Features - ��ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

A Proper Full-Time Daily - Thanongdeth Chanthavong's 1999 Nissan Skyline

2025-03-07T17:46:14+00:00

Thanongdeth Chanthavong, otherwise known as “T” to our staff and friends from the PAS365 Rallies, has been driving his 1999 Nissan Skyline sedan with us to and from countless shows over the years. If it’s not the single most driven R34 in North America, it’s certainly one of them. Countless road trips, rallies, shows, and personal usage with a baby seat in the rear make this 4-door Skyline a proper full-time daily, winter aside.

It’s not all practicality and no go, either. T’s R34 is heavily modified, and the visuals over the years go a long way to let you know what’s underneath the hood. We’ve seen it go from a full ADVAN livery to a Millenium Jade clean look, and we can’t even decide which one we like more. We’ve seen the car so many times we can replay how it sounds by memory, and it was only a matter of time before T’s R34 sedan ended up in ��ɬ pages after his multiple appearances on the PAS365 Rally from Toronto to New Jersey, and all the shows he’s joined us at. Besides, who doesn’t love a modified R34?

ESSENTIALS:

Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Horsepower: 450 whp
Club: Engame

SOCIAL:
IG: @r34akuma

ENGINE:

MaxxECU Race Premium

PSR Turbo 3076 T51R

Custom catch can

Tialsport BOV

Vibrant Performance air filter

Turbosmart WG50 Gen V Pro-Gate 50

Radium Engineering top-feed fuel rail

Performance Fuel Injection 1000cc kit

BOSCH (fuel injectors, 74mm throttle body)

AEM Electronics high-flow in-tank fuel pump

GReddy Performance intake manifold

E-Throttle accelerator pedal

90mm throttle body flange

6boost T4 twin scroll exhaust manifold

Street Pro gasket kit

Mishimoto (Racing radiator, oil cooler)

GReddy front-mount intercooler

ARP head studs

GKTech poly adjustable engine mounts

EXHAUST:

6boost exhaust manifold

A’PEXi midpipe

TOMEI TI exhaust

DRIVETRAIN:

RB25DET 5-speed transmission

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:

SSR Formula MESH 3-piece (f) 18x9 +12 (r) 18x10+10

Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08RS (f) 245/40/18 (r) 265/35/18

Nissan R34 GTT Front 4-pot brake caliper

Hawk Performance brake pads

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:

Air Lift Performance 3P air suspension system

EXTERIOR:

Garage Defend Official carbon fibre canards

+25mm front fenders

Z-tune style (front bumper, carbon fiber hood)

+25mm widebody

APR Performance GTC500 Gt Wing
Tomiko Official LED underglow
Halo taillights

URAS Carbon Pillar Cover garnish set

Nismo (front turn signal, front fender side marker)

Custom sideskirt extensions

Vail Art custom chassis mount (front splitter, side splitters)

Custom aluminum rear diffuser

INTERIOR:

Nismo (cluster, pedal covers)

Bride seat rails

Recaro SR3

Works Bell (Boss short hub, NRI collab tilt hub)

Vertex Japan x ADVAN steering wheel

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:

Rockford Fosgate audio system

SPONSORS:
JRP
Yokohama Canada

Christopher Johnson - 1990 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R

2025-03-07T17:32:58+00:00

2024 Tuning 365 - Formula Drift Seattle - Tuner Battlegrounds Live Winner

Christopher Johnson of Kent, Washington, has one goal for his build: fun! His 1990 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R is the epitome of show-floor fun for all ages, with game consoles, bright colours and lights, and even a fog machine to complement the sound system. It’s a car he’s built over many years and gets a ton of joy out of sharing with onlookers at any show he attends.

That crowd-favorite energy he brings to shows earned him a TBGLIVE award by popular vote in 2024, which is no surprise when you see the crowds around the Pulsar, with kids lining up to play Forza on the in-car Xbox!

