Kurolicious By: Mykee Di

This beautiful and sassy RX8 hails from the streets of the Midwest.  Seeing this beauty is like being blessed with the presence of Beyonce herself, but this of course only comes in second when you are in the presence of her owner Christine. The 2003 RX8 originally debuted in the United States at the North American Auto Show in 2001; then in 2003 it started hitting the show rooms. The RX8 hails from a long lineage of Mazda’s rotary powered line and a direct descendant of the RX7 line. With its renovated rotary, the NA Renesis  sports the revamped motor to a dizzying  redline of 9,000 RPM’s couple along with a six speed manual transmission this sexy thing puts out 250hp stock! All that out of a 1.3; first thing that comes to mind is sick!

No self respecting enthusiast dare leave this beautiful thing in its stock form. So as any enthusiast would do, the modifications began. The car looks beautiful in its stock form already, however it’s only a matter of time before we yearn for something more. The OEM bumpers were replaced by a Mazdaspeed front bumper, Mazdaspeed sideskirts were installed to flow flawlessly, and the cherry on top was a Mazdaspeed rear underspoiler.  A set of dragon eyelids were installed on the headlights to give this sexy thing a seductive look. Lighting the way are a set of 6000K HID headlights and PIAA fog lights. The tails are blacked to give it that stealthy feel, complimenting that are a set of blacked out emblems. To protect the driver from the sun during the crazy Midwest summers, the windows were tinted to 35 percent all around; a set of WeatherTech rain guards were put in to provide a functional yet sexy accent to the car.

Next, the interior was revamped by replacing the gray seat covers with a set of blacks ones transplanted from a 2009. A Kenwood DNX-6140 double din DVD player replaces the OEM unit. To feel the music,  a pair of Infinity Reference 10 inch subwoofers was installed along with a custom enclosure.  An Infinity 1300a amplifier was installed to keep the bass pounding and the ride from Point A to Point B that much more enjoyable. A JDM style back up camera was put in for convenience and a luxurious feel, the LED lighting inside has also been customized to Christine’s eclectic taste.

Under the hood, this beauty inhales with the help of a Mazdaspeed CAI and exhaling through an RP Super cat and Borla catback that sings like a choir of angels both at low and high RPM’s. Of course, this star is accented with her bling, under the hood metallic purple Dress Up bolts replaced the dull and color less OEM bolts. The stance is provided by a set of Tanabe Sustec Pro Five coilovers. A set of Work Emotion 11r’s in 18x9.5+30 flows nicely with her suspension. She tears up the pavement with a set of Falken FK 452’s. As if the +30 offset were not enough, Christine added 10mm Project Kics spacers in the rear and 5mm Project Kics spacers up front. A set of MXP purple lug nuts keeps her shoes tightly. Stopping her is no problem thanks to slotted and cross drilled rotors all around coupled to Hawk HPS brake pads.

This beauty is going to be revamped and come out sexier than before. So what’s next? That’s something we all will have to stay tuned for. Seeing her work is a testament of the great things Christine can do. So let’s wrap this up with visuals that are most definitely drool worthy. Oh and in case you’re wondering what kuro means, it’s the Japanese word for black. (At least that’s what Kelly told me)

Much thanks to Kuro and Gene, JDMGALLERY and Sweet 'n Low for the visuals.

INSANITY BLACK FRIDAY SALES EVERYWHERE!

HEY!

There are going to some crazy sales this friday at local shops! check em out!

Touge Factory
Ill Garage
Topspeed!

AND A BLACK SATURDAY SALE! DEFINITELY DONT MISS THIS ONE!

FIZZ AUTOSPORTS
561 S ARTHUR
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS!

lots of stuff in stock and at insane prices come check it out!or if you cant make it call in and order!

Exciting News....

Hey it's Mykee,

The decision has been made to feature local beautys of the community. Know anyone? Don't hesistate to get in touch with us.

other things....

We've hit twitter! be sure to add us to see whats happening with the blog!
Shop reviews are now in the making among those in the Chicago area, keep an eye out.

We've partnered with Shisuru Productions so be on the look out for their cameras hitting up the meets, the cold will not stop the scene. Theres even talks of videos being made.

