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Sep 30, 2010

Right Hand Drive Roundup 2010 – Update

RHD Honda

Update 10/1: I received an email from someone that said an R33 GTS-t was seized in Southern California.  The car was being seized because it was imported illegally, and the DMV documents, and CHP signatures had been forged on the documentation for the vehicle.  The same inspector, the same task force.

What’s the Right Hand Drive Roundup of 2010? Good question. Something I am in the process of trying to figure out.  There have been a few cars seized by the Auto Task Force of Orange County.

Here is what I know.  Two cars were seized from an owners house. Both cars were titled in California.

Now here is where the rumors start.  There were supposedly a few other cars that have been seized locally in Southern California. I don’t have any confirmation of it, but I have heard a couple versions of the same story, that point back to the original true story. 

If you have any no bullshit stories about imported cars being seized within the last two weeks please email me – tyndago@gmail.com  . I don’t want to hear rumors of a guy, that knows a girl, that heard of a car. I want to hear from actual owners, that have had a car seized. .

As far as I can tell, this is not directly related to Kaizo.

turp_0804_07_z 1998_nissan_silvia_s15 exterior

Sep 29, 2010

5 Must Know Issues For Every Import Owner

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Import Tuner Magazines Luke Munnell, wrote an important article on 5 important legal issues for all import and even domestic car owners. I have had a couple of cars impounded over the years. Standing on the side of the road, you won’t win the argument with the police officer.  Although honestly, I have won a few over the years.

Ever been pulled over for rolling too low or sporting too loud of an exhaust? Ever had your car impounded on suspicion of a stolen engine or missing emissions equipment, simply because there's no way for you to immediately prove the contrary? This month, our friends at SEMA's SEMA Action Network (SAN) help us address five points of vehicle legality you need to know.

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  • Your exhaust is probably legal.

  • Your engine swap could be illegal.

  • How low you can go.

  • Shedding Some Light.

  • 85 is the new 116.

Head over to the Import Tuner website, or better yet, pick up the issue to check out the article.  

Then:

Log onto SEMA's official enthusiast site (www.semasan.com) and join the SEMA Action Network (SAN) for free-we already have. You can research federal and state motor vehicle code, be alerted of legislation threatening automotive culture, and learn the top 10 ways to effectively communicate with lawmakers and make your opinions count-a system that's been proven to work. Most importantly, your involvement will strengthen a professional organization with government representation in all 50 states and at the federal level, whose full-time staff is committed to researching laws and legislation, constructing and passing model bills to standardize vehicle law, and defending enthusiasts' rights at all times. We have a voice. Let's make it count. www.semasan.com

impp_1011_10_o legal_issues e85_pump

Source: Import Tuner Magazine

Sep 28, 2010

2012 Nissan GT-R Unmasked at Nurburgring

NAGTROC posted a few pictures of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, unmasked at the Nurburgring.   Check out the post for all the pictures.

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Source: NAGTROC

Sep 26, 2010

COBB R35 GT-R Wins Redline Time Attack Round 8

 

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The COBB Tuning Motorsports GT-R once again streaked to the top of the podium at Round 8 of the Redline Time Attack at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Park. The COBB Tuning team sat 2nd, just one point adrift of first place behind the Takata Time Attack/LIC Motorsports STI. The team was able to secure first place in the AWD Modified Class and then took first in the wheel to wheel Super Session firmly putting the team in the lead in the Modified Class.
Our GT-R was perfect again showing that even at its immense weight of 3700lbs, the tight turns of Spring Mountain Raceway could not hold it back from another track record, another overall Mod win, and taking the lead in the championship. The only wrench that was thrown into the weekend was the addition of 2 inches to our front splitter. The added downforce really threw off the aero balance of the car and required the quick fabrication of a custom Gurney flap on our Aeromotions wing. The gurney flap was just what the car needed, the aero balance was fixed, and we were able to sustain over 1.7 G’s in some corners on a DOT tire!
With Brian and the GT-R holding down the top spot in the Modified Class, the team will be looking to solidify that lead at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma at the end of October.