Location: Kent, WA

Horsepower: 370 (est.)
Club: NOLIMIT

SOCIAL:
IG: @stophj

ENGINE:

Tomei (forged internals, injectors)

R33 Skyline front-mount intercooler
Custom piping

Apexi BOV

Haltech Elite 1500

GPI aluminum radiator

Aluminum air guide

ZSpec Designs engine dress up kit

EXHAUST:
Stainless exhaust manifold

Kakimoto 3-inch race exhaust

WHEELS / TIRES:

Mullins Australia wheels

Nitto NeoGen tires

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:

Ksport coilovers

EXTERIOR:

Custom vinyl wrap (3M 2080 Gloss Black, Hexis Satin Green)

Vertical doors
Underglow

Custom headlight assemblies

INTERIOR:

Tanaka (seats, 4-point harnesses)
Custom powdercoated harness bar
Haltech iC7 digital dash

Stereo relocation

Starlight headliner
Mako Motorsport dash bezel

Custom floor mats

Custom speaker enclosure trunk floor with storage

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Planet Audio (Single DIN floating 10-in head unit, AC1500 amplifier, AC1600.4 amplifier, AC10D subwoofer, 6x9 speakers)

Infiniti 6.5-inch component speakers

Xbox Series S

14-inch LCD side window screens (2)

32-inch LCD trunk display

Fog machine

SPONSORS:

XK Glow
Nitro Tire

A Calculated, Purposeful Approach - Dean Mixon's 2004 Subaru WRX STi

2025-03-06T20:41:51+00:00

The first time Dean Mixon saw a Subaru WRX in person, it was rolling past his high school in California, finished in World Rally Blue with a set of gold BBS wheels. That moment stuck. It wasn’t just another modified Integra or Civic - this was something different. The distinctive sound of the boxer engine added to the appeal, a signature song that stood out from everything else he had heard. The love for Subarus took root quickly, fueled by Initial D arcade sessions and the ongoing Evo vs. STi rivalry that played out in local meet spots and fast-food parking lots.

The road to ownership wasn’t an easy one. Mixon didn’t grow up with the means to jump straight into his dream car. Instead, he put in the work. After joining the military, he managed to secure his first WRX. That 2005 model wasn’t just a stepping stone - it was a foundation. Over time, it evolved, culminating in a full interior and exterior swap so seamless that a COBB Tuning staff member mistook it for a factory STi. That moment confirmed what Mixon already knew: this was more than just a hobby now.

Eventually, the WRX was sold, making way for something he’d been after for years - the 2004 WRX STi. It started modestly, just an exhaust and a tune, but that was never going to last. Over the past decade, the car has gone through four distinct build phases, each iteration refining both function and aesthetics with a calculated, purposeful approach.

The influences behind the build extend beyond the Subaru community. Elements of RX-7 engineering, specifically V-mount cooling setups, played a role in shaping the car’s layout. The drift scene’s emphasis on clean engine bays and tubbed front ends left an impression as well, while the tucked and simplified engine bays common in Honda builds inspired a similar approach to his Subaru’s presentation. What ties it all together is that none of these choices are about standing out for the sake of it - everything serves a purpose.

That philosophy extends to the chassis and suspension, with fine-tuning happening down to the smallest details. Years of experience have taught Mixon that while high-horsepower numbers are easy to chase, real-world performance comes from balance. It’s about how the car responds - how it transitions, grips, and puts power down in real conditions.

Of course, not everyone gets it. The car draws attention, both positive and negative. Not everyone is willing to accept an approach that deviates from their own idea of what an STi build should look like. But that’s the nature of individuality in car culture. In the end, Mixon’s STi is built to perform exactly how he wants it to, and that’s all that really matters.

ESSENTIALS:

Location: Crestview, FL
Horsepower: 513 whp
Torque: 464 lb-ft
Club: Endless Projects
Social: IG: @monstermixon

ENGINE:

COBB Tuning (AP3, flex fuel kit, fuel pressure sensor, electronic boost controller, 4-bar map sensor)
Tuned by Calvin of Dotson Tuning
Garrett GTX3582R 82. A/R super core ported turbo
Perrin (tuner rotated piping kit, coolant overflow, oil cap)
Agency Power unequal length headers
Grimmspeed up-pipe / custom EWG dump tube
Tial 38mm External wastegate
IAG (AOS, Stage 2 Short block, timing belt guide, cam sprocket hardware, AVC'S, turbo oil feed lines)
Shaved TGV deletes
Killer Bee (oil pick up, oil baffle tray)
Custom ported and polished heads
GSC S1 CAMS
Bee Hive valve train
Custom turbo intake
Fore fuel pressure regulator
T1 Racing top feed fuel rails
Injector Dynamics (1700cc injectors, fuel filter kit)
Walbro Hellcat 525 fuel pump
Custom fuel bulk head hard wire kit
Killer B turbo expansion tank
Visconti Tuning speed density kit
Rev 9 V-mount intercooler
Process West V-mount radiator
Tial BOV
CO₂/NOS intercooler
Rotated manifold
UK Rally Spec clear timing covers
Chase bays power steering reservoir
Custom engine bay tubs
Wire harness tuck