Thanks for all those spreading the word, keep spreading it! we appreciate every bit of boost and support we can get.

Chicago Service Provider : OCDetailer! By: Mykee Di

This service provider in Chicago does wonders to any car. Though appointment based, the service that’s provided is top notch and well worth the time and money. My experience with them was right before the Haunted RPM show here in Chicago. My 2005 Subaru WRX was in dire need of a detail. This was the first one it was going to receive in years. The first time it was detailed was in 2007, and after 3 years the “hand” car wash place had taken its toll on the clear coat and paintjob. Needless to say there were swirl marks all over. Anyway, the detail I received included wash, swirl removal, clay bar, buff, polish, buff, interior vacuuming, wheel cleaning, and lastly dash wipe down. The car went in at 1 P.M. and was worked on till 11:30 pm! 10.5 hours worth of work for an amazing price! Even up to now the car still shines with the help of a quick wash and quick detailer. Oh and no new swirl marks to date. Nikhil, Rayn and Pat will blow your mind with the quality, time and effort they put in to theire work. Want a good clean detail in the Chicago land area? Give these guys a call and see the wonders that only OCDetailers can provide! Check out their work! It's time for you to get OCD'ed!

After:

 

• Thanks to FIZZ for the visuals.

Hey!

It's Mykee,

some things to look forward to are:

kuro's rx8
gene's 370z
kuro and gene's cube!

local chicago shops write up and reviews.

shows and track day events in the 2011 season.

so please add, read,enjoy and spread the word. we will be doing features on cars all over the place no matter where it may be.  please dont hesistate to email us. your feedback and suggestions will pave the way for future write ups!

thanks.

-Mykee

Suby Sacrilege By: Kelly N.

Coming from the Midwest is a 2005 Subaru WRX. It’s just another WRX you say? What’s so special about it? Well, browsing around the net and looking at the boards online it seems that having a set up  like this one’s puts it in ricer status with the much more “mature” crowd of the  of the community. Blunt you say?  Chiming in on said site you have better be prepared with a flame retardant suit; sure, noob criticisms on any board are common and rampant but even the most complex situations are lit on fire and burned down like bras at Woodstock.

Moving on, this 05 has been in the works for the last four years and is still progressing. Rocking its stock MHI TD-04 turbo for four years has become boring and did not exploit the potential the amount of work its owner has put in to it. After four years of having it run on its stock turbo and stage 2 setting, the owner had decided to finally tap into the potential power of this dinosaur.

Sure it had the basics that most Suby owners do, APS TMIC, Invidia V1 catless down pipe, TurboXS cast iron up pipe (yes I said cast iron), and a stage II tune. It must have been aggravating to not exploit that power sleeping so dormant in its power plant. Soon enough the MHI TD-04 has seen its better days, and now it was time to dispose of the dying snail. It was soon replaced by a better, stronger, bigger Forced Performance turbo. The specs? Well let me tell you now he refuses to divulge such information.  An insider leaked information that this thing puts out, and puts out big! With the new turbo the stock injectors were insufficient, Power Enterprise 800cc injectors took its place. The spark plugs had to go too, in its place sits NGK Iridium 1 step colder plugs. With the new injectors the OEM fuel pump would not be enough to feed its thirst, replacing it was a Denso-Sard 280lph fuel pump.

The turbo breathes in fresh air through a big 4 inch short ram intake system. All this hot air is then cooled thanks to the TurboXS FMIC that sits in the front air dam like Nelly’s grill. Apparently the front mount conversion is taboo among some “specialists” and the debate can go on and on. So, let the sacrileges continue; next to go was it suspension. Previously riding on OEM struts with DC Sports springs these were disposed of to make way for XXXXXX prototype full coilover kit with camber plates all around (currently being fielded with this car). After the suspension was put on, the ride height was set down to sit lower than most Subaru owners are comfortable with (at least with the crowd who sees snow). To help stiffen up the body a Greddy front upper strut bar and an authentic STI rear upper strut bar was secured in place. This dinosaur can really roar with its free flowing exhaust, the boxer rumble is quite distinct and loud. During its exhalation it can catch you off guard with its signature backfire and flame shooting. Someone already testified that this four banger tyrannosaurus rex has made V8’s shut their holes at a meet.

