Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday Night at Porky's
Stopped by the MN Mazda meet this past Wednesday to hang out with some friends and other cool peeps. My friend Eric was there with his Cannonball, One Lap of America C5 FRC. Fully-built is an understatement. Full photoshoot soon.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
More GTI Photos
Little photoshoot again with Erik A's 98 MKIII GTI, this time on his track setup; 16" Rota Slip-Streams with Nitto NT-01s. Mmmm-mmmm good.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Total Package
Let's face it, in today's scene it's hard to come by a complete car. I mean complete in the sense that EVERY part of the car was touched. A lot of cars are built with one goal in mind; go fast in a straight-line, go fast around corners, go around corners sideways, sit pretty in a parking lot, etc, resulting in most of the go-fast cars looking stock and boring and the nice looking, sit-pretty cars not going so fast.
Enter AJ Mehta and his 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. AJ has this nack for turning out mind-blowing rides, his Corvette being one of the best he's turned out. From bikes to cars, even a Suburban, this guy loves to modify anything in his garage. This Corvette is the total package with the track record, show trophies, and driveability to prove it. This car has been down the drag-strip, around the road course at Brainerd International, entered in numerous shows, featured in magazines, and driven all over the state of MN. So, what's so special about this pewter 'vert? Read along and find out.
We'll jump right to the good stuff; the motor. Like I said, this 'Vette isn't all show, packing the bite to match its bark. Underneath the carbon hood lies a Doug Rippie Motorsports (DRM) built 427ci LSX based on a C5R block. The fully-forged motor has been accessorized with an array of other go-fast bits including a Fast 90mm intake, Kooks 1 7/8" headers, 3" Kooks x-pipe and mid-section, 3" QTP cut-outs, and a B&B exhaust. Engine eye-candy is enhanced with carbon-fiber covers everywhere, but the real icing on the cake is the TNT/Nitrous Outlet NANO kit. This is a full, direct-port nano-nitrous kit using a 92mm plate, with a 15lb bottle and 4500psi Nano kit. Nano-based kits keep the bottle at a constant pressure at all times ensuring the safest, and most consistent use. In nitrous terms, this is the best out there and for serious bottle-heads.
Of course this monster motor setup needs a drive-train to handle it all. The 4L65e Level 5 built trans was built by Chuck at FLT, who is one of the best in the business. The rear differential has been cryo treated and fitted with 3.73 gears placed inside a Getrag housing with a DTE brace. The trans shifts hard, but is completely streetable, the converter tight. It drives around like a regular, auto Corvette, just with more than double the power. The suspension features QA1 12-way adjustable shocks and Hotchkis sway bars to help the already agile Corvette attack the corners while CCW Classics, sized 18x10 and 18x11 out back with 285f and 335r tires, keep it stuck to the tarmac and looking good. Function and form working together, who would have thought.
Speaking of form, this 'Vette has a look that is all its own. It might not be Hellaflush worthy, but this C5 has an absolutely menacing stance; low and wide with a killer set of wheels done right. The SW C5R replica headlights certainly stand out from the waves of pop-up 'Vettes, adding a stream-lined look to the car and drastically changing the front end. The ACI front lip and VIS carbon hood also complete the cars gorgeous front-end, but the rear is where this car really shines. Simply put, its got a fat ass! The 18x11 rears with 335 tires, coupled with the custom made rear bumper with integrated diffuser just make the rear-end a site to behold. Speaking of the rear-end, a lot of cars have seen it. Like I said, this Corvette is no slouch, running a best of 10.51 @ 133mph on motor. With the spray turned on, this car should hit single-digit quarter times.
The interior is finished off with quality matching the rest of the car. Ultra-plush and ultra-comfortable Caravaggio seats wrapped in black leather with red stitching hold the driver and passenger in place. Much like under the hood, almost every piece on the interior has been given the carbon fiber treatment. Other accessories such as the door-cards, shifter boot, center console, and other goodies have been wrapped in matching black leather with red stitching to match the seats. A DSV steering wheel provides the driver input while a removable 6-point roll cage with Simpson 5-point harnesses keep the occupants safe when piloting the car at the drag strip or the road course.
