Home Blog Page 96

Event Coverage: 2013 Roadmates Corn Roast

0

Every year tucked away in a small corner of Mississauga The Roadmates (One of  Canada’s Oldest Hot Rod Clubs) hosts a corn roast for members and friends a like. This event has an atmosphere very similar to the Majestics/Luxrious BBQ making it another one of my favourite events of the season.

One of the elements that makes this event so enjoyable is that there is never any shortage of stories being tossed around by people who have been doing this whole car modification thing for longer than I’ve been alive.

This year a long time member told us quite a few stories of days gone by that he capped off with a story about his old low rider that was so close to the ground his wife had to get out of the car so he could enter and exit driveways. On occasion she even had to lend a hand by lifting the bumper of the car just that little bit so he could get over whatever hurdle happened to be in the way.

Eventually his wife got fed up with that so he built a more practical daily but damn it if wasn’t an amusing story.

 

2013_road_mates_corn_roast_1956_ford
Awesome looking ’56 delivery
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_black_ford_side
Nothing quite like a classic 5 window
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_yellow_ford
Another 5 window, this one looks to be sporting a bit of a chop
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_exterior
This was a pretty slick build
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_interior
The interior is one of the best I’ve ever seen of any car
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_no_class_1
This car is quite the opposite of the one above…
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_no_class_2
…but still not without it’s charm
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_ford_super
When I saw this car I was immediately drawn to what was under the hood
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_ford_super_2
never quite seen a forced induction set-up like this before
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_ford_flames
So many cars in attendance had such a classic iconic look about them

2013_road_mates_corn_roast_ford_flames_2

2013_road_mates_corn_roast_yenko_1
I felt this shot perfectly captured the stance on this Nova
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_hot_mix
Classic boulevard cruiser, love the frenched headlights
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_pi_speed_shops
Bob McJanett’s  of Performance Improvements ‘never too quick’ roadster
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_headlight
While moving from one vehicle to another this shot caught my eye…
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_details_1
…as did this
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_details_2
Keith’s car doesn’t really have any bad angles too photograph
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_keith_1
When people cleared out I couldn’t help but take a few more shots

2013_road_mates_corn_roast_keith_2

2013_road_mates_corn_roast_keith_3
I beleive he just recently put it up for sale
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_rollin_1
His friend Chris also happens to have an awesome car
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_geto_cruzr_front
Of all the builds though I probably spent the most time looking at this one…
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_geto_cruzr_rear
….not quite sure what it was about it but I found it pretty interesting…
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_geto_cruzrinterior
…the 50’s Edsel dash was quite unexpected…
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_size_matters
…and this was just funny…
2013_road_mates_corn_roast_field_of_vision_1
I’ve never wished a rear view mirror wasn’t there more

2013_road_mates_corn_roast_geto_cruzr_group

Theme Tuesdays: Lettin’ The Sparks Fly: Part 3

4

In the middle of a few Theme Tuesday ideas right now so I decided to fall back to all old faithful topic this week.

Funny in Part 2 of this series I was debating the switch to air and that I have it I have yet to produce any dragging photos…something to try out on my winter wheels (Works would tear my quarters to shreds) perhaps.

I digress…

sparks3
I love seeing lowriders holdin’ it down in these posts
sparks13
S10 killin it
sparks12
Passat Wagon courtesy of Klutch Rebublik
sparks5
Static sparks
sparks11
I learned today that Drake has a song called ‘Wu-Tang Forver’ on his new album. Not sure how I feel about that. This has nothing to do with this photo
sparks7
Is it me or does it look like there’s a surf board in the back of this truck?
sparks9
Super high bed floor on this truck
sparks8
Post wouldn’t be complete without a tilt tag…
sparks6
…or a first gen s10
sparks4
One of the sharpest night dragging shots I’ve ever seen
sparks10
I tried to hard to find a higher res photo of this shot. Sadly I just ended up with dead myspace page links
sparks14
I know there are no sparks but this is awesome
sparks15
End this round with a unique approach at a dragging shot, all sparks no truck.

