WTF Friday: Pacemaker

By

-

Nov 4, 2011

What could be more embarrassing than getting blow away by a Pacer? Probably getting blown away by a Pacer that still has its original wood paneling in tact.

You’ve got to give it to the builder Steve Bashford for keeping this Pacer as factory looking as possible while turning it into a balls to the wall drag car that runs down the quarter mile in 10 seconds.

Steve’s recipe for a silly quick Pacer was pretty simple: get a 9,000 mile Pacer that everyone looked over when building Waynes World replicas and stuff an LS7 crate motor in it with a Powerglide transmission and Ford rear end behind it.

Of course while doing this he also had suspension and cage work done by Advance Chassis and went that extra mile to make sure that none of the aftermarket additions took away from the cars um… iconic look.

pacemaker4 — LS7 with a few quick bolt ons

pacemaker6 — I've become a little obsessed with underbodies after Mikes feature

pacemaker7 — Ford 9" rear ends end up in all sorts of drag cars

pacemaker5 — Gotta love that he kept the patterning on the seats...

pacemaker3 — With the short wheel base those wheelie bars are a must

pacemaker1 — I suddenly want to see this car go up against the Bad Seed Chevette (Caddy powered Chevette)

A full article on this funny little hatch can be found here on Hot Rod Magazine.

Site Updates

Trying to iron out a few collaborations with people in Vegas and beyond to show you guys a bit of SEMA coverage that has not hit the net yet. If it works out you should see it over the next few weeks.

In store related news I am going to be putting the ‘Plow King‘ stickers back on sale this week as it is getting about that time.

Flashback Friday

I’ve been looking at a lot of SEMA coverage this week which really makes me regret not going again, my feet and wallet are pretty happy I didn’t though.

Anyway here are a few photos from my coverage last year (clicking each pic will take you to that coverage) along with a link back to all of it at the bottom.

Stance Is Everything at SEMA 2010 I’m going back 2012 or you can all call me out for lying.

Guest Coverage: Drift Ops Oct 30 2011

By

DaveT

-

Nov 3, 2011

1

Drift Ops along with Cool Kids and sponsor Sailun Tires just wrapped up a successful season of drift events at local track Shannoville.

In some cruel twist of fate I was busy every Sunday that they had an event this year, but for the season-ender Charles Spivak was able to make it out and he kindly offered up his coverage for the site.

It looks the event had a great turnout and everyone had a good time shredding tires one last time before either converting their cars to winter status or giving them an off season over haul.

Hopefully next year I will be able to make it out to one of these events, though I will probably come home with some serious rear wheel drive envy… but what else is new?

On Track

mats — Mats has no issue throwing this giant sedan around

clean_2 — This s14 is super clean, I dig

amanda — Amanda is not only good at drifting... she can fiberglass pretty damn good too

pat_1 — Pats car fresh off a Formula Drift season

pat_2 — I hope Pat doesn't change the color of his car this year so I can finally finish that RC rep...

Off Track

xxrs — Daily wheels make way for drift spares

jon — Jon's bumper finally give up the ghost?

amanda2 — Amanda's car in the afternoon sun

santi — Looks like Santi (Static Motion whats up) changed a few things up front

kevin_1 — Looks like Kevin might have done a little landscaping

wayne — Looks like Wayne wrapped his IS, awesome choice in color

End it with my favorite shot of the set and I don't even smoke...

Big thanks to Charles for hookin’ up the photos and check is flickr out (flickr.com/cspivakphoto) for this entire set along with other events from 2011.

Shout out to JDM EGO

By

DaveT

-

Nov 3, 2011

0

One of the best things about blogging is networking and ‘meeting’ people and one of the people I’ve met along the way is Jay from JDM EGO.

Before I started this blog I spent a lot of time reading SpeedHunters, Motormavens, The Chronicles, and Fatlace/Hella Flush, shortly after I started filing my RSS reader with blogs mentioned on those sites.

JDM ego came up pretty often on the last two so I subscribed to his RSS and was hooked instantly.

In addition to posting a plethora of awesome AWD builds (like his own) he also posts artwork, die casts, and occasionally BMX related memorabilia, furthermore he is a nice guy who’s always responded to any email I sent.

Recently I expressed an interest in the “Hella Bored Of Stance” license plate frame (the humor is not lost on me) and as luck would have it even though they are sold out he managed to dig one up for me along with some stickers.

