Latest News

Feb 28, 2010

World Challenge Preparation: Scion tC : Roll Cage Paint

Prior to paint. Dave and Stephen prepped the roll cage/chassis for painting.
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Partially primered
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Feb 26, 2010

One Minute : Willow Springs : Scion tC World Challenge Test

One Minute. One frame every three seconds. 32 frames per second. World Challenge Scion tC testing at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA. Preparing and checking the car over. When the car is gone, its on the track. Track videos to come soon. http://www.gtrusablog.com

Feb 23, 2010

And it's all done : Ready for World Challenge

Well, one car is ready. This is the #18 car. The #36 is getting the cage.




Smog Check program legislation aims for clean air benefits, lower costs, conveniences

SACRAMENTO:  The Air Resources Board and the Bureau of
Automotive Repair are jointly sponsoring legislation that is
projected to save consumers money, save time and provide greater
air quality from the state’s Smog Check program, which is
administered by BAR.
Addressing challenges raised by a recent analysis of smog check,
Assembly Member Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park) introduced AB 2289
that will provide faster and cheaper service to more than 70
percent of vehicles in California.  The bill also directs older,
high emitting vehicles to the highest performing stations.
"The Smog Check program is one of the most important air quality
programs that we have to meet state and federal air quality
standards," stated Assemblymember Mike Eng. "AB 2289 is designed
to improve the program in reducing pollution through the use of
new technologies that provide considerable time and cost savings
to consumers while at the same time improving consumer
protections by adopting more stringent fine structures to respond
to station and technicians that perform improper and incomplete
inspections."
“If signed, this bill will allow a major upgrade in the
technologies used to test vehicle emissions,” said BAR Chief
Sherry Mehl. “It will result in cleaner air and has the potential
to reduce the cost of a Smog Check for many consumers, as well as
reduce the time spent by consumers getting their vehicles
inspected.”
“This new and improved program will have the same result as
taking 800,000 old cars off the road, also resulting in a more
cost effective program for California motorists,” said ARB
Chairman, Mary D. Nichols.  “Today’s announcement will add
additional improvements to one of our most effective programs in
our fight for clean air, capturing up to 70 tons-per-day of
smog-forming emissions.”
One way the program would reduce costs is by taking advantage of
on-board diagnostic technology installed in all new vehicles
since 1996. The program will now take better advantage of OBD
technology by eliminating tailpipe testing and instead using the
vehicle’s own emissions monitoring system.  This system has saved
consumers time and money in 22 other states.
The recent statewide audit of the Smog Check program revealed
that 19 percent of vehicles that initially passed testing failed
subsequent roadside tests within a short period of time. The
audit can be found at
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/smogcheck/smogcheck.htm.
Reacting to these findings Assembly Member Eng designed
legislation that includes the following:
•    Authorize the use of On Board Diagnostic II testing to
expedite the process;
•    Vehicles known to release large amounts of pollution must
test at stations with the highest performance ratings;
•    Stricter fines structure for improper inspections;
•    Permit the state to contract with the private sector to
manage franchise-like networks of independently owned Smog Check
stations;
•    Mandate an annual evaluation of station performance using
roadside tests; and,
•    Encourage community colleges and other training
institutions to develop technician-training programs.
California’s Smog Check program, administered by the Bureau of
Automotive Repair, began in 1984 to identify vehicles in need of
maintenance and to assure the effectiveness of their emission
control systems on a biennial basis.  Currently, Smog Check cuts
400 tons of smog-forming emissions from California’s air each
day.
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.
The Bureau of Automotive Repair licenses auto repair facilities
to protect consumers and administers the Smog Check program to
reduce auto emissions that cause air pollution. Consumers who
have a problem with an auto repair facility can file a complaint
with the Bureau of Automotive Repair by calling 1-800-952-5210.
Consumers can also file complaints online at BAR’s Web site at
www.autorepair.ca.gov.
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.

