In honor of all of the strange white stuff falling from the sky as I post this, we are going to take a quick trip back in time to a day in which the weather was slightly more tolerable. White is a staple crop for all things clean. Simple, easy to look at, crispy clean. White is my favorite hue (it’s not really a color, right?) on most things. Cars, shoes, teeth, etc. White is synonymous with pure and fresh. White things are untouched, unblemished, and perfect. Atleast for little while.
Hop back in time and relive this photoshoot. Its not often that I find time in my crazy life to get out with my significant other (my car) and do a one on one photo sesh. This was one of those rare times where I had my camera in the car, had a few moments to spare between the madness, and actually had the desire to document my car forever in time. This spot was sick, a dirty and grimey water tower loomed in the background of a pretty old and historic cottage. This side of town is sketchy to say the least, and I even managed to encounter a few new “friends” as I was shooting. People are weird.
http://flashingrights.blogspot.com/2010/07/white.html
So enjoy, remember when the sun shined for more than a few hours a day. Think back to the time when the ground was covered in, well, nothing but ground. As the snow falls down, and so do the temperatures, hop back and enjoy this cool shoot on a anything but cool day.
Thursday
Wednesday
Rubberization: Tire Choices
Tires are one of the most important things to choose when building any type of modified car. Many factors must be considered when choosing a performance tire. For my purposes (as well as most of you, our readers) it comes down to a few factors. Grip, life, fitment, and price. If you are like me, then you could give a shit about tire noise, wet traction, gas mileage, all that Car and Drive hoopla. I am lucky if I can hear my music over my straight piped NA engine and have pretty much little to no hope in the rain. Gas mileage? Huh?
Grip, life, fitment, price. Not necessarily in that order. The first tire I am going to review on these three factors is one of my go-to drift tires; the Federal 595SS. These tires are by far some of the cheapest performance tires on the market making them perfect for the drift crowd. The price is on point aka CHEAP as dirt. The grip is mediocre at best. These things are pretty slick compared to many other tires, but again the price is so on point that these are a great option. The life is great, being a harder tire that wears really well. Fitment is straight fat kid status, these run huge. Like a full size huge, so order accordingly.
The next tire that I really like is the good ol’ Falken RT615. These are definitely a lot more dollars than the Feddys so they aren’t for the faint of heart. The run a little wide and square, I would guess about a half size wider than similar performance tires. The sidewalls are meaty, stiff, and square so they don’t stretch really well at all. My god do they grip. They have tremendous traction but do get somewhat slick when they get super hot. Definitely a great tire for the front of any drift car.
Grip, life, fitment, price. Not necessarily in that order. The first tire I am going to review on these three factors is one of my go-to drift tires; the Federal 595SS. These tires are by far some of the cheapest performance tires on the market making them perfect for the drift crowd. The price is on point aka CHEAP as dirt. The grip is mediocre at best. These things are pretty slick compared to many other tires, but again the price is so on point that these are a great option. The life is great, being a harder tire that wears really well. Fitment is straight fat kid status, these run huge. Like a full size huge, so order accordingly.
The next tire that I really like is the good ol’ Falken RT615. These are definitely a lot more dollars than the Feddys so they aren’t for the faint of heart. The run a little wide and square, I would guess about a half size wider than similar performance tires. The sidewalls are meaty, stiff, and square so they don’t stretch really well at all. My god do they grip. They have tremendous traction but do get somewhat slick when they get super hot. Definitely a great tire for the front of any drift car.
Monday
Top dog from Aussie
Nigel is a really cool dude from the land across the big pond. His 180sx is absolutely amazing, from both the style aspect as well as homegrown engineering. This dude is so talented when it comes to fabrication that I often sit back and marvel at the little details he posts on his blog. His blog is great for many reasons.
First off, he posts lots of cool action videos, pictures, and stories. Nigel builds amazing drift cars but builds them for abuse. He actually thrashes on these cars at track events and posts cool things about each of his experiences. In car videos, sick photographs, and always a good little story to go along with each.
The next reason his blog rules is because of his engineering. He is a straight G when it comes to hand building drift cars and has the resources and skills to make thing awesome. From a hand fabricated spec legal cage to a sick ass v-mount setup for his intercooler and radiator, this guy does it all. He even spray painted his entire interior and made it look professional.
The final reason that Nigel has one of the top blogs in the drift world is because his cars have style. His coupe is absolutely amazing with the two-tone paint on stock aero and white TE’s. The fabrication within the engine bay is unreal, simply immaculate. The main track bitch is his red 180sx which now sports Type-X aero with wide fenders and chrome wheels. A great combo by any standards, the new wheels are quite a bit flashier than his old bronze TE’s but the change his much welcomed (by me, atleast).
So check out his blog. Read, learn, study, execute. Dude knows whats up.
www.engineeredtoslide.com
First off, he posts lots of cool action videos, pictures, and stories. Nigel builds amazing drift cars but builds them for abuse. He actually thrashes on these cars at track events and posts cool things about each of his experiences. In car videos, sick photographs, and always a good little story to go along with each.
The next reason his blog rules is because of his engineering. He is a straight G when it comes to hand building drift cars and has the resources and skills to make thing awesome. From a hand fabricated spec legal cage to a sick ass v-mount setup for his intercooler and radiator, this guy does it all. He even spray painted his entire interior and made it look professional.
The final reason that Nigel has one of the top blogs in the drift world is because his cars have style. His coupe is absolutely amazing with the two-tone paint on stock aero and white TE’s. The fabrication within the engine bay is unreal, simply immaculate. The main track bitch is his red 180sx which now sports Type-X aero with wide fenders and chrome wheels. A great combo by any standards, the new wheels are quite a bit flashier than his old bronze TE’s but the change his much welcomed (by me, atleast).
So check out his blog. Read, learn, study, execute. Dude knows whats up.
www.engineeredtoslide.com
Thursday
Checking it twice
Over the winter I have a whole slew of things that need to be done to my car. This list is somewhat in order of importance, but all things need to be accomplished before this thing hits the streets again.
1. Rewire the drivers-side engine harness
2. Recarpet interior, replace rear panels, redo headliner, Rhino line the trunk
3. Powdercoat roll cage
4. Lower the whole car and get a real alignment
5. Fix a few leaky seals in the engine
First off, since I lowered the car another inch, my front wheel continues to rub on the driver’s side engine harness. I have zip tied a metal plate on the wiring harness for temporary protection, but the problem needs to be fixed the right way. I am going to take out the wire harness completely from the fender and require it through the engine bay. Sounds easy, but it is going to suck.
Next comes the interior. I have some new carpet ordered and will need to take everything out in order to get it in. I also want to recarpet the rear panels that line the trunk and get those put back in. I will cut some panels to fit around the cage, and redo the headliner in some sort of suede. I will be powdercoating my cage bright ass lime green to go along with the entire new interior.
Next up comes some more lowering. I am never happy with any fender gap so I will need to drop the car a few smidges all around. I will play with some camber and attempt to get the wheel fitment as radical as possible. Should look killer!
1. Rewire the drivers-side engine harness
2. Recarpet interior, replace rear panels, redo headliner, Rhino line the trunk
3. Powdercoat roll cage
4. Lower the whole car and get a real alignment
5. Fix a few leaky seals in the engine
First off, since I lowered the car another inch, my front wheel continues to rub on the driver’s side engine harness. I have zip tied a metal plate on the wiring harness for temporary protection, but the problem needs to be fixed the right way. I am going to take out the wire harness completely from the fender and require it through the engine bay. Sounds easy, but it is going to suck.
