PASMAG - Issue 152 - Dec/Jan by PASMAG - Performance Auto & Sound

THE TUNER’S SOURCE FOR MODIFIED CAR CULTURE

T U N I N G

365 SPECIAL INSIDE A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR OF TUNING

P L U S

SEMA

2018 COVERAGE TOP 10 CARS OF THE SHOW TOP 10 NEW PRODUCTS UNVEILED

2018 | PASMAG.COM

#152

PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 02/28/19

$4.99

FORMULA7

2018_PAS_152_Dec-Jan_Cover.indd 1

THE FIRE-BREATHING 26B SCREAMER

#TBGLIVE WINNERS

› BRENDAN ZARGLIS - 2000 ACURA INTEGRA › NICK RAY - 2017 INFINITI Q60 RED SPORT › CHARLIE SCHLIEVE JR - 2008 MINI COOPER S

2018-12-21 10:46 AM

2018_PAS_DecJan152_Options-AEMInduc.indd 1

2018-12-19 10:48 AM

HALOGEN BULB REPLACEMENT BRIGHTER THAN HALOGEN SMALLER FOOTPRINT FOR VERSATILE APPLICATION FITMENT EXCELLENT FOCAL PATTERN

ULTRA LED LIGHTING CONVERSION KITS FOR VEHICLES WITH HALOGEN BULBS OR SEALED BEAMS

PREMIUM XENON HID INCREASED EFFICIENCY • ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES • PREMIUM PARTS

S A L E S @ LU M ENSHI D .C O M | 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 2 - 6 1 2 0 | WWW. LU MEN SHPL . C OM | D EAL ER IN QU IRIES WELCO M E

HIDcor-Lumens_Solisco.indd 1

2018-07-10 4:20 PM

PAS149-TSW.indd 1

2018-05-28 2:00 PM

PAS149-TSW.indd 2

2018-05-28 2:00 PM

2018_PAS_Perf6_LucasOil.indd 1

2018-12-21 1:46 PM

FRONT RUNNER

FEATURE.

JESUS SANCHEZ’S EXCELLENT ACURA TSX

TWO-DOOR TIME MACHINE CATUNED’S E30 THROWBACK

FEATURE.

H E A RT O F L E M A N S A N D T H E S O U L O F F 1

tr. BUILDS TO FOLLOW

S E M A

THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT

2018

CHAPTER 4

PROJECT COMFORT

12 EVERY ISSUE

14 Q

T O P 1 0

16 80PREFERRED

24 DEALERS

28 Q

82SPOT

SEMA CARS

THE

TOP

10 34

DIFFERENCES

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_152_TOC_v2.indd 1

GLOBAL

MEDIA AWARDS

PASMAG

2018-12-19 5:38 PM

Simplify.

VXi amplifiers with integrated DSP

TüN™ for your PC or Mac

TüN™ Mobile for your tablet

TüN™ Express for your phone

S O F T W A R E

JLA-VXi-Simplify-PAS.indd 1 PAS149-Gem-Sen.indd 1

4/26/18 4:28 PM 2018-06-13 10:23 AM

T U N I N G

365 A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR OF TUNING

NOVEMBER 56 + DECEMBER 58 + JANUARY 60 + FEBRUARY 62 + MARCH 64 + APRIL 66 + MAY 68 + JUNE 70 + JULY 72 + AUGUST 74 + SEPTEMBER 76 + OCTOBER 78 #152 // TUNING 365

2018_152_TOC_v2.indd 2

PASMAG

2018-12-19 5:38 PM

ISSUE PREVIEW

T U N I N G

365 A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR OF TUNING

PASMAG (ISSN # 1710-1573) is published 12 times a year by Performance Auto & Sound Inc. 117C-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1, Canada

SUBSCRIPTION RATES (1 YEAR) CANADA AND USA:

$24.99

(2 YEAR) CANADA AND USA:

$34.99

(3 YEAR) CANADA AND USA:

$42.99

TOLL FREE: 1-800-667-7223

subs@pasmag.com pasmag.com/subscribe GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim PUBLISHERS: Blake

Rutledge

Breslin & Perry Breslin

FOUNDER & SR. VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

Frank Spezzano

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Micky

Slinger

ASSOCIATE EDITOR:

Adam Gordon

TECHNICAL EDITOR: Garry

Springgay

CONTRIBUTORS

David Barnhouse, Nathaniel Cason, Raul Escoto, Cade

T’S FINALLY TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO 2018 AND USHER IN WHAT 2019 HAS TO OFFER, AND FOR US, WE WANT TO GIVE 2018’S YEARFULL OF TUNING A FITTING FAREWELL. IN THIS ISSUE OF PAS, WE’VE INCLUDED OUR TUNING 365 INSERT TO ENCAPSULATE THE 365 DAYS FROM SEMA 2017 TO RIGHT BEFORE SEMA 2018. WE LIKE TO THINK THAT PASMAG’S YEAR STARTS AND ENDS WITH THE BIG SHOW.

Speaking of which, we’ve only got about a truckload of SEMA content to share with you guys, so be ready to dig into our favorite cars and best experiences from the show, as well as an intro to some of the coolest products hitting the market after their debut in Las Vegas. Consider this your inside look into the show, curated by our eyes. You may have also heard about that little Tuner Battlegrounds Championship competition that we do. In its sixth year, 2018 saw the people’s Tuner Battlegrounds Champion as Andre Klebleyev and his BMW M3 GTR Need for Speed tribute. He takes home 3,720 of the total 5,634 votes, memories made over the week of SEMA, and the cover feature of an upcoming issue of PASMAG! Our runnerup, Rachel Ellingsen and her WRX STI, will also be turning up in our pages, so stay tuned for that. On the subject of TBG runner-ups, Jesus Sanchez has finally made his print debu

with us and we couldn’t be happier about all the updates made to his beautiful TSX. Backing him up in the feature department, we also have CAtuned’s Grape E30 throwback machine, as well as the menacing figu e on our cover, David Mazzei’s 26B-equipped RX-7. Read into how each of these builds went from humble beginnings to gracing the SEMA show floo . We think you’ll enjoy it. Happy New Year from all of us as PASMAG! We love being able to do this for you guys and appreciate you sticking around for another year with us. With 2019 being our 20th anniversary, you better believe we’ve got some amazing things planned, so there’s another reason to be excited for a whole new year. Cheers!

MICKY SLINGER PASMAG EDITOR

Garrett, Drew Holmes, Russell MacDonald, Michael Nardi, Connor Smith, Lauren Verhulst, Lee Vermont, Taylor Volrath, Naveed Yousufzai

ART + PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Queue

Gonzalez

PRODUCTION + SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Edward SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Mike

Dinglasan

Shintani

Beltijar

Chan

SALES + ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR, AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:

Randi Bentia

DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES: Richard

Robles

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Craig

Sweetman

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Anna

Rutledge

Performance Auto & Sound Magazine welcomes unsolicited contributions including stories (typewritten), photos, club news, events, etc. (Forward to PAS, 117C-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1, Canada) Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40069655 Printed in Canada PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NIAGARA FALLS, NY AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. U.S.P.S. # 022-608 U.S. OFFICE OF PUBLICATION 1855 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY, 14305

PASMAG.COM

U.S. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO Performance Auto & Sound, Box 1082, Niagara Falls, NY,

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS.COM

14304. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies whose products and

@PASMAG

services might be of interest to our readers. If you prefer to have your name removed from this list, please write to

PASMAG.TUMBLR.COM

us at the address below and include your mailing label. For

@PASMAG

1-800-667-7223.

any subscription inquiries, including change of address, call

PASNATION @PASMAG BLOGS.PASMAG.COM

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND PHONE: (416) FAX: (416)

922-7526

964-1836

TOLL FREE: 1-800-667-7223

pasmag.com pas@pasmag.com

PASMAG

2018_PAS152_Issue Preview.indd 1

SEMA Member

#152 // TUNING 365

2018-12-19 2:54 PM

Trim: 7.875" W x 10.75" H • Bleed: .125" • Live: .125" See more at optimabatteries.com.

ULTIMATE STARTING POWER

Power. Performance. Reliability. When you’ve got an OPTIMA® battery,

More cranking power in the first 5 seconds*

you can count on The Ultimate Power Source ® to bring you nothing but the

1200

best. From the legendary SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® that paved its way 1100

now available for modern domestic vehicles and European imports, OPTIMA has got you covered. No matter if you’re on-track, off-road or on the highway, there’s an OPTIMA battery that’s built to fit and perform for

AMPS

into history, to the all-new YELLOWTOP ® with PUREFLOW TECHNOLOGY ™

OPTIMA® REDTOP® GROUP 34 800 CCA

1000

TRADITIONAL GROUP 34 800 CCA

900 START ZONE

you. To learn more about the OPTIMA family, visit optimabatteries.com. 800

*When compared to traditional batteries

SECONDS

*15x vibration resistance claim based on existing OPTIMA SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY test results. The OPTIMA logo, OPTIMA Batteries, The Ultimate Power Source, the PUREFLOW logo, PUREFLOW TECHNOLOGY, SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY, YELLOWTOP, REDTOP, BLUETOP and The Six-Pack Battery Design are trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. ©2018

PAS152_Optima.indd 1

2018-10-22 1:39 PM

BUILDS TO FOLLOW DRIVENSHOW’S TWO-WAY TIE TO U R P O I N T S C H A M P I O N S H I P R E S U LT S I N T WO C H A M P S ! Story by

IAN LAMBERT 2014 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE R-SPEC

LOCATION › Edmonton, AB ENGINE › Hyundai Theta 2.0L turbocharged I-4 BUILT BY › Speedtech Racing Development, Venom Motorsports, Sideshow Customs, Wheel Clinic CLUB AFFILIATION › For Honour SOCIAL MEDIA

Micky Slinger

Photography by

Connor Smith (@cjs.06) & Lauren Verhulst (@laurenfrotch)

In a fi st for Canada’s DrivenShow, the organization has crowned two National Tour Champions as the result of a two-way tie. After all six stops of Driven’s Canadian tour, the points based on internal judging and distance travelled to the show’s stops are tallied for competitors of the Tour points series. When all was added up,

Ian Lambert’s Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Mike Beaumont’s Nissan Skyline 2000GTX were all tied up, and even members of the same club: For Honour! As these are very special circumstances, we felt that these two enthusiasts needed some recognition. Here, you can learn all about their builds and why they’re so passionate about

their respective platforms. Driven Show is looking forward to tweaking their National Tour Championship rules for 2019 in their seven-city tour, which will include Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, and for the fi st time, Halifax. For more information on Driven Canada, visit DrivenShow.ca.

Why did you choose this vehicle / platform? I always loved the look of [the Genesis], but I didn't know too much about them because I was a Honda kid. Then a buddy who I looked up to, who had a beautiful Civic, ended up getting one. He wouldn't stop talking about it, so I got a lot more interested in them and what makes them rad. It just so happened that my sister used to work at a Hyundai dealership, so she convinced me to go take a look at one and drive it. Well, it was love at fir t boost.

What is your favorite spect of the build? The freedom! When I was doing my build, I didn't ask opinions about what would look good or what style I should do; I just took my vision and ran with it. I had an amazing team behind me to make it happen. A lot of the time, people had things to say, but it seems like they would always come around when I was done. I wanted to build something that makes people smile.

Is there anything personally or about the build that you would like readers to know? Do what you love. Stay true to yourself and your vision - sometimes it will change, but that's okay. Don't let someone's opinion make you stray from what you love just because it's not their cup of tea. In the long run, you will be much happier with your build. Remember, it's your hard earned money put into it, not theirs.

@honoured.bk2 PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR SMITH (@CJS.06)  ENGINE: JE forged pistons + K1 Technologies rods + ACL Race Series (rod bearings, main bearings) + ARP Studs + CPE rotated turbo Manifold + Garrett GTX2867R Gen2 dual ball bearing V-band turbo + 845 Motorsport intercooler + Custom intercooler piping + JRC Performance intake manifold + Wheel Clinic powder coating (turbo, intercooler piping, intake manifold) + Tenebe velocity stack + DW 750-cc fuel injectors + Tial external wastegate + HKS blow-off valve + Koyorad radiator + Uniq Performance (fan shroud, fans) + Haltech ECU + Speedtech Racing Development (tubbed engine bay, partial wire tuck, battery relocation, custom ECU tune)  EXHAUST: Custom 3-inch o2 pipe + Uniq Performance 3-inch down-pipe + Solo Performance 3-inch exhaust system  DRIVETRAIN: Competition Clutch Stage 2 clutch kit + Megan Racing transmission mount  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION K Sport Kontrol Pro coilovers + ISR (tension rods (f), lower control arms (f/r), upper traction arms (r), toe control arms (r), upper camber arms) + Uniq Performance (lower tie bar (f), lower subframe x-brace (f), middle lower subframe x-brace, lower chassis link bars (r), lower tie bar (r), upper tie bar (f))  WHEELS: Rotiform WRW 3-piece custom wheels - 20x13 -28et (f), 20x11 -25et (r) + 326 Power lug nuts  EXTERIOR: VIS carbon fiber (hood, trunk, rear diffuser) + RMX carbon fiber fenders + G4Werkz Legatia V2 carbon fiber front lip + Remake widebody kit + 326 Power wing paint by Sideshow Customs + Custom (headlights, fog lights, taillights) + Diode Dynamics RGB (headlight halo, headlight DRL, fog lights) + Avery Dennison Diamond Purple wrap + Wrap installation & custom accents by Derek Harvey + Tint Factory PPF’d front end  INTERIOR: Illest x Momo steering wheel + NRG quick release + Uniq Performance short shifter + Torque solution shifter bushings + Bride racing seats + Custom (headliner, wrapped dash) + Triple-gauge gauge pod (carbon fibre pillar pod, dash pod) + Likewise (Big Papa shift extender, Neil Diamond shift knob)  MOBILE ELECTRONICS: Pioneer NEX-4200 double-DIN multimedia receiver + Helix SPL 3000 (12-inch subwoofer, mono-channel amplifier) + Custom subwoofer enclosure  SPONSORS: Speedtech Racing Development, Venom Motorsports, The Wheel Clinic, The Tint Factory, Divine Shine, Happy Endings, Ti-Burnt, Uniq Performance, Wingnut Garage

PASMAG

What got you into building in the fi st place? I've always loved cars, but, as a kid, I never really learned anything about them. I did little things that I thought would be neat. Looking back, I was wrong (laughs). When I was 18, I got a part-time job at a performance shop, which started a very deep love for modifying.

What influences or inspiration helped you over the course of your build? The ‘80s. I love the aesthetics and the crazy out-there attitude with everything. Toss in a little bosozoku and we have a one-of-a-kind Korean coupe, built to bring smiles!

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152_Builds to Follow_V02_DPS.indd 1

2018-12-19 2:48 PM

trending.

FILL 'ER UP

PASMAG.COM

BUILDS TO FOLLOW 12 // THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT 14 //

MIKE BEAUMONT 1972 NISSAN SKYLINE 2000GTX

#TBGLIVE WINNERS 16

LOCATION › Edmonton, AB ENGINE › Nissan L28 2.8L I-6 HORSEPOWER › 240 hp CLUB AFFILIATION › For Honour

Why did you choose this vehicle / platform? Although I like the newer Skylines, my dream had always been to own the fir t generation Nissan Skyline - not to be confused with the earlier model “Prince Skyline.” Call me a sucker for punishment, but I knew that the Hakosuka was pricey and that parts were hard to come by; that didn’t stop me from pursuing my dream. I puttered around the internet for a few years looking for a clean C10 chassis Skyline, but, in early 2014, I started seriously searching. After finding a few that “looked good,” it was quickly determined that they were not as nice as they were made out to be. I then decided to turn things over to a broker in Australia that I had used for previous purchases and had built up a level of trust with. A few months of searching later, he found me a clean Hakosuka at a Flex Auto dealership in Japan. This is the car I purchased in October 2014.

What got you into building in the fi st place? I have always liked working with my hands and building things, so it was a natural progression to move from smaller projects into cars. My appreciation for automobiles came from my dad, who always had great pride in ownership of his cars and always took great care of them. These aren’t just tools to get you from point A to B, but rather an extension of yourself, your personality, and your passion. What is your favorite aspect of the build? Aesthetically, my favorite part of the build are the coilovers and the Work Equip 03 wheels. I feel that the ride height and wheels simply make the car look as it should. Overall, my favorite aspect was building the L28 SOHC engine myself, which now delivers much more horsepower and torque than the original L20. The L28 from a 280Z was completely stripped down and rebuilt as a new heart for the Hakosuka.

What influences or inspiration helped you over the course of your build? I have always loved the fir t generation Skyline, with its clean and classic body lines. When I purchased it, this GTX was partially modifi d as a GTR clone, as most of the non-GTRs are in Japan. This included the front and rear spoilers, modifi d rear fenders, and fender flares. My inspiration is to build this car as a “GT改” (GT-Kai), which means “GT modifi d.” This incorporates the styling of the GTR, but keeps the roots of the GTX. Is there anything personally or about the build (experiences, etc.) that you would like readers to know? The fir t generation Nissan Skyline C10 series was produced from 1968 to 1972, with the 2000GTX coupe offered only for one year, from September 1971 to September 1972. There have been so many hours put into this build; so many late nights. Like most builds, they never go as planned, and for all the times I wanted to give up, I’m glad that I didn’t. I know every nut and bolt on this car, and although I have had some help with the car - for example, paint correction and detailing by Presidential Auto Detailing - I am proud to say that I built this car myself.

