It has been a long while since I have actually did video, and doing this video was like learning it again. Here we have Jimmy’s Honda Civic and Erik’s Honda EP3, which have nearly identical visual appearances and performance modifications. Both these cars are static (on coilovers), boosted, and on Volk Racing TE37s.
Take a look at this highlight of both fine tuned cars:
Thanks.
Shavi Wijegunaratne
Instagram: shaviw
shavi@royal-origin.com
Not too long ago I was looking for a second car to be my fun daily driver since driving the MS3 around was getting a little annoying to take to certain places, and it was limiting the amount customization I could be doing to the car itself. So, my search took me to Craig’s List, where I was looking for anything within my budget of below $2000.00 USD. In the end, I got the most unlikely car I was looking for, a 1991 Infiniti M30 coupe for less than $900.00.
The reason this car stood out to me was the body lines (basically the way it looked), the v6 motor, rear wheel drive, somewhat decent reliability, and the fact that it was compatible with many other Nissan parts from other models. Oh yeah and for the price (way below the budget) of the potential this car has was pretty worth it as well.
This is kind of a rare car being that it was one of the first Infiniti cars in North America, and about only about 6,000 coupes and 6,000 convertibles were made through the production years; 1990-1992. It is basically just a rebadged Nissan Leopard in Japan though, and shares similarities with the Nissan Z-chassis, R-chassis, Y-chasiss, and S-chassis. Because of that, I entered a world of mixing and matching parts.
Finding information was a definite mission with the downfall of forums, and the rise of social media, especially Facebook groups are to blame for that. First up was a 5 lug conversion and S13 coilover conversion. This pretty much meant upgrading most of the front suspension, which is straight forward plug and play, while the rear suspension had more modifications.
Front Suspension:
-S13 Powered By Max Competition front coilovers 5″ 30k
-S14 modified knuckles
-S14 stock 5 lug hubs
-S14 Duralast 5 lug brake rotors
-M30 stock brake calipers
-M30 Duralast brake pads
-S14 stock lower control arms
-GKTECH S14/S15 40mm roll center correction kit
-S14 MOOG outer tie rod ends
-Maxima MOOG inner tie rods
-S14 ISIS Pro tension rods
Rear Suspension:
-S13 Powered By Max Competition rear coilovers 5″ 22k
-Z31 5 lug rear stub axles
-Z32 Duralast 5 lug brake rotors
-Z32 stock brake calipers
-Z32 Duralast brake pads
Some of the main front suspension components.
The beautiful Powered By Max Competition coilovers. These are meant for S13, but with the right pieces and tweaks they should mount to the M30.
The front will mount with all the arms and knuckles. The rear will only be able to mount with modifying the M30 rear towers to match the S13 mounting points for the S13 top hats.
The stiffness.
The front coilovers maxed out with all the collars still placed at the top. Really short.
Added some paint onto certain items for protection and style.
Common on Nissan/Infiniti models for there to be wiring harness above the wheel well. This wiring harness above the driver side wheel well was labeled, cut, tucked, soldered, sleeved, and reloomed away inside and around the driver side front shock towers.
There was about 200 wires that needed attention after being cut and tucked inside the engine bay.
The biggest cock block for wanting to be low and somewhat functional.
Tucked inside the engine bay.
Also rerouted the hood latch cable inside the engine bay as well. Results are a worry free area to go low and run meatier tires.
The front was straight to the point, but required additional modifications to fix the roll center and tracking.
Because I was converting from 4 lug to 5 lug, this also meant that I needed wheels. After some research I found the appropriate wheel sizing I wanted to give the car. I went from the stock 4×114.3 wheels of 15×6.5 +20 to 5×114.3 15×10 +/-0. And of course did all that fender magic.
These are Vision 521 Nitro 15×10 +/- 0 with 205/50/15 tires all around.
The rear required new mounting points for the S13 top hats, Z31 rear 5 lug stub hubs, custom Z31 to M30 axle flanges, Z32 Duralast rear brake rotors, Z32 stock brake calipers, and Z32 Duralast brake pads.
Eventually, the whole rear end will be taken out to be replaced by S14 rear subframe and arms, but that isn’t until a later time.