Event Coverage: Nextmod Mississauga Grand Opening

2

Since opening their flagship Markham store in ’09 Nextmod has been steadily working hard to become a household name among tuners in Canada. A Montreal store is in the works and their Ottawa location opened mid summer.

Exactly one week ago Nextmod opened their third store in Mississauga to an extremely positive reception and large turnout.

nextmod_mississauga_grand_inside_1

nextmod_mississauga_grand_inside_2

The new west end store is the first of all locations to feature a large service bay which means it will be pretty busy handling not only the installs of the Mississauga location but some of the over flow from the Markham shop as well.

Tom –the driving force behind the Mississauga location– is a long time enthusiast with a lot of experience in running service shops so I’ve got no doubt that he and his team can be trusted to do pretty much anything you would want. Being the closest shop to my house I’m sure he and I will be seeing a lot of each other in the years to come.

Here’s a couple pictures from the opening as well as two videos of the event. The first being one by Flight Faction Films and the second being the official one put out by Nextmod.

nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_team_nm_mississauga
Start things off with a few of the ever growing list of Nextmod shop cars
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_camo_subaru_wrx
A long time ago I thought of messing around with Arctic camo on my car but didn’t have the cojones… this Subaru owner did and it looks pretty good
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_nissan_gtr
Peter’s GTR looking almost naked without the Voltex wing
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_voltex
On the topic of Voltex wings…
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_acura_nsx_2
The diffuser on this NSX is crazy
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_team_importfest
The Importfest team came out to show their support
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_team_importfest_bagged_bmw_645
Basit’s 6 which was recently featured in a video by Vossen 
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_team_importfest_f20_ae86
F20 AE86
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_toyota_ae86
Another F20 AE86, first time seeing this particular one in awhile
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_toyota_supra_ae86
RHD, female owned, Supra
nextmod_mississauga_bagged_infiniti_1
Blain has got yet another set of wheels on his G
nextmod_mississauga_bagged_infiniti_2
Varianza this time around, sizing big by big
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_acura_nsx
Been seeing this Gruppe M Supercharged NSX quite a bit lately
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_bagged_1
Daven and myself
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_bagged_vw_golf
Jahz on the other side on his new Rotiforms
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_fr-s_can_jam
Chris from CSCS brought out the Top Tuner FR-s
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_lexus_bagged_gs
GS on MRR wheels bagged with UAS bags and BC coils
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_mazda_fd_rx7
RX-7 with a bum starter, turns out these bump start pretty easy
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_mercedes_benz_vossen
Angelo’s crystal white benz
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_mitsubishi_evo
Fat and flush Evo
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_nissan_s14
Mat’s ridiculously clean car
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_turbo_acura_integra
Turbo teg
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_bmw_e46
Nice e46 sitting on the (currently) spotless NM Mississauga shop floors
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_chevy_1
This was the last thing I expected to see at the opener but I am super happy it was there
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_chevy_2
The owner recently picked it up and has a lot of plans for it
nextmod_mississauga_grand_opening_chevy_3
Hopefully I will get to see it again once it is all done…

Best of luck with the new location Tom!

WTF Friday: Unique Air

4

On the fly adjustable suspension has come a long way since the days of yore. Companies like Air Lift make kits (or at the very least can provide a starting point) for a wide variety of cars and if hydraulics are more your fancy institutions like Hydroholics are capable of doing the same.

The need to repurpose old air plane systems, semi truck equipment, or any sort of other retro fit no longer really exists. However that doesn’t mean people are still not going to retroifit things for the sake of a good challenge.

About a month ago I spotted this car on the Stance|Works forums and noticed immediately that the air management looked unlike anything else I’d ever seen before.

I then promptly forgot about it until I started looking through the owners build thread earlier this week.

unique_air_1

unique_air_4

A mechanical engineer by day, and car modifier by night, the owner of this car used parts he acquired from various job sites to build his system. The guts of the management are built around pilot operated check valves and an assortment of valve banks.

