JULY cover new2.

qxd:jap 5/26/16 1:37 PM Page 1

!
SPONSORED BY

TAKE IT TO THE

E
SPONSORED BY

JP'S ESSENTIAL
SPONSORED BY

TOPOF THE TRACK

TOP TRACK CARS

E
E
NOT SURE WHICH CIRCUIT

TAKE IT TO TH
BE BEST TO START YOUR WOULD

WHEN IT COMES TO TEARING

TRACKS CAREER? THEN CHECK TRACKDAY
GUIDE TO THE UK’S TOPOUT OUR

FR
UP THE
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE OR EXPERT, TRACK, WHETHER YOU’RE A AND TAKE YOUR PICK! TRACKS
HAVING THE RIGHT CAR IS THE

GUIDE TO GETTING TRACK

FIRST PART OF THE EQUATION IN
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR
DAY. HERE ARE JP’S TOP PICKS
FOR TRACKDAY HEAVEN

INTO TRACKDAYS T
rackdays are undoubtedly the best
your Japanese performance car
suited to screaming round a track
the maximum performance and
biggest grin on your face?
way to get the most out of
– but which models are most
and allowing you to extract
minimal lap times, all with the
– your ride will be worked far harder
performance and handling in standard
spend less on improving it. Affordable
trackday spare parts (like oils, brake
on track – whilst respectable
form means you’ll have to
and easily obtainable
fluid, brake discs and pads,

FAIL TO PREPARE,
32-PAGE SUPPLEMENT
A decent trackday car ideally wants tyres and clutches) are an important
factor, too, as is decent
SILVERSTONE
to be as light as possible to

S
ensure swift acceleration, efficient standard braking. Aside from how o far in this
braking and composed cornering it performs out of the box, it’s FAST FACTS
all without putting too much stress also worth considering the availability Redesigned in 2011,
on its various components. But and price of the modifications supplement, we’ve TRACK LENGTH:
light weight must not come at the you’ll want to undertake as you the Silverstone 3.66 (GP), 1.64 MILES (NATIONAL)
compromise of a weak bodyshell gain experience and want to push told you which car to

PREPARE TO FAIL
– too much flexing will upset the things to the next level. We’ve looked complex now offers CORNERS:
handling, and you also need to at all the main contenders buy, what mods to fit, 16 (GP), 6 (NATIONAL)
and picked our top nine choices, the some of the most high-
know you’re going to walk away with a front-wheel drive, rear- right kit to wear and the HIGHLIGHT:
from a crash.
A durable engine and mechanicals wheel drive and four-wheel drive tweaks you need to make speed action and THE EXIT OF CHAPEL ONTO
are an essential attribute, too option for each level of ability from LONG, WIDE HANGAR THE
beginner to intermediate and expert. to ensure you and your challenging sections of PROBABLY THE BEST CHANCE
STRAIGHT,
ride any circuit in the world. THE UK YOU’LL FIND TO IN
make it through the day REALLY
in STRETCH YOUR CAR’S LEGS
BEGINNER YOUR CAR
one piece. But before
you
With five different
WEBSITE:

JP’S GUIDE TO TRACK PREPPING unleash your newfound configurations on offer, SILVERSTONE.CO.UK
we’ll just
focus on the highlights ADDRESS:
knowledge on the nearest of the 3.66- SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT,
ribbon of asphalt that mile GP circuit, as most TOWCESTER,
FWD: TOYOTA GLANZA V TURBO you described are included
of the corners
(EP91) 1995–1999 £4000–£6000 happen to come across, on one of the
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
NN12 8TN
to push your driving skills to PRICE: FROM £45
ace circuits are the perfect place PICKING YOUR DAY circuits you’ll face.

R
we thought we’d give
car is ready for the stress. all over the country, finding a you
the max, but you must ensure your With loads of events each month a taste of the tracks that The start of the track is
between Club
The JDM-only EP91 Toyota Glanza you go will enhance your but here are a few things to Corner and Abbey Corner.
TECH SPEC V was Race Tech Motorsport, the key thing Following this simple guide before trackday to suit won t be an issue, are out there, where they Almost flat out, the
launched in 1995, replacing the is to out of it. It should also help right-hander of Abbey
enjoyment and take a lot of the fear
ENGINE Starlet GT
1331CC 4CYL TURBO sort out the engine mapping first: consider before booking: are, what they are like leads immediately into
MAX POWER 133BHP & 116LB FT Turbo. Following a similar format, in one piece! local council and will be to the left-hander of Farm
TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL a lightweight 920kg chassis, and
it boasts ‘Remapping the stock ECU isn’t
possible, you bring your pride and joy home Noise limits: This is set by the drive and what they cost before you heavily brake
MAX SPEED a small So if you ve got a loud aftermarket exhaust, into the right-handed
130MPH so we’d recommend a GReddy strictly enforced. for a day’s track time. turn three; Village Corner.
0–62MPH but punchy 1.3-litre 16-valve twin-cam Emanage car is too loud, you will have The even slower left-hander
get the dB levels checked. If your
8.2 SECONDS Blue piggyback ECU.’ Combined
turbocharged engine. Performance with a of the Loop comes
won t be allowed on track. immediately after, and
stock 0.8bar of boost isn’t amazing,
at the less restrictive exhaust, a front-mount to find a way to quieten it, or you leads into the opening
session or open Aintree, before heading left-hander of
with a simple tweaks and 1.2bar
but intercooler and an induction kit the
stock Format: You have two main choices: HOW TO CHOOSE down the Wellington Straight.
EXPECTATIONS
of boost engine is good for nearly 200bhp, former groups similar ability drivers in 20–30 THE CIRCUIT the left-hander of Brooklands, Turn six,
pitlane . The
BRAKING
YOU SELECT is tight and leads immediately
performance is transformed. Claiming but to the best bet for newbies. YOUR TRACKDAY CAN FOR hand hairpin of Luffield. into the right-
a go higher you’ll need a larger TD04 minute sessions – this is probably HAVE
MASSIVE IMPACT ON YOUR A The right-handed kink
more upmarket feel than the Starlet, turbo as much track time as you straight, before the difficult of Woodcote leads cars
the plus forged internals. Upgrade the Open pitlane days offer as little or EXPERIENCE ON THE DAY. fast right-hander of Copse. down the old pit
Glanza boasts contemporary interior pads of cars on track isn t TRACK NOVICES, IT’S BEST FOR Becketts and Chapel Then, comes the challenging
styling, 14in alloys, a limited-slip
and discs, too, if this is your target,
and want (as long as the maximum number STICK TO TRACKS WITH TO – a fast left-right-left-right-left complex of Maggotts,
as numbers have to be LOTS Straight with the fast right-hander complex. This then leads
Recaro seats and rear strut brace.
diff, consider a stronger clutch as well. exceeded), but usually cost more, RUN-OFF SUCH AS BEDFORDOF of Stowe at the end. The down the 770-metre Hangar
AUTODROME, AS YOU short straight, named fifteenth turn of the track,
restricted by the organiser. SHOULD Vale, which leads downhill Stowe, precedes a
I KEY CONTACTS ARDS (Association of Race
Watch out for blown turbos, rusty COME AWAY FROM ANY the left-hander of turn towards the Club complex.
bodywork, accident damage, leaking Instruction: Check if there is an MISHAPS UNSCATHED. 16, and understeer can
be an issue for the next
Heavy braking is required
You ll find a 20-minute EXPERTS, as you tentatively accelerate for
head gaskets, blowing exhaust manifolds
www.ukstarletclub.com Driving Schools) instructor on hand. HOWEVER, WILL LIKELY
CRAVE round to the start-finish right-handers of turns
17 and 18,
own personal Stig, will teach THE DANGER, THRILLS AND though some standing straight. As you’d expect,

GUIDE TO
and worn suspension components.
www.ukstarletowners.com session (about £30–40), with your TECHNICALITY THAT COMES water can gather in places the surface is excellent,
no end. be exercised in the wet in very wet conditions
you loads and boost your confidence

JP’S ESSENTIAL TRACKDAYS

www.glanza.co.uk WITH A TRACK SUCH AS anyway. – but, to be fair, caution
With few standard cars out there,
www.race-tech.net OULTON PARK. and M40 and taster trackdays Just off the A43 in Northants, Silverstone is should
chances are you’ll be buying a Glanza start at £45 for 30mins easily reached from the
to £265 for a full day on M1
www.fensport.co.uk the GP circuit.
with mods already fitted. And according

ED IN
to www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk www.japaneseperformanc
emag.co.uk

GETTING START
10
4
www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 23

STRIP
840BHP MITSUBISHI EVO III IS
GUNNING FOR A NINE-SECOND
PASS TO SECURE ITS PLACE
IN THE RECORD BOOKS

BE
CAR TST
O
T DRIF ...
D
GYM RAG
KH
TRACANA
K

JULY ’16 £4.50 No.186

japaneseperformancemag.co.uk

ALSO INSIDE...
ROAD-LEGAL TRACK TAMER
TSUKUBA-TUNED SKYLINE R34 GT-R
GOOD LUCK CHARM
RAUCOUS MAZDA RX-8 RACER
DROPPING A BUG BOMB
WIDE-ARCHED, BAGGED BUGEYE
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ed pageFINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:21 PM Page 5

Keep on pushing
t
here’s no two ways about it. Tuning is about pushing
the limits. Whether that’s the limits of components,
people’s expectations, the history books or even just
what constitutes good taste. Basically, if you’re not pushing,
you’re never going to break new ground or move the scene
on in any way. You’ll merely be going with the flow and
basking in the greatness achieved by others. Now while this
is fine for the majority, there are the few for which this
situation just will not do. They are the leaders. They are the
brave. They are the ones who throw caution to the wind and
put their money where their mouth is in order to create
something special that the rest of us can merely only aspire
to. And this very issue is packed with people whose
determination overwhelms their trepidation. Whose belief
overcomes their fears of failure. People with balls of steel to
do things their own way.
Take Chris Morris’s Evo III on the cover, for instance.
Most people wanting to build a drag car capable of cruising
into the record books would start with something with a
proven history of achieving such greatness. But Chris’s
heart was set on an Evo III, so that’s what he did, even if it
wasn’t the easiest or smoothest route to drag strip
domination. Read his story on page 18.
Then we’ve got the ATTKD R34 Skyline GT-R on page 42.
ATTKD are a Japanese tuning house known for their searing
track builds, however, this time around they wanted to build
a road car. It’s just that they also wanted it to be able to lap
Tsukuba circuit in under 57 seconds, and that’s no easy feat
for a car that they would drive to the circuit and then drive
home again afterwards. But when you’re at the top of your
game, pushing the limits is what you do.
There’s also the Supra owner who has defied the
traditionalists by fitting air-ride to his 800bhp monster, the
Mazda owner who tempted fate by buying an RX-8 on
Friday 13th and an Impreza owner who built a show-
stopping stance machine out of Subaru’s ugly duckling, the
Bugeye Impreza. She ain’t so ugly now we can tell you. See
for yourself on page 58.
But the ultimate push can come not just from building a
unique or boundary-breaking ride, but from using it, too,
which is why there is a free guide to getting into trackdays
bundled with this issue. Just be careful, though, because
once you get the bug for pushing the limits, it can be hard
to know when to stop! Enjoy!

DAN SHERWOOD

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 5
tts another new one FP.qxp 5/24/16 10:04 AM Page 33

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JULY16CONTENTSFINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:30 PM Page 7

WHAT’SIN +
58

42
FEATURES
18 NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN on the cover
Rare Evo III is a ten second car gunning for a record-breaking nine second run

28 MIMMS TRACKDAY
All the track and show action as the Honda boys hit the Rock’s high speed bowl

32 JAPFEST 2016
Jap fans were Silverstone bound as the first Japfest at its new venue kicked off

36PUSHING THE LIMITS on the cover

Big power, wild looks and equipped with air-ride this Supra is a boundary buster
66
42 MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Subtle looks and road legal status hide the Tsukuba-killer within this Nissan R34 GT-R

50 UNLUCKY FOR SOME on the cover

Buying an RX-8 on Friday 13th may sound like bad luck, but not for this owner

58 YELLOW STANCEMACHINE
Wide arches, air-ride and a searing wrap job make this ugly bug a beauty

66 KING KANJO on the cover

SUBSCRIBE
See page 92 for great money-saving deals or visit:
B20-engined EF Civic inspired by Japan’s outlaw street racers
www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
73 BUDGET BLASTERS
Pro tips on the four budget buys to tame four top motorsports

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 7
008JAP186 5/24/16 10:45 AM Page 8

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JULY16CONTENTSFINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:30 PM Page 9

WHAT’SIN +
12

REGULARS 79
12 NEWS
50-years of Subaru’s boxer engine, JP’s top boxer-engined car, show
previews: Spring Cleaning and JapShow, 5mins with...Alyn Stockton of AS
Performance, HondaPro Jason visits Dream Automotive, new all-carbon Time
Attack Evo, girl power in the Drift Cup

79 JAPSTUFF
Remus exhaust for FK2 Honda Civic Type R, Black Halo Racing uprated
ignition kit for Mazda RX-8, SuperPro anti-roll bars for Mitsubishi Evo X,
TarOx two-piece rotors for FK2 Honda Civic Type R, Racing Lines integrated
fuel swirl pot system, Bilstein chassis upgrades for Subaru WRX STi, Boom

88
Mat speaker performance kit, Samcosport coolant hose for R33 Nissan
Skyline GT-R, Air Lift Performance suspension for Subaru WRX STi, MTEC
two-piece brake discs for Mitsubishi Evo X

84 READERS’ RIDES
Our favourite readers’ rides this month. The winner gets a Meguiar’s Gold
Class Wash & Wax kit worth £25! Has your car got what it takes to win?

88 THE GARAGE
Project Hel FK2 Type R gets a thorough work out on Castle Combe’s testing
circuit, Project Rotary has a crucial lubrication top up plus suffers a breakdown
and Project Type R gets a Hondata K100 ECU plus remap on Eurospec’s dyno

Editor Dan Sherwood Accounts Bev Brown

Tel: 01480 219990 Administration Sandra Househam
[email protected] Subscriptions Debi Stuart
Website www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Studio Manager Peter Simpson
Managing Director Clive Househam
Designer Joel Mitchell
Worldwide retail distribution
Advertising For worldwide newsstand availability queries
Jason Baker contact Danielle Colley, CHP Distribution
[email protected] Manager, Seymour Distribution Ltd.
Tel: 07710 096548 Tel: 020 7429 4092
Email: [email protected] While every care is taken in compiling
Ad Production For UK only go to seymourmagzene.com Japanese Performance, the publishers
Liz SmithTel: 01883 731152; cannot be held responsible for any effects Don’t Miss Out
Fax: 01883 740361 Printed in England arising therefrom
[email protected] Garnett Dickinson Print Ltd;
Tel: 01709 768000 Japanese Performance is always available at
CHPublications Ltd 1 The Alma Building,
Brewerstreet Dairy Business Park, © CHPublications Ltd, 2016
Brewer Street, Bletchingley, Surrey RH1 4QP ISSN 1467779
Tel: 01883 731150; Fax: 01883 740361; Your local newsagent to
order this magazine
[email protected]

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 9
010JAP169 12/18/14 10:55 AM Page 10

RE M I E R
O PPE ’ S P E S E
U
EEU R
R O P A N
JA ANCE
R FO R M I E R
PPE S U P P L
PPAAR T S

R I S E D
AAUUTTH HO AN
R
R O P E RS
EEU
U
R IB U T O
D
D I
I S
STT
NEWS 186v7FINALNEWch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:11 PM Page 12

PLANET JAP +

50 YEARS OF BOXER!
SUBARU CELEBRATES HALF A CENTURY OF
KNOCKOUT FLAT-FOUR ENGINES
Nothing else sounds like a boxer engine. gravity. This has many benefits. In addition boxer engines to its cars ever since. The
That deep burble is so distinctive that when to helping the car’s balance, it allows a most recent version being the FA20 used in
you hear it, you know a Subaru is coming symmetrical vehicle design and is better the BRZ sports car. The ‘boxer’ nickname
even without looking. It isn’t just the noise rotationally-balanced than an inline four- comes from the way the con-rods and
that makes the flat-four ‘boxer’ configuration cylinder, too, so it’s smooth as well. That pistons punch outwards from a shared
so special, either. By laying the connecting- also results in less wear over time. crankshaft. It’s lasted 50 years already and
rods and pistons flat as opposed to upright, The first Subaru to be powered by a there’s little reason the boxer engine won’t
a boxer engine can be mounted lower and boxer engine was the Subaru 1000 from live on for a long time yet. It’s provided the
wider than a traditional inline four-cylinder 1966. Introduced in the year that England power for some of the fastest point-to-point
powerplant, resulting in a lower centre-of- won the World Cup, Subaru has been fitting cars ever built.

12 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
NEWS 186v7FINALNEWch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:11 PM Page 13

FOUR OF OUR THE BOXER ENGINE

FAVOURITE IN ACTION...
BOXER-ENGINED THESE CARS SHOW HOW
CARS… EFFECTIVE A BOXER-ENGINED CAR
RCM GOBSTOPPER
CAN BE WITH THE RIGHT DRIVER
THE LEGEND. IN MANY WAYS THE ORIGINAL
GOBSTOPPER CHANGED WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT
A BOXER-ENGINED CAR WAS CAPABLE OF
JOHN STEVENSON
2.3-LITRE 550BHP
John has just smashed his own records at Kames, in the MSA
Modified Production Class over 2.0-litres. His car features a 2.3-litre
boxer engine built by SD Motorsport, a Samsonas six-speed
sequential gearbox and super-soft Avon hillclimb slicks. The
engine makes around 550bhp and only weighs roughly 1020kg,
thanks to extensive weight reduction and glassfibre body panels.
John says the boxer engine is a key part of what makes his car
successful. Its low centre-of-gravity and aluminium construction are
the foundations around which John has built a car that has so far
PIC: FLATOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
destroyed everything in his class.

PIC: EDDIE KELLY MOTORSPORT PHOTOGRAPHY

RCM GOBSTOPPER II
FAMOUS FOR BEING THE FASTEST CAR UP THE
HILL AT LAST YEAR’S GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF
SPEED, GOBSTOPPER II IS A BIG-BUDGET
MASTERCLASS IN NO-LIMITS TUNING

DO-LUCK’S DEMO
CAR WAS A TRACK
SPEC BUGEYE
WHICH ACTUALLY PIC: FLATOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
MANAGED TO
MAKE THE BOXER
MOTOR LOOK ANDY FORREST’S IMPREZA RA
PRETTY AS WELL MULTIPLE TOTB WINNER AND WORLD TIME
AS GO LIKE STINK ATTACK COMPETITOR. ANDY’S BONKERS
SIX-CYLINDER IMPREZA IS ALSO A 7-SECOND JUSTIN ANDREWS
CAR ON THE QUARTER MILE!
2.1-LITRE 480BHP
The reigning BARC SBD National Speed Champion, Justin
BOTH THE BRZ Andrews uses the ultimate balance of his boxer-engined machine
AND THE LEGACY
BENEFIT FROM to beat his opponents. His championship features a mix of sprints
THE BOXER’S and hillclimbs, to find the fastest point-to-point road-legal car.
BALLISTIC
POTENTIAL FOR Justin even drives the car to and from every event. Justin and his
POWER. ALL IT Impreza have clocked fastest-time records at Goodwood, Pembrey,
TAKES IS A
SUPERCHARGER
Llandow, the MIRA test track and Crystal Palace. In fact, Justin’s
OR LARGER Impreza is the quickest saloon car ever recorded around Crystal
TURBO TO Palace. Impressive stuff!
UNLEASH THE
BEAST! PIC: FLATOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
PIC: ADAM MARSH
DAMIEN BRADLEY’S LEGACY
YOU DON’T EXPECT AN OLD LEGACY TO PERFORM
LIKE THIS. REMAINS THE CLUB 4WD RECORD
HOLDER IN TIME ATTACK AT BRANDS HATCH
AND CADWELL PARK

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 13
NEWS 186v7FINALNEWch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:11 PM Page 14

NEWS + FIVE MINUTES WITH...

SPRING CLEANING ALYN STOCKTON
SUNDAY 26TH JUNE
DRURIDGE BAY
Q. HI, WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT
DO YOU DO?
A. HELLO MY NAME IS ALYN

COUNTRY PARK STOCKTON, I AM THE OWNER OF

AS PERFORMANCE IN COUNTY
DURHAM
One of the biggest car tuning shows in the North East of
Q. WHAT PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
England, Spring Cleaning is growing fast. It’s a great place to DO AS PERFORMANCE OFFER?
find highly-tuned Japanese cars that you might not otherwise A. THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO AS
PERFORMANCE. FIRSTLY, WE
come across. There’s a show-and-shine competition and PROVIDE PRECISION MACHINING
camping is available on the Saturday night, too. This is a show FOR COMPANIES OR INDIVIDUALS
for all makes and models, so a good one to attend if you have WANTING TO BUILD A HIGH-
PERFORMANCE ENGINE. THIS
friends or family who are into a variety of cars. Last month’s INCLUDES FABRICATING CUSTOM
supercharged S2000 cover car was car of the show in 2015, SUSPENSION AND BRAKE
COMPONENTS, TOO. WE
which shows you the quality of the cars Spring Cleaning REGULARLY FABRICATE CUSTOM
attracts. So get your clean on and don’t miss it! BELLS AND BRACKETS FOR BIG
BRAKE KITS, FOR EXAMPLE, AND
WE WORK BEHIND THE SCENES
WITH SOME VERY BIG NAMES IN
THE TUNING INDUSTRY

Q. SOUNDS INTERESTING! AND

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE
BUSINESS?
A. THE SUPPLY OF MAIL-ORDER PARTS, BUT AGAIN WITH SOME
DIFFERENCES THAT WE BELIEVE SET US APART. FIRSTLY, WE CHERRY-PICK
PARTS THAT WE KNOW WORK, BASED ON YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN
COMPETITIVE MOTORSPORT; OIL, PADS, BUSHES, ANTI-ROLL BARS, ETC.
WE ALSO HAVE DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE BRANDS WE
SUPPLY, AND CARRY LOTS OF STOCK OURSELVES. THIS MEANS WE HAVE
ACCESS TO THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND CAN GET THEM TO OUR
CUSTOMERS EXTREMELY QUICKLY. ALSO, WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE AND
ACCESS TO MACHINING EQUIPMENT, WE CAN HELP FIND A SOLUTION
TO ANY PROBLEM. IF IT ISN’T AVAILABLE OFF-THE-SHELF FOR ANY
REASON, WE CAN ADAPT OR FABRICATE PARTS TO MAKE IT WORK

Q. DO YOU SPECIALISE IN ANY PARTICULAR CAR?

A. NO, WE CATER FOR ALL SORTS OF CARS – INCLUDING BMW M CARS,
AND WE ALSO SUPPLY A WELL-KNOWN EVO AND GT-R TUNER. WE
CONSIDER OURSELVES QUITE GRASSROOTS STILL. FOR EXAMPLE, IT CAN
BE EASY TO MISS THE GEARCHANGE FROM SECOND TO THIRD IN A SIX-
SPEED IMPREZA. SO WE CREATED A £60 LINKAGE KIT THAT HAS A BIG
IMPACT ON THE WAY THE CAR DRIVES, FOR A SMALL COST. WE SEEM TO
PIC: OLLIEE WILDSMITH HAVE EARNED A REPUTATION FOR SUBARUS BECAUSE OF THE WORK WE
HAVE CARRIED OUT ON SOME HIGH-PROFILE CARS

Q. WHAT ARE THESE HIGH-PROFILE CARS?

A. THE MOST FAMOUS IS PROBABLY ANDY FORREST’S SUBARU IMPREZA;
ANDY BUILDS HIS OWN ENGINES BUT WE DO A LOT OF HIS MACHINING
JAPSHOW WORK AND FABRICATE SOME OF THE CUSTOM CHASSIS PARTS. WE ALSO
FABRICATED SOME CUSTOM BELLS TO GO WITH THE ALCON-SUPPLIED

SUNDAY 10TH JULY DISCS AND CALIPERS, BEFORE HIS TRIP TO THE WORLD TIME ATTACK IN
AUSTRALIA. WE HAVE ALSO CREATED A BESPOKE ‘DRAG SPEC’ BRAKE
KIT FOR DAMIEN BRADLEY’S SUBARU LEGACY IN PREPARATION FOR TEN
SANTA POD RACEWAY OF THE BEST THIS YEAR, AND HAVE ALSO BUILT THE 2.35-LITRE
STROKER ENGINE IN ARCHIE BAIN’S SUPER LAP SCOTLAND IMPREZA
It’s almost time for yet another action-packed day at JapShow. Q. HOW DID AS PERFORMANCE GET STARTED?
These events really have become stand-out days in the A. INITIALLY I WAS INTO RALLYING. AS A YOUNGSTER I WENT FROM
calendar, with big crowds and lots of action on the quarter-mile REBUILDING MOTORCYCLE ENGINES TO BECOMING A MEMBER OF MY
LOCAL MOTORSPORT CLUB. THIS WAS BACK IN THE GROUP B ERA. I DID
drag strip. The highlight of the day is watching the jaw-dropping SOME LOCAL RALLIES AND ENDED UP SUPPORTING OTHER DRIVERS.
runs by competitors in the Jap Drag Series and FWD Drag THIS IS REALLY HOW AS PERFORMANCE BEGAN. WE WON THE MODIFIED
1600CC CLASS IN THE NATIONAL TARMAC CHAMPIONSHIP, SO WE WERE
Series; lots of turbocharged Honda Civics and Nissan GTRs SUCCESSFUL. THE MOVE TO HIGH-PERFORMANCE ROAD AND TRACKDAY
running well under 10-seconds. There’s a handling track STUFF HAPPENED ORGANICALLY, TO BE HONEST. WE GOT HEAVILY
INVOLVED WITH GROUP N MITSUBISHI EVOS AND FOUND OURSELVES
exclusively for Japanese cars, the Autoglym Show Paddock and GETTING MORE AND MORE ENQUIRIES FROM TRACKDAY DRIVERS AND
a stunt show to get excited about, too. TUNING COMPANIES. WE’RE STILL INVOLVED IN RALLYING AND WE’RE
CURRENTLY THE TITLE SPONSOR OF THE NORTH EAST TARMACADAM
RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP. WE BRING ALL THIS EXPERIENCE TO OUR
BUSINESS TODAY

Q. THAT’S IMPRESSIVE! WHERE DO YOU SEE THE TUNING INDUSTRY

HEADING?
A. THAT’S HARD TO SAY. THERE IS DEFINITELY AN EMPHASIS ON
PERFORMANCE-TUNING NOW. I THINK THE SPRINT SCENE IS
INTERESTING AND BUOYANT AT THIS TIME, AND AS PERFORMANCE
NOW SPONSOR THE 22B SPRINT SERIES BECAUSE IT’S A GREAT WAY TO
SEE THE CARS AND DRIVERS IN ACTION. ONE THING I WILL SAY, IS THAT
THERE IS STILL A LOT OF MONEY BEING SPENT ON MOTORSPORT IN
GENERAL, DESPITE THE SUPPOSED ECONOMIC DOWN-TURN

Q. CAN PEOPLE FOLLOW AS PERFORMANCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

A. YES, OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IS THE BEST WAY TO FOLLOW US. WE HAVE
BEGUN TO USE IT ALMOST AS A BLOG. ANYTHING WE DO OF
PARTICULAR INTEREST USUALLY ENDS UP ON THERE, SO IT’S A GREAT
WAY TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US AND PERHAPS BE INSPIRED TO GET
OUT THERE AND ENJOY YOUR CAR

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME ALYN, IT’S APPRECIATED

14 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
015JAP186 5/25/16 10:13 AM Page 15
NEWS 186v7FINALNEWch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:12 PM Page 16

NEWS + We featured Richard

THE PHOENIX HAS RISEN

Marshall’s Time Attack Pro
Class-winning Evo IX in the
October 2014 issue of
Japanese Performance, but it
looks a bit different now!
Always wanting to push the
envelope, Richard has
re-designed his car with a
new focus on aero and a
new name for the car – The
Phoenix, to reflect this new
stage in the car’s life. A fully
bespoke bodykit and flat-
floor has been created by
Karbonetix, and the result
looks like nothing else we’ve
seen. Richard is currently
PICS: JEROEN HOEBOER going through an extensive
shakedown program, having
driven the car briefly at
Zandvoort in Holland
recently. The plan is to enter
Time Attack events across
Europe throughout the year,
and possibly even World
Time Attack in the future. You
can follow Richard’s progress
and the development of The
Phoenix by following ‘Richard
Marshall Racing’ on
Facebook.

PICS: ANDY LIU

HONDAPRO JASON GIRL POWER IN THE

VISITS DREAM DRIFT CUP
For the first time in UK drifting history, two women made it
AUTOMOTIVE to the top four of a drift competition. Zanna Young and Michelle
Westby (pictured bottom right) battled through the top 32 at
Internet star ‘HondaPro Jason’ stopped off at Honda specialists round two of the Drift Cup at the Adrian Flux Arena in Kings Lynn,
Dream Automotive recently, as part of his world tour. Jason lives to meet each other in an exciting semi-final shootout. After a
in the United States and runs a popular YouTube channel, with tough battle it was Michelle who progressed to the final in her
videos exclusively about Hondas. Phil Crafford and his team Nissan 200SX, beating BMW driver Zanna. Michelle was
organised a meet at Dream HQ in Hertfordshire, with cars coming eventually beaten in the final by Sean Chessum in a Toyota
from all over to show how we tune Hondas in the UK. Jason was Corolla, while Mark Webb beat Zanna in the heads-up battle
particularly interested in the models that we got over here that for third-place. Still, the event will go down in history as the
they didn’t in the USA. moment female drifters proved they are coming not just to take
Straight after the meet part, but take it all the way.
Phil and Jason jumped
in the 380bhp Dream
Automotive FK2 and
drove to the
Nürburgring for some
high-speed laps of the
Nordschleife. It’s a
tough life for some, eh?

