Latest News

Jan 31, 2008

Its waiting for you Bdubb

Gucci Caddy - rollin

On the hood 1990 Fleetwood

I see some interesting cars at the bid sales. This is one of them

$130k 2009 Nissan GT-R ?

60k over sticker ? From Winding Road

"The folks at Exhaustnote.com did some leg work, and after calling Nissan dealers all over the country, figured the markup for the new sports coupe will run up to $60,000."
"That’s an extra $60,000 over the GT-R’s base price of $69,000, effectively requiring $129,000 in order to get behind the wheel. Granted, that’s the high end of what Exhaustnote found; most dealers they phoned claimed the average would be between $20- to $35 grand extra. Even at $30,000 over sticker, the GT-R suddenly is in the price territory of BMW’s M6 coupe."

Seems pretty crazy, but not the first nor the last time it will happen. When the PT Cruisers came out, we bought one for $30k, double the $15 sticker price. We wanted it the first day so we could develop parts. It paid off for us, but some other people just have to be first. Even back in 1991, when the Acura NSX came out, we sent a few of them back to Japan. I went to Pasadena to pickup a new car from a dealer. It was in their showroom, surrounded by velvet ropes. The sticker then was around $50k, but they had $100k on the window. We bought the car for around $58k. I guess the 100k asking price didn't work out for them. All in supply and demand. Nissan has not firmly said that only 1500 cars will be coming. Its a base number, but for now, no one really knows for sure.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW 2008 SEASON MOTORSPORT PROGRAMS


NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW 2008 SEASON MOTORSPORT PROGRAMS
- New GT-R to challenge for SUPER GT Series in Japan -

TOKYO (January 31, 2008) - Nissan Motor Co. Ltd and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (NISMO) today announced their 2008 Global Motorsport Programs.

Highlighting the company’s continued commitment to global motorsport, Nissan will enter the all-new GT-R into the premium Japanese motorsport series, SUPER GT.

1.

SUPER GT

2008 marks the return of GT-R to racing, following the transition from the R34 model to the Z five years ago. Continuing from last year, Mr. Kunihiko Kakimoto will be the General Manager for all Nissan related teams, and the NISMO Team Manager will be Mr. Yoshitaka Iijima.

NISMO will give technical support and car development support to teams entering the NISSAN GT-R in SUPER GT. As a part of the Nissan team group, NISMO, HASEMI MOTORSPORT, TEAM IMPUL, and KONDO RACING will enter the GT500 class with a total of five NISSAN GT-Rs.

The 2008 NISSAN GT-R has been developed with the following areas of focus:
1. Reducing parts weight, lowering the center of gravity and optimizing weight distribution to improve handling and vehicle dynamics
2. Using the aerodynamics of the new NISSAN GT-R to decrease drag and increase down-force
3. Increased power and improved efficiency from the VK45 engine
♦Teams Car # Entrant Manager Driver Car Name
22 NISMO Yoshitaka Iijima Michael Krumm
Masataka Yanagida MOTUL AUTECH GT-R
23 Satoshi Motoyama
Benoit Treluyer XANAVI NISMO GT-R
3 HASEMI MOTOR SPORT Masahiro Hasemi Ronnie Quintarelli
Naoki Yokomizo YellowHat YMS TOMICA GT-R
12 TEAM IMPUL Kazuyoshi Hoshino Tsugio Matsuda
Sebastien Philippe CALSONIC IMPUL GT-R
24 KONDO RACING Masahiko Kondo Joao Paolo de Oliveira
Seiji Ara ADVAN Clarion GT-R
2.

Privateer support:

A variety of motorsport programs will be supported by Nissan
1.

March Cup Race/Nissan racing school
A total of 11 races run through regional championships (EAST Japan Series, WEST Japan Series, and NISSAN MARCH Champion Cup) using the March compact car. By standardizing on-board data-loggers, entrants can steadily learn how to improve driving skills, as well as the physical excitement of a racing car.

