Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
C O N TENTS
78
86
94
FEATURES
18
24
40
48
56
64
70
MOOSE
The Gold Standard
NURSE SHARK
WEDGIE
STAY WANGY
THE CLAP
SOUL INTACT
94 IA SPRING MEET
30
YOU CANT
HANDLE
THE
BOOST
PHOTO BY
mattHEW JONES
Take the guess work out of suspension tuning with ST Sport Suspension kits.
Complete packages professionally designed to meet the demands of both
the enthusiast and the road with a ride quality that doesnt compromise
performance handling and grip. Constructed from high grade steel and
galvanized for superior rust protection, ST demonstrates that is precision
tuned for the ride of your life.
To locate a dealer near you, call 800.445.3767 or visit online
www.stsuspensions.com
2013 KW automotive North America, Inc. All rights reserved
E D I T O R I AL
EDITORIAL
Every time you
make a purchase,
you are casting
a vote on how
you want this
world to be.
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
EDITORIAL/DESIGN
Editor Jonathan Wooley
jwooley@s3mag.com
JONATHAN WOOLEY
EDITOR // JWOOLEY@S3MAG.COM
Art Director Cody Wellons
cwellons@s3mag.com
Assistant Editors Gregg Bucell
gbucell@s3mag.com
Joe Coville
jcoville@s3mag.com
Ross Huber
ross@s3mag.com
Yousef Alvi
yalvi@s3mag.com
Graphic Designers Alexander Grant
Guy Haynie
Simon Ly
Contributors
AJ Gillett
Aleksey Royt
Brady Lankford
Jeff Le
Josh Kelderman
Josh Wilson
Matt Best
Matthew Jones
Rutledge Wood
Ty Cobb
ADVERTISING /SALES
Director of Advertising Mike Sanders
msanders@s3mag.com
S3 MAGAZINE
P.O. Box 1536 Loganville, GA 30052
s3mag.com s3magstore.com
facebook.com/S3mag
SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES
store@s3mag.com
www.s3magstore.com
EDITORIAL
E D I T O R I AL
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
Look - Im not knocking anyone for loving the cars that they love or building
the cars that we do, but I AM wishing I could help paint a big-picture for this
segment of the auto industry. Right now, automakers are giving us some cool
cars theyre testing the waters to see if enthusiasts are really willing to put
their money where their mouth is. And if we dont support them, Im afraid Ill
have to go back to trying to find a 240 that doesnt have a massive dent in the
rear quarter panel, or finding an AE86 that still has a full interior, original LSD and
the owner is asking less than $6,000.
Oh, and if you beat me to the punch and buy an FR-S before I do, you should
know Im confident that it will drive circles around your old ass, half finished,
truck motor powered 240. Stock, no less. And as cool as I think they look right
now, Im not going to cut up a brand new FR-S to put a Rocket Bunny kit on,
despite its obvious hotness because lets be honest, thats not going to look
cool forever. If you doubt it, go check the jeans that AC Slater (Mario Lopez) used
to wear on Saved By the Bell. Are those still cool 20 years later? Nope. But EF
hatchs still are!
RUTLEDGE WOOD
S3 CONTRIBUTOR
continued on PAGE 10
EDITORIAL
E D I T O R I AL
THE redbox
theory meets
the life of print
Ok, who here actually loves using Redbox? You
know, the little movie kiosks that you can find in
most grocery stores?? Hands anyone? Yeah thats kind of what I thought. Ill admit it; I was
pretty pumped about Red Box when it first came
out. It was supposed to make movie renting more
convenient and more cost effective. But what
happened?
To be fair lets look at the positives first. First of
all its super cheap. Only $1 per movie! You cant
beat that! Next, there are locations everywhere!
No doubt. There are way more movie kiosks than
there were ever actual movie stores. But thats
pretty much where all the fun ends. The rest of it was good in theory, but its kind
of flopping when put into real life.
One big problem - they are always out of the new releases. Most of the time,
thats exactly what I want to see! So now, my only option is to go home and order
it from On Demand. That kind of kills the whole cost-aspect of it. Then there are
the lines. Granted, not that big of an issue, but it is pretty tedious to watch the 3
people in front of me slowly scroll through their choices. Next is the glitch. Maybe
its because I live in hot-ass Georgia, but the heat seems to really give these kiosks
problems. I have visited them countless times, only to be turned away because the
screen was frozen. Not only that but on the reverse side of the problem, I have
driven to a box to RETURN a movie from the previous night, and the damn screen is
frozen leaving me with no way to return the movie other than driving to another location somewhere else and hoping for the best. Also Ive been there before
looking at a frozen screen, standing next to someone who ordered & reserved their
movie online, had already been charged for it and now doesnt have any way to
get it out of the box. This is what happens when you replace people with machines.
You are completely at the mercy of technology. There is no reasoning, compassion,
or customer service. The final problem is the one that really hits home for me and
kind of puts this whole thing into perspective. That is the absolute lack of selection.