16 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
027JAP184 3/31/16 4:27 PM Page 27

Direct-Fit
Oil Catch Cans
› Prevents harmful oil vapors and particles from
circulating back into your engine
› Application-specific bracket mounts the can in
a serviceable location
› Billet 6061 aluminium sealed cans
Shown: Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 Baffled Oil Catch Can, PCV Side, 2013+
EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:35 Page 18

NINE
TIMES
OFIO
OUT THIS AGGRESSIVE EVO
III HAS PROVED ITSELF
CAPABLE OF EASY
10-SECOND PASSES ON
THE DRAG STRIP. THE NEXT
CHALLENGE IS DROPPING
INTO THE NINES WORDS: DAN GOODYER PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

18 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:36 Page 19

e’ve all heard the second quarter mile time, that’s drivers live. This is exactly fastest street cars in my area –

W immortal words: ‘You

owe me a ten second
car...’ It’s one of the most
a serious achievement. It’s a
sign that your street car is
properly quick.
where Chris Morris and his
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III
have been for some time. But
now I’m at the drag strip
whenever I can get there,
chasing nine second ETs!
famous lines from the hit film The same logic is behind the now he’s only one good launch I know the car can do it, I just
‘The Fast and the Furious’. It’s ‘RH9’ club in Japan, a club for away from the nines. need to work on my 60ft times.’
often said as a joke because cars that can break into the He explains: ‘My enjoyment Chris was born in the UK
the film was hit-and-miss in the nine-second bracket. These are of this car has gone through before moving to Barbados
way it portrayed car tuning and times that even the fastest several stages. At first, I was when he was young. Spending
drag racing. For all the faults supercars can’t touch. The line just happy to own an Evo III, his early teenage years over
that film had, though, that quote between ten and nine second because they’re pretty rare. there had a profound effect on
was actually a good one. If you (and below) quarters is where Then I wanted to make it as fast him: ‘The car scene is massive
can drive your car to a ten the serious machines and as my friends’ cars, then the over there, people might not

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 19
EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:36 Page 20

realise that, but I was car ever since.’ from Theo’s car, as he swapping. Chris tried reprofiled
particularly keen on rallying. In the early days, Theo’s upgraded. cams, a TD05-20g turbo from
This was Tommi Makinen’s era car was the one to beat. Chris Chris and Theo became the States and lots more. The
and the Lancer Evolution adds: ‘The only modification good friends off the back of thing is, whatever he tried, the
became my favourite car. It on this car when I bought it their obsession with the early engine had problems. So he
had to be an early Evo though; was a set of OZ wheels. It was Evos, and the process of sold the car to a chap who put
either a one, two or three. The making standard power and handing down parts to the next a rollcage in it and made a
later cars got bigger, heavier Theo’s car was at around in line when you upgrade change to new-style lights, but
and had more electronic aids. 400bhp. When this was making continues to this day, with also suffered engine problems.
It was the raw, light, early cars 420bhp he was at 630bhp. several parts from Chris’s car Finally, Chris bought the car
that really got me excited.’ We’ve gone through the finding a new home in the back when the new owner
Fast forward to 2005 and various stages together, and I engine bay of other Evos. With offered it back to him at a price
Chris had moved back to the benefited from the old parts off a set of KYB lowering springs he couldn’t refuse.
UK to study, and bought his car as he upgraded.’ and uprated dampers donated Cutting a long story short,
himself a Honda VTI-S MB6. To begin with, Theo built a from Theo’s car, too – when he the problem was eventually
He adds: ‘I started going up to cost-effective engine using upgraded to coilovers – this traced to a worn piece of
the meets at Basildon, and forged pistons, forged rods was how Chris drove the car wiring! We often talk about the
that’s where I spotted a really and the original crankshaft. for a couple of years, until a new parts that make a car run
nice Evo III. I spoke to the Fuelling was sorted by a chip hose popped off the fuel better, but the reality is it’s
owner and it turned out to be mounted to a board connected pressure regulator on the M25 often little jobs like this that
Theo Thompson-Quartey of to the ECU. Any changes to and melted the engine, that is! can make or break a build.
Garage Streamline. Two weeks the ‘map’ required a new chip This sparked an engine-out With Theo able to find and
later I had sold the Civic and to be burned, so it was a long- rebuild at Garage Streamline. remedy the problem, Chris
bought this. Theo has done winded process. This was one It was the beginning of a decided to go for the next step.
pretty much all the work on the of the first hand-me-down parts period of extensive parts- Among the goodies was GSC

20 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:36 Page 21

which Chris found for sale on coilovers that ‘were like new’. BRACE YOURSELVES
eBay. He also bought a used Likewise, ebay turned up a pair AFTER THE REAR DIFF EXPLODED
AT THE JAPSHOW FINALE, THEO
carbon-fibre bonnet from a guy of huge 8-pot D2 brakes for just AND CHRIS DISCOVERED
in Slough. It turns out the seller £500! With every passing SOMETHING VERY INTERESTING.
EARLY EVO REAR DIFFS ARE ONLY
had a white Evo and didn’t like month the Evo was gaining SUPPORTED AT THE BOTTOM,
the ‘panda’ look. He also new parts, all of them focused WHEREAS THEY ARE SECURED TOP
AND BOTTOM IN THE LATER EVOS.
managed to source a carbon- on performance. Chris wasn’t SO THE FAILURE WAS LIKELY
fibre bootlid to go with it, so the interested in spending money DOWN TO THAT, RATHER THAN
weight-loss was balanced all on the looks – the driving THE FACTORY REAR DIFF, WHICH
INCIDENTALLY IS A PROPER
round. Stripped out inside too, experience was king. PLATE-TYPE LSD. TO REMEDY THIS
the car is extremely light for a When the new 8-pot brakes ISSUE, GARAGE STREAMLINE HAS
FABRICATED EXTRA BRACING TO
four-wheel-drive turbo car. went on, Chris continued the HOLD IT IN POSITION. THE
An evening spent on the hand-me-down process. The TRANSFER BOX HAS ALSO BEEN
BEEFED-UP IN THE SAME WAY
Evo forums unearthed a cheap 4-pot Wilwood brakes he had
set of used BC Racing previously ended up on his

Power Division S2 cams, a

60-1 turbo and an ACT
paddle clutch.
Once again the mapping
was done by Theo using an
Ostrich emulator. The engine
made 421bhp at 1.25bar.
The first time he went to
Santa Pod with this setup he
recorded a 12.0 at 118mph.
That was on normal road
tyres, not even semi-slicks.
So the car was already fast.
It was also great to drive.
Chris adds: ‘At this power
level I could launch the car
pretty consistently. The
power seemed to match the
rest of the car really well, too
– it was fun to throw around.’
The next stage involved
removing some weight from
the car. Look carefully and
you can see the distinctive
weave on the front wings,

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EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:36 Page 22

friend Adem’s car – the same been fitted, another bargain tuning – injectors and an even rod engine build, a race-spec
car we featured in the February purchase from evo123.net. larger turbo. Then we put it on cylinder head by CTM and an
2016 issue of Japanese ‘The car drove much better the ramps and I saw why it felt even larger Precision 6266
Performance (#181) – and the for several reasons. The new so bad at the track. Every bush turbo. It also meant lots of
old suspension and wheels ECU had more resolution than was worn, it was just generally mods to keep the engine
went on another mate’s Evo II. the old one, which meant we tired. So I made a spontaneous reliable, such as an extended
‘Pretty soon I wanted more could plot a much more precise decision. I said to Theo: let’s and baffled sump.
power,’ admits Chris. ‘The map, but also because we lost strip it down and do it properly.’ At this time Theo had moved
suspension and brakes could the Mass Airflow Meter (MAF) To document everything that premises and didn’t have a
take more now and you always and went solely to a Manifold went into the current build dyno, so Chris turned to
get used to power eventually, Absolute Pressure (MAP) would take far too long but, Anthony at Indigo GT in Wales.
don’t you?’ So even more new sensor. That seemed to make a suffice to say, only the rollcage ‘I was really impressed with
parts were added to the car with big difference. It made 556bhp and doors remained in place – them. Anthony guessed it
the target of over 500bhp in at 1.6bar of boost. I fitted a set and even they were modified! should do 600bhp, based on
mind. The thing is, on the dyno of Toyo R888 semi-slicks and hit It emerged a wide-bodied, the turbo size. On the first pull
the engine would get to 450bhp the strip. I immediately green-wheel-wearing monster it made 513bhp at 1.3bar, but
and then flat-line. Eventually the managed a 10.7 at 129mph looking for a tear-up. It’s all with some tuning it made
problem was traced to a piece with a rubbish 60ft time.’ function, too. The screamer 550bhp at 1.3bar and by the
of flexi-pipe in the exhaust, of all ‘The thing is, even 550bhp pipe poking out of the bonnet is end of the day the engine was
things, which was collapsing start to get boring after a while,’ actually the second one, added making 756bhp at 2.1 bar on
and restricting the exhaust gas claims Chris. ‘It actually starts to when the guys found that 97RON Super Unleaded. The
leaving the turbo. feel slow to you! I was getting having just one resulted in only reason we stopped at
Skipping a few spec used to the power again, so I boost creep. 2.1bar was because the
variations, Chris soon ended up took it to a trackday, but it was Chris wanted 650bhp, so injectors were maxed-out. With
with 556bhp. This was still with all over the place. I was fast on Theo, knowing how easily Chris more fuel we could have gone
a 2.0-litre engine, and even the the straights, but in the corners gets bored, suggested building further. Then Anthony did a race
original cylinder head and inlet it just didn’t feel right. Back at the engine for a ‘future-proof’ map on C16 race fuel, making
manifold. The turbo was now a Theo’s we were having a chat 1000bhp – of course Chris 840bhp at 2.1 bar.’
GT35 and an Autronic ECU had about the next stage of engine agreed. This meant a new long- Chris admits the drive home

22 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:37 Page 23

‘I’D NEVER BEEN SCARED

OF A CAR BEFORE, BUT
THIS WAS JUST SO FAST!’
was life-changing: ‘I’ve never
been scared of a car before
but it was that quick. I thought
to myself ‘right, you need to be
careful with this’. I couldn’t
stop grinning!’ Back at the
strip, Chris lined up for his
long-awaited nine second
pass. Pre-stage, stage…bang!
The front half-shaft gave up
and Chris wrestled the car up
the strip in rear-wheel-drive
only, crossing the line in 10.5
seconds at 138mph.
Frustrating, but at least it was
closer to the nines.
With some more tweaks
and a new custom gearbox by
Garage Streamline, which is
essentially a modified version
of the factory five-speeder,
Chris went back to Santa Pod
and recorded a 10.1 at
144mph. So close! Chris
points out: ‘I was chuffed with
that – to me it’s a nine second
car all day. That was with a
horrible 1.8-second 60ft time
too. And it was on R888s, with

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 23
EVO IIIv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:37 Page 24

TECHSPEC
ENGINE
2.0-litre, 4-cyl, 16v 4G63 turbo engine,
long-rod engine rebuild with L19
con-rod bolts, CTM ported and
polished cylinder head with 1mm
oversize valves, Kelford 280 cams,
HKS cam gears, Gates Racing timing
belt, Precision 6266 JB turbo mounted
on custom PTR exhaust manifold with
twin wastegates, Turbosmart 50mm
external wastegate, Precision 46mm
external wastegate, custom side-exit
exhaust, JMFabrications race intake
manifold, S90 70mm throttle body,
RC Engineering 1200cc fuel injectors,
Fuelab fuel pressure regulator,
Precision front mounted intercooler,
custom 3in boost pipes, TiAL dump
valve, Mocal oil cooler, Honda Civic
twin core radiator, Dynatek ignition
amplifier, Magnecor ignition leads,
HKS heat range 9 spark plugs,
Aeromotive A1000 fuel pump and swirl
pot, Gizmo boost controller, Autronic no launch control, or any kind something about it. A new GETTING FAT
CHRIS NEVER INTENDED TO FIT
ECU, Hardrace engine mounts of dedicated drag suspension. Hydra ECU is going in, which THESE WHEELS TO THE CAR.
It’s got plenty of power – that will be mapped by Anthony at INITIALLY HE BOUGHT THEM FOR
TRANSMISSION we are sure of – but the tricky Indigo GT once again and will ANOTHER PROJECT AND THEY
WERE BEING STORED AT GARAGE
Garage Streamline modified version of part now is launching it. The allow Chris to build boost on STREAMLINE, AS A FAVOUR. ONE
factory five-speed manual gearbox, car doesn’t build boost on the the line. He’s also taken the DAY CHRIS RECEIVED A PHOTO
FROM THEO; HE HAD PUT THE
custom modifications to the original line and the clutch is either on decision since our ’shoot to fit WHEELS ON THE CAR AND TAPED
rear differential and transfer box, or off, so there’s a very fine an even bigger turbo, a SOME WIDE ARCHES HE HAD
FROM ANOTHER PROJECT OVER
Competition Clutch triple-plate clutch margin between bogging down Garage Streamline custom- THE TOP. CHRIS LOVED THE LOOK
and spinning the wheels.’ spec Holset rated to over AND IT STUCK!
BRAKES He continues: ‘After the 900bhp, and has fitted Garage Streamline family are
D2 8-pot calipers with 330mm discs 10.1 I thought about giving up lightweight carbon-fibre doors. doing things that no-one else
up front, uprated rear pads on road tyres. I thought that if I If this feature reads like a has done before. They’re
put a set of slicks on, it will run series of trial and error then building early Lancer Evos
SUSPENSION a nine immediately. So that’s that’s kind of the point. This making north of 600bhp and
BC Racing coilovers, Powerflex what I did at the last show of is the reality of pushing using them in anger, too.
polybushed all round, Cusco front last year, the Japshow Finale at boundaries and doing They’re not reading up on an
and rear strut braces Santa Pod. I hadn’t been able something other people internet forum where the limits
to do any testing beforehand, haven’t done before. Sure, are, they’re putting their hands
WHEELS & TYRES but immediately went and did a there’s lots of big-power in their pockets and finding
8.25x16in XXR 527 alloy wheels 10.1 at 135mph on a practice Lancer Evos around, but the out for themselves.
sprayed green, wrapped in 26in run, with just 1.7bar of boost. overwhelming majority are So please join us in
Hoosier slick tyres Then when I put the boost up later models, which differ a lot wishing Chris good luck for
to 2.0bar and really went for it, in spec from the I, II and III. his next trip to the strip. The
INTERIOR the rear diff exploded on the Take the engine itself, for spec of his car is constantly
Fully stripped out, custom rollcage, line. But I still managed an 11.6 example. In the early cars it’s changing; it’s madness, but
Sparco driver’s seat, Depo Racing in front-wheel-drive mode!’ rotated 180 degrees to the the kind of madness that we
multi-gauge, air/fuel ratio gauge That was the last run this later cars, and the clutch, in fully approve of. So if you see
car has made up the strip. comparison to a later car, is these distinctive green wheels
EXTERIOR Since then Theo and Chris physically much smaller, at Santa Pod, then be
Carbon-fibre front wings, carbon-fibre have been over the car with a making it more difficult to prepared. And keep your eye
bonnet, carbon-fibre boot lid, wide arch fine-tooth comb, highlighting reliably control big power and on the timing screen for what
extensions, Perspex rear door windows any remaining areas of torque figures. Chris, Theo, should surely be a nine
and rear screen weakness and doing Adem and the whole extended second run! JP

COG IN THE MACHINE

GARAGE STREAMLINE BUILT A
VERY SPECIAL FIVE-SPEED MANUAL
GEARBOX FOR THIS CAR. BASED
ON THE ORIGINAL ‘BOX, THE
MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE A NEW
FIFTH GEAR AND FINAL DRIVE
RATIO. CHRIS HAS BEEN BLOWN
AWAY BY THE PERFORMANCE
BOOST. IF YOU HAVE AN EARLY
EVO, THIS COMES HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED.
CONTACT GARAGE STREAMLINE
FOR MORE INFO AT
WWW.GARAGESTREAMLINE.CO.UK
OR CALL 01245 475275

24 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
garage stream 5/25/16 10:06 AM Page 25

Building Boost

Japanese performance car engineering

Specializing in Mitsubishi Evo’s
Custom made Evo 1-3 parts including:
Exhaust manifolds
Drive train components (incl gearbox)
Aluminum and steel fabrication
Providing a professional and
bespoke service unique to our customers’ requirements

GARAGE STREAMLINE UNIT 9, BADDOW PARK, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX CM2 7SY

TEL: 01245 475 275
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: WWW.GARAGESTREAMLINE.CO.UK
WWW.YELL.COM/BIZ/GARAGE-STREAMLINE-CHELMSFORD-8369472/
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GSTREAMLINE/?FREF=TS
026JAP186 5/25/16 10:22 AM Page 26

PEDAL
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26 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
027JAP186 5/25/16 11:11 AM Page 27
Mimms v7FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 12:44 PM Page 28

WORDS & PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

MIMMS
TRACKDAY
JAPANESE PERFORMANCE HEADS TO EUROPE’S FASTEST CIRCUIT
TO CHECK OUT THE ACTION AT THE MIMMS HONDA TRACKDAY

t
he Mimms Honda out track warriors, each so they attract the kind of arena or to use their cars challenging in-field.
days celebrate all one is built with a passion owner that relishes this how the manufacturer Luckily the weather was
that is great about and dedication that few challenge. And nowhere originally intended – playing ball and, although
the UK’s Honda scene. other marques can is this more evident than balls-out on track. This chilly, was bright and
The owners that attend match. But then that at the Mimms Trackday latest track event was sunny all day, ensuring
each event are true comes with the territory events, held at more of the same with that the perfectly polished
Honda enthusiasts that, for Honda fans, after all, Rockingham Motor some of the best Hondas paintwork and the track
should you cut them you have to be pretty Speedway near Corby in in the UK making the trip lap times were at their
through the middle, commited to even own Northamptonshire. to the ‘Rock’ with the best.
would likely have a big one. Few other brands Legions of hot intention of, for the first So, if you’re a Honda
red ‘H’ running through have built their name on Hondas turn up to each time, being able to lap fan and haven’t attended
their cores. From the ultra cars that only truly come and every event, keen to the track and take in the a Mimms Trackday yet,
clean show-ready alive when they are being show off their wares as high speed oval section you now know what
examples to the stripped driven at ten tenths, and part of the show ‘n’ shine before rejoining the you’re missing! JP

28 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Mimms v7FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 12:45 PM Page 29

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 29
040-041JAP155 31/10/13 09:54 Page 40

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These exclusive to ABP Milltek systems are quite simply a must have. Superb fit, beautiful quality, amazing soundtrack and good power gains. These exclusive to ABP Piper single silencer systems are quite simply a must have. Superb fit, beautiful quality,
MILLTEK SPORT 3” round tailpipe trims .............................................................................................................(pair) £125.00 amazing soundtrack and good power gains. System has a 6x4” oval tailpipe.
PIPER Stainless Steel Race exhaust manifold & stainless de-cat pipe.............................................................................£630.00 PIPER Twin-box cat-back stainless steel exhaust system As above but with 2 silencers – same power with less sound! .......£399.00
PIPER Stainless Steel Race exhaust manifold & 200CEL Sports Cat .............................................................................. £770.00 PIPER Stainless Steel Race exhaust manifold & stainless de-cat pipe.............................................................................£498.00
O2 simulator (removes ECU light with race manifold fitted)...............................................................................................£70.50 PIPER Stainless Steel Race exhaust manifold & 200CEL Sports Cat .............................................................................. £678.00
PIPER Stainless steel cat-back exhaust system.............................................................................................................£520.00 **Independent rolling road tests show an incredible increase of +22BHP using a PIPER manifold,

 
HKS Sport Muffler cat-back exhaust system (3” tailpipes & HKS trims)..........................................................................£862.00 de-cat and exhaust system on the EP3 Type R!**
*FITTING AVAILABLE ON ALL PRODUCTS / UK & WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE* DC SPORTS Stainless steel SCS cat-back exhaust system (4” round tip)..........................................................................£430.00
  DC SPORTS Stainless steel SHORTY exhaust manifold (uses original cat) ........................................................................£375.00

 
DC SPORTS Stainless steel RACE exhaust manifold (removes catalyst)............................................................................£395.00
K&N Sports air filter replacement element (lifetime warranty) ........................................................................................£41.00
All DC Sports items are beautifully crafted in polished stainless steel and offer fantastic looks and power gains.
K&N Apollo closed box air filter induction kit ..............................................................................................................£158.00
The SCS system comes with a removable silencing baffle ideal for track days.
AEM Short Ram air induction kit (polished or red alloy intake pipe) ................................................................................£169.00
O2 simulator (removes ECU light with race manifold fitted)...............................................................................................£70.50
POWERTEC Stainless steel air filter kit (including heat shield).........................................................................................£149.00
HKS Hi Power 409 cat-back exhaust system (120mm angled tailpipe)...........................................................................£471.90
PIPERCROSS Sports air filter kit (including heat shield)..................................................................................................£145.00 Stunning JAP style exhaust system with removable silencing baffle and polished 120mm tailpipe
HKS Racing Suction Kit (includes alloy intake pipe)........................................................................................................£365.00 SUPERSPRINT Stainless Steel straight through B-pipe...................................................................................................£204.00
 ENERGY SUSPENSION Up-rated engine mount insert bush kit.........................................................................................£26.00
EIBACH ABP Exclusive -30mm lowering spring kit .......................................................................................................£150.00 Essential when using any modified exhaust manifold. These also aid traction & prevent wheel hop.
These are the very best springs you can buy for the FN2. Offering the ultimate in looks, handling, reduced roll and better ride quality *FITTING AVAILABLE ON ALL PRODUCTS / UK & WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE*
there really are no downsides. Please call for fully fitted prices.  
EIBACH Pro-Kit -15mm lowering spring kit .................................................................................................................£159.00 K&N Sports air filter replacement element (lifetime warranty) ........................................................................................£49.00
All the advantages of our -30mm kits but with less lowering! K&N 57i Air filter kit .................................................................................................................................................£109.00
EIBACH Front adjustable camber bolts (essential on lowered cars)....................................................................................£25.00 K&N Typhoon air filter induction kit (wrinkle red finish intake pipe) ...............................................................................£150.00
EIBACH Rear camber & toe shims (to get the very best handling) ............................................................................(each) £8.50 AEM CAI Cold Air Induction kit (filter relocated behind front bumper) +15BHP .................................................................£245.00
KW Variant 1 coil-over suspension kit (fully adjustable ride height) ................................................................................£879.00 AEM V2 Air Filter Induction kit (Unique dual plenum intake pipe) +18BHP......................................................................£265.00
KW Variant 2 coil-over suspension kit (fully adjustable height & rebound)....................................................................£1,069.00 PIPERCROSS VENOM Sports air filter kit (fully enclosed air box system) ..........................................................................£175.00
KW Variant 3 coil-over suspension kit (fully adjustable height, bump & rebound)..........................................................£1,379.00 Intake kits make a massive difference to the EP3 Type R offering anything up-to +18BHP power gains.
TEIN S-Tech lowering spring kit (Front -15mm Rear -20mm)..........................................................................................£228.00 Choosing the right combination of exhaust system and filter kit can add up-to +25 BHP power improvements!
TEIN Superstreet coil over kit with upper mounts (adjustable height & damping) .........................................................£1,080.00 
EIBACH 15mm ProSpacer kit (improves looks, steering feel & high speed stability)...........................................................£108.00 EIBACH ABP Exclusive -30mm lowering spring kit .......................................................................................................£150.00
ABP Stage 1 Fast Road suspension geometry set-up (including camber bolts) .................................................................£135.00 These are the very best springs you can buy for the EP3. Offering the ultimate in looks, handling, reduced roll and better ride quality
This set up in ABP’s workshop improves the FN2 massively. Improving turn in, reducing under-steer and offering greatly there really are no downsides.
improved feel & handling. A MUST HAVE MODIFICATION. EIBACH Pro-Kit -15mm lowering spring kit - All the advantages of our -30mm kits but with less lowering! .........................£159.00
EIBACH Front adjustable camber bolts (essential on lowered cars)....................................................................................£25.00
ABP Stage 2 Fast Road suspension geometry set-up (including bolts & rear shims) ........................................................£224.00
EIBACH Rear fully adjustable camber arms (to get the very best handling)............................................................(pair) £135.00
As above but stage 2 also includes removing the rear hubs, fitting correct camber & toe shims (included in price)
BILSTEIN B4 Shock absorber kit (front & rear shocks)........................................................................................(set 4) £385.00
and setting both front and rear geometry to fast road spec.
BILSTEIN B8 Sports up-rated shock absorber kit (front & rear shocks) ................................................................(set 4) £655.00
  BILSTEIN are arguably the Worlds best shock absorbers, developed on the Nurburgring they offer fantastic chassis control without the
STOPTECH Fast Road Front brake pads .................................................................................................................(set) £49.00 extremes of coil-over set-ups. Simply the best real World suspension solution.
STOPTECH Front Sport Stop Grooved brake discs ...............................................................................................(pair) £190.00 TEIN S-Tech lowering spring kit -20mm.......................................................................................................................£228.00
STOPTECH Rear Sport Stop Grooved brake discs ................................................................................................(pair) £145.00 TEIN BASIC coil over suspension kit (adjustable height only) ..........................................................................................£708.00
POWERSLOT Front 350mm Big-disc conversion kit.......................................................................................................£355.00 TEIN Superstreet coil over kit (adjustable height & damping) .........................................................................................£804.00
Kit uses original caliper and offers superior looks & braking with excellent 350mm discs. TEIN Superstreet coil over kit with upper mounts (adjustable height & damping) .........................................................£1,080.00
Kit comes complete with 350mm discs, caliper relocation brackets and fitting kit. EIBACH 15mm ProSpacer kit (improves looks, steering feel & high speed stability)...........................................................£108.00
STOPTECH Touring 300mm 4-POT Brake conversion kit* .............................................................................................£995.00 JDM Rear Anti Roll Bar (including bushes)....................................................................................................................£102.50
These new budget 300mm kits use a unique directional veined 300mm grooved disc with the ST41 4-pot calliper. Kit comes complete E-TECH front polished alloy strut brace .........................................................................................................................£87.50
with discs, calipers, pads, hoses and fitting kit. This kit looks great and performs even better! E-TECH front wide-bar lightweight alloy strut brace .....................................................................................................£170.00
STOPTECH BBK 328mm Brake caliper conversion kit* ..............................................................................................£1,450.00 ABP Fast Road suspension geometry set-up (including front camber bolts) ......................................................................£155.00
The legendary Stoptech Big Brake Kit is simply awesome in every way. Using 2-piece 328mm discs and ST40 4-pot calipers the This set up in ABP’s workshop improves the EP3 massively. Improving turn in, reducing under-steer and offering greatly
performance on offer from this kit is unreal. Essential for ultra fast road or serious track use. Kit comes complete with 2-piece improved feel & handling. A MUST HAVE MODIFICATION.
328mm discs, alloy bells, calipers, pads, hoses and fitting kit. Choice of Black or Red calipers *FITTING AVAILABLE ON ALL PRODUCTS / UK & WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE*
*EIBACH 15mm Pro-Spacer kit (required to fit Stoptech brake kits behind OE Honda wheels).............................................£108.00  
FERODO DS2500 Front high performance brake pads ...................................................................................................£99.50 STOPTECH Fast Road Front brake pads (set)..................................................................................................................£49.00
FERODO DS2500 Rear high performance brake pads....................................................................................................£92.50 STOPTECH Fast Road Rear brake pads (set) ..................................................................................................................£38.00
EBC Red Ceramic Front high performance brake pads ...................................................................................................£87.00 STOPTECH Front Sport Stop Grooved brake discs (pair)................................................................................................£190.00
EBC Red Ceramic Rear high performance brake pads ....................................................................................................£54.00 STOPTECH Rear Sport Stop Grooved brake discs (pair).................................................................................................£140.00
POWERSLOT Front 350mm Big-disc conversion kit.......................................................................................................£355.00
EBC Turbo Groove drilled & grooved front brake discs ......................................................................................(pair) £245.00
Kit uses original caliper and offers superior looks & braking with excellent 350mm discs. Kit comes complete with 350mm discs,
TAROX G88 40-Groove high performance front brake discs ..............................................................................(pair) £217.00
caliper relocation brackets and fitting kit.
GOODRIDGE Stainless steel 6-line brake hose kit (including distribution blocks) .............................................................£175.00
STOPTECH Touring 300mm 4-POT Brake conversion kit* .............................................................................................£995.00
MOTUL RBF600 High performance brake fluid (1/2 LT) ................................................................................................£15.50 These new budget 300mm kits use a unique directional veined 300mm grooved disc with the ST41 4-pot calliper. Kit comes complete
FOLIATEC Caliper paint kit (various colours)....................................................................................................................£24.90 with discs, calipers, pads, hoses and fitting kit. This kit looks great and performs even better!
*FITTING AVAILABLE ON ALL PRODUCTS / UK & WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE* EIBACH 15mm Pro-Spacer kit*(required to fit Touring kit behind OE Honda wheels) .........................................................£108.00
  STOPTECH BBK 328mm Brake caliper conversion kit ................................................................................................£1,450.00
HKS IRIDIUM spark plugs (set 4)..................................................................................................................................£82.00 The legendary Stoptech Big Brake Kit is simply awesome in every way. Using 2-piece 328mm discs and ST40 4-pot calipers the
PIAA Headlight bulb upgrade kits (Set of 6 bulbs - sidelight, dip & main beam) .......................................................from £95.00 performance on offer from this kit is unreal. Essential for ultra fast road or serious track use. Kit comes complete with 2-piece 328mm
YOKOHAMA 225/40X18 PARADA Spec 2 tyre.............................................................................................................£125.00 discs, alloy bells, calipers, pads, hoses and fitting kit. This kit fits behind the original Honda 17” alloy. Choice of Red or Black calipers.
YOKOHAMA 225/40X18 ADVAN NEOVA ADO8 tyre (ultimate track day tyre)...............................................................£169.00 FERODO DS2500 Front high performance brake pads ...................................................................................................£99.50
YOKOHAMA 225/35X19 Advan Sport OE tyre ............................................................................................................£215.00 FERODO DS2500 Rear high performance brake pads....................................................................................................£91.50
      #  EBC Red Ceramic Front high performance brake pads ...................................................................................................£87.00
ABP offer a full range of servicing to HONDA specification which will not affect the manufacturer’s warranty. EBC Red Ceramic Rear high performance brake pads ....................................................................................................£58.00
12 month / 12,500 mile service to HONDA spec including all parts & Labour ..............................................................£119.00 EBC Turbo Groove drilled & grooved front brake discs ......................................................................................(pair) £245.00
24 month / 25,000 mile service to HONDA spec including all parts & Labour...............................................................£198.40 TAROX G88 40-Groove high performance front brake discs ..............................................................................(pair) £217.00
36 month / 37,500 mile service to HONDA spec including all parts & Labour...............................................................£154.00 GOODRIDGE Stainless steel 4-line brake hose kit (zinc plated unions).......................................................................... £62.00
48 month / 50,000 mile service to HONDA spec including all parts & Labour...............................................................£198.40 MOTUL RBF600 High performance brake fluid (1/2 LT) ................................................................................................£15.50
60 month / 62,500 mile service to HONDA spec including all parts & Labour...............................................................£119.00 FOLIATEC Caliper paint kit (various colours) ..................................................................................................................£24.90
72 month / 75,000 mile service to HONDA spec including all parts & Labour...............................................................£385.00  
All of our services include MOTUL fully synthetic oil, Honda oil & air filters & NGK spark plugs. Cars are serviced to exact HONDA HKS IRIDIUM spark plugs (set 4)..................................................................................................................................£82.00
specification and service books are stamped maintaining the warranty. If cars are fitted with performance air filters above prices NEUSPEED Short Shift gear lever kit ............................................................................................................................£95.00
EXEDY OE 3-piece Clutch kit - Fitting service available.................................................................................................£195.00
will be reduced accordingly.
PIAA Headlight bulb upgrade kits (Set of 4 bulbs - sidelight, dip/main beam) ..........................................................from £65.00
PIAA Silicone front wiper blade kit (pair of silicone wiper blades) .....................................................................................£43.00

             

YOKOHAMA 215/40X17 PARADA Spec 2 tyre...............................................................................................................£92.00
YOKOHAMA 215/40x17 ADVAN NEOVA ADO8 tyre (ultimate track day tyre) .................................................................£156.00
ABP recommend changing the original 205/45x17 tyres to the better 215/40x17 size. Wider, slightly lower profile these tyres offer
HONDA • TOYOTA • MAZDA • MITSUBISHI • SUBARU • NISSAN • LEXUS improved handling, grip, feel and they’re cheaper!
SERVICING - See FN2 Listing
040-041JAP155 31/10/13 09:54 Page 41

   How to find us

A51
Chester Crewe
!   
NEXT DAY DELIVERY The
Peacock

B5071
Alsager Our fully equipped modern workshop allows us to carry out a full
PHONE TODAY FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY* or
Cheshire
Cheese range of servicing, maintenance & performance modifications in-
WHY NOT CALL INTO OUR SHOWROOM TO
Nantwich
Shav
in gto Manchester
house. Staffed by fully qualified enthusiastic technicians trained to the           
n Byp
COLLECT OR LET US FIT THE PARTS FOR YOU The
Horseshoe
ass M6
highest standards we are able to skilfully fit, set-up, tune and optimise



IN OUR FULLY EQUIPPED ON-SITE WORKSHOP

The
Weston White
Lion
J16
any modifications to get the best out of your car – This is our passion! From regular manufacturer spec servicing, MOT
testing, performance tuning & chassis development to full on track day preparation we can offer the complete service.
Elephant
M6
* Orders must be placed before noon and are only Shavington Birmingham
Broughton
available on stock items (excluding Sunday). ESSO White
Hart
Arms

