Vacation
This past weekend I had the luxury of taking a short 3 day cruise to the Bahamas with the family.. After returning we met up with some family in Coral Springs, Florida.. I then get a message from Sheldon saying he lives 10 minutes away.. This lead to us meeting up and me snapping a few photos of his nicely put together AP1… Enjoy!
Full set can be found HERE!!!!
-Chris Amodei-
Full set can be found HERE!!!!!!
Patrice’s STi
The year came and went before I had an opportunity to blink. With meets and track days usually scheduled back to back during the season, a promise to Patrice to shoot his STi for a feature sat low on the list of priorities. But having heard that he planned to unload the Work XD-9′s due to their increasing popularity locally I knew that time was of the essence and it quickly became a priority. His portfolio of past ownerships would reveal his allegiance to the Honda/Acura moniker but his take on Subaru’s flagship vehicle would silence most insulting remarks. And now to the feature presentation…
FRENCH
Specs Sheet:
2006 Subaru WRX STi
BC Coilovers
HTA68 Turbo
Perrin Stealth Front Mount
Work XD9s 18×10 +18
PNP Headers
740cc Injectors
Defi Gauges
TGV Deletes
Invidia Downpipe
GReddy TIC catback exhaust system
Covered: Evo Vs. STi at Englishtown October 17, 2011
Englishtown Raceway, NJ once again played host to Evo vs STi. Although the event was scheduled the same day as First Class Fitment, competition always sparked our interest as creeping on another bro’s fitment isn’t as eventful as one would think. That being so the usual suspects, sans the Arthus and Huy who photographed FCF, and I advanced towards the 1320 early Saturday morning. After Spilner, Dirty, and F.Millan made respectable passes and quelled the doubts of a few, we packed up and made way to Atlantic City for an evening of debauchery and risk.
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New roller’s!!
Once again I switched up my wheel setup… I found myself not being able to hold onto a set of wheels for longer than a month to a month and a half… Sure I sold my Work XD-9′s and picked up a set of replica’s (Varrstoen’s), but truthfully…. I was totally over the look of my car with the Work’s on it, so I bought an affordable, more aggressive wheel.. Spilner has not stopped breaking my balls about it, hopefully he stops soon, but knowing him… he probably wont.
The rest of the photo’s can be found here!!!!
-Chris Amodei-
Ryder’s DC5
One can’t complain about seeing the progress a car had made, at least not one that looks like Ryder’s DC5 Acura RSX.
FRENCH
photo credit: unknown
V1: Regular SSM with Volks CE28ns
V2: Flat White Glacier Pearl Frost Mica with Works VS-XX
photo credit: C Tang
V3: Current
DooDoo Brown…
Mike Wasserman’s Porsche Macadamia Metallic bugeye has been one of my personal favorites for quite some time now. I was able to grab a few shots of it at this past weekend’s Island Import Day. I look forward to getting a real shoot in of it sooner than later. Take a gander at these for now.
-Brian
Real
Real quickly, since I don’t have much time being that I’m painfully at work during my last week of summer vacation, I wanted to share some special p-cars. I frequent this place in my imagination where I own a dedicated Porsche track car and while my financial situation won’t allow for this to become real at the moment, I don’t see too much standing between me and my dream. Being that I’m working on the same projects as my boss while maintaining the lower, much less respected title, “intern”, the experience I’m gaining is something that will certainly come in handy sooner as opposed to later. Back to work I go. Be good!
Photo’s by The Perfect Exposure
-spilner
Designer STi.
Throughout the past year my life honestly pulled a hard reverse entry 180 degree turn. Relationships ended, new friendships began, business opportunities presented themselves, I’ve managed to do some traveling, but more importantly than anything else I’ve grown and matured as a person. I’ve put myself in a position to succeed and unlike a year ago I’m 110% concentrated on myself. I have an entirely new spreadsheet filled with goals and while no definite plans are written down in order to achieve them, the foundation is in place and regardless of the path I decide to follow I’ve never been so confident in my ability to reach the point where I see myself in 5, 10 or even 15 years.
