U.S. Spec Kouki 180 style build.

[CrimsonRockett]

Moving this build over from Premie-land for the rest of Zilvia to enjoy.

I do have quite a bit of a back-story, but I'll keep it short.

Back in 2006, I bought my very first S13. I was underage, working practically full time earning minimum wage, without a driver's license or insurance. Just desperately wanted to get my first car for personal reasons (no drift-craze or JDM-ness, just a huge appreciation for Nissan's and with such a limited budget, it was one of my on-a-budget cars to work on).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/1989%20Nissan%20240sx/100_2291.jpg

It sat for 6 months until I finally got my license and insurance.

Not long after, I got a call from my manager at the time asking if I wanted to work some extra hours. Always loved to work extra hours because it meant I could either help my family out a bit more or add more to my savings.

Just a few blocks away from my parents place, I was making a left to hop on the freeway and this happened:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/DeadS13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/000_2044-1.jpg

Taxi cab ran a red light going 50+mph.

Knocked out, pedals were mangled and pinned my feet to the floor.

A guy driving by in a lifted truck witnessed it all, hopped out of his truck, opened up my passenger side door and pulled me out.

Had to be taken to the E.R. as a precaution, but I actually didn't get to see how severe the accident was until I got home from the hospital.

No broken bones fortunately, just back problems I'll probably have for the rest of my life. Kind of makes you change your perception of life. I now have a larger appreciation of time and tend to enjoy the simpler things.

Two weeks after the accident, I needed a new form of transportation.

'92 S13, 40k miles, original owner, all service records from Nissan, and last driven back in 2001.

Another $2,500 later, I'm happy as a clam once again with this deal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/000_0696.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/100_8259.jpg

The car went through several different stages (wheels, aero, exhausts, seats, etc).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/102_9573.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/Jan%2013%2008%20Photoshoot%20-%20350z%20and%20240sx/DSCF0105.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/XxXxXAtreyuXxXxX/Jan%2013%2008%20Photoshoot%20-%20350z%20and%20240sx/DSCF0104.jpg

Started making/saving up more money. Bought some more parts.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/DSCN4064.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/DSCN3612.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/DSCN4153.jpg

Had my car parked outside of my parents place one day. Someone backed into my driver's side door. Hit and run. Great.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/DSCF0288.jpg

Rear was looking boring.

Upgraded to the usual Kouki's.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN5074.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF0620.jpg

Again, car went through multiple changes and it got to the point that I decided it would be best to stop daily driving it and pick up a new daily driver.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/New%20S13/DSCF1070.jpg

'90 S13 with 60k miles. Little automatic beater, but it was awesome. Did some things to that car, but I won't get into it.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/New%20S13/DSCF1068.jpg

Eventually acquired some Kouki 180 aero.

Don't mind my parents old/super ghetto garage door. Had it replaced shortly after.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF2087.jpg

As always, I held onto multiple sets of parts to switch up the look every now and then.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF2487.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF2989.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF2993.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF3003.jpg

Started to remove the interior and mock up some parts just to verify fitment.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF3817.jpg

Then, the car sat for 6 years.

A lot of things happened. I landed better jobs, went through a lot in my personal life, bought a house. A lot of maturing in a short amount of time.

I gave myself some time and finally got some more progress done.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN3549.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN3550.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN3552.jpg

Loaded the car up.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN3555.jpg

Dropped it off at Street Faction.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN3559.jpg

I got rid of every last bit of Kouki 180 aero I had 6 years ago, bought it all new (just because I'm very particular with this kind of stuff), BNIB factory lighting, snagged some ClearCorners lighting (<3 Mike), bought all new replacement weatherstripping/moldings, got rid of the Z-brakes for Endless brakes, sold all of my Cusco parts and replaced them with SPL Pro with Titanium bits, sold my chrome VS-XX for this fancy set of wheels:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCF5800.jpg

Currently getting tubs done at Street Faction along with some other little bits I wanted. Taking it over to paint with another contact soon after.