Sitting low, the OEM 16 inch wheels will not suffice; those were replaced by XXR 522 18x9.5 +33 all around.  Wrapping the wheels is Kumho Ecsta AST in 225/40. The “pointy nosed” crowd was not ready for this at all. With all four fenders rolled..... it went down another inch.  

The exterior was mildly touched. Added on to the front bumper was a C-West Type II lip in carbon fiber. Next, the tail lights were replaced with JDM V7 tail lights (yes actual tails off of a Japanese car not re-wired).  Knowing that he needed something to help keep this rex stable at high speeds, he opted to use a V8 OEM STi spoiler.  Helping it stop are PowerSlot slotted rotors up front and Brembo blanks in the rear.

The interior saw subtle changes. To monitor what’s going on with the engine Autometer Nexus 8 oil pressure and boost gauge along with the Nexus 8 control box were installed. To help with the tuning and keep an eye on the air fuel ratio an AEM wideband and Bosch sensor were next to go in. To keep the driver nice and snug the driver side seat was replaced with a Sparco bucket seat along with a cam lock four point harness. To provide ample time to cool off the turbo after a fun run; an Apex’I turbo timer  handles the job well. To keep passengers and driver  entertained while stuck in awesome construction traffic, a Pioneer double din DVD player with Ipod connection replaced the boring OEM unit. The OEM MOMO steering wheel was bumped off by an awesome Personal Fitti Corsa wheel along with a Works Bell hub and NRG quick realease system.

With the “you love it or hate it” attitude an array of custom decals were added to further annoy the  the “purist”.  Yes this car has seen snow, and is driven and seldomly housed. I however am not so happy that certain aspects of the car were not disclosed; but those close to the owner can attest to its capabilities.

As the season has come to a close in the Midwest this dinosaur will be hibernating and occasionally prowling the streets in the winter. It has been leaked that there are an array of changes waiting to happen while this WRX gets dressed for the next season. What exactly? All I know the words “legit wheels” and “voltex” were used. So Mykee we can’t wait to see what sacrilegious things you do with this baby!


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Much thanks to Mykee, Rayn, Clifton, and Shisuru Productions for the visuals.

Hellllllllllloooooooooo Kittyyyyyyy By: Mykee Di

When the Hyundai Genesis first hit the streets of America, many had it confused for a revamped Tiburon. Confusing it with the Tiburon is like confusing panther with a house cat. One of the cleanest Genesis’ roaming the Chicago streets and making sure her presence is known is owned by Kristin. This black beauty comes correct with pizzazz and attitude.

This 2010 Genesis takes it every breath through an Injen intake and funneling it to its turbo. The turbo exhales its hot breath into an AMS front mount intercooler with matching stainless piping.  This kitty’s purrs are distinctive and pronounce with the help of a TIAL blow off valve. Ease off the throttle and the sound gets your heart racing yet again. But, what kind of wild cat just purrs? She growls when awakened at WOT with her Tomei TI Extreme exhaust; a fair warning to those who want to play this kitty cat. Her insides are cooled thanks to a Mishimoto Racing radiator.

Its legs are firmly planted on the ground thanks to its track ready suspension with the aid of an Eibach Pro Kit to stance her just right. All this would be worthless without something to run with; this kitty sports Volk CE28N wheels in 18x9.5 +22 up front and 18x10.5 +18. Wrapping those sexy legs are Sumitomo HRZIII in 245-40 and 275-40.  Stopping this wild cat when need be are a set of Brembo brakes with Brembo rotors all around.  The outside is mostly in its OEM form, but you can’t miss the subtle details here and there; like the Tomei CF diffuser insert , Luxon Grill,Sequence Fog Light surrounds and the super sexy SuperLux taillights.

Insider info is that Kristin has big plans for this kitty cat in the near future; as far as what those plans consists of we can only speculate, but count on it that it’ll be classy and of good taste. We look forward to doing another feature on Kristin this coming season, as this kitty hibernates for the Midwest winter.

Much thanks to Rayn and Brian W. for the visuals.

Want to get featured or just feel like sharing?

Please don't hesistate to contact us if you'd like to get featured or have your photos on our blog. E-mail us at auto.geijutsu@gmail.com. Don't be afraid to share!

