Project Z33: Craft Square

I received a package this past week and could not, for the life of me, think of what I had ordered. When I sliced open the tape of the brown cardboard box to reveal a slightly smaller white box from Craft Square, I was pretty stoked. It has been months since I placed the order, so I was not at all sure when I would actually see them. After tearing through the multiple layers of plastic, bubble wrap, and styrofoam, I was floored with the detail and beauty of these mirrors. Stunning. My Z needs a lot of work to justify putting these on it.

Yes, I put them on a fleece blanket...

Japan.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Slow blog is slow...

I apologize for the lack of activity on the blog lately. How about an awesome shot from Rob Shaw at Back From Leave Spark to make up for it? I love this one…

Back From Leave Facebook Page

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

All Business - HKS GT1000 R35

I love this shot of the HKS GT1000 R35…

Just a portion of the MOD LIST on this beast:

ENGINE

• HKS 9.0:1 Forged Pistons
• HKS Connecting Rods
• HKS Step2 Camshafts
• HKS Racing Suction Reloaded Intakes
• HKS GT1000+ Spec Turbochargers
• HKS GT1000 Manifolds
• HKS SSQV Blow-Off Valves
• HKS GT2 50MM Wastegates
• HKS Racing SPL Exhaust
• HKS F-Con V Pro (Engine Management)
• HKS R-Type GT1000 Spec Intercooler

SUSPENSION/FOOTWORK

• HKS Hipermax Springs
• HKS Hipermax IV SP SPL Adjustable Dampers
• Advan GT Wheels (20x11" +5 square set-up)
• Yokohama Advan A005 Tires
• Endless Forged Monoblock Brakes (6-Piston F&R)
• Endless Rotors (400MM Front, 387MM Rear)
• Endless Brake Pads
• Endless Stainless Braided Brake Lines

INTERIOR

• Bride Maxis III N.O.B. Special Edition Seats
• Takata 6-Point Harnesses
• Nardi Steering Wheel

EXTERIOR

• BenSopra Aero
• BenSopra Wing
• Craft Square Mirrors
• Top Racing Carbon Fiber Bonnet

A few more shots of this beauty...

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project Z33: Second Thoughts...

It happens. No matter how much you plan and research then plan and research then plan some more before you finally pull the trigger on a purchase, it is still possible to have a regret over a part choice. Often times it does not happen before the part has even made its way onto the vehicle.

This has happened to me, I think. I researched mirrors for the Z for a few months and I decided on the VeilSide VIII Aero Mirrors. I wanted something different and I liked the sleek, simple design. That has not changed. I do like these mirrors a lot. The main reason I am second-guessing myself is that, contradicting my initial impressions of the two sets of mirrors, I actually think the Craft Square mirrors will flow with my build theme more so than the VeilSide mirrors. I did not originally want to do Craft Square because I feel like that is the default for aftermarket mirrors. A lot of people choose these mirrors. But I suppose there is a reason for that.


A nice shot of a Craft Square TC-N1 (long neck) by Jason Hoang of LifewithJson.com...

Here is a set of the short-neck TC-F mirrors on an INGS+1 kitted Z33...

(Capture Credit: ISS Forged)

(Capture Credit: Speedhunters.com)

A set of the TC-F on a sick Amuse Superleggera Z33 rolling on TE37s... 

(Capture Credit: Travis Garcia Photography)

(Capture Credit: Travis Garcia Photography)

Really sharp! I think I may be placing my order (TC-N for me, I think) within the next few days…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

GaleForce Z34...

I love Nissan cars. Yes, I am biased. I will not apologize for it. Though the Z33 is the car that made me fall in love with Nissan and the JDM culture, as well as the car that I have chosen as my next project (My second Z33, at that...), I fall more and more in love with the Z34 the more I see those that are modified properly. By "properly" I mean with quality, authentic parts. This is another prime example.

The GaleForce Z34, much like Gene's Z34, is all over the internet. My friends at Bulletproof Automotive took on this project with, as I understand it, a great client from our North American neighbor to the north. From the absolutely beautiful paintwork to the monoblock Japanese wheels - Volk Racing TE37 Ultras, to the stunning Varis Arising II aero and the Boosted Performance turbo set-up, this Z34 is one of the nicest in North America. No, dare I say, perhaps the world.

Very well done, Mr. Gale. Again, Z enthusiasts, take note. Take note…

(Capture Credit: Diego Perri)

 Pretty cool shot here...

(Capture Credit: George Bucur)

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Is there a nicer Z34 Stateside?