A couple of these stickers are going to make it on my toolbox, laptop, and car but the rest might be waking their way into the next giveaway so if you see something you like stay tuned for that.

If you can’t wait and want something right away (and I don’t blame you) head over to the official JDM EGO store.

I had intentions of running the plate cover next season but I think my GF might have claimed it so perhaps I will just keep my ‘I Get Rad’ plate frame on a little bit longer… I do have two after all.

Featured Ride: Mike’s 3.3T GTI

By

DaveT

-

Nov 2, 2011

10

I’ve never met Mike but based on the picture he paints of himself on twitter he is one hard working SOB.

When these pictures of his car arrived in my inbox it was easy to see where all those late nights nights and early mornings have gone over the past several years.

His GTI is the perfect balance of function and form and there simply won’t be anything like it again for long time.

View 1500px version in new window

Condensing a build like this down into a few words is no easy task but the best place to start would probably be the motor.

It is a 3.2L VR6 Mk4 R32 mill that was been bored 0.5 over to 3.3 liters and had a huge laundry list of modifications thrown at it including JE 8.5-1 compression 0.5 over bore pistons, Integrated Engineering forged connecting rods, ARP Fasteners, and Racewear head studs.

View 1500px version in new window

Once fully built and ready to accept more power a C2Motorsports Stage 3 R32 turbo kit was added before a United Motor sport tune was done to really get things moving.

Now when the gas pedal becomes one with the floor the car puts out a whooping 507hp and 400lbs of torque transmitted to the ground via an OEM six speed R32 transmission that has been fully cryo treated and filled with Motul synthetic lube.

View 1500px version in new window

Screaming along with the tires at WOT is a custom, silicone coated and heat wrapped, 3” exhaust that is tucked up between orange powder coated components and surrounded by a completely sealed and repainted underbody.

Sending 500hp through a Quaffie limited slip differential to undersized overstretched rubber would be completely asinine so in front of the Tar*OX BBK (13.62″ Rotors up front and 11″ vented and drilled discs out back) are timeless 19×8.5 and 19×10 BBS LMs wrapped in Falken RT615K rubber.

View 1500px version in new window

Aesthetically this car has many of the Mk4 Golf aftermarket norms done including a complete shave of OEM adornments (save for the handles) and OEM R32 bumpers, but what really separates this vehicle’s exterior from the rest are the minute details.

Hiding under the white and various shades of gray is one of the cars most unique modifications, a custom Pro-fit fuel door that swivels on its own axis and points away from the filler using an aftermarket popping fuel mechanism originally made for the GMC Denali.

View 1500px version in new window

Going to the trouble to graft on an OEM Denali rear quarter panel for something most people will never notice may seem a bit crazy but it is a guaranteed way to have a modification that no one is going to copy anytime soon.

On the subject of bodywork do not for a second think that anything is unfinished under the vinyl.

The roof, center section of hood, grille/grille surround, hatch spoiler, mirrors, and sections between door and quarter panel glass, have been re-painted in a base flat black DP90 sealant while the rest of the exterior has been painted OEM Reflex Silver.

View 1500px version in new window

To match the built motor and uniquely modified exterior is an equally tastefully done interior, seating is handled by OEM R32 seats that have been wrapped in black suede to match the OMP race steering wheel and perfectly complement the raw brushed metal 6 point cage.

Incredible is simply the only way to describe this build and to really appreciate it without seeing it I suggest you scroll down to the modification list below.

It easily rivals the amount of modifications people put into several cars over a lifetime.

View 1500px version in new window

Modification List

Exterior

OEM .:R32 front bumper.emblem notch, corner markers, and upper swag/body line in lower bumper cover all shaved/smoothed
OEM R32 rear bumper. both exhaust openings removed and smoothed
All body side moldings removed/smoothed through out
fender marker lights removed/smoothed
rear hatch emblem, handle, and wiper removed/smoothed. Wiper delete from a 1983 Honda civic base model car, NOS part direct from Honda
gas door, replaced with “Pro Fit Fuel Doors”, billet fuel door. aftermarket popping fuel door made for 99-04GMC Denali/ Cadillac Escalade. pops out, then pivots on its own axis point/turns away from the filler. hadto buy, and then mold a Denali quarter to make it fit properly, and still works off the OEM switch
VIS carbon OEM Gti hood w/notch originally. Notch filled in and smoothed, filled with a carbon/ Kevlar material used for race car repair
Roof, center section of hood between the body lines, grille, grille surrounding section of front bumper, hatch spoiler, mirrors, and sections between door and quarter panel glass, re-painted in a base flat black DP90 sealant, then cleared with a clear made from 60/40 flex and flat additive.
Remainder of car based in OEM reflex silver, and clear coated in the same 60/40 flex and flat mixture
OEM taillights and rear license plate, scuffed down, and cleared in the same mix, so as to match the overall hue of the rest of the cars finish.
Headlights, and housings broken down. Inner bezels, and assembly painted matte black, and headlights re-assembled.
Full digital camo vnyl wrap

