793 838276

Adrian Flux
www.adrianflux.co.uk
0800 085 5000

PROJECT ROTARY
CLINICAL FINISH - PART 3
PROJECT ROTARY’S PAINT JOB MOVES ON TO THE FINAL STAGES BEFORE PRIMER –
WHAT IS IT THAT THEY SAY ABOUT OMELETTES AND BREAKING EGGS?
If walking into Clinical whole car had been rubbed Joe had given the car the once locked under the paint and will
Performance’s Derbyshire Dales down and filled to within an inch over last month, it was on to show up no matter how good
based bodyshop and seeing of its life. There were that many Clinical Performance’s spray the final top coats or how glossy
Project Rotary last month was holes in it that it looked like a painting guru Dale to do the the lacquer, so we’re glad we’ve
akin to stepping into a hospital skeleton – although we are quite final touches and prepare the given the guys the chance to
room and seeing your best mate liking the cool Kawasaki green surface for the first coat of take their time on the job and
laid up in a full body cast, this masking tape! But as they say, primer. This is the crucial part of get it right first time!
month’s experience was like ‘you can’t make an omelette any paint job, as if there is any While we were there we took
stumbling into the morgue after without breaking some eggs’, area of modifying when the term a mooch through some more
the organ donors had been and this is what you have to go ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ is colour options, and seeing as
about their business! All four through to get perfect paint. most relevant, it is when it we were at Scoobyclinic HQ, we
doors, the boot, bonnet and both The reason for this next step comes to resprays. Any defects thought it rude not to check out
bumpers were removed and the was that after bodywork tech that remain at this stage will be some Subaru colours too! – Dan

WHEN YOU SEE ALL THE AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN FILLED AND SANDED IT SHOWS UP JUST HOW DAMAGED AND DINGED THE CAR’S PANELS REALLY WERE

90 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 0800 085 5000

INSURANCE
If you’re thinking of dipping
into the Japanese import
market, there are a few things
you’ll need to know as
insurance can be a problem.
Because these ‘grey’ imports
are not built to European
specifications, most
mainstream insurers will not
offer rates on these models or
will load the premium
significantly. But as all such
cars have to undergo testing
before they can be driven on
UK roads, a specialist
insurance broker like Adrian
Flux can insure your
Japanese import without a
problem. Adrian Flux has
more than 30 years’
experience of providing cover
for imported vehicles, and
offers discounts for limited
mileage, owners’ club
membership, security
measures and advanced
CALL US WEIRD, BUT WE’RE QUITE LIKING THE WHOLE MATT SILVER AND KAWASAKI GREEN LOOK! STRIKING! driving qualifications.

IT SEEMED ONLY RIGHT TO LOOK AT SOME SUBARU-BASED COLOURS THE RX-8’S WILD SUICIDE DOORS REMOVED AND PREPPED FOR PAINT

WITH NO B-PILLARS, WHEN YOU REMOVE THE RX-8’S DOORS YOU GET A REAL SENSE OF THE ENGINEERING THAT MUST HAVE GONE INTO THE CAR

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 91
THEGARAGE +
THANKS & CONTACTS
Meguiar’s
www.meguiars.co.uk
0870 241 6696
Adrian Flux
www.adrianflux.co.uk
0800 085 5000

PROJECT TYPE R
SPRING CLEANING
WITH A SPLASH OF SUNSHINE LIFTING OUR SPIRITS WE FELT IT WAS HIGH TIME
TO GIVE PROJECT TYPE R A DECENT CLEAN BEFORE HITTING THE SHOWS
Sunshine! After enduring that keeping your car clean and out the garden hose and just released and would I like to
countless Beasts From The East salt-free is crucially important microfibres, we decided to do try them out on Project Type R?
over the last few months, we throughout the winter months, things properly and made the Of course, I jumped at the
were beginning to think we’d but when you struggle to get trip over to cleaning gurus chance. Not just as I could sit
never see a blue sky again, but even a few dry days in what feels Meguiar’s in Daventry. back and take pics of product
then it happened. Like Moses like months, it can be extemely We are following the firm’s marketing manager Dale as he
parting the Red Sea, the clouds hard to work up the enthusiasm awesome Datsun Sunny pick-up worked up a lather on my motor,
broke and blue sky and sunshine to bother. But now, with the build closely in the magazine but also because they sounded
bathed us all. But as nice as it climate finally playing ball, we and, whilst discussing the pretty damn good, too!
was to finally have some rays on feel reinvigorated in mind, body benefits of the kinds of paint We’ll be bringing you a full
our face, one look at our weather and spirit, so it was only right protection necessary on a classic step-by-step guide to using
worn Type R and we knew it had that we treat Project Type R to ride such as their pick-up, they these new products next month,
been far too long since we gave the same life affirming makeover. mentioned that they had a host but needless to say, Project Type
it a bath. Yes, we are well aware But rather than just busting of new products that they had R has never looked better – Dan

THE LONG HARSH WINTER HAD TAKEN ITS TOLL ON PROJECT TYPE R’S PAINT WORK, WITH MONTHS OF ROAD GRIME BUILT UP AND DULLING THE FINISH

92 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 0800 085 5000

INSURANCE
While just cleaning and
maintaining your car is not
likely to make any difference
to your insurance poilcy, if
you have a truly immaculate
concours clean car that has
been impeccably maintained
and as such would demand a
much higher sale price than a
similar aged model in more
average condition, then it
would likely be a good idea to
get an agreed value policy,
whereby you stipulate the
reasoning for your valuation
and submit a list of mods and
pictures to your insurer,
before agreeing on a
valuation that you are happy
with and they feel is a fair
representation of the car in
question and that they are
happy to cover. That way, if
anything happens to your
perfectly polished paintwork,
you are much more likely to
get a payout that reflects your
THE WHEELS WERE PARTICULARLY FILTHY BUT MEGUIAR’S ULTIMATE ALL WHEEL CLEANER SOON HAD THEM SHINING elbow grease!