 

 

You know it’s a hot race weekend when you need to put reflective tape on your right boot to keep from burning it. It never ceases to amaze me the dedication that the crew has to work in these types of conditions. At times this weekend the thermometer in the pits read over 109 degrees! With this heat nothing was left half done, nothing was left unchecked, and the car performed flawlessly because of that. It really is the people behind the scenes on a weekend like this that makes the difference and wins the race!

Our GT-R was perfect again showing that even at its immense weight of 3700lbs, the tight turns of Spring Mountain Raceway could not hold it back from another track record, another overall Mod win, and taking the lead in the championship. The only wrench that was thrown into the weekend was the addition of 2 inches to our front splitter. The added downforce really threw off the aero balance of the car and required the quick fabrication of a custom Gurney flap on our Aeromotions wing. The gurney flap was just what the car needed, the aero balance was fixed, and we were able to sustain over 1.7 G’s in some corners on a DOT tire!
Helping keep our brakes in check this weekend was the addition of the Willall Brake Water Spray kit. The kit, that injects water into the veins of the rotors to help keep temps in check, made a real difference. The pedal feel was extremely consistent over the longer braking zones. Normally braking from the top of 5th gear to 2nd gear requires additional pedal pressure towards the end of the braking zone due to temperature increase. With the Willall system in place this was not necessary. I can’t wait to get to a track we have tested on before and get a good before and after feel for the system; Hats off to Willall Racing for another great GT-R product.


With a our first lead in the championship all year, due to our DNF in the Super Session at Round 1, I look forward to Infineon (my home track) to increase that lead and close out the season on top. Infineon features hard transition corners (not the greatest thing for our pig of a car) and should prove challenging for me and the crew. I am confident though that we will get the setup nailed and be the car to beat again. See you there!

More Pictures from the Event:

Source: NAGTROC and COBB Blog

Sep 25, 2010

RIPS RB30 Powered Dragster Ready for a New Season

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Rob from RIPS in New Zealand, posted up some information on his RB30 powered rail called FED.  He is trying to beat the HKS 180sx’s fastest pass of 7.18@190 mph . http://www.turbomagazine.com/events/0209tur_nhra_sport_compact_nationals/index.html

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Good luck to Rob, in the coming season.  I think he might need to get the car to Australia or the US, to really show its potential.  The tracks in New Zealand, just don’t have the prep to support a car this fast. 

I'm happy with the car now, I think it looks much better than last year, we have wider rear wheels and tyres, new front and rear wings and top fuel style side deflectors, hopefully this will all help with traction and stability so we can push it much harder than we previously could.

ripsfedreadyfornewseaso3

Source: GTR.Co.UK

RB30 Engine block for sale

There is no replacement for displacement.  There really is not. You can add technology to more displacement, and you will make more power, more torque.  A popular swap for RB25/RB26 engines is to take the bottom end from an RB30 and add a RB25/26 head.  They came in a lot of different cars around the world, just nothing here in the US. Here is an RB30 block for $550.  Add some shipping, an RB26 head, and you have a good base for an engine. Do some pistons and rods, and it can be something really impressive.


Source: eBay
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Sep 22, 2010

VIR World Challenge 2010 - What's a Redneck and where did the term come from

Team Scion shows up in the video a couple of times.  Check it out.  I was the only one to get it right.

Sep 21, 2010

GT-R Magazine R's Meeting from Speedhunters

Dino from Speedhunters took a trip to Fuji Speedway to attend the GT-R Magazine R' meet.  GT-R's of all vintages and varieties showed up,    The event was so big, that he had to break his coverage into mulitple posts.

Z-Tune R34 GT-R and a 400R R33 GT-R





Drag R33 GT-R





JUN R35 GT-R





Look for one like this in Fast and Furious 5





Look at all the R34 GT-R's.  Owners getting their pictures in GT-R Magazine





Mine's R34 and R35 GT-R's.