Interior

OEM .:R32 headliner, fully recovered in suede, and having deleted all seat belt mounting points in the rear
OMP Race steering wheel, black leather finish. w/ Sparco hub adapter, and quick release steering hub
.:R32 front and rear seats, and matching black .:R seat belts in front
New South column pod, w/ autometer phantom 30 psi boost gauge, clocked to put max boost at eye level/ straight up and down
fully custom fabricated 6 point roll cage. Boxed, plated, and through the floor, fully welded in. even so far as to be welded into the dashboard support beam behind dash. Prepped, smoothed, and finished in a raw metal brushed look, and treated from time to time to keep it rust free
OEM TT 225 6 speed shift knob
OEM beetle “turbo S” pedal set
OEM .:R32 brushed door pull/ window controls, and door opener pull handles
OEM .:R32 center console, w/o center arm rest

Wheels/ tires/ brakes/ suspension

Tar*Ox B34 10 Piston front calipers, with 13.6 2 piece front rotors, and S/S lines
Performance Café 11 inch rear vented and drilled rear brake upgrade, w/ stainless braided lines, and calipers also stripped and powder coated clear.
19×8.5 and 19×10 BBS LM
Bilstein PSS9 fully adjustable coilovers
Autotech lower rear sway bar
TT solid rubber control arm bushings
all bushings, and mounts, front and rear were replaced 6k miles ago (upper front, control arm, and sway bar, rear beam, rear upper mounts) lower front subframe, control arms, center support beam, and rear torsion beam axle powder coated orange. as well, entire under body re painted with matte black rock gaurd sealant.

Engine

3.2l VR6 mk4 R32 motor, bored .5 over to a 3.3
JE 8.5-1 compression, .5 over bore pistons, with True Seal rings.
Integrated Engineering forged connecting rods
ARP rod and lower end fasteners
Racewear head studs
Mishimoto Aluminum radiator, and modified electric fans and shroud from a 2G DSM car
Samco “urban camo” coolant hoses
Precision Turbo PTB300.6267E turbo w/custom billet impeller wheel (C2Motorsports Stg3 R32 Turbo kit)
C2Motorsports Turbo Inlet (The “Bat”)
GrimmSpeed Manual boost controller
TIAL 38mm external wastegate
550 cc injectors
Bosch 044 255lph motosport inline fuel pump
3 inch custom turbo back exhaust, wrapped in heat wrap and silicon coated all the way back to the bumper
deleted SAI, and Evap systems
C2Motorsports turbo manifold
C2Motorsports 3 inch V-band Down Pipe and high flow cat
C2Motorsports “QuickFlow” Short Runner Intake manifold
C2Motorsports Front mount inter-cooler
Forge Motorsport Diverter Valve
VF Engineering motor, transmission, and dogbone mounts
Moroso drag car style coolant res
BSH MK5 2.0t race catch can.
United Motorsport (Jeff Atwood) ECM tuning
(507 horsepower, 400 lb feet of torque @ the front wheels at psi of boost, 92 octane “plain ole’ pump” gas)

Transmission

OEM 24v O2M 6 Speed
fully cryo-treated gear set, all internal gears and parts
Quaiffe limited slip differential
strengthened synchros throughout
ClutchMasters 725 dual disc clutch
Motul Synthetic Gear lube

If anything on that list jumps out at you as something you would want on your own ride don’t be afraid to get in contact with Mike (low ballers need not apply) because he’s already moved onto another project and is parting this one out.

Audi 80 fans rejoice because Mike’s next project will be right up your alley.

Special thanks to Jared Levine for cutting me in on the exclusive list of websites he has given the opportunity to run these photos.

Theme Tuesdays: Vette Wheels

By

DaveT

-

Nov 1, 2011

9

Today’s Theme Tuesday is a direct result of a suggestion from the fanpage, if you ever have something you want to see don’t be scared to throw out an idea.

I usually get started right away so I don’t forget.