SOCIAL MEDIA @hako.sukairain PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN VERHULST (@LAURENFROTCH)  ENGINE: Nissan flat top pistons + ARP head studs + Port-matched head + Weber 45 DCOE carbs (3) + Mikuni velocity stacks + Powder coated gold valve cover + Custom aluminum cooling plate + Polished timing cover + Kameari (strengthened gaskets, metal head gasket, intake manifold, low-temp thermostat, radiator cap) + Moroso (air/oil separator, coolant overflow tank) + Aluminum radiator + Maradyn low-profile electric fan + Watanabe Racing oil filler cap + TiBurnt titanium hardware + FAB5 Industries aluminum oil pan + Rubber Soul oil strainer pick-up tube + U-Shin fuel pump + Scorcher re-curved electronic distributor + MSD (Blaster2 coil, tach adapter) + Ultra 8-mm spark plug wires  EXHAUST: Kameari aluminum exhaust heat shield + Fujitsubo (Super EX stainless steel header, Giken stainless steel exhaust)  DRIVETRAIN: Datsun 280ZX 5-speed transmission + OS Giken Super Single clutch kit  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION Techno Toy Tuning (coilovers (f), tension control rods, roll center adjusters) + Rubber Soul coilovers (r) + GAB short-stroke adjustable shocks + Cusco (strut tower brace, camber plates, pillow ball mounts)  WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Work Equip 03 wheels -15x8 +22 (f), 15x10 -28 (r) + Toyo Proxes R1R tires - 195/55 R15 (f) + Toyo Proxes RA1 tires - 225/50 R15 (r) + CQuartz ceramic-coated wheels  EXTERIOR: Bosch headlights + LED (turn signals, brake lights) + Nissan (2000GTR spoilers (f/r), 2000GTR red GT badges, OEM blue glass) + Garage Ishizaka flared metal fenders (f) + Modified fenders (r) + CarbonSignal carbon fiber wheel arches (r) + M-Speed carbon fiber rear center garnish + 09Racing dry carbon fender mirrors + Xpel protective film + CQuartz ceramic coating  INTERIOR: Nissan (Compe steering wheel, Prince horn pad) + 09Racing carbon fiber rear-view mirror + LED dash lights + Autometer gauges (voltage, oil pressure, coolant temperature) + Custom carbon fiber (gauge console, console trim) + Aluminum passenger foot plate + Takata OEM seat belts  MOBILE ELECTRONICS: JVC KD-X310BT head unit + Kenwood KSC-Z770 component speakers

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152_Builds to Follow_V02_DPS.indd 2

PASMAG

13 2018-12-19 2:48 PM

THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT CHAPTER 4

COMFORT

DiD yOu Miss thE last Chapter OF ThE ReversE eNtry PrOJECt? SeE it ON pasMag.COM

Story by Adam Gordon // Photography by Michael Nardi

WHERE DID WE EVEN LEAVE OFF THE LAST TIME? OH, THAT’S RIGHT - RELIABILITY. WITH MY 240SX NOW IN ITS MOST RELIABLE STATE EVER, THANKS TO AN S15 SR20DET SWAP AND SOME GREAT PARTS COURTESY OF ADVANCED CLUTCH TECHNOLOGY AND AEM PERFORMANCE ELECTRONICS, IT WAS TIME TO FOCUS ON COMFORT BEFORE THINGS CAME TOGETHER IN THE STYLE DEPARTMENT. WITH A STYLEORIENTED APPOINTMENT COMING SOON, TIME WAS OF THE ESSENCE.

First up, a visit to my friend Mike at GT Custom Exhaust Oshawa, a place I have visited for every single chapter of the build. It was nice to ﬁnally be there for his actual specialty - exhaust work. While previous visits had Mike tackling my electrical challenges, installing audio, and wiring up gauges, this time I was able to let him run wild. I gave him my recently acquired Blitz exhaust, and let him do his thing. Less than a day later, Mike had worked his magic. Using some of the old piping, as well as the Blitz exhaust, he had cut and welded beautifully until the exhaust was tucked up near frame height, which gave me more than double the ground clearance I had with the old exhaust, and it sounded a hell of a lot nicer, too. Mike also test-mounted the Bride Stradia

II seat I had aÿ xed to the rails, and to our surprise, we didn’t need to make custom rails to accomodate my tall self. From GT Custom Exhaust Oshawa, I headed further into the Toronto area to visit another Mike. Some of you may remember Mike Martino from previous PASMAG editorial pieces about period

FOCUSING

entirely on comfort in this chapter of my quest to build the perfect street car out of someone’s old track toy, I narrowed down the things I would need to address to make this car as comfortable as possible while retaining its enthusiastic driving capabilities. Immediate problems included a bad custom exhaust that didn’t work with my low ride height, poor suspension geometry, and overly sti˜ preload setup, all which contributed to poor ride quality.

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Tech-Reverse Entry Project Comfort_v2(DPS).indd 1

2018-12-20 10:38 AM

trending. BUILDS TO FOLLOW 12 THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT 14 //

any given opportunity, and not lending itself to a comfortable or functional ride. The solution came courtesy of the late Jake “Tracker” Possemato (RIP,

homie), who sold me his Era-1 drop knuckles. While the knuckles are originally designed for drifting, granting extra angle to the

front suspension setup, they also serve as an excellent tool for lowering the entire front suspension assembly, allowing me to lose some pre-load. With a front suspension setup comprised of S14 LCAs, extended tie rods, and the Era-1s reinforced by Martino, things were feeling good. Of course, no ride quality upgrade is complete without a solid set of good tires, and my friends at Yokohama Tire stepped up big time for this chapter. They provided me with a set of Yokohama S.Drive tires, an ultra-high-performance tire that blends everyday reliability and comfort with the sportiest driving characteristics, as well as the ability to shed water in wet conditions to avoid hydroplaning - truly the best of both worlds, and an absolutely perfect fit or this street car project! After an alignment from my friends at Apex Motoring, I can confidently say the car has never felt better. The front doesn’t bounce, the exhaust doesn’t scrape, my body sits snug in the Bride reclinable bucket seat, and thanks to Yokohama, my added grip also comes with a reduction in road noise. This is the best the car has ever been, possibly in its entire life, and with style up next, I was just in time to drive it - comfortably, I might add - to the next appointment. More on that soon.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Tech-Reverse Entry Project Comfort_v2(DPS).indd 2

PASMAG

#TBGLIVE WINNERS 16

correct JDM, or drifting, in which he had been kind enough to lend some expertise. This time, he would be lending his expertise on S-chassis suspension in the most practical way. My sub-par ride quality was in-part due to poor suspension setup. By lowering the car as much as I could on the coilovers it had, I had maxed out the fronts, and added lots of preload. This equated to a front end that resembled Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger character, bouncing at

“...MY FRIENDS AT YOKOHAMA TIRE STEPPED UP BIG TIME FOR THIS CHAPTER.”

15 2018-12-20 10:21 AM

Modify | Tune | Compete | Win

trending.

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS.COM

#TBGLIVE WINNERS 16

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS

EVENT

THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT 14

Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON @hondaindy

62%

BUILDS TO FOLLOW 12

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

BRENDAN ZARGLIS

2000 ACURA INTEGRA @brendan_topgarage | @zarglis @basisvisuals Photography By Russell MacDonald |

ESSENTIALS LOCATION › Oakville, ON BUILT BY › Top Garage, Defcon Racing, Prospec ENGINE › Honda B18C 1.8L I-4 HORSEPOWER › 196 whp CLUB AFFILIATION › Top Garage

PASMAG

 ENGINE: Honda B18C Type R engine swap + Moroso Racing oil pan + Decked head + Skunk2 (Stage 1 Street cams, lost motion assembly, Ultra Racing manifold, 70-mm throttle body, Racing radiator) + Short ram intake + K&N air filter + Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator + Walbro 255-lph fuel pump + RDX 440-cc fuel injectors + Spoon spark plug wires + Hondata S300 V3 w/ Bluetooth + AEM AFR gauge  EXHAUST: PLM “Big Tube” header + Spoon N1 muffler + Custom 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system  DRIVETRAIN: Honda Type R transmission swap - 4.7 final drive + Synchrotech carbon synchros - 1st through 5th + Driveshaft Shop Stage 0 driveshafts  WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Rays Gram Lights 57C Special Edition wheels - 15-inch (f/r) + Hankook RS3 tires - 225/45 R15 (f/r) + Msport Racing brake rotors + Hawk Racing brake pads  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Koni Yellow - Race shocks (f), Sport shocks (r) + Ground Control springs + Skunk2 upper control arms + Password JDM “Kiwi Edition” rear control arms + Blackworks Racing rear subframe brace + Honda Type R sway bars + Spherical rear bushings + Energy Suspension bushings  EXTERIOR: Seibon Carbon (hood, fenders, front lip, trunk) + Mugen spoiler + Carbon fiber mirrors + Honda Type R lights + HID converted lighting  INTERIOR: Sparco Racing wheel + Recaro Type R seats + Honda (Type R climate control, Type R gauge cluster, GSR shift knob) + KTuned Stage 1 shifter + Taylor Racing battery boxes + Custom wood trunk insert  MOBILE ELECTRONICS: Soundstream (head unit, speakers (4))

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_TBG-2000 Acura Integra.indd 1

2018-12-19 5:43 PM

TYPER

AIR INTAKE SYSTEM*

2017-18 HONDA CIVIC

FI N D YO U R PERFO R M A N CE AT

A E M I N T A K E S . C O M Follow us @aemintakes *This intake is not legal for sale or use on any pollution controlled motor vehicle in California or states adopting California emission procedures. See aemintakes.com for CARB status on each part for a speciďŹ c vehicle.

PAS152_AEM.indd 1

2018-12-14 11:34 AM

Modify | Tune | Compete | Win

trending.

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS.COM

#TBGLIVE WINNERS 16

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS

EVENT

THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT 14

249 Fulton St, Elgin, IL @parkinggarageparty

18%

BUILDS TO FOLLOW 12

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

CHARLIE SCHLIEVE JR

2008 MINI COOPER S @thatminicar | @charlie.schlievejr @shutter.studios.david Photography By David Barnhouse |

ESSENTIALS LOCATION › Appleton, WI ENGINE › BMW Prince N14 1.6L I4 HORSEPOWER › 275 (est.) TORQUE › 250 lb-ft (est.)

PASMAG

 ENGINE: Frankenturbo FR21 turbocharger + Forge (intercooler, diverter valve) + Mishimoto hoses + K&N air filter + ECS Tuning Luftek air intake + Walbro 255 fuel pump + Supertech connecting rods + CP forged pistons + ARP hardware + Manic stage 3 ECU tune  EXHAUST: Invidia Q300 exhaust + Milltek catless downpipe  WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Rotiform LASR wheels - 17x8 +30 (f/r) + Federal S595 Evo tires - 195/40/17 (f/r)  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Air Lift Performance air suspension + M7 Speed front strut bar + Alta Performance control arms  EXTERIOR: John Cooper Works aero kit + ECS Tuning diffuser + Battle Aero chassis-mount spoiler + M7 Speed splitter + Sneed4Speed side skirt extensions + Aerowolf (skirt extension, spoiler endplates) + Custom graphic vinyl wrap  INTERIOR: Braum (Elite seats, harnesses) + Custom floor mats  SPONSORS: Sneed4Speed, Fitment Industries, Charlies Automotive, Braum Racing, Stay Fresh Car Care, Vaded Mob, Sticker Dude, M7 Speed

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_TBG-2008 Mini Cooper S.indd 1

2018-12-20 10:00 AM

PAS152_Mackin_Volk.indd 1

2018-12-14 11:41 AM

Modify | Tune | Compete | Win

trending.

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS.COM

#TBGLIVE WINNERS 16

TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS

EVENT

THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT 14 //

Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy, UT @stancecon.tm

41%

BUILDS TO FOLLOW 12

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

NICK RAY

2017 INFINITI Q60 RED SPORT

@q60rs Photography By Drew Holmes |

ESSENTIALS LOCATION › Portland, OR ENGINE › Nissan VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 HORSEPOWER › 475 (est.) TORQUE › 460 (est.)

PASMAG

@zeus.creative

 ENGINE: AMS Red Alpha ECU tune  EXHAUST: Custom 3-inch stainless exhaust + PowerPro Engineering 3-inch stainless down-pipe  WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Vertini RF1.5 wheels + Michelin Pilot 4S tires - 245/35/20 (f), 285/30/20 ® + Tei Racing (6-piston front calipers, 4-piston rear calipers, 405-mm 2-piece drilled front rotors, 385-mm 2-piece drilled rear rotors) + Stainless braided brake lines  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: GT-R struts + Custom air suspension system  EXTERIOR: EMM Tuning carbon (front lip, grille, fender garnish, fog light accents, mirrors, roof antenna) + Strictly Business (carbon diffuser, carbon duckbill trunk) + Carbon Envisions custom Q60 badging + Five6Deuce Customs headlights + StarryNight halo lights w/ custom RGB LEDs, color chasing, and sequentials + RGB demon eyes + Blacked out headlight housings + Satin Black vinyl wrap w/ red accents  INTERIOR: Custom carbon fiber flat-bottom steering wheel w/ black and silver optic carbon + Silver optic carbon fiber interior trim  SPONSORS: EMM Tuning, Strictly Business Motorsports, Carbon Envisions, Waters Customs, Lake City Wrap, Salt City Autostyling, Tei Racing, Five6Deuce Customs

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_TBG-2017 Infinite Q60 Red Sport.indd 1

2018-12-20 10:14 AM

DRIVE IT SHOW IT TRACK IT #LIFEONAIR

Why sacrifice ride quality or style? Air suspension adjusts to you at the touch of a button.

Get Your Kit @ AirLiftPerformance.com

INNOVATIVE AIR MANAGEMENT ® Height + Pressure

® Pressure Only

FREE APP

PERFORMANCE AIR SUSPENSION

PAS_150_Airlift.indd 1

2018-06-18 9:53 AM

PAS151-Niche.indd 1

2018-09-04 4:32 PM

PAS151-Niche.indd 1

2018-09-04 4:32 PM

S E M A ˜°˛˝ Story by

Adam Gordon & Micky Slinger Adam Gordon, Micky Slinger, Taylor Volrath & Lee Vermont

Photography by

Adam Gordon's @gordon.leadfoot ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Micky Slinger's @micky_slinger EDITOR

FEATURE EVENT

Now on my third run at the SEMA show, I’m starting to feel like a bit of a veteran. I’ve learned some key techniques to surviving SEMA while still covering the show efficiently - things like hydration, nourishment, and planning journeys across the LVCC grounds to maximize opportunity in a particular area. As much as I thought I had an idea of what to expect this year, the

show never fails to deliver on the surprises, and 2018 was no exception. There was a noticeable increase in truck and powersports presence, a clear indicator of the shift in the American aftermarket landscape, and as someone who was primarily chasing cars at the show, it made my work a little easier. There has been a significant

bump in overall quality in the past couple years of SEMA, and it shows in the vehicles that gain acceptance, be it to the main halls or the designated outdoor lots. Venturing out from our booth in the Central hall each day, I made it a point to visit every nook and cranny of this year’s show, and take in the sights and sounds along the way.

SEMA 2018 was SEMA number five for me. I no longer falter at the thought of SEMA and her vastness; now we greet each other as old friends. Heat, exhaustion, and foot pain are a given, but the relationships and standout builds that come out of each show are something special. I say this every year, but SEMA has gotten bigger. Each

iteration sees new halls and sections being opened, and with the construction underway on even more LVCC in what used to be the Riviera (RIP, sweet prince), there could be even more to try to comb through soon! This year though, even though it was larger, the gems were easy to find and the quality was through the roof.

So often it’s said that the “SEMA crunch” affected a build and an incomplete car is shown on the floor, but it seems like mostly everyone was with it this year, as even the most extreme examples started their engines and rolled out with the parade on the last day.My only gripe is that I was never offered a fi ve-year gift . SEMA does that, right?

