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