PhxMotorSports.com – The Best Cars In the Industry

Takahito Hasegawa’s day-to-day grind is at his shop 55Motors in Yokohama. About an hour or so out of Tokyo, he doesn’t just work nine-to-five and take the train home every single day like the majority of the city. He lives and breathes every duty required of him as a mechanic and shop owner, whether creating a complete car or performing simple maintenance. In fact, he sleeps at his shop at least 3 days a week to acquire shit done! With that said, his high quality of employment has built quite a long list of loyal customers to hold him busy. And when the amount of time of the night free up, he burns the midnight oil devoting his time to his stable of company demo cars. This has included everything from Civics, Altezzas and Lancers Kei cars and this ’91 Nissan Silvia.

Building a Silvia isn’t anything revolutionary. Hasegawa-san has always wanted to take a stab at it himself and build a car that wouldn’t become the perfect typical time attack or drift car, even though they’ve been done time and time again. He wanted to theme his S13 as a fun, amateur track car-something that represents his small shop and could relate to his customers more. After all, what number of us can drop hundreds and hundreds of dollars in aSo, with a blank canvas in front of him, Hasegawa-san started as to what he knew best, that has been simple bolt-on performance. The chassis received the whole nine yards including Zeal coilovers, larger sway bars as well as a six-point rollcage, plus updated control arms and cross members. The complete chassis was spot welded by Hasegawa-san himself for greater rigidity and strength.

Next, the owner upgraded the pads and lines with Endless parts whilst swapping in the GT-R master cylinder, brake booker and Skyline calipers for improved stopping performance. tire and WheelI Purchased 55 On It

Walking around on the front of your S13 and popping open the carbon-fiber hood, we spotted Hasegawa-san’s handy work even better. Upgraded enough to net about 350hp using all the parts his customers could afford, although the factory SR20DET wasn’t taken apart or rebuilt for crazy power. The motor received an HKS header, Trust/GReddy turbo, a larger intake plenum plus a Core’s exhaust to help maximize the most out of the 2. liter. Other bolt-ons included a larger intercooler, fuel pump, injectors, stiffer motor mounts and an additional oil cooler to ensure this car may be abused yet remain reliable on weekend track events.

The transmission remained stock except for adding a Cusco diff to transfer ability to the rear wheels better plus a carbon clutch to cope with the additional torque.

Beefing up the performance of the Silvia was a breeze. But the bigger challenge came with the body. Hasegawa-san admitted to us that he or she wasn’t a paint and body guy at all. He lacked experience but that didn’t stop him from doing it anyways. After seeking some advice coming from a local body shop, he tackled the TRA Kyoto widebody Rocket Bunny kit head on. Cutting the body and installing the fenders proved to be the most complicated job for him but nothing a versed mechanic couldn’t handle. The kit was installed perfectly giving the Silvia its aggressive and wideI Purchased 55 Onto It

Finishing in the project, the inside was stripped and due to the necessary equipment for racing with Recaro seats, Sabelt harnesses and Nardi steering wheel.

In person, this car appears to be an absolute beast on the outside, but Hasegawa-san stresses that this machine is reliable and street-driven. It’s got the best of both worlds and truly is the ideal demo car for this small shop we’ll now remember as 55Motors.

The hardest time in a parent’s life is not when they visit college, or when they start kindergarten, or the first time they may have sex with your basement while you’re upstairs watching the news, it’s when they finally figure out how to drive and legally can take a real motor vehicle out onto the road where certain death awaits them literally every day. If you’re ever going to get another decent night’s sleep, there are many things you can do as a parent to make it easier for yourself, although there’s not good way to transition into this era of life. Here are some tips.

Train Them Yourself

Training a secure driver fails to start the time they receive their learner’s permit. In fact it starts much earlier than that. You want to lead by example and always practice safe driving techniques as soon as your child is within the car. Which means no texting and driving, folks. Also, when they get to be about 13 or 14, or really whenever they start showing desire for driving, you can start giving them subtle lessons while you’re driving them around. Explain how you look in the mirrors to make sure you have a great monitor of where the other cars are. Tell them, out loud, some of the things you because of stay safe, and those lesson will be kept by your child when it’s their turn to take the wheel. Safety is bred not learning in a classroom. Maintain a culture of car safety at all times.

Get them a secure Car

You must never underestimate the importance of the automobile itself. Remind them that that’s for them to get when they is able to afford one after their first job or when they proceed through an early mid-life crisis at age 32, although your youngster will obviously want the flashiest and coolest car they can escape you. For now, you’ll want something like a sedan. No crazy cars like Jeeps. So, if you go to jeep mission viejo, explore the used cars and get something reasonable such as a Hyundai or possibly a Honda. A Jeep itself would only encourage them to drive with reckless abandon. Glance at the used car selection herein: www.ocauto.com.