Please phone for postage prices on your order B5071

Keele
ABP’s workshop carries Cheshire County Council Trading Standards approval assuring you of the highest
~ EXPORT ORDER ARE WELCOME ~ quality and 1st class customer service. ABP achieved Trading Standards first perfect 100% mystery
ABP Motorsport
Orders can be placed by phone with a credit/debit card for immediate
416 Newcastle Road, Shavington, shop result in August 2010.
despatch. Postal orders and cash are also acceptable.
At ABP full security checks are made to ensure the validity of the credit Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5EB ABP were awarded CAT magazines coveted title of National Garage of the Year in both
card holder. All attempted credit card frauds are reported to the police. Fax 01270 568177
2010 and 2011. An award we all take very seriously and testament to our very high standards.
777$%1.040231024&05,
[email protected]
Opening Hours • Performance Parts Installation
~ ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT ~ Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm • Manufacturer Spec Servicing
We reserve the right to change prices in accordance with certain manufacturers. Rights
Sat 9.00am - 3.00pm • Suspension Fitting Specialists
of cancellation details supplied. Prices are correct at time of going to press. E&OE.
• Wheel alignment & Suspension Geometry
• Maintenance & Repairs
ABP are an official UK importer of STOPTECH brakes and offer the full range of high performance
brake pads, brake discs and the AWESOME caliper conversion kits. Used extensively in Time • MOT Testing Station
Attack series cars these kits are reputed to be the best available. Full range of 4 & 6 pot kits • Customer Supplied Parts Fitted
available for most Japanese cars please call for prices to make your car STOP! • Clutch fitting
STOPTECH high performance brake pads ...........................................................................................from £38 • Cam / Timing Belts Replaced
EVO 5-9 & Impreza STi FRONT & REAR brake pad set ..................................................................................£118
STOPTECH High performance grooved brake discs.............................................................................from £140
• Fully Skilled & Experienced Staff
Mitsubishi EVO 5-9 Front grooved brake discs...............................................................................................£225 • Trading Standards Approved
Mitsubishi EVO 5-9 Rear grooved brake discs................................................................................................£195 • National CAT Garage of the Year 2010 & 2011
Honda Civic Type R FRONT & REAR grooved brake disc kit..............................................................................£330
STOPTECH Big Brake Caliper conversion kits......................................................................................from £995 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Honda Civic Type R EP3 & FN2 Touring kit (300mm).....................................................................................£995 We offer a full servicing & Maintenance service to our customers. ABP Service all cars to manufacturer
Honda Civic Type R EP3 & FN2 (4-pot 328mm).........................................................................................£1,450 specification therefore maintaining warranties & correct service history!
Mitsubishi EVO 7-10 (4-pot & 6-pot kits) ..........................................................................................from £1,550
Nissan Skyline R32, 33, 34 (4-pot & 6-pot kits) ...............................................................................from £1,550
The advantages our service gives you over & above the dealers (or stealers!) are:
Full range available for Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru & Toyota • Enthusiastic passionate staff • All makes / models worked on
• Guaranteed level of personal service • No problems with imports
AEM offer the very best intake kits for your Japanese car. AEM lead the way in air filter technology and now use • Full range of services including modifications • One-Stop tuning shop
the revolutionary DRYFLOW filter units. ABP are an official AEM importer dealing directly with the manufacturer! • Competitive Labour prices
• Massive Range stocked • Excellent power gains • Call for prices Full range of servicing / maintenance available including timing belts, clutches, brakes, suspension & steering work.
Cold Air Intake Kits Please phone with your exact requirements and we will be happy to advise and give competitive prices.
Honda Integra Type R DC2.....................................................................................................................£269.00
Honda Integra Type R DC5.....................................................................................................................£255.00 WHEEL ALIGNMENT & SUSPENSION GEOMETRY
Subaru Impreza inc. STi (2001 on) ........................................................................................................£262.00
Subaru Impreza Inc STi (2008 on) +30BHP ...........................................................................................£255.00
• Vague Steering?
Mazda MX5 (2006 on)........................................................................................................................£275.00 • Steering wheel miss-aligned?
Mitsubishi EVO 10 +16BHP...................................................................................................................£275.00 • Excessive or uneven tyre wear?
Short Ram Intake Kits • General poor handling?
Mitsubishi EVO 7, 8, 9 (inc. heat shield) .................................................................................................£235.00
Z Nissan
(inc. heat
350Z (inc................................................................................................................£315.00
shield) heat shield) ...............................................................................................................£315.00 Lots of Japanese cars have fully adjustable wheel alignment, castor adjustment & camber adjustment both front and rear.
Subaru Impreza inc. STi
Subaru (2001inc.on)STi........................................................................................................£169.00
Impreza (2001 on) ........................................................................................................£169.00 Manufacturer’s geometry specifications allow for very generous tolerances which can lead to poor handling, excessive tyre
V2 Dual Plenum Air Intake
V2 Dual PlenumKits Air Intake Kits
Honda S2000......................................................................................................................................£275.00
Honda S2000......................................................................................................................................£275.00
wear, vague steering feel and even reduced MPG!
Honda Civic Type R EP3
Honda Civic&Type
DC5RIntegra....................................................................................................£265.00
EP3 & DC5 Integra....................................................................................................£265.00 ABP can ‘blueprint’ your suspension geometry settings allowing you to benefit from maximum steering response &
improved grip along with improved tyre life and increased economy. We have the latest computerised 4-wheel alignment
equipment and are able to optimise the geometry settings on your car.
ABP are official
ABPimporters
are officialUKimporters
importersUKof importers
DC Sports ofproducts
DC Sports direct from the
products USA.
direct from the USA.
Products include ceramic
Products coated
include & stainless
ceramic coatedsteel exhauststeel
& stainless manifolds
exhaustand stainlessand
manifolds steelstainless
exhauststeelsystems.
exhaust systems. ABP can also offer unique FAST ROAD settings for many cars offering improved handling and turn in by introducing more
DC Sports Exhaust Manifolds
DC Sports Exhaust Manifolds extreme alignment practices. We can also set your geometry up to your own individual spec for track use or drifting etc.
Honda Civic Type
HondaR EP3
CivicStainless
Type R EP3 SteelStainless
Race manifold
Steel Race - manifold -
(These fully polished manifolds
(These fully polishedalsomanifolds
remove the remove ..........................................................................£395.00
alsocatalyst) the catalyst) ..........................................................................£395.00 Please phone for exact prices on your car & prepare to feel the differences immediately.
Nissan 350Z Nissan
Ceramic350Z
Coated tubularCoated
Ceramic sportstubular
manifolds (pair)
sports ......................................................................£475.00
manifolds (pair) ......................................................................£475.00
Mitsubishi EVOMitsubishi
5-9 LargeEVOBore5-9Stainless
Large Bore SteelStainless
Race Manifold
Steel Race.....................................................................£399.00
Manifold .....................................................................£399.00 Examples
DC Sports SCSDCStainless
Sports SCSSteel ExhaustSteel
Stainless Systems
Exhaust Systems Full suspension 4-wheel alignment check and report (no adjustment) ...................................................................£55.00
Honda IntegraHonda
Type RIntegra
DC2.....................................................................................................................£399.00
Type R DC2.....................................................................................................................£399.00
Front Wheel Alignment check & adjust.........................................................................................................from £35.00
Honda IntegraHonda
Type RIntegra
DC5.....................................................................................................................£430.00
Type R DC5.....................................................................................................................£430.00
Honda Civic Type
HondaR EP3
Civic(inc.
Typeremovable
R EP3 (inc.baffle)........................................................................................£430.00
removable baffle)........................................................................................£430.00 Front & Rear Wheel Alignment check & reset...............................................................................................from £75.00
Mitsubishi EVOMitsubishi
7, 8 & 9EVO.......................................................................................................................£449.00
7, 8 & 9 .......................................................................................................................£449.00 Subaru Impreza Turbo / STi / WRX & Mitsubishi EVO 5-10 .................................................................................£135.00
Nissan 350Z Nissan
(Sounds350Z
like (Sounds
a 911 Race likecar!)............................................................................................£699.00
a 911 Race car!)............................................................................................£699.00 Check and reset front & rear Wheel Alignment & Camber angles to Fast Road spec
Subaru Impreza (2002
Subaru on) inc.
Impreza STi &on)
(2002 WRX.............................................................................................£425.00
inc. STi & WRX.............................................................................................£425.00 HONDA S2000 Check and reset front & rear Wheel Alignment; Camber and Castor angles to Fast Road or Honda spec...£140.00
*FITTING AVAILABLE
*FITTINGON ALL PRODUCTS
AVAILABLE ON ALL/PRODUCTS
UK & WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE*
/ UK & WORLDWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE* Honda Civic Type R EP3 ABP Fast Road suspension geometry set-up (Including front camber bolts) .........................£155.00
EIBACH produce the Worlds finest springs with quality Bilstein produce a massive range of shock This set up includes supplying & fitting adjustable front camber bolts, reset the front & rear Wheel Alignment & Camber angles to
second to none. Not only do they improve the looks of absorbers and suspension kits for Japanese ABP Fast Road spec. These improve the EP3 massively. Improving turn in, reducing under-steer and offering greatly improved feel
the car but they also offer better handling with cars including B4 replacement dampers, & handling and reduced tyre wear!
improved ride quality. ABP offer the full range of B6 & B8 sports shock absorbers and fully
EIBACH suspension products available including adjustable coil over suspension kits. Honda Civic Type R FN2 ABP Stage 1 Fast Road suspension geometry set-up (Including camber bolts) ....................£135.00
lowering spring kits, suspension kits, alignment All Bilstein development work is carried out on the legendary Nurburgring. This set up includes supplying & fitting adjustable front camber bolts, reset the front Wheel Alignment & Camber angles to ABP Fast Road
products and wheel spacer kits. PLEASE CALL spec. These improve the FN2 massively. Improving turn in, reducing under-steer and offering greatly improved feel & handling.
K&N were the original sports air filter manufacturer and Honda Civic Type R FN2 ABP Stage 2 Fast Road suspension geometry set-up (Including bolts & rear shim kit) ........£224.00
ABP can supply and fit the full range of HKS tuning offer the largest choice for Japanese cars. They make
products from Japan. HKS offer some of the finest sports air filters for every car including the majority of As above but stage 2 also includes removing the rear hubs, fitting correct camber & toe shims (included in price) and setting both
quality tuning parts available in the World. Products F1 and WRC teams. front and rear geometry to fast road spec.
available include sports air filter kits, sequential dump • Replacement elements from £29.00
valve kits, iridium spark plugs, exhaust systems, SUSPENSION AND LOWERING
intercoolers, boost controllers, suspension, cams, • 57i induction kits from £64.00
electronics and more. PLEASE CALL • Typhoon induction kits from £135.00 ABP can provide various levels of suspension tuning for all Japanese vehicles. We offer a full fitting service on over 7
manufacturers lowering spring options, numerous sports shock absorbers and many complete adjustable suspension kits
ABP stock the full range of PIAA products including bulbs, We stock a large range of high performance tyres to including fully adjustable coil-over kits.
silicon wiper blades, lamps and vision products. PIAA suit all needs. We recommend Yokohama tyres for
produce a massive range of lighting products to suit all unrivalled performance. For ultimate performance Spring kits available from EIBACH, TEIN, SPAX, H&R, GMAX, KW and Pi
applications and they are used extensively in motorsport you may want to consider the amazing Yokohama Shock Absorbers available from KONI, BILSTEIN, KW, SPAX and EIBACH
throughout the World. Don’t confuse PIAA bulbs with the Advan AD08 which offers unbelievable grip for fast
cheaper brands out there as PIAA are THE BEST. road or track day use. ABP offer excellent prices on
Suspension kits available from EIBACH, KONI, BILSTEIN, TEIN, KW, H&R, SPAX & GMAX
• LED Sidelight bulbs from £24.50 • Headlight Yokohama Parada tyres in all sizes. PLEASE CALL Lowering spring kits supplied & fitted .......................................................................................................from £295.00
bulbs from £35.00 • Silicon wipers from £21.50 FOR BEST PRICES ON YOKOHAMA TYRES Sports suspension kits supplied & fitted ....................................................................................................from £445.00
EBC offer a massive choice of braking products to suit all cars and Fully adjustable coil-over suspension kits supplied & fitted ........................................................................from £820.00
We offer the full range of TEIN suspension to suit all
needs & budgets. TEIN offer kits to suit road, track day,
all drivers’ requirements. Fast road, Track day or race use. Phone ABP for a price on either lowering or making your car ‘Really Handle!’
drift or competition use. Choose from a lowering spring Full range of EBC braking products stocked including: FITTING PRICES
kit to a fully adjustable coil over kit with adjustable GREENSTUFF brake pads for road use from £28.00 set
alloy top mounts. Kits available for Honda, Lexus, REDSTUFF Ceramic brake pads for fast road use from £46.00 set ABP can fit all of the parts that we sell and we are also happy to fit customer provided parts in our workshop.
Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru & Toyota.
YELLOWSTUFF brake pads ideal for track-day use from £65.00 set
• Lowering Springs from £155 Here are some general fitting prices for our workshop:
TURBOGROOVE grooved & drilled brake discs from £140.00 pair
• Coil-Over Kits from £660
PLEASE CALL Sports exhaust systems fitting .......................from £55.00 Wheel alignment checks ...............................from £55.00
Tarox G88 40-Groove brake discs offer awesome
Performance air filter induction kits fitting .....from £55.00 Timing / Cam belts fitting..............................from £82.50
braking performance under the most extreme Brake discs & pads fitting..............................from £82.50 Clutch kits fitting ........................................from £165.00
conditions. Unique heat treatment process’ makes ABP offer the full range of FERODO high performance Big Brake conversion kits fitting ..................from £110.00 Pre / Post Track day check-over ....................from £55.00
these one of the strongest discs available. Full brake pads. The DS2500 range is ideally suited to
range of uprated brake discs, brake pads and big extreme road use and is an ideal track day pad. Suspension kit fitting ..................................from £165.00
caliper conversion kits available for most Massive range available to suit all popular Japanese
Japanese cars. PLEASE CALL high performance cars. Other compounds are available Please phone ABP’s workshop on 01270 567177 for accurate prices on fitting parts to
Fast Road brake pads from £49.00
for more extreme track use or full race applications.
• Honda Civic Type R EP3 & FN2 Front DS2500
your car or to arrange a workshop booking time.
G88 40 Groove brake discs from £159.00 Brake pads £99.50
• Honda Civic Type R EP3 & FN2 Rear DS2500
TAROX big brake caliper kits from £1,250
Brake pads £91.50 PLEASE CALL ALL CARS CATERED FOR – PLEASE CALL
PLEASE CALL TODAY FOR PRICES/INFORMATION ON ALL THE ABOVE PRODUCTS All labour prices do not allow for seized, broken or damaged components on your car.
JAPFESTv7FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 11:37 AM Page 32

JAPFEST 2016 WITH EUROPE’S LARGEST JAPANESE TUNING SHOW NOW

LOCATED AT THE HOME OF UK MOTORSPORT IT WAS
CRUNCH TIME TO SEE IF THE NEW VENUE COULD DELIVER
WORDS & PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

m
oving the venue subconsciously link that visiting? And this was fans, eager to bathe in can be tricky with
for a show is experience with the exactly the dilemma that the sounds and smells of tailbacks of traffic a
always a tough venue, too. This means faced the organisers of tortured tyres and the common occurrence,
decision. At their very that, as good as the the popular Japfest show. visual spectacle that only especially as the
essence, shows are a content of any show may Japfest has been one Japanese cars at full chat numbers attending
form of entertainment, be, without it being of Europe’s premier can bring. But that continued to grow year
and bloody good ones at presented in the familiar Japanese tuning shows massive popularity was after year. There was also
that. This means that surrounds of a circuit that since it started back in also part of the problem. the issue that, with no
when people attend a we’ve all grown to know 2002. Held at Wiltshire’s Castle Combe is a great access to the infield area
show and have a great and love, will it still have Castle Combe circuit, it circuit, but its rural of the track, the
time, they the same vibe for those attracts thousands of Jap location means access surrounding space

32 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
JAPFESTv7FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 11:38 AM Page 33

around the track monster that it had of support vehicles and date for the show now MIXING IT UP
JAPFEST HAS ALWAYS BEEN
perimeter was getting become. And where team members that upon us, it was time to KNOWN AS THE PLACE
filled to bursting point. better than the home of come hand-in-hand with find out… WHERE DIVERSITY REIGNS
AND, WITH THIS YEAR’S
So, faced with a show the British Formula One the F1 circus, surely The first thing we DEDICATED RETRO KINGS
that had outgrown its Grand Prix? After all, if hosting Japfest would be couldn’t help but notice AREA SHOWCASING THE
HOTTEST RETRO RIDES OF
venue, what were the Silverstone can a breeze. But would it still about the new venue was YESTERYEAR, IT DEFINITELY
organisers to do? Well, accommodate the feel like Japfest? That its size. Silverstone is LIVED UP TO ITS
the only thing they could hundreds of thousands was the question on massive! But is that a REPUTATION. ONE OF OUR
FAVOURITE OLD SCHOOL
do – move the show to of people that come to everyone’s lips when the good thing? While there RIDES WAS TERRY TAY-
somewhere that could watch Lewis et al race, new venue was was certainly room for LOR’S SUPERCHARGED M3
ENGINED DATSUN 240Z
accommodate the plus the whole cavalcade announced, and with the the show to breathe and (ABOVE) – WHAT A BEAST!

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 33
JAPFESTv7FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 11:41 AM Page 34

indeed accommodate with a bitterly cold wind. usual Japfest hosted the the prize money was the world, means that
more in the future, but it But these are all pretty annual Drift Kings donated to charity! What this is really a new
did seem to be lacking minor gripes at the end competition where the a nice chap! beginning for the show. It
the close knit vibe of of the day. After all, there winner walks away with a So it may not have felt may feel like the end of
Japfests of old. Maybe were cool Jap rides as cool £1000! Matt Carter like Japfests of old, but an era for some, but
we’ll just have to get far as the eye could see from Team Japspeed then any new venue when you weigh up the
used to the more spread and plenty of action on took the win with would be the same and potential benefits that it
out nature. The weather the track to keep people 107mph entries, most the fact that Japfest now brings, the future starts to
didn’t help the slightly entertained after doing with over 90 degrees of has the room it needs to look a lot more exciting!
exposed feeling though, the rounds of the show lock! A worthy winner, grow and the facilites to And we can’t wait to see
being dry and bright, but and club displays. As and even more so when rival the best venues in what next year brings. JP

34 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
new era 5/25/16 2:45 PM Page 17

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UI O
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Integra Sport
Impreza Type R 98 Spec
Wagon + Concours
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Supra v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:46 Page 36

PUSHING THE

LIMITS
THERE’S NO POINT IN PAYING
ATTENTION TO CONVENTION
WHEN BUILDING A DEMO VEHICLE
FOR YOUR BUSINESS, AS TOM
NGUYEN PROVES WITH HIS
800BHP AIR RIDE EQUIPPED
TOYOTA SUPRA
WORDS: AARON BONK & DAN SHERWOOD PICS: PETER TARACH

36 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Supra v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:46 Page 37

here’s no such thing as sea of similar companies, being tuning firm on the block, it’s in branch of popular Canadian

‘T bad publicity.’ Or at
least that’s what people
say. I suppose it all boils down
on the tips of your customers’
tongues has got to be a
massive bonus, even if some of
their choice of demo car and
what they subsequently do to it.
Canadian tuning fan Tom
tuning franchise Nextmod.
‘I had to build this 1994
Toyota Supra,’ he tells us. And
to the fact that it doesn’t always them are not exactly singing Nguyen knows this little point of that's pretty much what he tells
matter what people are saying, your praises. And if there’s one fact only too well, as he used himself, too, whenever doubts
as long as they’re talking about thing to stir up some the tsunami of debate to great of whether or not the tens of
you. And for a new business, controversy and spark a advantage when he took over thousands of dollars he has
struggling to get noticed in a conversation about a new the management of the Ontario sunk into the project has been

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 37
Supra v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:46 Page 38

‘I NEEDED TO BUILD SOMETHING

THAT WOULD GET PEOPLE TALKING’
a good idea. It turns out, Amuse GT1 widebody S2000 watched The Fast and the none of these suitors really hit
though, that an 800bhp and Varis widebody Evo X, for Furious film and began reading the spot for Tom and all along
Japanese classic is exactly the example. ‘Based upon that car magazines,’ he says. he had his heart set on a late-
sort of image management that lineage,’ he rationalises, ‘I Hollywood's featherbrained model Supra, but finding the
an auto customising business, simply had to build something interpretation of Southern right one was no easy task.
like Tom had just taken over, so that was also a first. And California street racing ‘Finding a nice base to start
desperately needed. something that would stand out ultimately led to a career in the with was damn near
Tom assumed control of the and cause a stir.’ auto industry for Tom, who's impossible,’ Tom says of his
western arm of Toronto's Which is exactly what he did. done everything from tell Supra search. ‘Most of the ones
Nextmod firm shortly before Although not in a conventional people what to do from behind that were coming up for sale
picking up the Canadian-spec or traditional way, of course... a desk, to getting his hands were already modified or were
Toyota. ‘I couldn't pass it up,’ he How Tom ended up here dirty painting the sort of cars just not in a good enough
says – not about the Supra, but with a Mark IV chassis that Fast and Furious franchise
about the chance to run his gives the finger to any sort of followers aspire to. ON A WING AND AN AIR
SUPRAS WITH NEAR ON 800BHP
own retail shop and garage and Supra builder’s handbook isn't While ‘living his life a quarter AREN’T THE OBVIOUS CHOICE TO
to build what's become one of that different to many other mile at a time’, Tom had a brief RUN AIR RIDE, BUT THEN, WHEN
YOU WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT,
the wildest, most controversial Supra owners out there, in that love affair with a string of hot YOU’VE GOT TO PUSH THE LIMITS.
Supras ever. Tom is happy to his passion was lit by Hondas including multiple TOM’S STUNNING SUPRA FEATURES
AIRREX AIR SHOCKS, VIAIR 380C
tell us about some of the cars Hollywood’s finest tuning flick. modified Civics, an Integra RSX AIR COMPRESSORS AND TANK AND
the Nextmod brand has been ‘My love for Supras and car track car and a 500bhp S2000 AN AIR LIFT AUTOPILOT V2 DIGITAL
responsible for, like what he tuning in general all began before testing Toyota's waters CONTROLLER, WHICH CAN BE
ADJUSTED VIA HIS SMARTPHONE!
says was the first Powerhouse when I was 16-years-old and with a GS300 saloon. However, FLASH, EH?

38 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Supra v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:46 Page 39

condition to be considered.’ internals, but its twin-turbo

Eventually, however, this layout and side-mount
immaculate Canadian model intercooler with its plastic end
came up for sale in unmolested tanks have been pushed aside
spec and Tom grabbed it with for a single GReddy T88 blower
both hands and his plan for with a TiAL MV-R wastegate and
both local and global all-aluminum front-mount heat
recognition of his newly exchanger. The factory
acquired company could begin. camshafts have also been
‘It would’ve been easy to binned in favour of a pair of
simply build a big power Supra HKS items with matching gears.
by the book,’ Tom explains. ‘But Supplying the juice for this
then it would’ve been just monster is a set of Titan
another Supra. What I needed Motorsports 1000cc fuel
was something that would injectors, Aeromotive in-tank
make people sit up and take and external fuel pumps, an
notice. Something that would Aeromotive fuel pressure
get them talking about us, and regulator and custom steel-
you simply can’t do that by braided fuel lines, while the
playing safe.’ exhaust comes courtesy of a
And looking at the super- custom downpipe and full
wide, dark, brooding and stainless steel system from
unfeasibly slammed Supra in Tanabe. Controlled by an AEM
front of us, we can see that Tom V1 engine management system
is a man of his word, as this is a tuned by local partner Advance
Supra unlike any other. Power House, this heady
‘I wanted to combine the combo of mods results in a
face melting power with the brutal 697whp and 652lb ft of
kind of jaw-dropping exterior torque, which equates to near-
treatment that would leave on 800bhp at the flywheel.
show-goers questioning my And if you think that air
sanity,’ Tom laughs. ‘And that suspension on a car designed
meant building something that to be the Japanese automaker's
the Supra purists would likely pinnacle of turbocharged
take offence to, but that was all performance doesn’t make a
part of the plan.’ whole lot of sense, then you
Tom’s story begins with a probably won't understand the
peculiar alliance of the sort of coupe's exterior either, which
horsepower we've come to comprises a Varis Ridox
expect from a 2JZ-GTE, widebody kit, carbon-fibre
combined with air suspension bonnet, roof spoiler and boot lip
fit for a luxury saloon and an spoiler, and a whopping great
exterior eclectic enough to Voltex Type 5 rear spoiler riding
chafe even mild-mannered high over a Top Secret rear
Supra purists. diffuser. Later spec 1998–2002
Underneath the bonnet, the headlights and taillights finish
inline-six retains its factory off the front and rear ends,

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 39
Supra v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:46 Page 40

TECHSPEC
ENGINE
3.0-litre, 6cyl, 24v 2JZ-GTE, GReddy
T88 turbocharger, GReddy intercooler,
GReddy oil cooler and filter relocation
kit, TiAL MV-R wastegate, TiAL blow-off
valve, custom downpipe, Tanabe
stainless steel exhaust system, HKS
camshafts, HKS camshaft gears, HKS
Twin Power DLI ignition amplifier, AEM
water/methanol injection kit, AEM V1
engine management, TRD oil cap,
Aeromotive in-tank and external fuel
pumps, custom baffled fuel tank, Titan
Motorsports 1000cc/min fuel injectors,
Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator,
custom steel-braided fuel lines, Koyo
radiator, Cusco radiator cap, Carbing
radiator cooling plate, Optima battery
giving a fresher look in the a challenge,’ he says, describing made an impact in the short
process. It’s certainly dramatic. such spanners in the works as period of time since its debut,’
POWER And is sure to get tongues the wheels that wouldn't clear he says. ‘And I’m genuinely
697whp and 652lb ft of torque wagging, whether you are a fan the body and the brakes that surprised by the amount of
of the look or not. If nothing wouldn't clear the wheels. recognition it gets.’ And
else, it definitely ticks Tom’s box Modernising the coupe's 20- assembling the car for the
TRANSMISSION of being the first to do it. year-old electronics was even purpose of promoting his
Factory six-speed manual Complementing the revised harder, like integrating its push- business made it all worthwhile,
body are Work Meister S1 rims – start ignition, proximity keyless if you ask him: ‘As much time,
10x19in ET+17 at the front and entry, remote ride-height control money and effort that was put
SUSPENSION 12x19in ET+12 at the rear – and Bluetooth command centre, into this build, it never felt like
AirREX air shocks, Viair 380c air behind which six- and four- all of which can be controlled work.’ And in a scene where
compressors and tank, Air Lift AutoPilot piston AP Racing brake calipers through his smartphone. rules are made to be broken,
V2 digital controller, Titan anti-roll bars, lie in waiting. ‘The goal was to be and established limits merely a
TRD front strut tower brace As with many builds of this recognised and push the limits – suggestion, the fact that Tom
magnitude, all of the challenges and I'd say we did that,’ Tom has pushed his Supra past what
you'd expect found Tom at some says. ‘The Supra has always many would consider
BRAKES point along the road, which been an iconic car with lots of acceptable, is actually to be
AP Racing six-piston front big brake kit compounded once he decided potential, we just took it in a applauded. After all, isn’t
and four-piston rear big brake kit, to relegate the Supra to daily- different direction.’ Although the breaking boundaries and
Goodridge steel-braided lines, Project driver duties – something Supra's status of legend remains pushing limits what modifying is
Mu extended lug nuts Nextmod's project fleet is well obvious, moulding one the way all about? We certainly think
known for. ‘The whole build was Tom has wasn't. ‘It's definitely so… JP

WHEELS & TYRES

10x19in ET+17 (front), 12x19in ET+12
(rear) Work Meister S1 wheels with
265/30/19 (front) and 305/30/19 (rear)
Yokohama Advan Sport tyres

EXTERIOR
Varis Ridox widebody kit, carbon-fibre
bonnet, roof spoiler, trunk lip spoiler,
Voltex Type 5 rear spoiler, Top Secret
rear diffuser, 1998–2002 headlights
and taillights

INTERIOR
Edirb 023 seats, TRD steering wheel,
TRD instrument cluster, Auto Meter
boost pressure gauge, Aeromotive fuel
pressure gauge, AEM wideband
controller, HKS EVC boost controller,
Alpine IVA-W505 head unit, Hertz Mille
speakers, ML CX20 crossovers,
subwoofers, custom subwoofer
enclosure, Zapco amps, Hertz
capacitor

THANKS
www.aemelectronics.com, www.gred-
dy.com, wwwnextmod.com

40 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
041JAP186 5/25/16 10:24 AM Page 41

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RED GTR v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:39 Page 42

DON’T BE
FOOLED BY THE
RELATIVELY MILD-LOOKING
APPEARANCE OF AUTECH
TSUKADA’S R34 SKYLINE, BECAUSE,
WHILE STILL ROAD LEGAL, IT’S ALSO
ONE OF THE FASTEST GT-RS AROUND
JAPAN’S TSUKUBA CIRCUIT WORDS & PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

MORE THAN
MEETS THE EYE
42 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
RED GTR v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:39 Page 43

ooks can be deceptive. one that retained its fully road-

L Take nature, for example.

When it comes to
choosing whether to touch, eat,
legal status.
This time out, Fuji was not
on the radar, but rather the
or fight anything in the animal smaller, tighter and more
kingdom, it really pays to know technical Tsukuba track, host to
your stuff before you get stuck the popular Time Attack and
in. What may look totally Battle Evome events.
innocuous at first glance can Tsukuba has become a
turn out to be the deadliest, track ensconced in tuner
most ferocious mutherhubbard tradition. As one of the original
you could ever wish to meet tracks used for the first Super
when provoked. The honey Lap and Tuner Battle
badger is one such beast competitions, it has become
whose cute, fuzzy looks have the default proving ground for
lulled many an onlooker into Japanese tuning houses to
getting too close, only to come and test their metal
discover that, seconds later, against the clock. For decades
they’re bleeding profusely from now, the fastest cars in the Far
multiple razor-sharp bites and East have migrated to the small
have a hairy ball of hell Shimotsuma-based circuit to
attached to their larynx. Then take on its tight turns with the
you’ve got poison-dart frogs. dream of capturing the coveted
These tiny critters live in the lap record. The current record
trees of the Amazon rain forest is held by Tomohiko ‘Under’
and their bright neon-striped or Suzuki and the Scorch Racing
spotted skin looks adorable. Team S15 with a time of 51.127
However, don’t go eating a bag seconds on Yokohama Advan
of Wotsits after holding one of A050 semi-slick tyres. However,
the blighters, as the poison this is a full-on lightweight racer
they excrete from their skin can with bonkers aero and crazy
leave you suffering nausea, power – its days of being able
vomiting and heart palpitations to drive on the road long
before you’re finally relieved to forgotten. For street cars that
die. Nice. The thing is, cars can can still ferry their owners to the
also easily be mistaken for supermarket as well as put in a
something they’re not, where searing lap time, anything
only avid enthusiasts can spot under a minute is seriously fast.
the tell-take signs that reveal ‘The ATTKD GT-R is one of
their true potency. the fastest road-legal GT-Rs
With this in mind, it might around Tsukuba, having put in
pay to take a closer look a blistering lap time of just 56.9
beyond the glossy red seconds,’ says Osman (Ozz)
paintwork of the R34 Skyline Hussain, bossman of Harlow
GT-R we’ve come down to see Jap Autos. ‘We’ve imported
today, as there is a lot more to loads of quick cars over the
the car than meets the eye… years, from RX-7s to Evos and
Imported by Japanese all manner of Skylines –
import specialist, Harlow Jap including legends like the
Autos, the R34 was originally 1000bhp Drag R R33 from Top
assembled by hardcore JDM Secret – but in terms of a road
racing shop Autech Tsukada, legal track car, this has got to
also known as ATTKD. Based in be one of the fastest GT-Rs
Nagano, ATTKD are well known we’ve ever brought over, and it
throughout Japanese tuning has the lap time to prove it!’
circles as a firm focused on And, just to put that lap time
setting super-low lap times with in perspective, a £125k R35
every car they build. Previous Nissan GT-R Nismo can only
projects have included one of manage a 1min 1sec lap, which
the fastest naturally aspirated is the same as a Lamborghini
Nissan 350Zs in Japan, as well Gallardo Superleggera. And to
as a monstrous R32 GT-R be capable of pulling out
racecar, built to dominate at another four-seconds over
Japan’s high speed Fuji these guys, you can see just
Speedway circuit. But unlike how potent the ATTKD GT-R
their previous creations, which really is.
featured aggressive aero ‘The recipe for on-track
mods and were plastered in domination began with the
race graphics, the R34 was engine,’ explains Ozz as he
always destined to be a more pops the GT-R’s lightweight
subtle-looking machine – bonnet. ‘ATTKD removed the

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 67
RED GTR v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:40 Page 44

RB26DETT motor to install an fastest lap times on the track.’ system, which replaces the HARLOW JAP AUTOS
BASED IN GREAT DUNMOW, ESSEX,
HKS 2.8-litre stroker kit. Breathing in through a pair intake camshaft and allows the HARLOW JAP AUTOS HAS A LONG
Consisting 87mm forged of HKS Power Flow intakes, the use of variable valve timing on HISTORY OF IMPORTING SOME OF
pistons, H-section forged con- twin HKS snails blow into the intake side whenever the THE WILDEST CARS TO COME OUT
OF JAPAN INCLUDING THE LIKES
rods, and a forged lightweight similarly-branded intercooler system is activated. Interfacing OF TOP SECRET’S DRAG R AND
full counter crank, the stroker piping and a deep ARC front- with an HKS F-Con V Pro JUN’S HYPER LEMON RII. HJA’S
VAST RANGE OF CONTACTS IN
kit’s increased displacement mounted intercooler. Sharing engine management system, JAPAN ENABLES THEM TO SOURCE
provides greater low end space in the nose with an HKS the V-Cam system has been DEMO CARS FROM ALL OF THE
MAJOR TUNING COMPANIES AND
torque, plus more power to oil cooler kit, the ARC unit helps used to maximise the power CAN EVEN HAVE ANY
spool the twin HKS GT2530 keep the intake charge band for more than just high- MODIFICATIONS CARRIED OUT
turbochargers before exiting temperature under control when rpm track use, making it just as THAT YOU DESIRE – INCLUDING
HAVING A PROFESSIONALLY-BUILT
through an ATTKD titanium pushing the motor to its limit. raucous on the road at more TRACK, DRAG OR DRIFT VEHICLE
down pipe and into a ‘Interestingly, not all the reasonable engine speeds, too.’ MODIFIED TO YOUR OWN
SPECIFICATION. BASICALLY, IF IT’S
lightweight ATTKD titanium mods on the 34 are designed Pushing out 650bhp, the AVAILABLE IN JAPAN, HJA CAN
exhaust system. ATTKD stuck solely for flat-out track use, as motor is far from the SORT IT FOR YOU!
with the twin blower setup, as ATTKD wanted to retain as stratospheric outputs we’ve
opposed to fitting a big single much on-road useability as seen from RB26-equipped cars of a car competing at much
turbo, as the twins offer possible, too,’ Ozz says. ‘One in the past. However, as this car larger and faster circuits such
improved response and a more item that helps the car perform was built to dominate at the as Fuji, so ATTKD limited the
linear delivery – essential its dual roles, both on and off tight and twisty Tsukuba track, it power, instead focusing on
ingredients for securing the the circuit, is the HKS V-Cam doesn’t need the outright power response, so as to keep it

‘THE GT-R HAS BEEN

BUILT TO DOMINATE
AT TSUKUBA TRACK’

44 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
RED GTR v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:40 Page 45

MORE THAN IT SEAMS useable on the road but still speed and the traction it gets to shed that one tenth of a
THE ATTKD GT-R MAY LOOK LIKE A exactly the right amount to work off the line is immense,’ grins metric ton from the GT-R’s
NICE ROAD CAR WITH SOME TRICK
STYLING MODS, BUT IN REALITY at the track. Ozz. ‘It’s certainly more than already anorexic frame.
EVERYTHING IS THERE FOR A Handling this hair-trigger enough power for the road, and ‘As well as the titanium
PURPOSE – TO MAKE THIS ONE OF
THE QUICKEST CARS ROUND powerplant, and ensuring every weighing in at around 100kgs exhaust and various pipe work
TSUKUBA CIRCUIT. ONE OF THE last drop reaches the 11x18in lighter than a stock R34, I can in the engine bay, ATTKD also
MOST IMPORTANT MODS, THAT
ONLY THE KEEN OF EYE WILL Enkei RS05RR wheels with see how it would be a weapon equipped the GT-R with titanium
NOTICE, IS THE FACT THAT THE 295/35/18 Hankook Ventus R on track, too.’ strut braces from ARC and
WHOLE CHASSIS HAS BEEN SEAM tyres, is an ATS carbon-fibre ATTKD have form for Kansai Service – in fact, even
WELDED TO GIVE IT EXTRA
RIGIDITY. YOU CAN SEE THE twin-plate clutch that feeds a building fast track cars so know the bonnet stay is made from
HUNDREDS OF TINY SPOT WELDS CTG TORQline carbon the benefits of weight reduction the exotic lightweight metal,’
THAT STITCH THE CHASSIS SEAMS
TOGETHER WHEN YOU HAVE A propshaft and an ATS carbon only too well, which is why the highlights Ozz. ‘Other
PEEK INTO THE IMMACULATELY 1.5-way limited slip differential. R34 features a host of trick lightweight parts include the
CLEAN ENGINE BAY AROUND THE
SUSPENSION TURRETS ‘The way the car builds carbon-fibre and titanium parts bonnet, boot and roof, all of

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 45
RED GTR v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:40 Page 46

