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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.