Brass Monkey Racing to Campaign Two R35 GT-R’s in World Challenge GT

 10-bmr-drivers

 

Brass Monkey Racing has just announced  their entry into the 2010 World Challenge GT with two Nissan GT-R’s.

 brass monkey racing

Press Release

Brass Monkey Racing to Bring Nissan GT-R to World Challenge

ANGLETON, Texas (Feb. 22, 2010) – Brass Monkey Racing has announced plans to campaign a pair of Nissan GT-R cars in the 2010 World Challenge GT Championship with the support of Nissan North America, Inc.

The announcement signals a renewed interest for Nissan, which last participated in World Challenge with a Touring Car effort in 2005. The twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive Nissan GT-R racecars are currently under construction at Brass Monkey Racing’s Texas-based race shop and will make their North American debut March 26-28, in St. Petersburg, Fla., at the hands of two-time series race winner Tony Rivera, of Missouri City, Texas, and rookie Steve Ott, of Houston.

“We’re very excited to bring such an iconic car to the North American professional road racing scene,” Brass Monkey Racing Team Owner A.J. Brass said. “After such a successful season in 2009, finishing third in the Championship and winning in our very first race, we look forward to the challenge of bringing an entirely new platform to World Challenge. With Nissan’s assistance and great engineering and driving, we expect to contend for the 2010 Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships.”

“Nissan is very excited about the new Brass Monkey project,” Nissan North America Senior Manager – Motorsports, Wholesale and Collision Parts Growth Ron Stukenberg said. “This series aligns well with the performance of the GT-R and compliments the production attributes of the car. It’s great to have a Nissan compete in World Challenge after a brief hiatus. We look forward to having Tony and Steve at the front of the field in 2010.”

Brass noted that despite a compressed timeline to finish the new cars, they benefit from an already solid platform with the GT-R.

“Many of the cars in the series have serious modifications to the engines and drivelines from the stock vehicles,” Brass said. “The beauty of the GT-R is that it is an amazing platform to start with and we are able to utilize all of the stock internal components and drivetrain. With the exception of some of the approved series aerodynamic items and an effort to bring the car down to a competitive weight, the car will remain incredibly stock compared to most of our competition.”

Brass Monkey Racing was formed in 2009 with the support of Tax Masters. Its rookie season was a tremendous success, with Rivera, a relative unknown in professional racing, winning in the team’s very first attempt at Sebring in the team’s Porsche 911 GT3. He went on to win at Road America later in the season, finishing third in the Championship standings.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the 2010 season,” Rivera said. “I anticipate the Brass Monkey Nissans will become the most popular cars in the paddock because there is such an unbelievable following worldwide for the GT-R. My first racecar was a Showroom Stock B Nissan NX 2000, so it’s cool to be back in a Nissan – even though this one will be quite a bit different!”

Ott previously raced with Rivera with Brass Mitchell Racing, which later evolved into Brass Monkey Racing, in the 2008 Koni Challenge. Like Rivera, his roots are in SCCA Club Racing, where he finished on the podium at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs. Running a partial season in the 2006 Champ Car Atlantic Championship, he scored good results with Newman Wachs Racing.

“I’ve always wanted to run World Challenge because of the single-driver format and amazing cars,” Ott said. “To have an opportunity to be a part of the Brass Monkey Nissan team is incredible and I can’t wait to begin testing for St. Petersburg.”

Brass Monkey Racing and its Nissan GT-R World Challenge effort will have support from Nissan, Tax Masters, Stoptech, Penske Shocks South Side Performance and Seibon Carbon. For more information about Brass Monkey Racing, please visit www.brassmonkey.com.

Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and managed by WC Vision, the World Challenge Championships represent the best production-based racing in the world. Utilizing a single driver format and standing starts for the 50-minute races, the series offers non-stop action in each of its three categories—GT, GTS and Touring Car. The series features 12 races at eight different venues in 2010, starting with a doubleheader weekend at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in conjunction with the Indy Racing League, March 26-28. For more information, visit www.world-challenge.com.

Tony Rivera

 

Like many talented drivers, Tony started racing-and winning-early. He ran Solo Nationals as a junior in high school and was the High School Drags champion in 1991 in Morrison, Colorado.

