Latest News

Dec 16, 2011

1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R For Sale : MotoRex - SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD

Motorex 1993 Nissan Skyline GTR. It does have the bond release and supporting paperwork. The car has 47,000 miles on it and had less than 2000 miles put on it since 2003 from the previous owner where it sat most of its time in at a shop or in a warehouse. The bottom end is stock while the head had a pair of Apex 276 9.6mm lift intake/exhaust cams and Apex Adjustable Cam Gears installed followed by a Nismo 1.2mm Metal Headgasket and ARP Head Studs.

It has a Greddy T78 Single turbo with all HKS hard piping blowing through a real HKS 4 row intercooler and oil cooled by a Greddy/ Grex oil cooler and relocation kit. The car is painted a Honda S2000 silver, The side molding and rear bumper on the car is a Real Veilside CI body-kit parts. Got rid of the Veilside front bumper. The car made 497whp at 18psi at an very safe 11.0 AFR. Since then the turbo was rebuilt. The car can now be dialed in for more power with no problem. Most of the parts have very little miles on the car. I may retune it soon for 550 awhp - 650awhp, depending on how much interest I get in it. The car will be fully inspected before sold, unless we work a deal out as is.

A list of modifications that come to over $25,000 that have been done to the car are as follows:
Greddy T78 Turbo Kit $$$$$
Greddy External Wastegate (extremely loud!!!!)
3.5" Turbo Back Custom Exhaust
Tein adjustable Suspension and cross drilled rotor Brake Setup
Heldfeld 18x10.5 wheels w/ 265-35-18's all around (tires are decent all the way around)
Sard 2.5L Fuel Pump
Bosche 044 in trunk pump
Sard Fuel Pressure Regulator
1000cc RC Engineering injectors
Apex 276 9.6mm lift intake/exhaust cams
Apex Adjustable Cam Gears
Nismo reinforced Timing Belt
Nismo N1 Water Pump
Nismo N1 Oil Pump
OS Giken Crossmission Gear Set w/ input shaft $$$$$
Nismo Triple plate cluch $$$$ (easy to drive, unlike other triple plates)

ARP Head Studs
Greddy/ Grex Oil coolor/relocation kit
Dual Blitz Blow off Valves
Nismo 1.2mm Metal Headgasket
HKS Intercoolor $$$$
Blitz EGT/Oil Pressure/Boost gauges
Motec PLM Wideband O2 Sensor
Apex Power FC Standalone ECU
Apex Power FC Hand Controller
Fc Datalogit Software
Nissan 300zx Mass Air flow sensors
All new Factory Gaskets.
HKS DLi Ignition amplifier



The bads are: (which is very minor)

The car was repainted but still traces of the old color in little spots in the door jams

The previous owner took out the a/c because of where he lived. I bought what's needed to have a/c again. Just not put in.

The previous owner installed the cams and the cam seals leak a little oil. Did not get around to it because the swap was going to happen but didn't


There aren't many TRULY LEGAL Nissan Skylines around. This is the best deal out there, period for a Motorex car with this many mods. There is one similar in California for $40,000 and it is not a single turbo with as many modifications as mine has on. This will be a great car for someone. And if you want to offer a trade, it must be $40k for a trade.

Dec 12, 2011

Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Show or Display Application

Over the last twelve or so years I have been working with Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and I have been a fan of the car for even longer. Last year, the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R turned 21 years old, I even made it a video about it. This is significant in regards to importing to the US, as a car that is 21 years old is exempt from Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) standards. However, as with many things run by the government, the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires vehicles to be over 25 years old to be exempt. Its one of those things that makes no sense, but just accept that is the way that it is. Questioning it does no good, but giving you a headache.

1990 Nismo GT-R
The Nismo R32 GT-R was sold as a homologation special for racing starting February 22,1990. 560 total cars were produced, only 500 were sold to the public. This meant that the car was going to be 21 years old, February 22, 2011. The 500 total cars, and the fact that it was meant as a base for the race cars meant that it was a perfect candidate for the Show or Display exemption. Show or Display was a rule that allowed for certain historically or technologically significant vehicles to be imported to the US on a permanent basis without meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. The rules allow for the cars to be driven up to 2500 miles per year, but they still need to meet EPA standards. 

Now that the Nismo R32 is over 21 years old, it seemed like a good time to put in an application for Show or Display. Recently I had someone pick me up a copy of the FIA Homologation paperwork for the R32 GT-R. The paperwork contained lots of interesting pictures and information, and also part of my basis for my application for Show or Display.

