PASMAG 168 - Lexus & Toyota Special 2021

INSIDE: TOYOTA + LEXUS SPECIAL MARTIN'S IS300 WAGON

I S S U E

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AN EAST COAST OG'S HKS TRIBUTE BUILD

STYLE // TECH // PERFORMANCE

BIG BODY BUILDS ERIC CHOB'S GS300 GETS DOWN

PASMAG.COM

PM40069655

R10760

$6.99

EVENT COVERAGE & AWARD WINNERS

LEGENDS PAUL TOLSON'S LIFETIME OF LEXUS

#

TBGLIVE WINNER AJ VELASCO'S TESLA MODEL 3

UNLEASH YOUR PERFORMANCE

Make the most out of every drive with true all-season ultra high performance backed by a worry-free 40,000 mile tread life warranty.

Experience exceptional performance for much less than you expect with the Sailun Atrezzo SVA1, available now in over 40 popular sizes.

GOSAILUN.COM Exclusively Distributed by

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CompRT ® Subwoofers Thin-mount. Big bass

PHOTOS by Not Stock Photography

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©2019 STILLWATER DESIGNS

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#kickeraudio #livinloud @kickeraudio

Visit your nearest Authorized KICKER Dealer, in-store or online.

KICKER is distributed in Canada by Gem-Sen. www.gemsen.com

mackin_ind

precision-sport.com

CONTENTS 40

LEARNING CURVES: ERIC CHOB’S LEXUS GS300

56

SPORTCROSS SPECIAL

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2JZ - NO SHORTCUTS:

RICKY HOFMANN’S COMPETITION NISSAN 240SX

MARTIN CABRERA’S LEXUS IS300 SPORTCROSS

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CONTENTS 28 15

#TBGLIVE WINNER: AJ VALESCO’S 2020 TESLA MODEL 3

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TUNING365 FORMULA DRIFT LONG BEACH 2021

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HOT NEW PRODUCTS

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TUNING365 FORMULA DRIFT ST. LOUIS 2021

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COILOVERS WITH ISC SUSPENSION

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SAILUN MOTORSPORT SETS THE GLOBAL STAGE

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POPULAR LEXUS PLATFORMS AND THEIR JDM TOYOTA COUNTERPARTS

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PREFERRED DEALERS

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TUNING365 FORMULA DRIFT ST. LOUIS 2021 AWARD WINNERS

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PAUL TOLSON: A LIFETIME OF LEXUS

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

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TOYOTA SUPRA (A90) SLIP-ON LINE TITANIUM EXHAUST

As a Turn 14 Distribution customer you have access to the best customer support, real time inventory, nationwide delivery from PA, TX, or NV, flat rate shipping, and the best return policy in our industry. Let us be your competitive advantage.

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ISSUE PREVIEW

PASMAG (ISSN # 1710-1573) PHONE:

(416) 922-7526 1-800-667-7223

TOLL FREE:

pasmag.com

Tim Rutledge Blake Breslin & Perry Breslin FOUNDER: Frank Spezzano

GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: PUBLISHERS EMERITI:

EDITORIAL

Adam Gordon Bill Braun 12-VOLT SPECIALIST: Aaron Trimble FEATURES EDITOR: Ricky Chu SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER: Mikey Dang MANAGING EDITOR: Sean Greene EDITOR:

MOBILE AUDIO EDITOR-AT-LARGE:

CONTRIBUTORS

Caleb Krebs, Jacob Peters, Ken Chau, Maya GannBociek, Benjamin Martens, Same Productions, Vaded Js, Jacob Owen, Justin Krafft, Josh Coldiron, Ryan Lopez, Wire Care, Cody Nielsen, Matt Schaeffer, Ryan Mckeo, Juan Aguilar, Yujia Chen, Micky Slinger, Bailey Neal, Danny Calderon, Mikey Dang, Luke Munnell.

ART + PRODUCTION

Queue Gonzalez Dinglasan SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Edward Shintani SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick Beltijar GRAPHIC INTERN: Julia Neukom CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

PRODUCTION + SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick

SALES + ADMINISTRATION

Randi Bentia Richard Robles DIRECTOR OF NEWSSTAND SALES: Craig Sweetman SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Anna Rutledge DIRECTOR, AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES:

Performance Auto & Sound Magazine welcomes unsolicited contributions including stories (typewritten), photos, club news, events, etc.

(Forward to PAS, 115-42 Industrial Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 1Y9) Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40069655 Printed in USA PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NIAGARA FALLS, NY AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. U.S.P.S. # 022-608 U.S. OFFICE OF PUBLICATION 2152 Ridge Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092 U.S. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO Performance Auto & Sound, Box 1082, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to our readers. If you prefer to have your name removed from this list, please write to us at the address below and include your mailing label. For any subscription inquiries, including change of address, call 1-800-667-7223.

BIG BODY LEXUS BUILDS THAT CAN GET DOWN

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HAT IS IT ABOUT A FULL SIZE SEDAN THAT CAN LIGHT UP THE REAR TIRES WITH EASE THAT’S SO EXCITING? IN THIS ISSUE, WE SET OUT TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION. As Lexus sedans have skyrocketed in popularity among enthusiasts, the results of tinkering with them have steadily improved over the years. Now, as you’ll see in the case of a very special GS300 build, the aftermarket options for the platforms have given them new life as formidable motorsports options. Especially popular in drifting, as the GS300s are, sedans with turbocharged inline-six engines have become revered among their audiences and drivers. In these pages we’ll take a closer look at Eric Chob’s GS300 of Team ProceeD - a big body Lexus that can get down in style.

You’ll also be treated to a closer look at Ricky Hofmann’s 2JZ-powered S14 240sx drift car, Martin Cabrera's IS300 Sportcross, as well as a variety of coverage from PASMAG’s Tuning 365 Tour at a handful of Formula Drift stops. We also dive into a Legends piece about Paul Tolson - one

of the OGs of modifying big Lexus builds. Of course, this is all mixed in with our usual array of PASMAG content such as the latest and greatest new products, Tuner Battlegrounds winners, educational pieces from our partners in the industry, and so much more!

As always, thanks for taking the time to pick up PASMAG wherever you are. We just hope we don’t drive up the prices of cool RWD sedans any further!

ADAM GORDON

@gordon.leadfoot PASMAG EDITOR

PASMAG.COM TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS.COM @PASMAG @PASMAG PASMAG @PASMAG

SEMA Member

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AIR LIFT PERFORMANCE FLO-BTS Modular Billet Tanks AirLiftPerformance.com

Take your trunk build to the next level with a billet tank from FLO Airride Mfg., now available through Air Lift Performance. The FLO-BTS modular billet tanks are designed for a clean and impressive air management setup. Available in three lengths - 18, 24, and 28 inches - the FLO-BTS tank is designed for customizations and creativity. Machined from high-quality 6061-T6 billet aluminum and featuring threaded end caps with 1/8-, 1/4-, and 3/8-inch NPT port options, arranged in a design that allows for perfect symmetry in hardline applications.

EXEDY

Stage 2 Cerametallic Clutch Kit for 2017+ Honda Civic Type R $740.16 | ExedyUSA.com

This SFI approved clutch kit achieves approximately 40% higher clamp load than OE part, an electro galvanized stamped cover with anti-burst ductile iron pressure plate, and a hardened high clamp load diaphragm for increased durability and power capacity without sacrificing daily drivability. A special designed cover assembly eliminates cover deflection. Utilizes cerametallic friction material for better heat capacity and durability. Superior disc design incorporates low-inertia, high heat resistance, and excellent burst-strength. A sprung center hub reduces impact and shock loads transmitted through the drivetrain.

RAYS WHEELS NE24

$826 | Mackin-Ind.com + CONSTRUCTION: Mold

Formed

+ SIZE (IN.): 18 + WIDTH (IN.): 7.5-12 + BOLT PATTERN: 5x100,

5x112,

Forged Monoblock

5x114.3, 5x120

+ FINISH: Shining

Black Metal, Matte Gun Black

ADVANCED CLUTCH TECHNOLOGY Mod-Twin 225 Clutch Kits for Mitsubishi EVO X AdvancedClutch.com

Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) releases a full range of Mod-Twin 225 clutch kits for the Mitsubishi EVO X. ACT’s new Mod-Twin 225 is a performance breakthrough, resulting in an ultra-durable, customer serviceable, long-lasting clutch with extremely high torque capacity - without the tradeoffs often associated with a twin disc clutch. Optional components for the Mod-Twin can be combined in any one of ten configurations. The Mod-Twin has three different clamp loads available, alternate friction plates, and a choice of either a sprung or rigid mono-drive hub.

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DRESS UP BOLTS

Titanium Widebody Hardware DressUpBolts.com

Dress Up Bolts offers 8 variations of widebody hardware combinations that include different bolt designs and lengths. These widebody hardware combos include one bolt, one washer, and one well nut, so you can select the exact quantity you need for your widebody kit. Dress Up Bolts use GR5 Titanium for its high corrosion resistant properties, and rubber well nuts to seal the holes in your body panels ensuring an easy, protective, and clean finish for your widebody.

HEISE LED LIGHTING SYSTEMS

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS COMPANY

HeiseLED.com

SpecProd.com

Metra’s RGBW LED underglow lighting, the RGBW1-UNDGLED, is designed for all-terrain on powersports vehicles, cars, and more! Choose from 16 million different color options plus a true white color using the Metra RGB smartphone app with pre-built lighting transitions, flash patterns, and more. This 4-piece package includes two 36-inch and two 48-inch sealed water-resistant LED tubes, mounting hardware, and extension cables, providing a fast and durable RGBW lighting solution.