It is so piss poor that its normally not worth going past the first 3 pages. Back in
the good old days of Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, we had more selection than
ever! Rows and rows of movies, video games, and any TV show you could think of.
If someone at lunch told you that you were Un-American because you hadnt ever
seen Ferris Bullers Day Off you could go rent it that night. Hell you could even
make a pretty good impromptu date-night out of it. This is what made movie stores
so great. It was an experience; an event. It was a staple in American pop-culture.
My point is - that we HAD a great product. It was a grand solution to a simple need.
But that was the American spirit. It was almost so grand, that it became a little adventure. And most of us look back on it with nostalgic, fond memories. Now its all
gone. We forced these glorious places out of business because we, as consumers,
are stingy and they, as corporations, are greedy and we all thought that we
had found the next great replacement. Instead - what did we end up with? These
f***ing kiosks that make me want to punch babies and no more movie stores to
come running back to. We now have a much worse product than what we originally
started off with and really have no choice but to accept it. Finally - dont be surprised when we see the cost of these Red Box movies rising now that they have
cornered the market. It all kind of sucks if you ask me.
And the reason I bring any of this up - is because Ive been seeing this type of
thinking make its way into the print industry. Prints dead! (says the guy who
hasnt been featured in print) Do you really think print is dead? Do you want it to
be dead? If so be careful what you wish for. And before you go making all those
wishes, be careful to consider the long-term effects. An enthusiast print magazine,
much like an old fashioned video store, is an experience. It puts you in a world that
no blog or website can take you to. It is an escape. It is captivating. You sink into
the vibe of a good magazine and everything else goes away. It influences you,
10
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
and simultaneously, it inspires you. A good enthusiast magazine (no matter what
niche) has credibility and it has credibility because there was a real productionprocess in order to get it into your hands. People/enthusiasts had a passion and
a vision. They created a magazine to voice that passion to others to find likeminded people, and rally-up a movement. They preached their passion, sought out
subscribers, and sought out specific advertisers to help them get the message to
the people. They deliberated their words as a team, and wrote them down carefully.
They sought out material that fit the vision. They sought out photographers & designers to make the material come to life. They found a printing company, and put
em to work printing tens of thousands of copies. Then they shipped the magazine
to every last subscriber, and sent them to newsstands & shops across the country
helping the newsstands business, and the post offices business along the way.
So thats the difference between print and digital. By the time your print magazine
gets to you its already had an adventure. Print is an old war flag. Thats why
print seems to be a natural freeing experience for your mind while digital has to
try and scrap to keep your attention from all the distraction.
So, lets try to remember the lesson that we have learned from the movie-rental
industry. Cheaper & easier does not necessarily mean better. And if print dies
- the online mags/blogs are gonna have free reign to charge both consumers & advertisers however they wish because there will be no leader and no competition
setting the standard. I promise - it will end up affecting a much larger part of our
industry/culture than just print. Think Red Box.
So please everyone remember to slow down and enjoy what we have. Enjoy ALL
your high quality products that countless companies out there bust their asses to
create for you. Be appreciative of what these people bring to your life, your hobby,
and your inspiration.
MIKE SANDERS
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING
continued FROM PAGE 8
the same chassis the same foundation. But yet, our events & online outlets are
filled with negativity. I mean - why would ANYONE post in a for sale thread that
that owner should get new wheels? Ummm he is selling his car. If you dont like
the wheels, buy a different car or buy the car and change the wheels. But dont
waste your breath, his time/efforts, tarnish his thread publically, and possibly ruin
his sale. Despite what all the t-shirts or stickers say no one actually hearts
a hater. No one. Its like that old saying we grew up hearing and seem to have
forgotten, If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. Are
parents even preaching that anymore?? Or are todays parents just telling their
kids, If you dont have anything nice to say just go online and say it to somebody who doesnt matter. Cause that seems more believable.
Since when did guys and girls in our scene get so opinionated about what everyone else should be doing instead of focusing on their own cars?! This must
be the Reality TV generation at work. They seem to think that their opinion has
value. And they live their life by critiquing other peoples reality instead of their
own. See before I built my first show car, I had a guy in town I thought had a really
nice Civic. And after meeting him & getting the cold shoulder I decided it was
time to build something to beat him at the next show. And I did. You never know
what someone has in their garage, or what theyre building that they dont post
online. I know a lot of guys with amazing cars that have never even been on the
forums or Facebook pages. So before getting the misconception that the internet
is reality, and that youre the best and you know everything - think twice. Because
there is always someone with something better & faster and theyre coming for
you because you were a jerk to them at one point haha.