In addition, Nissan will conduct racing schools at each circuit before races using a March Cup car to give circuit guidance and technical support. Since 2008, Nissan motorsport has added new classes and technology into the cars to help make this entry-level support even more accessible.
2.

National privateer support:

SUPER GT GT300 class
Give technical support to privateer teams entering the Fairlady Z.
Super Taikyu series
Give technical support to privateer teams entering the ST-1 class or ST-3 class with a Fairlady Z.
Nissan Driver Development Program (NDDP)/Formula Challenge Japan (FCJ)
To educate young drivers and support the Formula Challenge Japan, FCJ, series started in 2006. Nismo will be responsible for the maintenance of engines managed by the organizers. In addition, Nismo will select four drivers as scholarship drivers and give them support to enter the FCJ.
Beginning 2007, to select a Nissan Advance Scholarship driver and send him to Formula Renault in England, where he will gain from the experience of racing in the competitive Formula Renault through one season.

3.

International activities:

China:
To continue supporting Dongfeng Ghia Sports, a team entering the Nissan Tiida in the 1600cc class of the CCC (China Circuit Championship) touring car series since 2006.
In China, the CCC is the most competitive national championship for racing cars based on standard production cars. Dongfeng Nissan has a continuing partnership with leading Chinese team, Ghia Sports. The Tiida campaigned by Ghia Sports was first in 2005 and second in 2006.
South Africa:
Nissan South Africa has won the South African Off-Road Championship series for the last seven consecutive years. This year they will enter the series with the Nissan Navara pick-up truck. In addition, Nissan will compete in the South African Production Car Championship with a 350Z (Fairlady Z).

Jan 30, 2008

RB26 , RB25 , RB20 , and other performance parts on eBay



People are always looking for parts. Eric normally has them in stock.

Jan 29, 2008

A couple of good photos



Some photos - one of those email forwards. These two are pretty good. They are pretty funny.

A fool and his money....

A recent article in the Aspen Times Weekly .Police in valley seeing more reports of scams and swindlers

"The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office had a recent case in which a man ordered a vehicle over the Internet from Asia, but it has been held up in customs for months because it doesn’t suit current emissions requirements."
This is just a single example of probably dozens of people a year that are scammed out of money. If you are looking for a car, make sure you ask all the right questions. I have been arming people with knowledge for years. Hopefully it saved some people some money.

Tesla Sports Car Gets Air Bag Waiver

Tesla Sports Car Gets Air Bag Waiver

By KEN THOMAS – 1 day ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tesla Motors received a waiver from the government on a federal air bag standard Monday, bringing it a step closer toward the production of its all-electric Roadster later this year.

Tesla, based in San Carlos, Calif., has pre-sold all of its 2008 Tesla Roadsters, a fully electric sports car that sells for $98,000. The company expects to begin deliveries in the first quarter of this year but needed the waiver to be able to sell in the United States.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it would give the company a three-year exemption from the advanced air bag rule, noting that Tesla tried to comply with the requirements and would still have standard air bags on the vehicle.

Based on information provided by the automaker, NHTSA estimates the waiver will cover 3,825 Roadsters, including 625 vehicles this year and 1,600 in each of the following two years.

NHTSA called the Roadster "one of the most advanced full electric vehicles available" and said the "public interest is served by encouraging the development of fuel-efficient and alternative-fueled vehicles."

The federal agency said Tesla posted operating losses of $43 million from 2003-2006 and that without the waiver, Tesla would "have to cancel its pending development of an electric-powered sedan, and would ultimately have to terminate its operations."

Tesla said in a statement last week that it had received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Roadster for sale in the United States and production would begin March 17.

Tesla has based its Roadster on the two-seat Lotus Elise sports car, which also could not comply with the advanced air bag rule and received an exemption from NHTSA in August 2006. The vehicle will be manufactured at a Lotus factory in Hethel, England, under Tesla's supervision.