Since I would probably just mistype explaining it out so here is an abridged breakdown from the owner:

I had an idea to use what we call PO checks, (pilot operated check valves), they are very reliable and we actually use them for safety applications so if air is removed from the retract of a heavy tool the cylinder will not drift.

Sounds perfect for holding air in an air bag.

When you want to to deflate you just supply a pilot air signal to reverse the check valve. I scavenged 4 of the best I could find and gathered up some parts from old valve banks that would control the air to the PO checks.

Then I scored some old R134 tanks that quickly became my 8 gallons of air tanks.

unique_air_2

unique_air_3

unique_air_5

unique_air_11

unique_air_9

unique_air_10

This is all installed in a fittingly unique Mercury Grand Marquis and factory air springs were put to use in the rear and up front more conventional after market bags are used in modified control arms.

The sum of all these parts is what you see below and the build thread is on going on Stance|Works.

unique_air_6

unique_air_7

unique_air_8

Curiously enough he is also from Ontario. Awesome.

Site Updates

Sunday I will be at Sherway Nissan MegaMeet presented by Importtfest. I should have a booth with some merchandise for sale so come on by.

nissan_sherway

Flashback Friday

Even though the set-up above is pretty rad this is still one of the coolest I have ever seen. From the when tanks explode WTF Friday .

Low Level RX-8

5

If I am to be perfectly honest it took me a awhile to warm up to Mazda’s last production kick at the rotary can. In stock trim the RX-8 didn’t do a whole lot for me and many I saw at shows were hilariously over the top.

It wasn’t until I saw Moneesh’s car  that I realized the RX-8 really just needs a refined tasteful touch to look ‘just right’.

This type of to-the-point modification just so happens to be the sort that Low Level out of Quebec focuses on.

max_1

max_4

Just like like fellow TL driving Low Level member Alex, Max has focused almost all of his modification efforts into ride height and wheel fitment.

Impressively large (19×9.5/10.5) VIP Modular VRC13 wheels fill the fender wells while Stance Super Sport coilovers do their best to keep undercarriage from hitting the ground and tire from hitting fender.

max_3

010

max_2

When the road is smooth enough to put some power down –which is not often in Quebec– an Agency power catback /race pipe combo belts out the unique sound that only a rotary can make.

007

Subtle and simple Max’s RX-8 is another excellent representation of the clean cars coming out of the Quebec area brought to you by French Canadian VDO.

As always no FCVDO post is complete without video so enjoy this one below which really captures how impressive Max’s car looks rolling.

Event Coverage: Meeting Of The Mazdas 2013

1

Ventured out to Meeting of the Mazdas for the third year in a row and like always I had a great time. These events have always had a very laid back feel and this year the Toronto Protegé Club did an excellent job organizing the festivities.

I must have spent more time than I thought talking to people because I was pretty surprised how few photos I walked away with at the end of the day.

Of course that’s not really a bad thing but if I missed your car feel free to say hello next year and I’ll grab a shot. As one of my wife Lyndsey’s favourite events this is one I won’t be missing.

meeting_of_mazdas_2013_fc_rx7
Start things of with the rear end of a particularly prestine looking FC
IMG_6258
A few of the custom awards at MOM 2013
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_fd_rx7
This FD was one of my favorite cars of the event, very clean and subtle
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_fd_rx7_3
Two different generations worth of quality

meeting_of_mazdas_2013_fd_rx7_2

meeting_of_mazdas_2013_mazdaspeed_protege
So rare to see one of these’s that is not rusty and modified
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_mazdaspeed_protege2
The spaced out oem wheels look great
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miatas
A handful of Miata owners made their way out once again this year
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miata_1
I feel certain I’ve caught this car on the track at Cayuga before

meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miata_2

meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miata_3
I believe this is the first local application of the Enkei Apache wheels I have seen, suits the Miata nicely
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miata_4
Dean’s recently featured stunning 91
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miata_4_interior_1
This interior is just too damn nice.
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_miata_4_miaita_interior_2
A McIntosh head unit would really seal the deal
meeting_of_mazdas_2013_rx8
Mike Branco’s RX-8
meeting_of_mazdas_audi
This audi managed to sneak it’s way into the coverage
meeting_of_mazdas_b2200
Nice to see 2 minitrucks at this event, I know a lot of Mazda car guys don’t see them too often
meeting_of_mazdas_b2200_2
‘Spot the lows’ as they say
meeting_of_mazdas_mazda6_wagon
Quite like these… a speed6 wagon would be sweet
meeting_of_mazdas_protege_chalk_board
Chalkboard Protege
meeting_of_mazdas_3_2
John leading the line-up of first gen Mazda 3s
meeting_of_mazdas_3_1
That’s Ryan’s best stance award from Torque Modified on his sub box
meeting_of_mazdas_3_7
Rumor has it those XXR wheels might be for sale at the end of this season…
meeting_of_mazdas_3_5
Peter keeping the local vinyl suppliers in Toronto in buisness
meeting_of_mazdas_3_6
Sublte speed3 that I’m not sure I’ve seen before
meeting_of_mazdas_3_jon_ryan
I’ve wanted to do this shot with my car VS Johns for awhile but since mine wasn’t running at the Ryan can stand in for me

Theme Tuesdays: F20 Powered

3

While writing the feature on Gerrot’s awesome turbo LS1 powered s2000 I began to wonder what kind of applications his old F20 could be used for. I’m well aware that the f20 has become pretty commonplace in the ae86 chassis –there are at least four in Toronto alone– but a bit of Google searching revealed that it’s usefulness extends well past the Hachi-Roku.

Here are a few examples I’ve found so far but I know there are more out there so feel free to share a few I may have missed!

This was one of the first local f20 swaps I’d seen in an AE86
This was back in 09 at Importfest and I think I saw the same car yesterday at the Nextmod Grand Opening
Of course not long after that one came Pat’s turbo F20 powered AE86
f20_swap_pat_1
This car is still called on to kick ass now and again
Pour a little out for the F20 under the hood of this car rumour has it she’s a knockin’ now
f20_swap_aquafresh_2
The Titoboy Approved/Team Yokohama ‘Aquafresh’ AE86

f20_swap_aquafresh_1

f20_swap_toyota_corolla_hre
Last AE86 of today from Cali
f20_swap_toyota_corolla_hre_2
Love the plug wire cover, nice touch
Nearly forgot about this f20 powered Geo Tracker from Ramey built
f20_swap_celica_1
There’s evidently a couple f20 powered Celica’s rollin’ around
f20_swap_celica_2
Amazing engine bay
f20_swap_bmw_2002_1
I’ve posted Heist’s 2002 in probably a half dozen Theme Tuesdays so here is a different F20 powered 2002 built by CATuned
f20_swap_bmw_2002_2
It’s got a big turbo hanging off it
f20_swap_crx_weir_1
Weirtech’s RWD, turbo CRX with a CF front end… basically amazing
f20_swap_crx_weir_2
Follow this build here on facebook

f20_swap_datsun_510_2
The reverse rake on this car is a little weird but..
f20_swap_datsun_510_1
…F20 inside
f20_swap_nissan_starlet_1
I do not post nearly enought Starlets

f20_swap_nissan_Starlet_2

f20_swap_e30_1
I found this car in a build thread where this was the beginning…
f20_swap_e30_2
Sadly it has not been updated in some time
f20_swap_sunbeam_tiger_1
An F20 in a Sunbeam Tiger is something I never expected to see
f20_swap_sunbeam_tiger_2
This should be right slick when finished
f20_swap_nissan_hilux_1
The ender for this post is this amazing Tacoma (or IzuTaco according to the owner)
f20_swap_nissan_hilux_3
It’s got a pretty slick bed setup
f20_swap_nissan_hilux_2
And obviously an f20 under the hood

Little launch video:

Fire Breather

2

Considered one of the most well rounded and affordable sports cars ever built there are many who regard the Honda s2000 as near perfect straight from the factory. More often know as purists these individuals look down on any sort of modification done to the AP1 chassis as tarnishing a master piece.

