Mean Mak

Garage Mak S15...

An Evolving Minnesota G...

Much like the states of New England, Minnesota only allows so many months out of the year for an enthusiast to actually enjoy his project on the road. This disenchanting fact has hardly stunted the modding progress of Tevi Lawson and his 2008 Ivory Pearl V36 coupe. This vehicle is the product of a rather drastic transformation over the past year and a half. Tevi's plans for his pride and joy have shifted slightly to embrace a more JDM-drenched theme. Might I suggest that he is well on his way to an exciting final result.

This car is rolling rather aggressively on a set of black 20" SSR MS1 wheels wrapped in Falken rubber. At 20x9.5" (+25) and 20x10.5" (+27 w/ 3MM spacer), these wheels are an ideal fitment set-up for the G coupe.

TEIN SSP suspension with on-the-fly EDFC damping adjustment capabilities and a set of front and rear Whiteline anti-sway bars only contributed to the thrill as Tevi's G traversed the Tail of the Dragon at ZDayz this past May.

(Photo credit: www.killboy.com)

Those Ti tips belong to an HKS Hi-Power exhaust system.

Borrowing some styling cues from the Amuse Vestito front bumper of the Amuse Z34, Tevi decided to put his own unique twist on the paint job of his authentic Zele Performance front bumper.

Z34 Amuse Vestito

Time, effort, and forethought characterize the progression of this build. Tevi has expressed to me his long term goals for his car and, without ruining any surprises, I can say that he is on a great path. Constantly contemplating ways to improve his evolving project, I do not believe we will see Tevi Lawson cutting any corners with this build any time soon. A sincere enthusiast (and just a really good dude) and his growing regard for quality, originality, and authenticity in parts are the elements that render me anxious and excited to see what Spring 2013 will bring for this beautiful V36 coupe. Keep up the good work, Tevi!

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation 

Amusing Photography...

My compulsion towards the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry.

For Freddy...

Amuse R1000 Titan on an Evo X displayed beautifully via cut-outs in a high quality Varis carbon fiber diffuser

FD featuring RE, TE, & a GT...

Just another sharp FD with RE-Amemiya aero, concave bronze TE37 rollers, some carbon goodies, and a GT wing...

Because Forums.

It should be prevailing knowledge to every internet-trolling car owner out there to accept what is read on automotive forums with an enormous shaker of reduced sodium salt. As I have noted in the past, automotive forums can be a great source of information where consultation and exchange of ideas and experiences can prove quite helpful. A place to share the latest crazes and trends, as well as a means to unite automotive enthusiasts, the forums can be an invaluable resource. However, as much benefit as they serve, forums can play an equally detrimental role, as well. One cannot be certain from where the information being discharged is coming. A clueless teenager, a zealot with an agenda, a legitimate modding enthusiast, or a seasoned mechanic - Who knows?

I came across this picture of a questionably modified V36 coupe on a forum recently.

When the issue of the hood gap surfaced, the explanation by a member certainly grabbed my attention.  The improper justification for the poor-fitting Top Secret replica hood was qualified with, "I read it somewhere."

The comment:

"The gap is for increased air flow in the engine compartment. The air goes in that gap and the grille and comes out the top vents. Nothing caused it. It was designed that way. You can look at the picture and see that."

Explanation for the mis-information being spewed by this ill-advised member: Because forums.
Explanation for the hood fitment issues: Because SEIBON.


In short, just be cautious, wary, and skeptical of what you read on internet forums.



JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

MXP Quad-Tipped Exhaust - Nissan Z33

My good buddy, Brian of JT Motoring and BRG Boston, sent me a few shots of the exhaust he just installed on his Z. Sharp!

Complemented by the stock cats and stock Y-pipe, I enjoy the clean note of this system...

Low 'N' Slow V36

The first to admit that the Hellaflush style is not my bag, I can appreciate it when executed properly. (Is that an oxymoron?) There are not too many G coupes sporting the stretch and poke look, so I figure I'll post one up. This G is carefully navigating the streets of Southern California on a custom powdercoated set of Work VS-XX wheels with 20x11.5" out back and negative offsets all around.  

Dr. Jekyll and Volk Pride

One of the earliest supporters of JDMphasis is a V35 coupe owner from Miami, Florida. With a desire to set himself and his car apart from the rest, Anthony has a habit of making his wheel set-ups unique. Currently on his second set of custom TE37 wheels from Volk, Anthony's first set was a custom order from Rays that featured Mag Blue on one side and a Diamond Black on the other.

"You never see both sides at the same time so it's like having a dual personality."

Far from run-of-the-mill, the current wheels on Anthony's G started out as Limited Edition Time Attack TE37s, but, after a while, Anthony decided to make a change, so he had them powdercoated.

"I've always loved the Top Secret Gold finish, but I wanted to put my own twist on it. I chose the copper color on the other side because I have never seen that color on a TE37."

Click here for Anthony's complete mod list.

Supra Clean

Clean Supra wearing some Do-Luck aero, sporting a TRD hood, and sitting on a set of gold Limited Edition Volk TE37... Classic.

A little easier...

To tell the real from the fake.

A recent photograph from Mackin Industries shares the new design of the Tokyo Time Attack TE37 "Progressive Model." The wheel features an etched Volk Racing logo on the spokes. We approve...

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Dub Deuces? Part II...

I made a post a while ago featuring a V36 coupe worked on by Access Evolution. Sitting on 22" Forgiato wheels, I stressed that it was not exactly my bag, but that I have certainly seen worse. There have been a few changes to this car. Enjoy. Or don't...

A dual matte black/brushed black wrap was amongst the changes to this coupe... Different.

New, aggressive carbon fiber rear diffuser...

And apparently there is more than one G coupe in Japan on 22" wheels...

(Source: Carview Japan)

Amusing Photography...

My compulsion towards the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry.

Dual R1 Titan on S2000 (w/ Password JDM carbon diffuser)

Volk Racing G25

First set I have seen on a V36... (Too bad the car is on a lift.)

(Photo courtesy of Access Evolution)