Category: Uncategorized

Are Wheel Vinyls The Newest Trend?

While viewing coverage for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, I’ve noticed a few trends that might take off here in the States.

The main thing that I’ve seen is wheel vinyl…As in printed vinyl on the lips of wheels. Printed Graphics on cars is nothing new of course, but putting this type of thing on wheels directly is new. On the right vehicle, with the right pattern, it can look cool. What I see happening, however is this getting played out faster than tirefly’s or lambo doors. This trend is going to be abused and die out very quickly, I imagine. I can see one advantage to this technology, however, and that would be the ease of changing rim color. How many of you have thought about getting some different colored wheels? With vinyl, you could just recolor your lip as you please.

Personally for me, I stand on the fence as far as this goes. I’m not too sure what to think about it. On one hand, I think it’s a great idea and it’s definitely innovative, but on the other hand, it can only go downhill from here. I know that there will be a few JDM fanboys that try this and epically fail. There is something dramatic about such a style clash from a Badass track/drift car with Floral print wheels. I don’t see how practical this could be though, and I’d be curious to see how well these lips work in real world conditions with all the heat and grime associated with driving.

All in all, these wheel vinyl’s are pretty cool, but I don’t see that lasting for very long. I have a feeling it’s going to get played out really fast, but who knows…I’ll be curious to see where it goes, if anywhere at all.

[Pictures Courtesy of BulletProof Automotive]

January 23, 2009
New Radio Flyer Takes Flight

Everything old is new again. Rocky Balboa, Rambo, Indiana Jones, John McClane, even the Dodge Challenger have all blown the dust off and made notable digital age comebacks. And while Indiana Jones probably should’ve stayed in mothballs, the brand new Radio Flyer wagon looks set to make a welcome return.

As you can see, this isn’t your daddy’s radio flyer. Designed for the ipod generation, the Cloud 9 (as the redesigned red wagon has affectionately been dubbed) contains more features than the heavily modded Ford Focus I reluctantly drive.

Fresh off the assembly line, the Cloud 9 comes stock with: a built in MP3 dock and speakers, temperature display, clock, cupholders, and bucket seats with five-point harnesses.

No price has been listed yet, but if you’re going to buy a wagon that comes with cupholders and bucket seats, you probably don’t have to worry about the price anyway.

January 20, 2009
Top Speed Performance! -National Speed

What we can do for you?

Installations

Doing it right the first time with National Speed’s expert technicians can save you money down the road. This is why National Speed offers a full performance installation program that takes the hassle, guesswork, and complication out of the entire process.

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Dyno Tuning

We offer tuning services for a wide variety of makes, models, and top engine management systems. Our calibrations team can ensure your tune stands up to the real world conditions that it will encounter while extracting maximum efficiency, power, & top speed.

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Custom Fabrication

If you can dream it, National Speed can build it. From exhaust cutouts and custom intakes to full turbo kits and frame off builds, our team has the decades of fabrication experience needed to make your fabrication dreams a reality.

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Build Consultations

Whether you are trying to run 8-second quarter mile passes, increase your top speed, hunt down GTRs at the track, or simply want your project to have a little more pep, expert opinions and guidance can help you clearly articulate your performance goals and create a plan to achieve them within the allocated budget.

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The Experience

From the time you walk through the door to the time your car leaves the garage, you can be confident in the work performed. With photo and video updates, thorough pre-delivery inspections, and unbeatable customer service & support, National Speed is different.

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Recent Projects

Want to stay up to date with what’s going on in the shop? To see current projects and get inspired, check out the National Speed Projects Page and follow our blog. They are a great way to keep up-to-date on what’s going on at National Speed and learn about whats going on in the industry.

– Recent Builds

Bring your vehicle down to one of our locations and see what makes us different from most shops. We truly live and breathe life in the fastlane. Motorsports and automotive performance is what we do and we’ve assembled some of the most well-built machines in the Nation. Want a truly majestic motorsports experience? At National Speed, we will give your project the quality, care, attention to detail and love we give our own vehicles.

REACH OUT AND SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU!

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January 9, 2009
Even MORE Carbon Fiber Stuff

Holy Carbon Fiber Crap, Batman!

Yesterday’s article wasn’t nearly enough to cover the wondrous objects constructed out of this woven greatness. I found a few more things that are a little….out there.

First on this list is something completely unnecessary, yet completely badass if you can afford it.

Carbon Fiber Stairs. Say whaaat? This thing is a giant concoction of glass stainless steel and ridiculously thin Carbon Fiber Treads. I can’t imagine that this is fat people friendly, but Carbon Fiber has come a long way in the past 10 years. While beautiful, I can only imagine that these stairs cost more than you want to even think about. EeStairs created this beast, and it can be yours for a low low price of……..We actually don’t know yet. I don’t want to know.

Next on the list is a ‘Fricken Carbon Fiber Corset. Yes folks, that’s right. Carbon Fiber Lingerie. All of these pieces are a custom one-off deal, which means yes, you have to go to Kyrone itself and get a custom mold made(teeheehee). As of now, only 8 have been made since 2001 so these suckers are limited. As stated earlier, these are $250. I guess that’s not too bad, but I can’t imagine it’d be comfortable. Kryone also makes a lot of other interesting stuff too so be sure to check ’em out.