Next comes the interior. I have some new carpet ordered and will need to take everything out in order to get it in. I also want to recarpet the rear panels that line the trunk and get those put back in. I will cut some panels to fit around the cage, and redo the headliner in some sort of suede. I will be powdercoating my cage bright ass lime green to go along with the entire new interior.
Next up comes some more lowering. I am never happy with any fender gap so I will need to drop the car a few smidges all around. I will play with some camber and attempt to get the wheel fitment as radical as possible. Should look killer!
Wednesday
“Fork in the road, I’m always going right. Nowadays, knowing life, there aint no more road lights.”
It is time to make some changes. My car has been going the direction of clean, simple, and unmolested for a few years now. I have managed to keep the exterior pretty damn clean and the paint has always been fresh. The wheels and stance were about the only things that are really wild on the car, and I was really into that style. Stock metal fenders, OEM bumpers, original styling; the car was pretty tame compared to some of my amigos. After a few battle wounds that is about to change.
I definitely have to switch to fiberglass overfenders in the rear due to the giant craters resembling the moon. This changes the overall direction of the car for a few reasons. I need to space the shit out of the wheels which means the front have to be spaced as well. This brings me to my first fork; pull the metal front fenders or go wide fiberglass fenders. Metal fenders are far more durable but suck when they are pulled. Fiberglass fenders will give me extra clearance but have vents and fit like ass. Hmmmm. Next up is the question of aero or no aero. With wide fenders I am going to want a more aggressive look, plus I will be paying for paint anyways so I might as well go aero.
Type X front with a Group A vent is at the top of my list right now. I might compliment that with a full Sexy Style kit or something very sleek and smooth, nothing crazy. Or maybe a full Type X kit with the kouki wing. Here is some inspiration.
It is time to make some changes. My car has been going the direction of clean, simple, and unmolested for a few years now. I have managed to keep the exterior pretty damn clean and the paint has always been fresh. The wheels and stance were about the only things that are really wild on the car, and I was really into that style. Stock metal fenders, OEM bumpers, original styling; the car was pretty tame compared to some of my amigos. After a few battle wounds that is about to change.
I definitely have to switch to fiberglass overfenders in the rear due to the giant craters resembling the moon. This changes the overall direction of the car for a few reasons. I need to space the shit out of the wheels which means the front have to be spaced as well. This brings me to my first fork; pull the metal front fenders or go wide fiberglass fenders. Metal fenders are far more durable but suck when they are pulled. Fiberglass fenders will give me extra clearance but have vents and fit like ass. Hmmmm. Next up is the question of aero or no aero. With wide fenders I am going to want a more aggressive look, plus I will be paying for paint anyways so I might as well go aero.
Type X front with a Group A vent is at the top of my list right now. I might compliment that with a full Sexy Style kit or something very sleek and smooth, nothing crazy. Or maybe a full Type X kit with the kouki wing. Here is some inspiration.
Thursday
ohhh black betty, bam a lam
So it happened. After years and years and some more years of keeping my car clean and accident free, I finally made a mistake and ruined it. Well, sort of a mistake, sort of a moment of glory. I was working on my car and swapped in some new Hawk brake pads and thought it would be a great idea to lower the front some more. I went about three quarters of an inch lower and it looks killer. I took it for a drive and it definitely rubs more, but that’s the price you have to pay when you want to look cool.
So I am out at one of my favorite drift spots taking a few spirited turns giving the car a little bit of a shakedown. I approach my favorite turn at about 35 mph, and flick the car sideways with a little clutch kick. Womp womp womp all over the rev limiter, perfectly sideways and billowing no smoke (hahaha). I was all over the apex of the turn like white on rice, but had slightly more speed than I usually do in this turn. Having a lower car gave me more false confidence. Or something like that.
I go a tad wide and drop one wheel off the pavement. I know Im running wide and yet I keep the right pedal to the floor. Like a boss. All of the sudden WHACK. A fucking bomb just went off inside my car. I knew there was a road marker on the outside of that turn and my car just kissed it. I held the drift perfectly and drove off like nothing happened. I was scared to look, because it was LOUD. Consistent with my thoughts, the quarter panel is crinkled like some cafeteria fries. Oh well. Overs and aero next year.
With that comes NZNew’s s13 coupe that makes fiberglass look good. Sort of beat, lots of cool. This car makes me feel that fiberglass is OK. Lovin’ it.
So I am out at one of my favorite drift spots taking a few spirited turns giving the car a little bit of a shakedown. I approach my favorite turn at about 35 mph, and flick the car sideways with a little clutch kick. Womp womp womp all over the rev limiter, perfectly sideways and billowing no smoke (hahaha). I was all over the apex of the turn like white on rice, but had slightly more speed than I usually do in this turn. Having a lower car gave me more false confidence. Or something like that.
I go a tad wide and drop one wheel off the pavement. I know Im running wide and yet I keep the right pedal to the floor. Like a boss. All of the sudden WHACK. A fucking bomb just went off inside my car. I knew there was a road marker on the outside of that turn and my car just kissed it. I held the drift perfectly and drove off like nothing happened. I was scared to look, because it was LOUD. Consistent with my thoughts, the quarter panel is crinkled like some cafeteria fries. Oh well. Overs and aero next year.
With that comes NZNew’s s13 coupe that makes fiberglass look good. Sort of beat, lots of cool. This car makes me feel that fiberglass is OK. Lovin’ it.
Friday
vote or die
So I can’t decide. Somebody locally has an SR20 complete motorset for sale and it is super cheap. I simply cannot decide if I want to buy it and swap it now, with little to no extra money if something goes wrong or if I want to wait until later next spring and do it right. It would be really nice to have something to wrench on in the garage all winter, and then come spring time I would have a beast that had been hibernating all winter. I would always have something to work on, and would definitely make the winter months pass easier knowing that with spring comes boost.
It would also be nice to wait until spring and it isn’t so damn freezing in the garage. I would love to do a full swap with some goodies on the side and build a car that is bulletproof and reliable. That all takes money, money that I kind of have but kind of don’t want to spend at the moment. I am sort answering my own questions and making up my mind as I write this. Therapy writing, if you will.
I wont bore you with my stupid life decisions, but I will bore you with my stupid car decisions. I am deciding that my car is going to take a turn back to the streetable side of things, and the interior is getting fully redone over winter. That means carpet, new trunk panels, and probably some seats and other goodies as well. Stay tuned.
It would also be nice to wait until spring and it isn’t so damn freezing in the garage. I would love to do a full swap with some goodies on the side and build a car that is bulletproof and reliable. That all takes money, money that I kind of have but kind of don’t want to spend at the moment. I am sort answering my own questions and making up my mind as I write this. Therapy writing, if you will.
I wont bore you with my stupid life decisions, but I will bore you with my stupid car decisions. I am deciding that my car is going to take a turn back to the streetable side of things, and the interior is getting fully redone over winter. That means carpet, new trunk panels, and probably some seats and other goodies as well. Stay tuned.
under the influenced
My car life is highly influenced by others. It sucks that all of those others aren’t located anywhere near me. The city of Rockford is a giant dud when it comes to cars, car style, and overall car life. The city is dominated with stupid SRT-4’s and Hondas that run around acting all boss. It drives me nuts to be surrounded by these morons and a handful of cars that I would even drive.
The only types of cars that are cool around here are the big boy luxury cars with giant wheels. My buddy Oscar has a blacked out Charger sitting on 24’s, among a handful of friends that have other big cars with massive rollers. The thing is sick. Black on black, black 24’s, a roof wing, tints, and a Batman logo. Ballin’.
