Low Level RX-8

By

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Sep 5, 2013

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.

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.

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.

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

By

DaveT

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Sep 4, 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

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_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_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

By

DaveT

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Sep 3, 2013

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_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_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_nissan_starlet_1 — I do not post nearly enought Starlets

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

By

DaveT

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Sep 2, 2013

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

By

DaveT

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Aug 30, 2013

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.

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.

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.

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

By

DaveT

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Aug 29, 2013

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

Event Coverage: 2013 Majestics / Luxurious BBQ

By

DaveT

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Aug 28, 2013

1

A little over a month ago Toronto chapters of the Majetics and Luxurious lowrider clubs hosted their annual summer BBQ. I had another BBQ earlier in the day so I missed a little bit of the festivities (hop off), but still had enough time to get my annual fix of wires, murals, hydros, and candy paint.

It’s always such a relaxed vibe at these events and the build quality of the cars is second to none. It’s seriously mind blowing the amount of time and dedication that goes into these cars and that’s exactly what keeps me going back year after year.

majestics_bbq_2013_frontluxurious_tent_1 — Luxurious manning the grill

majestics_bbq_2013_chev_impala_gold_1 — Usually not one for gold but I do like this Impala

majestics_bbq_2013_chev_impala_gold_2 — Not sure if the airbrushing is a new addition for this year of I’ve just missed it previous years, nice touch though

majestics_bbq_2013_chevy_impala_risky_buisness — Some more awesome airbrush talent

This ’57 looked like it damn near rolled off the factory floor

majestics_bbq_2013_impala_chilango_64_3_wheel — Ruben brought out the Chilango ’64 of course

majestics_bbq_2013_lincolin_towncar — Fellow Majestics member Naheem was also there

majestics_cap — None of the pictures of Jeff’s Towncar really turned out other than this one of his knockoffs

majestics_bbq_2013_white_impala_wires — Nosed up

majestics_bbq_2013_box_mane — Nosed up in a bit of a different way…

majestics_bbq_2013_late_model_impala_front — One of a handful of late models at the BBQ

majestics_bbq_2013_chevy_impala_hated_one — Cherry red Impala looking like it just rolled off the streets of LBC

majestics_bbq_2013_chevy_impala_hated_one_2 — Dual antennas, plaque, airbrushing, pin-striping, all details accounted for

majestics_bbq_2013_blue_regal_2 — Sitting up on 3 this Regal was impossible to miss

majestics_bbq_2013_blue_regal — Everything was either painted or chromed

majestics_bbq_2013_blue_regal_under_carriage — Engraving was also prevalent throughout… it was pretty nuts

majestics_bbq_2013_bomb_1 — On the topic of engraving this bomb had quite a bit of it as well

majestics_bbq_2013_bomb_2 — Also had a very nice interior

majestics_bbq_2013_yellow_64_impala_1 — The real show stealer in terms of engraving however was this Yellow Rag

majestics_bbq_2013_yellow_64_impala_details — The trim was pretty crazy…

majestics_bbq_2013_yellow_64_impala_wheels — …but the wheels were on an entirely different level! I’m told about 25 hours of work was spent on each

majestics_bbq_2013_yellow_64_impala_engine_bay_1 — It is of course no slouch under the hood either

majestics_bbq_2013_yellow_64_impala_trunk — The trunk set-up is strikingly simple when compared to the rest of the car but works well

majestics_bbq_2013_chevy_impala_blue_flake_1 — Going to end the coverage off with this blue Impala

majestics_bbq_2013_chevy_impala_blue_flake_4 — I don’t recall ever seeing it before but I’m a huge fan

majestics_bbq_2013_chevy_impala_blue_flake_3 — Probably because while it looks perfect on wires it would also look stellar on whites and supremes

On to the next one!

Vossen World Tour: Toronto

By

DaveT

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Aug 27, 2013

0

In late July the Vossen World Tour passed through Toronto stopping at Ertefa, Importfest, Niagara Falls, and Taylor’d Customs taking pictures and video as they travelled.

I’ve been a fan of Vossen’s video work ever since this video released in 2012 so I popped in on their shoot to peak at the method behind the madness.

Not wanting to spoil any shots or distract anyone I didn’t take too many photos and really just watched it all unfold.

The guys at Vossen are all really chill so it nice to just hang out with no real agenda especially after all the build up to Importfest the day before.