AJ certainly did a fine job building the ultimate street car; a car that can drive to the track, run 10s, go to the road course and eat up Porsches and other high-end cars, and still be able to take out to that special dinner and the fancy restaurant, leaving the valets and on-lookers drooling. Not many cars can hold a candle to a car of this caliber because this is a complete car, a car that touches in all areas, not just focusing on one. It's great to see cars like this out there in the scene, but the big surprise is that it is for sale. AJ has his sights on something bigger and better, and you better believe we'll get our hands on it here at projectSPARTAN.
Gallery: Photos by Kaien
Enter AJ Mehta and his 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. AJ has this nack for turning out mind-blowing rides, his Corvette being one of the best he's turned out. From bikes to cars, even a Suburban, this guy loves to modify anything in his garage. This Corvette is the total package with the track record, show trophies, and driveability to prove it. This car has been down the drag-strip, around the road course at Brainerd International, entered in numerous shows, featured in magazines, and driven all over the state of MN. So, what's so special about this pewter 'vert? Read along and find out.
We'll jump right to the good stuff; the motor. Like I said, this 'Vette isn't all show, packing the bite to match its bark. Underneath the carbon hood lies a Doug Rippie Motorsports (DRM) built 427ci LSX based on a C5R block. The fully-forged motor has been accessorized with an array of other go-fast bits including a Fast 90mm intake, Kooks 1 7/8" headers, 3" Kooks x-pipe and mid-section, 3" QTP cut-outs, and a B&B exhaust. Engine eye-candy is enhanced with carbon-fiber covers everywhere, but the real icing on the cake is the TNT/Nitrous Outlet NANO kit. This is a full, direct-port nano-nitrous kit using a 92mm plate, with a 15lb bottle and 4500psi Nano kit. Nano-based kits keep the bottle at a constant pressure at all times ensuring the safest, and most consistent use. In nitrous terms, this is the best out there and for serious bottle-heads.
Of course this monster motor setup needs a drive-train to handle it all. The 4L65e Level 5 built trans was built by Chuck at FLT, who is one of the best in the business. The rear differential has been cryo treated and fitted with 3.73 gears placed inside a Getrag housing with a DTE brace. The trans shifts hard, but is completely streetable, the converter tight. It drives around like a regular, auto Corvette, just with more than double the power. The suspension features QA1 12-way adjustable shocks and Hotchkis sway bars to help the already agile Corvette attack the corners while CCW Classics, sized 18x10 and 18x11 out back with 285f and 335r tires, keep it stuck to the tarmac and looking good. Function and form working together, who would have thought.
Speaking of form, this 'Vette has a look that is all its own. It might not be Hellaflush worthy, but this C5 has an absolutely menacing stance; low and wide with a killer set of wheels done right. The SW C5R replica headlights certainly stand out from the waves of pop-up 'Vettes, adding a stream-lined look to the car and drastically changing the front end. The ACI front lip and VIS carbon hood also complete the cars gorgeous front-end, but the rear is where this car really shines. Simply put, its got a fat ass! The 18x11 rears with 335 tires, coupled with the custom made rear bumper with integrated diffuser just make the rear-end a site to behold. Speaking of the rear-end, a lot of cars have seen it. Like I said, this Corvette is no slouch, running a best of 10.51 @ 133mph on motor. With the spray turned on, this car should hit single-digit quarter times.
The interior is finished off with quality matching the rest of the car. Ultra-plush and ultra-comfortable Caravaggio seats wrapped in black leather with red stitching hold the driver and passenger in place. Much like under the hood, almost every piece on the interior has been given the carbon fiber treatment. Other accessories such as the door-cards, shifter boot, center console, and other goodies have been wrapped in matching black leather with red stitching to match the seats. A DSV steering wheel provides the driver input while a removable 6-point roll cage with Simpson 5-point harnesses keep the occupants safe when piloting the car at the drag strip or the road course.
AJ certainly did a fine job building the ultimate street car; a car that can drive to the track, run 10s, go to the road course and eat up Porsches and other high-end cars, and still be able to take out to that special dinner and the fancy restaurant, leaving the valets and on-lookers drooling. Not many cars can hold a candle to a car of this caliber because this is a complete car, a car that touches in all areas, not just focusing on one. It's great to see cars like this out there in the scene, but the big surprise is that it is for sale. AJ has his sights on something bigger and better, and you better believe we'll get our hands on it here at projectSPARTAN.
Gallery: Photos by Kaien
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wheels of Italy 2010
Finally made it the Wheels of Italy show at Lake Calhoun. I've known about the show for a couple years, just never been able to make it out. I almost forgot about it this year, but found out that it was earlier today so I was able to make it at the last minute. There were still some cool cars at the show, and even though it was hot out, it was still a good time. I will definitely have the show marked on my calender for next year.