It is weird to be such a diamond in the rough. My car fits in with other rides in the city of Chicago and I consider these guys my influences more than anything around here. I do my best to get in there every so often and get some critical type to hang with the boys. They all have great car style and know how to make a stuff look rad. Although most of them are much more beat up than my car, it is still nice to ride with some guys that know what a cool car looks and drives like. They drive hard, roll deep, and most of all know what is really up.
The only types of cars that are cool around here are the big boy luxury cars with giant wheels. My buddy Oscar has a blacked out Charger sitting on 24’s, among a handful of friends that have other big cars with massive rollers. The thing is sick. Black on black, black 24’s, a roof wing, tints, and a Batman logo. Ballin’.
It is weird to be such a diamond in the rough. My car fits in with other rides in the city of Chicago and I consider these guys my influences more than anything around here. I do my best to get in there every so often and get some critical type to hang with the boys. They all have great car style and know how to make a stuff look rad. Although most of them are much more beat up than my car, it is still nice to ride with some guys that know what a cool car looks and drives like. They drive hard, roll deep, and most of all know what is really up.
Tuesday
Broadfield
http://broadfield.wordpress.com
Toby Broadfield has quite possibly the cleanest OEM styled s13 on the planet. This thing is the definition of the word DETAIL. Everything, and I mean everything, has been brushed over with a fine toothed comb. If it isnt perfect, it is scrapped for a replacement part that looks cooler and performs better. Literally every little minute detail has been painstakingly analyzed and improved upon. It is borderline gross. Its almost too clean.
Toby knows his stuff. Whether he is banging out some wiring on a vehicle for his shop or rebuilding a complete motorset, Toby is a person that does everything the RIGHT way. He is somebody you should get to know if you want to build things correctly. Do it right, do it right, do it right. Do not take shortcuts. Spend a little bit extra money/time/resources the first time. Take your time, and have fun doing what youre doing. These are all things I have picked up working around Toby. He is a good influence and a true testament to the assumption that there are still good people out there. His business is built on his good word and trust, two thing that lack in the automotive world.
He takes everything he does seriously but still enjoys life. His blog is no different. Its cool, interesting, and detailed. He explains small thing very well and takes his time when he posts. Every post is more than just a picture and a word or two. Check it out, you will surely enjoy.
http://broadfield.wordpress.com
Toby Broadfield has quite possibly the cleanest OEM styled s13 on the planet. This thing is the definition of the word DETAIL. Everything, and I mean everything, has been brushed over with a fine toothed comb. If it isnt perfect, it is scrapped for a replacement part that looks cooler and performs better. Literally every little minute detail has been painstakingly analyzed and improved upon. It is borderline gross. Its almost too clean.
Toby knows his stuff. Whether he is banging out some wiring on a vehicle for his shop or rebuilding a complete motorset, Toby is a person that does everything the RIGHT way. He is somebody you should get to know if you want to build things correctly. Do it right, do it right, do it right. Do not take shortcuts. Spend a little bit extra money/time/resources the first time. Take your time, and have fun doing what youre doing. These are all things I have picked up working around Toby. He is a good influence and a true testament to the assumption that there are still good people out there. His business is built on his good word and trust, two thing that lack in the automotive world.
He takes everything he does seriously but still enjoys life. His blog is no different. Its cool, interesting, and detailed. He explains small thing very well and takes his time when he posts. Every post is more than just a picture and a word or two. Check it out, you will surely enjoy.
http://broadfield.wordpress.com
Friday
thank God for sliding
Thank god it’s Friday. It has been one of those weeks that just take a toll on a person. Long hours at work, late nights up doing random things like moving and cleaning, and all the while I am trying to balance my life. Sometimes I feel like I take on a lot of challenges, but there are certain things in life that make me forget all of the madness that occurs daily
One of those things is hoppin’ in the whip and going out for a “spirited” drive. By spirited I mean downright crazy. I love getting in the driver seat. At this moment nothing exists in my life other than a suede steering wheel, a perfect Nismo shift knob, and some pedals. To be honest it’s probably the only time I really feel natural. Life is sort of awkward for me at times, but when I am behind the wheel I feel like I actually belong there. It’s my niche.
When I get off work today (probably skip out a little early) I am going to do just that. Go pull the beast out of the garage, go for a leisurely cruise to get my nerves settled, and then go burn some tires off. The feeling of sliding, the smell of the rubber, the nervousness I get from jumping spot to spot, all makes my life seem perfect. Again, it’s like I was born to do this. It’s weird. When I’m sideways at 40+ miles per hour, milliseconds and millimeters from disaster, my ridiculously fast-paced life slows down. I feel calm, I feel in control, I feel perfect. They say that great athletes can slow down the game and take things at their own pace. So can great drivers.
I’m getting chills just thinking about it. No joke.
Thursday
Singin' in the Rain
The other night it was raining out and I went and had my adult version of a field day. I got the car out, got my driving shoes one, and went and did some old fashioned street drifting. Sliding on the streets is so much fun, but its pretty risky at the same time. I have to worry about all of the hazards that are present on the streets, as well as a million other things such as cops, pedestrians, and annoying people who think they are cops.
But it is so much fun. It is even better in the rain because I can slide at much lower speeds which helps reduce some of the hazards. I can save tires and reduce the wear and tear on my car. Plus the slick surfaces makes it that much easier to hang out some rad angle and get close to certain clipping points that I like to stay away from in the dry. I have more control because I am going a bit slower, but can still take the wild fast lines that I love to take when the roads are dry.
So that got me thinking, it is also a lot less dangerous in other aspects. I know that there aren’t going to be people out at my spots, whether riding bikes or walking their dogs. I also know that cops don’t really like the rain and would rather stay dry in their squad cars at some other location. I guess its sort of a package deal, I have more control over my surroundings and the things that I can’t control are less abundant. Sliding in the rain is awesome in many ways.
Enjoy this perfect example of a fellow 180 just dancing through the puddles.
But it is so much fun. It is even better in the rain because I can slide at much lower speeds which helps reduce some of the hazards. I can save tires and reduce the wear and tear on my car. Plus the slick surfaces makes it that much easier to hang out some rad angle and get close to certain clipping points that I like to stay away from in the dry. I have more control because I am going a bit slower, but can still take the wild fast lines that I love to take when the roads are dry.
So that got me thinking, it is also a lot less dangerous in other aspects. I know that there aren’t going to be people out at my spots, whether riding bikes or walking their dogs. I also know that cops don’t really like the rain and would rather stay dry in their squad cars at some other location. I guess its sort of a package deal, I have more control over my surroundings and the things that I can’t control are less abundant. Sliding in the rain is awesome in many ways.
Enjoy this perfect example of a fellow 180 just dancing through the puddles.
Wednesday
pro am
A few of my buddies just got done with Formula Drift Pro Am. Brian, commonly known on the forums as Nackers, is a cool dude from the Rockford area that has a 350z. He has been sliding it on the track for a little over two years now and has improved his skills tremendously in a very short period of time. It’s cool to watch somebody like that get pretty damn good in such a quick manner. The car is a fairly basic drift setup, a 350z with a Stillen supercharger and a lot of suspension and chassis work. A nice car for sure, but nothing wild and crazy in terms of professional drifting.
He made a name for himself in the Midwest Cup around here, and qualified to head out to California for the Formula D Pro Am. Although he didn’t quite get a professional license, he did take a cool ass trip and got the opportunity to drive an amazing track and experience a taste of professional drifting. I know he was pretty bummed out not to qualify for a license, but I have no doubt that he will come out swinging harder than ever next year. I just wanted to take this time out to give him a little shout out, and recognize his accomplishments.
Dude is cool, on a super limited budget (especially to make it out to Cali and back), and has a pretty gnarly car that definitely deserves some attention. I hope he can take this as another step in the endless pursuit of simply getting better.