That is just a few of the dozens of pictures from the event and Dino. Head over to Speedhunters for all the pictures, and the article.

Source: Speedhunters pt1 , pt2

Sep 18, 2010

18 Minutes of Video from IDRC Autoclub Speedway in Fontana 9-4-10

18 minutes of random video from IDRC in Fontana, 9-4-10

Sep 17, 2010

MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship Series





Mike Kojima and the guys at MotoIQ have teamed up with Redline Time Attack to introduce a new wheel to wheel race series on the west coast called the Pacific Tuner Car Championship Series.

Are you bored with track days and HDPE events? Ever wanted to see what you have and go wheel to wheel with other tuning enthusiasts? Ever wanted to see who's the best driver and who could build the best car?  Ever then go to a legal sanctioned racing event only to find that your lovingly built street car is only legal in some super unobtainable class because of your tuning and the parts you installed?  Ever then find out that you can only race if you took off 80% of your hard earned parts only to race in some boring close to stock class?

There are going to be two main classes based on power to weight ratio and tire size. Tuner Under or TU which will run a 12:1 power to weight ratio and Tuner Over or TO which will run a 8:1 power to weight ratio.


You can also take your existing race car from many popular sedan racing classes in Grand Am, SCCA or NASA and with a little tweaking, be competitive. The rules have enough flexibility that nearly any unibody equipped race car can be competitive. If you are a racer from a restrictive rules class, you will probably find it refreshing not to have to come up with risky and expensive ways around the rules.

A full Draft copy of the rules can be found on the MotoIQ site.

MotoIQ Project R32 GT-R

R32 GT-R. A rare color



Eric at MotoIQ has a project R32 GT-R that has gone though some upgrades to help improve it over the stock R32 GT-R. If you have an R32 GT-R, or for that matter R33, or R34, or are looking for some information on them, I wrote some basics up several years ago.

To me, parts selection of any build is probably one of the most critical aspects of building a car. Other aspects are attention to detail, ECU tuning, suspension and chassis, etc. but that's another story for another day. The parts chosen for a build as a whole are probably more important than the individual parts by themselves. In part one of this build, I promised explanations of why I chose to use the parts I did. Some of the part names are also hyperlinks to take you somwhere for more information.
As a quick refresher since I wrote part 1 almost 18 months ago, this stage 1 build is basically everything you can do around a stock block and cylinder head without changing any internal components of the block or cylinder head. Why keep the stock internals? Because you can for a 500-600hp build as long as the engine is properly tuned and maintained. You can drive it, drag it, beat the crap out of it, and it still shouldn't break despite being almost 20 years old now. In fact, I'd rather keep the stock components than use many of the off the shelf American forged aftermarket components if I was planning to keep it under 600hp.

Tomei Oil Pump
The Tomei oil pump is the best wet sump stock location pump available for the RB26. If I have to upgrade, I want a Tomei on the car.
XS Engineering throttle seals for the RB26.  The stock ones leak, you probably will not even notice they are leaking.





Rear suspension arms with spherical rod ends.






After you are done with the basics, and checking out what Eric is doing with his R32, you can read over some more Advanced GT-R notes.

Source: MotoIQ

Sep 16, 2010

DG-Spec Clinches World Challenge Team, Manufacturer, and Driver Championships

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Drivers Stout and Shaffer Put in Solid Performance at VIR to Make History for Scion

TORRANCE, Calif. — This past weekend at rounds 10 and 11 at Virginia International Raceway, the DG-Spec Scion team clinched every Touring Car championship possible in the World Challenge series.  Even more impressive is that this happens with a race still to go at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

“It’s a strange feeling because the season isn’t officially even over, so there was no massive celebration,” said team owner and driver Dan Gardner.  “Make no mistake about it though, this is a huge accomplishment that many people aspire to.  Our program belongs to so many folks.  Everyone can be proud of what we’ve accomplished together.  Most people will only see the tip of the iceberg which is this season, but the truth is that these championships were built on years of development and devotion.  I’m proud to have been the catalyst and the captain, but so many people have made this possible.”