TECHSPEC ‘IT SHOWS THE AMAZING

ATTENTION TO DETAIL
ENGINE THAT ATTKD PUT INTO
2.8-litre, 6-cyl, 24v RB26 DET, HKS 2.8
stroker kit built by ATTKD Autech, HKS
87mm forged pistons, HKS H-section
ALL OF THEIR CARS’
forged connecting rod, HKS forged
lightweight full counter crank, HKS
GT-2530KAI turbo, HKS V-CAM Step
Pro, HKS air intakes, ATTKD custom
titanium pipework, NISMO plenum,
ATTKD titanium intake piping, Splitfire
coilpacks, ATTKD carbon front pulley
cover, ATTKD titanium bonnet stay,
HKS 800cc fuel injectors, boot
mounted collector tank, SARD fuel
pressure regulator, HKS fuel rail, Teflon
fuel lines, ARC intercooler, ARC-custom
alloy radiator, ARC coolant/air
separator tank, ATTKD custom dry
carbon radiator cooling panel, HKS oil
cooler, ATTKD oil catch tank, HKS
FCON VPro ECU, HKS EVC6 boost
controller, ATTKD Atesa controller which are dry carbon-fibre, as is can do without the niceties of a SEE IT IN ACTION!
the huge ATTKD GT500 rear luxury interior, you wouldn’t want TO REALLY SEE WHAT A SUB 57-
SECOND LAP LOOKS LIKE, CHECK
TRANSMISSION wing and Craft Square mirrors, to drive them every day like that, OUT THE ATTKD GT-R IN ACTION BY
Getrag six-speed with Nismo input while the wild Sunline Racing and the guys at ATTKD have FOLLOWING THESE LINKS OR
shaft, ATS carbon twin-plate clutch, POINTING YOUR SMARTPHONE’S
front wings and ATTKD front come to an excellent QR READER TO THE FOLLOWING
CTG TORQline carbon propshaft, ATS bumper are both made from compromise with their road- CODES:
ATTKD special carbon 1.5-way limited HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/HEMIYEQUEQU
lightweight glassfibre and the going track GT-R. The half dash HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATC
slip differential
windows are Perspex.’ is trimmed in luxurious black H?V=3CS_RKDW61I
The GT-R’s diet continues Alcantara with red stitching
SUSPENSION
inside the cockpit, too, where through which the Cusco six-
custom ATTKD coilovers with custom
the rear seats have been deleted point rollcage passes with neat
spring rates (14kg front/12kg rear),
ATTKD roll-centre adapter, ATTKD
and the factory front seats have trim panels making for a very
suspension link collar, ATTKD member been binned in favour of slick installation. It’s definitely an
collar, ATTKD HICAS cancellation lightweight carbon/Kevlar interior that means business, but
rod, ARC titanium front and rear strut Recaro buckets with Takata is also finished to the highest
braces, Kansai service titanium harnesses, the door cards standards giving the best of
lower brace replaced with Sunline Racing both worlds.
carbon-fibre items and a Robson And that ability to straddle
BRAKES Design multifunction cover and both the track and road
Endless 370mm discs with 6-pot air conditioning panel also made disciplines and accomplish both focused as to be able to deliver
monoblock calipers (front), Endless from the lightweight weave. to such a high standard is a sub-57-second lap of Tsukuba
355mm discs with 6-pot monoblock ‘Considering this car has probably the most incredible can still be useable as a road
calipers (rear) spent much of its life on track, thing about this car. Yes, the car that is the biggest surprise.
the interior is still an performance of the twin-turbo And it just goes to show: like the
WHEELS & TYRES exceptionally nice place to be,’ engine is electrifying; the adorable yet ferocious honey
11x18in (ET +16) Enkei RS05RR Ozz points out. ‘The dash may braking via a set of Endless six- badger, you should never judge
wheels with 295/35/18 Hankook
only feature the top half – the pot calipers both front and rear a car on its initial appearance,
Ventus R tyres all round
bottom half deemed an clamping huge dinner-plate- because with the right
unnecessary weight burden for sized discs astonishing; and the combination of modifications
EXTERIOR
the 650bhp motor – but how it custom-tuned adjustable ATTKD and a tuning pedigree like that
ATTKD front bumper + canards,
Garage Car Thani side skirts, Hasemi
has all been done just shows coilovers allow the heavyweight from ATTKD, even a road car
Sports rear under spoiler, GT500 dry the attention to detail that GT-R to dance like a flyweight can be a true track terrorist
carbon for R34 GT wing, bespoke dry ATTKD put into their cars.’ and drive like a car half its size; capable of decimating all that
carbon bonnet, bespoke dry carbon Where a dedicated track ride but it’s the fact that a car so come before it. JP
boot, dry carbon rear diffuser, full T&E
dry carbon roof, Sunline Racing wide
front arches, factory rear arches, Craft
Square carbon mirrors, Cool Veil
windshield, Perspex driver and front
passenger windows, NISMO LED
taillights, full chassis spot welding

INTERIOR
Cusco 6-point rollcage, Sunline Racing
carbon door cards, Sparco steering
wheel, NISMO speedometer, Recaro
SP-A driver's seat, Recaro RS-G
passenger seat, TAKATA 4-point
harnesses, Alcantara trimmed
dashboard, Robson Design
multifunction cover and air
conditioning panel

46 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
harlow new 5/23/16 7:45 PM Page 25

WELCOME TO HJA
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048JAP186 5/25/16 10:27 AM Page 48

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48 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Lateral Performance 182 1/29/16 11:56 AM Page 26

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RX8v7FINALNEWch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:42 Page 50

WORDS: DAN SHERWOOD PICS: MIKE KUHN

TO MANY, BUYING A CAR ON FRIDAY 13TH

COULD BE A RECIPE FOR DISASTER, AND IF
THAT CAR IS A ROTARY, SURELY THAT’S
ASKING FOR TROUBLE. LUCKILY MIKE KUHN
ISN’T THE SUPERSTITIOUS TYPE…

UNLUCKY
FOR SOME
50 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
RX8v7FINALNEWch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:42 Page 51

t’s a funny thing, associated with the date committing to purchase his

I superstition. Whether it’s

the simple ritual of pulling
on your unwashed lucky
Friday 13th. For starters,
there’s the gore-laden horror
films, with a hockey-masked,
first car on that most unlucky
of days. But to compound his
act of tempting fate, it wasn’t
Calvins come game-day to machete-wielding Jason just any old car he bought, but
bring your football team good Voorhees hacking people’s a Mazda RX-8.
luck, or the blood-curdling fear limbs off, that springs to mind Now the Mazda RX-8 has
of bad luck brought about by – which kind of puts a downer somewhat of an unfortunate
black cats or walking under a on the day before it’s even reputation among car fans, a
ladder, millions of people the started. Then there’s the worry reputation for unreliability and
world over regularly live their that you will suffer some form a temperamental and fragile
lives under the influence of of bad luck – it’s enough to engine that would be lucky to
superstitions. To some it’s just make some people want to live past its 60k-mile birthday
a light-hearted bit of fun, but to simply stay in bed! before requiring an expensive
others the anxiety is very real. One man who’s certainly engine-out rebuild.
The fear of the number 13, for not the superstitious type, ‘The RX-8 seems to have
example, is so common and however, is 26-year-old Mike this scary reputation for
often extreme that it’s an Kuhn. An automotive blowing engines, but I’d done
actual phobia called photographer by trade – he my research and knew the
Triskaidekaphobia! But even if took these pictures of his own risks,’ explains Mike. ‘For me,
you’re not a Triskaidekaphobe, car, nice huh! – Mike was the benefits of the car simply
most people are aware of the brave enough to defy the outweighed the risks, so I
unlucky connotations curse of Friday 13th by went ahead and bought it.’

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 51
RX8v7FINALNEWch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:42 Page 52

SEAL KILLER
WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT
CLUBBING FURRY MARINE
MAMMALS OR ASSASINATING THE
SCAR-FACED SINGER, BUT THE
ROTARY ENGINE’S ACHILLES’ HEEL.
APEX SEALS ARE WHAT PRODUCE
THE CHAMBERS FOR INLET,
COMBUSTION AND EXHAUST AND
WHEN THESE SEALS CAN NO
LONGER EFFECTIVELY SEAL THE
CHAMBERS, THE ENGINE LOSES
COMPRESSION AND POWER.
APEX SEAL WEAR IS ONE OF THE
BIGGEST FACTORS THAT HAVE
GIVEN THE RX-8 AND ROTARY
ENGINES IN GENERAL THEIR
FEARFUL REPUTATION, BUT IN
REALITY MUCH OF THE HORROR
STORIES YOU HEAR OF ENGINES
LASTING LESS THAN 60K MILES
BEFORE NEEDING A REBUILD HAVE
BEEN SUBJECT TO IMPROPER
MAINTENANCE, AS A ROTARY
ENGINE THAT HAS BEEN LOOKED
AFTER AND USED CORRECTLY
SHOULD LAST WELL PAST THE 100K
MILE MARK WITH NO ILL EFFECTS

Hailing from Charlotte in that it would lead a double life, makes the Mazda an ideal base ownership Mike decided it was
North Carolina, USA, Mike got one as a daily driver on the for a track car. time to let his racing desires run
his mitts on the keys to the road and the other to serve as a ‘As soon as I bought the car, free, so he started attending
foreboding black 2004 Mazda trackday toy at the weekends. I knew I’d made the right trackdays at the Carolina
RX-8 way back in 2007, when ‘I initially wanted a BMW E46 choice,’ Mike grins. ‘It was in Motorsports Park and also
he was just 17-years-old. 330i, but not only was the RX-8 excellent standard condition entered into the competitive
‘I completed a race driving cheaper and not as common, with just 40k miles on the clock.’ world of time trials and
course run by the BMW Racing but I loved the high-revving But the Mazda wasn’t to stay Autocross.
School in Greenville, South rotary motor, the quirky looks standard for long… Run by the Sports Car Club
Carolina when I was just 15,’ and, above all, the incredible ‘The first improvements I of America (SCCA), Autocross
Mike recalls. ‘The two-day handling.’ wanted to make were to is a great entry into competitive
course was based at their test With near-perfect 50/50 maximise the car’s handling racing. Events take place on
track and taught us things like weight distribution and the potential,’ Mike says. ‘So I large open areas of Tarmac like
car control and race craft and small, light, engine mounted installed some stiffer Racing a stadium car park or inactive
really got me hooked on doing low down and behind the front Beat anti-roll bars and threw on airstrip and the track is marked
some form of racing.’ axle, the RX-8 is known for a set of cheap wheels I sourced out with rubber cones. Because
So when it came to buying possessing almost other-worldly from ebay.’ of the confines of the space,
his first car, the plan was always handling prowess and this Around a year into RX-8 outright speeds are kept to a

52 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
RX8v7FINALNEWch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:42 Page 53

‘THE MAZDA RX-8 MAKES AN

IDEAL BASE FOR A TRACK CAR’
minimum, but the tight and should’ve helped reduce reservoirs, they are really great Motion Lab tuned Mike’s six-
technical circuits are extremely underbody airfow, slightly pieces of kit and they allowed port Renesis motor with a Cobb
demanding on both car and reducing lift at speed.’ me to push the car much Accessport and along with his
driver if you want to put in a With the car now looking the harder around the twisty recently fitted Race Roots
winning lap time. Luckily, if you part, Mike could focus his circuits, eventually leading me stainless steel exhaust, Racing
push too hard and spin out, the attention and budget on to my first of a series of race Beat Revi intake and Koyo alloy
only thing to hit is a couple of practical improvements that wins at National level.’ radiator, the car was making a
cones, so it also reduces the would see his lap times fall Other mods soon followed healthy 220bhp at the wheels.
risk of getting it wrong, allowing significantly. as Mike started to creep up the ‘As is so often the way with
you to really explore the limits ‘I decided to junk the eBay class ladder where the rules tuning, the increased power
of your car and your driving in wheels and bought a set of allowed greater deviation from and handling highlighted the
relative safety. proper lightweight Enkei wheels factory spec. First up was a need for improved brakes,’ says
‘After my first Autocross with grippy Falken tyres,’ Mike large APR rear wing to improve Mike, who installed a Racing
event I was hooked. It was such remembers. ‘The reduction in rear-end downforce, plus a pair Brake big brake kit with four-pot
a rush to drive the car hard and unsprung weight and the better of bucket seats – Corbeau FX1 calipers to beef up the braking.
really benefit from the RX-8’s rubber really made a difference Pro for the driver and Bride Vios ‘The Racing Brake kit offers
high revving motor and great on the track. So much so, that it Low Max for his white-knuckled much better stopping power
handling.’ spurred me on to improving the passengers – to reduce weight and is also lighter than the
But like anyone who has handling even further.’ and improve lateral support. factory setup, so is a big
competed in their car, once the A set of Megan Racing Around this time Mike was improvement all round.’
desire to pit your skills against coilovers found their way under lucky enough to be offered Now able to stop later and
others has set in, the urge to the RX-8’s arches, but were sponsorship from his local harder, plus carry more speed
improve your car’s abilities soon upgraded to a set of tuning shop, Motion Lab through the bends, Mike started
soon follows. Stance GR+ items, which then Tuning. As a general tuning noticing that the car felt slower
‘I started the process of made way for a set of custom firm, Motion Lab aren’t rotary than usual on the straights and
track tuning the RX-8 by adding valved and sprung adjustable specialists as such, but with the power drop off was getting
a MazdaSpeed bodykit,’ laughs units from Moton. one of their employees owning progressively worse, especially
Mike. ‘It didn’t do anything for ‘The custom Moton coilovers a turbocharged RX-8 on which when the car was hot.
the car’s performance, but it transformed the car’s handling,’ they had carried out a lot of ‘I took the Mazda to Motion
made it look much more Mike says. ‘Featuring work, Mike was confident that Lab and they diagnosed that
aggressive and the deep front adjustment for height, bump the guys knew their way around the engine had low
bumper and sideskirts and rebound, and with remote a Wankel. compression,’ Mike explains.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 53
RX8v7FINALNEWch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:42 Page 54

TECHSPEC
ENGINE: WHEEL WHORE
Renesis twin-rotor engine, Cobb YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT
MIKE’S RX-8 ISN’T RUNNING ON
Accessport, custom tune by Motion THE ENKEIS ANYMORE, BUT A SET
Lab Tuning, Black Halo Racing ignition OF 18IN WORK MEISTER S1S, 9IN
AT THE FRONT AND 10IN AT THE
kit, Race Roots stainless steel exhaust, REAR. SEE, MIKE IS A BIT OF A
custom mid-pipe, Vibrant resonator, WHEEL WHORE, AND THE
Vibrant race muffler, Racing Beat Revi MEISTERS ARE HIS DAILY DRIVER
AND SHOW WHEELS. HE HAS A
intake, Racing Beat ram air duct, FURTHER FIVE SETS OF RIMS,
Moroso oil catch can, Koyo radiator, SHOD WITH VARIOUS HIGH
PERFORMANCE TREADED AND
11lb Deka lightweight race battery SLICK RUBBER WHICH HE USES
FOR RACING. MIKE’S GARAGE
PACKS EVERYTHING FROM VOLK
CE28NS, CE28N RTS AND TE37SLS,
TRANSMISSION: TO ADVAN RS-DS AND BUDDY
Factory six-speed manual gearbox, CLUB QFS! WHAT A COLLECTION!
IF YOU FANCY A SET OF WORK
ACT lightweight flywheel, ACT WHEELS FOR YOUR RIDE, CHECK
uprated clutch OUT WWW.WORKWHEELSUK.COM.
DISTRIBUTED THROUGH UK FIRM
DRIFTWORKS AND TAILOR MADE
IN JAPAN TO YOUR EXACT SPECS
THESE ARE SERIOUSLY SEXY RIMS!
SUSPENSION:
Custom Moton double adjustable
clubsport coilover dampers with A common problem for rotary
custom Moton top mounts, HyperCoil engines, low compression can
springs, Progress Technology front occur where the metal apex
anti-roll bar, Racing Beat rear anti-roll seals at the tips of the rotors
bar, Evo-R end links, OS Giken wear down and cause gas
Superlock LSD leakage past the seals.
Unfortunately, this means a
costly full engine rebuild or
BRAKES: complete replacement motor.
Racing Brake 4-pot big brake kit with ‘The engine had done 80k
Racing Brake two-piece discs and miles at this point, with much of
Hawk HP+ brake pads (front), factory those miles being done at high
discs and Hawk HP+ pads (rear), rpm on the track, so, although
Goodrich stainless steel brake lines it’s never great to hear you need
all round to spend out to fix your car, it
wasn’t something that I thought
would never happen.’
WHEELS & TYRES: Unfortunately for Mike, his
9x18in/10x18in (ET+12) Work Meister RX-8 was just six months out of D585 kit from Rotary Revs, who package.
S1 3P wheels with 265/35/18 Hankook its Mazda manufacturer are also in the UK, can ‘I still regularly drive the car
RS3 tyres warranty, so he had to stump up dramatically increase the on the road as well as using it
the full $2000 for a new motor. performance of the ignition most weekends for trackdays or
On the plus side, however, system, reducing the chance of race meetings,’ Mike reveals.
EXTERIOR: Motion Lab gave him discounted engine problems and increasing ‘In fact, I’m still loving the RX-8
MazdaSpeed front bumper, labour rates for the fitting. Every power to boot! Mike also wisely and can’t imagine having
MazdaSpeed side skirts, Evo-R eye cloud, as they say… swapped out the stock clutch anything else, to be honest!’
lids, APR GTC-200 rear wing with ‘When Motion Labs fitted the and flywheel for uprated ACT And, considering the
2.5in risers, custom Seibon TS car- new motor they also installed a items. success Mike has had – both
bon-fibre bonnet set of Black Halo Racing The Mazda now gremlin free on the track, and the fact that
uprated coilpacks,’ Mike says. and running sweetly again, his love of fast cars which
The OEM coilpacks on RX-8s Mike is now contesting the RX-8 started with his RX-8 has now
INTERIOR: are a well-documented cause of in the SCCA’s Street prepared grown into his profession as a
Corbeau FX1 Pro driver’s seat with engine failures if left to D class, and has already top automotive photographer –
Corbeau seat rails, Bride Vios Low deteriorate, which has been achieved a podium third place we’d say; far from being a
Max passenger seat with custom weld- known to occur as early as 30k so far this year. Add that to the curse, the purchase of his
ed seat rails, Sparco 383 suede miles. An upgrade to a more five National Tours that he has malevolent Mazda on that most
steering wheel powerful set of coils such as the won outright and over 10 ominous of dates has actually
US-made Black Halo Racing kit podium finishes overall and you brought him more luck than a
which is available in the UK could say that Mike and his RX- horseshoe covered in four leaf
THANKS: through Essex Rotary, or the 8 are a pretty formidable clovers! JP
I would like to thank Mazdaspeed
Motorsports for their support, as well
as Motion Lab Tuning, OS Giken, and
Racing Brake for their sponsorship
over the years

54 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
055JAP186 5/25/16 10:47 AM Page 55

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056JAP186 5/25/16 10:51 AM Page 56

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56 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
MTEC185 26/4/16 10:14 Page 3
5 page Yellow imp v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:11 Page 58

WORDS: DAN GOODYER PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

INSPIRED BY THE TARMAC-SCRAPING STANCE SCENE IN

AMERICA, THIS SUBARU IMPREZA HAS BEEN GIVEN A
NEW LEASE OF LIFE BY ITS NEW OWNER

YELLOW
STANCEMACHINE
58 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
5 page Yellow imp v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:11 Page 59

BODY BUILDER
THOSE KARLTON FLARES REALLY HELP
TO BULK UP THE BUGEYE SHAPE, BUT
THERE ARE LOTS OF MORE SUBTLE
TOUCHES TO THE EXTERIOR, TOO.
SHANE HAS KEPT THE STOCK
SIDESKIRTS IN PLACE BUT KEPT THEM
MATT BLACK RATHER THAN
WRAPPING THEM IN YELLOW LIKE
THE REST OF THE CAR. HE’S DONE THE
SAME WITH THE HT AUTOS FRONT LIP,
WHILE THE REAR-END HAS RECEIVED
A BIG MAKEOVER. THE BOOT LID HAS
BEEN TOPPED WITH A HIGH-LEVEL STI
WING, THE REAR LIGHTS SWAPPED
FOR A SET FROM A BLOBEYE AND THE
WIDER REAR BUMPER IS FROM A
HAWKEYE. THIS WRX IS NOW A
CONTENDER FOR REAR OF THE YEAR!

he Bugeye Impreza is They dominate the front

T generally considered the

ugly relation in the
Impreza family. It carries more
end of the standard car.
When you look at 22-year-old
Shane Lord’s heavily-modified
weight than its classic-shape version, however, it all looks
older brother, and lacks the in proportion. Better than that,
angular aggression of the it looks great! Shane has
later Hawkeye. When you stretched out the Bugeye
look at the standard car it’s shape by slamming the body
clear where the problem lies. to the floor, widening the
It’s those large, round insect- arches and fitting low-offset
like headlights! deep-dish wheels. In doing so

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 59
5 page Yellow imp v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:11 Page 60

he’s beefed the rest of the was in! I was chuffed, but it
car up so those big meant the car had to be
headlights don’t look out of turned around quickly.’
place any more. Shane booked it in with
We say that Shane did F6 in Basildon, Essex. He’d
this, but in truth he bought heard good things about
the car with the air their work and the wrap was
suspension, flared wheel supposed to take two
arches and Work Meister S1 weeks. In the end they had it
wheels already in place. for six. Shane explains: ‘I
He’s since changed a few don’t blame the F6 guys at
things, though, including the all. For some reason the
colour. However, this isn’t Black Rose wouldn’t adhere
simply a story of ‘man buys to the car properly, we
car’. If Shane hadn’t suspect it was a bad batch
intervened when he did, this of vinyl. When I got the call
might now be the best- from F6 to say the Black
looking WRX in a scrap yard Rose wasn’t going to
somewhere. happen, I had just been
Shane bought it in a fairly looking at photos of a bright
rough state. The wheels yellow Evo on Instagram.
were kerbed, the bodywork I really liked it, so that’s what
was tatty and, shortly after we went for.’
buying the car, it failed its In a way the problem
MOT because the front with the Black Rose did him
subframe was covered in a favour. This banana-yellow
rust. We won’t go into detail wrap instantly gave the car a
about the hours of work new lease of life. It’s the
Shane put in to bring the car perfect in-your-face colour
back to its former glory – for a show car, which is
we’re just glad he did – and something Shane enjoys
he has a cautionary tale for using the car for. ‘I’ve always
anyone fitting arch been influenced by the US
extensions: ‘Whoever had scene,’ he admits. ‘Before
fitted these had just cut the this I had a modified R33
arch lip away and left the GTS Skyline. I’d always
metal underneath exposed. wanted one but in reality it
Luckily it was only the lacked the power of the
surface that was rusty, so I Impreza. I knew I’d made
sanded it down, treated it the right choice buying this
and then painted over the and within a few weeks I
top. If I hadn’t caught it in had a message from one of
time, though, it would the founders of the UK side
definitely have spread.’ of the US car club NvUS.’
Having sorted the body These days this is the
out, Shane turned his club Shane rolls with. If you
attention to the engine. He bought the June issue of
adds: ‘It already had a Japanese Performance,
cheap eBay-spec front- you’ll have seen the NvUS
mounted intercooler but I logo on the windscreen of
wanted a larger one to cool James Cowley’s
the inlet charge more supercharged Honda S2000
effectively.’ After looking cover car. Joining this crew
around, Shane ordered a has proved valuable in more
big Perrin intercooler and he ways than one. It wasn’t just
had an idea for the hard the colour that got a refresh.
pipes. The idea was to ‘I met Adam through the
match the new colour he club. He said he could help
had in mind, so he had them me refurb my kerbed
powder-coated in gold. The wheels, so I took them off
thing is, the colour he had the car and drove up in a
chosen wasn’t this retina- mate’s car to see him. It was
stinging yellow. pretty crazy when you think
Shane explains: ‘I about it,’ laughs Shane, ‘It
applied for the Top 20 at was the first time I’d met the
Japfest at Silverstone in guy and the first thing he did
April. On the application I was pick up one of my
wanted something to mark 11x18in Work wheels, put it
the car out as my own, so I on the worktop and take a
said it was already wrapped bloody great file to it!’
in Black Rose, a new colour ‘He knew what he was
I really like that’s between a doing, though, and I helped
dark red and black. They him sand down the dishes
got back to me and said I of the wheels, too, as they

60 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
5 page Yellow imp v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:12 Page 61

‘HE TOOK A BLOODY

GREAT BIG FILE TO
MY WORK WHEELS’

INSIDE JOB
THE INTERIOR IS ALSO A WORK IN PROGRESS, WITH CONTRASTING BLUE
STATUS RACING BUCKET SEATS AND A SNAP-OFF PERSONAL STEERING
WHEEL TAKING CENTRE STAGE. BEING A FOUR-DOOR, THE TAKATA
HARNESSES NEEDED TO BE SECURED WITHOUT OBSTRUCTING THE REAR
SEATS. SO A TEGIWA HARNESS BAR HAS BEEN INSTALLED. IT’S NOT SUBTLE
BUT SHANE KNOWS THE HARNESSES ARE FULLY-SECURED NOW. PLUS HIS
YOUNG DAUGHTER ANNABEL SEEMS TO ENJOY HOLDING ONTO IT WHEN
SHE’S SAT IN THE BACK ON ROAD TRIPS, SO IT’S BECOME A PIECE OF IN
CAR ENTERTAINMENT, TOO

were really pitted. I love these The air suspension is a well as looks. corner is doing.’
wheels, they’re what makes it a posh one. ‘Air’ has become a Shane explains: ‘I can adjust The controller can either
USDM style car in my eyes. universal term for any system the damping and the camber adjust each corner up and
That and the air ride,’ says that uses compressed air to with this setup, so the car still down, or move each corner to a
Shane. It’s worth pointing out suspend the body rather than a handles really well. At the pre-set height at the touch of a
the impact of the Neo-Chrome set of dampers and coiled moment I’ve got the front a bit button. Shane currently has
wheel nuts, too. When the car is springs. However, there are softer than the rear. There’s 30 three pre-sets saved on it. The
fully on the floor, it definitely several different types of ‘air steps of damping adjustment first one is as low as possible,
looks like one of the many US suspension’. The kit underneath and the camber can be the one he uses when parked
stanced cars you see on Shane’s WRX is an Airlift tweaked using the top mounts. up at a show. It’s worth noting
Instagram. It’s fascinating how Performance V2 kit. As the I’ve got a controller inside the that without the stretched tyres
these trends spread around the name suggests, it’s designed car with eight buttons and a (255/35/18s over 11in wide
world through social media. with performance in mind as screen displaying what each wheels) and the CarBen Fibre

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 61
5 page Yellow imp v7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:12 Page 62

TECHSPEC
ENGINE
EJ20 2.0-litre 16v flat-four ‘boxer’
engine, ECU remapped, full de-cat
exhaust system including up-pipe,
Perrin short-ram intake, black front-
mounted intercooler, GFB hybrid
recirculating dump valve, uprated
fuel pump and fuel injectors

TRANSMISSION
5-speed manual gearbox

BRAKES
Black Diamond discs all round, Tarox
pads up front, EBC Yellowstuff pads
on the rear

SUSPENSION
Complete Airlift Performance V2 kit

WHEELS & TYRES

11x18in Work Meister S1 alloy wheels
wrapped in 255/35/18 Nankang
NS2R tyres

Creations Karlton Flares, the because the air in the bags is beginning for Shane, too. He’s
car wouldn’t sit this low. This at such high pressure. But in now turning his attention to the
means the handling and general it rides the bumps engine more seriously.
comfort is compromised much better than coilovers. When the new intercooler
slightly but getting this look Plus this is the Performance went on, Shane had the map
right takes commitment. You version, if you want more tweaked by his friend Mark.
can’t achieve it without it. comfort they also sell the Slam The result was a nice increase
The remaining two options series, which apparently gives in response and a bit more
are more practical. One simply a better ride but won’t handle power. That was enough to
raises the car up to clear big so well. I find my kit easy to inspire Shane to draw up plans
speedbumps, while the other is live with on the road. Being this for a fully-forged engine build
the daily-driver setting. Shane low and static [coilovers] and some nice bolt-on
drives the car around most of would be a nightmare!’ upgrades, so the car will have
the time in this last setting, You have to hand it to the ‘go’ to match the ‘show’.
which is understandably a Shane, he’s ended up with a It will be very interesting to see
touch higher than his show great looking car without how the car performs with big
ride height. So is he happy spending a lot of money. power and the air ride.
with the Airlift Performance kit? No-one seems to want pre- If nothing else, Shane’s car
‘Definitely. On the regular modified cars, so Shane has already proved that the
setting it’s actually quite picked this up for a sensible ‘ugly’ bugeye tag can be
INTERIOR comfortable. Very occasionally price with a lot of the mods squashed once and for all.
Status Racing ‘Ring GT’ bucket seats if I hit a big bump or pothole already done. Since then he’s All you need is the right styling
mounted on BuddyClub Super Low the initial impact is very firm, put in a lot of work, finishing up parts, a bold colour and to
rails, Takata harnesses, Tegiwa harness but it just reacts like it would the jobs the previous owner drop it lower than a legless
bar, Nardi-Personal steering wheel on a stiff coilover. I think this is didn’t do. This is only just the centipede’s belly! JP
mounted on Driftworks snap-off boss,
NRG short hub, Tegiwa gearknob

EXTERIOR
Whole car wrapped in yellow vinyl,
HT Autos front lip, JDM STI front grille,
Karlton Flares by CarBen Fibre
Creations, STI boot spoiler, colour-
coded sideskirts, widetrack Hawkeye
rear bumper, blobeye rear lights

THANKS
To all my friends who helped out
with the project

62 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
025JAP185 4/27/16 12:16 PM Page 25
064JAP186 5/25/16 10:53 AM Page 64


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Ready to perform

Yokohama HPT Ltd

o yokoha m a .co.uk
Dawson Road, Mount Farm, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1QY Sales: 01908 625601 / 01908 625603 w yokoha m a .co.uk
CIVICv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:18 Page 66

KING
KANJO
INSPIRED BY JAPAN’S LEGENDARY
UNDERGROUND STREET RACERS, GARY
SUNG’S EF CIVIC PAYS HOMAGE TO
THE KANJOZOKU WITH A 240BHP B20B
ENGINE AND ENOUGH ATTITUDE TO
RULE THE STREETS
WORDS & PICS: DAN SHERWOOD

66 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
CIVICv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:19 Page 67

hen it comes to

W Japanese automotive
legends, few words
conjure up such vivid and
rebellious imagery as the
‘Kanjozuko’. This is largely
down to the cloak of secrecy
that has always surrounded
Osaka’s underground street
car culture. For over three
decades, hardcore Honda fans
have been racing on the
elevated highway system that
encircles the city. Referred to
by the racers themselves as
the ‘Kanjo loop’ – because of
the way in which the roadways
connect in a clockwise
direction in a loop – the
roadways that, in the daytime,
are filled with commuters and
everyday people turn into a
makeshift racetrack at night for
the Kanjozuko (or Kanjo
racers) to get their high speed
– and highly illegal – kicks.
‘I would watch endless
videos of Kanjo racers blasting
around the streets of Japan
when I was younger,’ admits
28-year-old Gary Sung when
we meet him and his menacing
black EF Civic. ‘It just looked
so cool. The lawlessness, the
secret society meeting up
under the cover of darkness
and the skill to race balls-out
on open city streets, dodging
other road users and evading
the cops.’
The life of the Kanjozuko
definitely made an impression
on the young petrolhead, but it
wasn’t until around three years
ago, while visiting Japan on
holiday, that he got a taste of
the cars that he had been
dreaming about first hand.
‘While in Japan I visited Car
Craft Boom, or Osaka JDM as
they are better known,’ he
recalls. Osaka JDM were one
of the originators of the whole
Kanjo style and, even though
much of the actual racing on
the loop has all but stopped –
the police cracking down
heavily on this sort of illegal
street racing – the love for the
style of the Kanjo racers is still
as strong as ever. ‘They had a
whole garage full of Kanjo cars
there, from early EF and EG
Civics and CRXs to more
modern cars such as EK9
Civics, and they were all tuned

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 67
CIVICv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:19 Page 68

and featured bodywork echoing

that unmistakeable style.’
This encounter with the real
deal racers in Japan, only
further cemented Gary’s
passion for the movement and
he was even more determined
than ever to have a Kanjo-
inspired ride of his own.
‘I’d owned a string of tuned
Japanese cars before, such as
an EP2 Civic, a pair of Integra
DC2s and an S2000, along
with an Blobeye Impreza and a
VIP-spec Lexus GS450H on air
bags, but I’d always had my
heart set on a screaming EF
Civic road racer,’ he grins. ‘The
thing was, I knew exactly
where to find one, too, but the
owner was adamant that he
wouldn’t sell…’
The stubborn owner of the
Civic in question was well
known by Gary as he would
always carry out any necessary
work on Gary’s car, but this
affiliation still wasn’t enough to
get him to budge.
‘My mechanic, Errol, had
bought the car years ago as a
bare shell and had been
building it up into a stock-
looking sleeper with a forged
B18 high compression engine,’
Gary explains. ‘Unfortunately,
he blew the engine and lost
interest in the project, leaving it
to gather dust in a container
for a few years.’
Gary knew Errol had this
gem hidden away and was
keen to acquire it, whatever
the cost…
‘I badgered him about it for
months then, in the end, I sold
my Lexus and made him a
cash offer that he couldn’t
refuse!’ laughs Gary. Part of KANJO CORNERING
SCREAMING AT FULL SPEED
the deal Gary negotiated was THROUGH TRAFFIC-STREWN
that Errol not only sold the car CITY STREETS REQUIRES
IMPECCABLE HANDLING, IF
but also rebuilt the engine into YOU DON’T WANT TO BECOME
a B20 using the 2.0-litre A DIRTY SMUDGE ON THE
MOTORWAY ARMCO, SO NO
bottom end from a Honda CRV SELF-RESPECTING KANJOZUKO
mated to a B16a head from an WOULD EVER HIT THE STREETS
EG Civic. High compression WITHOUT FULLY SORTED
SUSPENSION UNDERNEATH
pistons, rare Spoon cams, HIM. GARY HAS ALSO
Integra Type R injectors, a FOLLOWED SUIT WITH HIS TEIN
SUPERSTREET COILOVERS
B18C inlet manifold and larger COMPLEMENTED BY SPOON
68mm throttle body, plus a STRUT BRACES FRONT AND
REAR, PLUS A FRONT CAMBER
Bisimoto exhaust manifold and KIT, EIBACH FRONT ANTI-ROLL
A’PEXi N1 exhaust were also BAR, EHP TRACTION BAR,
to feature in the build along SKUNK2 REAR CAMBER ARMS,
FUNCTION7 REAR LOWER
with extensive porting and CONTROL ARMS AND
polishing to ensure the PROGRESS LCA SPHERICAL
BUSHINGS
maximum performance from
the high revving naturally
aspirated unit.
‘I sourced most of the
engine parts secondhand
through various Honda forums

68 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
CIVICv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:20 Page 69