Heres a cool little video of his trip.
He made a name for himself in the Midwest Cup around here, and qualified to head out to California for the Formula D Pro Am. Although he didn’t quite get a professional license, he did take a cool ass trip and got the opportunity to drive an amazing track and experience a taste of professional drifting. I know he was pretty bummed out not to qualify for a license, but I have no doubt that he will come out swinging harder than ever next year. I just wanted to take this time out to give him a little shout out, and recognize his accomplishments.
Dude is cool, on a super limited budget (especially to make it out to Cali and back), and has a pretty gnarly car that definitely deserves some attention. I hope he can take this as another step in the endless pursuit of simply getting better.
Heres a cool little video of his trip.
California 2010 Honeymoon and sweet drifting from Brian Vrchoticky on Vimeo.
Tuesday
reunited
I havent driven the 240 for a few days now. I have been too wrapped up in my new Passat to really care. Its been a busy few days cleaning it up, getting things to my liking, and overall just enjoying the new car. I hate to say it, but I really like the thing. The 240 has been sort of neglected sitting there on the street.
After driving something so comfortable and nice, it was sort of an odd switch to hop back in the metal contraption that is the 240. It is loud, to say the least, but I definately missed it. I went out tonight and drove it back to work to call out for the night and it felt great. Fast and responsive like it always is, but it feels different after I am so used to a luxury wagon.
Its going to be tough going forth. Should I drive the beast and put up with the crap? Or should I hop in the Passat and live a life of lux. I feel spoiled, having two entirely different cars to drive. I might just have to get used to it. All I can say is that both cars have their strengths and weaknesses. Its nice to be in this situation. Should I let the 240 get REALLY crazy now that I have a back up plan? Or should I just let the Passat get on the 240's level? It is a hard decision to make hwhen I have money laying around. Wehere should I spend it?
Which child gets the love? Its tough being a parent.
After driving something so comfortable and nice, it was sort of an odd switch to hop back in the metal contraption that is the 240. It is loud, to say the least, but I definately missed it. I went out tonight and drove it back to work to call out for the night and it felt great. Fast and responsive like it always is, but it feels different after I am so used to a luxury wagon.
Its going to be tough going forth. Should I drive the beast and put up with the crap? Or should I hop in the Passat and live a life of lux. I feel spoiled, having two entirely different cars to drive. I might just have to get used to it. All I can say is that both cars have their strengths and weaknesses. Its nice to be in this situation. Should I let the 240 get REALLY crazy now that I have a back up plan? Or should I just let the Passat get on the 240's level? It is a hard decision to make hwhen I have money laying around. Wehere should I spend it?
Which child gets the love? Its tough being a parent.
Thursday
not your momma's wagon
Well, it’s been an interesting week. I’ve been swamped at work, had perfect weather outside, and endless amount of things to do. I feel like my list keeps growing. Welcome to the big leagues. With that comes change, and with change comes new cars.
Tomorrow I am going to pick up my second car, a 2002 Volkswagen Passat Station Wagon. This thing is perfect, mint exterior and super clean leather interior. Fully loaded with a sunroof, premium sound, and a 1.8 liter turbo engine. It is supposed to be my second car, something reliable and ready for everyday use. That means no modifications and no money is allowed to be spent on it. Yeah…..right.
Before I even have the car in my name I am researching what wheels I want to buy. I cannot leave anything alone, and love putting my personal touch on anything and everything that I buy. It wouldn’t be normal for me to leave good enough alone. My plans are pretty basic for the car, but obviously that’s always how everything starts. First and foremost I need to source a few things for the interior. Some summer floor-mats are needed since it has rubber winter mats with it, and I also need to find some rear headrests. After that, I want to tint the windows with a light, probably 35%, all the way around. I will probably leave it like that for winter.
Next spring comes coilovers and wheels. I want it to be low, not super low because it will be my daily, but I cant ride at stock height. With low comes wheels. Maybe some Audi s4 stockers or a set of BBS LM’s. Here my inspiration, a super clean W8 wagon.
Tomorrow I am going to pick up my second car, a 2002 Volkswagen Passat Station Wagon. This thing is perfect, mint exterior and super clean leather interior. Fully loaded with a sunroof, premium sound, and a 1.8 liter turbo engine. It is supposed to be my second car, something reliable and ready for everyday use. That means no modifications and no money is allowed to be spent on it. Yeah…..right.
Before I even have the car in my name I am researching what wheels I want to buy. I cannot leave anything alone, and love putting my personal touch on anything and everything that I buy. It wouldn’t be normal for me to leave good enough alone. My plans are pretty basic for the car, but obviously that’s always how everything starts. First and foremost I need to source a few things for the interior. Some summer floor-mats are needed since it has rubber winter mats with it, and I also need to find some rear headrests. After that, I want to tint the windows with a light, probably 35%, all the way around. I will probably leave it like that for winter.
Next spring comes coilovers and wheels. I want it to be low, not super low because it will be my daily, but I cant ride at stock height. With low comes wheels. Maybe some Audi s4 stockers or a set of BBS LM’s. Here my inspiration, a super clean W8 wagon.
Friday
take two
At what point does an object become unusable for its intended purpose? This thought, among others, has been running through my head like a marathon. As winter quickly approaches, so does terrible weather and even worse driving conditions. I always put my car in storage for the cold months and say goodbye to my cherished friend. With that comes a tear of sadness, days of loneliness, and an empty feeling in my heart. I always miss you, little guy.
Now this year is different. I am on my own and have to start thinking about a winter car. When I start thinking about cars, I often cross reference those thought with life. I start thinking about how useful my car is day to day and worry about its direction. Has it gone too far? Should I put the interior back in and make it more civilized for daily use? Or is it perfectly good enough, fast and loud and annoying. After all, that’s how I choose to live my life.
Then comes the thought, what do I buy next. I really want a Volkswagen to drive in the winter and use for daily drives and such. Throw a nice roof rack on it, slam it to the ground on some great fitting wheels, and call it a day. Unfortunately I am not good at “calling it a day” and it would probably just turn in to another project with no foreseeable end. Another endless money pit, just what I need.
Now this year is different. I am on my own and have to start thinking about a winter car. When I start thinking about cars, I often cross reference those thought with life. I start thinking about how useful my car is day to day and worry about its direction. Has it gone too far? Should I put the interior back in and make it more civilized for daily use? Or is it perfectly good enough, fast and loud and annoying. After all, that’s how I choose to live my life.
Then comes the thought, what do I buy next. I really want a Volkswagen to drive in the winter and use for daily drives and such. Throw a nice roof rack on it, slam it to the ground on some great fitting wheels, and call it a day. Unfortunately I am not good at “calling it a day” and it would probably just turn in to another project with no foreseeable end. Another endless money pit, just what I need.
Thursday
overground
It’s funny how things change. Drifting started out as something fun to do, something cool and interesting, a sport that didn’t rely on clocks and judges and crap. It used to be pure, fun, and a downright good time with a group of friends. Obviously no awesome underground movements stay underground for long, and as soon as the regular public gets a hold of something great it quickly turns to garbage. You would think the people that really are down for the sport, the guys that have always had the sport’s back, would resist the change and stay cool.
Unfortunately that’s not the case. I have been following this rad kid Matt Powers for years now. He used to be a pretty decent driver with an awesome styled car. His s14 was low, simple, and downright gritty and cool. He used to drive as an amateur and his car was something that I admired. I really liked the guys driving style and really really liked his car.