Josh Kelderman
S3 CONTRIBUTOR
exhaust
suspension
Maximum Drop
Lightweight Motorsports
Design for Enthusiasts
chassis
www.Tanabe-USA.com
S **T
YOU
S H O U LD B U Y
SYSB
Wilwood Brakes
JGY
tanabe
FRS/BRZ exhaust
Toyobaru owners/fanboys!! Tanabe has released their Medalion Concept G Catback exhaust
for the FRS & BRZ. This exhaust weighs 18 pounds less than stock! Along with the substantial
weight savings, you obviously also get far superior sound, performance, and visual appeal. And
a little bit of that Tanabe pedigree. It comes with everything you need to make your car a monster!
www.tanabe-usa.com
chasebays
12
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
S **T
YOU
SYSB
S H O U LD B U Y
Eeffect Apparel
HONDA LICENSED APPAREL
I know some of you guys out there are familiar with Eeffect Apparel. These guys have been
supporting this culture for years and its awesome to see how they have grown and come into
their own. This is some exciting newsTHEYRE OFFICIALLY LICENSED BY HONDA NOW!!!
That means some fantastic looking clothing and accessories are out there for the Honda
aficionado in all of us! Go check out their site at www.eeffectapparel.com
Sylvania
TOYO
PROXES T1 SPORT
Is your ling-long/wang-chung/moo-goo-gai-pan tire you cheaped out on finally
giving you second thoughts? Are you attempting to take a 20mph corner and
you hear your tire howling from misery? Did you just hydroplane out of control
on a hot summer day because it just too humid? You might want to invest some
money in a good set of tires. Because a good set of tires, can actually save your
whole car. Toyo has your back with the Proxes T1 Sport! Were running it on our
new MKVI GTI project car and the tire is outstanding! Its an UHP summer tire
that comes with a 20,000 mile treadwear warranty, which is super rare for this
type of tire. If you dont like it you have a 45 day/500 mile trial period on top of
that! What are you waiting for? www.toyotires.com
STILL HOOD
TRUCKER HAT
14
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
*Among V & W-Rated tires. Mileage warranty will vary by tire type and fitment, and is subject to exclusions.
For complete details, visit toyotires.com. 2013 Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.
18
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
19
20
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
HERITAGE
INTO PED TURNS
IGREE IF
YOU BUILD
ON IT.
Motorsport. Defined.
www.stackltd.com
SL27
INTERIOR
Custom leather
Custom Alcantara suede accents
EXTERIOR
Pepper white paint, w/custom painted roof & mirrors
to match
JCW Aero Kit - custom painted to match car
De-chromed accents
THANKS TO...
Cole Brothers (615) 865-4532 Custom leather seats
Extreme Window Tint (615)-573-1616
Vogley & Todd Custom Paint (615)-256-7137
Ty Cobbs Photography
22
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
24
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
25
26
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
interior
THANKS
FMIC
Single Source
Powered By Max
FUJITSUBO exhaust
WHEELS/SUSPENSION
Dan Snook
Team Praxis
Street port
EXTERIOR
D-MAX wide body fenders and quarter panels
GP SPORT bodykit
28
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
Larry Ramos
Everyone that risk their lives taking pictures of the
car every day I drive to and from work
My car is not a show car; it is not a race car its
my daily driver.
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
29
30
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
31
32
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
33
34
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
EXTERIOR
Frame and body bobbed 8 in rear for better approach
angles, Frame and body stretched 3 in front to accommodate engine swap, 10,000 lb winch, Custom
welded front and rear bumpers
36
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
INTERIOR
Mostly stripped & painted with truck bed liner, Sony
head unit, Sony door and rear speakers, Rockford
Fosgate 12 Subwoofer, 600 watt amp powering all
speakers, Sheet metal console cover to accommodate
shifter and transfer case lever
WHEELS/SUSPENSION/BRAKES
Solid front axle - Detroit locker, Detroit locker rear
axle, Upgraded disc brakes - 1 larger than stock,
Braided steel brake lines, BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain
T/A 35 tires, 15 off road steel wheels, Rancho
shocks, Relocated leaf spring brackets, 8 suspension lift
TRUST DBA
Designed and built in Australia
XG150 High carbon alloy iron
Innovative slot designs
Kangaroo Paw ventilation system
TSP Thermal treatment process
www.dbausa.com 866-477-7071
ACURA
AUDI
BMW
DODGE
FORD
HONDA
HYUNDAI
INFINITI
MAZDA
MITSUBISHI
NISSAN
SCION
SUBARU
TOYOTA
VOLKSWAGEN
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
39
NURSE
SHARK
ALEXANDER
GRANT
40
WWW.S3MAG.COM
JONATHAN
WOOLEY
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
ALEKSEY
ROYT
Thanks to GOD; my PARENTS; my brother ALLAN; my girlfriend JADE. MIKE MA @M2-Motoring for getting me in the scene and for all the help. FREDDY @AutoFashion USA. CHRIS and all the guys
@HorsepowerFreaks. PEDRO @Bavarian Garage. LON @HRE Wheels. ROB @Oink Fab. TOYO tires. MOTHERS detail. All the homies that supported me through the way - you all know who you are!