More pictures here: Photos by Kaien
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Kaien the Husky
Finally, some artwork of me! I've wanted some artwork done for awhile, just never got around to talking to the right people. ^^; Albeit, I'm lagging on updates, these pieces are rather recent, showing the evolution of my fursona from when my friend Aetherfax first penned me with my mate.
The first drawing is from my friend Carissa, or Adorable Foxie. She's a fursuit builder and artist, and quite talented at both. I saw a similar drawing of another character which is absolutely adored. I asked her if she could draw one of me in the same style. When she finally showed me the finished piece, I was quite ecstatic. Captures my mischievous, playful nature perfectly. Although, I am probably just fixated on my wonderful mate just out of picture. =P
Next up is another piece from my good friend Aetherfax. I needed a character reference sheet so I could finally have my own fursuit commissioned. I figured since Aeth was the first to ever pen me, he should be the one to create my reference sheet. I am truly honored to be able to work with Aeth in such a way. He basically takes my ideas and brings them to my character just how I envisioned them. After a lot of back and forth, sharing ideas and viewing numerous sketches (Aeth, thanks so much for making any changes that I requested!), Aeth finally delivered to me a finished reference sheet, and I couldn't have been happier with the result. Not only is it a great representation of my fursona, but captures all of my unique touches that I wanted to incorporate. I then sent it off to a few builders and now have a commission for my fursuit on order, which will be completed in December (more on that when updates come from the builder).
The first drawing is from my friend Carissa, or Adorable Foxie. She's a fursuit builder and artist, and quite talented at both. I saw a similar drawing of another character which is absolutely adored. I asked her if she could draw one of me in the same style. When she finally showed me the finished piece, I was quite ecstatic. Captures my mischievous, playful nature perfectly. Although, I am probably just fixated on my wonderful mate just out of picture. =P
Next up is another piece from my good friend Aetherfax. I needed a character reference sheet so I could finally have my own fursuit commissioned. I figured since Aeth was the first to ever pen me, he should be the one to create my reference sheet. I am truly honored to be able to work with Aeth in such a way. He basically takes my ideas and brings them to my character just how I envisioned them. After a lot of back and forth, sharing ideas and viewing numerous sketches (Aeth, thanks so much for making any changes that I requested!), Aeth finally delivered to me a finished reference sheet, and I couldn't have been happier with the result. Not only is it a great representation of my fursona, but captures all of my unique touches that I wanted to incorporate. I then sent it off to a few builders and now have a commission for my fursuit on order, which will be completed in December (more on that when updates come from the builder).
I am very pleased with both pieces. If you wish to contact either artist, please visit these links:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Less is More
Watching the current trends in the automotive industry, it seems people are still taking the "bigger is better," approach, even though they may change the meaning slightly. People are going with bigger turbos, bigger motors, bigger shots of nitrous for more power and lower ETs. Others are going lower, wider, more stretch, more camber, aiming to be the next feature on Hellaflush or Stanceworks. I am guilty of it, no denying that. My IS300 is torn apart for a newer, bigger setup, and my LS400 got the low and wide treatment. I stopped and thought about it today, remembered the days when 300hp was more than enough, coilovers were all you needed, and you didn't need to bust out the tape measure and slide rule to figure out your next set of wheels. What happened people? What happened to simple cars?
Erik Anderson's 98 VW GTI is a breath of fresh air in today's scene. It's simple, it's clean, and a whole lot of fun to drive. It's amazing how clean the car is given it's his daily driver and he racks up the miles and uses the car to its potential too. Gosh, isn't that what this game is all about? Building a fun car AND using it? Man, where did I miss the plot?
Funny thing is, Erik, while not a new-comer to the scene, hasn't been in it too long, but taking a look at his car, one would think otherwise. I've known Erik for a number of years, we went to high school together, and hung out with the same circle of friends. Odd thing is though, back then, he never showed any interest in cars. It was a shock to find out years later that this clean GTI that I had always had my eye on belonged to him.
I think the first thing that everyone notices about this car is the stance. It's on point; low, wide, heavy rake, and always rocking a set of fresh wheels. That's one thing about Erik, he's a self-confessed wheel-whore, with more sets than he can count. Keep an eye out of some killer setups about to adorn the arches of his MK3. Despite the killer stance, this setup is all functional. Oh yeah, you function & form haters can put out your torches, this little MK3 gets tracked and auto-x, hard, and brings home the hardware too. The last event Erik attended, which was MAP's Proving Grounds up in Brainerd, he not only took home Best Euro, but also won his class in the auto-x.