Then he became a driver in Formula D. I am not trying to be rude, jealous, or snobbish at all, but his car took a serious downhill fall. More like an abrupt drop off a cliff. It got tall, ugly, and cluttered. The exact opposite of everything that I used to love about it. Nasty ass Need for Speed vinyl ruined the car. The ride height got raised a few inches. Overall the car went to complete shit. I am sorry Matt Powers, but take it back to where it was. You ruined a great drift car.
Before (cool)
After (yucky yucky sauce)
Unfortunately that’s not the case. I have been following this rad kid Matt Powers for years now. He used to be a pretty decent driver with an awesome styled car. His s14 was low, simple, and downright gritty and cool. He used to drive as an amateur and his car was something that I admired. I really liked the guys driving style and really really liked his car.
Then he became a driver in Formula D. I am not trying to be rude, jealous, or snobbish at all, but his car took a serious downhill fall. More like an abrupt drop off a cliff. It got tall, ugly, and cluttered. The exact opposite of everything that I used to love about it. Nasty ass Need for Speed vinyl ruined the car. The ride height got raised a few inches. Overall the car went to complete shit. I am sorry Matt Powers, but take it back to where it was. You ruined a great drift car.
Before (cool)
After (yucky yucky sauce)
Wednesday
State of Mind
There are some things that go hand in hand with drifting. The first thing is style. Since drifting relies so heavily on car and driving style, most people that drift cars have a great sense of style in most other aspects of life. They are very into fashion, arts, and other expressive forms of sport. Just go to any drifting event or street spot. You won’t find too dudes rockin’ Walmart Jeans and Velcro shoes.
When it comes to traditional team sports, the terms expressive and style are both heavily frowned upon. Coaches will rip you a new one if you do anything that screams “Hey look at me, I’m cool”. Well guess what coach? I am a badass and just beat up your son who just happens to be the star athlete on the team. That would be a true drifters response.
That is why we don’t play traditional sports. We snowboard, we skate, we ride bikes. We wakeboard, we paint walls, we take your dream girl out on dates (and usually to the bar). We wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love expressing myself in just about everything I do. All of my toys are either customized or heavily modified to look damn cool. I like attention, even if its “hey look at that stupid colored bike”. Atleast I got you to break your neck staring at me. I must have done something right. This bring me to my latest purchase, a new fixed gear road bike from State Bicycle. This thing kicks ass, it looks cool, and it rides fantastic. I love speeding recklessly through traffic, making my mark on all the normal people on this earth.
Check one out, buy one.
When it comes to traditional team sports, the terms expressive and style are both heavily frowned upon. Coaches will rip you a new one if you do anything that screams “Hey look at me, I’m cool”. Well guess what coach? I am a badass and just beat up your son who just happens to be the star athlete on the team. That would be a true drifters response.
That is why we don’t play traditional sports. We snowboard, we skate, we ride bikes. We wakeboard, we paint walls, we take your dream girl out on dates (and usually to the bar). We wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love expressing myself in just about everything I do. All of my toys are either customized or heavily modified to look damn cool. I like attention, even if its “hey look at that stupid colored bike”. Atleast I got you to break your neck staring at me. I must have done something right. This bring me to my latest purchase, a new fixed gear road bike from State Bicycle. This thing kicks ass, it looks cool, and it rides fantastic. I love speeding recklessly through traffic, making my mark on all the normal people on this earth.
Check one out, buy one.
Monday
Damn it feels good to be a gangsta
I have always been fascinated with cars. Back when I was young, like really young, it was lowriders. I couldn’t get over the crazy paint, chromed out everything, and hydraulics. I swore when I got older I would build a slammer and cruise up and down the block in my ’64 (don’t mind the Ease-E reference). I used to build lowrider model cars to help pass the time and loved the customization and attention to detail that these old school sleds received.
Then, I got older, and quickly grew out of that stage. When I was just starting to drive I loved my car, but all my friends were rocking big Cadillacs, Lincolns, or pretty much anything you could throw 22’s on. I was all into that stage and tried selling my car to get an Inifiniti Q45, put it on some deuce deuces, and drive around swerving like an idiot. I never really got to that point, but man did I try.
Now I am back to my humble roots. Driving a slammed out, fully stripped and caged race car to work every day takes a certain amount of courage. Squeezing past the roll cage and jamming myself into my racing seat, all while wearing a neatly pressed dress shirt and tightly creased pants, is just part of my daily routine. Clients love it, hate it, or just look at me kind of strange. Its cool, Im used to it.
At some point I’m gonna get back to my grizzy and get this bad boy. An Infiniti QX56 on 32’s. I’ll probably have to remove my $300 sunglasses to see the looks on their faces (don’t mind the Lil Weezy reference).
Then, I got older, and quickly grew out of that stage. When I was just starting to drive I loved my car, but all my friends were rocking big Cadillacs, Lincolns, or pretty much anything you could throw 22’s on. I was all into that stage and tried selling my car to get an Inifiniti Q45, put it on some deuce deuces, and drive around swerving like an idiot. I never really got to that point, but man did I try.
Now I am back to my humble roots. Driving a slammed out, fully stripped and caged race car to work every day takes a certain amount of courage. Squeezing past the roll cage and jamming myself into my racing seat, all while wearing a neatly pressed dress shirt and tightly creased pants, is just part of my daily routine. Clients love it, hate it, or just look at me kind of strange. Its cool, Im used to it.
At some point I’m gonna get back to my grizzy and get this bad boy. An Infiniti QX56 on 32’s. I’ll probably have to remove my $300 sunglasses to see the looks on their faces (don’t mind the Lil Weezy reference).
Friday
I have always wanted a motorcycle. I learned how to ride a bike without training wheels at the tender age of two and never looked back. I was jumping and racing around by the age of four, and got really into bikes in my teenage years. I can ride wheelies for miles, jump just about anything, and have virtually no fear of doing anything on two wheels. I have numerous battle scars to prove it.
My love of motors extends far beyond my automobile addiction. I have owned go karts, r/c cars, go-peds, anything that requires gasoline is fine by me. The combination of my two loves, bikes and motors, naturally ends with me riding a motorcycle. But there lies a small problem.
I have friends who ride bikes all the time. I am fascinated, jealous, and scared all at the same time. Every single one of them has wrecked. Some worse than others. A good friend was in a coma for a week thanks to a Suzuki GSX-R. That does not scare me. I have the skills, the knowledge, and most importantly the attitude to conquer the streets on two wheels. The only thing holding me back is my car.
The 240sx takes up all of my resources. Time, energy, and most importantly money. All of my extra income goes into making my car handle better, look cooler, or do something that it didn’t do before. Cars are an expensive hobby and require dedication and sacrifice. Damn you, Nissan.
In the meantime, while I am dreaming, check out this gnarly video of the Black Devil cruising the streets of Moscow. I say cruising in an all-to whimsical manner. Rad.
Thursday
Damon's 180sx Type-X
The internet has brought a whole new way of living life. Blogs allow us to read other people’s thoughts on a daily basis. Web sites give us buying power that was once only dreamed of. Forums allow us to connect with others and meet people from all around the world, people we would normally never even come in contact with. It is always cool to know people on forums, talk to them and share thoughts almost daily, and really never even have a clue what they are really like on the other side of the computer. Sometimes you get a chance to meet them, most of the time you do not. My buddy Toby Broadfield likes Nissans just as much as I do, and has a cook out every year celebrating the brand of cars that we all cherish. It is a good time to meet with old friends, check out each other’s cars, and meet people who normally are just a username on an automobile forum. This year I met a guy I have known and talked to on zilvia.net for quite some time now. Damon has a really sick 180sx, a car that I have wanted to check out for a while. He is sporting genuine Type-X aero and a nice set of Work Emotion CR Kais. The car is neither perfect nor finished, but damn is it cool looking. I love the way Type-X aero sets a hatchback off, without being over the top. Here is a few picture of the bomb-ass whip that Damon drove down from Michigan.