He went on to compete in many SCCA events, winning 12 Club Racing Divisional championships by 2007 and finding the podium three times in various classes at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs. His domination of the 2008 IMSA Challenge GT3 Gold Cup class brought him a good deal of recognition and attention. He was approached by AJ Brass of Brass Monkey Racing late in 2008 about driving in the SPEED World Championship GT series and he jumped at the opportunity.

 

2009 News

Source : World Challenge

World Challenge Deconstruction Video : Scion tC

The car is over getting the roll cage installed, along with a lot of the rest of the fabrication work required. Left and right side window nets, battery shutoffs, fuel system, fire system.  The days are counting down.

Feb 22, 2010

Airhole







- www.gtrusablog.com
- www.2009gtr.com

Feb 21, 2010

World Challenge Preparation : Scion tC : Day 3

Sunday was day 3 of the World Challenge Touring Car Preparation for the Scion tC. Cutting brackets, removing the body harness to simplify it. Today Monday, its going to the shop to get the roll cage. 

More brackets removed.


Wiring harness removed to simplify.
 New dash





The box of removed brackets and wiring so far.



Steve Stanford Art Show at Custom Rod Garage

Yesterday Steve Stanford had an open house/art show at Custom Rod Garage in Huntington Beach, CA. Steve is a very well known automotive artist/renderer. Over the years he has rendered a few different cars for our businesses. From the Astrovans to PT Cruisers.

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Hakosuka Skyline GT-R : Out for A Sunday Cruise

Well not a Sunday cruise. Best Motoring video of Gan-San in a Hakosuka at Fuji.   Listen to that engine.  Beautiful. This video is for anyone that says the Nissan GT-R has no heritage.

Feb 20, 2010

World Challenge Preparation : Scion tC Day 2

Is it 26 days left ? Something like that. Today started a little later in the day. Stephen picked up some dry ice to help remove all the sound deadening in the car. The progress looks a little slower, but things are happening. Dan posted the interior online, free for people to pickup, and he said he got about 40 calls, texts, and private messages. Steven spent a good part of the afternoon explaining sublimation to some 10 year olds.
Please hamma don’t hurt em. Ice , Ice Baby..
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Twins. Kinda, not yet.
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Dan supervising.
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Snowing in the car.
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Removing spot welds to remove brackets and things.
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Steve was still working away when I left.

Preparing the Scion tC for World Challenge

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Yesterday we started on the arduous process of preparing a Scion tC for World Challenge touring car. This blog is going to look more like a Scion blog than a Nissan Skyline GT-R blog for a while.  March 26 this car needs to be in St. Petersburg, Florida for the first event. It will actually need to be there for preparation and loading by March 24th.  Five days travel time, and we are looking at putting it in the truck March 18-19.  About 27 days to finish the car.

Full interior

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Less interiorCIMG7929

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Feb 19, 2010

T88-34D Equipped R32 Skyline GT-R on a Road Course

An oldie, but its a goodie. Cryodon Wholesalers R32 GT-R on Pukekoke Circuit in New Zealand.  T88-34D and Holinger sequential transmission equipped.

Croydon Wholesalers Racing Nissan Skyline GT-R Godzilla running a hot lap at Pukekohe in 2002 with onboard camera as Nick wrestles the new Holinger 6-speed sequential and 1000hp around during a Track Day.

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 Specifications and Production Information



EV1 - Lightning Yellow

R34 is the reference that is used to refer to the 1999-2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R. The R34 GT-R was the third generation of the RB26DETT powered modern Nissan Skyline GT-R. In 1989 Nissan brought out the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R that introduced the RB26, and their advanced all wheel drive system called ATTESA. The R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R used the same engine and transmission as the R32, but the chassis was changed, stiffened, and the ATTESA system was improved. For the R34 the engine was still the RB26, but the transmission was swapped for a six speed from Getrag, the V160.


There were 11577 R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R produced 1999-2002.  There has been some wrong information floating around for years from GT-R Magazine. Same information we used. However the 12,175 number was wrong.  GT-R Registry to the rescue with some real numbers pulled from multiple sources. 