‘KANJO CARS ARE

SET-UP AS RACECARS
FOR THE ROAD’

and Facebook groups, which allowed me to install bigger Japanese street outlaw, along outside would be a hollow
really kept the costs down over 282mm Project Mu discs and with the ground scraping stance victory if the illusion was broken
the full retail prices,’ the Kanjo MB6 calipers,’ Gary points out. supplied by the Tein once you opened the driver’s
Honda-nut reveals. ‘I couldn’t go any bigger on the Superstreet coilovers, are the door, so Gary has continued the
Which is just as well, as his brakes as they wouldn’t fit under car’s body styling mods. Out theme into the car’s interior too.
extensive shopping list didn’t my choice of 15in wheels.’ are flashy bodykits with form Kanjo racers in Japan drive
end with the engine. And these aren’t just any old definitely following function with what are set-up as essentially
‘I swapped the stock wheels either. The rims in just neat tweaks such as the race cars for the road with
gearbox for a stronger Y2 item question are a set of rare 7x15in Heko wind deflectors, a J's stripped and caged interiors,
from an EG Civic and equipped SSR Type Cs, which Gary had Racing polyurethane front lip, bucket seats and race steering
it with a Quaife limited slip repainted in the custom grey VIS carbon bonnet, Osaka JDM wheels,’ Gary says. ‘So there’s
differential,’ explains the Honda finish by his mate Dean. He spoiler, yellow side and fog light not much in the way of luxuries
nut. ‘The diff in particular makes then reapplied some new film and, of course, the de in the cabin any more, that’s for
a hell of a difference, especially genuine decals, sourced from rigueur cut rear bumper taking sure!’ he laughs.
when coming out of corners the US before shodding with pride of place. But no Kanjo Gary saw fit to remove the
hard on the power.’ some sticky Yokohama tyres. racer worth his salt would leave factory interior, bar the
Another part of Gary’s Civic- ‘These are my dream home without some kind of headlining, door cards and
shaped puzzle that is essential wheels,’ Gary gushes. ‘They racing graphics, and Gary has carpet, before installing a pair
to deal with the increased grunt really complete the Kanjo look sorted this aspect too with a of bucket seats – Bride Zeta
from the tuned motor is the perfectly and were definitely race door number panel, which with Takata harnesses for the
uprated braking system. worth the inflated price tag.’ is just enough without needing wheelman and an old school
‘I fitted a set of VTi hubs Other items that give Gary’s to resort to a full-on race livery. Recaro for the navigator – a
from a newer EG Civic which EF the look of a genuine But looking the part on the Vertex steering wheel and

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 69
CIVICv7FINALch.qxd:JP 23/05/2016 21:20 Page 70

TECHSPEC
ENGINE
2.0-litre, 4cyl, 16v, B20b block, B20Z1
crank, B20Z1 rods, RS machine
pistons, Z10 crank girdle, B16a head,
Spoon cams and pulleys, Spoon
valves and valve springs, Toda titanium
retainers, Spoon head-bolts, ported
and polished, baffled sump, Integra
B18c R oil pump, EHP breather
system, modified Mocal catch can,
B18c R inlet manifold, Hondata inlet
gasket, 68mm throttle body, B18 GSR
injectors, Sytec fuel filter with high flow
filter, braided fuel line, Walbro 255 fuel
pump, Spoon thermostat and fan
switch, Spoon radiator pipes, Fluidyne
radiator, Spal 12in fan, Spoon rad cap,
custom 2.5in centre section, Bisimoto
ANR exhaust manifold, heat wrap
manifold, cut out rocker cover, remap,
carbon spark plug cover, polished
rocker cover, polished intake manifold,
A’PEXi N1 exhaust backbox
Spoon gearknob.
‘I also fitted a wide angle ‘JAPAN’S KANJOZUKO
TRANSMISSION
Wink mirror, race window nets, a
fire extinguisher and helmet HAVE SWAPPED THE
Y2 5-speed gearbox, Quaife ATB LSD,
Exedy stage 1 clutch, Exedy
hammock to further bolster the
race theme,’ says Gary. And we BUSY STREETS FOR
lightweight flywheel, Gator racing
driveshafts, K-tuned short shifter
have to say, strapped tight into
the driver’s bucket and gripping
SHOW AND CIRCUITS’
onto the deeply dished steering racing I’ll be doing is around a but also the risks are beginning
SUSPENSION
wheel, Gary’s Civic feels every circuit on a trackday – although, to outweigh the rewards. So
Front camber kit, Eibach front anti-roll
inch the Kanjo racer of our that’s not to say it doesn’t get a while Osaka’s Kanjo loop may
bar, EHP traction bar, TEIN Superstreet
coilovers, Spoon front upper strut bars, imagination. And with that quick blast on some country not be the buzzing hive of
Spoon rear upper strut bars, Skunk2 240bhp naturally-aspirated motor roads now and again…’ screaming VTECs that it once
rear camber arms, Function7 rear lower only too keen to push along the Which is actually pretty fitting was, the love for these cars is
control arms, Spoon rear lower strut lightweight 900kg body, we can for a Kanjo-inspired ride. Where still as strong as ever, with car
bar, Progress front and rear LCA also imagine that this is one once Japan’s streets were filled shows and trackdays becoming
spherical bushings, SBC rear toe links, seriously fast ride, capable of with these automotive outlaws, the new stalking ground for
JDM rear trailing arm bushings seeing off all but the most risking life and limb to get their keen Kanjo racers. The
determined of law enforcement thrills under cover of darkness, Kanjozuko of old may be gone,
BRAKES officers should it be used in few genuine law-breakers but they are certainly not
VT hubs, big brake conversion, Carbon
anger around the ‘M25 loop’. remain – the fear of heavy forgotten, as, like Gary, these
Lorraine brake pads, 282mm Project
‘It may be inspired by consequences from the Honda enthusiasts have not
Mu discs, MB6 calipers, Goodrich
braided brake lines, ATS blue brake
Japan’s Kanjozuko, but I don’t courtroom putting many off from disappeared, they’ve simply
fluid, DC2 proportioning valve, brake street race – my licence is far participating, and others realise found a new, less perilous
booster and master cylinder too precious for that!’ laughs that with increasingly busy avenue to express themselves
Gary. ‘No, this is my weekend roads, not only is it getting and their cars. The Kanjo is
WHEELS toy and show car, so the only harder to ‘put in a clean lap’, dead. Long live the Kanjo! JP
7x15in ET35 SSR Type C wheels
painted custom grey with 195/50/15
Advan AD08R tyres, lightweight
wheel nuts

EXTERIOR
Heko wind deflectors, J's Racing
polyurethane front lip, VIS carbon
bonnet, Osaka JDM spoiler, rear
windscreen wiper delete, yellow side
and fog light film, cut rear bumper

INTERIOR
Bride Zeta driver’s seat, Takata
harness, old school Recaro passenger
seat, Vertex Racing steering wheel,
Spoon shift knob, Racetech oil
pressure gauge, JDM centre console,
Racetech oil temp gauge, stripped
interior, Wink mirror, race window nets,
fire extinguisher, helmet hammock

THANKS
Team440, PaintKillers, Rollhard, Boden
Garage, Novaks, 6TWO1, HCR,
Radioworld, Errol (Testpress), Dean
Jackson, Becki Marren (my missus) for
not moaning at me when I spend a
fortune on the car!

70 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
071JAP186 5/24/16 10:58 AM Page 71

JAP AN ’S
TEST & FIN ES T
FAS SANTA POD RACEWAY // SUNDAY 10 JULY 2016

ru ns // Live Stage d i nfo visit

Run What Ya Brung
competiti on - £2 0 fo r 4
ph FireForce Jet C
ar
r ti c k ets an
Drift passenger ri
des // Handlin g Tr ac k // 27 0m
e Jap & FWD Drag
Series Fo
s h o w. c o m
www.jaopr call
g R ac in g from th
Championship Dra displays
in e co m pe ti ti on // Massive club
Autoglym Show &
Sh
rt ug al // Ja pa ne se bikes welcome
ow from Po more!
Arrepiado Stunt Sh rtai nm en t // Funfair, traders &
ente
Saturday evening
01234 782828
s
es & advance price
*Booking fee appli ndard
Fri 1st July 2016, sta r
STANDARD available until 5pm 3 pe
TICKET TYPE ADVANCE* s under 13 go free,
price thereafter. Kid m, for ful l terms
£18 open at 8a
£12 paying adult. Gates it the we bs ite.
SUNDAY vis .
£28 and conditions ple
as e ted from J14/15 M1
WEEKEND £20 ug h, No rthants, NN29 7XA. Signpos
Wellingboro
Road, Podington,
Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield
039JAP168 11/28/14 3:05 PM Page 39
Budget blasters v7FINALch.qxd:JP 5/26/16 12:05 PM Page 73

BLASTERS
BUDGET
FOUR CUT-PRICE
USED CARS THAT
ARE PERFECT
CANDIDATES TO
BE TUNED FOR
DRIVING THRILLS
WORDS: DAN GOODYER PICS: VARIOUS

W
hether you’re into
drag racing, drifting,
circuit racing or
gymkhana, the classifieds
are packed with potential
bargain motors. If you’ve
got loads of money then
building a competition car is
relatively easy. However, if
you’re on a strict budget it
can be tricky. The key is
picking the right car to start
with. So we spoke to some
experts for information about
four cars that can be turned
into giant-killers, without
breaking the bank.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 73
Budget blasters v7FINALch.qxd:JP 5/26/16 12:05 PM Page 74

I DRIVE ONE
ROY ASHBY
FORMER HKS DRAG SERIES
COMPETITOR, UK’S FASTEST
TOYOTA MR2 TURBO
DRAG RACING
How fast can you cover a quarter of a mile from a standing start? And can you beat the driver in the other
‘IF YOU WANT A CHEAP DRAG CAR lane? This is drag racing. With ‘Run What You Brung’ days most weekends, drag racing is popular with
YOU WON’T FIND BETTER THAN
THE MK2 MR2 TURBO. HAVING
people who want to see what their cars are capable of.
THE WEIGHT OVER THE DRIVEN
WHEELS HELPS IT LAUNCH AND
THE ENGINE IS EASY TO TUNE. WE TOYOTA MR2 TURBO (SW20) 1990-2000 FROM £1500
ENDED UP RUNNING A 10.01 @
143MPH WITH 608BHP IN THE WHY? With the weight of the 2.0-litre turbo engine over the rear wheels, it’s easy to launch the Toyota MR2
HKS DRAG SERIES. THERE WAS A
QUICKER TIME IN THE CAR, BUT off the line. Once rolling, the compact two-seater has a great power-to-weight ratio and offers great traction
WE STRUGGLED TO GET THE all the way up the strip. You can squeeze relatively wide rubber under the rear arches too – we’ve even seen
STANDARD DRIVESHAFTS AND
GEARBOX TO TAKE THE HARD
265/35/18s on there with the right offset wheels, although smaller wheels might be better for acceleration.
LAUNCHES WITH THE The 3S-GTE engine can also be tuned to over 600bhp and is the same engine found in the Celica GT4.
COMBINATION OF POWER AND
GRIP PROVIDED BY THE MICKEY
THOMPSON ET STREET TYRES. AVAILABILITY Surprisingly, the MR2 Turbo was never officially sold in the UK, so all MR2 Turbos are grey
A BIG CHUNK OF TIME CAN BE imports. Their price depends largely on which one you go for. There were several models, referred to as
FOUND IN THE REAR TYRE AND
SUSPENSION SETUP. I USED TO ‘Revisions’ by MR2 enthusiasts, during the 10-years the second-generation MR2 was on sale.
PULL WHEELIES IN MINE, SO YOU For drag racing you really want to avoid the naturally-aspirated models. In addition to the extra power,
NEED TO WEIGH THE FRONT-END
DOWN WHEN YOU’RE GETTING
the turbocharged versions have stronger E153 five-speed manual LSD gearboxes and thicker driveshafts
SERIOUS. YOU COULD BUILD A that will stand up better to repeated heavy launches. T-bar models are usually the cheapest, and you’ll pay a
VERY QUICK MR2 ON A BUDGET premium for the GT-Limited hardtop version.
BY MIXING PARTS FROM THE
DIFFERENT REVISIONS. FOR
EXAMPLE, THE EARLIER CARS HAD ESSENTIAL MODS Sticky tyres will help you get off the line better, and an aftermarket LSD will help, too.
A BIGGER TURBO (CT20 VS CT26),
A BIGGER INLET MANIFOLD AND Softer rear suspension will help the car squat down during hard starts, which will increase traction, meaning
VALVES, PLUS SOFTER you don’t necessarily want to fit stiff track-spec coilovers all round. Engine tuning follows the usual routes of
SUSPENSION WHICH WILL HELP
YOU LAUNCH. WHILE THE LATER
breathing and ECU tweaks, and the engine position aids short, free-flowing exhausts. Cooling upgrades are
CARS HAD A STRONGER BOTTOM- highly recommended as the engine doesn’t get the same supply of air as a front-engined car. A short-shifter
END AND A FACTORY-FITTED is a cost-effective modification that should shave a few tenths off your time.
VISCOUS LSD IN THE GEARBOX.’
PICS: BLACKETT PHOTOGRAPHY

74 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
Budget blasters v7FINALch.qxd:JP 5/26/16 12:06 PM Page 75

PICS: MOTORV8 MEDIA

CIRCUIT
Whether you feel the need to test your driving skills in competition, or simply explore what your
car is really capable of without the fear of speed cameras, the racing circuit is the place to push
your car to its limits.

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (EP3) 2001–2005 FROM £1500

WHY? Prices have dropped recently but the performance of this car hasn’t. The EP3 Honda
Civic Type R is a giant-killer in the right hands. It’s fun to drive, too. That high-revving 2.0-litre 16v I DRIVE ONE
naturally-aspirated K20 engine is a scream to drive on track. Add some chassis and braking ADAM JONES
VTEC CHALLENGE RACE WINNER & UK
upgrades and you have a reliable and fun trackday car. Add some safety equipment and you can TIME ATTACK CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB
go racing, as the Civic Type R qualifies for a large number of racing championships. FWD LAP-RECORD BREAKER

‘I’VE HAD MY EP3 FOR EIGHT YEARS

‘THE LSD ALLOWS ME TO FLICK THE AND DONE ALL THE WORK ON IT
MYSELF. INITIALLY I SPENT MY MONEY
ON CHASSIS AND BRAKING UPGRADES
BACK-END OUT ON THE THROTTLE’ AND IT WAS VERY QUICK THROUGH
THE BENDS. I COULD EASILY KEEP UP
WITH SKYLINES AND EVOS BUT WHEN
WE GOT TO A LONG STRAIGHT THEY
AVAILABILITY Such is the reliability of the VTEC engine that there are loads of EP3 Civic Type WOULD DISAPPEAR, SO I SPOKE TO
Rs around. They were very popular and sold in big numbers, so parts are fairly easy to come by, TDI NORTH AND THEY DID THE
FABRICATION AND MAPPING ON A
too. It’s worth pointing out that the EP3 was given a facelift in 2004, with steering and suspension BOLT-ON TURBO CONVERSION. THE
tweaks plus a lighter clutch and flywheel package. The facelifted cars command a bit more CAR IS NOW MAKING A CONSERVATIVE
410BHP ON THE STANDARD ENGINE,
money and are easily recognisable by the projector headlights and deeper front bumper. There BUT THE TURBO CAN BE WOUND UP TO
were also 30th Anniversary and Premier special editions, although the changes on these cars AROUND 600BHP IF NEEDED. THE BEST
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO A STANDARD
were to the interior trim rather than performance upgrades. CAR IS REMOVE SOME WEIGHT, GET
SOME DECENT COILOVERS AND
ESSENTIAL MODS The engine is so good out of the box it’s probably best to start with chassis ANTI-ROLL BARS AND FIT A LIMITED
SLIP DIFF. AN LSD TRANSFORMS THE
and brake upgrades. A decent set of semi-slick tyres will work wonders, improving your braking CAR. I’VE GOT MINE SET-UP TO BE STIFF
as well as cornering ability. The EP3 is well-supported in the aftermarket tuning world, too, so AT THE BACK, WITH WIDER RUBBER ON
THE FRONT AND A GENUINE BTCC
you can pick and choose your favourite combination of coilovers and anti-roll bars. REAR WING FROM TOM CHILTON’S
Understeer is the big downside of front-wheel drive circuit cars, so a limited slip differential CAR. THE WAVETRAC LSD IN MINE
HELPS ME TO FLICK THE BACK-END
is highly recommended. A full plate-type diff is probably best for racing, although both the Quaife ROUND ON THE THROTTLE. IF YOU’RE
ATB and Mfactory offer huge improvements over the standard setup and are a bit nicer to use ON A BUDGET THEN DC5 BITS CAN
on the road. The engine is so well-tuned from the factory that a full de-cat exhaust system, air PROVIDE GOOD UPGRADES. THE DC5
HAS A SHORTER FINAL-DRIVE RATIO
filter, inlet manifold and re-map is a sensible place to leave the mods unless you plan on AND GEARS, WHICH WILL HELP
spending big money or going forced induction. With those mods around 240bhp is possible ACCELERATION, AND BIGGER BREMBO
4-POT CALIPERS THAT BOLT ON WHEN
without breaking the bank. USING S2000 DISCS.’

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I DRIVE ONE
ROB JOHNSTON
UPCOMING STAR IN DRIFT CUP,
GENETIC DRIFTERS TEAM

‘I STARTED OUT IN BMWS BUT

DRIFTING
It’s still one of the UK’s fastest-growing forms of motorsport, and it’s easy to understand why. Drifting is
WHEN A FRIEND LET ME DRIVE HIS an exciting mix of car-control, style and danger. The whole point is to drive sideways, while maintaining as
200SX I WAS HOOKED! IT much speed as possible. So a rear-wheel drive car is essential.
HANDLES AMAZINGLY, IS VERY
PREDICTABLE AND THE ENGINE
MAKES DECENT POWER AND CAN
BE EASILY TUNED. THERE IS
MASSIVE AFTERMARKET SUPPORT
NISSAN 200SX (S14/S14A) 1994–2001 FROM £2500
FOR THE CAR, WITH LOTS OF WHY? Lots of reasons, the biggest one being there is massive aftermarket support in the drift scene
COMPANIES OFFERING STEERING
AND SUSPENSION UPGRADES. for the 200SX. It also has a well-balanced chassis and a tuneable 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Both the
I BOUGHT MINE AS A BARE SHELL, cars themselves and parts are readily available, too. There’s also loads of tried-and-tested methods for
THEN BOUGHT A CRASHED ONE TO tuning the engine and chassis setups and everything from roll-cages to aftermarket wheel nuts are
SWAP PARTS OVER TO IT AND
HAVE SINCE BOUGHT ANOTHER available for the Nissan 200SX.
SEVEN AND BROKEN THEM FOR
PARTS. SO I’VE GOT LOTS OF
SPARES AND IT’S ACTUALLY COST AVAILABILITY There’s no denying that drifting has made these harder to come by. Surprisingly, the later
ME VERY LITTLE. MINE IS NOW S14/S14a models with the 2.0-litre SR20DET engine are usually cheaper than the earlier S13s with the
RUNNING 410BHP ON A FORGED
ENGINE WITH LOTS OF pop-up headlights. Thankfully there were lots sold in the UK and even more in Japan as the S14/S14a
SUSPENSION WORK, BUT YOU CAN ‘Nissan Silvia’. Check the usual drift forums and Facebook groups for ready-built drift cars. If you search
PICS: DAN FOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN WOODS MEDIA & DZE PHOTOGRAPHY

HAVE FUN AND BE COMPETITIVE IN hard enough you can still find the odd untouched gem waiting to be turned into a drift machine.
THE DRIFT CUP WITH A RELATIVELY
STANDARD CAR. IT’S THE DRIVER Japanese imports used to be slightly cheaper to buy than UK cars as they were more expensive to insure,
THAT DOES THE HARD BIT. THE but that doesn’t seem to be the case any more. Japanese imports are usually in better condition underneath
FIRST MODS I’D RECOMMEND ARE
A GOOD SET OF COILOVERS, AN than UK cars but won’t have been undersealed, so that’s worth considering if you buy an import.
ADJUSTABLE ARM KIT AND SIMPLE
STAGE ONE POWER UPGRADES.
THAT WILL GIVE YOU ALMOST ESSENTIAL MODS In short, all you need to drift is a rear-wheel drive car. Beyond that a limited-slip
300BHP AND WILL BE TOTALLY differential (LSD) will help make the oversteer more controllable, so check out the likes of KAAZ, Cusco or
RELIABLE, PROVIDED YOU SERVICE Gripper. Any other changes you make to the steering or suspension will also help make drifting easier.
IT PROPERLY. ONE TIP FOR A
BEGINNER ON THE ORIGINAL 16IN In many ways the car spec should grow with your ability; coilovers with camber-adjusting top mounts,
WHEELS IS TO PUMP THE TYRES adjustable suspension arms for custom alignment and more steering lock and a hydraulic handbrake to
RIGHT UP. IT MAKES THE CAR A BIT
LESS CONTROLLABLE BUT MORE help initiate drifts. The list of things you can do to a drift car is practically endless. Many of the front-running
FUN AND IT WILL SKID EASIER.’ 200SX drift cars these days are running six-cylinder turbo or V8 engine swaps!

76 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
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PICS: DAN FEGENT PHOTOGRAPHY

GYMKHANA
A mix of sprinting, drifting and autotesting, gymkhana is above all else a lot of fun. Run heads-up
against an opponent, the aim is to get around the technical course in the shortest time possible
and get home first.

SUBARU IMPREZA (GC8) 1992–2000 FROM £1000

I DRIVE ONE
DMITRIJ SRIBNYJ
WHY? Cheap to buy, easy to upgrade and designed for the task. The Subaru Impreza was GYMKHANA GRID CHAMPION ‘12,
created with rallying in mind, so everything is laid out to maximise handling and performance. ’13, ’14, ’15, BEAT KEN BLOCK IN
Even the flat-four ‘boxer’ engine was chosen because it sits wider and lower in the car than a HIS 800BHP HOONICORN. TWICE
traditional in-line four-cylinder, which results in better balance. It’s four-wheel drive, it has a ‘ORIGINALLY I BOUGHT ONE BECAUSE
2.0-litre turbocharged engine and there are lots of upgrades available. What else do you need? THE GC8 IS A RALLY CAR UNDERNEATH
AND IT WAS CHEAP. IT IS ALSO THE
LIGHTEST SUBARU IMPREZA MODEL
‘YOU NEED A GOOD HANDBRAKE OF THEM ALL, AND WEIGHT IS VERY
IMPORTANT IN GYMKHANA. WHEN
I WON MY FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP IN
FOR GYMKHANA, IDEALLY YOU 2012 IT WAS IN A WRX THAT I HAD
CONVERTED TO STI SPEC, BUT STILL

SHOULD FIT A HYDRAULIC ONE’ ONLY HAD AROUND 250BHP. EVEN

NOW I ONLY HAVE JUST OVER 400BHP,
SO OUTRIGHT POWER ISN’T AS
IMPORTANT AS THE HANDLING, OR
THE DRIVER. I WOULD RECOMMEND
AVAILABILITY OK, so a £1000 Subaru Impreza WRX is going to be fairly rough around REMOVING WEIGHT FROM THE CAR
IMMEDIATELY. NEXT I WOULD ADD
the edges but they are out there. This is another case of a sliding scale, as you can pay COILOVERS AND MAKE SURE THE
relative peanuts for the boggo-spec ‘WRX’ and a gazillion pounds for mint STI Type-R. Anything HANDBRAKE WORKS PROPERLY.
STI (usually pink in colour) is a high-performance part. If you’re clever, you’ll seek out a cheap IF THE STANDARD HANDBRAKE IS
HEALTHY THEN GREAT, IF NOT, A
WRX in good condition and then mix STI OEM parts with aftermarket parts to create a real GOOD UPGRADE WOULD BE TO FIT A
monster on a budget. HYDRAULIC HANDBRAKE. ONE TIP IS
TO USE OEM BRAKE PADS BECAUSE
THEY WORK WELL FROM COLD. STI
ESSENTIAL MODS Gymkhana GRID, Barrel Sprint and Formula G are all packed with short MODELS HAVE A REAR LSD, WHICH
CAN BE USEFUL FOR THE DRIFTING
sprints and tight turns. So you need agility and throttle response – turbo lag is your enemy! SECTIONS, AS IS A DCCD SETUP. THE
Therefore big turbos are totally the wrong idea. You want a nice big-bore downpipe to help the DCCD ONLY CAME ON THE STI MODELS
turbo spin up quickly, and concentrate on the suspension. Anti-roll bars are a cost-effective way AND ALLOWS YOU TO MOVE MORE OF
THE POWER TO THE REAR WHEELS.
to transform your car for this discipline. As is removing weight. A lighter car requires much less MOST OF THESE PARTS CAN ALSO BE
effort to move around. JP SWAPPED INTO A BASE-MODEL WRX.’

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JAPSTUFF +
BRINGING YOU THE HOTTEST NEW PRODUCTS ON THE JAPANESE TUNING SCENE
Every month we bring you the latest
and greatest products on the Japanese
products at either end of the
budgetary scale.
pocket change on the more affordable
'Chump Change' product. We hope you
tuning scene. We always showcase a This way you can decide whether to enjoy the section but, as usual, if there's
'Red Hot' product at the front of the save your pennies to afford the 'Big anything you think we can do better, then
section and also highlight the ‘must-have’ Spender' or simply splash a little spare please let us know. Until then...enjoy!

RED H OT
PRO DU CT

REMUS EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR HONDA CIVIC FK2 TYPE R

It’s fair to say that the Civic FK2 Type R is owners can also take advantage of another REMUS RESPONDER
RESPONDER IS ANOTHER REMUS
widely recognised as being one of the greatest of the company's respected developments – PRODUCT THAT CAN BE SUPPLIED
Hondas of all time. If you’re lucky enough to be the Powerizer. Designed for those seeking TO CIVIC FK2 TYPE OWNERS WHO
ORDER AN EXHAUST SYSTEM. AS THE
in possession of one of these fantastic four- more performance from their car without having PRODUCT’S NAME SUGGESTS, IT’S
wheelers from the Far East, then you could do to go to the trouble of extensively modifying TECH THAT IMPROVES THROTTLE
a lot worse than making your tidy Type R even engine internals, the Powerizer can boost peak RESPONSE BY ADJUSTING THE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL OUTPUT
better by fitting an all-new free-flowing Remus power by as much as 25% and torque by a SIGNAL, RESULTING IN NOTICEABLY
exhaust system designed specifically for the hefty 20%. These amazing improvements are REDUCED LAG. EASILY AND SWIFTLY
INSTALLED TO THE OEM PEDAL
model! The core of the Remus kit consists a achieved thanks to the kit’s ability to optimise SENSOR, THIS TRICK BIT OF KIT CAN
70mm resonated cat-back section (10mm wider ECU map parameters multiple times per BE UNPACKED, FITTED AND UP AND
RUNNING IN MINUTES. RESPONDER
than the OEM equivalent), leading to a sports second in order to ensure peak gas flow. Yup, WORKS BY USING SOPHISTICATED
centre section with integrated valves that are those keen to explore the true performance ADJUSTABLE PROGRAMMING
controlled via a remote control unit. This allows potential of their FK2 Type R should probably PROFILES THAT CAN LEAD TO
IMPROVED FUEL CONSUMPTION
the driver to toggle the volume of the exhaust get in touch with Remus! AND MORE EFFICIENT ENGINE
from inside the car. Remus systems offer Price: From £1488 OPERATION. IT ALSO FEATURES FOUR
SELECTABLE AND CUSTOMISABLE
performance benefits thanks to their carefully- Contact: www.remusuk.com PERFORMANCE PROFILE SETTINGS –
honed gas flow properties, but FK2 Type R or call 01933 685840 IDEAL FOR CARS THAT ARE SHARED
BETWEEN MULTIPLE DRIVERS

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JAPSTUFF186v7FINALch.qxd:JP 5/26/16 11:56 AM Page 80

JAPSTUFF +
SUPERPRO
ADJUSTABLE
ANTI-ROLL
BARS FOR
EVO VII-IX
A car’s factory anti-roll bars are
designed to reduce flex and lateral
movement when cornering at
speed, but owners of tuned motors
like to have the option of adjusting
their car’s chassis equipment in
order to achieve maximum tyre
contact and pinpoint handling
accuracy. SuperPro’s intimate
understanding of automotive
chassis technology has enabled
the company to produce carefully
designed adjustable anti-roll bars
for Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions
VII–X. A direct mount to OEM drop
links, each high-grade steel ARB is
BLACK HALO RACING IGNITION equipped with three easily-

UPGRADE KIT FOR MAZDA RX-8 selectable ‘stiffness’ settings that

cater for most driving styles and
Ignition coils are a big issue with the RX-8, with Mazda itself going through four generations of surfaces. A set of polybushes is
coil pack since launch. However, with their current track record it’s widely accepted that if supplied with each order. Go on,
you’re running genuine Mazda coils, it’s prudent to renew them at a maximum of 30k mile treat your rally-bred, Evo-badged,
intervals if you are to avoid potentially expensive engine problems. This is where Black Halo four-wheeled weapon to some
Racing stepped in, designing and manufacturing a viable long term upgrade for your RX-8’s SuperPro suspension sortedness!
stock coils. First released in 2008, to date BHR have built and shipped some 7500 ignition Price: £195
upgrade kits worldwide. Distributed through UK-based RX-8 specialists Essex Rotary and used Contact: www.superpro.eu.com
in the firm’s own fully bridgeported RENESIS-powered RX-8 track and road project car, each kit
comes with everything needed to carry out a full conversion to the BHR ignition system,
including the BHR-spec coils fixed to a custom designed bracket, high quality conversion
harness, purpose made nylon bracket spacers, and the superb MDS HT leads. The kit is also
available in a range of popular colours. And if that wasn’t enough, Essex Rotary are offering a
package discount if bought with the recommended NGK iridium spark plugs. If you own an RX-
8 on standard coils, don’t delay, get yours today!
Price: £439.00 for the BHR coil kit or £519.00 for the BHR kit inc spark plugs
Contact: www.thepipercrossshop.co.uk or call 01604 707750

SAMCOSPORT
ANCILLARY COOLANT
HOSE KIT FOR NISSAN
SKYLINE R33 GT-R
SamcoSport is now offering a direct replacement
twelve-piece ancillary coolant hose kit for the mighty
Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R. Each hose has been
manufactured using premium grade triple-ply fabric
reinforced silicone with a light blue silicone liner
(known as ‘SamTek’) that protects against internal
degradation. This nifty hose kit is able to withstand
sharp increases in operating temperatures (up to
180°C) and is available to order in a choice of sixteen
different colours. Samco recommends the use of
marine grade stainless steel clamps when fitting
premium quality silicone hoses. Fortunately, the
company offers a suitable clamp kit as a cost option.
Price: £203.23, stainless clamp kit adds £40.56
Contact: www.samcosport.com or call 01443 238464

80 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
JAPSTUFF186v7FINALch.qxd:JP 5/26/16 11:56 AM Page 81

TAROX CHUMP CHANGE

TWO-PIECE BOOM MAT
ROTORS FOR SPEAKER
HONDA CIVIC PERFORMANCE KIT
FK2 TYPE R THE BOOM MAT SPEAKER PERFORMANCE KIT
IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR AUDIOPHILES
Tarox has long been a ‘go to’ WHO WANT A HASSLE-FREE WAY TO IMPROVE
manufacturer in the world of THE SPEAKER SOUND IN THEIR CARS – THE
PRODUCT MANAGES TO REDUCE VIBRATIONS
aftermarket braking systems, an WHILST SIMULTANEOUSLY IMPROVING
accolade bolstered by the Italian ACOUSTICS! THIS US-MADE VIBRATION
DAMPING KIT IS RECOMMENDED AS A HIGHER
engineering firm’s decision to PERFORMING REPLACEMENT PART FOR OEM
launch a two-piece replacement SOUNDPROOFING MATERIALS, AND IS IDEAL
FOR COMPETITION-SPEC IN-CAR AUDIO
brake disc package for Honda’s SYSTEMS. SIMPLY REMOVE THE SPEAKER,
Civic FK2 Type R. Developed in APPLY BOOM MAT TO ITS MOUNTING
collaboration with Hertfordshire- SURFACE, TRIM TO SUIT, AND THEN
RE-INSTALL THE SPEAKER. IT REALLY IS THAT
based Honda specialist, Dream SIMPLE! THE MATERIAL CONSISTS OF A 2MM
Automotive, this latest offering THICK, ASPHALT-FREE, PURE-BUTYL NOISE-
CONSTRAINING LAYER AND IS UNAFFECTED BY
from Tarox features 350mm solid EXTREME TEMPERATURES. IT ADHERES WELL TO
billet rotors and anodised alloy STEEL, GLASSFIBRE AND/OR PLASTIC, AND ITS
ADHESIVE BACKING MAKES IT EASY TO
bells. Furthermore, it’s a kit that INSTALL ON VERTICAL, OVERHEAD OR
weighs in at just 19kg! All Tarox IRREGULAR SURFACES. VIEW THE
braking products are subjected to DEMONSTRATION VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:
HTTPS://WWW. YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=
an exhaustive development phase 8GT66AKJVCU
before they're permitted anywhere PRICE: £16.50 (PLUS SHIPPING) PER PACK
OF FOUR 6X12.5IN SHEETS
near a road-going car, and one of CONTACT: WWW.DESIGNENGINEERING.COM
the cornerstones of this process OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEI DEALER
is a respected stress-relieving
heat treatment process. 'Cooking'
the rotors at the end of each
manufacturing cycle has been
proven to significantly extend
product life and durability, while
also imbuing each disc with
enhanced resistance to warping.
Price: From £600
Contact: www.tarox.co.uk

BRILLIANT DISCS DEMAND EQUALLY BRILLIANT PADS, SOMETHING THAT TAROX CAN SUPPLY TO
THOSE SEEKING THE LAST WORD IN FAST-ROAD BRAKING. THE COMPANY’S RANGE OF PADS STARTS
WITH THE ENTRY-LEVEL 'STRADA' (AIMED AT THOSE SEEKING STRONG DAILY DRIVING
CHARACTERISTICS), THE 'CORSA' (FOR CUSTOMERS LOOKING TO USE THEIR CARS IN A FAST-ROAD OR
TRACKDAY CAPACITY), AND THE RANGE-TOPPING 'COMPETIZIONE' (IDEAL FOR THOSE REQUIRING ALL
OUT, RACE-STYLE BITE AND PERFORMANCE)

BILSTEIN CHASSIS UPGRADES FOR

SUBARU WRX STI (GP, GJ)
If you’re looking to replace your WRX STI’s shock absorbers with sportier
components, then you couldn’t ask for a better parts supplier than Bilstein.
After all, ze German damper manufacturer has superior knowledge of Scooby chassis
characteristics, largely due to the firm’s appointment as an OEM supplier to Subaru’s
STI division. This has resulted in a new range of Bilstein damper and spring
configurations for WRX STI GP/GJ models: B6 gas-pressure shocks offer more
damping force and durability than stock parts, B8s are specially shortened to work in
conjunction with lowering springs, while the B12 Pro-Kit offers a ready made package
of B8s paired with Eibach Pro-Kit coil springs. B16 coilovers are also available – the
ultimate choice for sports cars.
This latter kit provides fully
adjustable lowering from 15mm to
25mm and delivers a ten-fold
selection for bump and rebound
adjustment. In short, no matter
what driving environment you and
your WRX STI find yourselves in,
Bilstein has your suspension
requirements covered!
Price:
B6: front £231.60, rear £152.40
B8: front £236.40, rear £157.20
B12 full kit p/n 46-264305: £922.80
B16 full kit p/n 48-249546:
£1870.80
Contact: www.bilstein.de

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 81
JAPSTUFF186v7FINALch.qxd:JP 5/26/16 11:56 AM Page 82

JAPSTUFF +
AIR LIFT
PERFORMANCE
SUSPENSION FOR
SUBARU WRX STI
(2015/16)
Imagine a suspension system that delivers a
super-low stance or raised ground clearance at
the push of a button. That’s exactly what the
latest offering from Air Lift Performance provides
for owners of Subaru WRX STIs (2015/16) thanks
to an air-over-shock design with thirty-way
adjustable damping. Specific ride heights and
handling settings can be dialled in to your liking
via various electronic management options, and
simple installation is made possible by using the
detailed instruction manuals provided by Air
Lift’s in-house engineering team. Furthermore,
only basic tools are required to complete the job
(‘anyone with the skill to wire a stereo can have
their car slammed within a matter of hours’).
Each kit comprises double bellow-sleeved bags,
threaded lower mounts on front struts and T6061
bolt-in camber plates. How low can you go?!
Price: From £999
Contact: www.air-lift.co.uk

RACINGLINES FULLY
INTEGRATED FUEL SWIRL
POT SYSTEM
The traditional method of installing a fuel swirl pot involves
linking to a pump with a selection of fuel-friendly hoses.
Admittedly, it’s a tried and tested way of doing things, but this
configuration can take up a lot of boot space in the host
vehicle. RacingLines has developed an alternative fuel swirl pot
system that fully integrates all of the aforementioned
components, meaning that only a single tank and connection
lines are required. RacingLines quick-release swirl pot systems
feature motorsport-spec wiring looms, multiple pump options
(up to three in-tank 340lph pumps), numerous ports, a
non-return valve feed to each pump and a precision-machined
6061 aluminium swirl pot with a billet-machined lid and fuel-
resistant nitrile rubber o-rings. Additionally, the system can be
supplied as either a complete kit or without fuel pumps (so that
the buyer can make use of equipment that they already own).
Price: From £295
Contact: www.racing-lines.com

MTEC TWO-PIECE BRAKE DISCS

FOR MITSUBISHI EVO X
MTEC two-piece brake discs are made out of high-grade cast iron
and are now available to buy for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.
Each disc is CNC-machined and balanced (resulting in a precision
disc that is much lighter than the OEM part that it replaces) before
being subjected to a thorough inspection at MTEC’s UK-based
design and engineering facility. Supplied with anodised alloy bells,
these 350mm thick discs can be bought with a choice of either
black, gold or silver protective coatings that provide high levels of
anti-corrosion protection without impairing performance.
Well, what’s stopping you? Geddit?! I’ll get my coat…
Price: Discs £290, discs and bells £450
Contact: www.mtecbrakes.com or call 0800 410 1910

82 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
083JAP186 5/24/16 11:00 AM Page 83

Big brake kits

with a track record
Until 1992, unless you owned a race car, you had stock calipers.
at was until Tarox released big brake kit 001 for the BMW E30 M3,
applying Formula 1 braking technology to the road car aermarket. Tarox
now list over 1200 big brake kit applications, each custom made in a choice
of colors, rotor paerns and pad compounds, tailored to suit you. Every kit
is expertly craed in Italy from the finest quality materials, resulting in
outstanding performance on road and track. For a brake manufacturer
with innovation in its DNA, look no further than Tarox.