I wouldn’t say my basic operating system or morals have changed much but instead I’d say the past year has been more of a mental awaking or dose of reality which looking back on now, I really needed. I used to be a bit naive and perhaps believed the phrase “Ignorance is Bliss” a bit too much but the reality is, being ignorant is idiotic. If the facts of a situation are laid out right in front of you and instead of looking at them you’d rather turn away with nothing more than a glance because you think you know better, well than you’re sadly mistaken. That’s something I’ll be the first to admit doing, but by making that mistake I found the meaning of a phrase that we’ve all heard a million times, the one that goes something along the lines of “You need to make mistakes to learn”. Well I’ve learned.. A lot.
I’m not going to create a laundry list of life lessons that I’ve been taught over the past year, nor am I claiming to posses some kind of ultimate wisdom, but I am saying that focusing on yourself without the influence out outside persons can really help you find things within yourself that you never knew existed. I shut myself down emotionally in an attempt to figure out who I truly was as an individual and show myself the appreciation I deserve and by doing so I’ve come to realize that if someone isn’t benefiting you each and every day than they’re simply not worth keeping around and if you’re taking resources that would be better off being used on yourself and instead putting them towards somebody else out of kindness without any sort of appreciation you really need to change the way you do business.
IvyLeagueEast has been a way for me to express myself via automobiles and technology and this scene is something that I’ll be apart of until the day I leave Earth. Working on, bleeding for and slaving over my STi has been an amazing outlet for me and while I’d love to be able to track it every weekend and turn it into a dedicated, agile, time attack bullet, there isn’t too many things I feel I’ve succeed with more than the progress my STi has made in such a short amount of time. I never thought it would get to this point and while it may seem insane to some to compare modifying a vehicle with living your life, it’s as clear as day for me. It has shown me that hard work, dedication and the will to always keep pressing forward in every aspect of your life in order to make sure that your goal is reached pays significant dividends and anything is possible if you commit without having to rely on another’s commitment.
While my current STi paints a picture of how my young life has grown over the past year, the CanJam built Versace STi is where I see my life going. This car is like nothing else on the planet and while the comparison from a stock STi to mine is extreme you can’t ever become stagnant. Always have step by step goals that keep you motivated and working but be sure to make sure there is always something higher and harder to achieve. That’s what my key to success has become.
Goodluck!
-spilner
The Project Car
Having just passed my friend Sean in his “commuter” EF Civic of which he’s repainting habanero red and swapping in a b16A motor, O and might I add he just bought coil-overs for the thing, it brought to concern why someone would invest so much time into what some individuals would identify as “junk”, if you will. Having met Sean when he owned a 550+HP Suzuka Blue S2000 and seen him tinker around with a relatively fast Evolution 9, it boggled my mind as to why he’d pursue a car that in comparison to his previous toys is of NO comparison whatsoever, in any respect. For some it maybe the car that they’ve always had interest in as a child but knowing Sean and how old he is suggests otherwise. Idle hands? Quick flip? Boredom? Who knows but when I take on a new perspective and reflect upon my S2000 I guess the same could be said if you were mister money bags. :shurgs:
Is the phase “economy sports car” an oxymoron only to be realized with more money?
FRENCH
Photo credit unknown
You Can Get With This or You Can Get With That
Sergey and Miss S2K are no strangers to the internet as both of them are overnight sensations. As a couple bound not only by their affection towards each other but also by tuning it appears that their is a glimmer of hope in the World. With an MR2 as such and an S2000 that would snap the neck of any on looker it’s hard to imagine who caught whose attention first.