EXHAUST:

Es Racing cat-back exhaust
Ape exhaust custom electronic dump from downpipe

DRIVETRAIN:

Southbend stage 2 clutch
Steel braided clutch line
Synchro upgrade
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:

P&L motorsports power steering rotated kit line
Whiteline sway bar end links, steering tie rod ends, and knuckle bushings

EXTERIOR:

Custom Nardo Gray paint
Battle Aero custom wide body kit
Downstar widebody hardware
Rear spats
Chargespeed side skirts
APR (front splitter, rods, GT300 wing)
Voltex trunk cover
Custom wing downforce/drag cables
Forcewerks rear diffuser
ES Performance rear window visor
Custom V-mount hood duct
Custom EWG hood dump
Seibon Carbon (bumper, lip)

INTERIOR:

ES racing roll cage
ATI center clock pod
Prosport Halo series gauges (oil temp, oil pressure, coolant)
Zex NOS level gauge
NRG quick-release hub
Keys Racing steering wheel
JDM red hazard switch
AEM gauges (boost, AFR, volt)
COBB sphere shift knob
6ocRALLYSPORT rear seat delete
Custom C02/Zex/air suspension mounts
Battery relocation kit
Blitz turbo timer
Sparco (racing harnesses, seat rails/sliders, R333 seats)
Prosport dead pedal

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:

Power Acoustic double-DIN
JL Audio (subwoofer, door speakers, amplifier)

Vasily Mishukov’s 2009 Audi A5 Drift Build

2025-03-06T20:12:06+00:00

2024 Tuning 365 - Formula Drift Englishtown - Driver's Choice Winner

If you’re a long-time viewer or reader, you may already know the name Vasily Mishukov. In addition to having previously owned one of the wildest Audi A4 Avant builds ever - complete with more audio than we knew what to do with - he’s also a member of TSH Auto. TSH Auto is responsible for the drifting Porsche Cayenne, and most recently, this 2009 Audi A5 drift car. If it doesn’t look like an ‘09 A5, that’s because it shouldn’t. It’s wearing the body of a 2015 RS5, made of carbon kevlar.

Under the hood is a heavily modified VW VR6 engine, which uses the 3.2L block with the camshaft from a 2.8L version of the potent VW powerplant. All in, this setup is good for 730 whp, perfectly capable of getting this A5 sideways at the drop of the loud pedal. All of the hard work building such a unique drift car earned Mishuvok the Driver’s Choice award at Tuning365 Englishtown 2024.

Location: Bolton, ON, Canada
Horsepower: 730 whp
Club: TSH Auto

SOCIAL:
IG: @vasily_tshauto

ENGINE:
Vr6 turbo engine
3.2L 24 valve block
2.8 crankshaft
DP custom (pistons, rods)
Garrett GTX3584rs Gen II turbo
Custom (billet intake manifold, turbo manifold)
Custom 4 stage dry sump system (AVIAID pump, custom billet dry sump pan)
Tool steel custom girdle
ARP 1/2 head studs
Supertech (valves, springs)
Catcams
50 shot nitrous
Rear mount radiator w/ electric water pump
Link ECU (FuryX, PDM)
Tuned by SPECTUNED

EXHAUST:
Custom exhaust

DRIVETRAIN:
Samsonas dog box 4spd transmission

Triple disc McLeod clutch

Carbon Fiber driveshaft
GForce 1500hp axles

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Rotiform RSE wheels - 18-inch
Vitour tires
Custom Wilwood brakes

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
3D Design (FD legal cage, bash bars, chassis plug)
FDF (Racing Winters differential mounts welded in, custom angle kit, grip kit arms)
Front rear custom sway bar
Billet rear knuckles w/ active toe

EXTERIOR:
Custom 2015 Audi RS5 carbon kevlar body
ElusiveWraps livery by Chulkov Design

INTERIOR:
DND Performance (seats, steering wheel, harness)

SPONSORS:
FCP Euro

Marvin Sandoval's 2006 Mistubishi Evo MR

2025-03-06T19:52:14+00:00

2024 Tuning 365 - Formula Drift Utah - Editor's Choice Winner

The Evo 9 is a platform that damn near every enthusiast recognizes in an instant as one of the most prevalent icons of performance in a compact package. Marvin Sandoval is an enthusiast who has appreciated the potential of the Evo platform since he saw the Evo from 2 Fast 2 Furious, and once he got his hands on one of his own, he slowly started gathering parts with the goal of making it even faster.