So with the 21st birthday of the Nismo R32 come and gone, I wrote up a cover letter, put it together with some pictures, the FIA homologation paperwork on the car, and sent it to the NHTSA in Washington, DC. I gave it about a month and called the NHTSA to check the progress of the application, left a voicemail. Nothing. About a week later, called again left another voicemail, nothing.

This is to be expected. As with any government agency, you can hardly expect them to call you back, to give you an update on a project. Even if you leave them your phone number, email address, and call several times over a several week time frame. Another month goes by. Call a few more times, leave some more voicemails. Maybe, they might think, that I will give up. I have other things to do, but I am just doing this to prove a point.

The NHTSA has already set a precedent with the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Show or Display. They approved a 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R Vspec "early version". Interesting, I consider myself to be pretty well versed in the Nissan GT-R, and especially the R34, and I have never heard of that car. The report from the NHTSA was that no R34 had ever been imported under that rule, as they can not meet EPA requirements. The last time I spoke with them, back in July 2009, I had a 20 minute conversation about all things imported, and Nissan Skyline, I knew then that the "Nissan Skyline" was a bad word at the NHTSA.

In all these years, it seems a lot of people on forums, and in the world, just don't understand that the Nissan Skyline is a dirty word, its a target for people at all levels of government. The more that people want it, like illegal drugs, the more people that try and import it, and the more people that will break the law doing it. So to go over that again:

Nissan Skyline = Dirty Word

However, that just makes it more of a challenge. If it were easy, everyone could do it.

So back to the NHTSA. Its June 2011, and I decided to give them a call again. This time, my call just went to the general mail box, and I left a voicemail. June 7th, someone called me back. I explained the situation, and they patched me though to the right guy- Dick Merritt.

It was a weird conversation, as I was expecting most of the same topics to come up. It was the same things I have been talking about over the years. Things I try to explain to people. He really didn't want to have anything to do with the Skyline. Dick Merritt has mentioned to me several times that "I have no idea why anyone would want one of those things." He also mentioned to me that they are "rocketships." Our conversation went around and around, but in the end we talked about how to identify the individual cars, we went over a few things in the petition, and talked about the Show or Display process. At the end of the conversation he told me to "not hold my breath".


Technological Significance of the 1990 Nissan Nismo Skyline GT-R

The 1990 Nissan Nismo Skyline GT-R “Nismo” should be eligible for Show or Display based on its technological significance and low production figures. The Nismo was launched on February 22, 1990 as a base model for Nissan's Group A and N1 racing cars.

Out of a  total of 560 cars1 produced, only 500 cars were sold to the public, 60 cars were held back by Nissan for racing. Even though there were more than 500 total cars produced, this car is of exceptional significance because of its race history and following world wide.   The Nismo has a unique chassis code, making them immediately identifiable. BNR32-100000 though BNR32-100560. 2

The Nismo has several unique differences from the normal Nissan Skyline GT-R that were done so the car could be homolgated for Group A and N1 racing . These differences distinguish it from the normal Nissan Skyline GT-R’s.


1 Dennis Gorodji, Nissan GT-R Supercar Born to Race (Dorset, Veloce,2009) 37
    2 GT-R Magazine, Kotsu Times Sha Co. LTD 2011/March , Issue 97 136

Yaris : Its a Car!

I saw this ad on Jalopnik for a Toyota Yaris, and I had to laugh. Pretty funny.  Goes from "A" to "B" and back. They are not selling excitement, just selling a point A to point B ride.  Its kind of like - "why lie, why try and make it exciting?"

Nov 20, 2011

Change the Vehicle Import Laws ! Sign the Petition ! Stop the Seizures !



The Department of Homeland Security spends a shockingly disproportionate amount of its budget not on security initiatives, but on customs seizures. In particular, importers of grey-market vehicles have been targeted by monies taxpayers have intended to be used to secure our country against terrorism and terrorist activity. We call upon the Executive Branch to immediately cease this wasteful activity, and furthermore to change the DOT/EPA exemption time on grey-market vehicles from 25 years to 15 years (to match the vehicle regulations of Canada), recognizing that the 25-year rule was enacted due to support from special interests such as Mercedes Benz North America.

"The grey market was successful enough that it ate significantly into the business of Mercedes-Benz of North America and their dealers. The corporation launched a successful million-dollar congressional lobbying effort to stop private importation of vehicles not officially intended for the U.S. market"

"The Motor Vehicle Safety Compliance Act was passed in 1988, effectively ending private import of grey-market vehicles to the United States. No evidence was presented that grey-import vehicles' safety performance differed significantly from that of US models, and there have been allegations of improper lobbying, but the issue has never been raised in court."

This is the reason your Nissan Skyline is illegal. 

