For our die-hard fans (looks in the back of the crowd for maybe one person to raise their hand) you know that our one-year anniversary just passed. As you may also know, we have done our part to feature what we feel to be cars that encompass the Northwest in the best way. So while we are always looking for more, after the entire year has gone by these cars like the Columbia River do anything but remain stagnant. Your car is an ever-evolving extension of yourself. Changing based upon what you see in the scene, and adapting as well as incorporation these things. So how fair would it be if we drained the Columbia of its water? And left people to guess what would have happened to it had the water continued to flow.
Gary’s Civic was the first thing we ever photographed for PDXine.com, the first feature car, and the car that has changed the most over this past year. But let’s start with what is unseen. After an unfortunate mishap, the engine was toast, and needed a fresh start. So Gary went all out and bored the B16 over to a 1.8L, added Buddy Club valves and retainers, as well as a 2mm head gasket. The Fuel Rail was upgraded to a Skunk 2 Composite piece and the battery was moved with the help of a Password JDM relocation kit. Some of the more noticeable pieces were also the hardest to obtain. Including his one off Takata Green Volk TE37s that go oh so well with his Takata harnesses. Keeping him planted in the Bride Low Maxx seats. But you can’t only have your body held to the car, the car body must be held to the road, so the Skunk 2 suspension was swapped out to a set of JIC Flt-A2 Coilovers, tied in with his Password JDM Strut Bars and Cusco 6-point cage. Gary’s car has seen huge changed for the better over the past year, we hope next year it grows even more.
Cars like Sergei’s real JDM Soarer haven’t seen quite the extensive modifications that others have. But change non-the less. With the addition of an HKS S-Type front mount intercooler. Allowing his factory turbocharged motor that we unfortunately never got here to breath a little better. His old suspension set up was also changed out to a very nice set of Tein CS fullbodies. Although there isn’t much you can see visually, Sergei assures us that he has much more in the works. Including a big break kit and a new spoiler that I have been told is top secret until it gets here. Which he hopes is in time for the PDXmas Tuner Bash.
While we are on the subject of JDM imports, probably one of our most popular cars that we have ever featured – PSI’s R34 Skyline has gone over some subtle changes that transform the car. The engine bay itself was one of the biggest changes, having many items removed, as well as a complete set of custom intercooler piping made to give the engine bay a whole new look. The seats as well were a subtle change, keeping the same model of seat but switching from the blue to silver suede. Matching the monotone that the car takes on. Pop the trunk and you will see something totally new. A custom stereo setup was installed using a dry carbon fiber as the base and one 10” sub in the middle, along with two Tube Driver amplifiers to give it a crisp sound.
While the R34 has been experiencing some changes so has the shop itself. PSI has expanded a few more bays to incorporate their growing client base. Which is still only a temporary set up until their full service shop opens soon! Which will be great, as they have a few projects of their own that they are currently working on. Including a 64 Lincoln that once finished will have more work done than (inset celebrity name here).
As we have recently moved into the winter season with spring to come changes will be prevalent now more than ever. And while we here at PDXine.com continue on for 2009 we will have many more feature cars, which will in turn receive many more updates. Keeping the import scene alive and in check. So if you see a car soon that you love, and we decide to feature it, you will now where to look when changes occur.
See All of our update pictures here!