BLUE LOT

The Blue Lot located next to our load-in zone was the first location to bring the increased truck presence to my attention. In previous years, the outskirts of the lot were made up of towering trucks, and the middle parking section was typically a wide variety of sport compacts, saloons, and muscle cars. This time around, the lineup of trucks extended halfway into the lot. Even so, the cars out here were some of the best in the show, and certainly more exciting than some of the bone stock exotics on aftermarket wheels indoors. While some people write-off this lot as the “overflow” section, I tend to enjoy the variety of street cars we find out here, particularly the white FD RX-7 and the red NSX. AG

SEMASHOW.COM

@SEMASHOW

PASMAG

@SEMASHOW

SEMA SHOW

THE LATEST TRENDS, FULL THROTTLE

FACEBOOK.COM/PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_SEMA Event_v2(2xDPS).indd 1

2018-12-19 3:16 PM

FEATURE EVENT

SILVER LOT

The Silver Lot out front of the building is a place I’ve called the “SEMA Circus” in recent years. Amid the rows of gigantic trucks that presumably didn’t fit through the convention center doors, one-of-a-kind hot rods, and heavily modified sports cars is a handful of action-packed arenas designed to deliver all of the fuel-injected adrenaline you could ask for. The Hoonigan section, a new addition to the yard this year, was a constant source of tire smoke and mayhem, while the massive Ford Out Front section kept attendees entertained with an assortment of demos, ranging from drifting to jumping cars and trucks alike. The Silver Lot is also where you would find Ken Block’s Hoonitruck, the Hot Wheels segment complete with real life Hot Wheels cars, and an assortment of PASMAG friends from throughout the years. AG

Out front of SEMA’s main entrance is the Silver Lot and it’s the section of the show that I like to get covered within the first couple days because of how packed it can get. With so much to see and do, there’s no wonder it’s always busy. One of my favorite things to see out there are the feature cars that sit just outside the main doors and line every other entrance. They’re like the SEMA greeters and their build quality is so up there that you never really get tired of looking at them every day. The feature cars turn to trucks as you approach the South Hall and eventually morph to wide-bodied exotics around the area of the tented Performance Pavilion. With the soundtrack of Ford and Hoonigan going all day, it’s the perfect match to seeing some of the most high-profile builds of the show. MS

BLUE LOT

While it is technically an overflow lot, I choose to see Blue Lot as the outdoor portion of the party. “Hey, have you seen Steve?” “Oh yeah, he’s out in Blue Lot having a smoke.” “Steve” in that example is a SEMA car that couldn’t quite fit into the show, but he’s still technically “in” and he’s having a great time. There are definite head-scratchers in this lot that leave you wondering how certain cars weren’t in higher demand to be drawing attention to company’s booths. Among towering trucks and some fantastic hot rods, builds like Austin Barnett’s RB-swapped and widebody WRX and Justin Nishimura’s stunning Genesis Coupe come to mind as definite highlights. One car that made me stop in my tracks was the “Teslonda;” an ‘81 Honda Accord that’s been lifted in gasser-style with skinnies in the front and slicks in the back to accommodate the tremendous amounts of torque poured out by the Tesla electric power plant. I was also pretty interested in the taco truck out there, but for different reasons. MS

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_SEMA Event_v2(2xDPS).indd 2

PASMAG

25 2018-12-19 3:17 PM

S E M A ˜°˛˝

FEATURE EVENT TOYO TREADPASS

It’s crazy to me that the Toyo Treadpass isn’t the center of the show, but maybe its tucked-away location between Central and South hall is exactly what it needs. This year, the Treadpass was inside a massive covered canopy tunnel, complete with meeting area, lounge, and a much-appreciated flow of cool air. Of course, the focus of the Treadpass is the roster of stunning builds, each of which makes its world debut at the show. From widebody Porsches, to a custom classic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, big bad trucks, and some serious tuner projects, the Toyo Treadpass is sure to have something for every enthusiast’s tastes. AG

If I could go to SEMA and spend the whole week in just the Toyo Treadpass, I’d be perfectly happy. This section of the show joins the Central and South halls and does it in the most grandiose way possible. Toyo Treadpass is a canopied path of blue carpet that is filled with some of the most insane builds of the show, and they do that every year. This is where renders come to life, impossible projects see completion, and sometimes even the future of tuning is shown off - the Tesla-powered “E-RWB” Porsche and Unplugged Performance’s ultimate version of the Model S, the S-APEX P100D, for example. As Toyo offers tires for many applications, there was more than just tuned road monsters in the area. In fact, the off-road section was very strong this year, with CAtuned Off-Road’s Isuzu Trooper II being the coolest and best surprise of the bunch. The Treadpass is something that I think a lot of attendees don’t really know about, and while I’d like everyone to see it, I also like being able to take decent pictures. MS

WHEEL & TIRE HALL

The Wheel & Tire hall is always one of my favorite SEMA installations. Exhibitors looking to show off their latest wheel and tire offerings have to make their booth and its display stand out among the massive showcase, which always results in a colorful selection of uniquely modified vehicles. The Mazzei Formula four-rotor RX-7 at Maxxis Tires, the BMW V10-powered Datsun 240Z at Konig Wheels, and the Audi R8 with a roof box at 305Forged Wheels are just a few of the cars that blew me away. We also got a closer look at the revolutionary Orbis Ring Drive system on Honda Pro Jason’s Civic Type R. AG

Okay, I may have lied in my intro about nothing shaking me at SEMA after five years of the big show. The Wheel & Tire Hall still seems incredibly immense to me - it’s just so long! It’s totally worth the effort to check it out though because it houses some awesome hidden gems. One of the first things to catch my eye was the shiny red S13 at Kansei Wheels’ booth. Sitting low on some five-spoke, two-piece wheels (a design I’m a sucker for), the 240 drew me in to check out the rest of the line, which are based off older JDM designs with their own spin for modern fitment count me excited for Kansei’s launch in late 2018. The most striking spot would have to be Brixton’s though. In a shipping container with windows cut out of the side sat a Lamborghini with both Brixton and Skol wheel lines adorning the inside. Definitely a great way to get noticed. MS

SEMASHOW.COM

PASMAG

@SEMASHOW

SEMA SHOW

THE LATEST TRENDS, FULL THROTTLE

FACEBOOK.COM/PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_SEMA Event_v2(2xDPS).indd 3

2018-12-19 3:18 PM

FEATURE EVENT

SEMA IGNITED

SEMA’s famous aftershow, SEMA Ignited, has become my absolute favorite part of the show. As soon as the announcement hits the P.A. system at 4:00 p.m. on the Friday, the cars inside the show roar to life, and the streets are gridlocked with every vehicle imaginable. This year, in light of the AG

2018_PAS152DecJan_SEMA Event_v2(2xDPS).indd 4

old Gold Lot being demolished, attendees made their way to the Platinum Lot opposite the convention center. Here we’re treated to a live performance from Nitro Circus, a Formula Drift demo, and the world’s best street meet. Thanks to a link up with some friends, I was granted access to the FD pits with Alec

Hohnadell and his pit crew, which made the evening that much more special. Not having to catch a flight out the same night this time around was a blessing, and I ended up staying out until the early hours of the morning. On the last day of SEMA, Friday at 4:00 p.m., an hour earlier than the rest of the week, a call goes out over the LVCC’s P.A. system. It congratulates everyone on a successful SEMA week and says that the show is now over - at least, that’s what I’m told it says. As the voice cracks over the speakers, MS

vehicle owners are ready with their hands on their keys to turn the ignition, which results in a deafening roar that may just be my favorite part of the week. Soon, single-file, cars, trucks, tanks, and whatever else showed up this year form a line and make a parade out to Ignited. I don’t usually go to Ignited. After a week of running around doing meetings, snapping photos, and lining up content, I’m done-zo. After we’ve hand-bombed the booth materials to the van and stored them, my SEMA Ignited is Cane’s chicken fingers and a nap - something I am totally cool with.

2018-12-19 3:18 PM

Story and Photography by

Micky Slinger

After six year's worth of hundreds of events, thousands of competitors, and millions of votes, Tuner Battlegrounds still astounds us with the sheer amount of passion and momentum behind it. Sure, it started as an idea in a PASMAG boardroom, but it’s you, the fans, that make this initiative as explosive as it is every single iteration.

FOR 2018

you chose Rachel Ellingsen’s Subaru WRX STI and Andre Klebleyev’s BMW M3 GTR tribute as your finalis s to duke it out for the title of Tuner Battlegrounds Champion! Ellingsen’s WRX STI is a build from top to bottom, with not much left untouched. We’re talking built motor, interior changes, exterior wrap, air suspension, and a good amount of carbon fibe . While it may have started life as a show car, Ellingsen soon found that the Air Lift Performance air suspension could cut it on the track as well, officiall turning it into a car that could technically win a show award, hit the track, and pick up the kids from school in the same day. This is truly the Subaru that can do it all. On the other hand, Klebleyev’s Bimmer is always a work in progress. Having a childhood spent playing many Need For Speed titles on his PlayStation, Klebleyev set out to bring his dream to life by taking the M3 GTR from Need For Speed: Most Wanted’s virtual world and bringing it into reality. Doing any and all work himself or with

PASMAG

the help of some friends, the car has been the focus of his YouTube channel for over a year now and commands a sizeable following. Eventually, Klebleyev hopes to build the car to the point that he can start setting some lap times worthy of the real-life M3 GTR race cars. As you might imagine, with Tuner Battlegrounds being so competitive, tempers can flare, but these t o kept their cool, stayed

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_TBG Recap_DPS.indd 1

2018-12-19 3:03 PM

BY THE NUMBERS

CHAMPIONSHIP

RESULTS RACHEL

ELLINGSEN KLEBLEYEV

2015 SUBARU STI

respectful, and made the most of their show. We know it’s because they’re both great people, but we’d also like to think it was because of TBG’s newest addition: The Editor’s Challenge! The Editor’s Challenge saw both competitors involved in a scavenger hunt and recreating photos around the show, while we had some 60-second Q&A and some flash cards at the booth. Al of these counted for points that were then transferred into a boost in votes, which got both finalis s involved with SEMA instead of just sticking around the booth. With the online votes counted, hashtag votes rounded up, and the math done on the Editor’s Challenges, we had one winner with 3,720 votes in total. Your Tuner Battlegrounds 2018 Champion is Andre Klebleyev and his BMW M3 GTR! Klebleyev comes home with the Tuner Battlegrounds 2018 Championship award, a PASMAG cover feature, and the chance to improve

2001 BMW M3 GTR

WILRDD CA

RUNNER UP

CHAMPION

#TBG6RACHEL

#TBG6ANDRE

VOTERS

REACH

105

162,572

IMPRESSIONS

428,237

128

hashtag

147,046

IMPRESSIONS

428,096

ENGAGEMENTS

5,080 POINTS =

1,790 POINTS =

9,966

24,158

508 VOTES

179 VOTES

1,751 VOTES

2,963 VOTES

TOTAL

2,364 VOTES

tunerbattlegrounds.com

TOTAL

3,270

his build along with the best in the industry. Ellingsen will also show up in her own PASMAG feature later on in the year as well, so stay tuned for that. For us, the dust hasn't had a chance to settle, as TBG is a 365 thing now with TBG Live, and we’re already taking what we’ve learned from this year and applying it to the 2019 competition. We’ve already hit the ground running, so if you have a build and community behind you that you think can take you to the top, bring it on. We’re ready for you.

VOTES

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_TBG Recap_DPS.indd 2

PASMAG

29 2018-12-19 3:03 PM

T O P

1 0

SEMA CARS Photography by

Micky Slinger, Adam Gordon, Nathaniel Cason & Taylor Vollrath

John Sarkisyan’s (Slang500) S Klub Mercedes Gullwing

Micky Slinger's T O P 5

@slang500

@micky_slinger EDITOR

Riley Stair’s 1970 Pontiac Trans Am @rileystair As an ex-welder, Riley Stair's 1970 Trans Am creation made me stop in my tracks and pick up my slack jaw to stop the drool. With the hood off of the Firebird, an organized chaos of exhaust pipes tangle themselves in an eight-to-one header config ration that even made the 10,000-rpm-capable Dart LS Next engine take a step back in awe. Inside, the quality beads continue in a custom tube frame that’s not just for show - this Pontiac is living up to its namesake and will be blasting around a track as soon as it's off the car hauler home. The hand-shaped metal widebody and aero, plus in-board Ohlins suspension, and 16-inch Panasports will all play their parts as this Trans Am plays the song of its people: 10,000 screaming bald eagles.

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Top 10 SEMA Cars_v2(2xDPS).indd 1

Remember those twin Porsches from Toyo’s Treadpass last year; the ones in Nardo Gray with copper accents? This is what happens when that man takes on a Mercedes. John Sarkisyan (Instafame name Slang500) has, to the relief of purists everywhere, not harmed a priceless “gullwing” 300SL, but transplanted a 3D-scanned FRP copy of the body over top of an SLK32 AMG’s underpinnings. With the money (and shame) saved by not utilizing an actual 300SL, Sarkisyan upholstered the interior in blue leather and suede, draped the inside of the gullwing doors in tartan, and upgraded the wheels to HRE 305s. Whatever he had left in his budget that wasn’t spent on the beautifully copper-plated, 400-horsepower, supercharged AMG engine was blown on alcohol bottles and stacks of fake money. When the creation is this gangster, why not?

2018-12-19 4:48 PM

4 KRC Modifi d’s Toyota Supra @krcmodified, @ssworxs While we’re all waiting for this new Toyota x BMW Supra collab to drop, let’s not forget about how fantastic the A80 Supra was. While Toyota did have a few on hand to show off

3 American Legends’ “Corruptt” 1968 Ford Mustang @alhotrods, @corrupttmustang While a shaved, roof-chopped ‘68 Mustang with beautiful paint and a modern take on the classic tri-bar taillights is defini ely something special, the old adage of “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” rings true for Tony Arme’s and American Legends’ “Corruptt” project. With the hood open, a Maserati-sourced Ferrari F136 V8 engine with a Ferrari California intake manifold and twin Nelson Racing T4 turbos immediately set this ‘Stang apart from any other restomod. The 4.2-liter powerplant is mated to a T-56 six-speed gearbox by way of custom adapter, which remains the last manual thing about the Mustang, as everything from the window locks to the air suspension can be controlled from Arme’s phone. This is the antithesis of the purists restomod and I couldn’t love the corruption any more.

2018_PAS152DecJan_Top 10 SEMA Cars_v2(2xDPS).indd 2

at the show, my favorite was tucked away in the Performance Pavilion, outside the walls of the LVCC. KRC Japan is known for the “out there” design language that they’ve previously

featured on FD RX-7s in past SEMAs, but this year they decided to ship out their Supra creation to SSWorxs in California, where a 326Power BBK, Germandesigned three-piece Superplus wheels, and an insane custom chassismount wing were applied. The result is something that’s somehow recognizably and unrecognizably Supra in a widebody that looks unlike anything else and compliments the lines of the A80’s body a feat in today’s saturation. With plans to build up the engine with something as unique as the body (maybe triple turbo), this is a SEMA build I’ll keep my eyes on.

Street Fighter LA’s Porsche E-RWB @streetfighterla, @hawaiianeze I might be alone here, but I feel like there are almost enough RWB Porsches with Instagram accounts for people to be diagnosed with RWB fatigue. So when I saw a seemingly plain RWB in the Toyo Treadpass, I thought to myself, “What’s the catch?” The World-Series-sized catch on this wide Porsche is the motor, which can be plugged into your wall socket. With an EV West Tesla powertrain conversion, my interest was immediately piqued. Looking closer, there are seriously cool details, like the Burberry upholstery and chromed roll cage inside, plus the exterior design nods to Porsches of the ‘50s and ‘60s. An electric car that isn’t self driving already gives me hope for the future, but an electric car based on a classic that’s known for its driving enjoyment makes me look forward to what the possibilities could be from here. I think I could be okay with Tesla swaps taking the place of LS swaps.

5 2018-12-19 4:48 PM

T O P

1 0

SEMA CARS

Adam Gordon's T O P 5 @gordon.leadfoot ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jose Gonzalez’s 1972 Hakosuka @72gonzuka I will always have a soft spot for the legendary Hakosuka, but that is only half of the reason this 1972 Skyline GT at the Exedy booth made its way to my top spot. The vibrant red paint job lured me in, and up close, the details made me fall in love. With carbon fiber accents tastefully applied to all sides (including the inside), largely thanks to Carbon Signal, and a great set of 16-inch Watanabe wheels, the car blends classic design and modern engineering seamlessly. Pop the hood, and you’re met with one of the most stunning L-series engines I’ve ever seen. It may not have the earth-shattering power

of OS Giken’s mind-bending TC24B1Z, but this L28 3.0L engine is not without its own sophistication, keeping true to the Hako’s origins. The pristine engine bay shows off triple Mikuni carbs and gorgeous swirling velocity stacks, among other power-adding modifi ations, and a 280ZX 5-speed transmission with a polished bellhousing manages gear changes. It’s good to know this classic still gets out to drive.

Mazzei Formula 4-Rotor RX-7 @mazzei_formula While walking through the lower level of the LVCC’s South hall, dubbed “Wheel & Tire Hall” during SEMA, there was a lot to take in. Even among the shining wheels, glowing lights of displays, and stunning builds, nothing stopped me in my tracks the way David Mazzei’s RX-7 did. With a uniquely styled FD body thanks to some creative custom work on a Shine Auto kit, a 1997 front bumper swap, and big Work Meister S1 wheels, the black FD stood out from any angle. Upon speaking with David Mazzei, the owner, and JD Durham of Krowrx (who did most of the custom fabrication on the chassis), I learned just how intricate and insane the build

PASMAG

of this 4-rotor RX-7 is! All of the wild engineering work would never fi in this little space, so check out the full feature on page 60!

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Top 10 SEMA Cars_v2(2xDPS).indd 3

2018-12-19 4:48 PM

Roadster Shop’s Second-Gen Camaro @roadstershop

I know I’m the type of person who will forever be drawn to Japanese imports and high-end sports cars, but I’ll be damned if Roadster Shop’s “Roadrage Camaro” wasn’t one of the absolute coolest cars in the show. Sitting at the BASF booth in Central hall, it’s to be expected that the Camaro had some of the fin st paint in the LVCC, but that’s just the beginning. With a stunning custom widebody, triple center-exit exhaust, some cool Forgeline wheels, a modernized interior, and one of the show’s most killer engine bays, I’d be surprised if this car wasn’t on everyone’s list of favorites. Purists be damned.

Sunburst Widebody Porsche @workwheelsnorcal Before there was a Rough World, there was Sunburst. Don’t mistake this widebody 964 Porsche for that of the RWB variety, because it isn’t. The carefully handcrafted fiberglass kit is thicker and more durable than you might expect, and the fi ment is absolutely perfect, largely thanks to the fact that the car’s owner, Nat, received specifi instructions from Sunburst’s creator in Japan. Lowered on AST 5300 Series coilovers, sitting on 19-inch Work Meister S1 3-piece wheels, and painted a stunning shade of dark green courtesy of BASF’s Glasurit line, this Porsche is Japanese Porsche tuning perfection.