1999-5798
2000-1881
2001-2166
2002-1732
___________________

These are registrations, and adds up to : 11577 cars

Normal(Series I and II)  - 3977
Vspec - 4192
Vspec N1 - 38
GB - 80
NZ-5
HK-10
Singapore -10
Vspec II - 1855
Vspec II N1 - 18
NZ Vspec II - 2
M-Spec- 366
Vspec II Nur - 717
Mspec Nur - 285

BNR34 N1  Super Taikyu Race Car



Feb 18, 2010

How to BBQ a Civic

Add sauce and enjoy.

R34 GT-R Anniversary Cruise

Speedhunters posted an article and pictures from a Nissan Skyline GT-R – R34 Anniversary cruise that took place near Sydney Australia.
R34's

Feb 16, 2010

S15 Silvia Seat Black Fits 240SX

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S15 Silvia Seat Black

$550.00

S15 Silvia seats (pair) fit 240sx s13 s14 direct bolt on no mod require. Shipping is $120

Feb 15, 2010

Mines R34 GT-R vs Three Tuned R35 GT-R’s

From Hot Version #103.  The Mines R34 GT-R with Tarzan Yamada driving vs three tuned R35 GT-R’s.

Altia R33 N1 Test Run video vs R32 N1

Two N1- Super Taikyu Nissan GT-R’s on the track. One of the R34 N1’s that Automotive Forums imported was the Altia R34 N1.

Part 1

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ISBe7UiME

Altia R34 N1. Post sticker removal, going in for paint

After painting it white

With Volk TE-37's and the ex-Fujitsubo car in the background

 

Feb 14, 2010

7Tune: 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon

7 Tune posted up some pictures of what they found interesting at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon. Check out the pictures and follow the link for all the pictures and coverage.

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Weighing in at a scant 1050kg’s the Z is packing an RB26 / T04Z combo that is capable of unleashing 600bhp in a mild tune, Ferrari F50 calipers front and F430 rear, unspeakably wide 295/ 30 rear tires, not to mention a completely reworked chassis, fuel system and just about anything else you can mention.

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RB26 powered Z’s are always cool. Hate the HKS air filter choice. Those foam filters are turbo destroyers.  Plus its drawing in hot air from the radiator.

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Old Skool Nice. Always dig the fender flares.

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More fender flares. Super gangsta fitment. Love the color.

Source : 7Tune

Tokyo Auto Salon 2010: Nissan Skyline GT-R’s . The Octane Report

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The Octane Report took a trip to the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon and shot some of the Nissan Skyline GT-R’s at the show.  Option Magazine had a 20th Anniversary RB26 Tuning exhibit.  20 years old. Not quiet old enough to drink here in the US, but old enough to vote.
tokyo-auto-salon-gtr-19
Head over to the Octane Report for lots of photos from the show.
Source: The Octane Report

Feb 13, 2010

Amistad JDM Rims VIP 18x8.5+1 19x9.5-3 5x114.3

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Amistad JDM Wheels VIP

$1,780.00

18x8.5+1 19x9.5-3 5x114.3
We have hundreds of sets of used JDM wheels in stock. Check our eBay listings or our webstore for more JDM rims. Refinishing service available, please email us for pricing. www.vrwheels.com
Ebay Store

Exporting from the USA to Australia : Car Guide

This is a quick guide on exporting cars from the USA. Most of the details are answered in other areas of our site, these are just the basics for cars. Race cars, equipment,campers, and boats have different requirements.

1)Finding a car

Once you have found a car from any of the various sources out there,Ebay , Craigslist, Autotrader, etc. Most vehicles should  be inspected.  Please fill out a shipping form for us. It allows us to track, and gives us all the information we need to be able to help you in transporting the car.

2) Buying a car

We recommend you send the money to us in the USA so we can pay the seller. That way the seller does not have the money and the car at the same time.  Some people in the US are concerned in dealing with out of country buyers, and many will not accept wire transfers, or foreign cashiers checks.  Titles are very important, and we need to have an original title sent to us in Carson, CA.

3) Transporting a car

We can organize transport for you in the US, or you can arrange it yourself.  Some sellers will drop off cars direct to us.