Have Lots of Kids

The most effective technique is to ensure that you don’t have only one child. That’s called putting all your eggs in a basket. You greatly increase the odds that one or more will live to a ripe old age to be able to take care of you when you’re older for those who have at least six or seven children. Safety in numbers they say, playing the odds. It’s a great motivation for excessive breeding. Sure, you’ll mourn the loss of a young child when they slam into a pole because they were texting their girlfriend, nevertheless the loss will probably be assuaged if you realize you can find six others still available who love you for who you are because of their genetic commitment to you.

Blasted for a lack of power, yet praised for its storage capacity and cabin space. Flamed on forums worldwide for knocking the Civic completely out of Japan’s market, while simultaneously heralded for its versatility and affordability across a broad spectrum of generations and demographics. Truth be told, the Honda Fit is a bit of an anomaly.

What the Fit lacks in horsepower and luxuries, it more than makes up for in economy and utilitarian service. Stowaway space that rivals the much larger Honda Element, combined with a gas-sipping 1.5L that turns in stellar fuel economy all wrapped up in a low entry cost resulted in over 3.5 million units sold in under 10 years (worldwide). Still, even with its low sticker price, classic Honda hatchback styling, and a Japanese version to take cues from, enthusiasts didn’t jump on the Fit the way many thought they would. This meant a severe lack of aftermarket support and with the exception of a handful willing to take on the often taxing effort of a complete K-series swap, enthusiasts were stuck with but a few intake and exhaust options and not much else.
2008 honda fit zeal bucket seats 02 Photo 2/13 | 2008 Honda Fit – Sport-Lux

Galen Wan of Markham, Canada, found his way to the Honda Fit after a long stint with Volkswagen in the form of an MK4 Jetta, and more recently, a VR6-equipped GTI that was totaled. Having seen a number of his friends building Hondas, Wan decided to make the jump. He adds, I was always interested in all things Japanese, and the Fit/Jazz is very popular in Japan and throughout Asia, so I knew going into this that there should be a healthy amount of aftermarket support. I thought the Fit would take off in North America, it had a lot going for it; light, hatchback, handles well … kind of like an EG/EK, but that wasn’t the case entirely. Run of the mill bolt-ons were added along with a respectable drop in ride height and a number of wheels that seemed to change frequently. The car served its purpose of getting Wan to and from school and he even spent some time on track with the car for fun. I would get bored of the look quickly and would be itching to change it up every once in awhile. The look really never changed dramatically though because of the USDM bumper and lack of aero options that I could run. I was looking to do a JDM conversion, but ended up coming across the Kenstyle kit first. A refined and lower look was achieved with Kenstyle bumpers and side skirts, and eventually, after a number of wheel changes, a set of SSR MS3R wheels were mounted. Rather than doing a complete color change, Wan went the vinyl wrap method and chose a mild color-shifting Hexis Lapus Blue.

Coming from a VR6 in his previous car, the Fit’s meager torque rating, although expected, was tough to stomach. After researching available options Wan was convinced a supercharger or turbo kit were the only items he’d bother investing his money into. As he narrowed down the pros and cons, a complete Greddy turbo kit went up for sale on the forums and the decision was essentially made for him. A small TD035HL turbo brings some additional torque and horsepower safely under the watchful eye of Greddy’s E-manage Ultimate. And while conservative boost levels don’t transform the car into a complete monster, an upgraded braking system was certainly in order. Taking the budget route wasn’t in the cards for Wan as he sourced a set of Endless calipers and 282mm rotors.

2008 honda fit hexis lapis blue vinyl wrap 10
2008 honda fit kenstyle rear lip 09
2008 honda fit kenstyle front lip 07

The no shortcuts attitude meant there was work to be done inside the car’s cabin. Up front you’ll find a set of rare Zeal fixed-back bucket seats mounted to ultra-low Nagisa Auto rails, and in the rear, Clazzio quilting-type covers adorn the factory seats. Japanese-spec interior bits and pieces are strewn about along with D.A.D. Garson, Vertex, Defi and T1R goods. The theme is a mix of VIP and performance, flanked by JDM OEM and it’s one-of-a-kind-exactly what Wan was going for.