Here's a mod list (copy/pasting from my Member's rides post)


|| Engine ||
- Dart Izumi Dual Tip Exhaust
- Greddy Turbo Kit
- Garrett GT2871R turbo
- Sard 550cc Injectors
- AEM EMS2
- Greddy FMIC
- Optima Red Top Battery
- NGK Spark Plug Wires
- NGK Iridium Plugs
- ARC Cooling Panel

Spare '98 KA being built for KA-T.

|| Drivetrain ||
- Full 5-speed swap
- SR Tranny w/KA bellhousing, 30,000 miles, new syncros, shortened gear ratios, resealed
- Exedy Stage 2 Clutch
- Fidanza Flywheel
- B&M V2 Short Shifter
- Nismo Tranny Mount
- Brand new Nismo Clutch Master
- Brand new Clutch Slave
- Stainless Steel Braided Clutch Line
- Nismo 2-way LSD
- Driveshaft shop 1pc driveshaft

|| Body ||
- Kouki 180sx Front bumper (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Front lip (Rare, brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Running lights (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Turn Signals (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx 3pc Valances (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Taillights(brand new, complete set with locks/keys and metal garnish)
- Kouki 180sx RPS13 Carbon Fiber Overlay (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx "hump" Sidemarkers (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Window Visors (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Window Louvers
- Kouki 180sx Sideskirts (brand new)
- Kouki 180sx Spoiler
- GP Sports Roof Spoiler
- Hella E-Code H4 Headlight Housings
- 8000k HID's

|| Brakes ||
- Full Z32 E-Brake Conversion(new)
- Endless Front Big Brake Kit
- JIC Brake Pads
- PowerSlot Rotors Front/Rear
- URAS Brake shoes
- Stainless steel conversion lines
- Z32 Brake Master Cylinder
- Bardabe Z32 E-brake Brackets
- Attain 5-lug hubs

|| Suspension ||
- Fortune Auto Dreadnought Coilovers
- Carbing Front Strut Bar w/BMC Stopper LHD
- Cusco Carbon Fiber Triangle Rear Brace
- Ikeya Formula Front Lower Control Arms
- SPL Tie Rods/Ends
- SPL Subframe bushings
- SPL Swaybar Endlinks
- Nismo Powerbrace
- SPL Tension Rods
- Tanabe Front Swaybar
- Tanabe Rear Swaybar
- SPL Rear Upper Control Arms
- SPL Rear Toe Arms
- SPL Traction Rods
- Safety 21 5-point Roll Cage
- Nismo Bushings on Spindles
- SPL Spherical Bearings
- Touge Factory Trunk Brace
- Touge Factory C-Pillar Bar
- SPL Spherical Bearings
- Nagisa Auto Fender Braces
- Do Luck Floor Braces

|| Interior ||
- NRG Short Hub
- NRG Quick Release
- NRG Lock
- Nardi Deep Corn Steering Wheel
- Nismo Shift Knob
- Bride ZetaIII Carbon Kevlar Driver's Seat
- Bride BrixII Passenger Seat
- Cusco E-Brake Knob
- JDM 180sx Seatbelt assemblies (Complete swap including plastic panels)
- JDM 180sx Rare floor mats
- Kenwood KDC-X689
- Infinity 6.5" Front Speakers
- Infinity 6.5" Rear Speakers
- Zenki S13 Black Carpet

|| Wheels ||
- Work VS-XX 17x9 +5 (brand new)
- Work VS-XX 18x10.5 +18 (brand new)- Project Kics R40 lug nuts (brand new)

[CrimsonRockett]

Saved for future updates.

[CrimsonRockett]

Additional post for future updates.

[blksylv]

Always loved this car, glad to finally see a build thread for it. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

[ksuberk54]

Nice man! love seeing builds like this!

[R_Rod_s13]

Subscribed! I don't want to miss any updates on this .

[BossHogg]

Ahhh. I get that old school feel. I like that. This is the kind of stuff I like looking at. I've always liked the gold VSXX.

[CrimsonRockett]

Ahhh. I get that old school feel. I like that. This is the kind of stuff I like looking at. I've always liked the gold VSXX.

Although I do find the current aero options interesting, I am very "old fashioned" and prefer OEM parts as well as OEM fitment.