ENGINE
Horsepower Freaks Stage 2.5 Turbo System,
Precision T6766 Turbo, HPF Fully Built Motor,
HPF Methanol Tank, FJO Methanol Fogger &
Pump, HPF Stage 3 Fuel System, HPF Motor
Mounts, JIC CROSS SS Section 2 Exhaust,
Agency Power Muffler Ti-Tips, Rogue Engineering Oil Cap & Bimmian Oil Cap, VRS CF
Engine Cover, CF DME Cover, Ballast Cover,
Bin Cover, Clutch Masters FX850 Twin Plate
Clutch/Flywheel, Autosolutions Short Shifter
INTERIOR
Tecnocraft T2 CF/Kevlar Seats, Takata Racing Harnesses, Custom Black Suede Interior
Trim with Red Stitching, 4-Point Roll Bar w/
Removable Harness Bar, CF Ashtray Overlay,
Shifter Trim, Center Console, Harmann Gear
Shifter, LeatherZ Imola Red/Black Shift Boot,
E-Brake Boot, Bimmian E-Brake Handle and
Pedal Set, Defi & AEM Gauges, HPF Steering Column Gauge Pod, Knock Siren, Race
Mode Switch, Methanol Switch, Polished
Fire Extinguisher, Memphis Audio Components, Custom Ffiberglass Autofashion Sub
Box and Plexiglass Amp Enclosure, Wrapped
in Imola Red Leather, 15 Monitor, McIntosh
Power Meter, 3M Dinoc Vinyl Trim
WHEELS/BRAKES/SUSP.
Brembo GT 8-Piston Front Brakes, Brembo
GT 4-piston Rear Brakes, Brembo GT CrossDrilled Rotors, Custom Caliper Brackets
by Oink Fabrications, HRE C93 20x9.5 F,
20x11.5 R, Toyo Proxes T1S 235/30-20 F,
275/30-20 R, Renn Spec Stud Conversion,
Kics Neo-Chrono Lugs, JIC CROSS Competition Coilovers, Camber plates, Rear Shock
Mounts, Dixis Titanium Front Strut Tower
Bar, Eibach Front & Rear Sway Bars, Radenergie CF Rear Control Arms, HPF 8-Point
Xhassis Brace, Turner Poly-Urethane Front &
Rear control Arm Bushings
46
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
- Parts Specialist
www.ballengines.com
premium
EVO
series
NEW waterproof
boost sender
727-572-9011
11930 31st Court North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
4 colors in 1 gauge
60mm (2-3/8)
Fully programmable
warning feature
Daisy chainable
Dimmable (6 stages)
Peak recall
PROSPORTGAUGES.COM
sales@prosportgauges.com
48
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
49
50
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
NOW AVAILABLE
52
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
ENGINE/transmission
2.5 1jz-gte motor swap, R154 transmission, CxRacing
66mm turbo, CxRacing exhaust manifold, CxRacing
wastegate, Cxracing aluminum radiator, Cxracing intercooler, Custom intercooler pipes, Custom motor and
transmission mounts, Greddy RS blow off valve, Dual
Flex-a-lite 12 fans, Custom 1-piece driveshaft, Custom down pipe to side exhaust, Apexi exhaust valve
EXTERIOR
Sapphire Blue paint, Shortened rear bumper,
Front air dam
INTERIOR
Wood grain steering wheel, Momo hub, Custom Pabst
beer tab shifter, Pioneer in-dash, Pioneer speakers,
Broadway mirror
WHEELS/BRAKES/SUSPENSION
Epsilon wheels 15x9.5 -25 front 15x10 -30 rear,
205/20/15 Falken 502s, Ground Control coilovers in
front with camber plates, Daiyama 240sx coilovers in
the rear, Mk2 Supra sub-frame swap
54
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
THANKS
My family and friends who helped me with the swap
- Renes Motorsports, Jose mufflers, and CxRacing.
This car was given to me for free! A good friend of
mine was being forced to get rid of it and I offered
to take it, even though it wasnt running. After telling me it didnt drive, I was able to get it started and
drove it home. After replacing a few things, this Celica
became my daily driver with 400,000+ miles on the
odometer - and I drove it like that for a good few years.
It wasnt very pretty, but it was loud, slammed and
mean looking. I started drifting it, and the 22re was
just not enough power, so I decided to put the 1jz in
it. With the help of a few of my friends, we were able
to mount it in, wire it up, and got it running! The only
time this car saw a shop was to get the exhaust done.
Besides that - it was all backyard built. Shortly after
getting it running, me and my cousin decided to paint
it another job done right in my garage. This car was
difficult to build cause you get no help from the forums.
This swap isnt very common and nobody really fixes
the Ra65 chassis. Everything is pretty much trial &
error. This car has served me 7 years and 4 of those
years with the 1jz. Its not a trailer queen; I drive it everywhere - loud, dirty, and slammed oh, and no AC.