Kyle Kuhnhausen’s 240Z @kckuhnhausen Normally I would scoff at the idea of swapping an American V8 into the timeless Japanese classic that is the Datsun 240Z, but this one is special. A contender in SEMA’s Battle of the Builders, Kyle Kuhnhasusen’s 240Z made it to the Top 4 - a well deserved placement for such a clean build. Ultimately, there is just too much cool fabrication on this build to cover it all in the space allotted, but rest assured that every piece on this car, visible or unseen from the exterior, blends function and form seamlessly. The great looks and Datsun racing livery tribute design are just icing on the cake.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Top 10 SEMA Cars_v2(2xDPS).indd 4

PASMAG

33 2018-12-19 4:49 PM

COBRA

Drive HD DASH 2316D Dual View Dash Cam System Cobra.com Cobra’s Drive HD DASH 2316D is a system that I’ve actually previously tested and done a review on in PASMAG, and it’s still my favorite dash cam system to date. Able to be set up in a one camera in front and one camera in the rear setup, or have one on the road and another into the cabin, that’s only the beginning of the unique functionality that this dash cam set offers. Cobr ’s iRadar is also included, which not only records time, date, and speed of your journey for you to recall later on, it also provides real-time warnings from other users for speed traps and speed and red light cameras. This system has your back in the present, past, and future - all at the same time.

GLOBAL

MEDIA AWARDS TOP

OUR PICKS FOR BEST NEW PRODUCTS FROM SEMA 2018

DIGIPOWER DPW Exhaust Cutout

DigipowerUSA.com For those of you with nosy neighbors or family and friends you don’t want to wake up, there’s Digipower’s new DPW Cutout system. By cutting a hole just before your muffler an welding this piece in place, and then installing the 360-degree-adjustable module and exit tip, you’ve given yourself a sneaky straight pipe that you can use at will. The module, when wired up with the provided harness, attaches to a Bluetooth receiver and allows the electric valve to open and close via the DPW app in your phone. One touch on and one touch off; now you won’t have stern messages put under your wipers from next door, or disturb any loved ones when you roll in.

Story by

RACEPAK CL2 OBD2/EFI Data Kit

Racepak.com Track data for the modern crowd. Racepak’s CL2 data system is a small kit with a small price tag that can tackle a large amount of applications. If you’re hitting the track for a day, drag racing on the strip, shaving off time on the circuit, or battling the cones in auto-x, just plug the CL2 into your OBD2 port or EFI system and pair it with Racepak’s D3 cloud-based app on your smartphone or tablet to start collecting data. Once you’ve chosen your channel from the app and entered your name, the D3 app takes care of the rest, displaying data for you live or storing it in your Racepak cloud account to be viewed later on any device with the app installed. It’s like a personal race team that can fit in your glovebox and your budget.

Micky Slinger

For the fourth year in a row, someone at SEMA thinks, “That guy looks like he knows what he’s doing,” and asks me to once again take on the role of Global Media Awards Judge. The position allows me to pick and award 10 products in the New Product Showcase halls of SEMA that I think would best interest our audience, and all the while I get to learn about all the new product hitting the market while talking to the people behind it. It’s a job that I accept every year and I have a fantastic time doing it. Here’s to 2018’s Top 10!

HOTCHKIS E-Coilovers

Hotchkis.net Hotchkis has long been a name for trusted suspension upgrade components from anything from Camaros to G35s, so when they unveiled their first ever coilover suspension system to the crowds of SEMA, they knew that they couldn’t just put something out into the already saturated coilover market - they needed to do one better. The result is the E-Coilover, which is controlled by your phone via Bluetooth. All four coilovers have motors that adjust dampening, which are all plugged into a module that receives information from your phone and Gs and lateral movement from the road. If you’ve programmed your E-Coilovers to tune dampening to go firmer in a corner or help your braking be more efficient, the module will detect the G and adjust the dampening motors to do just that at the right moment. The future is here, courtesy of Hotchkis.

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_GlobalMediaAwards.indd 1

2018-12-19 3:16 PM

#MEMPHISAUDIO

Harness the power of MOJO Subwoofers in a new compact package! The look, feel and power of MOJO

BIG SOUND IN A SMALL PACKAGE

subwoofers is now available in miniature

8” 900/1800w // 6.5” 700/1400w

8” and 6.5” versions opening a whole new world of possibilities for Memphis MOJO applications.

• Vented cast aluminum basket

• Stitched foam surround

• Heat dissipating aluminum heat sink

• Fiberglass reinforced cone

• 4-layer copper voice coil

• DVVC Direct Vent Voice Coil Cooling

Distributed in Canada by Trends | 877-946-9255

www.memphiscaraudio.com | 800-489-2300

PAS_152_Memphis.indd 1

Designed and Developed in the USA Memphis, Tennessee

2018-12-20 2:18 PM

GLOBAL

MEDIA AWARDS TOP

OUR PICKS FOR BEST NEW PRODUCTS FROM SEMA 2018

KICKER

KEY 180.4 Smart Amplifie KICKER.com Some may be afraid of a robot takeover, but if the A.I. will tune my car’s audio system, I’ll welcome our audiophile overlords with open arms. We don’t really even need to wait, as Kicker has one of the coolest pieces of audio gear I’ve ever seen, which just so happens to be powered by A.I. The KEY 180.4 “Smart Amplifier” not only bumps up your system by a clean 180 watts, but it also vastly improves the sound. With the touch of a button, a microphone feeds tones into the on-board computer from each speaker. The internal computer then makes use of the 40-band equalizer and 24-dB crossover to transform the musicality and soundstage of your car’s cabin. As well as tuning a system with the touch of a button, the KEY also carries Kicker’s FIT2 OEM integration system, which allows the KEY to tune modern cars - even ones with engine start and stop functions.

NGR PERFORMANCE V3 Wastegate

NGRPerformance.com Once every SEMA, there’s a product that screams at me from the New Product Showcase shelves; this year it was NGR Performance’s huge, gorgeous, and purple wastegate. Upon further inspection, I realized that this piece was more than just awesome aesthetically. In a wastegate first, NG ’s V3 Wastegate features three (count ‘em three) specially-designed and heavy-duty springs that are each activated as you adjust the unit. This allows for full control over spring pressures to fine tune for your application, plus you’ll never need to change springs or disassemble the wastegate to adjust! Available in 38 mm and 50 mm, the V3 Wastegate is V-band, made of 316 stainless steel for longevity, and has the option for liquid cooling. Did I mention it looks killer in purple?

ORBIS Ring-Drive

OrbisDriven.com I first saw Orbi ’ Ring-Drive technology - a ring rotating around a stationary hub that’s independently powered by an electric motor - on HondaPro Jason’s Civic Type R, replacing and powering the rear wheels of the front-wheel-drive car, which essentially converts it to all-wheel-drive and adds power. Orbis reports that their system can provide up to 50 horsepower and 70 lb-ft of torque on demand to each Ring-Drive wheel on their Type R prototype. Along with the added power and instant electric motor acceleration, the integrated brakes are more efficient tha factory and the face covers can be 3D scanned and designed to match your existing wheels. This is hybrid technology that I can definitely get behind.

Home & Mobile Audio Accessories

• Injection Molded Strain Relief • Oxygen Free Copper Signal Path • Available in single, 2, & 4 Channel

FrommBassik tooTwisted Cablessforryourrdemands

Amp Kits • Distribution Blocks • Power / Speaker Wire • RCA Cable • Sound Deadener 2018_PAS152DecJan_GlobalMediaAwards.indd 2

2018-12-19 3:16 PM

TEIN

Defi ports Display F Defi Shop.com As someone who’s a lover of JDM at heart, seeing the word “Defi” sets off a prima instinct that automatically makes me want to sell a kidney to import a Chaser and stuff it full of Defi electronics. When I sa the Defi Sports Display F (DSDF), I once again had that similar reaction. The DSDF is a 4.2-inch, full-color LCD touchscreen display that gathers information from your car via Defi s ADVANCE Link system, OBDII, and GPS. This information is displayed on the screen in Street, Circuit, Gauge, or G-Force/Locus displays - whichever is more suitable for your application. The driving data that it records can be stored on a USB to take out and review on a PC, and there’s also a switch unit that can be mounted to the dash for adjustments on the fly with buttons developed to be accessible to the driver when wearing race gloves.

TURBONETICS

Ford Mustang EcoBoost Upgrade Turbocharger TurboneticsInc.com Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m a big fan of the new Mustangs from 2015 and up, referring to them, especially the EcoBoost-equipped ‘Stangs, as the Nissan S16 because of the capable chassis, RWD layout, and turbo-four engine. The EcoBoost has become so popular that the V6 is no longer an option from the dealer, and I believe that the 2.3-liter turbo could rival the GT’s 5.0-liter V8 with the proper tools. Looks like Turbonetics thinks the same, as their new EcoBoost drop-in turbo upgrade kit ticks all the right boxes. Capable of 520-horsepower (with proper support and tuning), the 52-mm turbo kit is engineered to withstand higher temps, provide better response with less lag, and installs as a direct drop-in with no modifications needed. What else could you wish for?

TURBOSMART ALV Anti-Lag Valve Turbosmart.com An anti-lag valve has been a thing in motorsport for awhile now as an alternative to combustion-style anti-lag that can put stresses on the turbo and engine, but the technology is pricey for someone looking to add it to their setup. Turbosmart, being awesome and Australian, saw this and thought they could do better. They were right. Turbosmart’s ALV allows incoming fresh air to be diverted into the exhaust manifold, pre-turbo, in the event of gear changes or deceleration. Once the throttle has been stamped on again, the turbine speed of the spooling turbo is maintained by the useable boost diverted by the ALV. While the ALV is ideal for racing applications, I’m already excited to see what the possibilities are for it in builds now that the technology is more accessible!

k d

2018_PAS152DecJan_GlobalMediaAwards.indd 3

2018-12-19 3:16 PM

2018_PAS152DecJan_Jesus Sanchez-365Months.indd 1

2018-12-19 3:24 PM

FEATURE.

FRONT RUNNER Story by

Micky Slinger

Photography by

Raul Escoto

ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN ONLINE VOTES. ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED PHYSICAL VOTES.

THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN VOTES IN TOTAL. These are the kinds of numbers you’ll see in the Tuner Battlegrounds Championship, and in 2017, the fierce battle between two passionate enthusiasts reached over three million people. To give you an idea of how crazy things get, those vote totals listed above belong to our 2017 Championship runner-up: Jesus Sanchez and his 2005 Acura TSX. Although he came up just short, his enthusiasm and his car are in a league of their own and very deserving of being in the pages of PASMAG.

fifTH ANNUAL ANNiVeRSARY

BEFORE

the come up, Sanchez, also sometimes known as Kechus among his peers, was all about trading cars. No, I didn’t miss a “d” there; Sanchez likes to trade one car for another to move onto a new project, and it all started with his fi st vehicle. His father handed a 1998 Mustang GT down to him, which Sanchez turned around and swapped a week later for a base model Honda Civic DX with zero power options and no AC. He says he can still see the look on his dad’s face when he rolled home in the ‘96 econobox. Sanchez would make that car his own though, leading him down a road of modifications and instilling a l ve for Honda tuning along the way. “I have built around 12 to 14 [cars] throughout my life - most of them Hondas and Acuras,” Sanchez tells us. “I have built pretty

much all models of Civic, from 1992 to 2008; some to quite an extent and others with just basic modifications, li e wheels, suspension, and aerodynamics.” The last Civic that Sanchez built was a K-swapped ‘96 hatchback that ended up being traded for the TSX that we know him for today. As for why he gave up a quick little Civvie for a four-door semi-luxury sedan? Family. With a third child on the way and comfort being of the utmost performance for a family of fi e, small, loud Hondas just didn’t fit the bill anymore. Sanche wasn’t going to give up the modified li e, however, and didn’t lie to himself for one second about not touching the daily driver. Sure, it would be used to haul around the kids, but it was going to be fun at the same time. “The original plans for the car were to give it a track-looking

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Jesus Sanchez-365Months.indd 2

PASMAG

39 2018-12-19 3:24 PM

PAS151-Rotiform.indd 1

2018-09-04 4:29 PM

FEATURE.

“I JUST LOVE HOW WE WORKED THE SHEETS OF METAL THROUGHOUT THE CURVES OF THE BAY, CREATING PERFECT AND SMOOTH LINES, INCLUDING A COMPLETELY SHAVED AND FLAT FIREWALL.”

FRONT RUNNER

YOUR VOTES. YOUR CHAMPION.

stance and eventually be able to take it to a circuit, while keeping it reliable as a daily driver for my family,” explains Sanchez. “The fi st two years were just as planned, but after the third year, when I relocated to a new city with a completely different car scene, the original goal I was aiming for drastically changed.” In this new scene, form came in a bit over function, and wheels were supposed to be big and wide on increasingly lowered cars with amazing paint jobs and an engine bay clean enough to eat out of. Sanchez really took to this style of modification ver what he was used to and started to move in a different direction for his TSX. When we saw it in person during the TBG Championship competition, the Acura was nowhere near what his initial projections for the car were. Low to the ground and cambered out at almost fender-to-lip on 18-inch three-piece wheels, the rootbeer-colored sedan exuded cleanliness and attention to detail. The exterior is a tasteful mix of out-of-country JDM and European parts, like the Spoon Sports front bumper, Accord Euro R headlights

SEED NO.3

JESUS REYES

2005 ACURA TSX

2001 HONDA S2000

and rear bumper lip, and J’s Racing carbon fiber diffus . There’s also a J’s Racing carbon fiber hood not that it made an appearance throughout the entire SEMA show. Passersby of the show were free to peek into the engine bay to see Honda’s infamous K24A2 engine adorned with many copper-coated components, like the Skunk2 intake manifold, valve cover, and custom cold air intake, plus brand-new Downstar hardware everywhere you looked - spiked or otherwise. This all sits in a fantastically fabricated engine bay that Sanchez lists as his personal highlight of the car. “My favorite aspect of the car is defini ely the engine bay,” he grins. “I just love how we worked the sheets of metal throughout the curves of the bay, creating perfect and smooth lines, including a completely shaved and flat firewal ” After leaving the competition with second place, Sanchez didn’t lose faith and decided to

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Jesus Sanchez-365Months.indd 3

SEED NO.1

JESUS SANCHEZ

PASMAG

41 2018-12-19 3:25 PM

20T

While Quantiti e Last! s

I V ER S AR Y ME

SH I

20T

NN HA

Limited e Time Whtilities Only! Quan t! Las

Limited Time Only!

E M R S A R Y M EM B ER IBVE S NN

ER S AR Y M

R Y M EM B

NN I V

SH I

ER S A

IV NN

A TH

SPECIAL

20th Anniversary Membership

$20

for

you get:

All 2019 PASMAG Print Issues A PASMAG 20th Anniversary T-Shirt PASMAG Stickers ...and more!

HURRY!

* * * Limited Quantity Available * * *

Visit PASMAG.com/Subscribe

PAS_20th_HouseAd.indd 1

2018-12-20 10:36 AM

FEATURE.

FRONT RUNNER ESSENTIALS

2005 Acura TSX

OWNER › Jesus Sanchez LOCATION › Indio, CA BUILT BY › Eddy’s Racing Engines. 21st Body Shop ENGINE › Honda K24A2 2.4L I-4 HORSEPOWER › 210 hp TORQUE › 155 lb-ft CLUB AFFILIATION › NvUS

build upon the TSX even more. The interior of the Acura has been completely redone in conjunction with Status Racing. Sitting front and center are Status’ Ring fi ed-back seats, customized with mocha suede upholstery and “liberty mocha” vinyl for the seat cushions, while the rear seats and door skins have also been treated to the same coverings. The racing seats have also been further customized by 21st Body Shop, who paint-matched their shells to the custom-mixed brown on the body, while GS Powder Coat went as far as to coat the seat brackets and Cusco harness bar in the same copper that takes place in the engine bay. What was once static is now air, as the TSX tucks fender behind the lips of custom three-piece Rotiform IND-T wheels by way of D2 Racing air struts and Air Lift Performance’s 3P management. The aforementioned Rotiform wheels were earned as a sponsorship through Tuner Battlegrounds, and while Sanchez was speccing them, he may have gone a little overboard. “I ordered specs that turned out to be just a bit too aggressive for

ENGINE

Skunk2 (Stage 1 cams, intake manifold, fuel rail, radiator, radiator hoses, radiator cap) + Custom (radiator cover, cold air intake, carbon fiber cooling plate, carbon fiber engine trim covers, carbon fiber cowl) + Vibrant Performance intake clamps + K&N air filter + Mishimoto slim radiator fans + Hondata intake manifold gasket + K-Tuned (electric water pump, oil dipstick, spark plug cover) + Downstar (spiked hardware, engine hardware) EXHAUST

the car,” he winces, looking back. “I was in shock when we mounted the tires and eventually put the wheels on the TSX; they were sticking out way too much. Thanks to the magic of Pablo Salinas and Rafael Jimenez that worked some major body, suspension, and fender work, we were able to give the wheels enough camber to be able to fi them without giving the car an extreme ‘Hellaflush’ look ” To take an Acura TSX and build it to this level, Sanchez enlisted the support of his car club and some select shops in Mexico to push him that bit further. NVUS was a huge factor in how he built his car and to what degree of quality, as when he fi st joined, he set his sights on the

“EVEN THOUGH I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA, I AM PROUD TO LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT QUALITY SHOPS AND MECHANICS THAT CAN BE FOUND IN MEXICO.”

club’s “Elite Members.” Two years later, and his golden NVUS banner shows his Elite status and reflec s the respect he has garnered amongst his peers. Sanchez also speaks proudly about the fact that his TSX was built bumper-tobumper in Mexico by Eddy’s Racing Engines and 21st Body Shop. “Mexico’s import scene is growing and becoming just as strong as the USA,” Sanchez explains. “Even though I live in California, I am proud to let others know about quality shops and mechanics that can be found in Mexico.” While some may joke that they’re “in Mexico” while doing borderline illegal stunts for social media, Sanchez is legitimately making the next steps in his car’s evolution down South - that is, until he he’s offered a trade he can’t refuse. We’ll have to wait and see what our Tuner Battlegrounds finalist has u his sleeve next, whether it be the TSX 3.0 or something new to sink his passions into.