If this were a track-only build, I would definitely take this in a different direction (think GT1/Koguchi), but considering the fact that I'm building both my S13 as S14 with the idea of keeping them for the rest of my life, the plan is to restore them (err, replicating that J-land appeal) while adding my own twist to them.

Also, while the color red is my own personal favorite color, I will not be keeping this car red. Too many red "Type-X's" running around in California. I've decided to stick with the Lexus color chart on both the S13 and S14. Flashy colors are fun, but classy colors have really grown on me.

[samuelmetalx]

cool! build is gonna but nuts. glad to see this car is still around. was big inspiration when i first joined

[future]

I've always seen you on here but never seen your car

[CrimsonRockett]

I've always seen you on here but never seen your car

I'm a fairly private person. Used to post a lot, but family comes first for me. Cars were somewhat put on hold (project cars that is).

I went through several other cars over the years that I would always end up personalizing.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/G20/DSC_9793-1.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/G20/DSC_9782-1.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/B16%20Sentra/DSCN1905.jpg

Current daily:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/photo-5.jpg

[Almighty So]

talk about a baller build.
excited to see suspension pics and greddy kat porn.

[pjurisprudencia]

I am very much in for this build. I see nothing but quality and pickyness!

[BossHogg]

Although I do find the current aero options interesting, I am very "old fashioned" and prefer OEM parts as well as OEM fitment.

If this were a track-only build, I would definitely take this in a different direction (think GT1/Koguchi), but considering the fact that I'm building both my S13 as S14 with the idea of keeping them for the rest of my life, the plan is to restore them (err, replicating that J-land appeal) while adding my own twist to them.

Also, while the color red is my own personal favorite color, I will not be keeping this car red. Too many red "Type-X's" running around in California. I've decided to stick with the Lexus color chart on both the S13 and S14. Flashy colors are fun, but classy colors have really grown on me.

Totally agree with you. Exactly how I'm building my cars. I don't plan on selling either. The next s13 I own will most likely just be an imported 180sx type X and just be a cruiser. Suspension, wheels done. Maybe a bolt on or two.

I am not a fan of red personally, but your car pulls it off very well.

[Escape 240sx]

This build inspires me with what i would love to do with mine. keep it coming! makes me excited to read good builds :hsdance:

[TheRealSy90]

I remember going to pick up that complete white kouki kit from you a couple years ago, and I was sad I didn't get to see your car in person. Thanks for sharing with us!

[ksuberk54]

Is that your garage? If so, sick.

[zooopreme]

I've always wondered what happened to your car, glad to see it finally getting built!

[CrimsonRockett]

Is that your garage? If so, sick.

No, that was just a shot from when I first picked up my truck at work.

My actual garage is nothing special.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/House%20Remodel/DSCN3578.jpg

[DILLONDILLONDILLON!]

MORE....now please <3

[Apex Eight]

Subbed. Love your approach to builds

[CrimsonRockett]

I feel like I'm being teased.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2215.jpg

[OBEEWON]

More pix of the S14, I don't think I've seen it. Why are you tubbing?

[CrimsonRockett]

More pix of the S14, I don't think I've seen it. Why are you tubbing?

Already have a build thread going for that car.

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=607875

Tubbing both cars for wheel clearance and to clean up the engine bay.

I know a lot of people are against it, but I've always loved the cleanliness of tubs.

Relocating the fusebox anyway. No AC on both cars.

[dluevanos01]

Tubbing both cars for wheel clearance and to clean up the engine bay.

I know a lot of people are against it, but I've always loved the cleanliness of tubs.

Relocating the fusebox anyway. No AC on both cars.

GANGTA!!!! always loved your cars

The green kouki on blitz was killer!!!

[CrimsonRockett]

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2365.png

Getting closer.

[JRex]

Damn that's a legit tub job, ready to see some progress on this thing.

[KoukiMonsta]

I just saw those pics on street factions IG..wondered who's car it was.

Very cool.

[jorge1190]

This is great to see. I'm at the point where I don't want to get rid of my car but I never drive it and have other things going on. It's

[CrimsonRockett]

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2403.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2401.jpg

Removable core support, anyone?