Friday
Sliding a 350z : My Review
So Ive been driving for 8 years and sliding for about half of that. Ive driven many different chassis' and had various opinions on each. I would consider myself exeperienced in many forms of motorsports, beginning racing go-karts when I was just a little trouble-maker. I used to tear the streets up in my cart and run from anyone who tried to stop me. I learned various lessons of vehicle dynamics and physics all while having a blast. Driving cars was natural for me.
When I began sliding, I learned everything in my 240sx. The car was pretty damn perfect for a young kid. Enough power to get sideways, but not really enough of anything else to get hurt. It was predictable, easy to drive, and most important slow. Naturally, my skills outgrew the car in its former state and I was ready to start driving something with more potential.
When I began sliding the 350z things changed. This chassis is great. The vehicle has enough torque to get sideways with a pretty mild clutch kick. The powerband is phenominal for drifting and the stock VLSD does a nice job of locking when it should. The powertrain needs very little work to tackle medium speed corners, especially when paired with a lightweight set of wheels and tires.
The suspension on the 350z is also great. Although some people complain about harsh ride quality its actually a little soft for my taste. The car is highly predictable and the steering feel is heavy, but nice. Countersteering can be a bit of a chore with such a huge stock wheel, but the steering feel allows drivers to control the car in a slide very well. Once the car gets sideways, it is very twitchy and small driver adjustments make rather large impacts on the vehicles angle. Throttle control is highly important as small changes really snap the car in various directions. The short wheelbase is the cause of this issue.
All in all the 350z is a great car to drift. Although it takes a while to get used to its twitchiness, the car has great potential to become a serious street/track weapon. The only thing I need to get over is the fact that if I make a mistake, Im putting twenty grand into a wall, curb, or dumpster. Plus, the car belongs to my father who has a particularly low tolerance for wrecked possessions. Damn.
Heres a picture of my dads car, thanks to Nackers for the pic.
When I began sliding, I learned everything in my 240sx. The car was pretty damn perfect for a young kid. Enough power to get sideways, but not really enough of anything else to get hurt. It was predictable, easy to drive, and most important slow. Naturally, my skills outgrew the car in its former state and I was ready to start driving something with more potential.
When I began sliding the 350z things changed. This chassis is great. The vehicle has enough torque to get sideways with a pretty mild clutch kick. The powerband is phenominal for drifting and the stock VLSD does a nice job of locking when it should. The powertrain needs very little work to tackle medium speed corners, especially when paired with a lightweight set of wheels and tires.
The suspension on the 350z is also great. Although some people complain about harsh ride quality its actually a little soft for my taste. The car is highly predictable and the steering feel is heavy, but nice. Countersteering can be a bit of a chore with such a huge stock wheel, but the steering feel allows drivers to control the car in a slide very well. Once the car gets sideways, it is very twitchy and small driver adjustments make rather large impacts on the vehicles angle. Throttle control is highly important as small changes really snap the car in various directions. The short wheelbase is the cause of this issue.
All in all the 350z is a great car to drift. Although it takes a while to get used to its twitchiness, the car has great potential to become a serious street/track weapon. The only thing I need to get over is the fact that if I make a mistake, Im putting twenty grand into a wall, curb, or dumpster. Plus, the car belongs to my father who has a particularly low tolerance for wrecked possessions. Damn.
Heres a picture of my dads car, thanks to Nackers for the pic.
Thursday
To those before ME
When it comes to the car game, Im in so deep I often feel overwhelmed. I look around at those that have done this before me and wonder if I will ever really be happy with my car. I just keep grindin' and keep my head to the sky and hpe that one day my car will join the others on this list. What Im about to present to you, my good freinds, is a short synapse of everything that has inspired me over the years. If I had to make a list of all the cars that have influenced my car style this post would be longer than the internet itself. Im going to keep it simple, and list the top three cars that have molded me and my automobile extention into the beings that we are today. This list is in no particular order, because all of the cars have equally changed me. To list one above another would be a true injustice to Creation.
Joels C's Garage s13 coupe. This thing defines radical. I hate yellow cars more than I hate dirty sneakers. And my god do I love my shoes clean. But this thing changed my opinion. This thing made me like the crazy styled, wacked out track machines. This thing just recently jumped on my radar and became one of my fav's.
Next up is another creation from the boys in Australia. Adams purple people eater 180sx. Since I have the same platform this car brings me oodles of inspiration. The wheel fitment, the paint color, this car defines perfect for me. Plus its driven hard as shit and has the style to prove it.
Since my dad rocks a 350z, this car has always done it for me. Adafe has been pushing the limits of wheel fitment in the z33 chassis far more than anyone that comes to mind. This car rolls on new wheels every month and look cool as hell always. Its more of a showish car than Im used to, but it does it so right. Here it is sitting on a set of Weds that make my knees weak.
Joels C's Garage s13 coupe. This thing defines radical. I hate yellow cars more than I hate dirty sneakers. And my god do I love my shoes clean. But this thing changed my opinion. This thing made me like the crazy styled, wacked out track machines. This thing just recently jumped on my radar and became one of my fav's.
Next up is another creation from the boys in Australia. Adams purple people eater 180sx. Since I have the same platform this car brings me oodles of inspiration. The wheel fitment, the paint color, this car defines perfect for me. Plus its driven hard as shit and has the style to prove it.
Since my dad rocks a 350z, this car has always done it for me. Adafe has been pushing the limits of wheel fitment in the z33 chassis far more than anyone that comes to mind. This car rolls on new wheels every month and look cool as hell always. Its more of a showish car than Im used to, but it does it so right. Here it is sitting on a set of Weds that make my knees weak.
Perfectly good enough
http://broadfield.wordpress.com/2010/07/03/tuckn/
There are some people that cant leave well enough alone. My good freind Toby is the sining example of this fact. 300 wheel horsepower. Enough? Nope. 420 horse power and 350 foot pounds of torque must do. Thats some serious fricking power in a little car that weighs 2800 pounds. The damn thing loses traction in the top of fourth gear on the highway at 100 plus miles per hour. And hes running a 285 tire on an 18 by 11 inch wheel. The sad part is...hes building the motor. Thats right, hes putting forged internals on a car that already makes enough power to scare children for miles. This thing is going to break bones by the time hes actually happy with it.
The post before you is a prime example of Toby's anal-ness. Yeah, it all started with a small AC leak, but his engine bay used to be a prime example of everything clean and fresh. Polished, partially tucked, and down right beautiful. BUT not good enough for Mr Perfect (and I say that in a very rude, condiscending way).
Soooo, the post above you shows whats really good. Tucking the engine bay like a pro. I mean, the dude cut a hole in his transmission to run wires. Who does that? Only a psycho with all of the right tools and enough knowledge to write one thousand books. But I guess wires and Toby dont get along, after all he works with them 70 hours a week. So read his post, get inspired, and do something cool to your car. Even if it doesnt need it.
There are some people that cant leave well enough alone. My good freind Toby is the sining example of this fact. 300 wheel horsepower. Enough? Nope. 420 horse power and 350 foot pounds of torque must do. Thats some serious fricking power in a little car that weighs 2800 pounds. The damn thing loses traction in the top of fourth gear on the highway at 100 plus miles per hour. And hes running a 285 tire on an 18 by 11 inch wheel. The sad part is...hes building the motor. Thats right, hes putting forged internals on a car that already makes enough power to scare children for miles. This thing is going to break bones by the time hes actually happy with it.