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_8 — Just a few of the cars in Toronto rolling on Vossen wheels

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_5 — Setting up the time lapse for what would be the intro

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_3 — Instagram video in the making…

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_7 — @ayo_vossen was actually pretty good on that thing

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_1 — @vossen himself reviewing the final product.

Like I said, I spent a lot of time just watching... — Like I said, I spent a lot of time just watching…

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_4 — I believe the main point of discussion at this point was dinner

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_2 — @dela_vossen rocking some of the latest in the Vossen merch line

vossen_toronto_behind_the_scenes_6 — Basit’s 6 right before he moved it over into the lineup above

Below are the two videos they have released so far from their Toronto trip, the second being from the shoot above, more to come I’m sure.

Hopefully they return next year because it’s awesome to see the city and scene get this type of exposure.

Featured Ride: Dean’s 1991 Mazda Miata

By

ChrisJ

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Aug 26, 2013

9

Dean’s 1991 Mazda Miata has a laundry list of modifications that make it look just right. Everything is carefully considered by its owner to be just the way he wants it.

The first thing one might notice are the CCW Classic wheels with 245/35/16R European spec Toyos. Yes, that’s right, 245 width. That means the wheels must be pretty wide!

Dean contacted Dan at CCW after seeing his old blue NA on a set of CCWs and Dan recommended he order 9.5j wide with an et of 29 front and 22 rear.

Those specs turned out to be perfect because wound down on BC BR coilvers the wheels look right at home on Dean’s NA6.

At this point it would be fun to mention that this 1991 Miata has a grand total of 25,000kms. Now for you non-math geeks, that equates to a whopping 1,136.36364kms per year.

Like the exterior, the interior is equally as impressive, if not more so. First thing you might notice is the 330mm Nardi Classic with NRG short hub and quick release.

After that I noticed the boner enducing KG Works gauge cluster, a RS Products Type-MG gauge faces, RS Products leather center console, Nakamae seat belt covers, Nakamae leather tombstone wrap, RS Products rear view mirror… and the list continues.

For Dean it’s about making a car that is just right for him. His cars cleanliness and execution made me feel like my car was like it’s deformed brother who was locked in the attic as a child because the rest of the family was embarrassed….

Which of course is incredibly socially unacceptable, but those keen on The Simpsons will know what Halloween episode that was referring to.

Photos & Text: Chris Johnston

2013 Stance Is Everything Fall Line-up

By

DaveT

-

Aug 26, 2013

0

It’s been a few months since the last The Stance Is Everything Store update and today I am proud to announce that the 2013 fall line-up has officially arrived.

Over the last few months I’ve been researching local vendors in order to bring you guys the highest quality possible in vinyl and apparel and with all those ducks in a row I am happy to reveal four brand new shirt designs, and the return of the popular teal on grey ‘classic‘ design.

low_all_year_2 — Low All Year – available at stanceiseverything.bigcartel.com

ride_low_park_lower_1 — Ride Low Park Lower – available at stanceiseverything.bigcartel.com

The_Entrepreneur_2 — The Entrepreneur – available at stanceiseverything.bigcartel.com

untitled_1 — Since ’09 – available at stanceiseverything.bigcartel.com

the_original_2 — The Classic – available at stanceiseverything.bigcartel.com

Vinyl stickers are also restocked and everything is available now at stanceiseverything.bigcartel.com and as always thank you for the support.

STANCE IS EVERYTHING

STANCE IS EVERYTHING- EST 2009 -

A Japanese Limo Lost In Canada

Rolling Like A G: A Datsun 240Z On 305s

Street Track Life: An E46 M3 With A Turbo Surprise

Spec’d Right: A Perfectly Balanced Silvia S15

Breaking The Mold

Low Level RX-8

Event Coverage: Meeting Of The Mazdas 2013

Theme Tuesdays: F20 Powered

Fire Breather

Powertrain

Suspension

Wheels/Tires

WTF Friday: I Can’t Even Be Mad

Flashback Friday

Event Coverage: 2013 CSCS Round 4

Event Coverage: 2013 Majestics / Luxurious BBQ

Vossen World Tour: Toronto

Featured Ride: Dean’s 1991 Mazda Miata

2013 Stance Is Everything Fall Line-up

S.I.E.