[KiLLeR2001]

Nice. I did removable core support on the S13.5. Your hardware setup looks a little more boss however. It's funny... My hatch is also 8 years in the making and its pretty much in the same state yours is currently in (completely stripped).

Thank you for the quality of work and parts. Keep it coming!

[CrimsonRockett]

Back home.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2527.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2523.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2524.jpg

Now, starting the prep work for paint (finally).

[CamryOnBronze]

Wow, don't know how I missed this! Looking good sir. Making me miss my Endless brakes. :/ lol

[[email protected]]

Car is looking great Johnny, really looking forward to your finished product.

[Cisco357]

Loving this build man. Really excited to see it done.

[TheRealSy90]

Any chance you could get another set of plates to weld under the core support? I'd like to make mine removable like that.

[CrimsonRockett]

Any chance you could get another set of plates to weld under the core support? I'd like to make mine removable like that.

Everything was hand made by Matt at Street Faction.

I'm sure you can contact them directly for something like this.

The plates are welded in place with a nut welded on the underside.

Posted this in the picture thread.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Datsun%20260z/IMG_2558.jpg

My little find of the day. '74 Datsun 260z with 50k original miles. Last registered in 1986. Repainted only once by the owner in the 80's, but the original color is a super nice orange.

Now I have 3 cars to work on.

Haha

[R3VO 3VOM]

Love your red hatch. It's what inspired me to get a hatch all those years ago (meaning like 2. LOL).
But really love the 260Z (I have a '76 and a '77 S30 myself). The bastard child of the S30's. Too old to be a 240Z yet not new enough to be a 280Z. A lot of unique 260Z parts. '74 must be nice for no smog in cali though.
What are your plans for it? Just light restore or full on craziness?

[collegekid]

I feel you entirely on family and the way you approach building your cars.

I just realized that I didnt buy my engine from the Spec I thought it was.
Mine came from Richmond virginia. I swear I spoke to some guy named Sam and thought it was you.

[Apex Eight]

Love the Z! Nice find

[Heywood Jablomie]

Normally I hate when people hack up their core support, hated when I did it to mine for sure, but that is really nicely done! Might want a strut bar, My front end felt loose after I dicked around with the core support.

[Reece]

Love this build. Post some pictures of the red hatch on XR4Zs if you can!

[CrimsonRockett]

Sorry guys, been really busy with work lately and haven't had a chance to update this.

Body shop is all lined up. They're pushing out a few cars to get mine in.

I will be updating this with pictures soon.

:)

[Initial Drift]

Any specific reason for doing the removable core support? Easier engine pulls?

[CrimsonRockett]

I do plan on having a lift installed on my next house, but figured for now it would help make things easier. Avoid damaging the core support during engine removal and also avoid scratching up the firewall with the transmission.

[xitsalgin]

Looking good

[boost infested]

Very nice!

[tricky_ab]

I'll be watching this one for sure... This is going to turn out to be quite the solid build :)

[da_crew10]

I need to get on here more often. Didn't even know you still had this thing. Bump for a zilvia O.G.

[TurboTiger]

Wow, this is going to be an impressive build. I really hope builds like these will inspire people to go this route vs the missile car build.

[CrimsonRockett]

Late updates as always.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender.jpg

Final test fit on the aero and exterior panels before it gets dropped off for paint.

Sneak peek at my new wheels this Tuesday.

[KiLLeR2001]

LMGT4's <3.

[CrimsonRockett]

LMGT4's <3.

Close, but no. Still on the hunt for that rear pair.

:hs:

[rawgarage]

Dude I literally just bought pedestals to get my washer and dryer off that height....

[CamryOnBronze]

This kind of makes me miss OEM aero, haha. I am still looking forward to this thing coming together!

[jdm2191]

Glad to see your back at it

[CrimsonRockett]

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3693.jpg

Obligatory "Type-X + TE37 starter pack".

17x9 +0, 18x10.5 +15

Still keeping the 17/18 stagger.

Massaging the fenders a bit this week before paint. Will be adjusting height and dialing in camber to get the fitment all squared away.

[OC94S14]

Subscribed, I love where this build is going.