Private Label Manufacturing header + Megan Racing (OE-RS cat-back exhaust system, 4-inch blue titanium burnt tips) CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

D2 Racing air bag struts + Air Lift Performance (3P management system, lines, fittings, 5-gallon tank) + Viair dual 444c compressors + Custom hardlines + Skunk2 camber kit (f) + Megan Racing camber kit (r) WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

Rotiform IND-T custom 3-piece wheels - 18x10 -0 (f), 18x10 -10 (r) + Falken ZIEX tires - 215/35 R18 (f/r) + StopTech (drilled & slotted brake rotors, brake pads) EXTERIOR

PPG Rootbeer w/ gold pear & copper flake custom paint + Spoon Sports front bumper + J’s Racing carbon fiber (rear diffuser, hood) + Honda Accord Euro R (headlights, rear bumper lip) + Custom carbon fiber (front splitter, side skirt splitters, trunk, window visors, window trim) INTERIOR

Status Racing (custom bucket seats, seat brackets) + Nardi Deep Corn steering wheel + Cusco harness bar + NRG (steering wheel quick release, steering wheel hub) + Custom carbon fiber (rear speaker delete cover, window trim) + LED interior lighting MOBILE ELECTRONICS

Pioneer (Stage 4 DEX-P99RS head unit, GMD9605 2,000-watt 5-channel Class-D amplifier) + Kicker (CS Series 6.5-inch coaxial speakers, CompR DCWR12 12-inch subwoofer) SPONSORS

Downstar, Meguiar’s, 88 Rotors, Skunk2, Status Racing

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Jesus Sanchez-365Months.indd 4

PASMAG

43 2018-12-19 3:25 PM

MAZZEI FORMULA

T H E R X-7 W I T H THE HEART OF LE MANS AND THE SOUL OF FORMULA 1

Story by

Adam Gordon

Photography by Cade Garrett (@cxde)

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Mazzei Formula RX-7.indd 1

2018-12-19 4:56 PM

FEATURE.

Do you remember the days of 1990s Formula 1? The sights, the sounds, the V8 and V10 engines screaming at 18,000 RPM - all hallmarks of a golden era of motorsport, commonly regarded by many enthusiasts as the most soulful and pure of its kind. David Mazzei remembers it fondly, and an unbreakable love for that era of racing has led him to pursue a build that stopped our entire editorial team in their tracks at SEMA 2018. Luring us in with its giant spoiler, Work wheels, and wide Maxxis tires, we were blown away upon closer inspection. We had to ask Mazzei more about it, and we’re glad we did.

WHILE

the V8s and V10s of 90s Formula 1 are long retired and damn near impossible to acquire, there exists somewhat of a rotary counterpart: The 26B - a four-rotor engine found originally in Mazda’s 767 and 787B. For those who don’t know, in 1991, the 26B-powered 787B became the fi st Japanese car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the only car, to this day, to take the championship title in anything other than a reciprocating piston engine. Put that in your exhaust pipe and smoke it, V8s. The legacy and the soul-churning sound of the 26B had Mazzei stricken, and he couldn’t let his

ideas stay just a vision for long. After buying his fi st RX-7 in 2005, he spent countless hours researching everything he could about rotary engines making power and staying reliable. It wasn’t long before he decided to cast aside “rotaries blow up” naysayers, and swap a 20B into his FD3S. After toying with that car for a while, he had amassed enough confidenc to tackle the four-rotor project of his dreams. He sold his 20Bswapped RX-7 and pulled out an RX-7 parts car that had been sitting behind the shop for years. He was starting this one from scratch. The 26B was purchased from an overseas company that shall remain unnamed, and you’ll fin out why shortly. Purchased as a drop-in swap, the engine would come with everything except an ECU, wiring, and fuel system. Unfortunately for Mazzei, in addition to being many months late, the engine had no shortage of mechanical shortcomings. “The oil pump had incorrect ratio gearing, the exhaust manifold had incorrect scroll pairing order, insufficient wa egate priority, and inferior primary tubing sizing, causing excessive back-pressure and uncontrollable boost,” he says, remembering a builder’s nightmare. “Furthermore, we had insufficient oil pressure, oil pic up problems, alternator failure, and peripheral ports that were sealed incorrectly, which leaked coolant internally.” Down, but not out, Mazzei was fortunate enough to have a network of motivated individuals who recognized how much love he had already poured into the project,

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Mazzei Formula RX-7.indd 2

PASMAG

45 2018-12-19 4:56 PM

PAS152_Mackin_Gramlights.indd 1

2018-12-14 11:39 AM

FEATURE.

MAZZEI FORMULA

IT TURNS OUT THIS WHOLE ROTARY THING CAN GET COMPLICATED QUICKLY AT THIS LEVEL.

and they weren’t about to give it up without a fight. alker Morgan of Morgan Performance Fabrication was quick to fabricate a proper exhaust manifold that would give it that signature 787B sound, thanks to some instruction from Carlos Lopez of Carlos Lopez Racing. “The sound was a night and day difference!” exclaims Mazzei, before remembering further tear-down trauma. “However, we still ended up having to tear the motor down due to compression inconsistency.” Upon further dissection of the franken-rotary engine, Eccentric Motorsports and Chip Motorsports discovered that the rotors were never calibrated or balanced for proper clearance, and they had been wearing down their seals on contact with the irons. Chip Ursu took it upon himself to machine the rotors for lightness, clearance them properly, and balance the entire rotational assembly all to proper race spec. He also took

that opportunity to machine some metallic inserts to fix the slop y peripheral ports. It turns out this whole rotary thing can get complicated quickly at this level. With all of the engine’s mistakes corrected, it was just a matter of reassembly at Eccentric Motorsports, and after fittin a billet oil pan from Built-To-Apex, the engine was ready to rock and

roll. When it came time to install the engine, JD Durham from Krowrx - a previous feature car builder, as well as good friend to Mazzei - stepped up to the challenge, and helped influence Ma zei to get wild with the install. A new tube front end courtesy of Durham allowed for a bigger intercooler and turbocharger, and all that freedom to expand just had to be capitalized on. Mazzei decided to upgrade to a GTX5533 98-mm Gen 2 turbocharger from Work Turbochargers and a larger intercooler, and that was just the beginning.

The FD also features several tweaks thanks to Durham. In addition to custom brackets for a rearmount, cable-driven fuel pump from Waterman Racing Components, he also integrated ducting for the Optic Armor polycarbonate rear window. Those air ducts feed airfl w directly to a rear-mount intercooler water core, which fl ws all the way up to keep the custom intake manifold cool, well into the RPM range. Keeping the internals of the rotary monster cool, as well as cooling the transmission, are a set of oil coolers,

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Mazzei Formula RX-7.indd 3

PASMAG

47 2018-12-19 4:56 PM

T R A C K

D R I F T

S T A N C E

S T R E E T

For the past decade ISC Suspension has proven itself as a diverse weapon for multiple driving disciplines for both street and motorsports; from Time Attack and HPDE, to Drift, Autocross and Street.

ISCSUSPENSION-NA.COM

ISC Suspension.indd 1

@ISC_SUSPENSION

ISCSUSPENSIONNA

ISCSUSPENSION

2018-12-14 11:38 AM

FEATURE.

MAZZEI FORMULA

“IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FEELING AND THE EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE BYSTANDER.” ESSENTIALS

1993 Mazda Rx-7

OWNER › David Mazzei LOCATION › Birmingham, AL ENGINE › Mazda 26B 2.6L turbocharged 4-rotor HORSEPOWER › 1,000+ whp TORQUE › 650 lb-ft SOCIAL MEDIA @mazzei_formula david.z.mazzei ENGINE

with three in the front bumper, and one in the rear, all integrated cleanly into the overall look of the car, especially with the Shine Auto aero kit and 1999-spec front bumper conversion. With a proper tune from Abel Ibarra, the struggles of getting his build together have paid off in spades for Mazzei. Churning at a soul-shaking 10,000 rpm, the 26B four-rotor puts out more than 1,000 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque at the wheels, and achieves the exact sound Mazzei was looking for: 600 Hz at 9,000 rpm - true to the Formula 1 golden age he hoped to emulate. The power is obviously fantastic, but according to Mazzei, the real goal was the feeling of it all. Because my words can only explain it so well, I’ll let David break it down for you. “It's all about the feeling and the experience for both the driver and the bystander. When you're moving through the rpms, you feel it moving through yourself and everything around you. The sound

Mazda 26B 4-Rotor swap + Peripheral port + Garrett GTX5533R Gen 2 98-mm turbocharger + Garrett Waterto-Air core integrated intake manifold + Haltech Elite 2500 ECU + Morgan Performance (exhaust manifold, custom intake piping) + Turbosmart 50-mm wastegates + Mocal (30-row oil coolers (3), 15row oil cooler) + SPAL cooling fans EXHAUST

Morgan Performance exhaust system w/ side-exit cutouts DRIVETRAIN

Exedy Triple Plate clutch + Dog Ringed straight-cut gear set + Carbonetic 1.5-way differential

waves are so intense that the shifter knob will begin to unscrew itself from the transmission if you don't seriously lock it down,” he laughs. “As soon as you stab the throttle and boost hits, you look over from the road to the wastegate dump tubes exiting the hood and see blue flames shoo ing into the air with an even louder accompanying scream. When you release the throttle at 10,000 rpm to grab the next gear, you feel the concussion of the backfire and

flames xiting the side exit pipe, sometimes so strong that it readjusts your side-view mirror. The transmission bangs into the next gear, and you go at it again, until you decide that you're too afraid to keep your foot down.” We can practically hear the whining of the straight-cut gears and smell the burning E85 as he describes the visceral experience to us in all its intensity, and it immediately becomes clear that his passion for this project runs as deep as the build’s historical origins. In closing, Mazzei lets us in on a little secret: In tandem with some of the key names mentioned in his story, he will be building a transaxle-based, rear-engine, rotary hyper car. Yes, really. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping a close eye on him moving forward.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Mazzei Formula RX-7.indd 4

WHEELS / TIRES

Work Meister S1 3-piece wheels - 18-inch + Maxxis VR-1 tires 245/40/18 (f), 295/40/18 (r) CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Krowrx Fabrication tubular front end + Megan Racing EZ Street II coilovers EXTERIOR

Krowrx Fabrication (front splitter, rear lexan windshield w/ NACA ducted intercooler heat exchange system, fender exhaust exit plate, custom rear mount fuel pump bracketry) + Shine Auto aero kit + 1999 Mazda RX-7 front bumper + VIS Racing hood + Chassismounted rear spoiler + CGS Vinyl Shop decals INTERIOR

Carbon fiber dash panels + Bride Vios III seats + Sabelt 6-point harnesses + Sparco steering wheel + NRG quick-release hub + Racepak dash + 6-point roll cage SPONSORS

Maxxis Tires, Built-to-Apex Oil Pan SPECIAL THANKS

Speedsouth Performance Center, Cheyenne Pearl Stirling, Nolan Holcomb, Brian Phillips, Brandan Davis, Work Turbocharger, Bryan Leonard, Grant Snyder

PASMAG

49 2018-12-19 4:56 PM

FEATURE.

It’s the summer of 1990 and it’s a bit spicy out. Leaving the 7/11 with the door chiming behind you, refreshing grape soda in hand, you pass a few kids on the sidewalk hopping around their Skip-Its. Fearing the fate of your ankles, and possibly the paint on your car, you quickly slip into your E30 coupe with thoughts of picking up Kimberly tonight to go see that new Patrick Swayze movie where he’s a ghost or something. First, it’s time for a cruise. Pushing in a cassette, "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips fi ls your speakers and you’re off with a smile. After all, “things’ll go your way.”

TWODOOR TIME MACHINE C At u n e d’s E 3 0 T H R OW B AC K

Story by

PASMAG

Micky Slinger

Photography by

Naveed Yousufzai

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_CAtuned's Grape BMW E30.indd 1

2018-12-19 4:13 PM

CAtuned WAS ABOUT TO TRANSFORM AN OLD AND BEAT LATE ’80S 3 SERIES INTO A PRISTINE TIME TRAVELLER, AND POLISHCHUK HAD ALREADY GOTTEN A HEAD START GRABBING ALL THE NECESSARY RETRO PARTS.

what may be the most 1990 paragraph ever written, that’s what we imagine Igor Polishchuk of CAtuned was dreaming of during a particularly tough 16-hour day. Fantasizing of better times and better cars, he finally had a projec idea that he wanted to act on, as well as a spare two-door E30 to do it with. CAtuned was about to transform an old and beat late ’80s 3 Series into a pristine time traveller, and Polishchuk had already gotten a head start grabbing all the necessary retro parts. Starting with an ‘87 coupe that still ran and drove (sort of) with a roughed-up body that needed both fenders and doors replaced, Polishchuk started framing up his work by taking it right down to the frame. Stripping the entire car down to a roller, he dove right into the interior, ripping up the floorboards and scraping away an surprises underneath. After treating the 30-plus-year-old floo s to a coating of POR-15 rust-preventative paint, Polishchuk broke out the Fatmat sound deadening before reassembling the floor or a new and improved E30 experience.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_CAtuned's Grape BMW E30.indd 2

PASMAG

51 2018-12-19 4:13 PM

Untitled-1 1

2018-05-02 2:20 PM

FEATURE.

TWODOOR TIME MACHINE

ALL IN, THE E30 IS MAKING 450 HORSEPOWER

With new doors and fenders ordered from BMW, which Polishchuk says are still readily available for the time being, it was time for paint. For this, CAtuned turned to 916 Fresh Cars to turn their project 3 Series an attention-grabbing shade of purple - BMW’s Daytona Violet to be exact. Due to the hue choice, it wasn’t long before the E30 was affectionately named “Grape” by the team. With Grape off o the paint booth, the build crew took advantage of whatever time they had to get things rolling, as Toyo Tires had once again chosen their build to occupy a feature car spot right out front of the main entrance of SEMA. Time to hustle. Just because there was more of a rush, it didn’t mean that Polishchuk’s dream of a new and improved retro E30 had gone out the window. After welding reinforce-

ments to the front and rear subframes, as well as throughout the chassis, all bushings were replaced with polyurethane upgrades, and the E30 was even treated to custom CAtuned chromoly axles and their Stage 3.0 four-piston BBK up front, with refreshed brakes in the rear. The addition of a custom-built Wavetrac LSD converted to a twoway with a higher 3.46 gear ratio was a sign of things to come. Admittedly, Polishchuk has a lot of love for the BMW M20 motor, but there was something he was craving in this build, and to get it, he’d have to hop into his time machine and travel a little further into the future: the mid-to-late ‘90s. The E36 M3’s S52 inlinesix engine was his goal, plus a good bit of boost from an Active Autowerke Stage 2 supercharger system. The high-ratio LSD makes more sense now, right? The S52 has been built up to 11.5 to 1 compression and utilizes VAC Motorsports’ lightweight pulleys for some quicker acceleration out of the new blower. All in, the E30 is making 450 horsepower, which probably makes it the fastest car in the world named Grape. With the new engine mated to the chassis and newly-painted body, plus a Z3 steering rack swap for that close-ratio goodness, it was time to start plugging away at the goodies Polishchuk had been stashing away. Sourced periodcorrect Recaro seats were soon reupholstered in purple M Technic fabric, as well as the rear seats and door cards, while the dash, glove box, and center console were covered in stitched leather.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_CAtuned's Grape BMW E30.indd 3

PASMAG

53 2018-12-19 4:14 PM

FT-truck-03-2017.pdf 1 1/17/2017 2:46:34 PM

FullRiver-BatteryUSA-PASMAG-Trucks6.indd 1

2017-01-25 3:09 PM

ESSENTIALS

1987 BMW 325is

OWNER › Igor Polishchuk LOCATION › Sacramento, CA BUILT BY › CAtuned, 916 Fresh Cars ENGINE › BMW S52 3.2L I-6 HORSEPOWER › 450 hp SOCIAL MEDIA @catuned_igor / @catuned ENGINE

TWODOOR TIME MACHINE

BMW (S52 engine swap, E90 engine studs) + Ported & polished cylinder head + JE 9.0:1 pistons + 11.5 to 1 compression + Coated bearings (rod, main) + Supertech (double valve springs, valves, valve retainers) + Revshift polyurethane engine swap mounts + Bavarian Autosport ignition coils + Port-matched intake manifold + Active Autowerke Stage 2 supercharger system + VAC Motorsports lightweight pulleys + K&N air filter + CSF radiator + SPAL radiator fan + CAtuned hoses (radiator, cooling) + ARP head studs EXHAUST

Vibrant custom stainless steel exhaust system

FEATURE.