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Photo Credit: Ray Flores
About time……
The past 3 weeks of my life have been totally stressful. Before doing all the work, I thought doing a color change on an S2000 wouldn’t be that bad……………FALSE!!!! Not that it was terrible.. but it’s a serious amount of work. But in the end, it all paid off!! Also picked up a set of XD-9′s and went about an inch lower than I was on the old wheels…. Stay tuned for the full shoot/feature!!
-Chris Amodei-
Winning 350z
There is something about a good looking car that catches everyones attention and at that moment not a single f$%& is given. Whether it be a small child, a gorgeous girl or gentleman pushing his beater daily it’s a minute where all your time and money pays off. The smile or wave by an hot broad when I glance over is usually the most valuable compliment but I’m never disappointed by a “thumbs up.” Have you never received either I ask that you think about what you’re doing wrong?
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photo credit unknown
Summer Slam…
Waking up early on a Sunday is not something that I usually look forward to, but this past weekend I was headed out to Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ for the 16th annual Summer Slam. Being that my wheels were to be traded very soon I didn’t feel like risking any damage on those crappy NJ roads, so I hopped in with a friend and her Mini Cooper S. We were cruising with another friend on his Yamaha R6 so we were not alone on the drive. After some trouble with the EZ Pass and some paperwork at the toll for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge it was smooth sailing. I had never really been in a Mini for more than a short drive before so I was curious as to how the ride was going to be. Several weeks ago she had installed some BC Racing Coilovers and after we made some recent adjustments to them they rode great. Aside from some occasional rubbing from her stock wheels and giant tires everything was gravy.
After a short stop to take advantage of Jersey’s cheap gas and to scarf down some less-than-healthy BK breakfast sandwiches we pulled up to the gates at E-Town. Walking through the parking lot up to the grand stands and the pits where the show was held I could almost swear I saw the entire Rota wheel catalog. If the show was going to be anything like the lot was I was ready to head home, but I was pleasantly surprised once I walked through the pits. I was instantly bombarded with the potent aroma of combusted race gas. That combined with the style of drag cars present put a smile on my face. From the classic Toyotas, Datsuns to the old rotary Mazdas I was in awe of the actual size of these cars in person and the fact that they run sub 8 second 1/4 mile times at speeds in excess of 180 mph. From the pits we made our way over to the bulk of the show cars. Liberty VIP car club had some of the finest vehicles there. Those guys keep raising the bar every time I see them. There were a few hidden gems intertwined with the retarded sound systems and the Lambo doors.
To finish the day off, we baked ourselves in the sun on grandstands to watch some races. It started off slow but got really good as the faster classes took to the track. Watching a car dial in at 7.90 only to break out and watch the team get just as excited as if they had won was entertaining and refreshing as well. It’s that kind of excitement that let’s everyone know that they were really pushing the car to its fullest. All in all it was a great day and the event is definitely on my list for next year.
-Brian.
Check out the full set HERE.
East Coast Bash!
It was a GREAT time. Even though the ride there and back wasn’t the best time I’ve ever had (shitty roads in a slammed 350z) we had a great time!! There was a lot of great cars and drivers. I really give credit to everyone that participated and give credit to Club Loose for hosting such a great event!! And while I baked in the sun getting covered in rubber on the side of the track, Brian was on the other side of the park at the 1/4 mile races. Here’s what I came up with! Enjoy!
Click here for the rest of the set!!!
-Chris Amodei-
Click HERE for the rest of the set!!
Wicked Sun Burn…
This past Saturday I headed up to Stafford Springs Connecticut for the Wicked Big Meet. Spilner and Chris were headed up a little earlier due to the fact that Spilner’s car was to be featured in the EFI booth that day. I, on the other hand, was in no rush and was on the road by about 6 am. Those that know me well know I am forever late so this was after we had planned to be on the highway by 5:30. NBD.
The drive up could have been much worse. Being on the roads that early allowed me to experience the trip through metro NY without the usual bumper to bumper traffic. Win. This also made battling the warzone-like road conditions that much better. Let me tell you, NYC commuters do not appreciate you slowing down to 10 mph to go over expansion joints on the Throggs Neck Bridge!