Controller sold separately.

SPC’s forged aluminum link will provide -2 to +3 degrees of camber adjustment, reduced weight versus the OE arm, and exceed its strength. SPC's adjustable arm features high rate rubber bushings to maintain OE noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and has a 1.5-inch hexed eccentric insert at the knuckle end of the arm to easily adjust camber without removing the tire. All hardware is included and features hex chromate free finish for rust free long life.

RGBW Underglow LED 4-Piece Kit

Rear Camber Arm for 2015+ Ford Mustang

KNUKONCEPTZ Vertical Top Post Adapter

$9.99 | KnuKonceptz.com

KnuKonceptz expands its Ultimate Battery Terminal (UBT) accessory line with the Vertical Top Post Adapter (VTPA). Have a lease vehicle, or maybe your battery cable has a fancy built in fuse connector? Worry no more! The VTPA allows the installer to retain the OEM battery post hardware. No cutting or modifying required. Installing a large gauge battery wire is completed in minutes! The VTPA is sold in pairs and designed specifically for UBT Terminals (sold separately).

IBEAM

9-Inch Touchscreen Live-Streaming Real-Time Mirror and Dual DVR $637.00 | iBEAMusa.com

See the rear and front view of the vehicle in real-time with iBEAM's HD touchscreen mirror and camera kit. This large 9-inch color LCD touchscreen mirror features no lag with 1080p resolution at 30 fps for both cameras. A built-in dual-channel DVR captures the front and rear video feeds simultaneously to prevent liability in case of an accident, and has a G-sensor to prevent the video from being overwritten. Includes optional ADAS features for lane detection and forward collision warnings.

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ISC SUSPENSION

ISC V3 Subaru Rear Adjustable Control Arms (Limited Stealth Series Black) $475 | ISCSuspension-na.com

RAYS GRAMLIGHTS

ISC Suspension’s limited small batch Stealth Series control arms share all the great features of their standard ISC control arms, but offer a more subtle stealth finish. Anodized in a stealth black finish. 6061 CNC aluminum construction, stainless hardware, and pillow ball mounts. Offers 5 degrees of adjustable camber. Fits 2008-2021 WRX/STi, BRZ, 2014-2018 Forester, and more.

57Trans-X

RaysWheels.co.jp + CONSTRUCTION: Cast / + SIZE (IN.): 17-18, 20 + WIDTH (IN.): 8-9 + BOLT PATTERN: 5x150,

RCF Cast

6x135, 6x139.7 Dark Gunmetal w/ Rim Edge DC

+ FINISH: Super

RAYS

Volk Racing TE37SL Black Edition III $918 | RaysWheels.co.jp

PROJECT KICS Wide Tread Spacer Mackin-Ind.com

These bolt-on aluminum wheel spacers from Project KICS are available in 11mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, and 30mm versions.

Available as simple bolt-on spacers, with PCD conversion spec also available. Two pieces per set. Available as M12xP1.5 and M12xP1.25.

+ CONSTRUCTION: Forged + SIZE (IN.): 18-19 + WIDTH (IN.): 9.5-11 + BOLT PATTERN: 5x112, 5x114.3,

5x120

+ FINISH: Pressed

REDOT

Black w/ rim

KICKER

KSS650 Component System $249.95 | Kicker.com + SIZE (IN.): 6.5 + DESIGN: Component + WOOFER CONE & SURROUND:

Polypropylene cone, rubber surrounds

+ TWEETER MATERIAL: Silk dome + POWER (RMS/PEAK): >75 W RMS + BASKET: Cast aluminum

KICKER

Value Wiring Kits Kicker.com

PROJECT MU Racing Floating Nut II Project-Mu.co.jp

These new lug nuts from Project Mu are as stylish as they are functional.

Project Mu’s signature color is found on both the floating conical seat, as well as the aluminum cap which can be removed for extended studs.

Available in M12xP1.5 and M12xP1.25 sizes. Includes a 17 hex key. A four-piece lock set is also available.

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This complete 8-gauge amp kit comes complete with Full Spec power and ground wire, speaker wire, interconnect cable, fusing, fuse holder and hardware. Hooking up an amp is easy when you get everything you need in one place. The best hardware, signal, and power cable comes in one convenient package. Get an additional year of warranty when you buy a Kicker amp with this kit. All kits include pure, full-spec oxygen-free copper cabling for max power transfer, superior bass response, and signal clarity.

Home & Mobile Audio Accessories

• BK-2030

Block Rockin Beats • Dual 0 Gauge In & Out • Requires No Adapters • Compact Footprint

• BK-2020 Amp Kits • Distribution Blocks • Power / Speaker Wire • RCA Cable • Sound Deadener

Made in Germany.

Made for you.

www.liqui-moly.com

Engineered for Asian and American manufacturers Special Tec AA oils are not standard motor oils. These oil formulations meet the performance demands of high output and high efficiency modern engines and their required emission systems.

Reduction of fuel consumption low friction coefficient Always best performance high thermal and pressure stability

ERVICE CK IS

-4

The use of this official API seal distinguishes licensed products and confirms that the motor oil meets or exceeds the specifications and requirements of the American Petroleum Institute (API). The user is thereby guaranteed the best quality.

AP

Longer engine life less wear than regular motor oil

SAE 5W-30

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TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS.COM TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS

HOT IMPORT NIGHTS: MOHEGAN SUN

Uncasville, CT @hotimportnights

55%

OF THE POPULAR VOTE ANNUAL COMPETITION

2020 TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE

AJ VELASCO /aj.velasco

@hotimportnights Photography By Cody Nielsen, Matt Schaeffer, Ryan Mckeo

@jrzy_m3p |

ESSENTIALS

LOCATION › Clifton, NJ // HORSEPOWER › 480 (estimated) // CLUB › Ruined Tesla

 WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Signature Wheels SV303 wheels - 20x9 (f) 20x10.5 (r) + Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires - 235/35/20 (f), 275/30/20 (r) + Electric Speed Design titanium lug nuts + MountainPass Performance Page Mill Performance rotors  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: AirDemand Suspension 10-way adjustable air bag struts + Air Lift Performance (3H management system, leveling sensors) + VIAIR dual 444c air compressors + Dual Seamless Tanks air tanks + Custom hardline setup + MountainPass Performance Arastradero (rear toe arms, rear camber arms)+  EXTERIOR: Artisan Spirits Black Label Carbon Fiber (front lip spoiler, front bumper garnishes, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear spoiler) + XPEL Stealth PPF wrap + Opticoat Pro Plus ceramic coating + 3M (Satin Ghost Flip Pearl wrap, Satin Black chrome delete, Crystalline window tint, Crystalline front/rear windshield tint, Crystalline roof tint)

+ Shaved exterior emblems + Electric Speed Design (carbon fiber side camera covers, carbon fiber door handles) + ModifiedTesla (M3 style carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber door sill plates, carbon fiber door hinge covers)+  INTERIOR: Custom air compressor cover by Matt Schaeffer of Musaic Design + Classy House Productions Air Lift Performance manifold cover + TAW Customs (carbon fiber/white leather custom steering wheel, white leather wrapped airbag) + ModifiedTesla (carbon fiber door and window switch covers, carbon fiber center console side trim, carbon fiber front seat backs, carbon fiber rear center console vent) + RPM Tesla (white leather armrest, carbon fiber dash end caps) + Electric Speed Design (carbon fiber dash, carbon fiber center console) + 3M White Carbon Fiber trim wrap + Abstract Ocean matte screen protector + Opticoat (Opti-guard leather protectant, Pro Plus ceramic coated carbon fiber pieces) + CasperM3 Anti-Nudge AutoPilot device + Razo wide view rear mirror + 3Y Accessories phone/iPad mount + Grey Alcantara (headliner, pillars) + Hushmat sound treatment + Sound Shield acoustic foam treatment + Acrylic speaker adapters  AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS: Illusion Audio (Carbon C8 component speakers, C3 CX 2-way speakers, C10XL subwoofer) + Focal (FPX5.1200 amplifier, FPX4.400SQ amplifier) + Mosconi AMAS96K High Res Bluetooth streaming + Toslink cable + Mosconi (RCD controller, Mos-BTM Bluetooth module, 8to12 Aerospace Pro DSP) + Stinger 6000 Series RCAs + AudioQuest Big Sur 3.5 to RCA cable + Astell & Kern SE200 DAP music player + Custom Musaic Design (A-pillars, subwoofer enclosure, amp rack) + Ohmmu V2 lithium lightweight battery  SPONSORS: Always Clean Detailing, Rat4Life, LightingTrendz, MountainPass Performance, Signature Wheels, Clientele Coatings, Electric Speed Design

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2021 TUNING 365 CAR SHOW TOUR AWARD WINNERS AT FORMULA DRIFT MADISON, ILLINOIS WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY

STORY BY RANDI BENTIA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACOB PETERS (@JPMEDIA360), PAS STAFF

Our fourth tour stop of 2021 officially marks the PASMAG Tuning 365 one-year anniversary!

As high temperatures swept the nation, the 2021 PASMAG Tuning 365 Show competitors were greeted by hot and humid conditions at Formula DRIFT: St. Louis at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, IL. More than 80 competitors displayed in the PASMAG Tuning 365 Showcase, and we saw many familiar faces and custom vehicles. Luke Skalisius returned with his widebodied 2004 Subaru WRX STi, Sam Schilli drew plenty of attention with his “open-everything” 2006 Pontiac Solstice, and Trevor Hughes was seen

back at the event with his restored 1973 Datsun 240z equipped with Dapper Lighting Sevens.