The next area of the car that stands out, or flies below the radar is the exterior. With it's fair share of Euro-flare, this GTI definitely fits into the OEM+ category. Nothing flashy here, just clean, subtle mods that play into the whole look of the car. One thing many notice is the air-vent grafted into the passenger fender that is, you guessed it, 100% functional. The interior is also pure business; simple and to the point. Corbeau buckets with matching harnesses hold the driver and passenger in place while the driver is treated to a Momo steering wheel. The 12v, 2.8L VR6 follows suit as well with a few choice mods. No crazy turbo setups or anything here as power isn't the goal, but the polished intake manifold is definitely a highlight for me.
Now, the real treat for me, is over the last few weeks, this car has been in my care. Erik had to leave for two weeks for drill as he is in the US Army. He gave me complete freedom to drive the car and enjoy it for what it was built for. Now, I didn't put it through its paces like Erik does, but I certainly got well acquainted with this GTI. My thoughts? Easily one of the most fun cars I have driven. It made me really miss having a simple car. I spent many nights standing in my garage, looking at the GTI sitting next to my IS300 which had been sitting on jack-stands all torn apart, just thinking about why I had gotten so carried away with my own car.
It was really a revitalizing experience, taking me back to the good old days of my car modding career. I reconnected on so many levels and realized that sometimes the extreme is not always the best. This GTI taught me that less is indeed more and just how simple can create such a big impact.
Gallery: Photos by Kaien
Erik Anderson's 98 VW GTI is a breath of fresh air in today's scene. It's simple, it's clean, and a whole lot of fun to drive. It's amazing how clean the car is given it's his daily driver and he racks up the miles and uses the car to its potential too. Gosh, isn't that what this game is all about? Building a fun car AND using it? Man, where did I miss the plot?
Funny thing is, Erik, while not a new-comer to the scene, hasn't been in it too long, but taking a look at his car, one would think otherwise. I've known Erik for a number of years, we went to high school together, and hung out with the same circle of friends. Odd thing is though, back then, he never showed any interest in cars. It was a shock to find out years later that this clean GTI that I had always had my eye on belonged to him.
I think the first thing that everyone notices about this car is the stance. It's on point; low, wide, heavy rake, and always rocking a set of fresh wheels. That's one thing about Erik, he's a self-confessed wheel-whore, with more sets than he can count. Keep an eye out of some killer setups about to adorn the arches of his MK3. Despite the killer stance, this setup is all functional. Oh yeah, you function & form haters can put out your torches, this little MK3 gets tracked and auto-x, hard, and brings home the hardware too. The last event Erik attended, which was MAP's Proving Grounds up in Brainerd, he not only took home Best Euro, but also won his class in the auto-x.
The next area of the car that stands out, or flies below the radar is the exterior. With it's fair share of Euro-flare, this GTI definitely fits into the OEM+ category. Nothing flashy here, just clean, subtle mods that play into the whole look of the car. One thing many notice is the air-vent grafted into the passenger fender that is, you guessed it, 100% functional. The interior is also pure business; simple and to the point. Corbeau buckets with matching harnesses hold the driver and passenger in place while the driver is treated to a Momo steering wheel. The 12v, 2.8L VR6 follows suit as well with a few choice mods. No crazy turbo setups or anything here as power isn't the goal, but the polished intake manifold is definitely a highlight for me.
Now, the real treat for me, is over the last few weeks, this car has been in my care. Erik had to leave for two weeks for drill as he is in the US Army. He gave me complete freedom to drive the car and enjoy it for what it was built for. Now, I didn't put it through its paces like Erik does, but I certainly got well acquainted with this GTI. My thoughts? Easily one of the most fun cars I have driven. It made me really miss having a simple car. I spent many nights standing in my garage, looking at the GTI sitting next to my IS300 which had been sitting on jack-stands all torn apart, just thinking about why I had gotten so carried away with my own car.
It was really a revitalizing experience, taking me back to the good old days of my car modding career. I reconnected on so many levels and realized that sometimes the extreme is not always the best. This GTI taught me that less is indeed more and just how simple can create such a big impact.
Gallery: Photos by Kaien
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