Now for something even more out there. The Marc Newson Black Hole Table. Usable, sure, but Holy Crap. For the price, I’m not sure if i’d want to use it or be afraid to scratch it with my ogling eyes. This is a one piece three legged concoction of master godliness. Created all as one piece, each on of these 10 limited pieces are estimated to sell at $300,000. You think you are baller? Throw up the cash for one of these and then come talk to me, punk. Good luck finding one to buy in the first place. God knows when and where they go up at auction, but I’m sure it is a sight to behold.

December 30, 2008
Cool Carbon Fiber Stuff

They surely do make everything out of Carbon Fiber nowadays…

I’ve chosen a few products from the guys over at Carbon Fiber Gear Direct to highlight:

First off is CFG Direct’s super ballin’ Carbon Fiber wallet. With a sexy combination of Real Carbon Fiber and Soft Leather, this wallet is built to be durable. The wallet is available in a pretty slick looking Silver weave as well. It’s guaranteed to turn heads when you whip it out (not like that, perv). This is a good gift idea for any car enthusiast you might know, and I’ll be purchasing one soon. Price for both is $49.99

Check it out Here: CFG Direct Carbon Fiber/Leather Wallet

Next up is an interesting one. How about some Carbon Fiber Coasters in a sick looking Stainless Steel Display? Your cups/mugs/glasses/beer bottles/shot glasses/dentures or whatever else you decide to throw on there is guaranteed dyno proven 5 extra horsepower by being placed on these carbon fiber disks of drinking glory. If you decide you don’t want to use these as a coaster, they have been proven to be a viable alternative throwing weapon if all else fails. I cannot think of a more honorable way to die than in a shower of carbon fiber goodness. Price for entering Carbon Fiber Coaster Nirvana? $149.99

Check it out Here: CFG Direct Carbon Fiber/Stainless Steel Coaster

Here’s another one that piqued my interest a little bit. Need a new manly man ring? Forget gold or silver, go Stainless Steel and Carbon Fiber and show your real machismo. Leave a carbon fiber weave imprint on the forehead of the next guy that makes fun of you for wearing a man ring. The rings are offered in a variety of sizes and are really cheap at only $59.95

Check it out Here: CFG Direct Carbon Fiber/Stainless Steel Ring

Last up is easy enough. It’s a Carbon Fiber friggin’ pen. How gangster is that? It’s solid 3k twill Carbon Fiber and it’s of course a ballpoint. Just like the Carbon Fiber Coasters, this can be used a dart or whatever other flying projectile you decide to emulate. This wonderous object of writing desire can be had for the low low price of $39.95

Check it out Here: CFG Direct Carbon Fiber Pen

December 29, 2008
Roadmice: Forget Surfing the Web, Drive it Instead.

It’s holiday season folks, I saw this and had to post about it! “RoadMice” is what it’s called, and I think it’d be a great stocking stuffer for whomever automotive inclined you decide to get it for. Basically it’s a mouse styled to look like a car. There’s no two ways around it.

It’s got your standard left and right click mouse features (Minus you Mac weirdos…kidding.) and a scroll wheel, but the way it portrays it is SO much cooler. Right and left click are on the appropriate side of the hood on each vehicle, and it’s styled to represent a cowl induction hood. (On the Camaros at least) The scroll wheel glows red and looks akin to a blower sticking out the hood. Another nice touch is fully functioning headlights (Which can be turned off).

Each car is Officially Licensed by the respective companies and they come in, but are not limited to, a wide range of GM, Dodge, Ford and Chevy flavors. No imports yet guys, sorry. Each mouse is wireless and uses a USB receiver to function and has an accurate 800dpi. Each Roadmouse comes with an Individual VIN and personalized Registration and Title.

A Roadmouse would be the perfect Holiday gift for the auto lover in your family. If a Roadmouse isn’t quite their style, they also offer USB Flash Drives and Mouse Pads which are emblazoned with whatever Domestic vehicle you choose. Prices for each car are $44.99. Give Roadmice a shot!

December 17, 2008
What is VIP? – Bippu Styling

VIP or Bippu, is a somewhat new style of tuning that is slowly taking over the scene. Companies like Junction Produce, Auto Couture and Fabulous are starting to creep into US Car shows.

What is VIP you ask?

VIP cars are Japanese luxury cars such as the Nissan President, Toyota Celsior and Toyota Aristo. These aren’t the only models eligible for VIP status, however. The car makes the style, and it’s very specific. If you don’t have one of these models, your car is not eligible for being VIP. From Toyota you have the Century (JDM only), Celsior (Lexus LS), Aristo(Lexus GS), and Crown (very similar to Lexus LS). From Nissan you have the President (JDM only), Cima (Infiniti Q45) and the Cedric (Infinity M45). These are the only “True” VIP platforms.