Thanks. @shaviw
The latest in FTP merchandise, we present to you the “Pulled Over” collection. Available in a hoodie, t-shirt and sticker, this collection was inspired by the daunting fact that sometime in your life you will be caught by the officers of the law. Whether you were speeding on the freeway or your window tint was too dark, we can all appreciate a hoodie that shouts out what you really want to say when you get pulled over.
You can get everything here at shop.royal-origin.com.
About a week ago on October 11, 2015, the last Formula Drift of the year took place – the Final Fight in Irwindale. First off, it was probably one of the hottest events I’ve ever attended besides ones in Las Vegas. Ironically, it was about ten to fifteen degrees cooler that day in Las Vegas than Southern California, but despite the scorching temperatures, Formula Drift never failed to be an epic event – even the drivers were not phased with the two hundred-degree temperatures in their drift machines suited up – shit’s pretty fuckin’ gangster.
Fredric Aasbo always killing’ it!
Ma boy, Justin Pawlak!
Zayuumn, Ken! Gotteeeem!
I’ve always loved Wang’s ride doe! Shit’s flames!
Mad Mike’s MX-5 is straight-up FIRE!
Vaughn Gittin Jr. was performing some dope stunts in between eliminations in his Ecoboost F-150 with underglow and spark effects.
Top 16 got everyone screaming on their toes. Shit was gnarly, especially with the freshly altered course – there were a lot of accidents at the entry to the second bank. Ken Gushi went through some rough patches with a couple of engines, but still managed to “fuck shit up” – in a good way. As the night narrowed down during the top 16, everyone was hella stoked to see Aasbo, Gushi, and Wang place podium – congrats fellas!
Top 3 Standings:
Aside from the main event, there was another life behind the k-rails and the grand stands. Hundreds of fans and enthusiasts roamed the vendor and show venue, making it almost easy to beat the heat! Let’s check out all the fuss at the Offset Kings venue.
Mizzark’s E60 M5 bebeh!
Hi Mizzark!
Edgar’s Z32
Yogi’s GS430
Oh hai there Yogi!
Mikey’s Porsche with the ass shot!
Mikey on that hotline bling with Noel.
Noel on that hotline bling with Mikey. Lol.
Arm’s IS300 with his fresh Elixir front bumper. It’s a dream come true!
It was fun shooting on the track with Paulo. This foo comes out from Las Vegas every time to shoot for SouthrnFresh. You’s a trooper ma boy!
I can never get over this Tailored FD. This car actually won Offset Kings a couple years back at Formula Drift Irwindale, and it just never gets old.
Hi Courtney “WING”field!
Dat Aimgain front end on the FR-S doe!
S14 Kouki with the Vertex Lang!
What do you feel about this Rocket Bunny flared RSX? Pretty insane in the membrane.
After shooting around the the car show, we headed back to home base at the Royal Origin booth to see how the crew is doing.
My zaughters Hayle and Vickie holdin’ it down at the booth.
They wanted Zaddy to be in the photo, so here I am!
Dem Derry Dexx holdin’ down the fort while Aye Ron’s trying to snapchat the one that got away.
Aww Jeff always sells them with his smile. Swapang talaga!
Got to meet this fine gal next door to us at the Chibi Cars booth. She’s the one behind all the cool artwork they had on display! She’s very talented and very bae. Nice meeting you, Stephanie.
Bruno Mars be like, selfie!
Bruno’s “Aww shit I got got” pose. Lol.
Damn it, Vinh, you’re a little too tall, squat down a little for the picture please?
Much better!
Looks like the booth was doing good and didn’t catch fire from all the heat that we dropped. So let’s take the crew over back to the Offset Kings venue to take a last look at my favorite part of the show, the Serial Nine guys from Canada.
This “Seams” about right, YAHNAHMSAYIN?!
It was LIT, fam!
Formula Drift Final Fight Irwindale 2015 was a jam-packed event just like every other FD there is. This Final Fight was one we will never forget. We also thank everyone that came by and showed us support. Even though this is our first event not showcasing any of our cars, it was still pretty LIT with all the homies. Just stay tuned to some of our builds during the next seasons – big thangs are going to be popping! ‘Til next time, folks!
-Celso Nimo
Just another weekend in Southern California, where you can find all kinds of automotive events going on. This time around we have Vankulture bringing some of the coolest modified vans together, and Air Runner Systems provided quality suspension and the venue for the meet up.