[killer240]

oooh that was your shell at street faction...

[lovdrifting52]

Love it ... Wish I can put this much detail and hard work very time consuming

[CamryOnBronze]

Ugh love the white TEs and the specs. I think red is the best color for pulling off white TEs.

[CrimsonRockett]

Ugh love the white TEs and the specs. I think red is the best color for pulling off white TEs.

Too bad I'm not staying red.

:hsdance:

No offense to the other Red 180 style S13's running around in SoCal (because they still look awesome), but there's just too many in my opinion.

Red is my personal favorite color, but I'll be doing a full color change on this car.

Lexus has some nice colors right now. :)

[CamryOnBronze]

I would do what my favorite color is instead of basing the decision on how many cars of a particular color it seems there are based on photos posted on the forums. But at the same time I completely understand how you feel haha.

It's sort of like what people always say about TEs on a 180. "Every 180SX has TEs on it." But I've probably never seen more than three of them in person in the last 8 years. I get it, but at the end of the day it's all about whatever you like best!

I'm sure it'll be cool either way. I'm actually excited to see it in a different color after all these years haha.

[harrypotter]

How much were the tubs and all the other engine bay work?

[Cheaptalon]

It always puts a smile on my face when I see someone who loves their project so much that they (at some point) drive the same car in boring stock form as a daily. Keep the updates coming!

[tricky_ab]

Oh and, I'm diggin' this for sure! Any hints on the colour change?



It's sort of like what people always say about TEs on a 180. "Every 180SX has TEs on it." But I've probably never seen more than three of them in person in the last 8 years. I get it, but at the end of the day it's all about whatever you like best!



HAHA I never got this remark from people either. This and that TE's "are played out". I wish real TE's were played out, you people are trippin' :coolugh:

[CrimsonRockett]

Working long hours as always. No real time to get anything done these days unfortunately, but here it is.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/testfitment.jpg

Getting tires was kind of a pain since no one had these sizes in stock, but with the help of Kyle at Sonic Motor, I got what I needed.

No adjustable arms at this point. Rears will be pulled a bit to run less camber. Fronts will be pulled a bit as well for clearance.

Front will obviously be lower once the motor/drivetrain go back in.

17x9 +0 with 205/40/17 (will probably step back up to a 215/40/17 with this set up)

18x10.5 +15 with 225/40/18 (also will switch over to a 235/40/18 next time around)

[s13driftnut]

Solid build with solid parts! Keep it up man!

[ixfxi]

Looking good. You have a long way to go, but you're on the right track.

You will be relieved once the car is painted and you actually start the assembly process. Its unfortunate but quite amazing at just how much space parts in storage take. One car and easily consume the space of 3 cars when its in parts.

Keep up the good work and try to dedicate consecutive days where you can work on it. If you dont do that, you will end up taking much longer, like me! :(

ps: Careful with that front lip, the mounting studs break off all too easily. :P

[lilcim]

Wow! Excited to see more!

[CrimsonRockett]

Solid build with solid parts! Keep it up man!

Thanks dude!

Looking good. You have a long way to go, but you're on the right track.

You will be relieved once the car is painted and you actually start the assembly process. Its unfortunate but quite amazing at just how much space parts in storage take. One car and easily consume the space of 3 cars when its in parts.

Keep up the good work and try to dedicate consecutive days where you can work on it. If you dont do that, you will end up taking much longer, like me! :(

ps: Careful with that front lip, the mounting studs break off all too easily. :P

Paint is what I'm really looking forward to at the moment. I'm ready to reassemble the entire car since I've had everything to build it for so long, but I can't bring myself to putting anything on it unless it's new or restored.

I try to set aside a few hours a week to work on the car, but with my line of work and having a 7 month old daughter, it's tough to get anything done.

I am determined to get it all reassembled this year though. Same goes for my S14. The 260z will be on the back burner until I get these two cars back on the road.

I actually cut off/removed the mounting studs. Haha. Having owned so many Kouki 180sx bumpers and lips, I've noticed that over the years, the holes get pretty beat up and the studs end up snapping off anyway. I do have all of the original hardware, brackets, and instructions to go with the front lip. It'll still be nice and snug on the bumper.