DRIVETRAIN

CAtuned (modified Wavetrac 2-way LSD - 3.46 ratio, braided clutch line) + Fidanza flywheel + Revshift polyurethane transmission mounts WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES

Rotiform SAC wheels - 16x8 (f), 16x9.5 (r) + Toyo Proxes 4 tires - 205/40 R16 (f), 215/40 R16 (r) + CAtuned Stage 3.0 BBK - (12-inch drilled & slotted rotors (f), 4-piston calipers (f)) + Ceramic brake pads + Porsche 944 brake booster + BMW 7 Series master cylinder CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

The chance also came up to own some rare throwback pieces, like the cassette tape holder that integrates with the center console, and even a BMW car phone that occupies its own bag. Wooden accessories, like the Auto Asthetik shift knob, Kooglewerks e-brake handle, Nardi steering wheel, and custom sun blind setup in the rear window tie together the wayback theme beautifully. Bringing together modern day and the late ‘80s are some stunning pieces from Bavarian Restoration. Integrated into the E30’s

gauge cluster is a digital portion along the bottom of the tachometer, which reads the boost and AFR from the supercharged-six under the hood. It also glows purple via LED backlighting, just to make it that much cooler - the same goes for the custom Euro clock that they threw into the deal. Outside, the much-loved M Technic 1 body kit is paired with the much-hated Typhoon square headlights, making for just the right amount of controversial. Startec taillights, carbon fiber TM side mirrors, retro BMW roundels, and front fender strips and rear spoiler from Kamei round out the exterior options on every E30 enthusiast's wish list - past and present. The whole package is brought down by Air Lift Performance’s 3P management, CAtuned’s E30 air struts, and a FLO air tank. The latter is custom-mounted to the top of the trunk and topped off with a awesome retro-style hardline provided by a friend of CAtuned, who flew in from Tilson Inn vations in

Oklahoma. When the BMW airs out, it does so over the fi st-ever set of Rotiform SAC (as in Sacramento, where CAtuned is based) wheels in 16-inch sizing - eight-wide in the front and nine-and-a-half in the rear. Wrapped in Toyo Proxes 4 tires, and this Bimmer is official the ultimate all-rounder daily driver and show-stopper. Through long days and sometimes sleepless nights, Grape made it to SEMA complete and on time to occupy its spot outside of SEMA’s front doors. The BMW didn’t just function as a quality set piece, but also made its way up the ranks in SEMA’s Battle of the Builders competition to the Top 12. While it is a stunning example of an E30 all around, a peek inside is a little like taking a trip back in time. To the curious passerby who lived through the ‘80s and ‘90s, maybe it’s like a brief visit back to a place where they pushed in a cassette on their way to go pick up Kimberly to see a flick with wayze and Whoopi Goldberg.

CAtuned (custom airbag performance suspension, chromoly sway bar links, chromoly axles, polyurethane bushings, chassis reinforcement, steering guibo) + BMW Z3 steering rack swap + Airlift Performance management + FLO Air Ride custom-mounted air tank + Tilson Innovations “retro” hardlines + MRT adjustable outer tie rod ends + Condor Speed Shop control arm (bushings, “eye ball” mounts) + ST Suspension sway bars (f/r) + Red46 skid plate EXTERIOR

BMW Daytona Violet paint job by 916 Fresh Cars + M Technic 1 body kit + Startec taillights + Typhoon square headlights + CAtuned (custom motorsport door handles, shorty antenna, retro roundels) + Carbon fiber DTM mirrors + Custom diffusers (lip, skirts) + Kamei (rear spoiler, front fender fins) + Ceramic Pro ceramic coating INTERIOR

BMW (NOS floor mats, retro tape deck console holder, retro bag phone, Euro rear-view mirror) + Black-dyed carpeting + Bavarian Restoration (CAtuned custom gauge cluster, modified Euro clock) + CAtuned (black suede headliner, custom purple seat belts, wooden rear window blinds) + Recaro bucket seats + M Technic (reupholstered rear seats, reupholstered Recaro bucket seats, door sills) + Leather reupholstered (dash, center console) + Auto Asthetik wooden shift knob + Kooglewerks (wooden e-brake handle, cup holders) + Nardi wooden steering wheel w/ suede cover + Fatmat sound deadening MOBILE ELECTRONICS

Blaupunkt retro head unit + Infinity (KAPPA 50.11cs 5.25-inch component speaker system, Reference REF-5032cfx 5.25-inch 2-way speakers) SPONSORS

Toyo Tires + Rotiform + Bavarian Restoration + Airlift Performance + CSF Radiators + FLO Air Ride + Tilson Innovations + Wavetrac + 916 Fresh Cars + K&N Filters

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_CAtuned's Grape BMW E30.indd 4

PASMAG

55 2018-12-19 4:15 PM

11 T U N I N G

365

2017

NOVEMBER Back for its 7th iteration, PASMAG TRUCKS showed off a wide ariety of record holders and SEMA-ready truck builds.

FEATURE

REMEMBER THE TITAN Photography by Shawn Michener

NOVEMBER

MOV IE

3rd TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Thor: Ragnarok

OPENING WEEKEND: +122 MILLION (IMDb)

2010 Nissan Titan Pro-4X Owner: Walter Cheney @team_venom_racing

 Location: Port Henry, NY  Built By: Venom Racing  Engine: Nissan VK56 5.6L V8  Horsepower: 600 whp  Torque: 700 lb-ft  CLUB AFFILIATION: Level 7 Truck Club

NOVEMBER

SEMA @semashow

Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

NOVEMBER

N O V3 EMBER rd

OCT

31 st

Photography by Adam Gordon, Micky Slinger & Gerbie Reyes

@thabenjamins

Benjamin Tran 2015 TBG Champion

Randi Bentia Director, Audience Engagement

@anthonydg_

Anthony De Guzman 2014 TBG Champion

CHAMPION

OUNDS.COM TUNERBATTLEGR UNDS RO #TUNERBATTLEG

2017

fifTH ANNUAL ANNiVeRSARY

@atran204

Anthony Tran

@marklinag_

Mark Linag

@gersmms2k

Jesus Sanchez #tbg5sanchez

Gerbie Reyes 2016 TBG Champion

336 USERS

Jesus Reyes #tbg5reyes

397 USERS

Tota l H as h tag R e ac h : 3 ,1 5 1 ,1 2 3 • Tota l H as h tag I m p r es s i o n s : 5 , 9 70 , 5 1 2

Reyes: 940 Sanchez: 1129

BALLOT BOX

Brent Callow 403media Video Specialist

@do_i_make_u_randi

BADGE SCAN

Left to Right

@brentcallow_403media

YOUR VOTES. YOUR CHAMPION.

Reyes: 272 Sanchez: 571

CLICK STAR TO VOTE

tunerbattlegrounds.com

Reyes: 2,490 Sanchez: 1,501

BTN Finals.indd 1

PASMAG

2018-01-04 1:58 PM

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Nov2017_v2.indd 1

2018-12-19 4:30 PM

MBER

TEST REPORT

DS18

FOCAL

Amplifier eview

NXL400.4DE

FDP SPORT

A promising element-proof amplifier f om the new kid on the block.

TEST R EPO R T

M USIC

BIG SHOW

Simply Clean 9 @iamsimplyclean

Destination Daytona Complex, Ormond Beach, FL Photography by Lee Vermont //

Nov 4 week TOP ALBUM SALES

A small yet powerful amplifier or motorcycles and powersports.

E VE N T

Photography by Kyle St. Peter (Shifting Gears Media)

FEAT URE

2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab Owner: Travis Poirier  Location: Fairfax, VT  Engine: Chrysler HEMI 5.7L V8  Horsepower: 400 hp  Torque: 425 lb-ft

P!nk Beautiful Trauma (billboard)

Nov 25 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Niall Horan Flicker (billboard)

N4 OVEMBER th

11O V E M B18 N ER th

NOVEMBER

18th

HOT IMPORT NIGHTS: FLORIDA @hotimportnights

Auburndale Speedway, Winter Haven, FL

NOVEMBER

X NOVEMBER N O V E M B E R 25 th

JASON NEERING

NOVE

MUSIC

@mazda_jason

1992 MAZDA RX-7

Photography by Daniel Colmenares ( @danielalbertophotogrpahy)

# TUN ER BA TTLEG R O UN D S Nov 25 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Sam Smith The Thrill Of It All (billboard)

E VE N T

STANCEWARS: HOUSTON @stancewars

The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, Houston, TX Photography by David Barnhouse

MUSIC

2008 Ford F-250

Nov 18 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Kenny Chesney Live In No Shoes Nation (billboard)

Owner: Lane Wakeland @fastlane17

SIX FO'

Photography by Nate Rolen

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Nov2017_v2.indd 2

 Location: Crestview, FL  Engine: Ford Powerstroke 6.4L V8  Horsepower: 800 (est.)  Torque: 1300 lb-ft (est.)  CLUB AFFILIATION: LoneStarTruckClub

PASMAG

57 2018-12-19 4:31 PM

12 T U N I N G

365

MOV IE

2017

DECEMBER LY

THE TUNER’S SOURCE FOR MODIFIED CAR CULTURE

ON 9! $4.9

BRINGING BACK THE

AMERICANS ON THE TOUGE

For the fi st time ever, PASMAG dedicated nearly all of an issue's content to American metal. From classics with modern twists to some of modern muscle's fine t offerings, we left no stone unturned searching for the best brawn in America.

BRINGING BACK THE BRAWN

THE V12LS CAMARO

DEC/JAN 2018

PASMAG.COM

PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 01/31/18

$4.99

EVENT COVERAGE

› UNIFIED CAR AUDIO CHAMPIONSHIP › BERLIN KLASSIK: ISLAND TOUR › FIRST CLASS FITMENT › FORMULA DRIFT: FAREWELL TO IRWINDALE

TESTED

PIONEER TS-Z65CH COMPONENT SYSTEM CLARION CMS4 MULTI-ZONE RECEIVER

DECEMBER

OPENING WEEKEND: +220 MILLION (IMDb)

TF-WORKS' TAKE ON THE 'STANG

BRAWN #146

15th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

DECEMBER

Photography by Duy Nguyen

FEAT URE

1967 Chevrolet Camaro Owner: Mike Heim @quality_custom_rides Location: Landisville, PA Built by: Quality Custom Rides Engine: V12LS 8.5L prototype long-block V12 Horsepower: 796 hp Torque: 600 lb-ft

DECEMBER

M USIC

Dec 2, Dec 9, Dec 16 weeks TOP ALBUM SALES

Taylor Swift reputation (billboard)

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Dec2017-365Months.indd 1

2018-12-19 3:31 PM

DEC

Hot Import Nights: Australia

FGCU Motor Show @Auto_Faction_Events

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL

@hotimportnights

Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia

Photography by Devious Design Photography

Photography by Alec Paris

T E S T R E P OR T

EV EN T

CLARION

EVENT

CMS4 MULTIZONE MARIN Receiver Review

An intuitive multi-zone audio hub, perfect for just about any vehicle you install it in.

BRIAN CALBERO @graphitemrevo6.5

2000 Mitsubishi Mirage Photography by Taylor Vollrath ( @taydork)

#T U N E R B A T T L E GR OU N D S

23rd

Event Name

@hotimportnights

Blaisdell Exhibition Center, Honolulu, HI

63% OF THE POPULAR VOTE

DECEMBER

10B E R DECEM th

D E 23 CEMBER rd

DECEMBER

D E26-27 CEMBER th

DECEMBER

Hot Import Nights @hotimportnights

Blaisdell Exhibition Center, Honolulu, HI //

MUSIC

Dec 23 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Photography by Taylor Vollrath //

EV EN T

U2 Songs of Experience (billboard)

MU SIC

Dec 30 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Luke Bryan What Makes You Country (billboard)

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_Dec2017-365Months.indd 2

PASMAG

59 2018-12-19 3:31 PM

1 T U N I N G

365

2018

JANUARY AMERICANS ON THE TOUGE

3 JANUARY rd //

J5 ANUARY th

M USIC

9-12 th

CES @ces

Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV Photography by Klifton Kepplinger

F EA TUR E

2016 Ford Mustang GT Owner: Mike Lee @tfworks  Location: Wheeling, IL  Built By: Touge Factory  Engine: Ford Coyote 5.0L V8  Horsepower: 645 whp  Torque: 515 lb-ft

Photography by Touge Factory

M OVI E

J A N6U A R Y th

J A N U8A R Y th

J A N9U A R Y th

JANUARY

MUSIC //

EV EN T

Import Face-Off @importfaceoffofficial

Tucson Dragway, Tucson, AZ Photography by Cliff allace

Jan 3 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Eminem Revival (billboard)

Taylor Swift reputation (billboard)

5th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Insidious: The Last Key

OPENING WEEKEND: +29 MILLION (IMDb)

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Jan2018_v1.indd 1

2018-12-19 4:40 PM

JAN

ARY

TUNER EVOLUTION: SOCAL @tunerevo

Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

M USIC

Photography by Brian McGee

E VE N T

Dec 13 week // Dec 20 week // Dec 27 week TOP ALBUM SALES

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack (billboard)

Import Face-Off @importfaceoffofficial

Bradenton Motorsports Park, Bradenton, FL Photography by Cliff allace

# TUN ER BA TTLEG R O UN D S

MICHAEL TORINO @flp.drm

2014 SCION FR-S

Photography by Renz Dimaandal ( @renz.jpg)

15th

TUNER EVOLUTION: SOCAL @tunerevo

Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

J A 13 NUARY th

JANUARY

TEST REP OR T

PIONEER

JANUARY th

60% OF THE POPULAR VOTE

JANUARY

J A N U28 ARY th

JANUARY

JANUAR

Import Face-Off @importfaceoffofficial

California Speed Way Drag Strip, Fontana, CA Photography by Cliff allace

TS-Z65CH

Speaker Review Eighty years of experience have helped Pioneer produce industry leading speakers.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Jan2018_v1.indd 2

PASMAG

61 2018-12-19 4:40 PM

2 T U N I N G

365

2018

FEBRUARY TH E

ISS UE

FROM A TO Z Photography by Brian McGee

Freshly back from SEMA 2017, we took a look at our favorite parts of the show, and integrated Tuning 365 into a regular issue for the fi st time.

1971 Datsun 240Z Owner: Dominic Le @dnicle

 Location: Santa Ana, CA  Engine: Nissan SR20DET 2.0L I4  Horsepower: 430 whp  Torque: 376 lb-ft

F3 EBRUARY rd

F9 EBRUARY th

X FEBRUARY F E B R U A R Y10 th

F E B R U A 11 RY th

M USIC

EV EN T

F E B R U A16 RY th

FEBRU

Import Face-Off

@importfaceoffofficial

Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL

Photography by Cliff allace

MOV IE

Feb 3 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Fall Out Boy M A N I A (billboard)

E VE N T

Elite Tuner @elite_tuner

Royalty Exotic Cars, Las Vegas, NV Photography by Jacob Ramirez

MUSIC

16th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Black Panther

OPENING WEEKEND: +202 MILLION (IMDb)

Feb 10 week TOP ALBUM SALES

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack (billboard)

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Feb2018.indd 1

2018-12-19 4:51 PM

Hot Import Nights

E VE N T

@hotimportnights

San Pedro Historic Downtown Waterfront, San Pedro, CA

Photography by Justin Neuman

Import Face-Off

IMPORT FACE-OFF

No Problem Raceway, Belle Rose, LA

Auto Club Famoso Raceway, McFarland, CA

@importfaceoffofficial

Photography by Cliff allace //

S-CAR GO Photography by Gabriel Sevigny

@importfaceoffofficial

THE

Photography by Cliff allace

EVENT

I SSU E

E V EN T

2016

FINALIST //

F EA TUR E

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Owner: Eric Guerette @marzocchiwrx  Location: Quebec City, QC  Engine: Subaru EJ257 2.35L turbocharged H-4  Horsepower: 600 hp  Torque: 550 lb-ft

F E B R U17 ARY

FEBRUARY

F E B R18 UARY th

FEBRUARY

F E 25 BRUARY th

FEBRUARY

M USIC

FEBRUARY

GALEFORCE 2009 Nissan 370Z //

F EA TUR E

Photography by George Bucur

Owner: Jason Gale @galeforce370z

THE

 Location: Cobourg, ON  Bulity By: Auto Explosion, Nextmod, R/T Tuning, 3Gs Customs  Engine: Nissan VQ37 3.7L V6

ISSUE

 Horsepower: 523 hp  Torque: 476 lb-ft  Club Affiliation: Nextmod

Feb 17 week // Feb 24 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Justin Timberlake Man Of The Woods (billboard)

TEST REPORT

TEST R EPO R T

ALPINE

JVC

PIONEER

Complete System Review

Receiver Review

Subwoofer Review

ID X SERIES

An all-in-one system built with audiophiles and purists in mind.

KW-R935BTS

With tons of input source options and great functionality, this head unit is one of JVC's best for a good price.

TS-D12D2 12”

Forceful, deep, and defined ass at incredible value that's perfect for your choice of vented or sealed enclosures.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Feb2018.indd 2

PASMAG

63 2018-12-19 4:51 PM

3 //

DOWN TO EARTH

MUSIC

March 10 week TOP ALBUM SALES

T U N I N G

365

Brandi Carlile By The Way, I Forgive You (billboard)

Photography by Gene Tjin

2018

M A RCH

Tired of show trucks and mall crawlers? For this PASMAG TRUCKS issue we focused on some badass trucks of a lower variety, as well as a serious suvivalist build.

Owner: Neil Tjin @tjinedition  Location: Laguna Niguel, CA  Built By: Tjin Edition, Unique Fabrication, RPG Off Road  Engine: Ford Coyote 5.0L V8  Horsepower: 650 (est.)