A few mods in, tragedy struck when another car drove into his front end. This marked a turning point where Sandoval decided that if he was going to fix the car, he was going to do it right, and the list of aftermarket parts on hand grew exponentially. Today, the Evo is his pride and joy, with plenty of performance modifications on tap, and a fresh 4G63 block in the garage being built for the inevitable transplant. For his efforts, Sandoval was awarded an Editor’s Choice award at Tuning365 Salt Lake.

Location: West Jordan, UT
Horsepower: 480 whp

SOCIAL:
IG: @evo9_mrv

ENGINE:
Sheepy T4 top-mount manifold
Precision Turbo 5862 Gen 2 turbocharger
Radium Engineering fuel system
ID 1300 injectors
ETS 3-inch intercooler
Custom intercooler piping
Turbosmart Comp 40 external wastegates
Destrier custom titanium intake and wastegate dump tubes
JD Customs USA titanium hardware

EXHAUST:
Perrin turbo-back exhaust

DRIVETRAIN:
Evo 8 transmission
EXEDY triple-plate clutch

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
RAYS Volk Racing CE28 RT wheels - 18x10.5 +20
Nitto Invo tires - 275/35/18

EXTERIOR:

Varis (carbon fiber fenders, side skirts)

Voltex Type 5 style wing
Seibon carbon fiber hood
Carbon fiber (ducts, vortex generator)

INTERIOR:
WK Motorsport shifter kit
Carbon fiber vinyl wrapped trim

Green with Envy - Jamie Lake’s 2017 Lexus IS200t

2025-03-05T04:27:28+00:00

Jamie Lake’s 2017 Lexus IS200t, affectionately named “Envy,” stands as a personal dedication to her unwavering love for Toyota engineering. As the second iteration of her IS project, this 3IS facelift merges Japanese influences with a highly curated aesthetic, resulting in a build that balances clean design with bold details. Wrapped in AMG Green, Envy’s exterior is accentuated by carbon fiber upgrades, including a vented hood, fenders, and trunk, while subtle black gloss accents add contrast. A set of retrofitted 2021 IS taillights from Invoke Concepts provides an unmistakable modern touch with RGB functionality. The staggered REVO Forged RR5 wheels, featuring brushed faces and green bolts, tie the look together.

The interior is equally striking, incorporating reflective green carbon fiber accents across the steering wheel, paddle shifters, and trim. Lake’s attention to detail shines with hand-laid vinyl door jambs featuring cherry blossom inlays, seamlessly complementing Braum racing seats and harnesses. The trunk setup, illuminated with custom LED lighting, integrates more flash and glow. Performance-wise, the IS200t sports an Injen intake and Apexi exhaust, opting for subtle performance changes rather than outright power. The combination of personal touches and upgrades makes Envy a build that reflects Lake’s dedication to creating a vehicle that’s as versatile as it is unique.

ESSENTIALS:

Location: Round Rock, TX
Horsepower: 328 whp
Club: Team Diverse

SOCIAL:
IG: @_envy.is_

ENGINE:

Injen intake

Vivid Racing Tuner piggy-back

Graffiti Sparkle custom painted engine bay plastic

EXHAUST:

Apexi N1-X Evolution Extreme quad tip exhaust

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:

REVO Custom RR5 wheels - 19x9.5 +20 (f), 19x10 +30 (r)

Hart Racing drilled/slotted rotors

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:

Megan Racing (strut tower bar, adjustable front/rear camber arms, adjustable rear tow arms)
Air Lift (3P management, struts, bags)

EXTERIOR:

Envy AMG Green vinyl wrap

Custom front bumper w/ FSport side grille modification

Seibon Carbon Fiber (vented fenders, trunk w/ duckbill)

MV Style vented carbon fiber hood

Carbon fiber (door handles, mirror caps, pillars)