Wow! Excited to see more!

Thanks dude. Looking forward to your car as well!

[va240dude]

Its been a while since I've perused the build forum but I'm loving this...if only more of us had better long term goals and approaches to how we built our 240s!

[CrimsonRockett]

Prepped the rear end of the chassis for paint including the trunk area.

New DA sander came in. Going to finish pulling the fenders and go to town with the DA. Get the entire exterior all down and ready for a coat of primer.

Love my Dart Izumi.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN4811.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/DSCN4813.jpg

Also, these came in the mail.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4467.jpg

17x9.5 +12, 18x10.5 +15.

Maybe I should add some Model 5's to the mix.

[Joobie610]

You should definitely add model 5s to the list. Also, I hate you for your wheel collection. Very jelly.

Keep up the good work man! If only more people had your approach to building these cars...

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

[SilviaForTheWin]

are you putting an sr in there ? I sure hope so..

[1988montecarloss]

i was wondering where this build thread was hiding, glad i found it :)

[rangerjavi]

Very nice cars, can't wait to see the end results

[forgotten]

Working long hours as always. No real time to get anything done these days unfortunately, but here it is.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/CrimsonRockett%202009/testfitment.jpg

Getting tires was kind of a pain since no one had these sizes in stock, but with the help of Kyle at Sonic Motor, I got what I needed.

No adjustable arms at this point. Rears will be pulled a bit to run less camber. Fronts will be pulled a bit as well for clearance.

Front will obviously be lower once the motor/drivetrain go back in.

17x9 +0 with 205/40/17 (will probably step back up to a 215/40/17 with this set up)

18x10.5 +15 with 225/40/18 (also will switch over to a 235/40/18 next time around)

Im in love with this picture, but the vsxx were better looking !!

[Slideurmom]

mmm can't wait to see more

[da_crew10]

Please work less hours so you can work on this more!

[ixfxi]

Please work less hours so you can work on this more!

thats how professionals make money and build nice cars

we have jobs and dont waste our time building shit buckets

[CrimsonRockett]

Please work less hours so you can work on this more!

thats how professionals make money and build nice cars

we have jobs and dont waste our time building shit buckets

Lol.

I really do work a crap ton of hours. Too many things to do and not enough time.

I know Mike and I can easily afford to pay someone to build these things for us, but it takes away from that feeling of accomplishment.

It would be a bit different if I still worked at a fab shop. I wouldn't have to worry about getting my suits dirty.

:hs:

[ixfxi]

I know Mike and I can easily afford to pay someone to build these things for us, but it takes away from that feeling of accomplishment.

the costs of paying someone else to do this type of work is too expensive, i would never be able to justify paying that kinda money. the majority of shops are under qualified. and those that are qualified, are very expensive.

so i've learned to be very careful with which shops i trust and work with

[Malik]

car looks good keep us up to date

[da_crew10]

Geez I was just joking. lol

[[email protected]]

the costs of paying someone else to do this type of work is too expensive, i would never be able to justify paying that kinda money. the majority of shops are under qualified. and those that are qualified, are very expensive.

so i've learned to be very careful with which shops i trust and work with

this X165873516197613548315

[Mister.E]

I know Mike and I can easily afford to pay someone to build these things for us, but it takes away from that feeling of accomplishment.


PREACH!

I feel like I've been building my car for way too damn long, but I refuse to pay someone else to do it for me. I may not be the best at building cars, but I trust myself with my own safety far more than most of the people here would. So many sketchy shops in Vegas.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Z_Spool]

...So many sketchy people in Vegas.


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#ftfy

That whole town is sketchy duder. That's why I rarely interacted with anyone when I lived out there.


So hey, what are you doing with those nifty TEs now that you've got your new wheels?

[CrimsonRockett]

So hey, what are you doing with those nifty TEs now that you've got your new wheels?

Nothing. They're just spares.

I will still be running my gold VSXX on this car.

The TE's and LMGT4's were just wheels I wanted to own.

Haha

[beems240sx]

Are those OE rear valances and lip or FRP? Fitment looks spectacular! I'm running white TE's on mine and now I want 18's for the rear...