4.3l VQ
350Z
See the
prOJEcT:
Want a Built
700HPrB25
See the
BUiLD:
in Your
S14
Want to do it Yourself?
www.JGyMOTOrSpOrTS.cOM 276-782-9100
56
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
58
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
60
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WHEELS/SUSPENSION
Stance XR pro comp coilovers with Swift springs - 8k
front 5k rear, Battle Version rear camber arms, rear toe
rods, rear traction rods, front tension rods, Get Nuts
power brace, solid welded bushings on rear subframe,
Get Nuts spindle mod, relocated steering rack, Tein tie
rods with extended rack spacers, Hardrace rack bushings, welded diff with R33 cover, Tanabe sway bars
front & rear, Cusco front strut bar, JIC rear strutbar carbon fiber, S14 SE 5 lug hubs, 350z track front Brembo calipers, DBA slotted rotors, Project Mu front pads,
braided stainless brake lines front & rear, STI rear
Brembo calipers, Project Mu rear pads, Brembo drilled
and slotted rear rotors, R33 e-brake assembly with
Project Mu brake shoes, SSR Vienna Courage wheels
18x9 neg 10 offset front, 18x11 neg 10 offset rear
EXTERIOR
S15 front end conversion, OEM S15 headlights, Diamond Lighting technology HID kit, Origin conversion
fenders, Dmax type-3 front bumper, Dmax carbon
vented hood, Dmax LED mirrors, Dmax roof spoiler,
Dmax side steps and rear bumper, Rocket Bunny carbon fiber trunk spoiler, Get Nuts pulled rear fenders,
Get Nuts paintjob, JDM S14 rain gaurds, OEM S14
Kouki taillights
INTERIOR
Bride Brix driver seat, Bride Ergo passenger seat,
Bride low rails, Rear seats reupholstered in Bride material, Dmax floormats, custom Koa wood shift knob,
Sparco steering wheel quick release, Vertex 330mm
steering wheel, Yashio factory drift knob, Pioneer dvd
touchscreen head unit, Alpine component speakers,
Alpine Type R 12 inch sub, MTX amps
62
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
64
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
When I personally sit down to do a write-up, the general process includes: looking over the cars appearance &
demeanor and then going through an interview with the owner, so I can coordinate a feel for the article and
a plan of attack. Every once in awhile though, I find a car that has too many great possibilities for a starting
point which I imagine is kind of like Germany trying to decide how & where to first invade France in WWII. All
the options just kind of leave you dumbfounded.
This Ford Focus SVT, owned by Kevin Lewis, is one of those conundrums. 1) Its a Ford Focus so really, what
the hell is it doing in a magazine anyway. 2) We have Kevins upbringing as a domestic-lovin mid-western
boy. 3) Kevins got quite a unique story on the build full of trials & tribulation. And 4) This car is more about
pushing the throttle through the floor than looking pretty in a parking lot. All of this makes for a build thats
so much more real & genuine than what first meets the eye of most import enthusiasts when they see a Focus.
So let me try and pin it down.
Like most car-kids in the Midwest, Kevin grew up at events with his dad - peering under hoods of healthy V8s
that hailed from Detroit. The mentality behind these builds was all about wiping the smile off of some tools face
at a stop-light not trying to prove yourself as a new-generation underdog with a 4-banger. Kevin was naturally
following in the old mans footsteps, because that was his influence. And at age 15-16, he had been scouring the
local area for an older Corvette, Grand National, or Mustang. But one day, his dad came home with a Mustang
mag featuring a compact Ford Focus - that had a 5.0 V8 shoved into its bay. Joe Dirt I mean Kevin grabbed the
Mustang mag and was like, Oh Daaaang instantly falling in love with the idea. It was a slap in the face. He
fell in love with the theory of a low tuner sport-compact with a motor swap. He fell in love with the stigma of
being an underdog being the one to take a disrespected, overlooked car and put it in surprise attack-mode.
WWW.S3MAG.COM
65
Its like the import addiction hit him all at once from
every direction. It just happened with a Focus - thats
all. He had been called to action! And his dad was fully
on-board to lend a helping-hand. He quickly picked
up a Focus, sourced a V8 but sadly, an old lady in
a Lexus plowed into that car before the build ever had
a chance to get going. During that period, however,
Kevin had studied up quite a bit on the ins-and-outs of
his chassis. On his second Focus, Kevin was changing his game-plan. This Focus was going to be the
SVT model and he was throwing the V8 idea out the
window. After three months of searching, Kevin finally
found the right SVT, which would be the start of a build
that would span over an 8 year period.
Now, 8 years later, here it is in print. And Im sure a few
of you are mumbling, Why the f*ck is a Focus getting
a feature. But thats what makes Kevins Focus so
good it honestly deserves one. If this thing was a
JDM Civic or 240, you wouldve seen it shared on every
popular Facebook page by now fact. But because he
picked the girl next door chassis above the supermodels that the crowds swoon over Kevin and his
Focus remain a little overlooked and underappreciated.
But thats ok. Just because its a less popular car, does
not mean it was built substandard, or behind the times.