Asynchronous (2021 retrofit RGB taillights, turn signals)

Custom gloss black (lip, side skirt extenders, spats)

INTERIOR:

Braum (Black Diamond Orue Series S front seats, Envy Green 5-point racing harnesses, White harness bar)

ZenCarbon Reflective Green Carbon Fiber (steering wheel, paddle shifters, shift knob)

Carbon Fiber (c/enter console, glove box, door handle, door car trim)

Diamond Mats (black/white floor mats, trunk mat)

Green carbon fiber Air Lift controller cover

Custom (trunk setup w/ LED lighting, hand laid designed door jams)

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:

Audio Dynamics (1000 Series amplifier, 10-inch subwoofers (2))

Audio Controller AC2i

SPONSORS:

REVO Forged Wheels
Envious Vinyl
Nerdy M3dia
Driven by Design

Envyis Wraps
Custom Auto ATX
Student Driver Club

Hyper One Automotive Solutions

Grilled Cheese - Jamie Lake’s 2001 Lexus IS300

2025-03-05T04:19:41+00:00

Following up the feature on her IS200t “Envy,” Jamie Lake earned another spot with a second fun build focused on her 2001 Lexus IS300, affectionately named “Chez.” This car represents a personal milestone for Lake, fulfilling a dream sparked in her teenage years when Team Lexus brought their track-prepped IS300s through the dealership where she worked. After a long search, she found her dream IS300 in less-than-perfect condition – a yellow model sitting on a military base. Despite a missing front bumper, fender damage, and a failing suspension, she saw the car’s potential and dove into the rebuild with her husband and close friends, completing much of the transformation over just six weekends.

Chez’s exterior is now a fusion of anime-inspired, custom cell-shaded artwork by Just the Dipz and authentic JDM components, including a vented hood and Elixir-style body kit. The “Grilled Cheese” theme adds a playful nod to Jamie’s personality, subtly incorporated in Japanese text across the side skirts and wing. Widebody modifications, TRD aero accents, and a 64-inch carbon fiber wing give the car its aggressive stance, paired with KRNC wheels that tie into the build’s style. The interior maintains a refined approach with Braum Elite V2 seats and Altezza Z Edition door panels, while a 13-inch Seicane touchscreen radio adds a modern touch.

In its current form, the build sets the stage for future plans, which include an air suspension and turbo kit. With a build that blends nostalgic admiration with contemporary flair, Chez exemplifies Jamie’s ability to turn automotive dreams into reality. One project at a time.

ESSENTIALS:

Location: Round Rock, TX
Club: Team Diverse

SOCIAL:
IG: @_grilled.chez_

ENGINE:
AEM intake w/ blue filter

EXHAUST:

Megan Racing header

HKS Hi-Power exhaust

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:

KRNC Vortex wheels - 18x9.5 (f), 18x10.5 (r)

RAYS lug nuts

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:

Adjustable control arms

Adjustable toe arms

EXTERIOR:

Custom cell-shading artwork

JDM Elixir style front bumper and sideskirts

Modelo widebody

Titanium rivnut hardware

TRD rear lip

Seibon carbon fiber mesh grill

Black housing headlights

LED taillights

Custom FRP vented hood

64-inch carbon fiber wing

INTERIOR:

Braum Elite V2 sports seats

Cipher Racing (4-point cam lock harnesses, harness bar)

DND (Racing Interiors special edition "Outrun" steering wheel, steering wheel hub)

Custom yellow piped Altezza Z Edition door panels

Titanium shift knob

JDM silver and black checkered floor mats

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:

Seicane 13-inch touchscreen head unit

SPONSORS:

KRNC Wheels

Driven by Design

Project SPC

Fava PDR

Nerdy M3dia

Just the Dipz

Student Driver Club

Custom Auto ATX

Hyper One

Features - ����ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

A Proper Full-Time Daily - Thanongdeth Chanthavong's 1999 Nissan Skyline

Christopher Johnson - 1990 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R

A Calculated, Purposeful Approach - Dean Mixon's 2004 Subaru WRX STi

Vasily Mishukov’s 2009 Audi A5 Drift Build

Marvin Sandoval's 2006 Mistubishi Evo MR

Green with Envy - Jamie Lake’s 2017 Lexus IS200t

Grilled Cheese - Jamie Lake’s 2001 Lexus IS300

Features - ��ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999