S14 Kouki
Sponsored by:
T&E Vertex USA
So I purchassed the car back in 1999 as a Base Model 240SX (1997). First modification was a simple Carbon Fiber Dash Kit. I got it from PepBoy, of all places. Next was a set of Razo Titanium GT Pedals from a local Nopi shop. Can you see the Newbee patern forming here... oddly enough, I stil have those parts on the car and feel they are still very funtional with the future of the car.
So this is when I descided that its time to actually stop takling about what I want to do and commit to doing it. I forced the future of the car by selling the front end. Car had bad brakes, warped wheels, and nearly blown suspension... it was time! So I covered the car and started planning the evolution. Then some Jack-ass comes along and steals the Radiator, Fan Shroud, and Intake Piping while un-attended, so the car was moved to a safer place and this is where all the DIY comes in to play!
On August 27, 2005 I kissed the car good buy and thought I may never see it again or get to do what I had been planning for so long. Hurricane Katrina dominated the area and NOLA was basically cut off. I sat in a hotel room for 1 month not knowing what condition the car was in. I descided at that point, if the car is fine... when I get back... I will Build it from top to bottom... and drive it away from the next one.
This is the transformation over the last few years. As with all builds... there are down times for various reasons. I have not driven this car in over 4 years now. I Will Have the Car Driving This Year (2009)!!!!!
The Base S14 comes with 4 x 114.3 Hubed Steeles... that had to go, but it wasn't as simple as getting new Hubs. I opted to get the Skyline GTR R32 Sumitumo Brakes (New) and Z32 Rear Calipers (Used)... Overall, I spent so much just on this one conversion that I could have an Endless Big Brake Kit already, but that has worked out for the better also, because now Endless wants to Sponsor. Not only was the Calipers and rotors changed but the entire Brake system including the Brake Booster, Master Cylinder, and R32 E-brake cables. The Master Cylinder 17 /16th & Booster is off a Z32... the Booster was painted Gold for the classic look. Its also a bitch to get in because the stock S14 Booster is much smaller.
Advan TC-IIs... these wheels are AWSOME. 18s and they only weight about 17 lbs. each... the Spokes are hollow on the inside. Its funny when you move the car, because the wheels will pee water that is sitting the core.
Car is slightly lowered on the Yashio Factory Spec Plus Coilovers. Yashio Factory basically took the HKS Hyper D's and made them better by re-valving the struts and adding stiffer springs, on top of adding their signature Pink. They also include an extension knob that sticks through the rear speaker deck.
Replacing the parts that started the evolution... Carbon Hood and Fenders from Garage-S. Love the Hood design because its OE flush on the top and the vents drop down. I have seen several hoods that have a lip around the vents and I really don't like how it stands out. The side vents are the other part that sold me on this hood... simple, aggresive, and clean. The Fenders are 20mm over and I found out later they are a Fiberglass Knock-off of the Ings Fenders. They took a bit of modification to get to fit correctly and after all that I didn't like the way they bubbled out... it didn't work with the rear... even rolled... So, I sold them!
Kakimoto Regu 06&R... this is Kakimoto's newest addition to their Exhaust line. JASMA spec so its quiet and has a really nice low tone. Its not full Titanium, just the Tail. Its full Stainless Steel and the Tip is rolled so its less likely to get damaged... also adding to look it has a slightly angled exit. Look at the side view and you can see it sits really really low... I will have to get under there again and try to adjust it... maybe stiffer bushings.
Here is a Carbon Trim Kit that was one of the first things I ever did to this car. Yashio Factory Okachan Water Temp Gauge (1 Channel)... yeah thats a mouth full... it took a little playing around to figure out but it has 2 warnings. One is set for the same time the Thremostat opens and the second is for overheating (90Deg C.+). Blitz/ URAS Limited Edition Turbo Timer, Power Meter iD, and SBC-iD... these will be fun once the SR20 makes it in, still plotting where to locate them. I also got hands on a JDM OEM Digital Climate Control Unit... I spent 2 days working on wiring it in with the USDM harness...To hell with that, I'll wait till I can get a full JDM Harness!! The interior is basically stock for now... but that will be the next focus aftre engine and paint!
This is the car with OE Fenders and JDM Headlights. Yes, back to OE Fenders... yeah I know the Garage-S looked better but pictures did no justice on the bubble effect... I will be rolling them and tucking the rims Hella Fulsh!
VERTEX LANG Complete kit fits so good...everything lines up like factory!! This was one of the first 5 in the US, but I am sure more people have it now.
By luck I came across a very rare origianl HKS Kansai Wing. These don't look very good on their website... bad angle, but damn this wing is sweet!!
BLING... ARC Radiator, never thought I would have one of these because of insane cost, but I got really lucky again. Not to mention the Tommy Kiara Shift Knob, and C's Short Shifter!
Aero Catch Hood pins to keep the the hood down and safe!!
More super guchy bling.... OS Giken STR Twin Plate Clutch... This is a monster in disguise. Cappable of holding up to 600HP but keep the feel of the stock pedal.
More parts... Blitz DD Blow Off Valve, Sard Fuel Pressure Regulator w/ SS Lines and Optional Gauge, and a sweet Tomei Oil Pan.
Thought I would do something a little different... seen it done on a few Choppers and it always comes out SICK!!!! Black dyed Thermal Wrap. Oh Yeah... Blitz Z32 SUS Intake on a N62 MAF.
ARP Head Studs and Mains to keep everything on lock... and a Brand New, RNN15 Pulsar GTi-R 70mm Throtle Body. I haven't descided what Intake Manifold I want to connect this to... yet!!
I know I have alot of JDM parts, and that is really the focus of my insanity, however... you can't deny that SuperTech makes the best Head parts and is proven to hold over 1000 HP !!!
Tomei Rods... Solid Pivots... and Rocker Arm Stoppers have arrived. Almost time to start re-buildingthe engine!!
Currently working on relocating and hidding the Fuse Box, Engine Harness and Brake Lines. While the engine is out, the engine bay is getting some cleaning up. Welding all the seams solid and smothing out the lines so it all flows... not something you will instantly notice. Also working on making a few Carbon parts... Battery Box, Heat Shield, etc.. Dash, consol, headliner, and doors are getting a nice cover of real Alcantara... and being we are in New Orleans... I may, just may, throw in some Black Aligator!!
Enjoy for now...
Current parts being considered:
Reflect-a-gold for Firewall.
Tomei 740cc Injectors
HKS F-Con IS w/ Harness
Garrett GT2876R
LSD ???
Future Plans:
House of Kolors - Aspen Pearl White
More rare JDM parts arriving daily...
Page 2 - List of Modifications
Page 3 - Beyond Bolt-ons
Peace
Drew