Photo Dumpage:
Thanks
-@ShaviW
One of the biggest automotive gatherings on the eastern seaboard is H2Oi, and it is coming soon on the first weekend of October; celebrating its 18th year anniversary. Mazda Fitment, Royal Origin, and Wrong Fitment Crew are proud to collaborate on this years H2Oi Meet Up 2015 in Ocean City, Maryland!
Date: Saturday, October 3rd 2015
Time: 1:00pm – Whenever
Location: 123RD ST. & COASTAL HWY (VISIONS DAY SPA PARKING LOT)
Be sure to check back on the day of the event for any updates on the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/424003801144063/
Come meet and greet fellow automotive enthusiasts, enjoy some cars, and socialize. Be respectful to your surroundings and those around you. Be smart. Have fun.
The homie Erik invited me to slide through his fam’s annual gathering for some hangs, some meats, and some turnups. It was a hella chill environment, it wasn’t too hot (thank God), and there was nothing but good vibes from the West Collective fam. We did have some pigs rolling through lurking on our activities – about three squad cars deep. I didn’t get photos, but we handled it pretty well. Ahem…THANH! Lol jk.
Jimmy and Erik – the boosted Civic couple ?
It doesn’t look like much is going on under those trees looking at this picture. Step a little closer, and you’ll forget you’re even at this park – that’s how I felt, at least.
That’s why! If you don’t know, now you know…Damn it, Joe! LOL.
Shouts to the homie $lopps for the golden drank – it definitely was a Privilege.
Volk Racing CE28’s left and right. Squad goals, for sure.
Wait, Volk Racing TE37’s left and right, as well! Squad goals x2. Love this color combo on Thanh’s 4-series.
Break that neck, homie! Break it!
More CE28! This is my favorite look on Robert’s DC5.
Big daddy bauwse 7-series, baby! I’m a sucker for the big body lux-life.
It’s fun to do bad things with, Jimmy, even if it goes way overboard. On to the next chapter, my brother.
“From up top baby! Money don’t sleep – NO IT DOES NOT!”
Being that I do both video and photo, it gets pretty confusing to switch back and forth debating whether to capture a moment with one or the other. I always try my best, especially that I am intoxicated 98% of the time I’m working. If I didn’t snap a photo of your car – my bad. Lol. It ain’t like I won’t see you guys again anyway. TFTI and thanks for the hospitality. ‘Til next time, famz!
-Celso Nimo
Another day in Sydney, Australia, and Alan from AL Captures from Melbourne, Australia was still in town and was nice enough to take me around. We started out our day at a photo shoot and then drove into the city to check out some good food and a few typical tourist spots.
That is right. That is their Burger King.
Seeing my favorite Pepper Lunch here was a nice surprise, but still wouldn’t eat something I can already get back home.
Somewhere in downtown Sydney.
Alan: Thank you for hanging out with me down there. Truly appreciate the hospitality. Let me know when you are over the big pond.
Some weird bird.
Finally to the main location, Mr. Crackles. This spot is known for having crispy skinned succulent meats mixed with their dishes.
The crispiness.
Slow roasted 5 spiced pork belly with Vietnamese style salad inside a long roll.
Delicious and filling. Not real big on onion rings, but these were really enjoyable for me.
Fully laid out, and slammed on the floor.
Going through Harbour Bridge.
I am sure most of us have seen this on television at the 2000 summer Olympics, the Sydney Opera House.
The actual Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House all in one view.
Some Southern California love down under.
The city life in Sydney was really impressive. Definitely, one of the most lively and busy cities.
Ended the day in the city with some Golden Gaytime.
If I were to go back to Australia, I would definitely love to see more of the country; probably Melbourne area, the coral reefs, or what the real outback is.
Just another day in Sydney, Australia. Jacob with the white Mitsubishi Evolution VIII on RSV Forged RS10D picked me up with his buddy to take some quick pictures, and just hang out.
It sure did feel a bit weird seeing everyone driving on the right hand side, and drive on the opposite side of the road.
These RSV Forged RS10D made me miss my old TMBs. Gotta love a good looking true directional wheel.
Simple equals clean.
BCHPLS, rim to fender fitment.
After hanging out and shooting pictures, a nice Australian pig decided to pull over and cite Jacob’s Evo for basically everything. I have heard the stories and first hand accounts of the Australian automotive regulations, and it really is the worst. You really just gotta pay to play to enjoy being an automotive enthusiast anywhere in the world.
Hope you enjoyed the photos.