So what category do you place this Fit-a car that’s long served as transportation to school, a little track duty, various car shows and meets, and carries a unique mix of parts from multiple facets of the aftermarket? Much like the versatility of the Fit itself, Galen Wan attributes his build success to pulling inspiration from all of the above. He closes with, The main idea I had behind the exterior and interior iteration of the car is part sport, part lux. I like and am influenced by the many styles in the car modding community; from VIP/luxury to track/race cars.
2008 honda fit kenstyle rear spoiler 06 Photo 6/13 | 2008 Honda Fit – Sport-Lux

Bolts & Washers

Propulsion
L15 engine
Greddy E-manage Ultimate
Greddy TD035HL turbo
Greddy exhaust manifold
Greddy piping
Greddy intercooler
Turbo XS blow-off valve
J’s Racing test pipe
Greddy axle-back exhaust system
OEM K20 injectors
J’s Racing oil cap
J’s Racing radiator cap
Spoon magnetic oil/trans plugs
2008 honda fit L15 engine 05 Photo 7/13 |
The search for a bump in power led to a Greddy bolt-on turbo kit.

Suspension
T1R coilovers
J’s Racing front/rear shock tower bars
J’s Racing front lower brace
J’s Racing C-pillar brace
Ingalls camber kit

Resistance
Endless 4-pot calipers
Endless 282mm rotors
Endless brake pads
T1R stainless lines
2008 honda fit SSR MS3R wheel 03 Photo 8/13 | 2008 Honda Fit – Sport-Lux

Wheels And Tires
SSR MS3R 17×8 +24 front/+37 rear
Fuzion HR1 205/40-17

Exterior
Hexis Lapis Blue vinyl wrap by Shinzowerks
Kenstyle front lip (molded to bumper)
Kensytel rear lip (molded to bumper)
Kenstyle side skirts
Kenstyle rear spoiler
JDM LED side mirrors
ASM Yokohama short antenna

Interior
Zeal bucket seats
Nagisa Auto super low rails
Clazzio quilt-type covered rear seats
Vertex King steering wheel
J’s Racing quick-release
Daikei hub
Titanium steering wheel hardware
Vertex shift knob
Civic Si shift boot
T1R e-brake boot
Defi water/oil temp gauges
Defi oil pressure gauge
Blitz boost gauge
Spoon convex rearview mirror
D.A.D. Garson door pins
Custom wrapped headliner
JDM hazard switch
JDM vent control covers
JDM rear headrests
JDM sunvisors

Props
My fiance and family for putting up with this hobby, LEVEL one fam (Dan, DC, James, Caleb, Chu, Justin, Jenning, Steve, Roger, Kev) for lending a hand or just coming out to chill while working on our cars, Shinzowerks (Mike, Pierre, Vince, Steven, Steve, Paolo) for wrapping the car and for my sticker needs, Nextmod (Peter and Rachel) for sourcing parts all the time, Illmotion, Stretch and Poke.
2008 honda fit kenstyle side skirts 04 Photo 9/13 | 2008 Honda Fit – Sport-Lux

Owner Specs

Daily Grind
Financial services industry

Favorite Site
flickr.com/gawaphoto

Screen Name
gawa

Building Hondas
5 years

Dream Car
Jaguar E-type

Inspiration For This Build
A bit of ‘sport’ and a bit of ‘lux’

Future Build
More boost, trans work, and possibly changing the exterior again so I can use it as a track toy

2008 honda fit ken style front lip 08
2008 honda fit js racing radiator cap 12
2008 honda fit SSR MS3R wheels 11

A brief overview of Galen Wan’s past 5 years with the Fit

Year 1: Coilovers and Konig wheels, LED taillights, T1R intake and exhaust. J’s Racing parts like strut bars, C-pillar bar, and some interior & engine bay accessories as well (shift knob, oil cap, rad cap). Front lip & grill were added along with a Spoon reclinable seat.

Year 2: Changed the wheels to Carving Lover Souls and installed Pioneer double din. Took the front lip off and went back to the stock sport lip, added Defi gauges, swapped the T1R coilovers out to KW V2 coilovers, changed wheels again to a set of BBS RX, added a J’s Racing Type S rear spoiler, and changed out the old exhaust for a custom Remus.

Year 3: SSR Viennas, added steering wheel and Clazzio seat covers, installed Greddy turbo kit, changed the exhaust components to J’s Racing (test pipe & mid pipe). Also installed a set of JDM side mirrors.

Year 4: SSR Type C, then changed to SSR Comps, installed Zeal bucket seats and obtained a Kenstyle lip kit that was molded to the OEM bumpers. That year I switched coilovers again to T1R and installed the Endless BBK. The entire car was wrapped with the color-shifting Hexis vinyl and at the end of the season a set of SSR MS3R was ordered and installed in year 5.

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