15 June, 2010

Project S12/26: Aesthetics


As with all projects, there comes a time when it draws to a close. At the time of fulfillment, the feeling of accomplishment and confusion coincide. It may seem odd to someone that the feeling of confusion would accompany the culmination of such a large project. The issue with a project that spans so much time, is that with the amount of effort, constant thinking, and planning that it takes, it virtually becomes a part of the individual. They have lived and breathed it to the point that it becomes a part of their daily life. Without it, a void is left.






A project that has been so paramount in my life the past four years has been my 1987 Nissan. I have had two goals with it. One of which was to fulfill the particular image that was in my head while the other was partially glimpsed and has only been accomplished recently.




 Not surprising to those who know me nor those who knew of very particular image in mind, even with my swap finished and the S12 running exceptionally, there were still a few loose ends that were to be dealt with. A couple of those details came to light in the past several weeks: S12 RS-X grill and S12 Euro spec. headlamp guards.




Since I am both MKII and have a US spec. S12, some modifications had to be done to compensate for the parts being either MKI or Euro spec. But with some effort and tinkering, both were installed.

The grill was shipped from Japan as the headlamp guards from England.

12 June, 2010

Goooooooooooooooal!




Yes, it is that time world.  A celebration of the world's sport: Football/Futball, or Soccer as we call it here in the states.


Ever since participating in the AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization), I have been permanently hooked on the game.  I enjoyed it before, but out of all the sports I did, football was the only sport I have had an particular affinity for.



However, playing soccer as a youth is nothing when comparing to the full on World Cup.  Once every four years there is a championship played by all the world.  This coveted game of games lead to show the world which nation is the most skilled and able in the world of football.  For the year 2010, the games started on June 11th and will culminate with a finale on July 11th and is hosted in South Africa.  Yes, a full month of great football games hosting the world's finest players.



In addition to watching the world's finest players, the games are held at some of the finest venues seen. The following are just a sample of the stadiums that are used.



For the official website for the 2010 FIFA World Cup: South Africa, click here.
For the World Cup game schedule.
In addition, there are multiple places one can view the games online live:
ESPN3 (US based), iTV (UK based), BBC Sport (UK based), CBC Sports (Canada based)


For pictures of each stadium and site with links to each match live, click here. Disclaimer: I have yet to test out this site concerning the live feeds


List of nations represented:

Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Cameroon
Chile
Coite d'Ivoire
Denmark
England
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Honduras
ItalyJapan
Korea Republic
Korea DPR
Paraguay
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Portugal
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
United States
Uruguay

07 June, 2010

Enter Slam Van

The import scene. Usually coupled with those cars imported from Japan. At the moment, I am decently involved with it since I have a Nissan, which has had a decent influence in particular spheres.

The shop I frequent is known as U.P. Garage USA or Fairlady Z. The owner is Doug Smith and is a very capable individual. Not only does he have a solid foundation of knowledge concerning modification, fabrication, mechanics, and tuning, he is an avid racer. He has raced on many platforms of vehicles ranging from jet skis, motorcycles, and cars.  Despite owing a busy and successful shop, he remains active in track events.

A breakdown of some of the modifications to date as supplied by Doug Smith.

Chassis: 1995 Eagle Summit AWD, 5spd
Engine: 1995 EVOIII from Japan
Upcoming Power FC for tuning
EVO III FMIC
Stock Airbox
Stock Summit exh.
Status bucket seat
Functioning AC and Cruise Control
Functioning stock full power package
Euro spec "Space Wagon" clear corners

Suspension:
Front S13, Cusco with modified brackets
Rear:is R32 with modified mounts to allow suspension travel at the given ride height.
Stock sway bars
Custom U.P. Garage USA bump steer adjuster roll centre on spindles

Brakes are:
Front EVOIII/ Carbotech XP10
Rear Ver V STI Carbotech XP8

Soon to be added: Evo III clutch type differential


Marc at U.P. Garage USA named the vehicle the Slam Van in jest one afternoon during an inspection of the van.  The moment the nickname was coined, it stuck and is still used to everyone's amusement.

Doug takes time off every so often and takes to the tracks. He has traveled a bit in his pursuit of enjoying the road and enjoying the challenge of multiple cars on multiple tracks with different drivers.


On this particular day, June 1st 2010, Doug faced a host of other cars ranging from a Porsche, Lotus and Ariel.


Doug not only was out there for a good time, but was testing the car itself. His expectations were met along with his suspicions of needed upgrades and tuning.


The video below is one of three. Other videos are available on YouTube under my channel.  Due to video length limitations, the videos were shortened to meet the requirements.



All pictures are of the ownership of "xqsme photography"
 - xqsmephotography.com
Pictures used are only for promoting Doug Smith, Doug Smith's shop U.P. Garage USA, and his vehicle that was used.
The video was taken by Doug Smith and is used with his consent.

06 June, 2010

End of the World

In life, most things are temporary.  It is sad to think that with the given law of relativity, everything is temporary.  However, that does not mean some aspects make such an impression that despite their age or being temporary pedestrians in life that their influence is forgotten.

In the current age of information and the Internet, the extent in which one can influence others has become exponentially greater than before.  One such item of note has been of a simple flash animation made years ago.  I do not remember where it was when I first saw it nor who showed it to me, but it has obviously been important enough for me to have bookmarked the website all these years later.  And by chance, one idle moment while at work, something triggered the memory of the video.

Without much more prolonging, a video recollected from memories and an Internet classic
The End of the World


03 June, 2010

Stuck in a Rut


As with most people, if someone is able to own a car, they tend to own multiples.  I can testify to this.  Since purchasing my first car in 2004, I've had many cars since then.  Granted, it's been an excessive 19 to date ranging from 1984 to 1991.  However, the first car I bought thankfully I still have.  It has been my most audacious project and one that took a lot of effort on part of many people.


They also say a car tells a lot about the owner.  Well that must be true with me.  I currently own 3 cars, all of which share one large commonality: design.  I currently own a 1984 Porsche 944, a 1987 Nissan S12, and a 1991 Mazda RX-7.

As stated earlier, they all have the same design.  From the pictures posted, it is quite apparent.  Many people I know have been slightly confused.  School, work, or other, they all know that whichever one I drive, it's my car.



I was recently told by a classmate that she knew it was my car because it looked like the car I drove the previous week until she got up close and realized it was different.  A coworker told me that he knew which car I drove to work because despite it being different, it fit my personality.  He knew it was not the same car i drove the day before, but knew which car was mine without prior knowledge of me obtaining a new car.  It seems that anyone who has a decent feel for who I am, can easily pick out what car it is that I would most likely be driving in a parking lot.  It is kinda humorous.

In short, I must be predictable in my mannerisms concerning cars.  As is obvious, all three cars are black.  They are all RWD, fastbacks/hatchbacks, have sunroofs, pop-up headlamps, long bonnets, and are all with a sports bias.