The use of Vette wheels seems to have slowed down some from late 2009 and 2010 but they still mange to show up in some of the darnedest places.

I actually wouldn’t be too surprised if someone told me that saw blades and salad shooters were more popular outside of the Corvette community than within.

vette_wheels_1 — I feel quite terrible for helping my friend sell his Sabbaru seeing ones like this

vette_wheels_3 — These wheels fit Mk3 Golfs really damn well

vette_wheels_21 — Dan between h20i and here

vette_wheels_4 — This is straight from the fan page, didn't know e30 guys were bolting up Vette wheels too

vette_wheels_12 — Not just for cosmetic purpose either it would appear

vette_wheels_2 — Quite honestly never expected to see them on a Saturn... I think this is boosted too

vette_wheels_5 — Super awesome build I was following for awhile, should catch up on it... Elevens Paint & Fiber project

vette_wheels_6 — Corolla on C5s? Looks good.

vette_wheels_8 — Really like the rake on this wagon

vette_wheels_7 — Been awhile since I've seen what Adrian has been up too

vette_wheels_10 — This infuriates my friend Josh

vette_wheels_23 — On the fence about this one to be honest

v2lab_x_hp_x_sos0197 — One of two relatively stock body bagged 3s

vette_wheels_22 — First Mk6 I have seen on blades

vette_wheels_11 — This car was soon junked after the convertible 'conversion' was done

vette_wheels_13 — I'll be honest when Sean switched to these wheels I was pretty bummed, but he kept it clean as always

vette_wheels_14 — Switching things up with an e36 on c5 kicks

vette_wheels_17 — Look right at home on this 454ss

vette_wheels_18 — Leaving Rally wheels out of this would have been wrong

I’ve still got a few more kicking around so I’ll try and spread them out among other posts over the winter.

Ride Low, Park Lower

By

DaveT

-

Oct 31, 2011

9

I like air ride, I always have and I always will.

With a lot of my favorite cars and trucks riding on air I don’t really buy into the idea that static is anymore hardcore than air.

Take Jeff for example, I heard him scraping his way down the road to Oktoberfest before I saw him and on the way out he didn’t raise his car up past stock height as many would assume, he kept it hammered and left the same way he arrived.

Shortly after I posted the coverage from that event Jeff mentioned he didn’t have any high res photos of his car at ride height so I took a second pass at the photo photos I posted from that event along with one I didn’t and another from the United We Stance Coverage.

View 1500px version in new window

View 1500px version in a new window

Ride low, park lower.

WTF Friday: Misguided Talent?

By

DaveT

-

Oct 28, 2011

3

I’ll admit I have been going back and forth about whether or not I should do a post about this person/shop as when I first saw the cars produced therein I initially assumed it was just another bondo workshop.

However after clicking through to the shops car domain page I was quite impressed at the work that lay underneath.

While the final products are not be something I would drive I am very impressed at the workmanship behind all of these builds.

To help illustrate my point here are the first photos I saw:

Most of you looking at these photos probably had a similar reaction to my own, the Trans Am looks a bit like K.I.T.T. after a mid life crisis, the Malibu is old meets new in an odd way, and the ~~Elantra~~ Accent is so far away from what Hydundai originally intended that I ~~almost~~ didn’t recognize it.

But looking at some of the progress pictures below its easy to tell that the builder is very capable with a welder and some metal and I know I wouldn’t be upset if this guy offered to teach me a few things about working with metal.

misguided_7 — The rear end, front end, sides and wide body on the Accent is actually done with more metal than filler

misguided_5 — Even the bumper is entirely made of sheet metal and not fibreglass

misguided_3 — The shop has even taken to building what resembles an armoured A-Team Van

misguided_11 — This sheet metal dash blew me away

misguided_12 — It doesn't even look too out of place inside the older s10

I know a few local body shops (I’m looking at you Mazda Warranty approved shops) that could learn a thing or two from this guys attention to detail.

If you’re like me and want to see more of what is under the paint click through.

Site Updates

I noticed the fan page clicked over 6000 fans, thanks everyone for the support. I’ve got a few ideas written down on scrap pieces of paper here to keep the winter interesting so stick around and tell your friends.

I wish I could tell you guys I was going to SEMA again this year but c’est la vie.

Flashback Friday

Remember Geby’s FD? If not you should, it is fire.