In a lot of cases, that might turn out to be true. But
this time its not. When the SVT got in Kevins hands,
he knew from the start that he would be battling the
critics. And he wanted to build something that wasnt
going to just fade into the vast sea of trendy small
four-cylinders ricing about town. His power-plant had
changed a bit between Focus - from a muscle V8
mindset, to more of a sport-compact mindset. From a
domestic mindset, to a tuner mindset. But the general
idea of a sleeping underdog Focus remained intact. No
one ever gives an old Focus the time of day it gets
pretty much no love from any enthusiast base. And
Kevin wanted to use that to his advantage.
So - Kevin instantly began researching forced induction
with the SVT. He started out with a Pro-charger, which
at the time was the best option for him. After a year of
66
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
EXTERIOR/INTERIOR
5% rear & 35% front window tint, 03-04 SVT HIDs,
Blacked out corner lights and grill, Lamin-X yellow
fogs, AEM UEGO wideband Air/Fuel gauge, Autometer
NV series boost gauge, Autometer NV series electronic
fuel pressure gauge, Autometer NV series voltmeter,
Kenwood KIV-701 head unit
WHEELS/TIRES/SUSPENSION
ESM 004 17x8 +38, 215/45/17 Dunlop Direzza Z1
Star Specs, Ground Control coilover sleeves, Eibach
pro-kit struts, H&R 24mm front sway bar, Steeda
28.6mm rear sway bar, Energy Suspension endlinks
f&r, Ford Racing front strut tower brace, Focussport
rear strut tower brace, Massive rear camber arms,
Factory SVT brakes with Hawk pads
THANKS
My family - for putting up with me and the car. My
friends - for the help, and keeping me motivated. Fernando at Racing Parts Solution - for making the car
run as well as it does. Lastly - of course my dad for
getting me into this crazy lifestyle and teaching me all
along the way.
68
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
Just
dont
bite
it.
it dont matter
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
71
72
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
The Germans listen, and learn from their cars. They let time and real-world-experience tell them where the car could be tweaked & improved. And then they focus
on those points for the next generation to make the car better. For example
the Mk6 GTI is both lighter & stiffer than the Mk5 GTI. And the MK7 is lighter
and stiffer than the MK6. Not many other cars on the market are getting lighter
these days. The engines are evolving simultaneously with the chassis, increasing
in displacement over the last decade from 1.8 turbo to 2.0 turbo moving from
timing belts to timing chains. Turbos & fuel injectors are becoming more efficient,
yielding more miles per gallon, but also yielding more power. The stock fuel
system in a MK6 GTI can handle 340+hp just by dialing it up through software
tuning programs.
And heres the best part - the part that comes full-circle and gets poetic: With each
new generation and each new mark thats released in succession the car gets
better. True. But somehow.. so do the old ones, like this MK2. They get
better too. Each new model is an evolution but with each step forward, it kind
of makes you have to take a look back, and love the old models that much more.
Love them for their purity. Love them for their simplicity. Because it takes the
newer designs, still standing apart from the crowd, to make you truly appreciate
& understand & feel the passion of what the original designs are all about. The
new models bring a vindication, and a credibility to the originals - because the
soul of the car has lasted through the ages. It has endured. Time has proven it
right. And on a day-to-day basis we kind of just overlook it. But its one hell of
an achievement.
74
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
Rolling Personality
FEATURED
PRIVAT REMEMBER
Kup
Khul
Silver w/
Machined Lip
Matte Black
181920
18
Staggered Fitments
mber
RGoldemOReSilver
w/
Staggered Fitments
Machined Lip
161718
Staggered Fitments
privatwheelsofficial
PrivatWheels.com
1.800.645.3878
EXTERIOR
Paint - Sport Classic Grey 2011 from a Porsche 997, Shaved Items: Front bumper
turn signal, fog light holes, license plate recess, hood vents, side markers, driver
side wiper & roof antenna, rear hatch wiper, squirt nozzle, rear key hole, rear bumper exhaust cut-out and tow door, rear dip lines deleted, ABD Racing grill spoiler,
Aero lower grill piece & badge-less grill, 1986 golf rear hatch - no 3rd brake light
Jetta windshield - no rearview mirror tab
INTERIOR
Auto Meter gauges - Pro Comp series: 5 speedo, 5 tach, 3/8 water temp, oil
pressure, fuel & volt, Corba Monaco racing seats, Momo steering wheel, Custom
6pt cage - welded in, 5pt Crow racing harness, Audi A4 chrome door latches
WHEELS/TIRES/SUSPENSION
FK Silverline coilovers, Neuspeed rear sway bar, Custom rear tie bar, 16 BBS E50
wheels - 9 front and 10 rear (Falken Ziex F 205/40/16 front, 215/40/16 rear)
76
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
78
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
79
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
2003 - 2013
I mean these days, before you can even see & touch
& smell a new car in person at a local dealership,
you have already seen 10 online or in a mag that
are already waaaay more built than yours could/
would ever be. The whole story unfolding process is
skipped and that kind of takes the fun, suspense,
and the motivation out of it. Its kind of like jumping
straight to the end of a movie or book without
witnessing the beginning or the middle. Thats the
pace of our world these days. And we need to slow it
down sometimes. Keep a grip on things.