DG-Spec Scion Racing Team Announces Driver Lineup for 25 Hours of Thunderhill




Pro Superstars Craig Stanton and Ryan Eversley Join Dan Gardner and Scott Webb
 
LONG BEACH, Calif. — As the longest road race in North America, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill requires a solid driver lineup to be successful.  Veteran pro endurance racer Craig Stanton and Gram-Am standout Ryan Eversley will join team owner/driver Dan Gardner as well as regular Scott Webb to handle driving duties at the prestigious event. 
 
“Our DG-Spec Scion tC racecars have raced about everywhere possible on both a club and pro level,” said Dan Gardner. “Still, we’ve never taken on the 25-Hour, and I wanted to ensure we had the very best guys behind the wheel.  I can’t think of two better drivers than Craig Stanton and Ryan Eversley, and it’s our honor to have this caliber of driving talent on the team.”
 
Stanton has won the 25-Hour overall, and clearly knows what it takes to win the event.  He has won the 2004 Koni Challenge GS Championship as well as the 2005 Rolex GT Championship, and has wins in nearly every conceivable sports car pro series in North America, including ALMS.
 
“I drove the Scion with Dan in Grand-Am in a huge 50-car ST field a few years back,” recalls Stanton.  “I’ve always thought about coming back to drive for Dan and Scion.  This is that chance.  As far as development goes, I’d put this DG-Spec team up against any in the paddock, and I’m beyond excited to be a part of the whole thing.”
 
In 2004, Eversley competed in ALMS in the extremely quick LMP2 class, taking one win during the season.  In 2010, he claimed eight top-five finishes in Grand-Am’s ST class.  This past Grand-Am season, Eversley really came into his own, finishing second in the standings for ST, a scant three points away from the championship.
 
“I’ve run against Dan as a competitor in the past, and I’m excited to join DG-Spec and Scion Racing.  I’ve never run the 25, but have done the 24 Hours of Daytona four times,” explained Eversley.  “From what I’ve seen, I think we’re going to have the most tested car in the class, and I’m thrilled to represent the team and the brand.”
 
The 25 Hours of Thunderhill takes place in Willows, California the first week of December.  It begins at 11 a.m. Pacific on Saturday, December 3rd, and the checker will fly at high noon on Sunday, December 4th.  Information on the event as well as live timing and scoring can be viewed at www.NASA25Hour.com
 
Photos, videos, and updates on the team can be found on DG-Spec’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/DG-Spec/202937143062874 as well as their YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/DanGardnerSpec
 
The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:
 
• Scion-supplied OE parts
• TRD front big brake kit
• Garrett by Honeywell GTX-series turbocharger
• Burns Stainless exhaust and aluminum intake
• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Dezod-supplied turbo kit, AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, and injectors
• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning
• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps
• Enkei RPF-1 17x8 wheels
• Moton Suspension remote reservoir coilover shocks
• Vogtland springs
• DG-Spec Progress Technology rear swaybar and camber kits
• Motul brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, and super coolant
• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear
• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors
• AEM sensors, fuel pressure regulator, boost solenoid, EMS, and dry flow air filter
• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights
• America’s Tire Co. tire mounting and balancing
• Racetech Viper head-restraint race seat and 6-point harnesses
• Centerforce clutch and low-inertia steel flywheel
• AIT carbon-fiber hood and hatch
• Goodridge complete suite of fittings and lines
• Carbotech Performance Brakes
• G-Force racing suit, gloves, helmet, window nets, and other safety and crew gear
• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts
• HoseTechniques silicone hoses
• NST Braille batteries, and shifter bushings
• SquareSkull designs
 
DG-Spec is a line of parts designed and endorsed by National Champion Scion road racer Dan Gardner. Gardner draws up the specifications for the parts himself. The parts are then tested and proven on the track. The goal of DG-Spec is to provide enthusiasts with parts that have been developed on the track and that have significant performance advantages at an honest price. Parts are offered either in hardcore track trim, identical to what Gardner and his team race with, or in Gardner-specified standards more appropriate for enthusiast use on the street. www.DanGardnerSpec.com.

Nov 17, 2011

Was That Vehicle Legally Imported?

I see this a lot.  This is one recent post on NAGTROC from a member, on a 1999 GT-T Skyline he is selling.
Fast and Furiousssssssssssssss
I'm trading a 1999 GT-T R34 Nissan Skyline in MINT condition! It has 34k miles on it! Also, it is FULLY LEGAL in USA! Tagged, Licensed, Registered!

Now here is the problem, you have an owner, a seller trying to sell a car, and they are claiming it is a legal car, but no proof.  So what kind of proof?  What kind of paperwork are you looking for on a legally imported car?