4) Import Approval

Please arrange for import approval as quickly as possible. Delays cost money. Getting it done right away gives everyone extra time.

5) Shipping Rates

Shipping rates vary on the size of the vehicle and where it is going.

6) Loading and Shipping Frequency

We load containers nearly every week to Brisbane. To Melbourne and Fremantle we load about every four weeks.  Everything depends on the size and number of vehicles we are sending.

7) Container Tracking and Payment

We will send you an invoice with container tracking information, and request for payment once the container is loaded and “on the water”.

8) Customs Clearance, Cleaning, and Delivery in Australia

We will collect the container in Australia, unload it, clear customs and , clear quarantine once in Australia. After this process the vehicle will be able to be picked up, or we can arrange transportation to you.

 

COOL CARS BOATS AND RV'S @ PEACHEYS GARAGE OLD PACIFIC HIGHWAY ORMEAU. QLD.4208

PHONE 07 5549 2630

FAX 07 5547 5386

FOR MORE INFO CALL :

MIKE : 0401933130

ADAM : 0416337870

DAVE : 0449152822

Feb 12, 2010

R34 GT-R on the Dyno

Automotive Forums R34 Skyline GTR for Redline TimeAttack! 585whp on Dynojet. AEM EMS and everything else you can imagine!

An old video of the race car on the dyno. 

Feb 11, 2010

AEM’s Series 2 Programmable Engine Management System For Nissan Skyline GT-R

AEM Series 2 Skyline GTR

AEM Series 2 Programmable Engine Management System is more powerful than its predecessor. In addition to more robust hardware, there are several improvements over the original EMS, noted in the chart below. Like its predecessor, AEM Series 2 Plug & Play EMS plugs directly into a vehicle's factory ECU harness and requires no additional wiring or hardware. Windows™ compatible software (2000, XP, NT, 98, 95, ME) makes the task of copying, viewing and manipulating data as simple as a click of the mouse. Our new AEMTUNER software is infinitely adjustable software and allows tuners to program virtually any combination of engine control, power adders and auxiliary devices, and accurately delivers proper amounts of fuel and correct ignition timing for any boost level or operating condition.

ECU Comparison Table* Series1 Series2
Outputs
Injector outputs 10 12
Ignition outputs 5 8
General purpose LS outputs 12 12
General purpose HS outputs 4 4
Individual cylinder ignition trims Yes Yes
Individual cylinder fuel trims Yes Yes
Inputs
Trigger inputs (Ref/Sync) 3 3
Analogue voltage inputs 12 12
Analogue temperature inputs 6 6
Switch inputs 6 6
Lambda inputs 2 x 2 x
Internal barometric pressure sensor Yes Yes
Knock sensors 2 2
User adjustable knock sensor center frequency No Yes
Communication
USB No Yes
CAN No 2 Ch
RS232 Yes Yes
Data Acquisition
Internal data logging 512 kB 1 MB
Maximum internal logging rate (per channel) 250 Hz 250 Hz
PC logging Yes Yes
Data analysis using AEMLog Yes Yes
Functions and Features
Boost control Yes Yes
Groundspeed based boost target Yes Yes
Nitrous injection Yes Yes
Staged injection Yes Yes
Ground speed limiting Yes Yes
Traction and launch control Yes Yes
Overrun boost enhancement (anti-lag) Yes Yes
Gear change ignition cut (shift-without-lift) Yes Yes
Stepper motor idle control Yes Yes
Continuously variable cam control 2 cams 4 cams
Drive by wire throttle control PnP Only PnP Only
Password protected calibrations No Yes
Main Relay control Yes Yes
VTEC Control Yes Yes
Fuel & Ignition rev limiters Yes Yes
"In-cockpit" global fuel trim capability Yes Yes
Gear dependant shift light Yes Yes
Evap/Purge Function Yes Yes
DC Motor control 2 Ch 2 Ch
Software definable switch inputs 1 2
EGT Based fuel trims Yes Yes
Maximum boost limit None None
Automatic transmission control Yes Yes
* Included features depends on the PnP application chosen
See specific PnP product sheet for included features.

Tuning an AEM Series 1 ECU.