So what were showing you here is the middle
of the movie/book. This is the part where the
enthusiasts get to watch the PROGRESSION of their
cars to see, feel, and enjoy it at different stages.
Get in the thick of it. This is Justin Dennis FRS. Its
low on a nice set of BC Racing coilovers, and its
got a great set of Work wheels. Its got a Vortech
supercharger paid for, not sponsored. Its got a
few headlight tweaks. Its still sporting the factory
paint. It does not have a widebody kit yet, it does
not have a 2JZ swap, and it does not have some skyed wing although any of those options would be
highly endorsed for later on down the road haha. It
gives us time for our immediate lust to develop into a
more meaningful love. This is roots tuning. And roots
tuning is why we can love a local AE86 more than a
top-tier Formula D car.
82
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
Scion FR-S
EXTERIOR
Scion badges converted to Toyota GT86 badges
Factory headlights blackhoused with candy yellow
high beam lenses
Perrin shorty antenna
5 Axis Designs rear spoiler
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Vortech supercharger with 10 psi pulley
ARK Performance catback exhaust
Borla UEL header
Competition Clutch stage 4 clutch and 12lb flyweel
THANKS TO...
Thanks to my Fianc and my Parents for putting up
with me, and supporting me in whatever I want to do.
My buddy J who is always there and willing to lend a
hand. All my friends in Ground Level car club. Finally
everyone else in the car scene that Ive met over the
years that has influenced me and given me exposure
that helped to get where I am today.
84
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
86
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
So you know that saying Do what you love and the rest will follow?
is due.
WWW.S3MAG.COM
87
How can we ever truly know how individualistic our efforts and actions are with this constant media and
feedback stream being shoved down our throats on the daily? Do you really even like Red Bull? What really makes a Miata a girls car? Is drifting really that anti-establishment? How can anyone full-heartedly
say their choice in life was a completely independent decision - unaffected by external factors, opinions,
and marketing slants?
We are strong believers that true individualism lies in how an individual deals with
the hate dished out to them by a million anonymous forum users and Internet gang
bangers. Its easy to say I love haters or I do this or that for myself, and myself
only, but its a totally different story when youre balls deep, thousands of dollars
in, and relatively e-famous because of a car that unfortunately gets hated on just as
much as V6 Camaros.
So then, coming to his senses, he trades that Miata for get this
another Miata! He dilly-dallies around with suspension mods until he
ultimately said enough is enough with this Miata game. Who knows,
maybe it was like Air Jordan getting tired of not dunking on fools but
C.J. needed something with a little more grit and balls. So he got opted
for an ACR SRT-4: 1 of roughly 1,100.
I have a good feeling that C.J. is the real deal: the speak softly and carry a big
stick sort of guy (well, in his case, speak with a good ole Southern accent and
drive around in an outrageously dumped two-seater roadster). So Ill set the record
straight and give you a crash course in simplistic C.J. badassery. See C.J. had a
turbo 87 Supra in high school. Before you go ahead and get all Mk4 fanboy, understand that the 7m-gte still makes for a pretty ballsy car for a teenager especially
for a teenager who has unlimited access to a car lift and welding materials. Yeah
- C.J. worked, and continues to work his ass off at his dads shop. Throughout high
school, he was able to reap the perks by pullin his pop-up light goodness into the
empty bays after shop hours instead of studying for finals.
So just like any teenager would, C.J. got fed up with the constant repairs needed to
keep his Japanese IROC on the road, and decided it was time to go for something a
little more reliable; something with a wealth of aftermarket options. Ya know, like a
WRX or SI right? Wrong! This guy goes for an autotragic Miata. As if he didnt catch
enough flak from his car buddies for selling his Supra he ends up with the ultimate
Bad Luck Brian concoction of finger-sized door handles, Lego-man seating position,
and a 4-speed slushbox. This decision was kind of like Michael Jordan quitting the
Chicago Bulls to play baseball.