In more than 20 years of series history, no Toyota marque has ever won the championship, making the Manufacturer’s title that much sweeter.  The Manufacturer’s Championship was clinched even sooner than the other two.  Indeed, after Saturday’s round 10 race (of 12 total), Scion was locked in as the champion, ahead of Volkswagen, Mazda, and Honda.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this and to be the first Toyota brand ever to win in over two decades…that’s something really special.” said Owen Peacock, Scion marketing chief.  “Congratulations to Dan Gardner and the DG-Spec team.”

The VIR event saw a new driver enter the fray for the team.  Greg Shaffer took the wheel of the 36 car, while Robert Stout continued to pilot the series-leading 18 car.  It was a roller coaster ride all the way, with crash damage and a few mechanical issues, but nothing different from what the team was used to.

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On both promoter test day and the practice day, the team got off to a slow start, as the drivers figured out the cars and the track.  Combined practice results showed Stout and Shaffer at sixth and tenth, respectively.  It was a big field, but this was a place the team wasn’t used to being.

Several changes were made to the cars throughout, and the drivers felt increasingly confident.  Gardner assured the drivers there was more left, and both drivers put their heads down and thought about where they could gain speed for the first qualifying session.

After Saturday’s Qualifying session ended, the team indeed has stepped up their game.  Stout moved from sixth in practice to second with a blazing 2:12.6, just two-tenths of a second behind the pole sitter, Spec Miata champion Todd Buras.  Shaffer moved from tenth to fifth with a solid 2:13.4 time.

The first race would prove to be extremely close, with Stout finishing less than two seconds behind Buras for second place.  Shaffer would hold onto fifth, impressive considering an intermittent boost issue he was fighting.  Both Scions were now back in the top five.

Sunday’s Qualifying session went well for both drivers, as Shaffer and Stout qualified second and third respectively, again behind Buras’s very fast turbo VW Jetta.  The Scions’ times were extremely close, with Shaffer outqualifying Stout by less than one tenth of a second.  Both Scions were now in the front two rows for the start of the race.

When the lights went out Stout and Shaffer got rocketship starts and were both pulling on the leader.  Stout went to the outside, and Shaffer saw a hole open up the middle.  Shaffer got a great launch on the higher-class GTS Acura TSX and started to move in front of him.  By the time the number 36 Scion had almost gotten past, repeated contact with the Acura turned Shaffer into the inside guard rail hard, ending his race and leaving his Scion immobile. 

Despite the bad luck for the 36 car, Stout glued himself to Buras’s bumper, and on the second lap took the lead.  The Scion and VW would battle back and forth swapping positions, going nose to tail and side by side repeatedly.  Buras was leading as a double yellow came out two thirds of the way into the race. 

During the restart, with the help of some great radio communications from the crew, Stout launched hard, surprising Buras and taking a commanding lead.  Again the two would battle back and forth, with Stout nudging Buras here and there.  In the end, the VW would get the better of the Scion, but the margin of victory would drop to less than a second.

With the second place finish for Round 11, Stout would lock up the Touring Car Driver’s Championship, making him, at just 18 years old, the youngest winner in series history.

 

“This was an incredible run,” said Stout. “The effort started at our two test sessions before the first race in St. Pete, and this team hasn’t slowed down yet. Dan put together a great crew with Brad Allen, Sean Morris, Dave Fredrickson and John McNulty.  I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys. They always made the car better no matter how late or long it took. I get the interviews at the end of the race, but this Championship is much larger than any one person. It starts with all of our sponsors and then carries on to this incredible team. I’m honored to return to them this Championship; it is truly all of ours.”

In the Team Championship standings, the 18 and 36 cars also now find themselves at the top two steps on the podium, proving how dominant both DG-Spec cars were in Touring Car this season.  With three outright wins, and a total of 12 podiums, this was no fluke.