[CrimsonRockett]

Are those OE rear valances and lip or FRP? Fitment looks spectacular! I'm running white TE's on mine and now I want 18's for the rear...

Brand new OEM.

;)

[AMIGOSTYLE]

you are literally building my two dream cars ! i wana b like u wen i grow up
https://youtu.be/MbeBjpiAhJk

[CrimsonRockett]

Hah.

Little sneak peek.

Recently acquired new front brakes.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4710.jpg

The Endless brakes I have are cool, but the rotor size is small. Single piece rotor.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/photo-64.jpg

Greddy brakes use 2pc rotors.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af272/SWATPERFORMANCE/Greddy4PodRearBrakeKit350Z.jpg

[ka-titties]

too legit for zilvia.

[GojiraCometh]

Those brakes tho... where's that meme of homer with his tounge out. lol

[GojiraCometh]

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/glee/images/3/3e/Drooling_homer.gif/revision/latest?cb=20121116203004

[shinhed]

This is how old school members build a car!

Great gear!

[tricky_ab]

This thing is going to be AMAZING!!! Quality parts all around...

[bboyoracle]

<3 this build

[rawgarage]

Sheesh......

[angeld12]

I hate you lol
You bought those lmgt4 just hours before I sent the money to streeter.
I'm sure the car is going to be nuts once it's done.

[CrimsonRockett]

A true forever build.

Better late than never I suppose!

A lot has happened over the last few years. My wife and I had a daughter (now almost 6!), twin boys, and I've buried myself in project car after project car.

Having taken this car apart back in 2009~, I was certain I had misplaced or accidentally sold off some important bits I would have needed for this build.

My focus now is fully assembling every single last S-chassis I own to finally part ways with all of the extra/unnecessary parts I have held onto over the years.

I recently sourced some OG bronze TE37's in amazing shape for their age. These won't be the permanent wheels for me considering my heart is set on my rare spec LMGT4's.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ii246/CrimsonRockett/001(10).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

Not wanting to drill holes on my base model trunk lid, I held onto a real 180sx trunk lid that already had the factory holes for the 180sx wing. It made the install a breeze. Just have to shave the rear wiper hole since I won't be running it.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ii246/CrimsonRockett/001(9).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

Also replaced the rear bumper with a mint 180sx rear bumper. My dumbass melted a good chunk of my original bumper with an aftermarket exhaust I used to have sometime in 2007-2008.

I did mock up every single last suspension piece I have for this car. Part of that was test fitting the PBM front and rear drop knuckles and deciding whether I want to keep them or stick with the original knuckles.

My Rotora 6pot front / 4pot rear was the biggest set of brakes I could fit behind my 17/18 stagger. Nicest thing about the Rotora set is it allows me to keep the Z32 rear drum set up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ii246/CrimsonRockett/001(8).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ii246/CrimsonRockett/001(7).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

Not quite there with all of my interior mock ups, but I am slowly digging out every last piece I have going in. This is a brand new Cusco cage for LHD I've had for a few years. My next focus is installing the cage and trimming the spare/donor panels as accurately as I can. That way, I can cut out the holes on my permanent panels and have it be spot on.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ii246/CrimsonRockett/001(20).JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

Once I get the cage going, I'll snap a few pictures of the interior. I already installed a complete 180sx seat belt swap running all of the correct trim panels and headliner. I even went as far as hanging onto a 180sx carpet, mostly due to it not having the raised areas that you would normally have for the auto seat belts.

After the interior is sorted, I'll be moving over to the engine bay and doing a final mock up before everything has to come off again to be restored/refinished.

Ultimately decided on an S15 SR and a 5-speed trans.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ii246/CrimsonRockett/001(6).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

[PoorMans180SX]

It's good to see this thing coming together after all these years. This car was the one to really convince me that the chuki bumper could look good!

[Agamemnon]

finally part ways with all of the extra/unnecessary parts I have held onto over the years.
You're gonna make sure us old timers get first crack on purchasing these parts riiiiiiight?

[Unit 02]

nice to see a build of this quality in this day n age