Since 1976

Tel 304-715-3322 / www.tarox.us / VTPGmDF!UBSPYDPN

Dealer Inquiries: VTUSBEF!UBSPYDPN

"MM 5BSPY QSPEVDUT BSF NBOVGBDUVSFE JO *UBMZ

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readers ridesJULY16FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 12:53 PM Page 84

THEGARAGE +
READERS’
RIDES
WORDS: DAN SHERWOOD

EACH MONTH WE GET TONNES OF SUBMISSIONS FROM OWNERS WANTING TO GET THEIR CARS
PLASTERED OVER THE PAGES OF THIS HALLOWED MAGAZINE. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT EVERYONE CAN GET
A FULL FEATURE, AS WE’D SOON RUN OUT OF PAGES! BUT RATHER THAN LEAVE THEM FESTERING IN OUR
BULGING EMAIL INBOX, WE THOUGHT THE BEST ONES COULD BE HONOURED HERE IN OUR READERS’
RIDES SECTION. SOME MAY EVEN GO ON TO BECOME FULLY-FLEDGED JAPANESE PERFORMANCE FEATURE
CARS! SO KEEP AN EYE OUT ON FUTURE ISSUES, AS YOU NEVER KNOW, YOU MAY HAVE SEEN A SNEAK
PEEK HERE FIRST! WE WILL ALSO BE PICKING OUR CAR OF THE MONTH, WHICH WILL WIN AN AWESOME
MEGUIAR’S GOLD CLASS WASH & WAX KIT WORTH £25!

!
W INNER
RYAN ‘RAZ’ MCBRIDE’S NISSAN 350Z MARTIN SADLER’S TOYOTA CELICA GT4
If there’s one way to make people sit up and take notice, Much like its arch rival the Impreza, with its rally
then it’s fitting Veilside’s wide arch kit to your 350Z, then heritage, the Celica GT4 is a true weapon when
to top it all off cover it in a satin blue wrap and drop it low over wide 19in Enkei tuned, and Martin Sadler’s is a perfect example.
ABC Exclusive wheels. Which is pretty much exactly what Ryan ‘Raz’ McBride Featuring a Mongoose exhaust with Berk de-cat pipe,
did when he bought his Z car back in January 2013. Looking like a million an HKS induction kit and an APEX’i AVC upping the
bucks, Raz is the first to admit this is far from a chequebook build as he, along boost to 1.1bar, it’s making a meaty 320bhp. Wisely,
with his friends, has done a lot of the work on the car himself, including fitting the Martin’s also upgraded the suspension to suit with a
wild kit and wrap! Raz claims that he was inspired to own a Veilside 350Z after set of TEIN Super Street coilovers and Whiteline anti-
watching the third Fast and the Furious flick, Tokyo Drift, after which point he roll bars. Topped off with a set of KEI D1 18in wheels
vowed he would one day own one himself. Looks like persistence pays off! with sticky Yokohama rubber, it looks the part, too!

COULD YOUR CAR BE A WINNER?

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF YOUR CAR APPEARING AS A FEATURED READERS’ RIDE, WINNING A MEGUIAR’S KIT OR EVEN GAINING A FULL FEATURE,
SEND GOOD QUALITY PICTURES OF YOUR CAR ALONG WITH A BRIEF WRITE UP AND SPEC TO [email protected] OR LOOK OUT FOR OUR REGULAR
READERS’ RIDES POSTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

84 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
readers ridesJULY16FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 12:54 PM Page 85

GARY OAKLEY’S SUBARU IMPREZA DEAN STEVENS’ HONDA CIVIC EP2

Gary bought his 2000-plate Impreza UK Turbo, Looking at Dean Stevens’ EP2 Civic it’s clear that, when it comes to creating his
about 18 months ago after selling his Eunos own personal vision of modified perfection, he’s left no stone unturned. From the
Roadster. He’d wanted an Impreza since he was 12, full respray in deep purple to D2 air-bag suspension that drops the perfectly
after seeing one pull into the school car park every painted bodywork closer to terra-firma and tucks the Volk GT7 two-piece split rims
morning. It only took him 18-years to finally buy so nicely into the arches, this is one Civic that would be at home in any show ‘n’
one! When he bought the car it was standard, apart shine arena. And Dean’s attention to detail doesn’t stop with the exterior, as the
from a few Prodrive tweaks added as factory interior is just as plush. A pair of VXR Recaro seats sit up front within the fully
options when the car was new. These included colour coded cockpit complete with FN2 steering wheel and some banging audio.
Prodrive wheels, exhaust, intercooler pipework and
an ECU remap. Since then, Gary’s added a set of
17in Rota Grid alloys, Zunsport grilles, STi rear light
clusters and spoiler, an Afterburner Vortex exhaust
and a Whiteline rear anti-roll bar. Still a work in
progress, Gary has lots more up his sleeve for his
impressively clean Impreza, and hopes it will one
day be good enough to warrant a full feature!

MARC STAVERT’S LEXUS IS200

Marc Stavert’s luscious Lexus hides a
secret under its carbon bonnet, and
that’s an engine conversion to a rare
1G-GTE motor with a GT3071R single
turbo. Featuring a custom inlet
manifold, intercooler and pipework, all
within the smoothed engine bay, it’s
certainly got the grunt to push this bit
ALEX CHANDLERVICH’S CIVIC AERODECK of posh along at a frightening lick.
We’re seeing more and more Aerodecks popping up No wonder he’s got extra wide rear
in the Honda scene at the moment, and when they arches, as he needs the 10in wide
looks as cool as Alex Chandlervich’s example we can rear wheels to put the power down!
see why. Hard slammed into the weeds via a set of
Meister R coilovers – no air here – with an awesome
set of custom fitment Works Seeker CX wheels
crammed under the arches it can certainly hold its
own in the looks department. And witth that massive
boot it must be pretty practical, too!

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 85
086JAP186 5/25/16 10:55 AM Page 86

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www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 87
HEL ProjectFINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 1:07 PM Page 88

THEGARAGE +

CONTACTS
Hel Performance
www.helperformance.com
PROJECT HEL 01392 811601

KING OF THE CASTLE

WITH THE LIST OF MODIFICATIONS TO HEL’S FK2 CIVIC TYPE R GROWING BY
THE MONTH, IT WAS TIME TO TEST THEM OUT. TO PUSH THE CAR TO ITS LIMIT
HEL HIT THE TRACK AT WILTSHIRE’S CASTLE COMBE CIRCUIT
There’s nothing like a bit of track, or would they be revealed issues which we wish to highlighted by the track test was
track time to really evaluate your as nothing more than smoke address going forward.’ the need for improved braking.
car’s modifications. With this in and mirrors? Time to find out... The first of which was that Whilst the addition of high
mind, the bods at HEL ‘Out on track the car felt great the oil temperature rose performance brake fluid, HEL
Performance decided it was and was very balanced,’ particularly high during the day. braided hoses and uprated
high time that they tested out explains HEL bossman Ben Obviously this is an area that Mintex M1144 brake pads
the upgrades on their virgin Viner. ‘In fact, several people HEL can look at in-house and improved the brakes, there is
white FK2 Civic Type R, so who were spectating during our have already produced a HEL still room for improvement after
booked themselves onto three track sessions commented oil cooler kit for the car which experiencing a degree of fade
track sessions at the recent Jap throughout the day about how has been sold and fitted to FK2s during the track sessions.
Day event at Castle Combe good the car looked going all around the world. However, Other than this, the only
circuit in Wiltshire. round the super-fast Castle HEL are looking to develop a other area of improvement
Strapping into the new Cobra Combe circuit. more track focused kit which specific to the track at this stage
bucket seats the Civic already ‘Obviously the extra 80bhp may take the form of an of the car’s development would
feels more sporty and focused, over the stock power made the integrated alloy radiator and oil be the tyres – whilst the OE
and then with the starter button car even more enjoyable to cooler, which they will likely supplied Continentals are a
pressed the rorty Scorpion drive, and you could feel the collaborate on with Gloucester great all round tyre, without a
exhaust backs up the car’s track benefit of the extra power on the fabrication experts Forge doubt they don't take much
ready credentials. But would straights. But as good as the car Motorsport. abuse on track! A set of track
these traits ring true on the was, we did pick up some minor Another area that was wheels and tyres looms...

MODS SUCH AS THE NEW COBRA SEATS, FORGE INTERCOOLER, SCORPION EXHAUST AND AMD REMAP GAVE HEL’S FK2 THE EDGE ON TRACK

88 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
023JAP100 30/3/09 11:44 Page 23
PROJECT civicRJULY16FINALNEW.qxp:JP 5/26/16 9:05 PM Page 90

THEGARAGE +

PROJECT TYPE R
BRAINWASHED!
A CUSTOM REMAP DOES FAR MORE THAN SIMPLY BOOST THE FACTORY ECU SETTINGS,
IT CAN BE USED TO MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY ENGINE UPGRADE ON THE CAR,
EXTRACTING THE MAXIMUM POTENTIAL FROM YOUR SETUP. BRING ON THE K100
When it comes to tuning your of the ECU. An ECU is the car’s And while a generic reflash or across the world for their
car for more power, most of us electronic brain and controls chip may be OK in some prowess with Honda ECU
begin the process by acquiring pretty much every electronic instances, for anyone wanting tuning and they have two
and fitting a host of bolt-on go- parameter on the car, and by to truly make the most from options for the K20-engined
faster parts. These are things augmenting these parameters a their mods, a custom remap is EP3, the K100 and the KPro.
such as induction kits or air skilled tuner can extract the the only way. This leaves us Both of these are
filters, exhausts, manifolds, maximum performance from with either a daughterboard daughterboard options that
cams and, in extreme cases, your engine. system or standalone ECU, but essentially do the same thing,
turbo and supercharger There are various ways that where a standalone system however, the KPro has a USB
conversions, unless these are an ECU can be changed, may be necessary for a racecar connection to allow for data-
already fitted at the factory, in starting with a reflash of the or extensively modified road logging and user mapping,
which case larger or uprated standard ECU with a generic car, they are eye-wateringly whereas the K100 has no
blowers would be the order of map, through to generic chip expensive and, for most external connections and is
the day. But the one thing that tuning and then custom applications, a much more used for the purposes of
all of these modifications have mapping of the ECU through a cost effective remappable reading the map only. Both are
in common is that they will daughterboard system and daughterboard system is just able to be reconfigured as your
rarely work to their full potential finally a full replacement ECU the ticket. modifications grow. We decided
without some form of remapping such as a Syvecs or MoTeC. Hondata are well known to go with the K100 as, not only

THE HONDATA K100 IS A MEMORY BOARD THAT CAN BE PLUGGED INTO YOUR CAR’S EXISTING ECU ALLOWING IT TO READ THE NEW MAPPING DATA

90 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
PROJECT civicRJULY16FINALNEW.qxp:JP 5/26/16 9:06 PM Page 91

0800 085 5000

INSURANCE
With modern cars and the
latest technology in ECUs and
mapping techniques, the gains
that are now achievable
through manipulating your
car’s electronics are greater
than ever before. But this
potential for massive increases
in power and torque means
that remaps can come with a
pretty hefty loading to your
insurance premium if the gains
are significant. Adrian Flux
quote that an increase of
between 10% and 50% in
power can come with a
loading of an equivalent to
your policy – ie a 50bhp gain
would see your policy price
rise by 50%. However, this
does drop off on a sliding
scale above 50%, so if you
were lucky enough to get
ROMAIN LEVESQUE HARD AT WORK! ROMAIN AND EUROSPEC ARE BOTH WELL RESPECTED IN THE HONDA SCENE more than a 50% increase in
power, you wouldn’t
was it cheaper, but we had no your tuner can then create exhaust system, they’ve seen nesessarily may much more
plans to use the extra data- custom maps for your car and gains of up to 40bhp peak and than a 50% increase on your
logging facility or to attempt to its exact modifications which 55bhp in the mid range. premium. But don’t risk not
map the car ourselves. No, we allow it to be tuned effectively. Once mapping is complete, telling your insurer about a
wanted to leave that to the Fueling, ignition, VTEC cross- the map is then saved to the remap, as if they find out they
experts at Eurospec in over and cam angle can be stock ECU and the KPro is may void your policy or not
Guildford. altered on the dyno to produce removed. The K100 can now be pay out in the event of an
Eurospec have fitted a map tailored to your vehicle installed as it is needed to read accident. You’ve been warned!
hundreds of K100 and KPro and its modifications. A K100 the new map in the ECU.
units to Hondas over the years can handle anything from basic So after a session with
and know exactly what they are breathing mods to full-on turbo Romain Levesque at the laptop,
doing. They also have a full or supercharged builds. Project Type R came off the
four-wheel drive in-house dyno In terms of the gains you get dyno with an impressive
to ensure the best maps from fitting and mapping one, 230bhp peak figure with a
possible. The installation starts well, it’s completely variable. meaty increase in midrange too.
by removing your stock ECU On a stock car with no mods Eurospec offers the supply,
and soldering in a connection Eurospec has seen as much as fitting and mapping of a K100 THANKS & CONTACTS
for the K100 to slot into. Once 12–15bhp peak gain, but with a for £695 and £935 for a KPro. Adrian Flux
this is done you then have to much more impressive 30bhp Any additional mapping www.adrianflux.co.uk
install a KPro board which is gain in the mid range. And on required if you add further 0800 085 5000
connected to a laptop which basic bolt-on modified cars with modifications is charged at
EuroSpec2000
allows a mapper access to the intakes, inlet and exhaust £132 per hour, but should only www.euro-spec2000.co.uk/shop
ECU. Once this has been done, manifolds, as well as a cat back take an hour. Job done! – Dan 01483 234879

A HONDATA KPRO IS A MORE SOPHISTICATED VERSION OF THE K100, WHICH ALLOWS THE MAPPING AND DATA-LOGGING TO TAKE PLACE

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 91
SUBS 4/27/16 12:39 PM Page 70

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RACING YOUR ROAD CAR

FORGET USAIN BOLT AND THE
ALTHOUGH THE JAMAICANS
INTO THIS IS PROPER SPRINTING AND TO

GETTING ORT
TRACK THEY’RE NEVER GOING
MAY BE A BIT HANDY OUT ON
HIGHLIGHTED SPRINT SERIES
WHAT DO I NEED?
KEEP UP WITH THE STARS OF OUR
Ya Brung Days then the main thing
If you're just looking at Drift What

MOTORSP
plenty of them A lot of beginners form of motorsport that
you're going to need is tyres and printing is an incredibly popular
tend to go for part worn tyres as
going to matter too much when
they're pretty cheap and it's not
you scrub the hell out of them S
seems to be gathering pace more
welcomes everything from entry
and more each year It
level drivers in near standard
local tyre fitters if they have anythingcars to seasoned competitors squeezing themselves into single
GET INTO SEVEN
It may also be worth asking your trial
put on the bonfire Other than tyres seater racecars Put simply sprinting is a high speed time
ON HOW TO
suitable that would otherwise be to laid out
brace and anything else needed held over one lap of a racing circuit or a coned off course
ALL THE INFO IN 2016 you obviously need a jack wheel
change your wheels (don't forget
that locking wheel nut) but Santa at a disused airfield or car park As it is a relatively quick race
the
MOTORSPORTS to change over tyres for just £5 cars aren t put under too much stress and very much like
OF THE HOTTEST Pod always has someone on hand
per wheel they will also get rid of
your destroyed tyres too for a smallhillclimbing it s a race just as much against yourself as it is
your game safety will become a
with
try to better your own personal
fee of £2 per tyre When you up the rest of the competitors as you
A seamless transition of to the full list of rules and driving sprints require just as
rifting done properly is an art form lap record Also like normal track

D
priority and you must first adhere to
while creating as much organisation Usually they will much precision as the lines you take through the corners have
sliding the car through a corner regulations that are in place for each
the power perfectly and acceptable rollcage designs and be exactly right if you want to take that lap record or class win
smoke as possible feathering in involve details of safety equipment
way as you enter the next turn others at danger Apart from Driftcup
then flipping the car back the other how to compete without putting
look like a walk in the park it's not specific licenses to compete as
well
While the pros out there make it the BDC and IDC will all require GETTING STARTED
just pick up as we're sure many licence fee can enter a variety of sprints
something that a mere mortal can and with them will come an added Many events are one offs so you
vouch We can however give (although there are
a dented rim or battered kerb can without committing to any championship
in drifting where you can the full championship) Beyond
you an insight into what's involved usually discounts when booking
going to be affected championships with the top of
practice and how much your wallet's that there are numerous regional
to ride (or drift) off into the Series fronting the Open Series
hopefully giving you the knowledge the pile being the MSA National
off his stabilisers And who Motorsport MSA British Sprint
sunset like a kid who's just taken The tongue twistingly named SBD
get good enough to enter into one there are also many other one
knows with practice you could Championship is open to all but
where you could pit your Sprint Series and popular
of the many drift championships marque series including the Toyota

N
of like minded drift fans and host to the 22B Sprint Series
skidding prowess against a host MLR Sprint Series which also plays
in Europe Evos Imprezas and GT Rs

NO
eventually some of the top drifters and the GT R Sprint Series so
all under one roof!
GETTING STARTED

V ACKMAN AND DA
as drag racing getting into drifting
As with other motorsports such WHAT DO I NEED?
If you own a driftable rear wheel will have to apply for your
at entry level is a piece of cake With any MSA approved series you
Pod Arena Essex and North just a case of telling the MSA
drive car then places like Santa National B Licence which is usually
Drift What Ya Brung days and Sprint Series competitions you
Weald are your friends as they run who your doctor is For the MLR
throughout the year hassle as they are both open
practice sessions on most weekends don t even have to go through this
if you're really not that
Tuition is also available at the Pod
hand with learning how to get the
comfortable and need a helping
that s suitable for skidding
back out If you don't have a car
that there are still plenty of places
yourself then the good news is

CIRCUIT RACING
HILLCLIMBING
GYMKHANA
DRIFTING SPRINTING
DRAG RACING
TIME ATTACK
MAR ’16 ancemag.co.uk
50 No.182

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www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 93
PROJECT RX8 FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 12:11 PM Page 94

THEGARAGE +

PROJECT ROTARY
LUBRICATION:BREAKDOWN
AFTER AN ESSENTIAL OIL TOP UP, EVERYTHING WAS ROSEY, HOWEVER, MULTIPLE WARNING
LIGHTS BEGGED TO DIFFER... LUCKILY IT WAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OIL!
To many people reading this soon as you look at them, and would soon wear down (or start as they burn cleaner with less
article, there will be a certain they certainly use more oil than to score the rotor housing and harmful carbon and ash
amount of smugness to their a more conventional piston would result in a loss of deposits than more expensive
smile. ‘Well, Dan, you will go engine, but the reality is not compression – bad news! So synthetic oils. RX-8 specialists
and buy a rotary. They are quite as black and white as while this does indeed dictate such as Rotary Revs actually
known for being unreliable and that. Let’s start with the oil that cars like the RX-7 and RX-8 recommend Millers Oils 10w40
breaking down. They also consumption first. The Wankel use a little more oil than others, Trident semi synthetic oil for the
guzzle expensive oil quicker engine, by design, uses oil the good news is that you don’t Renesis engine, as it burns
than Paul Gascoigne can down squirters that take small have to use super expensive cleanly and has the perfect
a bottle of gin. You’ve only got metered amounts of oil and mix fully synthetic oil. In fact, viscosity to ensure all
yourself to blame.’ And they’d it into the fuel to lubricate the rotaries tend to work better components are lubricated well
partly be right. Yes, rotaries do seals. Without this vital when using either mineral and oil pressure is maintained –
have a reputation to blow up as lubrication, the apex seals based or semi-synthetic oils, a crucial factor in maintaining

REGULAR OIL CHECKS ARE ESSENTIAL ON ROTARIES SUCH AS THE RX-8, AS IS KEEPING YOUR VITAL OIL COOL WITH A MISHIMOTO OIL COOLER

94 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
PROJECT RX8 FINALch.qxp:JP 5/26/16 12:11 PM Page 95

0800 085 5000

INSURANCE
Owning a modified car is
great, isn’t it? Until it goes
wrong, that is. More power
and performance means
higher wear and more
chance of components failing
leaving us potentially
stranded at the roadside
twiddling our thumbs and
wondering how we are going
to get our car fixed. To
ensure we don’t have to hitch
hike home with some
random serial killer, it’s worth
having some backup in
place, such as a roadside
assistance and recovery
policy. There’s always the
usual suspects such as the
RAC, the AA and Green Flag,
but did you know Adrian Flux
also offer this service, all at a
THE OIL WAS FINE, BUT A DODGY CONNECTION FROM THE ALTERNATOR TO THE BATTERY NEEDED THE RAC’S HELP more competitive price, too?
Flux Rescue offers roadside
the stationary gear bearings. intercooler, the oil cooler is after a quick call to their rescue assistance to help you fix the
With this in mind, when it came hidden away in the front desk RAC man Carl Fell – who car at the side of the road;
to topping up Project RX-8’s oil bumper side vent so it’s not a actually counts a Subaru as his vehicle recovery if your car
we spoke to oil specialist Opie mod for the vain, but rather an own daily driver, top man! – was can’t be fixed and needs to
Oils who stock countless oil essential ingredient in ensuring on the case. So after a new be taken away for repairs;
brands for all types of a long, hassle-free life from your connector, some solder and a home service, for if your car
applications. Obviously, they rotary engine. battery jump later, we were breaks down at home; and
had stock of the Millers Trident ‘So, why did it break down?’ back on our way and still loving even European cover, that
and dispatched it the next day – I hear you cry. Well, it had the RX-8 – Dan also includes a host of other
that’s service! Upon inspection, nothing to do with the engine or benefits that are essential if
the dipstick was just under the oil system, but rather the cable THANKS & CONTACTS you break down abroad.
Adrian Flux
halfway mark, so we added oil that connects the alternator to Flux Rescue cover starts at
www.adrianflux.co.uk
until it was skimming the the battery. There must’ve been just £70 for the first car and
0800 369 8590
maximum marker. Job done! a loose connection causing the then just £15 for additional
One of the other issues that current to arc and melt the Opie Oils cars and covers the car, so
can lead to the untimely demise connector which eventually led www.opieoils.co.uk even if someone else is
of RX-8 engines is excessive to no alternator power to 01209 215164 driving, the car and
heat in the oil system. So, to charge the battery and hence Mishimoto passengers will still be cared
make sure Project Rotary can the RX-8 slowly ground to a halt www.mishimoto.co.uk for. But the best part is, if you
stay cool under pressure, we as the battery eventually 01384 597040 opt to include Flux Rescue as
invested in a Mishimoto oil drained down. RAC part of your car’s annual
cooler with uprated braided Thankfully, as a member of www.RAC.co.uk insurance policy, you will
lines. Unlike a big front mount the RAC, help was at hand, and 0844 891 3558 recieve cover for just £54.99!

IT FELT LIKE A CLICHE TO BREAK DOWN IN AN RX-8, BUT THE TRUTH WAS A SIMPLE NEW CONNECTOR WAS ALL THAT WAS NEEDED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 95
096JAP186 5/24/16 10:56 AM Page 96

THE VERY BEST IN JAPANESE MOTORSPORT!

DON’T MISS SOME OF THE FIERCEST RALLY CARS THE UK HAS EVER SEEN AND FAMOUS MOTORSPORT ICONS!

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Advanced tickets: £8*. Tickets on the gate: £12. *Booking Fee applies. FREE entry for TWO children aged 14 and under when accompanied by a paying
adult, any additional children will be charged at £5 each. All attractions subject to change. Warning motorsport can be dangerous.
next month JULY FINAL.qxp:jp 5/26/16 1:18 PM Page 97

AUGUST issue on sale

14th july 2016

Cool Kenmeri SKyline / slick Toyota supra

Corroded killer track Evo / Time attack EK Civic turbo
wide-arch Impreza wagon warrior / v8-engined rx-7 and S14 and much more!

Advertisement Index
Abbey Motorsport 56 Garage Streamline 25 Mark Richard Insurance 86 TGM Sport Racing 64
ABP Motorsport 30, 31 Glencoe 64, 93 Mishimoto Automotive 17 TTS Performance 6
Adrian Flux 87 Hardrace (Apex Performance) 99 MTEC Brakes 57 Yokohama 65
BC Racing (Apex Performance) 2, 3, 100 Harlow Jap Autos 47 New Era 35
BDC 78 HEL Performance 89 Polybush 48
Cobra Sport 41 JapFest Motorsport Heroes 96 Racing Beat Europe 55
Competition Clutch 15 Jap Performance Parts 48 Rare Rims 64 SUPPLEMENT
Coord Sport 56 Japspeed 72 Santa Pod Raceway 71 Apex Performance Parts
D2 Brakes (Apex Performance) 27 K&N Filters (Europe) 26 Simply Japanese – Beaulieu 41 Competition Clutch
Driftworks 63 Keith Michaels 87 Sky Insurance 86 Moris.co.uk
EBC Brakes 8 Knight Racer 93 Sumo Power 10, 11 RSR Nürburg
EP Racing 26 K-Sport (Apex Performance) 98 Tarox Performance Brakes 83 Samco Sport
Essex Rotary 55 Lateral Performance 49 Tegiwa Imports 4 Superpro Europe Ltd
098JAP185 4/27/16 12:19 PM Page 98
099JAP186 5/26/16 12:13 PM Page 99
100JAP184 3/31/16 4:36 PM Page 100
1 supp cover7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:34 AM Page 1

TAKE IT TO THE

TRACK

BRAKING EXPECTATIONS

JP’S ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

GETTING STARTED IN TRACKDAYS
02JAPSUP186 5/26/16 12:22 PM Page 2
3 intro-contents7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:33 AM Page 3

SPONSORED BY TAKE IT TO THE

TRACK

WELCOME WHAT’S IN?

4 TOP TRACK CARS

W 10 BE PREPARED
hen it comes to pushing your car and your driving
skills to the limit, race circuits are the only real place
you can do this without fear of spending quality time 12 GO-FASTER GEAR
with the boys in blue or medical professionals. In our last
supplement, which came free with the May issue, we 16 TOP TRACK TECH
introduced you to some of the most accessible motorsports
in the UK and highlighted that competing with your car is 18 TRACK INSURANCE
actually a lot easier, and cheaper, than you may think.
However, if the thought of going door-to-door with your pride 20 SAFETY ESSENTIALS
and joy is still too steep a step up for a track novice, then
there’s still a way to get your circuit fix that comes with a lot 23 UK CIRCUIT GUIDE
less pressure to perform.
There are countless trackdays that run at venues all 28 DRIVE THE ‘RING
across the country that cater for everyone from novice
drivers to hardened circuit veterans, and offer a great way to 30 CONTACTS
lose your track-driving virginity without the additional stress
of competition to spoil the fun. In fact, these purpose-run
days can become extremely addictive and, once you’ve got 12
the bug, you’ll soon be wanting more!
To ensure your first time on track goes without a hitch,
we’ve compiled this guide to help you make the most of your
day; from which cars make the best trackday rides, to the
basic modifications to take your car to the next level, plus the
essential safety kit you need and how to ensure you’re
covered should the worst happen. We’ve even given you a
breakdown of the UK’s top tracks to help you decided which
one takes your fancy first!
So, if you’ve never ventured out onto the circuit, but have
always wanted to give it a go, check out our essential guide
to getting started in trackdays and pop your trackday cherry.
Trust us, you won’t regret it!
10
Dan Sherwood, EDITOR

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 3
4-8 Top Track Carsv7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:10 AM Page 4

SPONSORED BY

TOP TRACK CARS

WHEN IT COMES TO TEARING UP THE TRACK, WHETHER YOU’RE A
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE OR EXPERT, HAVING THE RIGHT CAR IS THE
FIRST PART OF THE EQUATION IN GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR
DAY. HERE ARE JP’S TOP PICKS FOR TRACKDAY HEAVEN

T
rackdays are undoubtedly the best way to get the most out of – your ride will be worked far harder on track – whilst respectable
your Japanese performance car – but which models are most performance and handling in standard form means you’ll have to
suited to screaming round a track and allowing you to extract spend less on improving it. Affordable and easily obtainable
the maximum performance and minimal lap times, all with the trackday spare parts (like oils, brake fluid, brake discs and pads,
biggest grin on your face? tyres and clutches) are an important factor, too, as is decent
A decent trackday car ideally wants to be as light as possible to standard braking. Aside from how it performs out of the box, it’s
ensure swift acceleration, efficient braking and composed cornering also worth considering the availability and price of the modifications
all without putting too much stress on its various components. But you’ll want to undertake as you gain experience and want to push
light weight must not come at the compromise of a weak bodyshell things to the next level. We’ve looked at all the main contenders
– too much flexing will upset the handling, and you also need to and picked our top nine choices, with a front-wheel drive, rear-
know you’re going to walk away from a crash. wheel drive and four-wheel drive option for each level of ability from
A durable engine and mechanicals are an essential attribute, too beginner to intermediate and expert.