It is rumored that VIP started off as a way for Yakuza to roll around incognito. By riding around in a big black 4 door sedan, you became way more inconspicuous than if you were in a high-profile European sedan such as a BMW M-series or Mercedes S-class. Osaka street racers, after suffering numerous police crackdowns in the early 1990’s, turned to large sedans after police started targeting sport compacts.

Most VIP cars carry the same characteristics: large diameter wheels (big lips are a plus) with low offsets that are flush, a lip kit or body kit(only to accentuate existing lines), and lowered ride height. More often than not, the vehicle is black as well. Low, dark, and slow is how they roll. Interior is where these cars really shine. Everything is available from Leather Tissue boxes, Curtains and even Tables crafted out of exotic woods. Most importantly (IMO) is the Fusa Knot.

This isn’t to say that the VIP Style cannot be applied to other platforms, as there are many Kei cars, Sport coupes, and even vans applying it. This is called Auto-luxury. Auto-luxury cars, even though not considered true “VIP”, can be pulled off very well, as evidenced by a friend of mine’s Anh-tuans SC300 as seen above. I see this style growing and more people immersing themselves into the VIP culture. My prediction: before too long you will see quite a few VIP themed rides rolling around on the street.

December 10, 2008
Performance Parts: Christmas Ideas For the Performance Enthusiast

Looking for a gift for that performance minded enthusiast in your life? We’ve put together a few items that are sure to please them! This is only a portion of our list, the rest of which will be put out later on this week.

DEI Header Wrap Kit

Tired of heatsoak robbing you of precious power? You know the only way to be safe is to wrap it up. Get a DEI Header Wrap Kit and say goodbye to lost horsepower

Blitz Dual Drive Blow Off Valve

The Blitz BOV with Dual Drive relieves compressor surge without reducing compressor speed. A smaller port is used for low boost and a larger port is used for high boost. Get one of these to ensure no compressor surge.

HKS SSQV Special Edition Black BOV

The HKS SSQV is a dual stage pull type relief valve, meaning that unlike push type valves, the SSQV cannot leak under any level of boost. The SSQV uses a small primary valve for quick action and a large valve for further venting. I personally use one on my vehicle, and I suggest it! Plus, it’s special edition, and black. That’s baller!

TiALSport Q BOV

The TiAL Q is the first redesign in 9 years for their BOV. Due to a V-band weld flange, the TiAL Q has a very clean and unique appearance. It is the highest flowing BOV on the market and is great for low to high boost applications.

Hawk High Performance Street Pads

Hawk has always been synonymous with braking performance. With their unique Ferro-Carbon compound, Hawk’s Street series brake pads combine performance with extended pad life. Aftermarket pads are inexpensive and are a must for any modified car.

Powerslot Performance Slotted Rotors

Excessive heat can cause resins in your brake pads to vaporize. As brake pads wear, the used material turns into a fine dust which can inhibit braking power. Forget all that and invest in some Powerslot Slotted Brake Rotors. Powerslots exclusive Vac-U-Slots are machined to evacuate all that harmful gas and dirt for enhanced stopping power.

Russel Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Why should I get stainless steel brake lines? That’s a question I hear all the time. Stainless Steel lines don’t swell like rubber lines, so they firm up your brake pressure. If you do off-road driving, stainless lines can also protect your lines from being punctured as well. Plus…they look awesome.

December 4, 2008
World's Largest Diesel – The Wartsila-Sulzer RTA9-….Nevermind.

When the Cadillac 472ci came out in 1968, they were a giant in the world of displacement. While still a large motor, it has now been overshadowed.

The Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C Turbo 2 stroke diesel engine is the most powerful and most efficient Diesel motor in the world today. These engines were designed primarily for very large container ships that need ridiculous amounts of torque to move.

(Note the stairs leading into the crankcase!)

Let’s talk numbers here: How does 1,556,002 Cubic Inches sound? That’s equivalent to 25,480 liters. Take that Honda! The 14 cylinder version of the inline diesel motor produces 108,920 horsepower. Sure that sounds pretty astronomical, but not when compared to its astounding 5,608,312 ft/lbs of torque. Holy cow! You can forget about taking this baby to a 9k redline though — this motor tops out at a blistering 102rpm. You can also get rid of your hopes of a 50/50 weight distribution too because this motor weighs 2300 tons.

(Worlds Largest Piston)

I wouldn’t expect to hear about some crazy motor swap considering I’m sure it’s hard to find something else suitably sized. It’s interesting to see how far you can push the mechanical limits sometimes, and I hope that the (deep breath) Aioi Works of Japan’s Diesel United, Ltd. (whew..) keeps pushing the limits.

December 1, 2008
Performance Parts Black Friday Special

Happy Black Friday from us here at National Speed, and we hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! For those that may not have heard, we just wanted to let you know that we’ve got a great performance parts black friday special. We have setup some deals that you really don’t want to miss (and I’m not just saying that).

A few of the great items we are offering is an ACT Clutch the EVO 8 for $399, a Edelbrock performer-x throttle body spacer for the GSR for $220, an Exedy organic racing clutch for the SR20 (240sx) for $215, and a lot more!

November 28, 2008