PASMAG Editor, Adam Gordon, paid close attention to all of the registered competitors, and examined each build for his Editor’s Choice picks. The first award was handed to Mike LaCoste for his 2001 Lexus IS300, and the second award (with the help of my opinion) was given to Maya Gann-Bociek for her 1987 Nissan Skyline HR31.

Formula DRIFT PRO Driver, Chelsea DeNofa, was given the task to select this year's DRIVER'S CHOICE award winners at Formula DRIFT: St. Louis.

Typically, we give out one (1) award in this category, but since this was our Tuning 365 Tour anniversary stop, we decided to give out two (2) awards in this category at the event. For the first award, DeNofa chose Jason Brassard and his 2020 Toyota Supra and had this to say about the build, "I really liked the way it was completed and the overall quality. The Max Orido kit is beautiful!" And for the second award, DeNofa chose Ken Chau's 2003 FILL 'ER UP

PASMAG.COM TUNING365.EVENTS

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@PASMAG

@TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS

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KAT SCHMIDT, PRESIDENT OF BLACKLISTED SOCIETY Mitsubishi Evolution 8 and stated, "I liked the balance of track and street it has a lot of power!"

In the Larry’s Pick award category, Larry Chen picked Mark Leake for his 1990 Toyota Celica Alltrac (GT-Four).

Can you blame him? The ST185 is one of the most iconic and most successful WRC cars of all time!

With a total of 221 votes, the winner for the PASMAG Tuner Battlegrounds #TBGLIVE award category was Dustin Mazzio with his 1994 Toyota Supra and his 1994 Toyota Supra!

Kat Schmidt, President of BlackListed Society - a growing group of car enthusiasts in the St. Louis area that work together in the planning of charity car shows, cruises, and automotive events - helped us for our 2nd annual showcase at FDSTL. “Working with PASMAG was an amazing time! We got there, set up, parked all of the beautiful cars that came out, and were able to meet a PRO drifter who put his personal pick into the car show! I have never had more fun at an event that we have hosted or co-hosted. The entire vibe of the day was just so vibrant and energetic - it’s indescribable! Even though it was “Midwest Summer” hot, everyone (who could) in STL showed up, came out, and showed-off what they have been building throughout the winter. We were privileged to be able to work with FD and the incredible crew of PASMAG to make this happen. Everyone had nothing but great things to say about the show

EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS Mike LaCoste, 2001 Lexus IS300

Mark Leake, 1990 Toyota Celica Alltrac (GT-Four)

Maya Gann-Bociek, 1987 Nissan Skyline HR31

Dustin Mazzio, 1994 Toyota Supra

Jason Brassard, 2020 Toyota Supra

For more information on Tuning 365: Tuning365.events

// Editor's Choice

// Larry's Pick

// Editor's Choice

// Driver's Choice (Chelsea DeNofa)

Ken Chau, 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution 8 // Driver's Choice (Chelsea DeNofa)

// Tuner Battlegrounds

For more information on Formula DRIFT: FormulaD.com For more information on Tuner Battlegrounds: TunerBattlegrounds.com

and the entire event. BlackListed looks forward to doing this again next year with them,” stated Kat. Congratulations to all the award winners at our Tuning 365 Show at Formula DRIFT: St. Louis. We look forward to featuring you all in the print edition of PASMAG.

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RACHEL ELLINGSEN 2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE @omgimrachel /whitedc4

LOCATION: Yukon, OK ENGINE: Chevrolet LS7 7.0L V8 HORSEPOWER: 500 (estimate) CLUB: Team Diverse Photography By Caleb Krebs //

@_msixx26

There’s just something about the C6 Corvette that appeals to us so much, so when our former Tuner Battlegrounds Champion, Rachel Ellingsen, got one of her own, we knew we could expect cool results. Ellingsen is just getting started, but she’s off to a great start with air suspension, cool wheels, and some ZR1 aero to set off the C6 just right.  ENGINE: American Racing long tube headers + MSD ignition coil + Hurricane cold air intake  EXHAUST: BB Performance exhaust  DRIVETRAIN: Competition Clutch (twindisc Street series clutch, lightweight flywheel)  WHEELS: 360 Forged Straight 5 wheels - 19x11 (f), 20x13 (r)  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Airtekk slim bellow air bags and struts + Air Lift Performance 3P manifold and air management system + Shark bar C-pillar bar  EXTERIOR: Corvette ZR1 (front lip, rear spoiler) + Morimoto C7-style headlights + Custom LED RGB strips for headlights + Glow E LED underglow  INTERIOR: Braum Racing (black diamond-stitched E lite-X series seats, 5-point harnesses) + NRG (hub, q uick-release) + Vertex steering wheel + Glow E LED interior lighting  AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS: Sony XAV-AX5000 head unit + Digital Designs 8-inch loaded subwoofer  SPONSORS: Competition Clutch + S&B Performance

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For the past decade ISC Suspension has proven itself as a diverse weapon for multiple driving disciplines for both street and motorsports; from Time Attack and HPDE, to Drift, Autocross and Street.

ISCSUSPENSION-NA.COM

@ISC_SUSPENSION

ISCSUSPENSIONNA

ISCSUSPENSION

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JASON BRASSARD 2020 TOYOTA SUPRA @tradengames

LOCATION: High Ridge, MO ENGINE: BMW B58 3.0L Turbocharged I6

Photography By Jacob Peters

 ENGINE: MST intakes + Dress Up Bols red hardware + NvSpecialties forged carbon fiber engine bay trim  EXHAUST: AWE Tuning cat-back exhaust + 4-inch exhaust tips  WHEELS / TIRES: BC Forged ML81 2-piece wheels - 19x9.5 -25 (f), 19x11 -35 (r) + Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires - 275/30/19 (f), 305/30/19 (r)  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: H& R Sport springs + Cusco braces  EXTERIOR: Max Orido full body kit + Custom side mirrors + Color-matched side markers + 20% window tint  INTERIOR: Custom door panels + Custom steering wheel + Floating amplifier rack w/ red lighting  AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS: Audison (AV 5.1K 5-channel amplifier, V irtuoso processor, 6 .5-inch midbass speakers, V oca TH1.5 tweeters) + Hertz Mille Legend ML 2500.3 subwoofers (2)

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KEN CHAU 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION @that_my_evo8 /chau.ken.923

LOCATION: St. Louis, MO ENGINE: Mitsubishi 4G63 2.0L Turbocharged I4 HORSEPOWER: 751 whp Photography By Ken Chau, PAS Staff, REI Photography

 ENGINE: GSC (S3 camshafts, lifters, retainers, springs) + Ferrea valves + HKS (cam gear, head gasket) + MAP (Built block, H11 head studs) + Magnus (V 5 intake manifold, fuel rail) + Manley (pistons, I -beam rods, billet crank) + Fuel Injector Clinic 2150cc injectors + Bulletproof 450 double pumper + Fuel Lap fuel regulator + Sheepey Race (turbo kit, 4-inch intercooler) + Precision Gen2 6466 turbo + S90 throttle body + Titanium upper intercooler piping + Torque Solutions engine mounts + Moroso oil pan + Fat House oil catch can + CSF slim radiator  EXHAUST: Sheepey Race titanium hood exit  DRIVETRAIN: Shep 4.11 transmission + Powertrain Technology twin-disc clutch + Hydraulic throwout bearing + Jack Transmission transfer case + Wavetrac LSD + 2-piece carbon fiber driveshaft  WHEELS / TIRES: Work Meister S1R wheels - 18x11.5 -32 (f), 18x11.5 -57 (r) + Nitto NT05 tires - 295/35/19 (f/r)  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Air Lift Performance V 2 air suspension system  EXTERIOR: Clinched widebody kit + Voltex carbon fiber front bumper + VIS carbon fiber hood + Seibon carbon trunk + Battle Aero 82-inch carbon fiber wing + JDM (front lights, rear lights) + Chameleon Lime Green vinyl wrap + Carbon fiber roof  INTERIOR: Bride Zeta III seat + Carbon fiber rear seat delete + Carbon fiber door cards + 6-point bolt-in roll cage

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MAYA GANN-BOCIEK 1987 NISSAN SKYLINE @mgb.io

LOCATION: Granite City, IL ENGINE: Nissan RB25DET 2.5L Turbocharged I6 CLUB: Dream-Dash Garage

Here’s one you don’t see every day! There’s something so retro-cool about the R31 Skyline that predated the “Godzilla” models we all know and love. Being such a rare platform, some people may never lay eyes on one of these, let alone one with an RB25DET engine swapped in! It was hard not to love this thing.  ENGINE: RB25DET engine swap  EXHAUST: Custom exhaust system  WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Performa Emortal wheels - 15x9 (f/r) + Kumho Ecsta tires - 205/50/15 (f/r)  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Aftermarket coilovers  EXTERIOR: R31HOUSE Model5 kit + GTS-R spoiler  INTERIOR: Momo steering wheel

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MIKE LACOSTE 2001 LEXUS IS300 @mlacoste09 /michael.lacoste.7

LOCATION: Granite City, IL ENGINE: Toyota 1JZ-GTE 2.5L Turbocharged I6I

Photography By Benjamin Martens @benjamn_martens, @sameproductions, @vadedjs

The IS300 platform has seen a meteoric rise in popularity among tuners and drivers alike in recent years.

