AEM's Plug and Play ECU for the Chevy LS1, a Swappers Delight!

By Mike Kojima

Being able to have full control of engine management is a huge advantage when putting together one of the new generation hybrids.  We found a great remarkably simple solution for tuning with AEM's plug and play EMS for the LS1. The LS is fast becoming the new hybrid swap replacing K motors in Nissan S chassis and finding homes in the engine bays of 1st and 2nd generation RX-7's.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Skunk2 Introduces '06+ Civic Rear Camber Kit V2.0

MotoIQ Staff Report

Skunk2’s completely redesigned Rear Camber Kit for Honda’s ’06+ Civic is here. Thanks to Skunk2’s new and unique telescoping, opposing-thread design, camber adjustments can now be made without having to disconnect the arm from the chassis. Simply loosen the jam nuts and twist for easy and fast positive or negative camber adjustments.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Project Honda Ruckus Part 7: Building the Engine

By Jeff Naeyaert

In our efforts to build the ultimate Honda GET 50cc engine for our Honda Ruckus, we have learned a few things with our first iteration of our modded engine, lessons to make our second one better we hope.  In our quest to get even more power out of our little Honda we are going to build another engine, this one is going into another Ruckus in our stable. Our goal for engine number 2 is to surpass the 58 mph of our first engine and reach 60 mph with the Honda engine that came with the Ruckus.

To read about our previous engine build click here for part one and here for part two.  To see all of our Honda Ruckus stuff click here.

[Read the rest of this article...]

   Project Pathfinder Part 9, Headwork

by Mari Umekubo

As we have reached the limit in bolt on potential for Project Pathfinder we now delve into building the ultimate tow motor.  The ultimate tow motor is probably the ultimate off road motor and perhaps the ultimate motor for a heavy clumsy SUV.  Our motor will be built to emphasis low-end torque, better for pulling, good fuel economy and the ability to run on lower grades of gas.  Since we're dirt cheap and as this is just our tow/daily transportation vehicle, we placed additional emphasis on staying away from exotic and expensive parts, instead rummaging in our spare bins of factory Nissan parts.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Time Attack Terror: FXMD's Record Setting Acura NSX (Video Inside!)

By Mike Kojima and Billy Johnson

If you follow Time Attack at all you are probably very familiar with FXMD's Acura NSX Unlimited RWD killing machine piloted by our own Fast Lap Editor, Billy Johnson.  In the 2009 Time Attack season the NSX has given the competition the business in every event it has entered for an undefeated 2009 Redline Time Attack season. Lets take a deep technically based look inside the fastest Time Attack machine in North America.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Project Pathfinder Part 8, Cams, ECU, Headers

By Mari Umekubo

The stock VG cam shafts are very mild.  At the advice of the guys at Nissan Motorsports we added a set of their #2 off road cams to Project Pathfinder.  The cams have 264 degrees of duration and .430” lift with a 106 degree intake and 116 lobe center as opposed to the tiny stock 248 degrees duration and .374” lift with 114 lobe centers.  This is quite a difference and the cams really woke Project Pathfinder up.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Project Toyota Tundra Part One, Suspension and Brakes

By Mike Kojima

Since we are all about worry free towing, we decided to look into getting a new full size truck.  Over the years we have used about every truck on the market including the Dodge Ram and Ford F250 SD (which was our current favorite truck).  Dan Gardner, owner of our Project Scion racecar was awfully impressed with the Tundra he received on long-term loan from Toyota and recommended we give one a try.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Project Scion tC Part 3

By Mike Kojima

After Technosquare was done fabricating our cage we proceeded to paint the cage for corrosion resistance and a finished look.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Robispec’s Street Class Time Attack Nissan 370Z, Simple is Better?

By Mike Kojima, photos by Jeff Naeyaert

Robispec is a Southern California tuning shop who’s specially is a rather unusual one. Instead of the typical shop in search of speed via the quest for more and more power, Robispec’s game is increasing lateral G’s, of the cornering kind. The proprietor of Robispec is Robert Fuller or Robi, one of our favorite people. Robi is always willing to lend a hand or give advice to whatever project we have asked him, either formally as our Project EVO IX or by helping us swing wrenches at the track. Robi is on our short list of people we call for help if we have a problem that needs solving.

About six weeks ago we got a call from Robi telling us he would have something special, a Nissan 370Z he was building for the SEMA show and the annual Source Interlink Super Lap Battle. As there has been a lack of serious Nissan 370Z parts development due probably to its sluggish sales, we eagerly awaited checking out what Robi could cook up in short order.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Nissan Pathfinder Part 5, Basic Engine

By Mari Umekubo

To say that our Pathfinder sucked on power was an understatement.  Our Pathfinder could not beat anything in any contest of speed, except for perhaps another SUV.  Joggers and bicyclists gave it trouble.  It guzzled fuel like a turbo car on boost as well turning in a miserable 15 MPG around town and 19 mpg on the highway.   When attempting to tow, entering the freeway was a scary proposition and you had to depend on the mercy of other motorists and you all know that LA drivers basically have no mercy.

[Read the rest of this article...]