Import Face-Off

EV EN T

Import Face-Off

@importfaceoffofficial

Royal Purple Raceway, Baytown, TX

Texas Motorplex, Ennis, TX

Photography by Cliff allace //

NOPI

M9 ARCH

Myrtle Beach Speedway, Myrtle Beach, SC Photography by Dena Cupsta //

Photography by Cliff allace

E VE N T

X MARCH MARCH 4

9-11 th

FEAT URE

2018 Ford F-150

EV EN T

Import Face-Off

@importfaceoffofficial

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler, AZ

Photography by Cliff allace

10 MARCH th

MARCH

X MARCH M A R C H11 th

M A R 17 CH th

MARC

Festivals of Speed @festivalsofspeed

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, Amelia, FL Photography by Lee Vermont //

EVE N T

EV EN T

MUSIC

March 17 week TOP ALBUM SALES

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack (billboard) //

FEAT URE

STAY FROSTY Photography by Brian McGee

Winterfest

Military Circle Mall, Norfolk, VA Photography by Paul Crisp //

EV EN T

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Owner: Ernie Manansala Jr. @emanansalajr

 Location: Irvine, CA  Built By: StreetWise Motorsports, Phrenetic Concept Studiosr

PASMAG

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Mar2018.indd 1

 Engine: Ford EcoBoost 3.5L V6  Horsepower: 450 hp  Torque: 510 lb-ft

#152 // TUNING 365

2018-12-19 5:01 PM

F EA TUR E

ROAD WARRIOR

Photography by Landon Pharr & Matt Schaffer

Spring Break Nationals

24-25 th

Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

DILLON MATTRISCH

2010 Toyota Tundra SR5

2010 NISSAN 370Z

Owner: Hoang Le @mobiletoysinc

@dillonkent22

Photography by Zach Visser ( @therealzachvisser)

 Location: College Station, TX  Built By: Mobile Toys Inc., Branded Customs, Starwood Motors  Engine: Toyota 3UR-FE 5.7L V8

50%

#T U N E R B A T T L E GR OU N D S

Photography by Travis Chin

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

FEAT URE

GOLD STANDARD Photography by Vlad Shurigin

25th

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN MOTORAMA

1967 Chevrolet C-10

@newmotorama

Brown County Arena & Shopko Hall, Green Bay, WI

Spec-D Tuning

Slammedenuff @slammedenuff

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord, NC

M USIC

March 24 week TOP ALBUM SALES

M A R C18 H X M A23 RCH th

23-25 th

M A24 RCH th

E VE N T

Photography by Justin Neuman

27 X MARCH M A R C H 29 th th

E VE N T

31A R C H M st

MO V IE

MARC

Photography by Dylan Ackimenko ( @dylanackimenko)

Photography by Cliff allace

Photography by Adam Delgadillo

MARCH

2008 BMW 135i

Atco Dragway, Atco, NJ

ictoria Reginal Airport, Victoria, TX

@jackp0t__

@importfaceoffofficial

@thetexasmile

MARCH

KEN DEL CASTILLO

Import Face-Off

Texas Mile

EV EN T

Spec-D Tuning Office, City of Industry, CA

E V EN T

MARCH 25 th

 Horsepower: 600 hp  Torque: 550 lb-ft

@specdtuning

Photography by Lee Vermont

David Byrne American Utopia (billboard)

 Location: Morrisville, PA  Built By: Renegade Hot Rods  Engine: Chevrolet LQ9 6.0L V8

Owner: Matt Begley @__squuaad__

# TUN ER BA TTLEG R O UN D S

29th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Ready Player One

Import Face-Off

OPENING WEEKEND: +41 MILLION (IMDb)

@importfaceoffofficial

Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL Photography by Cliff allace //

EVENT

StanceNation @stancenation

San Mateo County Event Senter, San Mateo, CA Photography by Jayson Santoyo //

54%

31st

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

@vanautoshow

Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, BC

E VE N T //

MUS IC

March 31 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Metallica Hardwired...To Self-Destruct (billboard)

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365Mar2018.indd 2

PASMAG

65 2018-12-19 5:01 PM

F EA TUR E

THE UNICORN

T U N I N G

365

2018

2001 Lexus IS300 Owner: Aidan Borges @eye_ess

Photography by James Hall

 Location: Toronto, ON  Built By: Righteous Garage, Nextmod  Engine: Toyota 2JZ-GE 3.0L I-6  Club Affiliation: Liberty VIP

APRIL The Tuner Handbook is our annual look at DIY excellence. Featuring hand-crafted builds, buyer's guides on car care, oil and lube, and mobile electronics, this one is a must-have!

Slammedenuff @slammedenuff

Georgia Int'l Convention Center, College Park, GA Photography by Lee Vermont //

EV EN T

6-7 th

EVENT

Formula DRIFT Round 1 @formulad

Streets of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA

Photography by ID Agency

6 SEPTEMBER th

Import Face-Off @importfaceoffofficial

GRockingham Dragway, Rockinham, NH Photography by Cliff allace

SEPTEMBER th

SEPTEMBER

StanceWars

Year Make Model

Photography by Marcos Delgado

7th

@stancewars

April 7 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Boulder Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

Jack White Boarding House Reach (billboard)

PASMAG

S E P T E M 13 BER th

EV EN T

Motegi Super DRIFT

14 SEPTEMBER th

13-14 th

Photography by Larry Chen

#T U N ER BA TTLEG R O UN D S

StanceWars

MUSIC

Streets of Long Beach-Long Beach, CA

Photography by Mark Vasilyuk

E VE N T

SEPTEMBER th

@lmtlss_hustlers

Boulder Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas NV

ROEL CHAVEZ

@stancewars

EV EN T

33% OF THE POPULAR VOTE

MUSIC

April 14 week TOP ALBUM SALES

The Weeknd My Dear Melancholy (billboard)

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365April2018.indd 1

2018-12-19 5:09 PM

Import Face-Off

M USIC

April 21 week TOP ALBUM SALES

@importfaceoffofficial

Cardi B Invasion Of Privacy (billboard)

National Trail Raceway, Hebron, OH Photography by Cliff allace //

EV EN T

E VE N T

Tuner Evolution @tunerevo

Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL

Photography by Lee Vermont //

EV EN T

Import Face-Off @importfaceoffofficial

Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison, IL Photography by Cliff allace

Cars and Coffe

Cars & Coffee Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, PA Photography by Brandon Hamid

EV EN T

Clean Culture @clean_culture

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ Photography by Brandon Hamid

X SEPTEMBER P T E M B E R 15 th

S21 E P T E M B 22 E R X S E P T E M B E27 R X SEPTEMBER st

Wekfest

S E P T28 EMBER th

29 SEPTEMBER th

MO V IE

27th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

@wekfest_usa

Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Atlanta, GA

Avengers: Infini y War

Photography by Lee Vermont //

EVENT

OPENING WEEKEND: +257 MILLION (IMDb)

MUSIC

April 28 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Jason Aldean Rearview Town (billboard)

E VEN T

Formula DRIFT 27-28 Round 2 th @formulad

Orlando Speedworld, Orlando, FL Photography by ID Agency

2018_PAS152DecJan-365April2018.indd 2

2018-12-19 5:14 PM

E ISSU E YL

ST 8 201

T U N I N G

365

2018

RENNSPORT REMIX

Photography by Rob Robson

M AY

2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Owner: David Chau @dc_r8  Location: Toronto, ON  Built By: MS Auto Modify Service, Nextmod  Engine: Porsche 6ZYL 3.6L H-6  Horsepower: 320 hp  Torque: 273 lb-ft

It's all about how it looks and how it sits in our annual Style special issue!

Rebellion

Tuned Originals

Photography by Paul Crisp

Monroe, WA

@tunedoriginals

Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield, VA

Photography by Travis Chin //

E VE N T

EV EN T

M USIC

Post Malone beerbongs & bentleys (billboard)

May 5 week TOP ALBUM SALES

J. Cole KOD (billboard)

M AY

M A5 Y th

M AY

Driven

@drivenshow

@fkndubbin

M AY

6 M AY th

M AY

12 M AY th

M AY

Import Face-Off

Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA

Route 66 Raceway, Joilet, IL

EV EN T

M AY

@importfaceoffofficial

Photography by Cliff allace //

EV EN T

5th

DRIVEN @drivenshow

Don Mills Shopping Centre, Toronto, ON

Photography by Christopher James ( @chris_vq)

52%

#TUNERBATTLEGROUND S

M AY

Photography by Cliff allace

Photography by Micky Slinger

2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI

@importfaceoffofficial

Don Mills Shopping Centre, Toronto, ON

KYLE PEARSON

MUSIC

May 12 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Panda Junction

MECA

York Fairgrounds, York, PA

Photography by Linda Kobayashi

@tunerevo

SoCal Springfest II-Riverside, CA

Photography by Antonio Logan //

EV EN T

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365May2018_v2.indd 1

2018-12-19 5:30 PM

M AY

EV EN T

Driven

JUSTIN PELOWICH-PICKUP

@drivenshow

Olympic Oval, Calgary, AB

Photography by Kaitlyn Kjargaard

@86senseii

2015 SCION FR-S

Photography by Christopher James ( @chris_vq) //

M USIC

# TUN ER BA TTLEG R O UN D S

May 26 week TOP ALBUM SALES

P!nk Beautiful Trauma (billboard)

E ISSU E YL

ST 8 201

61%

26th

Fitted

@fittedlifestyle

OF THE POPULAR VOTE

Brampton Fairgrounds, Caledon, ON //

MARK MAKER

Photography by David Barnhouse

M A18 Y M AY th

M A19 Y X M AY

M USI C

Leon Bridges Good Thing (billboard)

F EA TUR E

1996 Toyota Mark II Owner: Ethan @heavensfourdoor

Fitted

 Location: TX  Engine: Toyota 1JZ-GTE 2.5L I-6  Horsepower: 576 RWHP @ 2 bar

Brampton Fairgrounds, Caledon, ON

M20 AY X M AY

May 19 week TOP ALBUM SALES

EV EN T

@fittedlifestyle

M AY

Photography by Micky Slinger

26 M AY th

M AY

E VE N T

18th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Deadpool 2

X M AY M A Y27 th

EV EN T

Import Face-Off

New England Dragway & Motorsports Park, Epping, NH

Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, OR

@importfaceoffofficial

Photography by Cliff allace

M OVI E

@importfaceoffofficial

M AY

LE STY 8 201

ISSU

OPENING WEEKEND: +125 MILLION (IMDb)

18-19 MECA th

Made of Steel-Brandon, FL Photography by Sunil Boodram

EVENT //

VIP PENCHANT Photography by Alexander Turnbull & Dylan Ackimenko

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan-365May2018_v2.indd 2

FEAT URE

2000 Lexus GS300 Owner: Justin Wallace @yakuza_gs  Location: Richmond, BC  Engine: Toyota 2JZ-GTE 3.0L I-6  Club Affiliation: Team Empire

PASMAG

69 2018-12-19 5:30 PM

6 T U N I N G

365

GROUND WORK

2018

JUNE LY

ON 9! $4.9

Photography by Christopher James

EURO SPECIAL EDITION

FEAT URE

2010 Hyundai Genesis

THE TUNER’S SOURCE FOR MODIFIED CAR CULTURE

Owner: Luigi Saullo @thesqueeg

2018

 Location: Vaughan, ON  Engine: Hyundai Theta 2.0L TurbochargedI4  Horsepower: 285 whp  Torque: 320 lb-ft  Club: NEXTLEVEL

TEAM HYBRID'S KIA OPTIMA

GROUNDWORK ONE OF THE KDM SCENE'S FIRST SHOW-STOPPERS

#149

JUNE/JULY 2018 PASMAG.COM

PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 07/31/18

$4.99

TBGLIVE WINNERS JAKE HARN'S NISSAN 350Z MICHAEL TORINO'S SCION FR-S

PLUS

KDM BUYER'S GUIDE INSIDE

DRIVEN: TORONTO • STANCEWARS: LAS VEGAS • TUNER EVOLUTION: DAYTONA BEACH IMPORT FACE-OFF: HEBRON • MECA: SOCAL SPRINGFEST II

ONE OF THE KDM SCENE'S FIRST SHOW-STOPPERS

PAS_2018_149_June-July_Cover.indd 1

2018-06-01 10:09 AM

As the KDM tuning scene expands, it only made sense for us to dedicate an entire issue to the latest and greatest KDM builds, tuners, and aftermarket product offerings.

1stJ U N E

JUNE

2018

J U N E2X J U N E nd

JUNE

J U N3 E rd

JUNE

Formula DRIFT - Round 4

LowLevel - Riverside

Import Face-Off

Wall Speedway, Wall, NJ

Catherine-Legardeur Pier. Sorel-Tracy, QC

Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa, OK

@formulad

Photography by Larry Chen //

EVENT

@lowlevel.co

Photography by Jonathan Gauthier //

PASMAG

2018_PAS152DecJan_365June.indd 1

EV EN T

JUNE

@importfaceoffofficial

Photography by Cliff allace //

EV EN T

#152 // TUNING 365

2018-12-19 4:14 PM

Ertefa

M OVIE

@ertefa

Markham Fairgrounds, Markham, ON

Tuner Evolution

Photography by Randi Bentia

@tunerevo

Drift Jam

Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Atlanta, GA Photography by Lee Vermont 15th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

EV EN T

@drift.jam

Gamebridge Go-Karts, Brechin, ON Photography by Adam Gordon

E VE N T

Incredibles 2

EV EN T

OPENING WEEKEND: +182 MILLION (IMDb)

Driven Aftermarket Autoshow @drivenshow

Vancouver Forum, Vancouver, BC Photography by Kaitlyn Kjargaard //

E V ENT

Driven Aftermarket Autoshow @drivenshow

Eurokracy Montreal

MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB Photography by Kaitlyn Kjargaard

@eurokracymontreal

ICAR. Mirabel, QC

EV EN T

Photography by Chris Carpenter (CB43Media) //

UNE

JUNE

M USIC

J U N16 E X JUNE th

JUNE

OPTIMAL OPTIMA Photography by Paul Delapena

JUNE

EV EN T

X JUNE J U N17 E X J U N E20

F EA TUR E

2013 Kia Optima Owner: Sunny Suravarapu @sunnyincali5

25 JUNE th

JUNE

Car Fever 19

@gotcarfever

Napierville Dragway. Napierville, QC Photography by Jonathan Gauthier

 Location: Azusa, CA  Built By: Freddy’s Garage, DTM Autobody, Kreative Audio & Tint, A Plus Upholstery  Engine: Kia Theta II GDI 2.0L turbocharged I-4  Horsepower: 400 hp  Torque: 375 lb-ft

E V EN T

June 16 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Kanye West ye (billboard)

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365June.indd 2

PASMAG

71 2018-12-19 4:14 PM

365

2018

360-Degrees of Protection!

UPGRADE GUIDE 2 0 1 8

Display Until 12/31/18

Amplified Su woofer System Review

CW-DRA8

This ultra-compact system from JVC will be a brilliant solution in any vehicle where space is very limited and needs some much-needed low frequency reinforcement.

F E A T UR E

Owner: Jhae Pfenning @na2nsx  Location: Gilbert, AZ  Built By: Marsbase Design, Science of Speed  Engine: Honda C32B 3.2L V6  Horsepower: 400 whp

130

$6.99

R10760

S P E C I A L

Amplifier eview

Over

TECH & CAR AUDIO PASMAG.COM

PM40069655

Red Bottoms SHOW-OFF SUBARU WRX

JVC

1997 Acura NSX

Chock full of test reports, new products, and mobile electronics features, our 2018 Mobile Electronics issue was a must-have for bass-heads and tech geeks alike.

Waylens Secure360 Camera Reviewed

CAR AUDIO

TEST R EPO R T

JL AUDIO With all the technology and capability built into the JL Audio VX700/5i, plus the fact that you only need one of them for your whole system, this is likely to be a very popular amplifie .

J U LY TUNING ESSENTIALS | TECH & CAR AUDIO | 9TH EDITION

VX700/5I

T U N I N G

THE TUNER’S SOURCE FOR MODIFIED CAR CULTURE

TEST REPORT

NEW PRODUCTS FEATURED! BUYER'S GUIDES

HEAD UNITS • SPEAKERS • SUBWOOFERS • AMPLIFIERS & DSPS • ACCESSORIES

2018_PAS_TechCarAudio9_Cover.indd 1

2018-09-04 4:59 PM

TEST REPORT

ARC AUDIO PS8-PRO DSP Processor Review

ARC Audio's outstanding PS8 processor gets the PRO treatment, making it one of the most powerful tuning tools on the market with too many features and functions to list.

J U LY

J U1L Y st

VALKYRIE Photography by Jay Canter

J U L Y 7X J U L Y th

Wekfest: San Jose @wekfest_usa

San Jose Convention Center. San Jose, CA Photography by Jayson Santoyo //

EVENT

J U LY

Driven Aftermarket Autoshow @drivenshow

14 J U LY th

J U LY

StanceWars: Seattle @stancewars

MUSIC

Red River Exhibition. Winnipeg, MB

Bellevue College. Bellevue, WA Photography by Eric Warren

Photography by Kaitlyn Kjargaard //

EV EN T

E VE N T

July 14, July 21, July 28 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Drake Scorpion (billboard)

Autofest Car Show @AutofestCarShow

Beachclub. Saint-Calumet, QC Photography by Jonathan Gauthier //

T E S T R E PO R T

KICKER

EVENT

KEY180.4

Amplifier eview

Anyone who wants to give their modest aftermarket system or bland OEM system a real kick should look no farther than the KEY180.4 from Kicker.

PASMAG

2018_PAS152DecJan_365July.indd 1

TEST R EPO R T

KENWOOD XR600-6DSP Amplifier eview

With some real power available, and an incredible amount of tuning and system adjustment at your fin ertips, Kenwood's XR600-6DSP amplifier gi es you the best of both worlds.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018-12-19 4:24 PM

T EST REPORT

MOSCONI GLADEN PRO 5/30

TRIED AND TRUE

Amplifier eview

Simply owning a Mosconi amplifier au omatically makes you a member of a pretty exclusive club, and the Gladen PRO 5/30 is an amplifier that has ew rivals in terms of sonic performance and exclusivity.