With a 1JZ-GTE swap, and some unique styling cues, Mike LaCoste’s 2001 Lexus IS300 stood out from the crowd at the show. If the Work Emotion T7Rs didn’t immediately sell you on this car’s cool factor at ground level, his custom light-up splitters certainly would. Props to LaCoste for thinking outside the box while keeping things clean!  ENGINE: Toyota 1JZ-GTE VVTI engine swap + Future Fab downpipe + UpFab J-pipe delete kit + HKS fuel cut defender + ChaseBays power steering reservoir + Drift Motion lightweight pulleys + Xcessive Manufacturing engine mounts + Custom front-mount intercooler  EXHAUST: DHgarage custom 3-inch straight pipe exhaust  DRIVETRAIN: R154 5-speed transmission + Cube short throw shifter + Drift Motion stage 2 clutch kit + ARP flywheel bolts + Xcessive Manufacturing (driveshaft, transmission mounts, crossmember)  WHEELS / TIRES: W ork E motion T7 R wheels - 18x 9 .5 +12 (f), 18x 10.5 +12 (r) + Cosmo MuchoMacho tires - 215/35/18 (f), 235/40/18 (r)  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Silvers N eomax coilovers (22K /16 K springs) + KFD (Front upper control arms, rear upper control arms, rear lower control arms, rear toe arms, rear traction arms) + SerialNine (solid subframe bushings, differential bushings) + EZKnuckles (V 4 angle kit, adj ustable caster arms, 40mm ex tended lower front control arms, inner and outer tie rods) + Offset rack spacers + Eccentric lockout bolts + Welded differential  EXTERIOR: Don Musk 50mm 8-piece overfender kit + Fineline Tuning (BN Style body kit, hood) + Minty Fresh roof wing + 326 Power style wing + AeroWolf (splitters, mirror visors) + Altezza JDM (headlights, grille) + Window deflectors + Aerocatch hood latches + Custom light up splitters + Avery Gloss White vinyl wrap  INTERIOR: ChaseBays reverse pull hydraulic handbrake + Grip Royal steering wheel + NRG (Prisma bucket seats, hub, q uick-release) + Planted seat brackets + Garage Moon Power floor mats + AutoMeter gauges + Billetworkz shift knob + Xcessive shift boot + Cipher harness bar  SPONSORS: Togue Culture, Same Productions, DHgarage

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MARK LEAKE 1990 TOYOTA CELICA GT-FOUR @trumanpriest185 /mark.leake.148

LOCATION: Imperial, MO ENGINE: Toyota 3S-GTE 2.0L I4 HORSEPOWER: 250 whp TORQUE: 237 lb-ft Photography By Jacob Owen, Justin Krafft, Josh Coldiron

 ENGINE: JDM Toyota (3S-GTE engine, ST185 E CU , Ceramic CT20b turbo) + HKS (E V C4, SSQV gen4 BOV , twin power ignition) + GReddy catch can + Dr Tweak engine harness + Front-mount intercooler + Custom (intercooler piping, aluminum radiator cooling panel) + Walbro Supra 255lph fuel pump + ATS Tuning aluminum throttle body adapter + Zaklee clear cam cover + 2-row aluminum radiator + TOYOCOM diagnostic reader  EXHAUST: HKS Hi-Power 3-inch exhaust system + 3-inch flex pipe + 3-inch down-pipe  DRIVETRAIN: TWM short shifter + Toyota E150F transaxle + Clutch Masters FX300 clutch kit  WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES: Lenso Project D D1R wheels - 17x7 +38 (f/r) + Yokohama Parada Spec 2 tires - 215/40/17 (f/r) + R1 Concepts drilled/slotted rotors  CHASSIS / SUSPENSION: Koni Yellow adjustable front struts + Intrax front springs + BC Racing BR Series coilovers + Whiteline end links  EXTERIOR: Toyota GT-FourRC (hood, bumper, electric folding mirrors) + JDM clear corner markers  INTERIOR: Speedhut custom GPS speedometer + Custom instrument cluster + TRD 90s shift knob  AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS: Aftermarket double-DIN head unit

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2021 TUNING 365 CAR SHOW TOUR AWARD WINNERS AT FORMULA DRIFT LONG BEACH STREETS OF LONG BEACH

STORY BY RANDI BENTIA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUAN AGUILAR (@SPOTTINGCARSS), PAS STAFF

EVENT

TUNING365.EVENTS

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@TUNERBATTLEGROUNDS

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PASMAG

PASMAG

It’s been 897 days since the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship slid sideways on the Streets of Long Beach. On its return, fans in the grandstands enjoyed perfect California weather and watched the drivers revive their muscle memory of the Long Beach street course that sits alongside the Pacific Ocean.

Fans were also treated with a custom vehicle showcase curated by PASMAG, which included TBG 8 Champion, Kaylee Crayton and her 2013 Scion FR-S, Jordan Alatorre's 3SGE Beams BlackTop swapped 1987 Toyota Pickup, and Beefy Clanton's one-off wrapped 2017 Lexus RC F.

Over 150 custom vehicles registered for Tuning 365 and competed for an exclusive Editor’s Choice award, and PASMAG Features Coordinator, Ricky Chu, and Contributor, Mikey Dang, were on-site to help our Editor, Adam Gordon, with the task of selecting the award winners at this event.

GET THE FULL PICTURE

INSTAGRAM.COM/PASMAG

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2021 TUNING 365 CAR SHOW TOUR AWARD WINNERS The first few Editor’s Choice awards were handed to Abdelkrim Sakouti for his 1991 Nissan 300ZX, Kelvin Hsiu for his 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Jason Helmick for his 2015 Scion FR-S. Formula DRIFT PRO driver, Dylan Hughes, selected this event’s Driver’s Choice award, and ultimately gave it to Brian VandeHei for his 1995 Nissan 240SX.

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"I chose the S14 because of the great clean build, the rear wing, and the awesome colour,” Hughes stated.

Larry Chen has a talented-eye when it comes to spotting and shooting custom vehicles, so it was no surprise that he chose Joseph Zamora’s LS swapped 1995 Nissan 240SX in the Larry’s Pick award category.

And finally, with a total of 382 votes, the fans voted for Nick Lozada and his 1981 Toyota Starlet KP61 as the winner of the Tuner Battlegrounds #TBGLIVE award category and online/social competition!

Congratulations to all the awardwinners, and we look forward to celebrating another year of Tuning 365 at an event near you!

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SAILUN MOTORSPORTS SETS THE GLOBAL STAGE The Sailun Motorsports division was established to work in tandem with both the research and development (R&D) teams and the advanced engineering department at Sailun Group Co Ltd. A major part of this initiative has been to test and enhance products by pushing them to the limits in some of the harshest and most demanding conditions, from international offroad rally racing to global drift competitions.

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T

he Sailun Motorsports global partnerships with D1 Grand Prix (D1GP) and Drifting Cup Grand Prix (DCGP) allow professional drivers to help with advancing Sailun Group’s tire technology and proving the performance of Sailun tires at the highest levels of competition. The technology tested in high performance (HP) and ultra high performance (UHP) tires inevitably trickles down into new compounds, enhanced performance, and innovative designs that help improve the entire Sailun product lineup.

The talented Sailun drift team demands highly technical products in order to win, clinching several major competition championships, first place finishes and a few coveted manufacturer titles along the way too. Part of the winning formula is found in the engineering, quality, and performance being put to the ground, with Sailun products developed for competition use. The Sailun Drift team and its supporting R&D team continue to test current, future, and even prototype tires with exceptional results to better understand the requirements of high-performance tires.

The unique construction and tread compounds ensure maximum grip under extreme cornering, acceleration and braking encountered at every turn by pro drift drivers and their high-horsepower race cars. The valuable data collected and test results allow the Sailun R&D experts to continue innovating and improving every product that eventually makes it from the race track to the street.

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6

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COILOVERS

ISC SUSPENSION OFFERS SOME INSIGHT INTO THE MOST COMMON COILOVER MYTHS AND CONCERNS, AND OFFERS SOME OF THEIR OWN SOLUTIONS FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT.

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ISC Suspension

LIKE OEM STRUTS, I DO NOT HAVE TO MAINTAIN MY ADJUSTABLE COILOVERS.

False. It is recommended to service or check your coilover set annually.

Unlike OEM struts, the shock bodies on coilovers are threaded and have many more moving parts than your standard strut. The use of anti-seize and corrosion protective lubricants on threaded areas such as locking collars, shock bodies, and lower mounts is key to a lifetime of easy adjustment.

It is not uncommon for untreated or ill

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maintained coilovers to seize, never able to be adjusted again. ISC offers neoprene coilover covers to protect your investment from the harsh elements of snow, salt, mud, dust, and road debris. If you need your ISC coilovers serviced, or want an overall inspection of your coilovers, ISC offers rebuild and part replacement services. Head over to ISCSuspensionna.com to learn more.

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MY COILOVERS CAME OUT OF THE BOX AND ARE MUCH SHORTER THAN MY OEM STRUTS. NO WAY THESE ARE FOR MY CAR!

Good news; the coilovers you have are more than likely for your car! Your vehicle’s original equipment suspension is designed much differently than the construction of an adjustable coilover. Traditionally, factory-like coil on spring construction is made for comfort over performance.

Your original struts will come with long, soft, usually multi-rate springs that provide more droop (down travel) and compression (up travel). This ultimately creates a comfortable ride, at the expense of having body roll, and an unstable vehicle in performance applications.