The post before you is a prime example of Toby's anal-ness. Yeah, it all started with a small AC leak, but his engine bay used to be a prime example of everything clean and fresh. Polished, partially tucked, and down right beautiful. BUT not good enough for Mr Perfect (and I say that in a very rude, condiscending way).
Soooo, the post above you shows whats really good. Tucking the engine bay like a pro. I mean, the dude cut a hole in his transmission to run wires. Who does that? Only a psycho with all of the right tools and enough knowledge to write one thousand books. But I guess wires and Toby dont get along, after all he works with them 70 hours a week. So read his post, get inspired, and do something cool to your car. Even if it doesnt need it.
Wednesday
the good goods
So youre out driving, something breaks. Shocking right? Arent you tired of buying crappy parts that last about as long as it took them to get to your door? I know I am.
Im sick of buying brands. im sick of buying names. Im tired of buying things that simply dont work. I know many other agree. Its about time that a company produce parts that were built to withstand the crazy times that you undoubtedly dream about while youre at work. But the differance between you and them, is that you make dreams reality.
When youre out at a local spot slashing the streets up the last thing that should be on your mind is the parts you installed. You shouldnt be thinking about whether or not theyre going to last. You should be thinking about how to link turn 3 into turn 4 and getting as close to object X as possible (while maybe giving it a little love tap on the way out). Flashing Rights is more than just a blog, its also a one stop shop for everything drift. Suspension, chassis, interior. Everything you need to do work. Stop bitching about bad parts and start buying good ones.
Built by true professionals and con-a-sooooors, flashing rights shop provide you with everything you need to get sliding. And then some. So stop buying cheapo crap made in Taiwan and start getting the American built goods that your street-machine deserves. Trust me, you wont regret it for a minute. Stop on by to see what the fellas have cookin' for you, the aroma alone will not dissapoint.
http://flashingrights.webs.com/
Im sick of buying brands. im sick of buying names. Im tired of buying things that simply dont work. I know many other agree. Its about time that a company produce parts that were built to withstand the crazy times that you undoubtedly dream about while youre at work. But the differance between you and them, is that you make dreams reality.
When youre out at a local spot slashing the streets up the last thing that should be on your mind is the parts you installed. You shouldnt be thinking about whether or not theyre going to last. You should be thinking about how to link turn 3 into turn 4 and getting as close to object X as possible (while maybe giving it a little love tap on the way out). Flashing Rights is more than just a blog, its also a one stop shop for everything drift. Suspension, chassis, interior. Everything you need to do work. Stop bitching about bad parts and start buying good ones.
Built by true professionals and con-a-sooooors, flashing rights shop provide you with everything you need to get sliding. And then some. So stop buying cheapo crap made in Taiwan and start getting the American built goods that your street-machine deserves. Trust me, you wont regret it for a minute. Stop on by to see what the fellas have cookin' for you, the aroma alone will not dissapoint.
http://flashingrights.webs.com/
Australia state of mind
http://csgarage.wordpress.com/
By far one of the coolest crews in the drifting game right now comes from the land down under. C's Garage, comprised of some of the baddest drift cars on the planet, is definately one of my most visited blogs on the daily. Adams purple 180sx is by far my favorite car in the world at this moment. His brother Joel has the yellow coupe that convienently sits at number 2 on my all time favorite list. These guys are simply killin' it in all aspects.
Not only do they have great car style, but they have plenty to blog about. The guys beat the hell out of their machines and constantly post cool updates on the progress. The drifting game in Australia has a neat little quirkiness about it. I can just imagine what the general public thinks when they see these rocket-sleds cruising the streets of the giant Island. They have one hell of a workshop, one hell of a team, and one hell of a blog. Everyone agrees.
Again, Im not the only one thats one their jock. Many folk around the internet are loving the product that C's Garage is putting out. Its safe to say that these guys have one of the coolest drifting/car style blogs on the intrawebs at the moment. Im sure the hotness will continue to spew for quite some time. C's Garage, here a toast to you, for all the awesomeness you supply us. Keep up the good work gentlemen, you are truly appreciated.
http://csgarage.wordpress.com/
By far one of the coolest crews in the drifting game right now comes from the land down under. C's Garage, comprised of some of the baddest drift cars on the planet, is definately one of my most visited blogs on the daily. Adams purple 180sx is by far my favorite car in the world at this moment. His brother Joel has the yellow coupe that convienently sits at number 2 on my all time favorite list. These guys are simply killin' it in all aspects.
Not only do they have great car style, but they have plenty to blog about. The guys beat the hell out of their machines and constantly post cool updates on the progress. The drifting game in Australia has a neat little quirkiness about it. I can just imagine what the general public thinks when they see these rocket-sleds cruising the streets of the giant Island. They have one hell of a workshop, one hell of a team, and one hell of a blog. Everyone agrees.
Again, Im not the only one thats one their jock. Many folk around the internet are loving the product that C's Garage is putting out. Its safe to say that these guys have one of the coolest drifting/car style blogs on the intrawebs at the moment. Im sure the hotness will continue to spew for quite some time. C's Garage, here a toast to you, for all the awesomeness you supply us. Keep up the good work gentlemen, you are truly appreciated.
http://csgarage.wordpress.com/
Tuesday
my Stance on things
In the sport of drifting control is sort of an odd thought. After all, drifting is essentially the controlled loss of control. Making it look like you know what you’re doing when things are milliseconds from ending in disaster. Controlled chaos, havoc with style.
The most important piece of the puzzle when setting up a proper drift car is the choice of suspension components. In the case of the ever-popular Nissan 240sx, there are countless amounts of suspension components to choose from. Cheap to expensive, mass-produced to one-off, even knock-offs and name brands. The list of possibilities is virtually endless.
Coilovers are by far the most important suspension component on a drift car. The matching of a proper spring and damper is critical to successful suspension harmony. There are countless brands of coilovers that all offer various levels of adjustability, ride quality, ride height, and even cool little gizmos such as cock-pit adjustability. Some coilovers are sold purely by the name associated with them. Some truly work.
When it comes to coilovers there is only one brand that I will ever endorse; Stance.
Stance coilovers are by far the best that Ive driven on. The ride quality is fantastic and road feel is impeccable. 32 way dampening adjustability allows drivers to make fine adjustments at the track. The ability to go extremely low makes sure you look cool doing it. Mix the true features with the fact that they are sold, serviced, and rebuilt right here in the Midwest and you have a recipe for a damn good product.
After running numerous coilover setups on my s13 I have finally found one that works. If you don’t believe me, ask the countless amount of other Midwest drivers that also run Stance. Or just take my word for it and head down to Touge Factory to pick up a set. You wont regret it.
www.stance-USA.com
www.tougefactory.com
Mister Broadfield
Theres a very few amount of people that get me. Theres an even less amount of people that get my car style.
I first saw Toby’s s13 when I was riding a bus. That’s right, me…on a city bus. I can honestly say that’s the first and last time I ever rode the city transportation device. Oh how my freshman year of college SUCKED. A year without my car was like a fish without water. More like a fish trying to walk in the desert.
The crazy thing about Toby Broadfield is that we are so different, yet so alike. Hes married with one and one half children, established and a pretty calm dude. Im pretty much the opposite. Our cars are incredibly similar in essence yet amazingly different in execution. We both appreciate super clean, OEM styled automobiles with a few hints of wild here and there. No aero, no craziness, but a dash of something to make most people say “holt shit” when they actually pay attention. Except hes been doing this A LOT longer than me.