Photography by courtesy of JL Audio

T EST REPORT

F EA TUR E

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS Owner: George Babers  Location: Mesa, AZ  Engine: Chevrolet LS 6.2L V8  Horsepower: 500 whp  Torque: 500 lb-ft  Club Affiliation: AZ Camaro Club

PIONEER AVICW8400NEX

Receiver Review

M OVI E

Anyone who is embracing a smartphone concentric lifestyle and needs a receiver that has virtually every feature one could ask for, the Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX would leave very few people wanting for anything more.

Street Scene

27th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Mission: Impossible 6

@streetscene315

Long Branch Park. Syracuse, NY Photography by Matt Mowers //

OPENING WEEKEND: +61 MILLION (IMDb)

EVENT

Formula DRIFT:

Round 5 – Throwdown

Drift Jam

Hot Import Nights

Shannonville Motorsports Park, Shannonville, ON

Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN

@drift.jam

@Formulad

Evergreen Speedway. Monroe, WA

Photography by Hakeem Mclaughlin

Photography by Larry Chen

// //

J U LY

J U L15 Y X J U LY th

E VE N T

J U LY

J U LY X J U LY 20-21 th

RED BOTTOMS

@hotimportnights

Photography by Patrick Parong

EV EN T

J U LY

J U L28 Y X J U LY th

Importfest Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON

J U LY

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. Oaks, PA Photography by Sean Fox

EV EN T

J U LY

@tunerevo

Photography by Micky Slinger //

Tuner Evolution: Philadelphia

@Importfest

Photography by Brian McGee

EV EN T

F EATURE

2016 Subaru WRX Owner: Kristin Justus  Location: Asheville, NC  Built By: Brandon Burrell, Ultimate Audio SC, Kustom Kruisers Powder Coating  Engine: Subaru FA20F 2.0L turbocharged H4

PR O D UC T R EV IEW

WAYLENS

SECURE360 WIFI DASH CAM "This direct power connection provides a watchful eye for approximately 15 unattended days, all without draining your battery."

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365July.indd 2

PASMAG

73 2018-12-19 4:24 PM

EURO SPECIAL EDITION

T U N I N G

365

AUGUST LY

PANDEM SPACE FORCE 2 01 8

TE30

MIN's take0on ed E3 CAtun imate the Ult

2018

Photography by Mike Kuhn & Dionne Mascunana

With a heavy focus on Euro vehicles of all shapes and sizes, PAS #150 showcased the fine t Euro builds and products the industry has to offer.

THE TUNER’S SOURCE FOR MODIFIED CAR CULTURE

PANDEM SPACE FORCE

FOU CYLIND

2018

ON 9! $4.9

ODE TO

2018

A CAYMAN SHAPED BY IMAGINATION

EURO BUYER'S GUIDE

#150

AUG/SEPT 2018 PASMAG.COM

PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 09/30/18

$4.99

FEATURED EVENTS

FITTED:TORONTO / EUROKRACY:MONTREAL TUNER EVOLUTION:ATLANTA / DRIVEN:EDMONTON & VANCOUVER

#TBGLIVE WINNERS

DILLON MATTRISCH'S NISSAN 370Z / KEN DEL CASTILLO'S BMW 135i / KYLE PEARSON'S VW JETTA

PAS_2018_150_Aug-Sept_Cover.indd 1

2018-07-27 11:36 AM

MUSIC

F EATURE

2007 Porsche Cayman S

Driver: Dionne Mascunana @mascunanabear

August 11 week TOP ALBUM SALES

 Location: Cypress, CA  Engine: Porsche 3.6L H6

AUGUST

AUGUST //

MUSIC

AUGUST

A U G U S 10-11 T XthA U G U S T

Kenny Chesney Songs For The Saints (billboard)

AUGUST

12 X AUGUST th

Formula DRIFT: Round 6

Battle at the Border

Gateway Motorsports Park. St Louis, MO

Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Buffalo, NY

@formulad

Photography by Larry Chen //

E VE N T

AUGUST

@battleattheborder

Photography by Randi Bentia //

EV EN T

August 4 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Soundtrack (billboard)

PASMAG

2018_PAS152DecJan_365Aug.indd 1

#152 // TUNING 365

2018-12-19 4:33 PM

MINTE30

MOVIE

Photography by Nicholas Caron

15th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Crazy Rich Asians OPENING WEEKEND: +26 MILLION (IMDb)

BMW E30

NvUS Summer Showcase Vol.2

Owner: Igor Polishchuk @catuned_igor

@nvus_ontario

 Location: Sacramento, CA  Built By: CAtuned  Engine: BMW S54 3.2-liter I-6  Horsepower: 402 hp  Torque: 390 lb-ft

CAA Centre, Brampton, ON

Photography by Brandon Ramkissoon //

FEAT URE

E VE N T

EVO LUTION AUDI’S LOVE FOR INLINE-FIVES In 1976, Audi developed their fir t inline-fi ecylinder engine, known internally as the Type 43. Based on its EA827 predecessor, the 2.1-liter inline-fi e, with the help of a modern injection system, produced 136 horsepower and a unique sound when it rolled out in the Audi 100 5E in 1977.

Photography courtesy of Unitronic

F EA TUR E

2018 Audi TTRS Owner: Unitronic @unitronic  Engine: Audi 2.5L TFSI EA855 EVO I-5 (DAZA) //

AUGUST

A U G 18 UST th

AUGUST

NOT SOON ENOUGH JUNIOR

MUSIC

AUGUST August 18 - 25 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Travis Scott ASTROWORLD (billboard)

Photography by Gabriel Sevigny

X AUGUST A U G U S T25 th

AUGUST

Tuner Evolution @tunerevo

The Park Expo and Conference Center, Charlotte, NC Photography by Lee Vermont //

EV EN T

F EA TUR E

1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 Owner: Dominic Dubreuil @dom_dub  Location: Montréal, QC  Built By: Gab Eurosport, Audio Protec  Engine: Volkswagen VR6 2.8L 12v engine  Horsepower: 200 hp

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365Aug.indd 2

PASMAG

75 2018-12-19 4:34 PM

9 T U N I N G

365

2018

SEPTEMBER ERFO P

AL | CI //

F EA TUR E

1972 Toyota Celica Owner: John Nguyen @johndimsum, @phuongae86  Location: North York, ON  Built By: ABM Auto Center  Engine: Toyota 2UZ 4.7L V8  Horsepower: 816 whp  Torque: 877 lb-ft

SEPTEMBER

SPE

SEPTEMBER

S E P T E7M B E R th

M USIC

S E P T E8M B E R

MO V IE

14 SEPTEMBER th

MUSIC

E| SPE

ERFO P

MAN R

AL | CI

BTS Love Yourself: Answer (billboard)

1stS E P T E M B E R

Photography by Rob Robson

MUSIC

MAN R

Our annual Performance special issue spares no expense, covering the wildest performance builds and a massive catalogue of performance-focused aftermarket parts.

CHARGED UP

September 8 week TOP ALBUM SALES

September 1 week TOP ALBUM SALES

September 14 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Ariana Grande Sweetener (billboard)

Eminem Kamikaze (billboard) 7th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

The Nun

OPENING WEEKEND: +$53 MILLION (IMDB)

INJECTION MOLD BREAKER Photography by Ken Au

PASMAG

F EA TUR E

2003 Mitsubishi Evolution Owner: Chad Shirtliff @perfectperformancecanada  Location: Winnipeg, MB  Built By: Perfect Performance, DB Performance, Excell Autobody  Engine: Mitsubishi 4G64 2.4L turbocharged I4  Horsepower: 806 hp @ 40 psi  Torque: 692 lb-ft

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365Sept2018.indd 1

2018-12-19 3:55 PM

TEC H

ROCKET SCIENCE APEX MOTORING

The Canadian home of 1,000-plus-horsepower GT-Rs We visited Apex Motoring to see just what goes into building some of the world's most powerful Nissan GT-R engines.

Driven @drivenshow

Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK Photography by Patrick Parong

ImportExpo

EV EN T

@importexpo

Place Bonaventure, Montreal, QC Photography by Jasper Ibe //

EV EN T

MUSIC

September 22 week TOP ALBUM SALES

Paul McCartney Egypt Station (billboard)

PTEMBER

15 SEPTEMBER th

SEPTEMBER

S E P T E M16 BER th

S E P T 22 EMBER nd

SEPTEMBER

Clean Culture

@clean_culture

Turner Field, Atlanta, GA

SEPTEMBER

T EC H

WAGNER TUNING

Photography by Lee Vermont //

INTERCOOLER 101

E VE N T

We break down the industry of intercoolers, and provide some know-how for our audience to pick out a core that best suits their application.

TEC H

GRASSROOTS PERFORMANCE TYPE 1 COILOVERS Coilover Review

We brought our in-house Scion FR-S project to Grassroots Performance for an educational and affordable suspension upgrade.

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365Sept2018.indd 2

PASMAG

77 2018-12-19 3:55 PM

Car Audio Championship @?????????

Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY Photography by Travis Chin

T U N I N G

365

EV EN T

2018

OCTOBER LY

The four-cylinder engine is near and dear to all of our hearts, so we dedicated an entire issue of PASMAG to our favorite four-banger projects, products, and engines.

THE TUNER’S SOURCE FOR MODIFIED CAR CULTURE

ON 9! $4.9

ODE TO THE

PAPADAKIS RACING'S 1,000-HP TOYOTA 2AR ENGINE!

EURO SPECIAL EDITION

TWIN FOUR TERRORS CYLINDER 2018

EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR FAVOURITE 4-BANGERS 2018 | PASMAG.COM

#151

PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 11/30/18

$4.99

ODE TO THE

TBGLIVE WINNERS

Photography by Javier Estrada

› ROEL CHAVEZ'S LEXUS RC 350 › JUSTIN PELOWICH-PICKUP'S SCION FR-S › BRITTANY SANDERSON'S SUBARU WRX

2018_PAS_151_Oct-Nov_Cover.indd 1

2018-11-07 10:47 AM

F EATURE

2 01 8

Owner: Mario Quiroz Martinez

OCTO7 BER th

M OVI E

 Location: Baja, CA  Engine: Honda K20Z3 2.0L I-4  Horsepower: 475 whp  Torque: 280 lb-ft  Club Affiliation: NvUS

O C5 TOBER

Owner: Cristian Adrian Segura Lopez

2018

 Location: Baja, CA  Engine: Honda K24A2 2.4L I-4  Horsepower: 285 whp  Torque: 213 lb-ft  Club Affiliation: NvUS

F EA TUR E

1992 Honda Civic Hatchback

1993 Honda Civic Hatchback

2018

OCTOBER

13-14 OCTOBER th

Tuner Evolution @tunerevo

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Chicago, IL Photography by Patrick Parong

E VE N T

5th TOP MOVIE OPENING OF THE MONTH

Venom

OPENING WEEKEND: +$80 MILLION (IMDB)

PASMAG

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365Oct2018_v01.indd 1

2018-12-19 3:51 PM

TOBER

TECH

WITH COMPLIMENTS TO MCRAE Photography by Joel White & John Peñano

F EA TUR E

2017 Ford Focus RS Driver: John Peñano @RallyInnovations  Location: Anaheim, CA  Built By: Rally Innovations, Frank’s Auto Service, Pentech Automotive  Engine: Ford P3T EcoBoost 2.3L turbocharged I-4  Horsepower: 360 hp (est.)  Torque: 380 lb-ft (est.)

SWAPPING AN ENGINE IN THE NAME OF LONGEVITY THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT Chapter 3

With the 240sx project slowly becoming the perfect street car, Adam Gordon took reliability into his own hands with a new SR20DET from a Sliva S15, and some gear from ACT.

THE REVERSE ENTRY PROJECT CHAPTER 3

RELIABILITY

OCTOBER //

OCTOBER

TECH

PAPADAKIS RACING'S

TOYOTA 2AR ENGINE

OCTOBER

O20 CTOBER th

Drift Jam

OCTOBER

MUSIC

@drift.jam

Spooky Vibes-Gamebridge Go-Karts, Brechin, ON Photography by Adam Gordon

Photography by Larry Chen

EV EN T

Four cylinders. 1,000 horsepower. 9,200 rpm. How? Photography by Larry Chen

The 2AR engine in Aasbo's Toyota is beyond insanity. We sat down with Stephan Papadakis for an inside look at what it takes to build a four-cylinder monster out of a 2AR.

Oct 20 week // Oct 27 week TOP ALBUM SALES

A Star Is Born Soundtrack (billboard)

#152 // TUNING 365

2018_PAS152DecJan_365Oct2018_v01.indd 2

PASMAG

79 2018-12-19 3:51 PM

PREFERRED DEALERS CANADA GARAGE 16 7676 Kimbel St #6 Mississauga, ON L5S 1J8 (905) 612-8089

GARAGE16.CA

NEXTMOD MARKHAM 7634 Woodbine Ave #2B Markham, ON L3R 2N2 (416) 800-9139

NEXTMOD.COM

GROUNDED CONCEPTZ 1549 Bayly St Pickering, ON L1W 2Z1 (800) 447-8449

GROUNDEDCONCEPTZ.COM

C & S PERFORMANCE 316 Van Horne Street Cranbrook, BC V1C 1Z5 (778) 517-0686

CANDSPERFORMANCE.CA

USA 86 SPEED 4310 Cameron St #8 Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 202-1100

86SPEED.COM

MARS AUDIO SOUND AND BEYOND 6923 Narcoossee Rd Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 344-2277

MARSAUDIOSOUNDANDBEYOND.COM

AMPLIFIED AUTOSPORTS 4300 31st Street North Saint Petersburg, FL 33714 (813) 876-0373

AMPLIFIEDAUTOSPORTS.COM

BLOOD TYPE RACING INC 2091 Johns Court Glenview, IL 60025 (847) 380-1466

BLOODTYPERACING.COM

NEXTMOD MISSISSAUGA 776 Dundas St E #1 Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B7 (905) 566-4888

NEXTMODMISSISSAUGA.COM

NEXTMOD MONTREAL 5416 Vanden Abeele Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1P9 (514) 337-8829

NEXTMODMONTREAL.COM

NEXTMOD OTTAWA 15 Grenfell Cres #4 Ottawa, ON K2G 0G3 (613) 695-3288

NEXTMODOTTAWA.COM

VELOCITY PERFORMANCE 1895 Clements Rd #103 Pickering, ON L1W 3V5 (647) 542-1141

VELOCITYPERFORMANCE.CA

XIII MOTORSPORTS 227 Advance Blvd #12 Brampton, ON L6T 4J2 (905) 457-4547 XIIIMOTORSPORTS.COM

MOBILE TOYS INC. 909 University Dr E College Station, TX 77840 (979) 268-6066

MOBILETOYSINC.COM

UNITED SPEED RACING 1847 Canton Hwy Ste 3 Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 674-5825

SOUNDZ 700 Ridgewood Ave #107 Holly Hill, FL 32117 (605) 274-3535

SOUNDZCUSTOMZ.COM

HI END CUSTOMS 173 Maplewood St Malden, MA 02148 (617) 529-6742 HIENDCUSTOM.COM

UNITEDSPEEDRACING.COM

WE WANT YOU TO BE A PASMAG DEALER! 000

+ PASMAG

Receive preferred dealer listing (print) + Receive preferred listing in Dealer Locator on pasmag.com APRIL // MAY 2017 + Receive 10 copies per issue + Receive a poster for the shop

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER AS A PREFERRED DEALER, GO TO PASMAG.COM/DEALER OR CALL (416) 922-7526

2018_PAS152DecJan_Template-365Months.indd 1 2018_PASAugSept150_Preferred Dealers.indd 1

2018-12-20 10:26 AM 2018-07-25 4:35 PM

PRO 2 CHAMPIONSHIP

congratulations 2018 champions! James Deane 2018 pro champion

Travis Reeder 2018 pro 2 champion

falken tires 2018 tire cup winner

toyota 2018 auto cup winner

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT FORMULADRIFT.COM FOLLOW US FOR EVEN MORE DRIFTING ACTION

@FormulaDrift #FormulaDrift

@FormulaD

/FormulaDrift

#FormulaD

OFFICIAL MILITARY SPONSOR

PAS152_FD.indd 1

2018-12-14 11:36 AM

ORIGINAL

Photography by Micky Slinger

ALTERED

Photography by ????

Want to WIN some awesomePASMAG gear? Send us the 10 CORRECT answers to this puzzle at www.pasmag.com/spot10 for a chance to win a PASMAG Fan Pack* *PASMAG sticker pack, Formula DRIFT photo book and a bonus item** (**while supplies last)

2018_PAS152DecJan_Spot The Differences.indd 1

2018-12-20 10:29 AM

PAS_2018_152_AAC-Oracle.indd 1

2018-12-21 11:46 AM

HOW DO YOU STAND OUT AGAINST YOUR COMPETITORS? Let us be your competitive advantage. As a Turn 14 Distribution customer you have access to the best customer support, real time inventory, nationwide delivery from PA, TX, or NV, flat rate shipping, and the best return policy in our industry.

100% WHOLESALE | 877-7TURN14 | TURN14.com PRI BOOTH #2849

} HYPER-FLEXÂ® MASTER BUSHING SET

TURN 14 DISTRIBUTION IS NOW OFFERING ENHANCED SATURDAY GROUND SHIPPING! SEE TURN14.COM OR ASK YOUR SALES REP FOR DETAILS

PAS152_Turn14.indd 1

2018-12-14 11:43 AM