BEGINNER
FWD: TOYOTA GLANZA V TURBO (EP91) 1995–1999 £4000–£6000

The JDM-only EP91 Toyota Glanza V was Race Tech Motorsport, the key thing is to
TECH SPEC launched in 1995, replacing the Starlet GT sort out the engine mapping first:
ENGINE 1331CC 4CYL TURBO Turbo. Following a similar format, it boasts ‘Remapping the stock ECU isn’t possible,
MAX POWER 133BHP & 116LB FT
TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL a lightweight 920kg chassis, and a small so we’d recommend a GReddy Emanage
MAX SPEED 130MPH but punchy 1.3-litre 16-valve twin-cam Blue piggyback ECU.’ Combined with a
0–62MPH 8.2 SECONDS
turbocharged engine. Performance at the less restrictive exhaust, a front-mount
stock 0.8bar of boost isn’t amazing, but intercooler and an induction kit the stock
with a simple tweaks and 1.2bar of boost engine is good for nearly 200bhp, but to
performance is transformed. Claiming a go higher you’ll need a larger TD04 turbo
more upmarket feel than the Starlet, the plus forged internals. Upgrade the pads
Glanza boasts contemporary interior and discs, too, if this is your target, and
styling, 14in alloys, a limited-slip diff, consider a stronger clutch as well.
Recaro seats and rear strut brace.
Watch out for blown turbos, rusty I KEY CONTACTS
bodywork, accident damage, leaking www.ukstarletclub.com
head gaskets, blowing exhaust manifolds www.ukstarletowners.com
and worn suspension components. www.glanza.co.uk
With few standard cars out there, www.race-tech.net
chances are you’ll be buying a Glanza www.fensport.co.uk
with mods already fitted. And according to

4 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
4-8 Top Track Carsv7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:10 AM Page 5

TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK
RWD: NISSAN 200SX (S14) 1994–2001 £3000–£5500
demand. Look out for rust (around wheel
arches, suspension turrets and boot floor),
TECH SPEC body damage, worn shock absorbers and
ENGINE 1998CC 4CYL TURBO
MAX POWER 197BHP & 195LB FT bushes, and failing clutches. Make sure
TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL it’s had regular oil changes as blocked oil
MAX SPEED 146MPH
0–62MPH 7.3SEC feeds can lead to camshaft wear and
big-end failure.
The S14’s gearing isn’t set-up for low-
speed acceleration, but stage 1 mods will
easily provide 0–60 times in the fives.
Don’t run too much boost – 15psi is a
sensible limit for a stage 1 car. Any higher
and the injectors could max out. So any
tuning beyond an air filter and exhaust
should include uprated injectors, a Walbro
fuel pump, cooler-running spark plugs
and a properly remapped ECU. This
should deliver around 280bhp. Any more
requires a front-mount intercooler, too.
On track, standard clutches and
brakes wear out quickly, so uprated items
are wise, while coilovers make a big
difference to the handling.

I KEY CONTACTS
Reliable and tunable, the S14 200SX is 146mph. The front-engined, rear-wheel- www.sxoc.com
the ride of choice for many drift drive setup is ideal for the track and the www.norrisdesigns.com
enthusiasts. Launched in 1994, (1996 for combination of impressive steering www.ap-tuning.co.uk
the S14a) its 197bhp SR20DET 2.0-litre feedback and precise gear-changes www.japspeed.co.uk
turbocharged engine is good for at least allows easily controllable tail-out action on www.abbeymotorsport.co.uk

4WD: SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 1993–2000 £2000–£5000

With leech-like grip, turbocharged grunt

and oodles of WRC heritage the Impreza is
a rally car for the road and a hoot on track,
too. And whilst the passage of time may
have dented Subaru’s sporting credentials,
a mint-condition classic Impreza is still
fantastic to drive and own.
Built to last and hugely practical, too,
most now boast aftermarket wheels,
suspension, bodywork and exhausts.
Regular servicing is critical, with oil
changes needed every six months plus
new spark plugs, brake fluid, transmission
and diff oil every two years; and a new cam
belt every three. Look out for knocking
engines, worn turbos, rattling exhaust
heatshields, shredded clutches, stone-
chipped bonnets, warped brake discs and
tired suspension bushes.
There are plenty of tuners to help modify
your Impreza, and the sky’s the limit when
it comes to performance upgrades. The
WRX is just so versatile, as Kevin Knight at
Scooby Clinic emphasises: ‘We’ve seen
Imprezas with 150,000-plus miles on them I KEY CONTACTS
and they still drive like new, with no rattles www.sidc.com
TECH SPEC
or squeaks and the engines still producing ENGINE 1994CC 4CYL TURBO www.scoobynet.com
MAX POWER 240BHP & 224LB FT www.scoobyclinic.com
good power.’ An air filter, a boost controller TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL
– or better still a replacement ECU such as MAX SPEED 143MPH www.rogerclarkmotorsport.co.uk
a Syvecs – and a sports exhaust will easily 0–60MPH 5.6 SECONDS www.scoobyworld.co.uk
liberate close to 300bhp.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 5
4-8 Top Track Carsv7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:11 AM Page 6

SPONSORED BY

INTERMEDIATE
FWD: HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R (EP3) 2001–2005 £2000–£6000

handling – perfect for budding track

TECH SPEC
ENGINE 1998CC 4CYL VTEC warriors. When buying, check for misfires
MAX POWER 197BHP & 145LB FT and delayed throttle response.
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MANUAL
MAX SPEED 146MPH Heatshields can rattle and listen out for
0–60MPH 6.6 SECONDS any knocking from perished bushes, or
untoward noises when changing gears.
Some owners also report excessive oil
consumption from worn engines.
Already highly-tuned from the factory,
normally-aspirated tuning can still liberate
up to 40bhp as long as you select a
decent cold-air intake, a revised intake
manifold, a high-flow exhaust and a
properly-mapped ECU such as a Hondata
K100. Supercharging is the step to big
power gains with TT-S Performance
offering kits capable of up to 500bhp! A
limited slip diff is essential to make the
most of any power upgrades, and there
are plenty of options for coilovers and
adjustable arms to ensure peerless
handling.
Seminal styling, epic reliability and produces 197bhp, which is enough to
exciting handling makes Honda’s high- beat sixty in just 6.6 seconds – whilst the I KEY CONTACTS
revving second generation Civic Type-R a dash-mounted rifle-bolt gear-change www.type-r-owners.co.uk
near-perfect trackday buy. allows you to make the very best of a www.civictype-r.co.uk
The EP3 Type-R is still the benchmark potential 8000 revs. www.eurospec2000.co.uk
for every young pretender to the hot hatch With strong braking and a light clutch, www.tts-performance.co.uk
throne. The K20 2.0-litre VTEC engine the Civic delivers excellent front-drive www.tegiwaimports.com

RWD: NISSAN 350Z 2003–2009 £4500–£13,500

Boasting contemporary styling, impressive
performance and fine handling, a simple
remap and new exhaust can add TECH SPEC
ENGINE 3498CC V6
20–30bhp, producing a very tasty and MAX POWER 276–309BHP &
affordable trackday ride. 260–274LB FT
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MANUAL
Launched in Japan in 2003 the 350Z’s WEIGHT 1446 TO 1521KG
3.5-litre V6 engine originally produced MAX SPEED 155MPH
0–62MPH 5.7 TO 5.9SEC
276bhp, which rose to 296bhp in 2006
and 309bhp in 2007 with plenty of torque
for easy overtaking. The low-slung interior
is a great place for attacking the track with
the weighty and direct steering and beefy
gearchange inspiring confidence. 18in
RAYS alloy wheels were optional, but
became standard from 2006.
Despite an impressive reliability record,
check for oil leaks and fully functioning
electrics. Older cars may have worn
shocks and perished bushes, too.
Wise owners fit a grounding kit to
steady the idle, and a plenum spacer to
get the air flowing freely before
considering any further modifications.
A piggyback ECU or a proper I KEY CONTACTS
remap/reflash is essential to get the best www.350zuk.com
from other modifications. Jez Horsham emphasises that you don’t need a www.350zclub.org
from Horsham Developments rates the huge budget to tune them: ‘With an www.japspeed.co.uk
Zed’s handling: ‘With a few modifications, exhaust system, cold air induction and www.h-dev.co.uk
it’s fantastic – with great driver feedback.’ some handling upgrades, it changes www.abbeymotorsport.co.uk
And Mark Gillam, at Abbey Motorsport, the car completely.’

6 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
4-8 Top Track Carsv7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:11 AM Page 7

TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK
4WD: MITSUBISHI EVO VII MR 2004–2005 £12,000–£20,000
If you fancy a four-wheel drive track car
TECH SPEC
you can’t go wrong with an Evo or ENGINE 1997CC 4CYL TURBO
Impreza. But whilst there are more STis to MAX POWER 286BHP & 295LB FT
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MANUAL
choose from, it’s the Mitsubishi that MAX SPEED 157MPH
boasts greater trackday kudos. 0–60MPH 4.7 SECONDS
Known for embarrassing exotica,
lightning acceleration and awesome grip,
Evos will deliver in all weather conditions.
And although earlier incarnations are
cheaper, you’ll need to spend more
making them track-ready. Our advice is to
splash out on an Evo VIII MR – so you
don’t have to spend much on mods.
Scour the bodywork for signs of damage
and check for loose vacuum hoses, failed
coil packs and any knocking from the
engine. Clutches wear out quickly and
cars with difficult gear changes or
knocking from the drive-shafts or
suspension are best avoided.
The VIII MR is so good out of the box
that brake pads, an exhaust and an ECU
remap is about all you need for trackdays.
And performance and grip are so good I KEY CONTACTS
that any extra money is best spent on www.lancerregister.com
more trackdays, rather than increasing www.evo-owners.co.uk
power still further with expensive turbo or www.rosssport.com
stroker kits. poly items and perhaps adding uprated www.nr-autosport.com
Upgrading the suspension would Whiteline anti-roll bars and strut braces www.euro-spec2000.co.uk
simply require replacing old bushes with when required.

EXPERT
FWD: HONDA INTEGRA DC5 2001–2006 £6000–£12,500
achieving a near neutral balance allowing
TECH SPEC you to attack corners with confidence.
ENGINE 1998CC 4CYL VTEC Watch out for signs of crash damage,
MAX POWER 216BHP & 152LB FT
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MANUAL worn seats, knocking from the suspension
MAX SPEED 146MPH and worn wheel bearings.
0–60MPH 6.2 SECONDS
Worn suspension bushes are common
on DC5s, so fitting polyurethane items,
alongside a set of coilovers makes a lot of
sense for trackdays. The standard brakes
are fine for occasional track use, but if
you’re a regular then you’ll need uprated
pads and discs or a complete big brake
kit. To improve breathing an exhaust and
induction kit are essential, followed by a
remap (or a Hondata K100/K-Pro
replacement ECU). A performance
manifold and high-lift cams will add power,
too, but after that you’re looking at a
supercharger or turbocharger kit.

As a Touring Car racer Honda’s DC5 K20A VTEC motor and pin-point handling.
Integra Type-R boasts all the trackday Reliability is top notch, too, and the I KEY CONTACTS
credentials you could wish for. A rare sight standard spec includes a close-ratio six- www.itr-dc5.com
on UK roads it was never an official speed manual transmission, Brembo www.type-r-owners.co.uk
Honda import, but is still available via brakes and Recaro front seats. www.eurospec2000.co.uk
import dealers and private sales. The precise steering and excellent www.tdi-north.com
The DC5 claims a screaming 216bhp front-wheel drive setup resists understeer, www.tgmsport.co.uk

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 7
4-8 Top Track Carsv7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:11 AM Page 8

SPONSORED BY

RWD: MAZDA RX-7 FD 1991–2002 £6000–£12,000

distribution, a sub-1300kg kerb weight,
fantastic brakes, brilliant handling and
TECH SPEC huge grip (thanks to double wishbone
MAZDA RX-7 (1992 UK MODEL)
ENGINE 1308CC TWIN-ROTOR, style suspension) and of course rear-
TWIN-TURBO wheel drive, the FD RX-7 is a real all-
MAX POWER 237BHP & 218LB FT
TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL rounder making it an excellent trackday
MAX SPEED 156MPH option. Before handing over your cash,
0–60MPH 5.3 SECONDS complete an engine compression check –
low compression indicates worn apex
seals meaning an expensive rebuild, and
a gurgling sound when a hot engine is
turned off could signal water seal failure.
A rebuilt engine with impeccable
provenance is a real bonus. You will find
RX-7s fitted with a number of different
single and twin turbos that can give
massive increases in power, but make
sure they have the fuelling to match.
The manual gearbox is very robust –
but an uprated clutch will be needed on
high power examples. New suspension
bushes will transform the ride and
handling. Standard braking is fine for road
use, but for regular track work you should
upgrade the discs and pads.

I KEY CONTACTS
www.mazdarotaryclub.com
First introduced in 1992, the third continually updated until its final year in www.fduk.org
generation RX-7 was a revelation. The 2002, the basic recipe stayed the same. www.mazdarotaryparts.com
styling was ahead of its time, and still With the 13B twin-rotor engine, twin www.apexrotary.com
looks fresh today. Although it was sequential turbos, 50-50 weight www.pettitracing.co.uk

4WD: NISSAN R35 GT-R 2007–PRESENT £35,000–£75,000

Easily the most expensive car on our list,

but also the most potential for performance, TECH SPEC I KEY CONTACTS
the Nissan GT-R has all the right ingredients (ORIGINAL 2009 UK MODEL) www.gtr.co.uk
for a ballistic road car, and a serious track ENGINE 3799CC V6 TWIN TURBO
www.gtroc.org
MAX POWER 478BHP & 434LB FT
car, too. Launched in Japan in 2007, the www.severnvalleymotorsport.co.uk
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH
first official UK imports didn’t arrive until MAX SPEED 195MPH www.knightracer.com
2009. Powered by a 478bhp, 3799cc, V6 0–62MPH 3.5 SECONDS ww.litchfieldimports.co.uk
VR38DETT engine, with two IHI
turbochargers, 62mph takes just 3.5
seconds and tops out at almost 200mph,
although with every revision power has
increased and the sprint to sixty decreased.
With such a capable platform, even the
most experienced trackday enthusiast will
struggle to find the GT-R’s limits, but for
those that can, there is a wealth of tuning
options to push things even further.
The R35’s massive tunability means
aftermarket parts produce great gains,
allowing you to get more bang for your
buck than almost any other tuned car.
Typical engine upgrades such as an
uprated exhaust, air filters and a remapped
ECU can give around 600bhp and similar
torque, and even on standard internals and
turbochargers you can get a reliable,
supercar smashing 650bhp.
Note that on a Nissan GT-R you can also
adjust the gearbox functions, launch
control, ignition, fuelling and variable valve
timing all as part of the remap.

8 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
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10-11 track prep 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:16 AM Page 10

SPONSORED BY

FAIL TO PREPARE,
PREPARE TO FAIL
JP’S GUIDE TO TRACK PREPPING YOUR CAR

R
ace circuits are the perfect place to push your driving skills to
the max, but you must ensure your car is ready for the stress. PICKING YOUR DAY
Following this simple guide before you go will enhance your With loads of events each month all over the country, finding a
enjoyment and take a lot of the fear out of it. It should also help trackday to suit won’t be an issue, but here are a few things to
you bring your pride and joy home in one piece! consider before booking:
Noise limits: This is set by the local council and will be
strictly enforced. So if you’ve got a loud aftermarket exhaust,
get the dB levels checked. If your car is too loud, you will have
to find a way to quieten it, or you won’t be allowed on track.
Format: You have two main choices: ‘session’ or ‘open
pitlane’. The former groups similar ability drivers in 20–30
minute sessions – this is probably the best bet for newbies.
Open pitlane days offer as little or as much track time as you
want (as long as the maximum number of cars on track isn’t
exceeded), but usually cost more, as numbers have to be
restricted by the organiser.
Instruction: Check if there is an ARDS (Association of Race
Driving Schools) instructor on hand. You’ll find a 20-minute
session (about £30–40), with your own personal Stig, will teach
you loads and boost your confidence no end.

10 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
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TAKE IT TO THE

ON THE DAY
TRACK
AT THE TRACK YOU’LL GET A
SHORT BRIEFING THAT COVERS
THE FORMAT AND RULES FOR
THE DAY AND THE FLAG
SIGNALS. THE MAIN RULES
COVER HOW AND WHEN YOU
CAN OVERTAKE AND THAT
YOU MUST NOT RACE! TRACK
MARSHALS POSITIONED
AROUND THE CIRCUIT
MONITOR THIS CLOSELY AND
ANYONE BREAKING THIS
IMPORTANT RULE WILL BE
IMMEDIATELY PULLED IN TO
EXPLAIN THEMSELVES. ON
YOUR FIRST FEW LAPS, YOU
PROBABLY WON’T BE
FAMILIAR WITH THE TRACK
AND YOUR TYRES WILL BE
COLD. DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO
GO FOR IT STRAIGHT AWAY AS tyres – such as slicks or semi-slicks – is a nicety, but not a
THIS IS PROBABLY THE TIME
YOU ARE MOSTLY LIKELY TO necessity. Normal road wheels and tyres will be fine in most
HAVE AN OFF! START SLOW cases, just make sure the rubber has plenty of tread (you’ll have
AND BUILD UP SPEED AS
YOUR CONFIDENCE GROWS to drive home afterwards, remember) and that pressures are at
AND TYRES WARM UP. the recommended levels. It’s also worth giving your wheel nuts
THROWING THE CAR AROUND
MIGHT BE FUN, BUT IF YOU a good torquing too, as you don’t want your rims departing
OVERDO IT, YOU MAY down the main straight!
UNSETTLE THE CAR AND RISK
GOING OFF (PLUS IT WILL
TAKE ITS TOLL ON THE CAR BRAKES
WITH PARTS WEARING OUT Your brakes will be put under much greater pressure on a
FASTER!). CONCENTRATE ON
DRIVING SMOOTHLY. AIM FOR trackday, as you brake hard and regularly from high speeds,
GETTING BRAKING POINTS increasing brake temperatures and wear. A larger multi-piston
AND CORNER APEXES RIGHT.
GET YOUR GEAR CHANGES setup is ideal, but with careful monitoring of their condition, normal
AND BRAKING DONE IN A road brakes should be fine. Ideally, it’s best to have at least three-
STRAIGHT LINE BEFORE quarters of your pad material remaining before any trackday.
TURNING INTO A CORNER
THEN FEED THE POWER IN Running with destroyed pads will dramatically reduce your
GENTLY AS YOU EXIT THE stopping capacity and quickly kill your discs. It could be worth
CORNER AND DON’T FORGET
TO WIND THE STEERING LOCK looking at uprated pads before the day, but remember to bed
OFF AS YOU EXIT. PRACTICE them in properly before doing any heavy braking on track. Brake
KEEPING STEERING INPUTS
TO A MINIMUM. fluid is also important, as higher temperatures increase the risk
AFTER A SESSION, ALWAYS of boiling the fluid. A good tip is to make sure the brake fluid
COMPLETE A COOL-DOWN LAP you have is reasonably fresh.
TO GET SOME AIR TO THE
BRAKES, ENGINE AND THE
TRANSMISSION, AND ONCE
STOPPED IN THE PITS DON’T
BODYWORK
APPLY THE HANDBRAKE, AS Check that there is no loose bodywork and ideally that the
THE PADS CAN FUSE headlights are taped-up. This way, if the worst happens and you
THEMSELVES TO THE DISCS IF
YOU’VE BEEN USING THEM lose a light, broken plastic or glass won’t be scattered over the
HARD. POPPING THE BONNET circuit to cause punctures for following vehicles. Some people will
WILL HELP COOL THE ENGINE, remove one of the headlights completely, which helps gain
TOO, WHICH GIVES YOU A
CHANCE TO DOUBLE-CHECK additional airflow to the air filter behind. Splitters, spoilers and
YOUR FLUID LEVELS. ALSO, skirts can aid track driving, but won’t generate any usable
CHECK THE TYRES AGAIN FOR
EXCESSIVE WEAR AND THAT downforce, merely modify the car’s pitch and reduce lift. Swapping
THE PRESSURES ARE STILL OK, heavy steel body panels for lightweight carbon items will improve
AND THAT ALL THE
WHEELNUTS ARE TIGHT your car’s performance – due to a higher power-to-weight ratio –
but make sure you retain the front-to-rear weight balance.

PREPPING THE CAR INTERIOR

Assuming your car is in good, general condition (a recent service Inside, remove anything loose in the door pockets and footwells
is advantageous), here are the most important things to check. that could become a missile under heavy braking or acceleration,
or worse, get jammed under a pedal.
FLUIDS For the more serious trackday fiend, a bucket seat with
Ensure that your oil and coolant are up to their maximum marks – harnesses is a good move, as is removing extra weight like the
take extra with you so you can top up during the day if required. rear seats, passenger seat and excess plastic trim. Rollcages are a
High cornering speeds on track make the oil in your sump move good option if you are a trackday regular and are concerned about
around much more than on the road and can force it away from safety in the event of a crash, but are generally not compulsory
your oil pump pick-up, which can lead to oil starvation and engine unless you are competing in a regulated series. Video cameras
failure, which is why most race cars have baffled sumps. However, need to be securely mounted without causing an obstruction and
this situation is also much more likely if you have low oil levels, so most trackday organisers will want you to sign a disclaimer that
make sure you’re properly lubed up. Also, your coolant will be states the footage is for private use only.
working overtime to keep a caned engine cool, so keep an eye on
it throughout the day if you want to avoid a cooked engine and
blown head gasket. Coolant additives such as Water Wetter can LEAVE IT TO THE PROS
help keep temps down, too. IF YOU’RE NOT CONFIDENT IN YOUR SPANNER-WIELDING SKILLS AND
WANT A PROFESSIONAL TO CHECK OVER YOUR CAR PRIOR TO LETTING
IT LOOSE ON TRACK, THERE ARE VARIOUS TUNERS WHO CAN OFFER
WHEELS AND TYRES PRE-TRACKDAY TESTS. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR £180, TORQUE
DEVELOPMENTS INTERNATIONAL IN THURROCK OFFER AN EXTENSIVE
Having a dedicated set of lightweight trackday wheels and sticky 26-POINT CHECK TO ENSURE YOUR CAR IS FIT TO HIT THE TRACK

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SPONSORED BY

BUCKET SEATS
AND HARNESSES
Standard seats don’t give you
the support you need on track,
so fit an FIA-approved bucket
seat such as those from
Corbeau and a set of race
harnesses from Luke or Takata
whilst you’re at it.

BRAKE KIT
Part of putting fast laps
together is the ability to
reduce speed quickly. The GO-
FASTER
quicker you can reduce
speed, make a turn and be
back on the power, the faster
your lap will be. A big brake
kit will represent a significant

GOODIES
financial outlay but you will LIMITED SLIP DIFF
generally only have to buy Changing an open diff
just once (unless you change to a limited slip diff (LSD)
to a different car, of course!). can transform the level
of grip and traction you
ONCE YOU’VE REACHED THE have, especially in a
LIMIT OF YOUR CAR, THERE ARE powerful front-wheel drive
car. Geared, auto torque
NUMEROUS WAYS TO IMPROVE biasing and plate-type
ITS PERFORMANCE. CHECK OUT diffs are offered from
the likes of Quaife, Kaaz
OUR LIST OF RECOMMENDED and Gripper and are
designed to increase
MODS TO REDUCE YOUR LAPTIME driven-wheel traction by
reducing wheelspin.

ENGINE PROTECTION
Oil coolers, baffled sumps and fuel
swirl pots are all designed to keep
Fitting a race brake kit with your engine safe and are worth
trackday or race pads is one considering early in your car
of the best modifications you build. An uprated radiator
can make, allowing you to is also a wise move to keep
brake harder and later and the engine operating in its ideal
giving you the confidence temperature range.
that when you push the All are available through US cooling
brake pedal, your brakes will gurus Mishimoto
still be there! Budget brake and Mocal, which is available
kits from the likes of D2 and through distributors Think
K-Sport are available right up Automotive.
to super expensive kits from
AP Racing and Alcon.

12
12-13 track mods 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:22 AM Page 13

TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK

COILOVERS
Lowering a car reduces the centre of gravity for greater grip.
A good quality coilover suspension kit from the likes of Ohlins,
BC Racing or Nitron will allow you to do this with the added
benefit of adjustable dampers. Adjusting damping rates front
to rear will allow you to alter the handling characteristics of
your car to dial out excessive understeer or oversteer to make
the car handle how you want it to.

SAFETY
If you plan on attending a lot
of trackdays or are building a
dedicated trackday car, a
rollcage is an absolute must
to protect yourself. Many
manufacturers, such as OMP,
Custom Cages or The Roll
Centre offer rear and full cages
of both bolt-in and weld-in types.
BASIC CAR UPGRADES
REDUCE WEIGHT TYRES
BUDGET TYRES ARE USELESS ON TRACK. A LACK OF ANY REAL GRIP
The cheapest way to improve CAN CAUSE RWD CARS TO SPIN OFF BACKWARDS AND FWD CARS TO
performance is to strip the UNDERSTEER OFF THE TRACK. FITTING A PERFORMANCE TYRE OR A
DEDICATED TRACKDAY TYRE WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST INITIAL
interior of your car – how far UPGRADES YOU CAN MAKE. CONSIDER TOYO R888S, FEDERAL 595
you go will depend upon RS-RS, NANGKANG NS2-RS, OR YOKOHAMA AD08RS. THESE TYRES ARE
whether the car is destined DESIGNED TO RESIST HEAT BUILD-UP, TRANSFORMING THE LEVELS OF
GRIP YOU HAVE AVAILABLE. THEY WON’T WEAR OUT AS QUICKLY
for track use only or whether AS BUDGET RUBBER, EITHER!
you still need it for the daily
commute. Carpets and trim, BRAKES
sound deadening and stereos HEAVIER CARS WILL SOON OVERCOME THE STANDARD BRAKING
SYSTEM, AS IT WILL NOT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO PERFORM HALF A
all add to the weight that your DOZEN EMERGENCY STOPS EVERY MILE OR SO! FITTING SOME
engine has to drag around a RACE-SPEC PADS WILL HELP RESIST THE BUILD-UP OF HOT GASES
AND STOP YOU MUCH BETTER THAN STOCK OR FAST ROAD PADS, AND
track. Removing these USING A HIGHER DOT RATED BRAKE FLUID WILL HELP RESIST BOILING
instantly improves power-to- MUCH BETTER THAN STANDARD FLUID, TOO. CONSIDER FERODO
weight ratio for a faster, better DS2500 TRACK PADS OR EBC YELLOWSTUFF PADS, YOU WILL BE ABLE
TO BRAKE HARDER AND THEREFORE LATER, WHICH INCREASES
handling car. OVERALL SPEED

SUSPENSION
STANDARD SUSPENSION IS DESIGNED TO BE A COMPROMISE BETWEEN
PERFORMANCE AND ROAD COMFORT BUT YOU WILL SOON FIND IT
IMPROVE GRIP AND HANDLING TOO SOFT FOR TRACK USE ALLOWING THE BODY TO ROLL TOO MUCH,
Simply put, for the greatest cornering grip, your tyres need to be OVERWORKING THE TYRES AND REDUCING GRIP. FITTING A SET OF
UPRATED SPRINGS FROM THE LIKES OF EIBACH, GAZ, KW OR TEIN WILL
in full contact with the track during cornering. A fully adjustable LOWER THE CAR’S CENTRE OF GRAVITY AND CONTROL BODY-ROLL
(camber, caster and toe) setup will allow you to achieve this BETTER FOR AN INCREASE IN GRIP AND CONTROL
whether you adjust the car yourself or have an alignment
specialist do it for you. Uprated anti-roll bars, such as those from
Whiteline, also help in fine-tuning the handling characteristics.
Suspension top mounts and polyurethane bushes and engine
and gearbox mounts will reduce movement in the suspension
system keeping your alignment where it should be and reduce
unwanted rotational movement in the drivetrain that
can upset cornering balance. Check out Polybush
who stock a full range for most cars. Chassis
brace bars and strut tower bars have a similar effect
in that they reduce chassis flex reducing geometry
changes during cornering. They can also add extra
strength to the chassis in critical areas and are
available through Sparco, OMP and Forge.

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16-17 track techV2 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:23 AM Page 16

WIRELESS STEERING
WHEEL BUTTON
CONTROL SYSTEM
The ‘Raptor’ is an eight-channel steering
wheel panel that features wireless RF button
controls. The panel fits to a wide range of
aftermarket steering wheels, is fully user
configurable and each button can be set to perform
as a momentary, latching or flashing action. This
provides the ability to control almost every user-
operated vehicle function, with lap timers, horn, HD CAMERA
traction control, launch control, wipers, fans, ‘flash When it comes to discreet
to pass’ lighting and radio communication being video cameras Replay’s
among the most popular applications. XD720 HD is about as good
The panel is powered by a single as you’re going to get.
3-volt CR2032 battery with an Roughly the same size as a
accompanying 12-volt receiver tube of lip balm means it’s
module mounted in the car. perfect for when space is at a
Price: £511.19 minimum such as behind
Contact: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk front grilles, bumper inlets or
or call 0844 815 8610 on your car’s dashboard.
The camera stores around
two-hours of footage on a
single charge and comes with

TRACKDAY
a 4GB memory card, but can
utilise any memory card size
up to 32GB.
Price: $199
Contact: www.replayxd.com

TECH THERE’S TONS OF TOP TRACK-BASED GADGETS

OUT THERE TO SUIT THE TECHIEST OF TRACK FANS

ACTIVE DAMPERS
Tweaking the damping settings on your coilovers can be
tricky as the controls are often tucked away out of reach.
With TEIN’s EDFC Active and a set of compatible TEIN
coilovers, however, a dash mounted electronic controller
makes it possible to adjust damping force from the driver's
seat by controlling stepping motors installed on each shock
absorber. Settings can be stored for race, street and comfort
and recalled in an instant and a built-in G-Sensor also allows
G-force actuated automatic adjustment while driving and an
additional automatic speed-sensitive adjustment feature is
available with the use of an optional GPS kit.
Price: From £565.20 depending on options
Contact: www.tein.co.uk or 01908 632681

SHIFT LIGHT
The Omex
sequential shift light
is based on the
systems used in
Formula 1 and BTCC. With
four high-power colour LEDs in an
external module which light incrementally as
you approach the shift point, you’ll be able to time your
shifts to perfection. The LEDs can be programmed to
light at varying intervals and the shift point can be set
from 2000 to 20,000rpm.
Price: £132
Contact: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk

16 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
16-17 track techV2 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:24 AM Page 17

TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK
LIGHTWEIGHT RACE
BATTERY
A car’s standard battery is often
one of the first items to shed in a DASH LOGGER DISPLAY
bid to reduce weight. Fortunately, AIM Motorsport’s MXG editable dash display
your motor’s chunky box of power utilises an extra wide, high contrast, 7in TFT
can be replaced with a lightweight screen for use in serious motorsport
alternative such as the Ballistic machines. It’s a hugely comprehensive piece of
EV02 race battery. Designed and kit with an integrated shift light, selective alert LEDs,
built in the USA, it weighs just 1.6kg and is WiFi connectivity (to allow you to download, analyse
suitable for engines up to 3.0-litre. Measuring just and calibrate your captured data) and is fully
122x86x148mm with 500 cranking amps, the EV02 has a compatible for use with the AIM SmartCam HD and
proven track record thanks to its use in the British Touring with over 500 popular ECUs.
Car Championship. Price: £1740
Price: £299.99 Contact: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk
Contact: www.racecarbattery.co.uk or call 01474 771800 or call 0844 815 8630

IN-CAR CAMERA SUPPORT

Small, lightweight cameras capable of high definition video
and image capture have been a huge hit with trackday
drivers, unfortunately, many of the mounts that come as part
of popular in-car camera packages fail to meet safety
standards as they’re not capable of being reliably attached
(think suction cups). Made of high grade aluminium and
stainless steel, the Headrestmount clamps to your car’s
headrest pillars and uses the industry standard quarter inch
tripod thread to allow compatibility with virtually all personal
cameras. It is also approved for circuit use.
Price: From £144 (other arms and posts are available)
Contact: www.demontweeks.co.uk or call 0844 815 8610

MAGNETIC CAMBER GAUGE

Measuring camber angle by magnetically attaching
itself to a wheel hub or brake disc, the PowerAlign
allows for on-car adjustment to ensure correct wheel
alignment by graduating between values of minus and
plus six degrees. Supplied in a durable storage case,
this gauge could prove to be an ideal trackday
companion to those piloting competition cars.
Price: £39.99
Contact: www.powerflex.co.uk
or call 01895 460033
DIGI DASH
MoTeC’s CDL3 dash display
is compatible with either a
trick MoTec ECU or your car’s
factory unit. The CDL3 comes
as either a ‘Track Display Kit’
that simply displays all of the
important attributes such as
speedo, tacho and oil
pressure, or an all-singing,
all-dancing data-logging kit
that has the ability to record HELMET & BOOTS DRYER
8Meg worth of ECU readings. We all know it’s not a pleasant experience putting on a
The MoTeC display also stale smelling helmet or damp boots before hitting the
comes with plug-and-play track, so this helmet and boot dryer from Peet
ease of use with the popular Advantage has a built-in heating element and fan that
OBD2 and Can Bus blows warm air through your helmet or boots via
connections available. specially designed ‘dry ports’. The fast drying action
Price: Track Display Kit leaves your soggy boots or helmet dry and fresh in
£1918 around 1–3 hours.
Contact: www.motec.com Price: £142.76
or 08700 119100 Contact: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 17
18 Insurancev7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:25 AM Page 18

SPONSORED BY

GET COVERED!
TRACKDAYS ARE GREAT FUN, BUT YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR
INSURANCE WILL COVER YOU SHOULD THE WORST HAPPEN…

P
lanning and attending a trackday can 6. WHAT IF I BLOW UP MY ENGINE OR 12. ARE SPECIALIST PAINTWORK AND
be an exciting experience. You’ve KNACKER MY TRANSMISSION? AFTERMARKET OR MODIFIED PARTS
researched the track and the best lines No, only damage that has occured through COVERED BY THE POLICY?
through each corner to put in your perfect the impact of an accident is covered. Most No, only the cost of standard paintwork and
lap, and tweaked your car to offer trackday policies will not cover costs that parts are covered unless the policy has
maximum performance, but before you get are otherwise attributed to wear, tear and been otherwise specifically extended to
swept away with the day, make sure you deterioration or mechanical abuse. cover these specific parts, which will incur
take a moment to check your insurance 7. WHAT IF I CRASH DUE TO SUSPENSION an additional charge.
cover. Most road policies won’t cover FAILURE OR A TYRE BLOW-OUT? 13. DOES THE POLICY COVER
trackdays unless you have told them in Yes. Insurers will pay for any resultant TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE COSTS
advance and likely paid an additional accident damage but won’t pay for the cost IF I CAN’T GET THE CAR HOME?
premium, while some will simply not cover of the item(s) that have simply broken or Unless specifically agreed, most policies do
you full stop, so it’s always best to check. stopped working which may have caused not cover the costs of removal or
There are also specialist brokers, such as the accident. transportation of the damaged vehicle or
Moris.co.uk that deal with trackday policies 8. DOES IT MATTER WHICH CIRCUIT I storage, but this can often be added to the
and can provide appropriate cover to WANT TO DRIVE ON? policy for an additional fee and often comes
ensure you’re protected if you have an While most UK circuits are able to be with a maximum limit that will be
accident. To give you the lowdown, check covered by a trackday policy, the premiums reimbursed upon submission of a receipt
out our FAQ of trackday insurance and get will likely vary from track to track. This is from the recovery company.
covered before you hit the circuit! because of the differing risk factors of 14. DO I GET A DISCOUNT IF I HAVE
various tracks – such as track layout and PREVIOUS TRACKDAY EXPERIENCE?
1. DOES MY STANDARD ROAD RISK complexity and the size and location of run- Yes, some policies will offer additional
POLICY ALREADY COVER TRACKDAYS? off areas etc – and the basic likelihood of discounts depending on your experience.
Probably not! Ask your insurer. While some an accident resulting in a claim.
companies such as Adrian Flux can offer 9. CAN I GET INSURANCE COVER TO
cover for trackdays at an additional cost to DRIVE ON THE NÜRBURGRING? TRACKDAY
your road policy, increasingly, most policies If you are embarking on a public day, or INSURANCE
specifically exclude trackdays. If the insurer what the Germans call touristenfahrten, SPECIALISTS
suggests that they will cover trackdays, get then most policies should be able to offer MORIS.CO.UK
it in writing first and make sure they explain cover, but again, always check first. ADRIANFLUX.CO.UK
INSUREMYTRACKDAY.COM
the extent of cover. 10. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE AMOUNT OF SKYINSURANCE.CO.UK
2. IS TRACKDAY INSURANCE THE SAME DAMAGE EXCEEDS THE SUM INSURED? GREENLIGHTINSURANCE.CO.UK
AS ROAD RISKS – BUT ON THE TRACK? Insurers will pay up to the sum insured PACEWARD.COM
HERTSINSURANCE.COM
No. The insurers of most trackday policies under the policy less the policy excess and KEITHMICHAELS.CO.UK
are not part of the regular motor insurance you are liable for all costs over and above
market. Cover is basic and claims are not this amount.
THANKS TO KIRSTIN AT
handled in the same way as road policies. 11. CAN ADDITIONAL DRIVERS BE TRACKDAY INSURANCE
3. WILL I LOSE MY NO CLAIMS BONUS IF COVERED TO DRIVE ON THE DAY, TOO? SPECIALIST MORIS.CO.UK FOR
I HAVE A CRASH ON TRACK? Yes, but they are a nightmare! Most claims HELP WITH THIS FEATURE.
CHECK OUT WWW.MORIS.CO.UK
Some road-based insurers that cover are caused by additional drivers and none OR CALL 020 3427 5960 FOR
trackdays have been known to reduce or of the accidents are small! The excess and A QUOTE BEFORE YOUR
NEXT TRACKDAY
revoke no claims discounts after an premium carry considerable loading. You
on-track accident, meaning your next must provide full details of their name, age
renewal will shoot up as it will not benefit and driving experience in the relevant
from any discount. Dedicated trackday sections of the quote page and have paid
policies will not affect your road policy. the full premium.
4. AM I COVERED IF ANOTHER DRIVER
CRASHES INTO ME?
Subject to policy conditions, your car
should be covered whether damage is
caused by you or another party.
5. I AM COVERED FOR DAMAGE CAUSED
TO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT I MAKE
CONTACT WITH ON THE TRACK?
Your trackday insurance policy will only
cover damage to your own vehicle. Track-
day participants are liable for damage to
their own cars (regardless of fault) and sign
disclaimers to this effect before going onto
the circuit. Participants go on track at their
own risk and standard motor insurance
conditions do not apply.