No Limit to Soar by: Mykee Di

Let’s take it back in time, 15 years back exactly, that would be 1995 for those still figuring what year that would be. A lot of things that happened in the 90’s we’d rather much forget like all your female and sometimes male classmates who couldn’t stop singing Backstreet Boys songs, or that one weird kid who kept requesting Cotton Eye Joe be played at the school  dance. Some things though, we never forget and as time progresses forward those things become “classic”, much like wine Rayn’s  1995 SC 300 has only become sweeter with time.

But the best wine can only be made better by time and its components, much like this SC300. In its stock form it can be appreciated, but in its modified form it drops jaws and snaps neck.

Though 15 years old, this soarer has barely begun the journey to becoming a sweet wine. In the 6 years Rayn has owned it he continually adds a dash of this and a dash of that to achieve the perfect chemistry and balance that will cause euphoria.

The SC300’s curvaceous figure does not appeal to everyone. This one though breaks that barrier and just causes sheer appreciation from those who view it; either from a distance or up close. The front end sports a Bomex front bumper proudly, like a smile from a Miss Universe candidate. That smile is complimented with Vertex sideskirts and the curves are very much complimented by a tight Vertex rear end just like the ones you use see to on Baywatch.

The shoes on this babe are described in one word: classy. Sporting her ABC Exclusive Dish in 18x9+22 and 18x10 +17 is much like seeing a model rocking Jimmy Choos; simple yet elegant. Complimenting this wheel set up is a set of Supra MKIV Eibach Pro Springs with KYB AGX 4 way adjustable shocks. To make sure her finesse stays intact when she swings around the corner, she's girdled with Supra MKIV turbo sway bars, lower control arms, and a MKIV turbo limited slip.

Hear her grunt you will, though a lady she can be one tough momma. Inhaling through a BFI (Big F’ing Intake) while running she screams with authority! But if this were not enough to get your attention she grunts with her custom 3 inch straight through exhaust and out of her HKS HiPower muffler. Feeding the fuel to her fire is JDM soarer 440cc injectors and a MKIV turbo fuel pump. Stopping her fury is a set of slotted Brembo Rotors up front and Brembo Blank Rotors in the rear.

I compared this work to wine because in due time it will become, just well, that much more sweeter. Look forward to seeing this already sweet ride become sweeter in the coming days.

Expect nothing but the best from Rayn, after all when it Rayns it pours.

Much thanks to Rayn for the visuals.

Redifining Perspective By: Mykee Di

This 2003 Toyota Matrix grabs attention like a two-year old kid at a candy store, or that hot neighbor who jogs in front of your house all the time and makes you drop your coffee so you can run and get a glimpse. Though most would just shrug a Matrix as a grocery getter or just another car to get to point a to point b; Pat has more than re-shaped the image of it. Compare it to any other matrix on the road and this one will stand out bar none.  Who would have known that a matrix can have such an aggressive stance while maintaining a classy and clean look; dressed like James Bond for a black tie event; this matrix’s tuxedo consists of a SVE IMAGEWORKS lip kit, complimented by its snazzy foot wear of Blackfleets V810 wheels in 19x9. The suspension consist of  Tein SS of a 7^th generation Celica, giving it that laid back yet aggressive stance, kind of like that cool short guy at the bar  with  the charisma and the sex appeal of a porn star.  Halting this rolling stone is a set of Rotora BBK 4 pots also from a 7^th generation Celica.

Inside, like any good spy, it boasts an array of goodies. Pat said goodbye to his stock double din and replaced it with a “carputer” touch screen system capable of internet access with custom bezel surround. To provide sounds like that of a world class symphony, an Elemental Designs five-channel amp was added coupled to front component speakers; to make you feel the music two 10 inch slim subs were tucked away to give you that “oomph” when listening to your favorite music. An array of Junction Produce products was also added to the interior to give it a plushy yet oh so classy feel. Privacy for the windows is provided with Junction Produce curtains all around.

 Seven years in the making and this beautiful work of art is still being refined and evolving. Can't wait to see it unwrap its cocoon next season. Great job Pat!

Let the visuals begin……

Much thanks for Sweet 'n Low, Pat, and Rayn for the visuals.