I will try and arm you with some information, and questions to ask, and some paperwork to look for.  Is the vehicle on the vehicle import eligibility list? If its not on the list, how is someone claiming that the car is legal? Is the car over 25 years old? If it is then it is exempt if imported correctly, and in original configuration.

The first thing you are looking for, is what is called a Bond Release.  The Bond Release doesn't really say much, but it releases the vehicle that was legally imported by a Registered Importer.  Here is a copy of a letter you can obtain from the DOT, NHTSA, OVSC. That is Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Vehicle Safety and Compliance.  They can be reached at (202)366-5291. I still have that number memorized after 12 years.
 The bond release does not actually say the car is legal, rather that the bond that is paid to ensure compliance is released. This is as close as you get to the NHTSA saying an imported car is legal.
My copy of  Code of Federal Regulations. Its seen some use.

In addition to the DOT/NHTSA, you also have the EPA, or Environmental Protection agency to satisfy. When the vehicle was imported, a 3520-1 should have been completed. You should at least try and get a copy of the EPA paperwork.  Underneath the hood, you should be looking for an EPA compliance sticker, with information on the company that did the compliance.  At 21 years old, in its original configuration, a car is legal to import and exempt from EPA requirements. This means that 1989, and 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R's are EPA exempt.

Porsche 959 BAR label for CARB
If you are in California, there will be an additional label, a BAR label. California is an entire blog post, an entire book of its own. It has its own requirements, its own testing. Its not impossible, but its very difficult. Read difficult as time consuming and expensive. So its not likely that a car has a BAR label. Most people are very proud of the label, I know I am.


People try and import cars everyday. Most are not even aware that they are doing something wrong. Lots of cars make it though customs though subterfuge, and others just fall though the cracks. Many of them get seized.  

Anyone trying to sell a legal car will have all this paperwork at their fingertips. If they don't then something is wrong, and don't buy the car unless you want to take the risk of possible seizure.


Source: NAGTROC

Nov 15, 2011

7.60@180 mph : 2nd Quickest Nissan Skyline in the World

Godzilla Motorsports managed a best pass of 7.60@180 mph recently, putting it at the #2 spot in the world behind the Heat Treatments R32.

Mark piloted the Godzilla Motorsports R32 GT-R to a 7.60 @ 180mph (into a strong headwind) making it the second quickest GT-R in the world, beating HKS at 7.67 and now only trailing the Heat Treatments GT-R at 7.56.

Bugatti Veyron vs LHD R34 Skyline GT-R Video

Video from Dragtimes.info. This looks like the Moscow 500, and in this video a left hand drive R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R goes up against a Bugatti Veyron.   I am still trying to figure out how they figure who wins, but it looks like lowest ET to the mile, maybe highest speed?  They list reaction time, but it doesn't seem to come into play.  Check out the video, and listen to the sounds of an RB26, the sweet song of an inline 6 at high revs.


Nov 12, 2011

Ford RS200 Evolution Model only 192 miles

Ford RS200 Evolution Model only 192 miles. One of my favorite cars other than the GT-R. Its an odd little thing, the RS200, all wheel drive, turbocharged. They came in several forms, and this one is the top of the top fastest 600 hp version. 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. Truely a car well before its time. It looks like 1986, but goes like 2011.
The bid right now is $110k, but reserve not met. It says its one of only 24 Evolution editions. Its over 25 years old now, so it could actually be street legal. http://www.importavehicle.com

Nov 10, 2011

Petition for 25 Year Old to 15 Year Old : Whitehouse.org

One seized Skyline GT-R
1050 signatures 11-12-11
Not sure how this will really effect anything, but Toby started it, and I will help to spread it around a bit.  Its going to require much more than a simple online petition to do much. No one really cares about a bunch of old cars.  Then when they do care, you just end up with Prius lovers bashing the old "turbocharged, gas eating, dangerous, blah, blah" whatever they can come up with.

It has a goal of 25k signatures. It has 117 with my name on it now.  Head over sign up, sign in, and put a name on it.   The laws can be changed, and this is one step, but in order to do it, a lot more would have to be done. Anything is possible, it just all requires money.

I figured it felt like the right time to throw a bit of effort behind it. I know a lot of people, that know a lot of people, that know a lot of people.

What we really need is about 1,000 people a day signing the petition. People forget, mean to do it, don't get around to it, so the people that care, and are trying to make it happen, have to make sure those people sign up. Just takes a couple minutes, and it might be the start for a movement.

Car enthusiasts need to be a little more vocal. Don't let the few loud, over power us quiet many. We get pushed around doing what we enjoy doing. The "green" movement seems like it might be strong, but we are stronger.

We need to leverage social media. We need to leverage those email lists. We need to leverage those blogs. We need to leverage those forums.