Coilovers, unlike factory struts, have a shorter overall

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I HAVE TO TAKE MY COILOVERS OFF EVERY TIME I WANT TO ADJUST RIDE HEIGHT, WHAT A PAIN!

COILOVERS WILL MAKE MY RIDE SOFTER THAN OEM, GIVING ME A “CLOUD LIKE” RIDE.

Coilovers, while giving you better performance in some areas, may not yield what some people often look for when purchasing suspension. Coilovers are a great upgrade for people looking to make their car handle around corners, drop their ride height, better the looks of their vehicle, and achieve sporty handling characteristics. Coilovers may not be the best option if you often smash through potholes and want a suspension that will make those hits a bit more supple. ISC offers a line of OEM style lowering springs to pair with OEM style struts to bridge this gap.

These provide a fixed subtle drop, while still maintaining a ride that echoes the personality of a stock setup.

4 footprint, with a stiffer (and often linear rate) spring that does not provide as much droop or up travel. This may sound bad initially, but this creates a suspension that better supports the vehicle, keeps the car more planted to the ground, and eliminates body roll, resulting in a more positive input to the driver's seat. ISC offers monotube shock body constriction with a larger piston that creates a more responsive and more reliable ride that fits into a smaller package over a “cheaper” twin tube damper with a smaller piston.

COILOVERS WILL GIVE ME A HARSH RIDE

While coilovers may not absorb big pot holes as dynamic as stock suspension, you may still experience a better overall ride quality.

Coilovers will provide supportive and firm traits, while still maintaining a level of comfort that is suitable for daily driving. Coilovers will give you a sense of firm confidence on the road, eliminating the relaxed, loose, sponge-like characteristics exemplified by original equipment. While some coilovers do not have adjustable damping, ISC Suspension offers track and a Sport Series that each feature 32 clicks of adjustability to fine tune your ride. No matter if you prefer a sporty and aggressive track feel or a more tame street style, ISC provides options to fit every need.

While some coilovers rely on changing the preload on the spring to change height, ISC coilovers have the ability to adjust ride height without adjusting the spring, which gives you the ability to be at whatever ride height you want without changing the ride quality.

False. Many coilovers, including those from ISC Suspension, can be adjusted right on your vehicle! To make these adjustments, you will simply need to have your vehicle either on a lift, or supported on jack stands with the wheels removed. From here, the suspension will be accessible to adjust with the tools that were included with your suspension kit. To adjust an ISC type coilover, simply loosen the bottom collar with the small spanner tool and then use the small or large spanner on the top collars to turn the whole assembly in or out of the bottom mount. Lock the lower collar, and repeat on all corners. For more information on how to adjust a divorced rear ISC coilover, head on over to ISCSuspension-na.com or email support@ iscsuspension-na.com

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MY COILOVERS ARE GOOD, BUT HOW CAN I MAKE THEM BETTER?

If you are rocking the standard steel springs your coilovers came with, try upgrading them to a better performing, lighter weight, and longer lasting spring. ISC Triple S upgraded coilover springs are a fantastic option to replace the coil springs on your aftermarket coilovers. One benefit of these lighter weight springs is the reduction of unsprung weight of the vehicle.

This means it keeps the car more planted and in race applications, translates into more traction around corners. In everyday application, this also means the car can react to bumps and dips in the road more effectively. The upgraded Triple S springs also have a bigger pitch (distance between coils) that allow for more usable stroke vs. a standard coil spring of the same length and rate. This also aids in making the stroke of the suspension a bit smoother. Another advantage of having an increased pitch is you are able to run a shorter spring, while still maintaining the available spring stroke of a longer standard coil which further reduces the overall unsprung weight and also may permit more clearance for wider tires and wheels in some applications.

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I

n the ‘80s, the big three Japanese automakers all had the same dream: we should sell big, luxurious, leather-and-wood-trim-filled, V8 sedans to Amercians under new upper-echelon brand names. This dream was inspired by the Japanese and US governments rolling out voluntary export restraints, meaning Japanese cars were so good that they were hurting sales from US manufacturers, so the Japanese were told they could only export a certain number of vehicles per year - may as well make those limited cars big ticket items for a larger return. Thus, Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti were birthed by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, respectively.

For Toyota’s Lexus brand, a reskinned Toyota that North America wasn’t exactly privy to just wasn’t good enough. As their first foray into the luxury car market overseas, Lexus’ new flagship would be a new platform with a new engine.

Micky Slinger Steve Demmit, Christopher James, Ryan Lopez

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Lexus LS 400

1989

LS 400

PLANTING THE LEXUS FAMILY TREE

NOT JUST CAMRYS WITH LEATHER SEATS

Eiji Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman at the time, challenged the manufacturer to build “the world’s best car.” Flagship One (codenamed “F1”) became the LS 400, equipped with the brand-new 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8.

Toyota Celsior

1989

Introduced shortly after the LS 400 because of overwhelming demand from Japanese Toyota dealers. A rare case of a RHD and rebadged version of a North American car for Japanese consumers.

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CELSIOR

Lexus ES 250

1989

Launched alongside the LS 400 and marketed as “the luxury sedan of sports sedans.” Virtually a reskinned and more well-appointed Toyota Camry that was designed to compete with the Acura Legend. Only produced until 1991, when it was replaced by the second generation, ES 300, ES 250s are fairly rare.

ES 250

Lexus SC 400

1991

Lexus’ first luxury coupe, which shared the LS 400’s V8 engine and RWD configuration. The 1UZ, and later, the SC 300’s 2JZ-GE (a whopping +5 HP than the Supra of the time), were mounted behind the front axles, making them front mid-engined. The 5-speed manual transmission was only available until the ‘97 MY.

SC 400

SOARER Toyota Soarer

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

When Lexus first planned its arrival in the US, it technically wasn’t named “Lexus” just yet. A consulting firm came up with a list of hundreds of names, with “Alexis” becoming a favorite. Concerned about the name being too “person” and not enough “car brand,” it was gradually massaged into “Lexus.” Some say that the name is a mishmash of “luxury” and “elegance,” while others say that it stands for “Luxury EXports to the US,” but none of that has been confirmed. It’s fun to think about though.

1991

The Soarer is virtually identical to Lexus’ California-designed SC on the outside, but has exclusive options on the inside. An in-dash touchscreen and digital instrumentation, plus an industry-first factory GPS navigation via CD-ROM were just some of the goodies we didn’t get.

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Lexus GS 300

1993

Based on the “S” platform from the Toyota Crown and designed to slot in between the LS and ES models, price-wise, the GS 300 was only ever offered with the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE engine for the US.

GS 300

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Toyota Aristo

1991

Designed as a blend of cues from the Lexus LS and SC by the design firm, Italdesign Giugiaro, the Aristo outlassed the US’s GS. Offered from the jump with both a 2JZ-GE and turbocharged GTE, only a year later, an additional 1UZ V8 option with standard AWD came along to rub salt in the wound.

Lexus IS 300

2000

In the late ‘90s, Lexus started branching out to other parts of the world, with the Europeans actually beating us to the IS platform. While they initially only got the 2.0L IS 200 in 1999, the US got the IS 300, slotted under the ES, with the ever-popular 2JZ-GE planted up front shortly after. A year later, the SportCross wagon followed.

IS 300 ALTEZZA Toyota Altezza

1998

The Altezza was engineered by Nobuaki Katayama, the man behind the AE86. Part of the design enabled the Altezza to utilize parts from the second-gen Aristo/Lexus GS. Japanese consumers were able to get a 2.0L in either 3SGE I4 or 1G-FE I6 flavors in the sedan version, but if you optioned an Altezza Gita (wagon), you could get that sweet, sweet 2JZ. The taillights specifically inspired the “Altezza light” aftermarket craze of the early 2000s.

REPUTATION FOR QUALITY Based on two customer complaints about some funky wiring and an overheated brake light, Lexus went ahead and recalled all 8,000 LSs sold in 1989. Lexus picked up the bill to have the cars picked up and repaired, even flying out techs or renting out garage space for customers living outside of a service area, all within 20 days. How’s that for customer service?

LEARNING CURVE A TRANSITION FROM LIGHTWEIGHT AND NIMBLE DRIFT CARS TO THE BIG BODY BIG LEAGUES, AND ALL THAT COMES WITH IT.

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F

or our readers who immerse themselves in the stateside drifting scene, Eric Chob’s 1998 Lexus GS300 is a familiar sight. As a member of Team ProceeD, one of the world’s most stylish drift teams, and one which sits at the forefront of the United States drifting scene, the standards are high, and the ride heights are low. One look at the photos before you, and it’s clear that Chob and his GS300 fit the bill. The Lexus GS300 the USDM counterpart to the Toyota Aristo - is a bit of an obscure drifting platform, albeit one that has risen quickly in popularity over recent years.

Chob’s example is a good opportunity to explore exactly why that happened.

With a hereditary automotive influence from his father, as well as some Japanese car influence from his cousin who built an Integra for all the HIN shows back when he was younger, Chob was already well on this path before he knew it. His first project car was a 2000 Integra Type R with a fully built B18 engine - not a bad start, right? It wasn’t long before a close friend’s collection of drifting VHS tapes convinced him he wanted to build a drift car. He sold the Integra Type R, and purchased an S14 240sx.

For four years, that S14 served as his drift car, and a platform for further learning experiences.

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LEARNING CURVE

It certainly wasn’t the same nimble and lightweight drifting experience he remembered in his S14.