Tesla also has announced plans to produce at least 10,000 all-electric, five-passenger sedans a year at a plant in Albuquerque, N.M., beginning in the fall of 2009.
On the Net:

* Tesla Motors: http://www.teslamotors.com

Jan 28, 2008

1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R in the US for sale. Imported by Motorex. DOT legal


Imported by Motorex, DOT bond released. US title, 18" Stern wheels, HKS exhaust, Hicas canceller. 32750 miles. Very Clean. Ready to drive. Rb26DETT engine - 5 speed transmission. ATTESA all wheel drive. $46,995

email - sean@rbmotoring.com

Jan 27, 2008

Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 Time Attack Nurburgring

Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 Time Attack Nurburgring

Jan 26, 2008

Low Snow

Only 2.99 a gallon

87 octane down to $2.99 a gallon in LA. OK its actually 2.999 , but its still under $3.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Local Price Snapshot
Today 3.077
Yesterday 3.080
One Week Ago 3.162
One Month Ago 3.195
One Year Ago 2.400

Jan 25, 2008

Edmunds.com-Inside Line - R34 GT-R at Nurburgring


Edmunds.com / Insideline
If it weren't for Gran Turismo, Sony PlayStation's ground-breaking driving simulation game, it's doubtful the Skyline GT-R ever would have leapt from relative obscurity so rapidly. PlayStation gave us the chance to drive the GT-R at the Nürburgring, and we soon learned about Nissan's semi-covert quest to conquer the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the Skyline GT-R.
Well I am not sure about Gran Turismo being the seed, but it did help.Option videos , magazine articles , and the games did help in the rest of the world.

Jan 24, 2008

Gucci Cadillac


Gucci Cadillac


Bdubb your ride awaits you.

$500,000 in grants to help three companies demonstrate clean air

SACRAMENTO - Today the California Air Resources Board approved
nearly $500,000 in grants to bolster the commercialization of
three cutting-edge clean air technologies.

The projects, funded under the ARB's Innovative Clean Air
Technologies program, include demonstrations of a solar water
heating system, a mobile greenhouse gas measurement platform and
an advanced particulate filter.


"The leap from idea to commercialization is often the biggest
roadblock," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "These grants
offer a chance to demonstrate budding new technologies and
underscore California's entrepreneurial spirit in finding
forward-thinking solutions to air quality challenges."

Three projects were selected for their potential to support ARB
programs and initiatives, and facilitate emission reductions in
California:

* Davis Energy Group (Davis, Calif.) will receive $235,000
to demonstrate its SunCache residential solar water heating
system that is expected to cost less than half as much as
current systems while reducing smog-forming and climate change
emissions;
* Los Gatos Research (Mountain View, Calif.) will receive
$77,996 to demonstrate in a mobile laboratory their
state-of-the-art laser-based instruments for real-time
measurements of greenhouse gases and other pollutants; and
* GEO2 (Woburn, Mass.) will receive $185,000 to apply
advanced particulate filter systems on large off-road diesel
engines and small hand-held engines, such as those used in lawn
and garden applications, with the potential to cut the cost of
filter use.

At least 50 percent of a project's total cost must come from
matching funds;10 percent must be committed by the grantee.
Criteria for project selection include: the potential air
quality benefit, readiness for commercialization in California,
project quality and synchronicity with ARB's existing programs.

ARB staff review proposals looking for technologies and projects
that promote emission reductions in California by introducing a
new prevention or control technology, augmenting the degree of
control provided by an existing technology, reducing the cost or
other practical impediment, or increasing scope of application.
Proposals that meet these and other criteria are then
recommended to the Board for its approval.

Since its inception in 1993, the Innovative Clean Air
Technologies program has provided 60 grants, for a total of $12
million, including today's grants. Any new, technically
challenging technology or application that supports ARB's
programs and goals, while benefiting the state's economy, may be
considered for a grant.

Examples of particularly successful past demonstration projects
include:

* An electric school bus with integrated fast-charge
capability; $140,000 granted to the Sacramento Municipal Utility
District in 2001;
* Solar crop drying system for farm products such as nuts,
prunes and herbs; $150,000 granted to Conserval Engineering in
2000; and
* Electric diesel particulate filter for in-use diesel
engines; $71,400 granted to Cleaire Advanced Emission Controls.