Sign the petition here:

Stop using Homeland Security funds to seize imported vehicles, and change the DOT/EPA exemption to 15 years.

 The Department of Homeland Security spends a shockingly disproportionate amount of its budget not on security initiatives, but on customs seizures. In particular, importers of grey-market vehicles have been targeted by monies taxpayers have intended to be used to secure our country against terrorism and terrorist activity. We call upon the Executive Branch to immediately cease this wasteful activity, and furthermore to change the DOT/EPA exemption time on grey-market vehicles from 25 years to 15 years (to match the vehicle regulations of Canada), recognizing that the 25-year rule was enacted due to support from special interests such as Mercedes Benz North America.

If you are looking to import a 25 years or older car, you can find some more information at: http://www.importavehicle.com 

Nov 7, 2011

RHD Toyota Landcruiser BJ40

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40


1978 JDM BJ40 diesel 4x4. It is here, in the USA, located in California. It is CA legal as well. It has rust. But the floor boards and frame rails are solid.

Nov 5, 2011

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 Race Car for Sale



Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 race car on Ebay.  I worked on this car in 2005 and 2006. Since late 2006, the car has been sittting, and a friend volunteered to clean it up and sell it.  Its in Florida now, one of two legal Nissan Skyline GT-R race cars we had. One was the ex Fujitusbo car, and the other the ex Altia car




AEM EMS STAND ALONE ENGINE COMPUTER
CARBON FIBER DRIVESHAFT
OHLINS FULL ADJUSTABLE COILOVERS
SUPER TAIKYU SPEC RACE VERSION ABS COMPUTER WITH WET DRY SWITCH
SUPER TAIKYU ALL WHEEL DRIVE COMPUTER WITH STANDING START LAUNCH CONTROL
CUSTOM BUILT TO ORDER VOLK TE37 TIME ATTACK WHEELS IN 18X11
AP RACING AIR JACK SYSTEM ORGINALLY INSTALLED BY NISMO
MOTEC ADL2 DASH
BREMBO GRAN TORISMO BRAKES
TILTON TRIPLE PLATE CARBON CLUTCH
CARBON DOORS,FENDERS,BUMPERS,SIDE SKIRTS,HOOD,AND TRUNK
HOLINGER 6 SPEED SEQUENTIAL TRANSMISSION
1 OF 2 GT-R RACED IN THE UNITED STATES,THE OTHER BEING THE ALTIA SUPER TAIKYU CAR
MULTIPLE PODIUM FINISHES IN THE SUPER TAIKYU SERIES
WITH ALL THE CARBON FIBER BODYWORK THE CAR WEIGHT IS 3,050 LBS

*SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY!


THE CAR IS LOCATED IN SOUTH FLORIDA
CLICK THESE LINKS BELOW TO SEE SOME OF THE HISTORY OF THIS CAR:

Nov 1, 2011

Jay Leno's Garage : GMC Syclone



Jay Leno does a walk around and drive in his GMC Syclone. He says its a preproduction  truck, and he has owned it since 1991.   I know a few things about the Syclones and Typhoons. I might even have one of each taking up some space in SoCal. 4.3 liter V-6 turbo, with all wheel drive. 0-60 in 4.5ish seconds. 13.5 or so in the quarter mile. The Typhoon did it in low 5's and 14's in the quarter. One of these years, I might start working on mine again.  One of these years.

My Typhoon running at Pomona.

Oct 31, 2011

Nissan Skyline GT-R Spitting Flames



A single turboed Nissan GTR spitting a pretty huge fireball.  T78 Greddy turbo.  This is an original MotoRex car.  


Oct 30, 2011

Nissan GTR Pumpkin

I didn't make a new one for this year, but I did one in 2008, and I think 2009.

Nissan GT-R Pumpkin Carving

I am not much of an "arts and crafts" kind of person, but it turned out ok.  Something a bit different.

Oct 23, 2011

Used Customized BBS RS Wheels and other BBS Rims



The guys over at VR have been doing some cool things with refnishing wheels. From fully polished, gold plated,  custom powder coating, plus wheel repair. Gold centers, polished lips, gold bolts, red caps.  Matte black, matte grey, pink, purple, mint green, and more.


VR Motoring
15020 Proctor Ave City Of Industry CA 91746
Main 626 968-8828 626 968-8820 Fax 626 968-8836

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-curb rash, bends , painting, powdercoating, chroming, redrilling. .www.vrmotoring.com
Videos
Ebay Store

Oct 21, 2011

Nissan GTR Black Edition at Irwindale 1/8th Mile Drag Racing

What could possibly be better than 1/8th mile drag racing at Irwindale on a Thursday night?   Always lots of cool cars, cool people.  Its open until 10 pm, and if it was like this last Thursday, you get a lot of chances to take a trip down the 1/8th.