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- Essentials 1998 Lexus GS300 LOCATION › Palatine, IL ENGINE › Toyota 2JZ-GTE 3.0L Turbocharged I6 HORSEPOWER › 506 whp CLUB › ProceeD SOCIAL MEDIA @mrchob

ENGINE

Toyota 2JZ-GTE NonVVTI engine swap + AEM Performance Electronics (V2 standalone ECU, boost solenoid, 1.5-bar MAP sensor) + Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors + BC 264 cams + GSC valvetrain + Future Fab exhaust manifold + Garrett GTX3582R Gen 2 0.83 A/R turbocharger + Turbosmart Gen V Hyper-Gate 45 + Tial BOV + Koyorad (JZA80 radiator, oil cooler, intercooler) + K&N air filter + GReddy oil filter relocation kit

EXHAUST

Custom (3-inch downpipe, 3-inch exhaust system, 4-inch turn down muffler)

DRIVETRAIN

R154 transmission + Marlin Crawler Thrust washer + ORC 659D twin-plate clutch + Suburban Driveline custom 1-piece driveshaft

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

SSR SP1 wheels - 18x9 +11 (f), 19x10 -11 (r) + Accelera 951 Sport front tires - 255/40/18 + Accelera Phi rear tires 265/35/19 + Ceika Performance front BBK + Project Mu E-brake shoes

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Stance coilovers w/ custom valving (22k/16k spring rates) + SerialNine (solid diff bushings, solid subframe bushings, front upper control arms, roll center adjusters, sport rear upper control arms, toe arms, traction arms, lower control arms) + Heatmaker Hotside Sport knuckles

EXTERIOR

Prior to owning the S14, Chob would watch Japanese automotive YouTube videos, and he recalls one specifically that shaped his tastes in ways he would only later discover.

A video in which the only translatable text was “600hp 6-speed drift” sticks with him to this day. “It would be cool to have such a crazy car one day that I can slide like that,” he recalls thinking to himself in front of the computer.

During his time with his S14 drift car, he came across the Friends Racing Toyota Aristo - a 1,000 horsepower monster of a drift car that linked the entire front straight at Nikko Circuit during a D1 event. That was a scene

that remains burned into his memory forever, and inspired him to pursue the idea of drifting a big body car something that would make people ask “Why?” Upon his first few track sessions with the GS300, Chob found himself a little frustrated. It certainly wasn’t the same nimble and lightweight drifting experience he remembered in his S14. As the frustration grew over time, he was tempted to sell the Lexus and hop back into an S-chassis, but his friends and team pushed him to stick with it and learn the car. Once he switched out every suspension arm and component for proven Seri-

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Kazama Auto rep aero + Raysfactory Low Mount GT wing + VIS Racing carbon fiber vented hood + Car Modify Wonder 180sx Type 2 fender flares + Kandy Drip paint

INTERIOR

Thrash Racing (Pro Spec Gamma One driver seat, Street Spec Alpha passenger seat) + Nardi 350mm Deep Corn steering wheel + Circuit Sports shift knob + Defi (Link system, water temp gauge, oil temp gauge, oil pressure gauge) + AEM Performance Electronics AFR Gauge + S14 E-brake handle

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS

MB Quart (RM440.4 amplifier, RM1000.1 amplifier, PWM304 12-inch subwoofer, RKM113 2-way speakers (2), V3 amplifier kits)

SPONSORS

RCN Motors + Koyorad + TFWorks + Raysfactory + Thrash Racing + SerialNine + Final Bout + Turn14 Distribution + MB Quart + Maxxsonics

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LEARNING CURVE

alNine options, the car became more predictable to drive, and his dream was coming to fruition.

The GS300 you see before you is a far cry from the stock one he purchased all those years ago, and we’re all better for observing this transformation. A 2JZ-GTE non-VVTI engine was swapped in, and treated to a Garrett GTX3582 Gen 2 turbocharger on a Future Fab manifold, a GSC valvetrain, BC

264 cams, and a whole catalogue of supporting mods to ensure reliability in the face of increased power. The result is a pleasant 506 horsepower at the rear wheels, transferred through the drivetrain by way of an R154 transmission, ORC 659D twin-plate clutch, and Suburban Driveline custom 1-piece driveshaft.

That entire powertrain has held up reliably, something Chob attributes to

choosing quality parts in order to do things once, and do them right.

“I went almost 6 years without having to do any serious prep for drift days other than changing the oil, spark plugs, and tires,” he says proudly.

When things aren’t a simple bolt-on affair, he either makes parts himself like his custom exhaust, or trusts the gurus at RCN Motors to handle the rest.

On the interior of the car, it’s a picture-perfect drifter’s cockpit, with clean execution throughout. Thrash Racing provided front seats - a Pro Spec Gamma One driver’s seat, and a Street Spec Alpha passenger seat.

While driving, Chob grips an iconic classic in the form of a Nardi 350mm Deep Corn steering wheel, as well as a Circuit Sports shift knob. Period

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Speaking of style points, you don’t get to drive in Team ProceeD, or in Final Bout for that matter, without ample style.

correct Defi gauges serve as both at-a-glance diagnostics, as well as added style points. Perhaps one of the best features is a full MB Quart audio system. This is still a street car at the end of the day!

Speaking of style points, you don’t get to drive in Team ProceeD, or in Final Bout for that matter, without ample style. Some Kazama Auto rep aero goes a long way in changing the profile of the GS300, but Chob wanted to go further. With the use of a Raysfactory low mount GT wing, a VIS Racing carbon fiber vented hood, and Car Modify Wonder flares meant for a 180sx, the GS300 is radically transformed, and looks absolutely incredible now that it’s been painted in Kandy Drip paint to match his old S14. Sitting low on SSR SP1 wheels, 18x9 up front and 19x10 in the rear, the car truly looks the part.

When Chob started this build, he wanted a drift car that he could thrash on the track, but still enjoy on the street and take his family out for lunch

You need SPC’s patented adjustable rear control arm to optimize your tire contact by adjusting your camber. Be confident your arm is proven and reliable for the >1,000 pounds of force that it will be loaded with over and over again as you put your Mustang to the test at the track or on the street.

SPC is proud to once again be a sponsor of Papadakis Racing. For over 10 years we have sponsored this amazing winning team and wish them the best of luck in 2021!

PAS_2021_1-2pg_Drift.indd 1

US Patent No. 10,450,005 • ©2021 Niwot Corp. dba Specialty Products Co.®

4/20/21 8:03 AM

03 AM

LEARNING CURVE with the next day. Thanks to a careful balance between form and function, as well as quality parts keeping the GS running smoothly at all times, that’s exactly what he’s achieved. These days, he looks forward to handing down the automotive passion he got from his father to his own son, who is just under a year old now. Chob extends a heartfelt thanks to his patient and supportive wife throughout the years, saying he’s truly hit the jackpot with an amazing partner and amazing friends. You love to see it.

PP PAA ASSSMM MAA AGG G’’S ’SSTTTUU UNN NIIINN NGG G33 366 655 5

LLEEX XU US S EEN NTTH HU S U I S A I S A T S T R RA ALLLLY Y RALLY B TO 0-60 SHOOT OCTOBER 6, 2020

Photography by

Danny Calderon and Mikey Dang

ack in 2020, PASMAG organized a group of Lexus enthusiasts to meetup and drive over to the 0-60 Shoot at Auto Club Speedway.

11 vehicles participated and met at the HQ of K&N Engineering in Riverside and drove over to the Speedway. All participants filmed segments discussing why they chose Lexus as their platform for their builds. They also spent considerable time speaking with Scott Pruett who was deeply moved by their mutual passion for the Lexus Brand.

Danny Calderon

This event, coupled with the enthusiast’s love for Lexus as a brand, is part of the reason we did this Toyota/Lexusfocused issue!

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Lexus IS F

@caldy_sessions

Austin Schneider Lexus RC F

@austins_rcf

Check out more content and video of The PASMAG Lexus Enthusiast Rally

Michael Avila Lexus IS F

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David Yansens Lexus RC F @dyansens

Steve Shuff Lexus RC F

@carbonrcf19

SCOTT PRUETT

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PP PAA ASSSMM MAA ’S AGG G’S ’STTTUU UNN NIIINN NGG G33 366 655 5

LLEEX XU US S EEN NTTH HU US SIIA AS STT R RA ALLLLY Y

Tu Hoang

Matt Lee

@gsf.stop

@isf_mattlee

Lexus GS

Lexus IS F

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- NO SHORTCUTS RICKY HOFMANN’S COMPETITION 240SX WITH A TOYOTA HEART

Story by

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Adam Gordon

#168 // TOYOTA // LEXUS

//

Photography by

Wire Care

O

ne look at Ricky Hofmann’s 1997 Nissan 240sx is enough to know that this car is all business. Even if the awesome livery from Jokerthis Design and Taylor'd Wraps with Formula Drift Prospec vinyl didn’t give it away, the carefully crafted roll cage and stance definitely would. What you’re looking at is Hofmann’s purpose-built professional drift car, and if you were standing nearby as this thing hit high revs, you might notice it doesn’t quite sound like a Nissan.

Swapping a JZ engine into the 240sx platform isn’t a new phenomenon, and when you’re chasing the titles at Formula Drift in any capacity, one can certainly see the allure of the 2JZ. Big power with ease, reliability, awesome noises - the 2JZ does everything Hofmann needed. In fact, this 2JZ engine swap is merely a step up for Hofmann, coming from a 1JZ-powered S13 240sx for several years.