There are no fewer than a thousand photos of Gene's Z34 floating around the vast cosmos we call the internet. I am not breaking anything new and earth-shattering here by sharing a handful of those photos. However, with all the shoddy and cheaply-built cars that get featured all over social media these days, it is only fair that we give Gene just a little more publicity. I do not know Gene personally, but he messaged me a few years ago. During the course of our correspondence, I learned that Gene shares staunchly the pro-authentic/anti-corner-cutting position of JDMphasis. Gene's build reflects this mentality. No replica parts. Zero corners cut. Varis, Project Mu, Esprit, Work, Amuse, and Craft Square are but just a few of the brands represented on this rolling work of art… This is the kind of build that should encourage, motivate, and inspire. Take note, people. Take note.

Be the Funk. Don't Fake It.

 And probably one of my favorite shots of Gene's Z (mainly because I LOVE the Esprit wing)...

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project Z33: VeilSide VIII Aero Mirrors

If someone had suggested that I would be considering any Version III aero components from VeilSide for my Z project, I do not think I would have taken them seriously. For those who may not know, the VIII aero is the aero used on the Tokyo Drift Nissan Z33 driven by DK. (Though it is not a route I would take with my own Z, I think I am one of the few who actually does not hate the aggressive VIII widebody when done correctly.) 

That said, I found myself looking for mirrors for this project. I love the Ganador mirrors, but learned that they have been discontinued. I searched and searched for a few months trying to track down a set, but I had no luck. I very seriously considered doing a set of Craft Square mirrors, but 1) I do not think they fit the theme I am going for with this project and 2) I feel like everyone has them. That is when I started looking around. ChargeSpeed makes a set for the Z33 that I considered, but they appeared too bulky for my tastes. Seen here:

Mine's also had a set of Z33 mirrors that I really liked, but, you guessed it, discontinued as well. I will admit that I did not spend a significant amount of time searching for a set of these. They really are very sharp-looking!

Another factor that I considered is that, though I like the look of the carbon and I will have other carbon fiber accents on the Z, I do not want carbon fiber mirrors. A little accenting, perhaps, but not full carbon. I want to paint the mirrors. So, I viewed paying for a set of full carbon fiber aero mirrors as, in some ways, a waste of money, as I knew I would be covering the majority of the carbon fiber. That is when I began looking into the VeilSide VIII mirrors. I very much like the small, sleek design. In an odd way, I feel as though they contradict the over-the-top style of the rest of the VeilSide VIII aero. Anyway, I believe they will go great with my vision for this car. I was able to track a set down and I am very happy with them. Though I am waiting on the rest of my aero to arrive before I do anything with the exterior of the Z, I cannot wait to get them installed!

Stay tuned for more Project Z33 updates…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

A JDM Smurfmobile

There are few words that can do this car justice. This Z33 features custom paint, a functionally aggressive stance, a bevy of authentic JDM goodies, and, to top it all off, plans for more...

An evolving project, this Z was purchased by Steve Trias in 2009. Since then it has been on the receiving end of various wheel and aero set-ups. A former Z33 owner myself, I have to say that I would not have wandered too far from the decisions made by Steve with this project. I will shut up now and post some great shots of this sick Z. Great job, Steve. I am definitely looking forward to seeing the next phase of this build... 

JUST A FEW OF THE NOTABLE PARTS ON STEVE'S MOD LIST:

* ARC Polished Shift Knob

* ARC Oil Cap

* ARC Radiator Cap

* ARC S13 Timing Chain Cover

* ARC Titanium Cooling Panel

* ARC V2 Engine Oil Cooler

* ARC V2 Catch Can

* Nismo Cold Air Intake

* Nismo Sway Bars

* Nismo Power Steering Oil Cooler

* Nismo Finned Differential Cover

* Nismo Floormats

* Work VS-XX Wheels (19x9.5" F/19x10.5" R)

* Project Mu Big Brake Kit

* MCR Bonnet

* KW V2 Coilovers

* Works Bell Short Hub

* Works Bell Quick Release

* Personal Neo Eagle Steering Wheel

* Bride Cuga Seats

* Bride Rails & Sliders

* Cusco Front Strut Brace

* Cusco Catch Can

* GReddy Ti-C True Dual Exhaust

* Rare JDM Engine Cover

* INGS+1 LX Fenders

* Amuse Front Bumper

* Top Secret Carbon Fiber Diffuser

* Craft Square Mirrors

* Chargespeed Bottomline Side Skirts

* Voltex Type-8 Rear Wing (1700mm)

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

YeS2K

What looks to be a Mugen hardtop, aggressive red Volk TEs, Tamon Design rear spoiler, Craft Square mirrors, and a Spoon rear diffuser earn this S2000 two thumbs-up.