Really cool paper weights While saving up for my swap I have aquired a couple of goodies along the way. They include Nismo motor and tranny mounts, Apexi Intake, Greddy Pulley Kit, Greddy Turbo extension, 5Zigen Downpipe, ACT Street Clutch Kit, Apexi N1 Dual catback, and Blitz boost guage. I'm happy to say that after a long wait I am finally dropping the car off at Garage Works in Palmdale for an S13 Redtop swap.

Engine Bay Evolution

Tee, hee! I picked the car up from the shop and giggled like a school girl the first time I started her up. Along with the previously listed goodies I invested in a Koyo Aluminum radiator and Flex-a-Lite dual electric fans. It's like an entirely different car now. The new motor is a whole different animal than the KA. The stock 7 psi took me by surprise since this is my first turbocharged car. It'll take some getting used to. (Dec. 2003)

My motorset didn't come with the stock recirculation valve so I ordered a HKS super sequential BOV and hot pipe. It looks great and sounds awesome. I also decided to dress up the engine bay a little with Samco radiator hoses, a stainless catch can (custom mounted), and oil filler and 1.3 BAR radiator cap from Nismo. The break in period for my clutch is about over so I can finally get on it. Woohoo! ***Mar. 2005 Upgraded to Splitfire Ignition and got a speeding ticket the same week.

Where's the Beef? I picked up a set of Tananabe Sustec Driftspec swaybars today. Talk about beefy. 30mm front, 22mm rear. Upon seeing their packaging strewn about the living room my girlfriend said "I thought your car was done!" HA HA HA HA HA! My honey is so funny. Needless to say the Nismo Power brace was installed after she had left for work. : )

New motor, new look To go along with the new motor and my plans for exhibitions of speed I decided to do a little something to keep under the radar. Since my paint job was already starting to show signs of chipping and peeling, I painted the car flat black. I also obtained a Vertex style bumper ala Team Orange's D1 drift truck. The side vents are huge and after much brain storming I decided that bumper lights off a '97 Acura CL would fit nicely up front. They look great and fit like a glove, not to mention the fact that they are cheaper than the JDM S14 lights the bumper was meant for. The center section looks like prime real estate for a large front mount intercooler. Hmmm..... : )
Blitz Nuff said.

Back in Black The car is so much fun to drive now. I love my S13! Thanks to the guys at Garage Works as well as Wayne at Phase 2 for all the help leading up to the swap.