Knowing his intentions for the build right from the start, it was easy to make decisions on what had to be done. After speaking to some FD teams like Papadakis Racing, RTR, Forsberg Racing, and Rad Industries, he set his sights on the build. FDF

Fab’s angle kit, a quick-change rear end for adjustments to each track on the fly, and a dog-box transmission were among the first must-have parts for Hofmann to build his competition vehicle to his liking. Of course, all of these came second to the machine’s heart - the 2JZ-GTE swap.

The 2J is an amalgamation of Brangers Racing’s drift spec short block, combined with some of the highest quality parts the JZ aftermarket has to offer.

A Ferrea valvetrain, BC cams, and a state of the art Garrett G35-1050 turbocharger mounted to a Future Fab manifold all bolster the 2JZ’s

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“With the engine making so much power, and a dog-box transmission handling the gear-banging shifts, the drivetrain needed to hold up as well.”

- Essentials 1997 Nissan 240sx LOCATION › Ricky Hofmann LOCATION › Millstone, NJ ENGINE › Toyota 2JZ-GTE 3.0L Turbocharged I6 HORSEPOWER › 820 whp TORQUE › 720 lb-ft

2JZ

- NO SHORTCUTS

performance, all managed by a Haltech Elite 2500 ECU with a proper tune by CleoTuned. All in, with a beefed up fuel delivery system, the powerplant makes a healthy 830 whp and 720 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels.

Part of Hofmann’s consistency with the car can be attributed to the 2JZ’s bulletproof build. “The engine from Brangers is built to handle far more power than I'm throwing at it,”

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Hofmann tells us, “so having the confidence to just abuse it as needed is amazing.” With the engine making so much power, and a dog-box transmission handling the gear-banging shifts, the drivetrain needed to hold up as well. Driveshaft Shop 1200HP axles and a custom driveshaft were employed here, but the real star of the show is the Exedy triple-disc clutch kit that keeps it all together. After

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SOCIAL MEDIA @ricky.hofmann

ENGINE

experiencing clutch failures in past motorsport builds, Hofmann is thrilled to have Exedy on board with his program to handle all the abuse and keep on kicking.

“Although I get to pilot this car, and call it mine, I really couldn't do this without my team and sponsors,” Hofmann says in closing. “Gary, Gio, and Chris are the real backbone to my car and program, and I just get to sit in the seat and go have fun. I'd like to thank all my sponsors also: Wire Care, AMSOIL, FDF Raceshop, Tire Stacks, Exedy Clutches, JbJobs, CleoTuned, 2F Performance, 9Nine2 Media, Be Weird Clothing, Kansei Wheels, Rowdys Garage, Bink Industries, East Coast Drift School, Haltech, Brangers Racing, Taylor D Wraps, BC Racing, Grassroots Performance, and Funk Motorsports” If you want to catch Hofmann in action, be sure to keep your eyes on the ProSpec competition in Formula Drift as he battles his way up the leaderboards.

Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine swap + Brangers Racing full drift spec short block + BC 272 cams + Ferrea (valve springs w/ titanium retainers, inconel intake exhaust valves) + Fuel Injector Clinic 1750cc injectors + Garrett G351050 turbocharger + Future Fab custom exhaust manifold + Custom 4-inch downpipe + Precision Tuning intercooler + Rad Industries (water pump delete/water neck, power steering kit) + Haltech (Elite 2500 ECU, dash/ data logger, 2JZ engine harness) + Tuned by CleoTuned

DRIVETRAIN

RTS G-Force 4-speed dogbox transmission + Exedy Triple Disc clutch kit + Custom driveshaft + MA Motorsport Spec Winters quick-change differential + DriveShaftShop 1200HP axles

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES Kansei Roku wheels + GT Radial tires

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

BC Racing custom ER coilovers + FDF Fab (Mantis angle kit, billet rear grip kit) + Woodward steering column

EXTERIOR

2F Performance (Kouki body kit, S15 rear swap kit) + Custom livery

by Jokerthis_design + Vinyl wrap

by Taylor’d Wraps

INTERIOR

Hold Fast USA steering wheel + Pyrotec Full Containment racing seat + Pyrotec 10-gallon fuel cell + Nuke Performance surge tank

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SPORTCROSS SPECIAL AN HKS-THEMED IS300 SPORTCROSS THAT PAYS TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE COOLEST IS300S OF ALL TIME.

Story by

Adam Gordon

//

Photography by

Caden Underwood

W

hile stationed in Okinawa, Japan with the Marine Corps, Martin Cabrera took some time to check out a downhill drift event. At the time, it was unlike anything he had ever experienced before, as he heard his first turbo and blow-off valve noises. It was music to his ears. From that moment he was hooked, and there was no going back.

Fast forward to 2012, and Cabrera had already modified and parted with some cars, including a Lexus IS300. In March of 2012 he saw the 2002 Lexus

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IS300 Sportcross up for sale, and he started building the car in his head before he had even signed the dotted line. The day after bringing it home, he began modifying the wagon with some parts he had left over from his previous IS300 sedan.

The overall idea behind the build was to emulate the HKS IS300 sedan built by Billy Shae many years before, but as a wagon version. In 2016, after a few more modifications, Cabrera messaged Billy Shae to see how he felt about someone replicating his build in wagon form, and got the thumbs up from Shae.

Since then, Cabrera has been planning this rendition of his IS300 Sportcross.

“A lot of people think that I'm sponsored by HKS,” says Cabrera. “Well, I'm not. I have always been a fan of the brand, and after seeing Billy Shae's build on his sedan all those years ago, with the HKS livery and parts, I decided to replicate it but in a wagon version.” That presence of HKS is noticeable in just about every aspect of the wagon build. Numerous engine components, including the GT3 4R turbo, the titanium muffler, coilovers, and an HKS style body kit

by EKB Plastics all play a part here.

While it hasn’t been dyno-tuned just yet, the powertrain is built for potent power output. The 2JZ-GE+T is fully built with quality parts such as CP pistons, BC rods and cams, ARP head bolts, and 1000cc injectors, while the drivetrain boasts a manual transmission swap via R154, an ACT

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mackin_ind

- Essentials 2002 Lexus IS300 Sportcross LOCATION › Elizabeth, NJ ENGINE › Toyota 2JZ-GE 3.0L I6 CLUB › Regiment Zero SOCIAL MEDIA @sxeautoworxbuilt

ENGINE

Xtreme clutch package, and a Mk3 Supra LSD. It’s crystal clear that Cabrera is aiming for reliability with good power.

Years of building the Sportcross has seen the car go through multiple iterations. “Every season I changed something on it to bring something fresh to the scene the following season,” Cabrera tells us. “It is currently on its third paint job, third livery, second motor, and fourth set of wheels.

It's been on coilovers, air bags, and now on coilovers with a cup kit.”

While his intentions were originally to build a pure show car, he decided along the way that he didn’t want to build a trailer queen, and wanted to enjoy his car on the road as much as the show floor. We appreciate that, and we think this recent iteration is the best one yet!

CP pistons + BC (rods, 264 cams) + GTE head gasket + HKS (timing belt, cam gear, 4 blow off valve, GT3 4R turbo, Type 1 radiator cap, oil filter, turbo timer) + Xcessive engine mounts + ARP head bolts + XS Power (front facing intake manifold, turbo manifold) + Ross Machine Racing 90mm throttle body + M&S Performance (custom piping, catch can) + Mishimoto intercooler + Precision 46mm wastegate + Toyota Aristo valve covers + Mazterpiece Automotive (titanium spark plug cover, cooling plate) + Koyo radiator + FAL dual fans + South Bay fuel pressure regulator + Walbro 455 fuel pump + Radium Engineering fuel rail + AEM V2 management by Dezod Development + Wire tuck and shaved engine bay + Fuel Injector Development 1000cc injectors + Titanium Works titanium engine hardware + Driftmotion oil level sensor block off + Chase Bays (power steering kit, clutch master cylinder, clutch line) + PHR (modified oil pump, VVT-i line, fuel pump hanger, pulley kit)

EXHAUST

Custom 3-inch exhaust + HKS carbon Ti muffler

DRIVETRAIN

Xcessive trans mount + R154 manual transmission conversion + Driveshaft Shop driveshaft + ACT Xtreme clutch + Toyota Supra Mk3 LSD + Supra Sports short shifter

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

RAYS Volk Racing TE37 - 18x10.5 (f), 18x11 (r) + Toyo Tires R888R tires + Custom (6-piston front calipers, 4-piston rear calipers) + Floating rotors

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

HKS coilovers + Stance Parts air cup kit + Figs caster arm and lower control arm bushings + Front and rear lower braces + Eibach front and rear sway bars. + Serial Nine rear subframe bushings

EXTERIOR

Toyota Voodoo Blue paint + HKS style body kit from EKB plastics + Elixir roof wing + Ganador mirrors + Altezza (headlights, Gita door visors, mesh grille) + LED custom tail lights + Charge Speed hood + Ascura Garage Riot V2 wide body + Carbon Fiber Element carbon fiber (door handles, gas lid, and trunk) + Dress Up Bolts (titanium over fender kit, hood latch kit) + Aero Catch hood latches + Galvez Customs/Mazterpiece Automotive custom trunk-mounted GT wing + Galvez Customs (front splitter, canards, side skirt extension) + Mazterpiece Automotive (titanium bolts, fender vent grills) + LED headlights

INTERIOR

Kevman Kevtec carbon fiber bucket seats + Vertex steering wheel + Custom stitched rear seat + AEM Performance Electronics gauges (oil pressure, Tru-boost, wide band) + Alcantara red headliner + Custom trunk setup

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS

Pioneer (double-DIN head unit, speakers) + Kicker (amplifier, 12-inch L5 subwoofers (2), component speaker set)

SPONSORS

Elite Garage + South Bay Fuel Injectors + Dress Up Bolts + Titanium Works + Audio Clinic + Inspire Auto Sound + Wrap That + Ascura Garage + MCC Loyalty + Versus Autosports

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PAUL TOLSON A LIFETIME OF LEXUS FROM BUILDING HIS OWN LEXUS TO BUILDING FOR LEXUS Story by

Micky Slinger Photography

courtesy of Paul Tolson and by Luke Munnell

G

enuine passion is a special thing for a person to have. An uncolored, obsessive interest in living and breathing the lifestyle and culture of their chosen interest immediately sets one enthusiast apart from the rest. A prime example of this type of person is Paul Tolson. Since the early 2000s, Tolson has been entrenched in the import show scene all over North America, garnering nothing but respect and more members for his automotive extended family as he goes. If you’ve ever heard a story about Paul, the word “Lexus” is always featured prominently within, as Tolson started his journey with a Lexus and hasn’t veered from Toyota’s luxurious side since.