We actually arrived about an hour earlier than the 10 am show time so we sat around and admired what was in store for us once we entered. This being an actual Subaru show I was hard pressed to find some other “fitment” enthusiasts. I did my best and scoped out a few including the BagRiders Impreza that was there. It was nice on the other hand to see the older GC’s in attendance with the numbers on their side. Definitely the most I’ve seen in one place. Some really nice representations as well.
Overall it was a great day. The venue was certainly large enough to support the 2000+ that showed up and it was really cool to see some race prepped vehicles doing their thing on the track. The one thing I did not plan for was the sun. I went home that day the same color as a lobster. Since the vendor area was hosted on the asphalt everyone baked out there. It was all worth it though. Vendors and attendees brought out their best to show off what the East Coast has to offer. Even a few from Canada made the trip down. I will be in attendance next year for sure.
-Brian
View the full set HERE.
Wicked!!
This past Saturday Spilner and I headed up north to Wicked Big Meet…..at 4am, but made some awesome time! Had to stop once on I-84 to re-fill the E-85, and knocked out (maybe killed) a little squirrel with Spilner’s front lip…. but after that, things went smooth. Here’s the shots I got and make sure you check out my Flickr for the rest of the photos!!
-Chris Amodei-
Click here for the full set!!!
And sorry to the kid that I iced!! But you took it like a champ, even though it was baking in the sun for a bit….
MR(-2) Right
The MR2′s layout was always admired by myself and enthusiast alike. Something about the drivetrain really sparked my curiosity and it’s performance, well the turbo versions at least, is a real treat. Taking it upon himself to expose the true potential of Toyota’s MR2 exterior, Sergey raises the bar very, very high for all future midships. :applause:
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Island Import car show!
Spilner and I attended the Island Import show today. The Arthus showed up a bit late, but showed his face. Unfortunately the weather didn’t really want to cooperate with us, but at least the rain held off.. Very nice turnout with a bunch of nice cars. EEM was there as well with their nicely done VW’s and Audi’s. Here’s my coverage from today! Enjoy!!
Click here for the full set!!!
-Chris Amodei-
FRENCH: Wake And Bake(erz) FMP Meet 2011
Why we made a trip into Queens Sunday for the 2011 FMP Bakerz meet slipped my mind as the road quality simulated that of a 3rd World country, perhaps even worse. But after our emotions settled and the idea of our exhaust crushed and subframes flattened faded, the smiles returned and we again realized that we were there because we love tuning.
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Y So Mad Prelude by Mish Productions
Honda Prelude owners must try to avoid the spotlight by all means as it appears they get very little attention by all of us cool-weblogger-typez, YO! But some cars regardless of make and model have an impossible time being NOT noticed often for all the wrong reasons. Unlike the latter, the wrong reasons, this BB6 Prelude photographed by Mish Productions caught my eye for… (A) the timeless BBS LMs which compliment the masculine lines of the coupe and (B) mmm that ass.
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photocredit: MISH PRODUCTIONS
Redrum: Accord and Civic
Small>Average>NICE!
If you haven’t seen this pair of Hondas yet enjoy. The Accord coupe and Civic sedan do the slacking moniker justice in the FF department. We can only hope that Honda goes away from the wet noodle economy hybrid cars. Would it be too much to ask for the HSV-10 to go into production?
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PhotoCredit: Gawa
Worked Up Z4M
Work wheels are a house hold name amongst JDM wheel aficionados but few German enthusiasts are willing to dish out the big bucks and risk being outcast by their peers. Acting without hesitation, Thatcher, shocks and awes with his Z4M’s impressive wheel set up, Work Meister SP1′s.
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19×9.5 et17 front w/ 235/35, 19×11 et17 rear w/ 275/30
KW V3′s
photocredit: thatcher (@m3forum.net)
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