For more information about the Innovative Clean Air Technologies
program, and projects it supports, see:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/icat/icat.htm

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

Yamaha agrees to $2 million settlement with ARB

Yamaha agrees to $2 million settlement with ARB for importing
roughly 400 uncertified motorcycles into California

Part of money to be used to test emissions from ethanol

SACRAMENTO -Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, and South Seas Cycle
Exchange of Honolulu will pay $2 million to the Air Resources
Board to settle a 2005 lawsuit over the importation of
approximately 400 motorcycles that failed to meet California
emissions standards.

ARB's long-running investigation, which began in 2002, found
that Yamaha USA, headquartered in Cypress, Calif., imported more
than 400 illegal motorcycles, registered them to Yamaha, USA in
California, obtained state license plates, and then eventually
sold some of them to state residents. In most cases, these were
popular 1999 - 2002 models that were in great demand and
difficult to purchase in California. One dealer imported more
than 200 and sold all of them to California residents.
"This settlement should send a powerful message to those who try
and make an end run around our air quality regulations," said ARB
Chairman Mary Nichols. "We have the nation's toughest emissions
standards for a reason - because too many parts of California
still fail to meet federal health levels for air quality. These
motorcycles could well have contributed to Southern California's
already fouled air."
While other dealers involved in the case settled earlier with
the ARB, both Yamaha USA and South Seas Cycle Exchange refused
until recently.

Under the terms of the agreement, Yamaha USA will pay
approximately $1.2 million to the California Air Pollution
Control Fund, which supports pollution-related research. The
company will also pay $500,000 to fund a project to test the
impact of ethanol fuel blends on emissions from off-road
gasoline engines, and $300,000 to the Office of the Attorney
General for attorneys' fees.

In addition to the financial penalties, Yamaha and South Seas
Cycle Exchange started a vehicle purchase program in December to
buy back and destroy or remove any motorcycles that have been
identified as not having been certified for use or registration
in California.

Motorcycles that do not meet California's stringent emission
requirements create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants,
which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively
affect other health conditions.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

Jan 22, 2008

Edmunds.com GT-R owners meet video

I didn't notice these videos before. Just stumbled on them today.

R33 GT-R in San Diego for sale

This R33 sold a long time ago, but the R33 GT-R is now over 25 years old, and legal to import to the US. California requires compliance, but its all possible at Toprank Importers. 

Midnight Purple R32, R33, and R34 at Toprank Importers in Cypress, California






$75,000 on eBay

Motorex , EPA , DOT, CARB car. Tuned by XS Engineering

Jan 21, 2008

Left hand drive R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Left hand drive R34 GT-R
Left hand drive R34 GT-R 
Left hand drive R34 GT-R



























Ever wanted to import a left hand drive Nissan Skyline GT-R? From Nissan, the R34 Skyline GT-R was only ever produced as a right hand drive model. . This car was a one off car, done in the US by a company that no longer exists. They did an R33 GTR and an R34 GTR. The R33 is somewhere in the US , although I have not heard of it in a while. The R34 went to Australia , got a big build , and then it was exported to the Philippines.
 
Left hand drive R34 GT-R
Left hand drive R34 GT-R

    
I drove this Bayside Blue (TV2) R34 Skyline GT-R briefly, and it was a little bit different. I am so used to driving GT-R's right hand drive , that sitting on the left hand side felt a bit funny. It had to have the rear turbo outlet tube modified to clear the steering shaft , and it had many other modifications to make it work , but it did work. However, it was not worth it for most people. They didn't want to pay a huge amount of money just to drive on the left side. Alexander passed away this year.  March 9th. Pen in hand, working on his next project.

Left hand drive R34 GT-R
RB26DETT engine compartment LHD

Left hand drive R34 GT-R
Window switches and mirror controls moved to left door
Left hand drive R34 GT-R
Glovebox moved to right side of dashboard on LHD R34
Left hand drive R34 GT-R
You know its left hand drive, because it says it.