With that being said, heres a picture that captures the true essence of his s13. Mild mannered, yet so god damn beastly at the same time. Normal, plain, even boring to the people that don’t matter. Badass, cool, and flat out ridiculous to the people that do. Sitting next to a jet is about the only place that this car really belongs.
If pictures say a thousand words, than the picture before you just wrote a series of novels. This is some Twilight type ish. That big hunk of polished awesome cranks out 420 horsepower of bowel movement inducing madness. This thing is scary. Not like “boo” scary. Im talking sideways at 100+mph type scary. I can vouch.
I highly advise you to check out Toby's blog at http://broadfield.wordpress.com/
If you like fast things, you will like this.
I first saw Toby’s s13 when I was riding a bus. That’s right, me…on a city bus. I can honestly say that’s the first and last time I ever rode the city transportation device. Oh how my freshman year of college SUCKED. A year without my car was like a fish without water. More like a fish trying to walk in the desert.
The crazy thing about Toby Broadfield is that we are so different, yet so alike. Hes married with one and one half children, established and a pretty calm dude. Im pretty much the opposite. Our cars are incredibly similar in essence yet amazingly different in execution. We both appreciate super clean, OEM styled automobiles with a few hints of wild here and there. No aero, no craziness, but a dash of something to make most people say “holt shit” when they actually pay attention. Except hes been doing this A LOT longer than me.
With that being said, heres a picture that captures the true essence of his s13. Mild mannered, yet so god damn beastly at the same time. Normal, plain, even boring to the people that don’t matter. Badass, cool, and flat out ridiculous to the people that do. Sitting next to a jet is about the only place that this car really belongs.
If pictures say a thousand words, than the picture before you just wrote a series of novels. This is some Twilight type ish. That big hunk of polished awesome cranks out 420 horsepower of bowel movement inducing madness. This thing is scary. Not like “boo” scary. Im talking sideways at 100+mph type scary. I can vouch.
I highly advise you to check out Toby's blog at http://broadfield.wordpress.com/
If you like fast things, you will like this.
Thursday
blank canvas
White. Blanco.
The complete lack of color is powerful in so many ways. Theres no distractions or impurities. Nothing exists to deter from what your eyes intend to see, from what life intends you to capture. White is so plain, yet so freaking detailed in the same sense. What is really going on? Can there really be -nothing-?
Well yes, my friends, there can. What lies before you is something so simple that the untrained eye may simply pass it over. In a world of neons, bass-boat flake, crazy candy colors, and enough tacky hues to make a strong immune system sick, exists a color that is plainer and more boring than all. Or something like that. This year the wheels also morphed into something white. Maybe its just the freshness. Maybe its the fact that theyre damn near impossible to keep clean. Maybe Im just missing something that everyone else isnt. But hot damn does a white on white combo do it for me.
Ive always been a fan of white. Honestly, white is my favorite color on pretty much anything. A new pair of sneakers, vanilla ice cream, womens teeth, but most importantly my street slasher aka automobile. To truly capture the crispiness I surrounded the car with all things grunge. Abandoned buildings straight from Shutter Island, nasty ass dumpsters, and a dirty and tagged up water tower that hasnt been used since drinking water was brown. My car felt so at home in these pictures, amongst the filth that is the world. WHITE - Its the new black/lime-green/pink/whatever color you used to think was cool.
Friday
When it snows it dumps
Ramp shots circa 2007
My car was getting boring. I was getting sick of my wheel setup and wanted to go lower so I decided to make some changes. I switched up some suspension goodies and swapped out my Tein coilovers for a set of Stances. Night and day. Should have done this last year.
After talking to the right people I ended up taking a nice little trip to Chillicothe, Missouri to trade for a set of 18x9.5 +15's, pretty much the best sized 4 lug wheels available. Powdercoated them white and stretched on some 215/40 feddy's and called it a day. Pretty much perfect fitment after a few adjustments.
BLAM
Drove it for a while, rubbed everywhere. Drove it some more. Still rubbed everywhere. Oh well, the car is always covered in rubber anyways. People stare like Im driving a hovercraft Ordinary folk will never understand.
The interior has been gettin some love and attention for once. Imagine that. Stripped and gutted like only a fisherman knows how. She says its too loud, I just point to the Gucci. Picked up a fitted one of my favorite things, my Nardi steering wheel. If youve never heard of Nardi, I bet youve heard of italian suede and Ferrari.
Now the cage is fully in and the d-max floormats are sitting pretty. Proper photoshoot once the cage gets powdercoated like Key Lime Pie.
My car was getting boring. I was getting sick of my wheel setup and wanted to go lower so I decided to make some changes. I switched up some suspension goodies and swapped out my Tein coilovers for a set of Stances. Night and day. Should have done this last year.
After talking to the right people I ended up taking a nice little trip to Chillicothe, Missouri to trade for a set of 18x9.5 +15's, pretty much the best sized 4 lug wheels available. Powdercoated them white and stretched on some 215/40 feddy's and called it a day. Pretty much perfect fitment after a few adjustments.
BLAM
Drove it for a while, rubbed everywhere. Drove it some more. Still rubbed everywhere. Oh well, the car is always covered in rubber anyways. People stare like Im driving a hovercraft Ordinary folk will never understand.
The interior has been gettin some love and attention for once. Imagine that. Stripped and gutted like only a fisherman knows how. She says its too loud, I just point to the Gucci. Picked up a fitted one of my favorite things, my Nardi steering wheel. If youve never heard of Nardi, I bet youve heard of italian suede and Ferrari.
Now the cage is fully in and the d-max floormats are sitting pretty. Proper photoshoot once the cage gets powdercoated like Key Lime Pie.
Flashcracks
Years go by. People morph. Styles come and go and come back again. Cool things become hot, hot things become ice cold. Rad cars get destroyed and new ones get built. Yet nothings changes.
Theres something about reminiscing that snaps life back to reality. Every now and then a mere peek into the past reminds me of why Im here, why Im different. What caused all this madness. They say you cant see where youre going without taking a look into the past. I don’t listen. I say you cant look into the past without seeing where you should be going.
In the early 00's I was just starting to get my life figured out. Then this happened. Watch and enjoy a dip, more like a relaxing soak, into the past. Koguchi killin' it to the Nth degree in the 180sx that made drifting cool. Atleast to me (and the others who are unmentionably inspired by one of the coolest s-chassis' in the world, ever.)
Sticking with the theme, the car (or atleast the spirit of it) now sits as such. Different in so many ways, yet so unchanged in the ways that actually matter.
So there it is, a glimpse into the single automobile that started it all for me. Its like the first time I ever saw Jordan stick his tongue out. Inspirational would be a gross understatement and jaw dropping would be doing this car a severe injustice.
“The game existed before us, but it will never be the same –after- us”
Theres something about reminiscing that snaps life back to reality. Every now and then a mere peek into the past reminds me of why Im here, why Im different. What caused all this madness. They say you cant see where youre going without taking a look into the past. I don’t listen. I say you cant look into the past without seeing where you should be going.
In the early 00's I was just starting to get my life figured out. Then this happened. Watch and enjoy a dip, more like a relaxing soak, into the past. Koguchi killin' it to the Nth degree in the 180sx that made drifting cool. Atleast to me (and the others who are unmentionably inspired by one of the coolest s-chassis' in the world, ever.)
Sticking with the theme, the car (or atleast the spirit of it) now sits as such. Different in so many ways, yet so unchanged in the ways that actually matter.
So there it is, a glimpse into the single automobile that started it all for me. Its like the first time I ever saw Jordan stick his tongue out. Inspirational would be a gross understatement and jaw dropping would be doing this car a severe injustice.
“The game existed before us, but it will never be the same –after- us”
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