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BY THE NUMBERS

20 YEARS ACTIVE IN THE SCENE

325+ EVENTS ATTENDED

400+ AWARDS WON 120+ BEST OF SHOW AWARDS WON

PAUL TOLSON’S PERSONAL STANDOUT AWARDS:

Check out PASMAG's Legends Series at pasmag.com/legends

2004 EXTREME TUNER SUPER SHOW

BEST TEAM QUALITY AWARD 2012 TUNER GALLERIA

INDUSTRY ICON AWARD 2012 IMPORTFEST

BADDEST TUNER CHAMPION CHAMPIONSHIP BELT AWARD

His love for Lexus started with a two-minute test drive, almost 30 years ago. Looking for his first luxury ride, Tolson ended up at a Lexus dealership after perusing other manufacturer’s offerings. Usually, his test drives with Infinitis or Porsches would take about 20 minutes, plus a little highway action, but this time was different.

“A girl I was dating and I went to a Lexus dealership to test drive an SC400,” Tolson recalls. “We sat in the car and I started it. We saw the dash light up and looked at each other. I made a right turn out of the lot, did a U-turn, and bought the car on the spot.”

Four years later, in 2000, is when Tolson would be introduced to the idea of modification. In a Lexus showroom, he stumbled upon a GS300 equipped with the full L-Tuned catalogue (10 years before F-Sport would become Lexus’ accessory line). After taking it in for a full 40 minutes, Tolson told himself he had to have one, but couldn’t front the cash for a new model, so he went home, dialed up the internet to see if the L-Tuned kit would fit a GS from a few years prior, and ran into another life-changing discovery: VeilSide. After much researching, Tolson was soon the owner of a ‘98 GS400

with a blend of L-Tuned, VeilSide, and TRD parts, inside and out.

Shortly after, the body shop that dressed his GS in VeilSide invited Tolson to his first car show as a part of their team. There, at Hot Import Nights at 37 years old, is where he was officially hooked.

“The competition bug hit me hard that day and I was a lost puppy,” chuckles Tolson. “I aggressively wanted to understand the import car show scene.”

Wasting no time, through sheer passion for the scene, Tolson became the VP of the team he was invited to join only two months later. From

there, the opportunities snowballed.

Companies would request his GS in their show booths, and Tolson would network with reps from all over, eventually meeting a wheel rep that punched his golden ticket to SEMA, something that he had heard was a big deal, but admittedly didn’t know that much about at the time.

“The blessings continued there,” Tolson says, looking back. “While in the wheel hall, the director of SEMA told me to get in my car and follow him. I thought I was going to be kicked out, but the director placed me in front of registration the number one prime spot! I met so many people and received so many sponsors that week that they called me ‘The Sponsorship Whore.’”

Next came Team Extreme Street Toys, Tolson’s own crew, which he formed in 2003. For the next 14 years, he would lead the team as President, spreading their mottos of “Midwest Respect” and “The Cutting Edge of Sportsmanship” from Illinois to the West Coast, the East Coast, and everywhere in between. Meanwhile, to stay competitive, his trusty GS went through six different iterations, each with constant improvements and all with a different paint job, ending with green in 2011. The ‘98 GS400 attended over 180 events during her show circuit reign.

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Al the Alien has ridden with Tolson since HIN Minneapolis in 2005. He symbolizes the acceptance in the scene that Tolson champions. “No one sees his color - they see his heart!”

PAUL TOLSON A LIFETIME OF LEXUS

It turns out that all this touring around in a showstopping Lexus gets you noticed. In 2010, Lexus was pushing their hybrid models and looking to make a splash at SEMA. When Brian Fox of Fox Marketing was asked by Lexus Corporate if he knew of someone who could build a standout Lexus, Fox said he knew a guy. Tolson was tasked with taking an RX450h and transforming it into a focal point for the big show, complete with the usual time crunch.

“I had less than five weeks to get a molded, all-metal widebody RX with BBK, air ride, custom center console, Weds wheels, and a Wald body kit from Japan ready for SEMA,” Tolson exclaims. “We were able to get it done. I want to note that without Gabriel Escobedo, who did the paint and bodywork, all of this may not have ever happened.”

Since then, Tolson has been a constant for Lexus when they want to show the potential of a new model, building three cars in total for the manufacturer so far.

- Essentials -

Built for SEMA 2010.

Appeared at three North American Auto Shows and toured Lexus dealerships throughout the Midwest.

Crushed in 2011.

Built for SEMA 2013.

Appeared at three North American Auto Shows and toured Lexus dealerships throughout the Midwest.

Crushed in 2018.

Built for the LA Auto Show. Appeared at four North American Auto Shows, toured Lexus dealerships throughout the Midwest, and even went to Pebble Beach. Currently active with three Best of Show awards.

2010 Lexus RX450h Prototype

2013 Lexus IS250 F-Sport Turbo Prototype

2020 Lexus ES 350 F-Sport Turbo Prototype

EXTERIOR

All-metal widebody w/ open-air fenders + Wald Sports Line Black Bison Edition body kit (molded) + Custom rear bumper w/ diffuser & molded exhaust opening + BASF Glasurit 2-tone paint job w/ ghost lettering + Chrome delete

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES Weds Leon Hardiritt Vertu 3-piece wheels + Dunlop SP Sport Maxx DSST tires + Rotora BBK (f&r)

SUSPENSION

Air Runner air suspension system

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

EXTERIOR

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKE

Garrett turbo system + Custom side-quarter exhaust All-metal widebody w/ open-air fenders + Custom rear bumper w/ diffuser & molded exhaust opening + BASF Glasurit 2-tone paint job w/ ghost lettering + Chrome delete Alea Leather full interior

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES Work forged mono wheels + Dunlop Direzza DZ1010 tires + Rotora BBK (f&r)

SUSPENSION

Air Runner air suspension system

AUDIO

Audison VOCE (amps, 2- & 3-way component speaker sets) + Hertz subwoofers

Garrett turbo system + Custom side-quarter exhaust All-metal widebody w/ open-air fenders + Custom rear bumper w/ diffuser & molded exhaust opening + BASF Glasurit 2-tone paint job w/ ghost lettering + Chrome delete Rohana forged 3-piece wheels + Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires + Rotora BBK (f&r)

SUSPENSION

Air Runner air suspension system

AUDIO

Audison VOCE (amps, 2- & 3-way component speaker sets) + Hertz subwoofers

As you can imagine, Tolson is the last guy to rest on his laurels. Winding down his time with Team EST as President, he quickly joined up with his friend, Duc Trihn, and Team IC (Intense Creation) as the new VP in 2017, helping to catapult their reputation in the show circuit. After 20 years, Tolson is still as in love with the scene as he was on that fateful day in 2001, still actively showing a Lexus and steadily racking up the awards. For how much has changed for Tolson, it seems that will always remain the same.

“There have been times where I’ve been at the table with Lexus, personally, and have gotten emotional due to truly appreciating being there,” Tolson admits. “Yes, I’ve earned it, but to have that passion come to light is overwhelmingly humbling, especially when you feel that you are a part of something you believe in.”

With the respect of an industry as a whole, an extended automotive family that spans far and wide, and still plenty of gas in the tank to pass along his infectious passion to any enthusiast he comes across, it’s safe to say that Paul Tolson’s lifetime of Lexus has made him an icon.

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DEALER SPOTLIGHT PREFERRED DEALERS CANADA

MOBILE TOYS INC

Text by

Randi Bentia

T

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The enclosure houses three JL Audio 12TW3 woofers powered by an RD 1500/1 amp, using an LMI Welding seat-lift for maximum airspace. MTI installed Focal Flax speakers front and rear, securely mounted with their HDPE speaker

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nited Speed Racing (USR) attended the Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge at Virginia International Raceway in October. With a field of 35 competitors, they finished 19th overall, fastest FWD with 200 treadwear tires, and fastest FWD with open tires!

“We are certain there’s more time that can be shaved off, but the car was put back together just a couple hours before the event,” stated USR. “We were pretty pleased with the result.”

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Special Thanks: • Trever for piloting and adjusting the Type R at this event • Adam for getting the car put back together plus all the work on track • 4 Piston Racing for refreshing the engine and delivering it back to us on time.

It’s now time to get some more work done on the Type R, and get it race-ready for Global Time Attack at Buttonwillow.

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