To a purist removing the factory power plant in favor of an LS1 would be considered a cardinal sin but thankfully for us Gerrot is not a purist by any definition of the word.

turbo_ls_1_s2000_1

When asked why he went with an LS1 motor in his s2000 his reply was actually quite simple; It is bad ass, makes loud noises and shoots fire. Sound, nearly inarguable logic.

As an automotive teacher by trade it’s Gerrot’s job to educate and inspire and what better way to light a fire in the heart of the future generation of enthusiasts than with a modern day hot rod?

turbo_ls_1_s2000_8

turbo_ls_1_s2000_7

turbo_ls_1_s2000_3

Like rodders of the past more than enough wasn’t quite enough for Gerrot so in the short eight months it took to get this car on the road he also saw fit to hang a turbo off the side of the motor just to make things a little more interesting.

Suited and booted this s2000 now makes 652whp and a 700 foot pounds of torque, a tremendous jump in performance when compared to the factory F20C numbers.

turbo_ls_1_s2000_9

turbo_ls_1_s2000_6

turbo_ls_1_s2000_5

Not one to brag or boast –he is a teacher after all– Gerrot kept the Silverstone Metallic exterior fairly simple. QA1 springs at all four corners bring the ride height down and spring rates up (450lbs front 325lbs rear), while 17×8/9 SSR Hasemi wheels wrapped in Nitto drag radials serve as rolling stock.

turbo_ls_1_s2000__2

turbo_ls_1_s2000_4

To the casual passer by, or stop light show off, this car looks like ‘just another’ boosted s2000 but should Gerrot want to give an on the spot tutorial that same person would quickly learn the age old lesson that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.

turbo_ls_1_s2000_10

Powertrain

  • LS1 engine(80K) from 98 WS6(STOCK)
  • 2.5 Bar DPE MAP Sensor/Speed Density Tuned
  • Dual Aeromotive 340lph Stealth Fuel pumps
  • 80lbs SD injectors
  • Aeromotive FPR
  • On3 76mm Journal Bearing turbo
  • 32x12x4 Intercooler with 3in IC piping
  • Wyntom 38mm Wastegate
  • Wyntom 38mm BOV
  • 3.5in Downpipe/Open exhaust by fender(Passenger side)
  • Built T56 Transmission
  • Spec picked clutch
  • Tuned with ECtune

Suspension

  • 325lbs rear springs
  • 450lbs front springs

Wheels/Tires

  • 17×10 +35 25.5 Nitto Drag Radials
  • 17×9+32 24 Nitto 555
  • KYB adjustable shocks on QA1 springs and risers
  • ARP extended wheel studs

Photo Credit: Corey Jacobson Instagram: @photosbywolf, Twitter: @Corey_Jacobson

WTF Friday: I Can’t Even Be Mad

1

Trikes have become somewhat commonplace for WTF Friday‘s, first there was the John Deere trike, then the 2JZ monster headed example, followed by a seemingly endless army of Fiero based models.

The latest to join this prestigious line-up is comprised of one half station wagon –of which I am embarrassed to admit I can’t identify– and one half Windjammer fairing equipped motorcycle.

While perhaps not the wildest trike of the bunch it is arguably the most practical with seemingly ample storage space.

What makes this on particularly noteworthy is the owner who looks like the kind of guy who given the chance would tell tale, after tale, of the things he’s seen behind the bars of this no doubt home built rig.

wtf_friday_livin_1

wtf_friday_livin_2

I mean look at him; judging by his clothes, grin, and unique choice of transportation he’s obviously a little eccentric and doesn’t really give a shit what people think. Those people are always interesting to talk to and more often than not have the best stories.