88
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
It made
SRT-4 was just too much of a safe bet a sure thing.
of guy who thrives on un-ideal conditions?? Well, the
Miata!
it
for
wait
r.
anothe
yet
up
picked
and
l,
softbal
him a little uneasy. So he threw everyone another curve
. This
comes
it
as
it
al for this particular car. He just takes
C.J. didnt and still doesnt really have an end-go
good
in
find
to
rare
more
even
and
combo
r is a rare
Miata attracted him, because the black with red interio
he went for a set of
so
bling,
fresh
some
wanted
He
rs.
coilove
t
bough
condition. He wanted to go LOWER! so he
bar and
pictured). He wanted to carve about - so he got a roll
Klutch SL1s (which he later sold for the Work wheels
ed life so he got an oil
slamm
the
of
bruises
&
bumps
ble
inevita
the
reinforced frame rails. He wanted to survive
to the car was a methodical decision.
pan skid plate and raised the engine. Every addition made
for rear
coming of age and resilience (and masochistic hatred
The Miata you see here is the combination of C.J.s
d.
booste
not
its
and
ed,
swapp
not
Its
ment.
ance depart
seats). To be honest, this car is relatively stock in the perform
in 93 when it was
back
did
it
than
panels
body
r
cleane
and
work
Sure, it has official Work Equips, flawless fender
cthat a lot of guys in the scene still struggle to grasp: perspe
new, but the real upgrades are more apparent in areas
lity.
menta
tive. The love what you do and the rest will follow
knows
owner of his familys business down the road. The guy
C.J. is a freakin mechanic, and in line to become shop
wrong, C.J. has
us
get
Dont
.
Miatas
with
history
his
from
hate
fast from his Supra and his SRT, and he also knows
n of
. But what he did with this specific car is representatio
big plans down the road for this thing hes no slouch
and SRT guys
Supra
the
sure
Im
and
it,
get
really
t
doesn
pops
his tastes and his wants. Sure his muscle car lovin
didnt get it either. But this time, C.J. got it just fine.
90
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
EXTERIOR
& Rear Lips,
Brilliant Black, OEM Trunk Spoiler, Front
ls, Full Red
Signa
Turn
R-Speed Sideskirts V2, Clear
oiler
w/Sp
top
Hard
OEM
e,
Badg
s
Euno
Tail Lights,
SUSPENSION / WHEELS
Work Equip 03, 15x9 -6 O-Disk, Toyo T1Rs 195/45/15,
Raceland Coilovers w/custom extended top hats, Oil
pan Skid Plate, Raised Engine, Flyin Miata Frame
Rails, Magnaflow Exhaust
92
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
94
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
WWW.S3MAG.COM
95
96
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
98
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
Honda s2000
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Password JDM intake
Password JDM cooling plate
Gladman performance cover kit
S2carbon works over flow coolant tank
Berks high flow cat
Invidia n1 cat back
NRG hood dampers
INTERIOR
OEM black carpet and door inserts
Bride Gias II
Qube engineering white LED gauge cluster and LED
buttons
Password JDM carbon fiber center console
Hard dog roll bar
ASM floor mats
Zoom engineering rear view mirror
NRG quick release
Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel
Alpine x305s head unit
Viper alarm system
Modifry seat belt lock
Modifry center console organizer
Moddiction titanium shift knob
GT Design alcantara shift boot
EXTERIOR
Smoked amber headlights
Shine ASM style front bumper
APR custom splitter
VIS - Mugen style hood
Craft square mirrors (with Mugen bolts)
Downforce side diffusers
OEM side strakes
Rockstar Garage - Mugen style hardtop
Tamon design rear spoiler
Js2k keyhole covers
Spoon rear diffuser
Shaved trunk, fenders, & rear bumper tow hook cover
Pained Grand Prix white with custom ice pearl
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
102
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
104
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
crew behind the blog and the staff behind the merch.
And then it clicks: this really is an alliance of enthusiasts, here to share information and admire other
peoples build just as much as much as they want
theirs looked at the sort of community where kids
want to support the scene. Paychecks cashed the previous Friday are blown coming into work on Monday,
all in the name of some new interior bling or baller
threads. Its the scene where a conversation about
a $40 shift knob turns into a passionate discussion
about wire-tucks and flatfour boxer engines.
You see, this is what happens when you demand more
out of the scene. Its for the guys and gals who want
more than just building a cool car. Its the insatiable
urge to contribute more and more, to get more involved, and to forge a life within this community. This
culture takes place in the real world, the now, not
behind a computer screen. The vendors you see at
these events make a genuine effort to come out to
these gatherings- making sure their orders are filled,
inventory stocked, and ready to give their supporters
some genuine customer service- enthusiast service
if you will. This article isnt supposed to turn into a
support genuine products or stop eBay builds
rant, but a public service announcement that as long
as groups like Import Alliance, and the supporters who
come out to these events for nothing more than to
see cars, talk shop, and support the culture, than this
scene will survive- even flourish.
106
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
108
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
T ECH
110
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013
www.ZT-2.com
sales@ZT-2.com
(310) 328 1234
QUALITY FIRST !
ju n k i n t h e t r u n k
A young womangot pulled over for speeding just outside of New Orleans. The Louisiana State Trooper walked to her car window, flipped open his ticket book........and the
young womansaid, I bet youre going to try and sell me a ticket to the Louisiana Troopers Ball, arent you.The officerreplied, Mam, Louisiana State Troopers dont have
balls. There was a moment of silence, then he closed his book, tipped his hat, got back in his car, and drove off.
WWW.S3MAG.COM
ISSUE 27 :: 2013