“At Toyota Motorsports, we’ve seen great success in many different forms of racing, but champions all share something in common…they figure out a way to win when it counts,” said Les Unger, national manager for Toyota Motorsports.  “This DG-Spec Scion team is no exception, and it takes an unyielding will to be the best and capture all three championships.  We’re proud that a Scion-powered driver and team put a World Challenge championship feather in our caps for the first time.”

The DG-Spec team uses and is supported by:

• Scion-supplied OE parts
• TRD-supplied supercharger and intercooler, front big brake kit
• Jackson-Dawson Communications
• Pilot Automotive HID driving lamps
• Nitto NT-01 tires for testing
• Enkei PF01 17x8 wheels
• OS Giken Super Lock Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
• Dezod-supplied AEM standalone engine management, plug-and-play harness, fuel rail, injectors, end links, and stainless clutch line
• Church Automotive Testing dyno tuning
• 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
• Racepak IQ3 logger dash and VNET sensors
• AEM sensors, EMS, and dry flow air filter
• Kaminari carbon-fiber roof and composite headlights
• Reflections body work
• 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
• DG-Spec Wild Pony Motorsports-supplied camber/caster plates
• Goodridge fittings and lines
• Carbotech Performance Brakes
• G-Force  racing suit, gloves, helmet, window nets, and other safety and crew gear
• DC Sports header

• Energy Suspension bushings and motor mounts
• HoseTechniques silicone hoses
• Tri-Mountain Racewear team gear
• NST supercharger pulley, Braille batteries, and shifter bushings
• SquareSkull designs
• Sampson Racing Communications (SRC) radio systems

The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate classes (World Challenge Touring Car, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge GT), races follow a sprint format and are 50 minutes start to finish. Each race features thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action, and top-notch drivers. Drivers pilot cars from the world's most popular manufacturers, featuring race-prepped versions of the cars we drive on the streets! The World Challenge is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

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

Sep 7, 2010

Lifted R32 GT-R

Gary decided his R32 needed a change, and lifting it with a rim change got him that change.   I bet you don’t see many 700 hp lifted R32’s, on 26” rims.

Donked R32

Its a unique look.  Glad to see him pushing the envelope.

 

via Facebook.

Sep 5, 2010

GreddyFest 2

Greddy held an open house at their US headquarters this Sunday. Lots of people and cars showed up to show off, get a chance to win some raffles, and purchase overstock items at a big discount. About 12 members of NAGTROC brought out their R35 GT-R’s, plus SP Engineering's demo car, Greddy’s demo car, and Hings R35 GT-R in the shop.   The rumor was one of the cars at the event recently laid down 997 all wheel horsepower.  Pretty close to that “magic” 1000 awhp number.

Sep 4, 2010

Pictures from Import Drag Racing Circuit ( IDRC ) 9-4-2010

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IDRC.  Import Drag Racing Circuit.  IDRC has been throwing import drag racing events for more than the last decade.  Drag racing is fun, cheap to get into, and generally accessible for most people.
However the last few years, import drag racing has virtually disappeared. Drifting, and now Time Attack has become popular, and we just don’t see the crowds of cars and people that we used to see at the import drag racing events.
With that said, IDRC put on a great event at AutoClub Speeway in Fontana, September 4, 2010.  It was hot, but its a dry heat, a desert heat, so they say it doesn’t really count, or hurt as much as a humid, Texas/Florida heat.  Track temps were in the 125 degree range, shade temps were over 100 degrees.
Tons of vendors, tons of cars for the car show, lots of cars making their way down the 1320.

Is This the Reason Nissan Moved to Tennessee ?


Tennessee.   I miss Nissan being in Gardena.  It was nice to have them close. Now we only have Toyota, and Honda in a little 5 mile area in the South Bay.  This video purports to be a behind the scenes of the move to Tennessee from sunny SoCal.