Unknown trike riding sir, keep being awesome.

Site Updates

If you somehow missed it the 2013 fall line-up of apparel is now in the store. I am really excited about these shirts and hopefully you guys are too.

I will have them at events from now until the end of the year and If you want to pre-order them for event pickup you can do that atstanceiseverything.bigcartel.com. Of course I also ship world wide.

tshirtCover

Event wise it is a long weekend so things will be fairly tame event wise but Nextmod Mississauga is holding their Grand Opening shindig on Monday which should be a good time.

nm_sauga

Flashback Friday

It’s crazy to think that the first Nextmod location opened in June of 2009 and now there are stores in Markham, Ottawa, and Mississauga. Here’s a look back at the opening:




My grasp of exposure then was pretty weak…

Event Coverage: 2013 CSCS Round 4

1

Vagkraft and round four of the Canadain Sport Compact Series unfortunately always seem to fall on the same day which means I have to make the difficult choice between to great events.

As I’m sure you already know for 2013 my choice was Vagkraft however I like to run coverage from all the CSCS events so I asked around to see who would be making the voyage to Cayuga.

After a couple dead ends a riding friend of mine offered up his photos and looking through Kenny’s pictures round four looks to be continuing the 2013 CSCS trend of improving event, after event, based on participant and competitor input.

This round featured the début of the new drift layout which is means that everyone now runs the same direction instead of the drifters running in reverse.

cscs_2013_round_4_marrin
The new direction means the last corner is into the wall
cscs_2013_round_4_marrin_2
Some people like Marin appear to have had no issues with adapting
cscs_2013_round_4_crash
Others however realized just how immovable that wall actually is
cscs_2013_round_4_drifting_anthony_nuvisionz
Anthony looks to have had things pretty sorted out
cscs_2013_round_4_drifting
Looking off into the background of this photo it looks liek Jon Fiddy may have returned?
Brad Pauuw too home the podium spot this round
Brad Pauuw took home the podium spot this round…
cscs_2013_round_4_drifting_brad_paauw
…which puts him on top of the podium going into the last round

Moving on from the track action it looks like the show and pits had a number of interesting cars out for round 4. Some cars which I’ve not seen a whole lot of this year and a few that I have never seen before.

cscs_2013_round_4_nissan_cefiro
Liam’s Cefiro is back out on the road after a few changes from last season
I'm hoping to see Dylan's car up and running at 100% for the last round
I’m hoping to see Dylan’s car up and running at 100% for the last round
cscs_2013_round_4_overview
Great turnout in the show and shine area
cscs_2013_round_4_acura_integra
The engine bay treatment on this Acura reminds me of one of those optical illusion books in the late 90s…
cscs_2013_round_4_bmx
Someone from Chicago came through with their BMX…
cscs_2013_round_4_honda_accord
Nicely done Accord coupe, nothing over the top
cscs_2013_round_4_honda_s2000
Lovely s2000 that I don’t think I have ever seen before…
cscs_2013_round_4_honda_s2000_2
One of the more unique colours I’ve seen on an s2000
cscs_2013_round_4_-infiiniti_mr_cleen_2
Mr. Cleeen brought out his G35
cscs_2013_round_4_infiiniti_mr_cleen
Not sure I’ve ever taken a good shot of the bay so Kenny came through with the goods
cscs_2013_round_4_lexus_is300
Chris’ Is300 looking stunning as ever
cscs_2013_round_4-audi_avant
OEM+ styling looks great on this Avant
cscs_2013_round_4_low_low
Nice to see a lowrider make it out to CSCS….
cscs_2013_round_4_low_low_2
…some variety is always appreciated
cscs_2013_round_4_-maserati
Someone with fairly deep pockets showed up…
cscs_2013_round_4_mini
I would absolutely love to see this out on the track.

See you at the finale round September 22nd where things are sure to get pretty exciting as people look to set new records before the season ends and drifters fight for $1000 put up by the great folks at Dead Machine!

Photo Credit: Kenny Barnes