WASH PLUS+ CLEANS AND POLISHS IN ONE GO!

AFTER A THOROUGH WASH DOWN IT WAS INTO MEGUIAR’S FAMOUS LIGHT BOOTH FOR DRYING AND WAXING WITH NEW ULTIMATE FAST FINISH

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 93
THEGARAGE +

PROJECT 5
GIVING IT ALL THE BUNNY!
WITH STUPIDLY WIDE TYRES COMES THE NEED FOR STUPIDLY WIDE OVER ARCHES.
ALL IN ALL, JUST PLAIN STUPID REALLY! WHERE WILL IT ALL END?
Whenever I’ve been trawling the value for money when I picked budget. whipped them straight out of
’net in need of inspiration on my perfect setup. Prices for the original RB the box and test fitted them to
exactly what to do to Project 5, At the bottom end of the arches are still pretty high, but if the car with masking tape (as
I’ve always found myself scale, you can buy glassfibre you search hard enough there you do) and couldn’t believe
coming back again and again arches for as cheap as £80 on are plenty of dealers selling how well they fitted and, more
to the wide-ass look that’s only various internet sites, but with ‘RB-style’ arches that fit the bill importantly, just how blooming
achievable with the perfect rock bottom prices comes the perfectly. wide they were in real life!
combo of massive balloon tyres inevitability of further fitting I fell upon one such seller on After cutting, grinding and
and super-wide over arches, so issues and bad finishing that eBay known as 2m_technics hammering flat anything that
when the first part of my plan will leave you angry and and he had the very arches I’d would intrude my wheels and
had been put into action last ashamed with the choice that been perving over for under tyres last month, it seemed
month, I knew what direction I you’ve made. While at the other £160, that’s around half the kinda ironic that I would now be
needed to take next and the end of the scale, you have price of most of the kits on the needing spacers just to get
hunt for a suitable set of over amazing kits from the likes of market, let alone the genuine these wheels to fill these
arches was put into place. Not Autokonexion and Rocket RB items. I sent the trader a humungous arches. The first
only are wide arches fantastic Bunny that really are top of the message and tried to suss the rain-free weekend I had since
for tidying up all of the removed pile when it comes to fit and quality out and to my surprise the arches had arrived and I set
metal work, necessary to allow finish, but you may need to rob he told me that there had been about fitting these bad boys in
the rolling stock to fit without a bank just to fund such a no issues with any of the kits place properly. With the amount
scrubbage, but they also give purchase. If money were no he’d sold previously and was of coverage on offer, these
the 5 that added aggression option, they would definitely be honest about everything I had arches also allowed me to
that makes any onlooker think making an appearance on asked him. So, after checking remove much more metal than
twice about spouting the these here pages. The his 100% positive feedback, I bit before and, as you can see
hilarious and original Autokonexion items were ruled the bullet and around a week from the pictures, I really went
hairdresser quip. As with every out straight away due only to after ordering, they were on my to town to make sure there will
decision that’s been made on the cost but, from previous doorstep. Thankfully they had never be any more arch and
my MX-5, though, the final internet searches, I knew there been immaculately wrapped so tyre rubbing. And thanks to the
selection process had to come may be a viable option when it turned up in one piece and on design, they cover literally cover
down to a financial standpoint came to the Rocket Bunny first glance the quality looked everything. For now I have
and although I’m far from being setup that could look the same pretty amazing considering how temporarily fixed them with
Claude Le Tramp, I still wanted and still come in on my tight little I had paid for them. I metal screws until they are

94 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
 CURRENTLY JUST TACKED ON FOR TEST FITTING, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE ROCKET BUNNY STYLE ARCHES ARE AN EXCELLENT FIT ON PROJECT 5 – TOP STUFF!

wrapped in light grey vinyl and THANKS & CONTACTS

riveted to the original arches.
I’m so happy with my eBay
purchase, and now that the 2m_technics
new bumper and rear
numberplate surround are also Toyo Tyres
in place, the car is actually www.toyo.co.uk
starting to resemble something
that may actually drive pretty Extreme Offset Wheels
www.extremeoffsetwheels.com
soon. Fingers crossed! – Matt

THE BC COILOVERS ARE WOUND UP HIGH UNTIL EVERYTHING IS FITTED, BUT IT’S OBVIOUS THAT PROJECT 5 IS GOING TO NEED SOME SUBSTANTIAL SPACERS!

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 95
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Advertisement Index
Adrian Flux Insurance Services 17 Exhausts UK 17 Lateral Performance 35 Polybush 34
Anglo American Oil Co 81 Glencoe 34, 76 Mahle Industries 10, 11 Prostate Cancer 84
ASNU 23 Hardrace (Apex Performance) 3, 47 Mark Richard (Brokers) 85 Rare Rims 76
Australian Clutch Services 23 Jap Performance Parts 8 Meguiars UK 99 Santa Pod Raceway 30
BC Racing (Apex Performance) 53, 100 Japspeed 6 Mishimoto Automotive 73 Subscriptions 96
Competition Clutch 15 Keith Michaels Insurance 85 MTEC Brakes 4 Total MX-5 magazine 98
Engine Parts (UK) 41, 61 KSport (Apex Performance) 2 Pfitzner Performance Gears 27
MX-5, MIATA, EUNOS – THREE NAMES, ONE BRILLIANT CAR

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