Event Coverage: Squeaky Clean 2011

By

DaveT

-

Oct 27, 2011

8

After successfully running Tuners Against Street Racing for a few years Matthew M (previous feature s2k owner) decided to switch gears a bit and start a new show series called ‘Squeaky Clean’ aimed towards those with more subtle modifications done to their cars.

The first Squeeky Clean show took place two weeks ago at JRP and even though mother nature didn’t seem to fond about the idea of Matt having a show that day about 35 or so cars ended up coming out to participate in the event.

I arrived in time for it to start drying up but it was still pretty cold so as the judges hustled to wrap things up as quickly as possible I made my rounds with the camera.

Imports

Being an Honda guy Matt got a lot of support from the Import crowd.

civic_white — I didn't notice the leather guts in this car until looking at the photo again today

honda_crx_Stickers_2 — I believe this car took home best sticker application or something like that

honda_crx_stickers — Guessing dude works at a skate shop, or at least knows someone who does

dan — Facebook alerted me that Dan is looking to go lower next year.. something custom I think

honda_sir — You can't really see it here but this car had a slight pearl in the paint

acura_da — Damn this is a nice looking DA on what look to be BBS RAs

honda_happy — Never seen aftermarket center caps in e30 baskets before, clever

honda_happy_head — I've always wondered if people steal these things? Would be weird to come back and find yours missing

teg — The anodized lips set this car off pretty nice

acura_mugen — Those Mugen sides do not look speed bump friendly

honda_sedan — Recognized a few cars from JDMR at the show

honda_elevated — Elevated came out to show Matt some support

honda_8 — LMs... I should do another LM appreciation Theme Tues

elevated — The Elevated EK and ChopShop EK are too of the hottest looking Civics in town

alex_1 — Alex is looking to go further aggressive out back next year

dylan_1 — Dylan's Silvia on Pansport G7s

honda_s2k_matt — Which looks like it's got more camber since the last time I saw it... not surprised he is always changing stuff on his cars

scion_front — I didn't know this Scion was actually from Miami.. probably wishes he was home now

scion_interior_1 — Love the Personal wheel in this interior

scion_underhood_2 — The engine bay was pretty unique

scion_underhood_1 — With this stealing the spotlight

Subaru

John’s Subaru is pretty wild I didn’t know just how wild until I read his feature in Performance Auto and Sound that outlined just how much work he has put into this car. It’s certainly one of the more show oriented builds in the area but he drives the heck out of the car and it puts down a serious amount of horse power.

subaru_int — Orange/blue interior with Cusco cage and a plethora of gauges

subaru_rear — John has more sponsors than I have modifications

Euro

I was told minutes before I showed up a whole bunch of VWs rolled out, bummer.

Jetta on AMG triple 5 spokes that I think come on the CLS36?

vw_roti_front — Dope Jetta on TMBs I also saw later at the ChopShop BBQ

vw_j_3 — Jujhar recently had some work done to his Golf, love the new front sans bra

vw_j_2 — Hoping to maybe shoot this car some more next season

I beleive Matt plans to have the event earlier next year so expect a bigger turnout for Squeaky Clean 2012

Always been a fan of this one

By

DaveT

-

Oct 26, 2011

3

I’ve seen this car at a few local events and it has always stood out to me as being one of those cars that just looks “right”.

The owner isn’t trying to push any boundaries when it comes to ride height, camber, or fitment and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Stance isn’t all about specs and shock value, execution and final product play a big part and this car has been executed beautifully.

local_350_1 — Nothing on this car is overstated

local_350_2 — And every modification flows together perfect

local_350_3 — Doesn't hurt the car looks to be in immaculate shape

local_350_3a — Do you think the designer of te37s gets royalties?

These photos taken by Studio 2.8 were taken last year pre-spacers.

local_350_6 — Studio 2.8 always produces awesome photos

local_350_4 — Even in black and white this car is sick

Kudos to the owner for doing this Z up proper.

Theme Tuesdays: Air cooled Beetles

By

DaveT

-

Oct 25, 2011

10

The ‘blame’ for this weeks Theme Tuesday can squarely be placed on the shoulders of previously featured photographer and current BC(?) resident Mike McConnell.

After spotting the Beetle that used to be his at Oktoberfest I read through the entire build thread which left me wanting more.

Since it’s been a long time since I have dedicated a Theme Tuesday to this iconic car I spent some time last night pulling a quick list together.

I still have the tabs open where I got these photos from open so don’t be surprised if this platform is featured again on a Tuesday in the not so distant future.