18 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
19JAPSUP186 5/25/16 2:11 PM Page 19

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2XU )LUP 5HIHUHQFH QXPEHU LV  DQG RXU 9$7 QXPEHU LV    /65 LV DQ $SSRLQWHG 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH RI (GJH %URNHUV /RQGRQ /WG )&$ 5HIHUHQFH 1R 
20-21 safety essentials 7FINALch NEW.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:26 AM Page 20

SPONSORED BY

SAFETY ESSENTIALS
HAVING THE RIGHT KIT FOR THE JOB WILL MEAN YOU NOT ONLY
LOOK THE PART, BUT WILL STAY SAFE, TOO

T
rackdays may be the safest way to fully exploit the performance of your tuned
Japanese car, but that’s not so say you’ll be immune from injury if you or someone
else makes a serious error in judgement or simply runs out of talent. Whether it’s on
the road or the track, crashes can hurt. Luckily, unlike on the road, most circuits have
special gravel traps or run-off areas should things go wrong, but sometimes even these
measures aren’t enough, and when they’re not, you’ll be glad to be wearing
the right safety kit. To help you select the kit you’ll need to be safe, and
possibly bag the best-dressed racer award at your next trackday,
check out our guide to the top trackday safety essentials…

HELMET HELMET BAG

Pretty much the only mandatory item for all trackdays will If you’ve splashed out on
be a helmet. And as they do the job of protecting your an expensive helmet to
noggin, a helmet is quite possibly the most important protect your head, don’t go
investment you’ll ever make. Helmets generally come in ruining its effectiveness by
either open-face or full-face styles and are available in a allowing it to be dropped or
variety of colours, tech and prices, ranging from cheaper be thrown around your
ABS shells to more expensive glassfibre and even carbon- car’s boot on the way to the
fibre shells, with some models being track. A dedicated helmet
compatible with HANS and FHR bag or case will ensure
devices, too. And, as with most your skid lid stays in
things in life, you get what you pay perfect condition
for. However, that’s not to say you should simply fork out for for longer,
the most expensive one you can afford, as a helmet will only protecting not
perform at its best in an emergency if it fits correctly. Start by just your
measuring your head to give you an idea of the size you will investment,
need and then simply try on as many as you can until you but your
find one that is snug, but comfortable. head,
Make sure any helmet you choose has an ECE 22.05 or too!
SNELL SA2010 or 2015 rating, as these will ensure it has Price:
been tested and meets required safety regulations. From
Price: From £70 £20

20 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
20-21 safety essentials 7FINALch NEW.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:27 AM Page 21

TAKE IT TO THE

RACE SUIT
TRACK
While most trackdays will
only require that your
arms and legs are
covered to participate,
for those wanting to
push harder and
eventually look to
compete, a race suit is
the professional option.
Cheaper suits can do the
job adequately, but if your
budget allows, look for ones
made from fire-proof Nomex
material, it could give vital
extra time in the event of fire.
Price: From £120

GLOVES
Again, gloves aren’t essential, but by
ensuring your sweaty palms don’t affect your
grip on the wheel they can really help when
things heat up. For drivers putting in a lot of laps
they can also help protect from blisters and from
broken glass and debris if you have a crash.
Price: From £35

BOOTS BALACLAVA
To give yourself A fireproof
the best feel on balaclava will not
the pedals for only help protect
the most precise your face from an
inputs, you could in-car fire, but it will
wear a pair of thin also reduce the
soled trainers or sweat build up in
shoes, but a pair your helmet,
of dedicated racing making you more
boots takes this feel comfortable as the
and control to the next level, with grippy, thin soles, sessions progress.
extra ankle support and additional grip areas to aid Price: £20
heel and toeing. They also look pretty cool, too!
Price: £90

FIREPROOF
UNDERWEAR
Like the balaclava, a full set of FHR & HANS
FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINTS
fireproof undies will give ARE DEVICES THAT RESTRICT
you added protection in NECK EXTENSION DURING
RAPID DECELERATION, WHICH
case of fire. Can be worn LESSENS THE CHANCE OF
under a set of non-fireproof BASILAR SKULL FRACTURE –
A COMMON MOTORSPORT
overalls to increase safety, or INJURY. THE MOST COMMON
doubled up IS THE HANS (HEAD AND
under a full NECK SUPPORT) DEVICE,
WHICH FITS AROUND THE
Nomex suit for NECK AND THE SHOULDERS
the ultimate AND IS TETHERED TO POSTS
THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THE
protection. Tops, HELMET. FHRS ARE NOT
long johns, and REQUIRED FOR TRACKDAYS,
BUT IN SOME RACE SERIES
socks are all THEY ARE MANDATORY.
available. THEY ARE ALSO WORTH
Price: CONSIDERING IF YOU TEND
TO VISIT TRACKS IN VERY
From £15 FAST CARS

21
002JAPSUP184 4/1/16 3:35 PM Page 2

sion Parts
Suspen

     


   

  
    
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"$!'&% $&$%&% ! & $! •  !$ $% '% ! $!   &$

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23-26 uk circuits 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:28 AM Page 23

SPONSORED BY

TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK
TOPOF THE NOT SURE WHICH CIRCUIT WOULD
BE BEST TO START YOUR TRACKDAY

TRACKS
CAREER? THEN CHECK OUT OUR
GUIDE TO THE UK’S TOP TRACKS
AND TAKE YOUR PICK!

SILVERSTONE FAST FACTS

TRACK LENGTH:

S
o far in this Redesigned in 2011, 3.66 (GP), 1.64 MILES (NATIONAL)
CORNERS:
supplement, we’ve the Silverstone 16 (GP), 6 (NATIONAL)
told you which car to complex now offers HIGHLIGHT:
THE EXIT OF CHAPEL ONTO THE
buy, what mods to fit, the some of the most high- LONG, WIDE HANGAR STRAIGHT,
right kit to wear and the speed action and PROBABLY THE BEST CHANCE IN
THE UK YOU’LL FIND TO REALLY
tweaks you need to make challenging sections of STRETCH YOUR CAR’S LEGS
to ensure you and your ride any circuit in the world. WEBSITE:
make it through the day in With five different SILVERSTONE.CO.UK
ADDRESS:
one piece. But before you configurations on offer, we’ll just SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT,
unleash your newfound focus on the highlights of the 3.66- TOWCESTER,
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NN12 8TN
knowledge on the nearest mile GP circuit, as most of the corners PRICE: FROM £45
ribbon of asphalt that you described are included on one of the
happen to come across, circuits you’ll face.
we thought we’d give you The start of the track is between Club
a taste of the tracks that Corner and Abbey Corner. Almost flat out, the
are out there, where they right-hander of Abbey leads immediately into
are, what they are like to the left-hander of Farm before you heavily brake
drive and what they cost into the right-handed turn three; Village Corner.
for a day’s track time. The even slower left-hander of the Loop comes
immediately after, and leads into the opening left-hander of
Aintree, before heading down the Wellington Straight. Turn six,
HOW TO CHOOSE the left-hander of Brooklands, is tight and leads immediately into the right-
THE CIRCUIT YOU SELECT FOR hand hairpin of Luffield. The right-handed kink of Woodcote leads cars down the old pit
YOUR TRACKDAY CAN HAVE A
MASSIVE IMPACT ON YOUR straight, before the difficult fast right-hander of Copse. Then, comes the challenging complex of Maggotts,
EXPERIENCE ON THE DAY. FOR Becketts and Chapel – a fast left-right-left-right-left complex. This then leads down the 770-metre Hangar
TRACK NOVICES, IT’S BEST TO
STICK TO TRACKS WITH LOTS OF Straight with the fast right-hander of Stowe at the end. The fifteenth turn of the track, Stowe, precedes a
RUN-OFF SUCH AS BEDFORD short straight, named Vale, which leads downhill towards the Club complex. Heavy braking is required for
AUTODROME, AS YOU SHOULD the left-hander of turn 16, and understeer can be an issue for the next right-handers of turns 17 and 18,
COME AWAY FROM ANY
MISHAPS UNSCATHED. EXPERTS, as you tentatively accelerate round to the start-finish straight. As you’d expect, the surface is excellent,
HOWEVER, WILL LIKELY CRAVE though some standing water can gather in places in very wet conditions – but, to be fair, caution should
THE DANGER, THRILLS AND
TECHNICALITY THAT COMES be exercised in the wet anyway. Just off the A43 in Northants, Silverstone is easily reached from the M1
WITH A TRACK SUCH AS and M40 and taster trackdays start at £45 for 30mins to £265 for a full day on the GP circuit.
OULTON PARK.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 23
23-26 uk circuits 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:28 AM Page 24

SPONSORED BY

BRANDS HATCH
Established in 1926, Kent’s twisty, rolling countryside thriller has
evolved into one – or rather, two – of the most famous race tracks in
the world, hosting everything from F1 to British Superbikes to British
and World Touring Car Championships.
Famous for its changes in elevation and steep cambers, Brands
is an extremely technical circuit, with each bend flowing into the
next, making your choice of line crucial. Regular resurfacing makes
grip levels superb and reasonable run-off areas in many sections
allow for the odd off-track excursion.
Holding such status, trackdays can cost a little more, but
they’re well worth it – expect to pay anywhere from £125 for an
evening session or £245 for a full day open pit lane on the Indy
circuit to £425 for the full GP track. Although sharing several
corners with the shorter, more often used, Indy circuit, the full GP
circuit is surprisingly different in character with faster lines and
more wooded sections. Due to the cost of the respective days,
we’re going to focus on the Indy circuit here. The key highlights
are the fast ascending sweeper Clark Curve, which leads
onto the undulating flat-out Brabham start/finish
straight and the sweeping Paddock Hill Bend at FAST FACTS
the other end, that allows excellent overtaking TRACK LENGTH:
1.2 MILES (INDY), 2.3 MILES (GP)
opportunities for the brave. From there you CORNERS: 6 (INDY), 11 (GP)
have a steep climb to the Druids hairpin before HIGHLIGHT: LONG CLARK
CURVE AND BALLS-OUT
dropping steeply into the off-camber left of STRAIGHT THAT LEADS INTO
Graham Hill Bend. Getting your entry to this one THE DESCENDING PADDOCK
right is important as you can maximise your HILL BEND – ONE THE BEST
SECTIONS ON ANY RACE
corner exit for the Cooper straight before Surtees TRACK IN THE WORLD
and the long McLaren right-hander that leads WEBSITE: BRANDSHATCH.CO.UK
ADDRESS: BRANDS HATCH
into Clark Curve. CIRCUIT, FAWKHAM, LONGFIELD,
Brands Hatch is easy to reach from the M25, KENT DA3 8NG
PRICE: FROM £125
being less than five miles from J3 on the A20.

SNETTERTON
FAST FACTS
TRACK LENGTH:
After a major redevelopment in 2011, the 0.98 MILES (100 CIRCUIT), 2
rural East Anglian track was acquired by MILES (200) 2.99 MILES (300 CIR-
MotorSport Vision – who already own CUIT)
CORNERS: 5 (100 CIRCUIT),
Oulton Park, Cadwell and Brands Hatch – 8 (200),12 (300)
and offers high speed action and good HIGHLIGHT: THE VERY FAST
BENTLEY STRAIGHT INTO
overtaking opportunities. With three REPROFILED ESSES (NOW
tracks, the longest ‘300’ configuration BRUNDLE AND NELSON)
WEBSITE: SNETTERTON.CO.UK
taking inspiration from iconic sections at ADDRESS: SNETTERTON
Monza, Imola and Montreal, it is in CIRCUIT, SNETTERTON, NORFOLK
constant use for trackdays all year round. NR16 2JU
PRICE: FROM £59
Starting on the Senna Straight, the
first corner is a long right-hander, Riches,
that allows you to run to the edge of the track before
entering Montreal hairpin, which was originally modelled
on Montreal’s famous Casino Hairpin. This leads to the
infield (also used for the short ‘100’ circuit) and the fast
left-handers of Palmer, Agostini and Hamilton. After
that you’ve got two new wide double-apex corners in
Oggies and Williams before joining the awesome
Bentley Straight. Be sure to scrub some speed
before the tightening left, right through Brundle and
Nelson. The trick here is not to overestimate the
sharpness of the initial left and leave yourself in the wrong
gear for the sharp right that leads you into the legendary
Bomb Hole. A gem of UK racing, this fast right-hander demands
commitment and swiftly leads into a rapid approach into Coram – a
daunting and deceptively long and wide right-hander.
From there it’s hard on the brakes and carefully transfer the weight
before the 90° left at Murrays. Getting the drive out of here is crucial, as it
will give you the advantage as you head back onto the Senna Straight
and the start/finish line.
Ten miles north of Thetford on the A11, Snetterton is easy to find
and with evening sessions starting at just £59 and full day sessions
for £159, it’s well worth a punt.

24 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
23-26 uk circuits 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:28 AM Page 25

TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK
KNOCKHILL
One of our favourite tracks, the twisty, nadgery
nature of Scotland’s most famous motorsport venue – combined
with elevation changes of around 200ft over the whole circuit – make
every lap of Knockhill an adventure.
A real challenge of man and machine, Knockhill is notably heavy on
the brakes as the 1.3-mile circuit dips and climbs and the tight nature
makes Taylors hairpin the only real place for outbraking attempts. Doing
so requires some hefty kahunas though, and the entire circuit demands
100% concentration.
As well as the sprint out of Taylors, the other key overtaking point is
the exit to Clark that offers an (almost) straight, on the run up to the
former. Otherwise, carrying your corner speed through the long Duffus
Dip chicane down to the blind apex of McIntyre. This is one of the most
exciting sequences you’ll find anywhere in the UK.
Grip at the circuit is generally good but, being Scotland, standing
water in the dips can cause a few brown trouser moments. Its quirky
nature of downhill twists and heavy braking have drawn comparisons to
California’s Laguna Seca, and with
four-to-five trackdays a year, with prices FAST FACTS
ranging from £60 for a five slot day within TRACK LENGTH: 1.3 MILES
CORNERS: 8
the Super Lap Scotland series to £170 HIGHLIGHT: THE FAST EXIT
for a for full day open pit lane, it’s well FROM CLARK AND INTO THE
TAYLOR HAIRPIN
worth a shot. WEBSITE: KNOCKHILL.COM
Knockhill is located seven miles ADDRESS: KNOCKHILL
RACING CIRCUIT, BY
from Dunfermline, but is easily reached DUNFERMLINE, FIFE KY12 9TF
with some decent signposting from the PRICE: FROM £60
M90 motorway.

ROCKINGHAM
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the first purpose-built
race circuit built in the UK for decades, the £28m Rockingham
Motor Speedway has some of the best facilities in the country
– as well as Europe’s fastest banked oval!
As well as the famous oval you also have a very
challenging infield circuit that offers a mixture of hairpins,
chicanes and full throttle straights. The surface is great,
as you would expect, but can get slippery in the wet –
forewarned is forearmed here.
The International circuit uses parts of the oval and
the first corner, like many on the circuit, has a late apex
but allows plenty of space to run wide on the exit,
making it slightly more punishing on the tyres, but
offering great corner speed opportunities if your car has
enough torque and grip to make the most of it.
The infield section twists and jinks and crests and dips
over sections around Chapman, the long Pif Paf left-hander,
and Gracelands, so making the most of the full width of the
circuit is key – even to the point of drifting slightly
into the National circuit pit entrance on the way out
FAST FACTS
of the tight Tarzan hairpin. From there it’s just one TRACK LENGTH:
short chicane away from rejoining the oval-banking 2.56 MILES (INTERNATIONAL)
CORNERS: 13
at turn four for some flat-out Nascar-aping action. HIGHLIGHT: THE CLIMB UP TO
The National circuit keeps all of the best bits of GRACELANDS AND THE
IMPOSSIBLY LATE TURN-IN THAT
the International but loses the oval sections, SEPARATES THE MEN FROM THE
making for a more technically focused, less flat-out BOYS AS YOU POWER HARD
experience. THROUGH THE BEND
WEBSITE: ROCKINGHAM.CO.UK
Prices start at just £40 for a 20min taster ADDRESS: ROCKINGHAM
session to £85 for an evening session and £225 for MOTOR SPEEDWAY, MITCHELL
ROAD, CORBY NN17 5AF
a full day, although they do offer a discounted rate PRICE: FROM £40
for early bookings.

www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk 25
23-26 uk circuits 7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:29 AM Page 26

SPONSORED BY

OULTON PARK
Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Cheshire, Oulton is a spectacular (and long) circuit, and a
very rewarding one for the driver.
What makes it so great for the crowds is your proximity to the track, so you can almost
feel the heat of the exhausts and smell the tortured rubber.
However, this comes at the price of less prevalent run-off areas, meaning caution
should be advised – especially as Oulton is one of those tracks that just makes you want
to push harder each lap.
From the awesome first Old Hall right-hander, through the almost blind downhill entry
to Cascades, keeping your line is key. As the track drops away and the camber works
against you, this is easier said than done.
You can tackle Island Bend carrying a lot of speed from the
straight and just back off the throttle rather than brake hard, FAST FACTS
TRACK LENGTH:
making this a furious entry into the Shell Oils hairpin. Shell Oils 2.69 MILES (FULL CIRCUIT)
is a rare beast, a fast hairpin, but it has a fairly steep camber, CORNERS: 8
HIGHLIGHT: THE ENTRY INTO
most pronounced at the base of the incline. LAST CORNER LODGE, A
Try and smooth out the kink of Foulstons as much as FAVOURITE FOR LAST DITCH
OVERTAKING MANOEUVRES,
possible for the drag up to Knickerbrook and the deceptively AND THE STOMACH-LIFTING DIP
fast Druids over the double apex. After that you just have to ON THE EXIT
watch the dip after Lodge and you’re on for a quick time. WEBSITE: OULTONPARK.CO.UK
ADDRESS: OULTON PARK
Oulton Park is around 20 minutes from Chester and is CIRCUIT, LITTLE BUDWORTH,
easily reached from the A54 and A59. Days on the full circuit TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE CW6 9BW
PRICE: FROM £219
start at £219.

CASTLE COMBE
Although quite short, at less than two-miles, the fast nature of Castle
Combe makes it another track that demands concentration and accuracy
to make the most of it.
The width of the track offers plenty of overtaking opportunities,
although the lack of arrow straight stretches means overtaking needs to
be planned well in advance and staying close to the car in front is
paramount to make the most of the opportunities when they arise.
A wealth of late apexes mean testing times for brakes and tyres, and
the slightly domed shape means many corners have blind entries – and
negative camber thrown in for good measure. Combine this with a
notoriously undulating surface and you’ll soon see what we mean about
accuracy and concentration… Over the brow of Avon Rise, finding the right
line into Quarry is so important, as getting the exit wrong will seriously affect TEN OF
top-end speed on Farm Straight, and correcting this has encouraged many a THE REST
death-or-glory approach into the Esses. This then throws you too wide for the I ANGLESEY
long sweeping Old Paddock. Through the double-apex Tower – again late ANGLESEYCIRCUIT.COM
braking, diving inside hard – and you’re onto PRICE: FROM £99 (ALL DAY)

I BEDFORD AUTODROME
FAST FACTS the fearsome Bobbies chicane. Many have
TRACK LENGTH:
overcooked this one due to its high-speed BEDFORDAUTODROME.CO.UK
2.3 MILES (FULL CIRCUIT)
PRICE: FROM £219 (ALL DAY)
CORNERS: 9 approach in a desperate attempt to get a run on the
I BLYTON PARK
HIGHLIGHT: THE WELL-NAMED,
JINKING HAMMERDOWN THAT final straight, so smoothness is the byword for success. Onto the
BLYTONPARK.CO.UK
TAKES YOU INTO OLD PADDOCK final corner at deceptively fast and long Camp and drift wide as PRICE: FROM £109 (ALL DAY)
BEND TO TOWER the track opens out onto the start/finish straight.
I CADWELL PARK
WEBSITE:
CASTLECOMBECIRCUIT.CO.UK Castle Combe is located to the west of Chippenham in
CADWELLPARK.CO.UK
ADDRESS: CASTLE COMBE Wiltshire and is well signposted from both junction 17 and 18 of PRICE: FROM £79 (EVENING)
CIRCUIT, CHIPPENHAM, WILTS
I CROFT
SN14 7EY the M4. Track time starts at £170 for a day and there are loads of
PRICE: FROM £170 dates throughout the calendar. CROFTCIRCUIT.CO.UK
PRICE: FROM £159 (ALL DAY)

I DONINGTON PARK
DONINGTON-PARK.CO.UK
PRICE: FROM £129 (EVENING)

I GOODWOOD
GOODWOOD.COM
PRICE: FROM £249 (ALL DAY)

I MALLORY PARK
MALLORYPARKCIRCUIT.COM
PRICE: FROM £129 (ALL DAY)

I PEMBREY
PEMBREYCIRCUIT.CO.UK
PRICE: FROM £160 (ALL DAY)

I THRUXTON
THRUXTONRACING.CO.UK
PRICE: FROM £189 (ALL DAY)

26 www.japaneseperformancemag.co.uk
27JAP186 5/24/16 10:57 AM Page 27
28 nurburgring7FINALch.qxp:JP 6/1/16 10:30 AM Page 28

SPONSORED BY

LORD OF
THE ‘RING
IF YOU’VE CAUGHT THE TRACKDAY
BUG AND ARE LOOKING FOR
SOMEWHERE TO TRULY TEST YOUR
SKILLS BEHIND THE WHEEL, THEN
GRAB YOUR PASSPORT, BECAUSE
THE WORLD’S ULTIMATE CIRCUIT IS
ONLY A ROAD TRIP AWAY…

D
ubbed by F1-legend Jackie Stewart as the ‘Green Hell’, the
12.9-mile Nordschleife is a ribbon of Tarmac that is strewn across
the Eifel Mountain region of Germany and surrounds the town of
Nürburg. Also called the Nürburgring, it’s known around the world as
the most challenging race track on the planet. With over 150 corners
and more than 1000ft of elevation change from its highest to lowest
points – not to mention very little in the way of run off before you
impact the Armco barriers that line the track, plus the fact that the
circuit spans such a large area that you can have different weather
conditions at different points around a lap – you can see why the ’Ring
is the ultimate challenge of man and machine.
So if you think you’re up to the challenge of putting in the lap of
your life, then read on as we give you a quickfire guide to driving the
world’s most notorious circuit.

WHEN CAN I DRIVE THE ‘RING?

The season generally starts from the start of March until the end of
November, but this can change depending on weather at the time.
The track is still open outside of these months, but opening times can
be unpredictable. The track will even open on Christmas day for locals
to drive if the weather permits! The other thing to consider is, as the
weather gets warmer, more people visit the ’Ring, meaning it gets
extremely busy during the summer, and it's not unusual to have a
line of traffic on the ’Ring itself! KEEP IT ON THE BLACK STUFF!
In the event of an off at the ’Ring, here’s what you can be
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? expected to cough up for…
The Eifel region is green for a reason – it rains a lot. The track does not I Base fee for attendance of Armco truck: €180
close for rain, so Touristenfahrten sessions happen as usual. The track I Removing damaged armco: €12/metre (x2 or x3 or x4 for
only closes for snow, fog or to investigate an accident. At the very start multiple-height sections)
and end of the season the weather is more likely to be worse (rain, I Replacement Armco: €37/metre (x2 or x3 for double/triple
snow and fog), but there are far fewer cars on track – it really is a factor height)
to consider. Also, until you've done a few hundred laps, it won't make I Removing damaged Armco posts: €6 each
any real difference to your driving experience – in fact, going slower I Replacing Armco post: €47 each
and carefully judging each corner can help you learn the track quicker! I Safety car attendance: €98 per 30 mins (car + 2 people)
I Circuit closure: €1620 per hour
HOW CAN I DRIVE THE TRACK? I Recovery truck: €250
There are two ways for a first timer to drive the circuit: on a trackday, or
a public driving session (Touristenfahrten).
While Touristenfahrten sessions, which run weekday evenings and The other drawback is the fact that you never get to drive a full lap, as
at weekends, are the easiest way to have a stab at the ’Ring, as all you you have to stop at the barriers and come off the track before
need to do is turn up and buy a ticket (€29 per lap), there are completing the full length of the Döttinger Höhe straight. This means
drawbacks. For starters, there is no limit to the number or type of that drivers interested in lap times often time themselves from the first
vehicles on track, meaning you could be lapping with over 10,000 other bridge after the barriers to the last gantry (aka Bridge-to-Gantry or BTG
vehicles including motorbikes, vans and coaches, and with drivers time) before the exit. However, the track's general conditions state that
whose experience and skill can vary dramatically. The other issue is, any form of racing, including speed record attempts, is forbidden.
with so many vehicles on track, crashes are common, which often Taking part in an organised trackday, such as those organised by
cause the track to close while things are cleaned up and barriers RSR Nürburg, however, means that, although it costs more, it does
repaired etc. This can be anything from a few minutes to a few hours. come with some advantages. Things like limited numbers on track and

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TAKE IT TO THE
TRACK
the ability to run continuous full laps means you get a lot more time on
track in much quieter conditions. You are also lapping with like-minded
drivers that have had full safety briefings and are limited to just cars,
which means, although crashes do still happen, they are much less
frequent, so the action is less likely to be stopped for track clean-up
work to be completed.

WHAT CAN I DRIVE?

As we have already mentioned, pretty much anything with wheels is fair
game on the ’Ring, so whatever type of car or level of tune your car is,
you can be confident that you’ll have no problem. However, if you don’t
fancy risking you own metal, then there are a host of different local
companies that offer cars on a rental basis. And we’re not talking about
the nearest Hertz car hire here, but dedicated ’Ring rentals, ranging
from humble Suzuki Swifts to rip-snorting Nissan GT-Rs. RSR Nürburg
are one such company to offer a rental service. All you need to be able
to hire a car form RSR Nürburg, is to be over 18-years old and hold a
valid driver’s licence. Prices vary depending on the length of hire and
the model chosen from their extensive line-up, and are available to hire
for both Touristenfahrten sessions and full trackdays.

WHAT SHOULD I DRIVE ON MY FIRST VISIT?

Car choice depends a lot on your experience behind the wheel,
familiarity of race tracks in general and your experience on the
Nordschleife. Driving the Nordschleife is unlike driving any other circuit
on Earth. It's dangerous and difficult. Experience on other tracks, or
experience with a supercar on the road will not automatically make you
safer on the Nordschleife.
Until you honestly know the circuit 100%, you generally don't need
anything much faster than a small hot hatch. It’s better off to start small
and build up speed and move up to more powerful cars as your
experience increases.
TWO FOR ONE!
COMPRISING THE FAMOUS
NORDSCHLEIFE (NORTHERN
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A CRASH?
LOOP), WITH A SECOND PART Normal, non-racing, non-timed driving accidents might be covered by
OF THE CIRCUIT KNOWN AS your insurance, but it is increasingly common for UK insurers to insert
THE GP TRACK, THE
NÜRBURGRING IS ACTUALLY exclusion clauses that mean drivers on the Nürburgring only have
TWO TRACKS THAT ARE ABLE third-party cover only or are not covered at all.
TO BE JOINED TOGETHER, AND Drivers who have crashed into the barriers, suffered mechanical
ARE DONE SO FOR SPECIAL
EVENTS SUCH AS THE 'VLN' failure or been otherwise required to be towed off track during
SERIES OF RACES. HOWEVER, Touristenfahrten sessions are required to pay for the cost of the
WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK
OF THE NÜRBURGRING, THEY recovery and any track surface or barrier repairs, along with the time
ARE USUALLY THINKING OF and cost associated with personnel and equipment to address those
THE NORDSCHLEIFE
damages, making any accident or breakdown a potentially expensive
incident. (Check out the prices in the boxout, left) Also, because it is
technically operated as a public toll road, failing to report an accident
or instance where track surfaces are affected is considered unlawfully
leaving the scene of an accident. You have been warned!

CONTACTS
RSR Nürburg: www.rsrnurburg.com
TAXI! Rent 4 Ring: www.rent4ring.de
IF YOU LIKE THE IDEA OF LAPPING THE ‘RING BUT WOULD RATHER
LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS, RSR NÜRBURG ALSO OFFER ‘RING Rent Race Car - www.rentracecar.com
TAXI RIDES IN A NISSAN GT-R TRACK PACK COMPLETE WITH ROLLCAGE.
THIS HIGH SPEED WHITE-KNUCKLE RIDE COSTS €399 PER LAP.
Ring Speed Motorsport - www.ring-speed-motorsport.com

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TRACKDAY PROVIDERS
& BOOKING AGENTS
GET ON THE BLOWER TO ONE OF THE BELOW AND GET LAPPING!

Y
ou’ve reached the end of our essential guide to getting
into trackdays, and hopefully we’ve whetted your appetite
sufficiently to go out there and start tracking your car. So,
whether you already own one of our recommended trackday
rides or are now frantically sifting through various classified
adverts to nab your perfect track purchase, you should also be
equipped with all the information you need to get out there and
do it right. All that’s left now is to pick a track and date and start
having fun on track. You can find pretty much any event you
could possibly want from our list of trackday providers and
booking agents below, so what are you waiting for? Just don’t
go blaming us if your taste of trackdays turns into a full-blown
addiction…after all, we did warn you! Enjoy!

I MSV Trackdays I RMA Trackdays I Lydden Hill I Rockingham Motor

0843 453 3000 or 01628 779000 or 01304 831715 or Speedway
www.MSVtrackdays.com www.rmatrackdays.com www.lyddenhill.co.uk 01536 271534 or
I Trackdays I Bookatrack I Donington Park www.rockingham.co.uk
0844 888 7700 or 0843 208 4635 or 01332 810048 or I Trackskills
www.trackdays.co.uk www.bookatrack.com www.donington-park.co.uk 028 9082 5235 or
I Javelin Trackdays I Mallory Park I Knockhill Race Circuit www.trackskills.com
01469 560574 or 01455 502214 or 01383 723337 or I Motorsportdays
www.javelintrackdays.co.uk www.malloryparkcircuit.com www.knockhill.com www.motorsportdays.com
I Focused Events I BHP Trackdays I Mitsubishi Lancer I Tracksense
0845 0267 272 or 01342 837957 or Register 01580 890346 or
www.focusedevents.com www.bhptrackdays.co.uk 08451 25 26 23 or www.tracksense.co.uk
I No Limits Trackdays I Gold Track www.lancerregister.com I Mazdaontrack
01727 827794 or 01327 361361 or I Motorsport Events Ltd 01926 680020 or
www.nolimitstrackdays.com www.goldtrack.co.uk 0844 873 6075 or www.mazdaontrack.co.uk
I RSRSpa I Silverstone www.motorsport-events.com
0032 471 78 38 39 or 0844 3728 270 or I Opentrack Events Ltd
www.rsrspa.com www.silverstone.co.uk 01954 202 588 or
I RSRNürburg I UK Trackdays www.opentrack.co.uk
0049 2691 931952 or 0844 888 7700 I Ringweekends Ltd
www.rsrnurburg.com www.uktrackdays.co.uk 07768 058550 or
I Rent4Ring I Circuit Days www.destination-
0049 2691 935735 or 01302 743827 nurburgring.com
www.rent4ring.de or www.circuit-days.co.uk

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