If you are around on a Thursday, stop by and check it out. Its an all around good car vibe.

Oct 19, 2011

Marine Scammed by Next Level Motorsports.com for $96,500

Update 10-20-11 Oh my...not sure what to say about this.  I think I talked to this guy in Feburary this year, and told him to stay far away from Next Level. He questioned me, and I told him I had no time for him if he didn't want to listen.  The guy that contacted me also mentioned the FBI connection.  If it is, then there is a new member of the Darwin society at large, $96k lighter in the wallet.

Here we go again. Another importing scamming business or two. Preying on peoples hopes and dreams, and their lack of knowledge of importation laws. Here is a clue, if its not a MotoRex car, and its not over 25 years old, ask a lot of questions. Call a lot of people before you send anyone $1.  Ask me, I have 12 years experience with importing, and I am happy to help you, IF you will listen to what I have to say.  If you are an idiot, then please don't contact me.



Next Level has gone big, putting ads in Dupont Registry, putting ads all over the place, but they are just another scam.  I could go though all the names, and all the companies over the years, but please just don't believe it, if someone tells you they can import a car newer than 25 years old. Sure Canada is 15 years, but we don't live in Canada


Here is the story, if anyone can help him or just spread the word about these guys so this never happens again!

Well This story has been going on a while, and I’m fed up and I know I’m not going to get my car now……Please spread this story around the internet so no one ends up like me…..

It’s amazing, hearing stories about people getting scammed on TV and the internet, and all you think is “well that sucks.” I’ve bought hundreds of things on the internet and never had a problem other than a shipping delay or not receiving the right order, but this has always been corrected by the company I ordered from.
I never thought in a million years that I would ever be scammed, I only thought that those who were scammed were those that lacked common sense and were naive. If that’s the case, I’ve joined that group……..
I’ve wanted a Skyline since I was in my teens. And I thought I found one through Eric Thomas of Next Level Motorsport. I thought I did my homework too. I used to work for the FBI and I had my contacts check and see if there were any complaints against this company. My aunt is also a private investigator, I had her do the same. The business checked out. I had Eric send me his business license, and Eric’s business partner Justin Pace, who owns JDM Exchange and handles all of the logistics send me export certificates, HS-7′s, and Bill’s of Lading of other cars he (allegedly) imported. I extensively googled his name, and I found one, at most two posts of people who though he was a scam, but no one who actually stated that they were scammed by him. That seemed sufficient for me (In hindsight though, I should have listened to my gut instinct), so I went ahead and pulled the trigger. Now I realize that all of these documents were forged.

Despite nearly everyone’s warnings on this site in December, I went ahead and purchased the 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-SPEC II Nür, the cream of the crop of skyline’s, for $96,250 USD. There is no typo on the price there. That price included the car itself and compliance work. The car only had 12,000 km on it.
My plan was to hold onto it for a couple years, and then sell it for a profit so that I could buy a cheap house along with the money I earned in those 2 years. Now I’m nearly flat broke. If I am lucky, my car was illegally imported. If it’s not in the country (legally or illegally), then this will be a long and arduous civil case.

Just a little background about this deal. I have dealt with Justin primarily, and I’ll give him credit where credit is due, he is an EXCELLENT bullshitter. He acts like he knows a lot about importing, and he seems to have all of the answers. He is very good at diverting questions you ask him. I didn’t know a lot about importing, and what I did know he mentioned to me and “explained” how it worked, and like an idiot I bought it. He even has contacts in Japan, I actually talked to them and they told me that they had been dealing with Justin for a while. These are the extreme measures he took to fool me.
When push came to shove though, and I asked for the Bill of Lading which he stated he has, I noticed he started ducking me. I’ve asked for this document over a dozen times, and he has failed to provide it, each time providing a different excuse, such as power being out, internet not working, being sick, and this isn’t even a comprehensive list.

More stuff has popped up on the internet about these guys since I purchased the car. Justin Pace, owner of JDM Exchange in San Francisco and who lives in Antioch, CA and Eric Thomas, owner of Next Level Motorsport in Williston, VT are SCAMMERS.
I am former Marine with two year long deployments to Iraq, who is a combat veteran.
If anyone else is a member of other car forums, please spread this message along, I don’t want to see anyone else get scammed. Below are the following links of where I found connections to these guys (mostly Justin), they have popped up in the last couple months after I did further research. Apparently Justin used to own a company called JapImportUSA. I can’t find anyone who was scammed by them, but there is a lot of talk about them

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic269079.htm

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic309019.htm

http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic227557.htm

http://www.drifting.com/forums/buy-a…t-selling.html

http://www.bizfind.us/34/137555/jap-…a-co/reno.aspx

http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho…-Possible-Scam

http://forums.evolutionm.net/sale-ca…raigslist.html

Eric and Justins websites
http://nextlevelmotor.com (now gone)

https://jdmexchange.net/HOME.html

Apparently there was a girl in Alabama who was scammed by Justin too

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/390328…skyline/page-3

I’ve spoken to Justin dozens of times, and **** a few times, and all three of us even had a conference call last night to try to sort things out.