Left hand drive R34 GT-R
Left hand drive R34 dashboard
LHD and 1000+ HP

1999 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R's turn 25 years old (and NHTSA exempt) in 2024.  If you are looking to purchase and store an R34 GT-R in Japan, prior to them turning 25 years old, check out Toprank International Vehicle Importers

2001 R34 GT-R Right hand drive. US legal 2026 by Toprank Importers
2001 R34 GT-R Right hand drive. US legal 2026 by Toprank Importers






Jan 20, 2008

Evacuate the building

Evacuate the building



US Legal Cars Over 25 Years Old. 




R32 GT-R vs BMW 335i at Fontana

The clutch started to slip pretty bad on the R32. I went to the track with Kenny and Wakita from Blast with Johns "Big Nasty" R32. It broke a shift fork the 2nd pass , so those guys left. I stuck around for a bit , and this GT-R was at the track. Pauls old car. Nismo twin plate just could not hold it. GT-R's kill clutches.

Jan 19, 2008

2Fast2Furious R34 Nitro car

Four wheel drive cars want to understeer until off throttle.

Jan 18, 2008

Seized R34's and S15 -

From NICO forums

"Just a brief description on what i do. I work for an auto auction inspecting vehicles.The deparment i work for handles goverment siezed vehicles, Repos, and illigally imported cars. Today we recieved three R34 GTR's and a S15 Silvia that were siezed from a few contianers down at the port. The owner must be furious, I think any one would be , especially if your a car enthusist like myself. Anyways i wanted to share on what usaully goes on a normal day of work. Enjoy the pics"


Don't play with the Gubment. More information at the Freshalloy forums

Rail

R32 at Fontana

Jan 17, 2008

GTR Toys

Here you go Jay . Actually thats not all of them. I must have some other boxes somewhere. I know I had more Ebbros and 1/18th scale models. Looking at them again, almost all R32's.
This Stuff is in the display case by my desk.

R32

R33



R34 and a Syclone


More GT-R Toys

Jan 16, 2008

New Helmet

It was time. My old helmet I had since 1999, but it was Snell 95. The Snell ratings are good for 10 years. My new helmet is red, because red is faster.

Green grass covered Caddy Limo


I saw the green grass ottoman at a demo house. A 78 Ranchero my father bought had green grass - astroturf inside as carpet , but this is novel. From the eBay ad:

I COVERED THE LIMO IN GREEN ASTROTURF TO PROMOTE A WEBSITE I STARTED LAST YEAR. WE WERE DOING PUB-CRAWLS AND RIDING AROUND TOWN PROMOTING THE SITE. THE SITE GOT HACKED INTO AND IS NON-EXISTENT AT THE MOMENT.

If you need it , its here on eBay.

Jan 15, 2008

Kaizo R34 GT-R Kit Car on Ebay




Kaizo R34 GT-R Kit Car on ebay

On an MSO and imported as a kit car. No engine/transmission is not a car to the NHTSA.

Kaizo Industries of Japan is an automotive unibody remanufacturer, who offer Kit Bodies, remanufactured and fitted with DOT glazing, brake components, passenger seat restraints, and structural reinforcements. Their kits are drive-train delete and thus sold as Kit Bodies. This car was one of several purchased and built for an advertising campaign. The car is titled and currently registered in the State of Florida. It runs extremely well and looks virtually new! The reserve price is set at $75K.

4 Engines , 4 Wheel Drive , Showboat

While we were at the NHRA museum , I took a few photos of this car. It was T.V. Tommy Ivos ride, that was his idea on how to get around the nitro ban of 1957-1963. He figured if two engines were good, four engines would be even better.

Hot Rod Magazine article by Gray Baskerville

Garage Saurus Carbon R32

From the Kultivate blog Not sure if those panels are overlays or real carbon panels. Hopefully the later.

The wheel offset , the lip , this picture is perfect. This is how you fit a wheel. Now just have to talk Jeff into it for his wild R32. I know he wants a lip like this.