Message to ****. I know you locked down registration, but feel free to invite Justin and Eric onto the forums, it’s only fair to allow them to defend themselves, even though I don’t see how that is possible when I paid for the car, it was supposed to be delivered June 22nd, and I still haven’t received it, or any documentation. If you could make this a sticky it would be much appreciated.

Source: NICO and  MySkylineGTR.com
http://charlottewoodequestriancenter.com/myskylinegtr/2011/10/07/soldier-scammed-out-of-96250-by-next-level-motorsport/

Oct 17, 2011

Nissan GT-R Black Edition on the Dragstrip

Rif took his 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition to Fontana, CA for the final IDRC event of the year. Rif was one of three R35's that showed up to run in the N/T or no time class.



2012 Blue GTR, 2012 Black Edition GTR, 770 whp GTR

11.28@124 mph for the Black Edition
The Nissan GTR Black Edition was running on 285/315 Toyo R888 in a 20 inch.  It had a couple of other mods for the road course like brake lines, and a transmission cooler.  He wanted a 10 second pass, but it just wasn't going to happen with 1.8 60 foots, and not so great air.  He says he knows what to do for the next time, and is going to get his 10 second pass.

Oct 16, 2011

Nine Second Nissan GT-R at IDRC Fontana



Greg's R35 GT-R goes 9.94@143 mph.  The car is on a 20" R888 tire, full weight(probably heavier as when it was at STILLEN we added some sound deadening).   25 psi on a set of Greddy TD06 turbos, AMS built engine.  The trans has upgraded 1st gear and clutch, with LC1 handling the launch control.

60 foots all day for him were in the 1.8's until this pass where the car did a 1.68 60 foot and clicked off a 9 second pass.

Blue, Black Edition, and Horsepower
9.94@143 mph. 

Oct 2, 2011

Heat Treatments GT-R vs Godzilla GT-R : Jamboree 2011 Video



R32 GT-R vs R32 GT-R. Two of the quickest Nissan Skyline GT-R's in the world.  The Godzilla car runs a very quick 7.80 pass. The Heat Treatments car looks like it has some issues and finishes with a 8.60.

I saw this car in some of Heat Treatments photos on face book. It looks like it sports Infiniti headlights/tailights. Probably VQ powered. In this video it runs a 6.90 pass.


Some more cars racing, and another view of Godzilla vs Heat Treatments

Oct 1, 2011

Jamboree 2011 : Heat Treatments R32

The worlds fastest Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Heat Treatments R32 from New Zealand, is in Australia for the Jamboree 2011 in Brisbane.   With Reece Mcgregor at the helm, the car has gone as quick as 7.56 @ 181 mph, and as fast as 7.57@191 mph.  At over 1780 horsepower to the wheels, this little RB26 makes insane power. Heat Treatments has been posting some updates, and some of their trials with setting up the slider clutch assembly. When the car is this quick, and makes this much power, its all about managing power to the tires.  Too much, and the car gets very unstable. Not enough and it bogs.  The sweet spot for clutch setup is a moving target.  No results so far on their Facebook page for Saturday, but Sunday is still too come.

Update:
.. we got there in the end, we got the clutch to work alot better for us on the last pass, we also found that the shift light was sending false flashes which was driving Reece mad as he through he was seeing things, once that was sorted we changed to the M/T slicks, the result was a 7.63 @ 183 mph. We have to thank the people that made it all happen, Terry and Rod from Ray Glass Racing for there clutch help, Nick and the boys from APC for the tune and Ben Bray.
We finished 4th in our class, Rod won his Pro Turbo class.

On the line for testing

Working on the slider clutch

Serious drag car

Sep 28, 2011

Mazda 787 and Other Race Cars at JCCS 2011



1990 Mazda 787 race car, plus a couple other Mazda race cars at the Japanese Classic Car Show http://www.importavehicle.com

Sep 26, 2011

R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R Production Information Video



I took all the information on the R34 production information, and made it into a video. From colors to production numbers, sometimes video is the medium that people prefer.

Sep 24, 2011

Nissan Skylines at the Japanese Classic Car Show 2011

Nissan Skylines at the Japanese Classic Car Show 2011


 Several Classic Nissan Skylines at the JCCS Show in Long Beach 2011.  Over 25 years old, vehicles are DOT exempt. Over 21 years old they are EPA exempt.

For more information on importing your own vehicle over 25 years old, head over to http://www.importavehicle.com


2013 Nissan GT-R Testing at Nurburgring

This might be the rumored SpecR version of the Nissan GT-R. A replacement of the Nissan GT-R SpecV, or perhaps a foreshadowing of the actual 2013 car. The rumors say that the 2013 car gets a mild power bump. Maybe 550 hp from the 2012 Nissan GT-R 530 hp? How fast will it go on the ring? Nissan might be dragging out some real R-compound tires to find out.

Sep 14, 2011

IDRC Finals October 16,2011

The IDRC Finals are being held at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, October 16,2011. Entry to race is $80, Spectators pay just $20. Racing starts at 9am, with classes for everything from fun runs for street cars, to eight second drag cars.

It would be great to see a few more GT-R's out at the events again. It has been a little while since we have done a meet at the event. It seems like most people would rather go to a car show and hardpark, than run their car down the dragstrip.

Sunday October 16th, 2011 at Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, CA.
| Gates Open at 7:00am | Racing Starts at 9:00am |

EVENT SPECTATOR and PARTICIPATION FEES

Racer Entry - $80

Fun Run Entry - $40


General Admission / Spectators: $20

Children (6 - 11): $5


EVENT SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)

08:00am Gates Open
09:00am Time Trials Begin
01:00pm Eliminations Begin
04:00pm Finals
05:00pm Closing Ceremonies

RACE CLASSES

E.T. Bracket Class
Are you ready to run what you brung? It doesn't matter how fast your car is or isn't. There's a bracket class for you to win within the IDRC's bracket classes. Open to all import and high-tech domestics from stock to dragsters. The bracket classes feature the best foot brake (no delay box) racing action. Vehicles can be mild to wild, full race or full street. Bring mom's car, it's time to have fun!
SUPER MOD - 13.00-seconds and up dial
SUPER COMP - 7.50-seconds to 12.99 dial
Fun Run / Shake Down
A perfect time to just enjoy your car on the 1/4 mile drag strip or to do some test passes to see what your vehicle is really capable of.

HEADS-UP CLASSES

TRUE STREET
Looking for real street performance? Check out the IDRC's True Street Class. With all cars running on D.O.T. radial tires, through the mufflers and in "street legal" trim, the IDRC gives the local "Kings of the Street" a chance to become national heroes.

All vehicles in this class maintain factory chassis construction. A minimum class qualifying time of 13.99 must be met to make the qualifying field
ALL MOTOR
Similar to the Quick and Street classes, all vehicles in this class are encouraged to maintain the factory chassis construction. Variations from the factory chassis restrictions will result in additional weight asessments as outlined herein.
QUICK CLASS
The original "heads up" import drag racing class continues to the sport most popular. Pioneered by Turbo and Hi-Tech Performance Magazine, this class has evolved to present leading edge technologies while still maintaining its original purpose - to showcase the performance available from today's production compacts. All vehicles in this class maintain the factory chassis construction. The highly developed quick class rules allow many different makes and models to be competitive in the same class. This allows for manufacturer rivalries, as well as the constant front-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive showdowns. Competitive cars currently run in the 9's or 10's at sea-level tracks.
PRO-AM ALL MOTOR FWD/RWD

PRO-AM TURBO FWD

SCALE POLICY

All racers MUST scale after every pass. Failure to scale during qualifying means the run will not count. Failure to scale during eliminations will result in disqualification and reinstatement of the losing competitor, providing they also scale and make minimum weight.

Sep 11, 2011

Japanese Classic Car Show - 2011 - Long Beach


The 7th annual Japanese Classic Car Show was held at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, on September 10th, 2011. This was my first time attending the show, even though I live in Long Beach, and have for most of the last 10 years or so.  The morning of the 10th was a weird one, as we had lightning, thunder, and even hail. Odd for Southern California, we don't get much hail. At the show there were a number of vendor booths, and cars parked next to the Queen Mary right on the bay, which provides a nice backdrop for a car show.  After the crazy morning, it stayed fairly overcast until the afternoon, and then cleared up to our typical SoCal weather.


SR20DET powered Datsun wagon

SR20DET
Nice stance, good wheel fit
1971 SSS Bluebird
Side draft carbs

Fender mirrors
Everythings better with turbo



Lots of tire and a parachute - 150mph in the quarter?
Widefender Toyota Corolla - AE86