Well since I parted out my cars to get the M3. I had some Work Kiwiamis that was just lying around, so I slapped them on the M3.

 

More to come…

Its been a while since I posted here, mainly because there wasn’t much car events that was worth going to, and I’ve been busy with other life endeavors. Recently I got a BMW 335i, as a wedding gift, and ever since I got that car I realized that I messed up. Before I had the BMW 335i, I was glad that I have a GTI and Miata that are fun cars to drive, and paid up too. The problem was after I got married the GTI and a Miata was turning more into garage queens. Things just keep on breaking down and if its not one thing then its another thing. The Miata was having electrical issues and the GTI was starting show its age prematurely.

Since the two cars were garage queens, the BMW 335i was really the only reliable car. I got bored of my GTI and Miata. Yeah they are nice to look at (at least to me) and both has that character that is unique to their own. But the 335i was faster stock than my stage 2 tuned GTI, and of course felt more safer than my Miata. I got used to the bluetooth technology, the sporty but not jarring suspension, and not having to worry if the car will run properly or not.

Maybe Im just getting older (only 26 btw) but I wanted to start over fresh with a better car, then the GTI and Miata. I wanted a more grown up car but not sacrificing performance or fun. I looked at Audi S4, Audi RS4, Audi RS4 Avant, AMG c63, and E90 M3.

After months of searching and thinking if its worth it to get a loan for a car, I narrowed my search for a BMW E90-92 M3. Looking at the BMW forums, and long term road test results, it seem like the E90s M3 owners would complain about problems with the automatic transmission. That wasn’t a problem for me because I was only interested in a 6 speed manual and besides, why would you get a automatic M3 anyways? I bit the buliet and started parting out the Miata and GTI.

Then I found the car I wanted. A 2009 E92 M3 with only 49,000 miles for $31,000. Other dealerships were asking $41,000-45,000 for that much milage. I knew I had to check it out, and I arranged to meet up with the dealer with a possibility of trading my GTI.

When I arrived, I had to keep my emotions down and be wise about it. Good thing I had my wife to snap me out if it did!!! So I did a test drive, I didn’t really push it hard because I already knew the M3 is fast. The BMW iDrive is user friendly, and I like how you can customize the M Drive settings to your preference. I was hooked, on this M3 and I had to get it. But was it, for the better? Well… I ended up getting the M3 hahahaha.

I took the to a BMW dealership for a pre purchase inspection, which cost $260, but money well spent to avoid a potential headache. The car checked out good with no major issues. With the deal I got free oil changes, tire, rim, window, dent protection for next 3 years. The BMW service adviser said the M3 gets serviced once a year and just recently had a service done. The car is rewarding to drive and the instant response from that V8 ITB motor is intoxicating. This car combines practicality of a four seater, thill of a v8 super car when you want it to, and tame enough for daily driving duties. I would say I don’t miss my GTI or Miata. Might sound bad but feels like I got hotter girlfriend lol.

I wasn’t planning to go to HIN but some of my Austin friends were coming over to see a old high school friend, who is one the founders of Dopery. Kinda great to see people that you know move up in life, and doing well. Congrats to Andrew and the rest of the Dopery crew! After the show we all got crunk off of Coronas and Hennessy, but thats a different story.

My homie Donnie needed a ride to show since he left his CRX overnight. Being a good friend I gave him a ride and he was the first passenger in the Miata after one year of having no passenger seat.

I actually got in for free which was great and I didn’t know there was vape convention till I arrived lol. Usually HIN is associated with the anime convention but vaping is also popular in the car community too. I don’t vape anymore but its was crazy to see the different kinds of juices and designs the vape convention had. Its like SEMA of vapes with all the fancy vender displays. I didn’t take any pics of the venders because people might come to me to try to sell me something.

I brought my fully charged camera, only to realize my camera didn’t take any shots because I forgot my memory card. Fail. I didn’t take much pics and I had to use my iPhone 4S which is a dinosaur now considering the iPhone 6 and 6S is out.

Something I don’t see often is a bagged S2000, most of the time S2000 are static. Looks like this owner did some custom hard line design to flow with the tank.

This Honda Civic from team Apokalypse is static and I heard the day before the show the owner was adjusting the coilovers in the convention center to go lower. Bags or static, choose your poison.

Chan with his custom front Rocket Bunny fenders. He actually bought a Rocket Bunny for the FRZ/BRZ fenders and had them integrated for the WRX fender. I was talking to him at one of the meets and he was deciding to buy bigger lips or camera gear. I told him bigger lips. My 50mm and iPhone seems to do the job lol, not really.

Custom wide bode Lexus with Aimgain body kit… I think.

More VIP

This Lexus was at Wekfest, and Stancenation. It’s funny how people only would show their car for one show but don’t show to the other shows. Im guilty of that, but it cool to see the other cars attending most of the shows.

This Lexus looks like it has the Rocket Bunny fenders and Im pretty certain it was for the BRZ/FRS but had them also custom fitted to the Lexus.

This 350Z originally had overfenders, but then the owner molded it to fenders to make one piece but still kept the rivets. The racer theme carried to the interior.

Rocking the one seat gang like the Miata. But now I have two bucket seats since wifey will be here ❤

Loving this NSX with a funtional hood scoop. He is doing it right by first buying a NSX. Considering its a 90s car, NSX still look modern even in 2014.

The perfect combo. This Intergra Type R has all the right things.

This GLI has a custom front bumper that looks like it came from a Lexus, maybe, but flows well with the car. I like one off pieces that owners put on their cars. Its gives the car a different look from the rest the crowd. Sometimes it stuff that just sticks out and make you look it, other times it’s soo subtle that you don’t notice it till you look at it the second or third time.

This Toyota Camry is build you don’t see often. Considering its a Camry, a platform not popular with the car community. The stock Camry looks hideous, usually some Asian driving going to school. At least thats what I saw when I went to high school. Props for using a uncommon platform to make it your style.

Junction Produce rims. Love this timeless classic and looks soo good served in deep dish.

Saw this Mugen front Civic at the Nostalgic Meet that Mayday Garage hosted a few months back.

G37 on Luxury Abstract wheels. I would say wheels is the number one thing you can do that will make or break a car. Why not invest in good quality wheels.

My buddy Bun was showing a live demo of a R34 Skyline being wrapped. You can change the color of the car but still keep the original paint. Check out Arkem Wraps and Customs for your wrapping needs in the greater Houston area!

Since the vape convention was going going on, it got smoky real quick. Smelled good though, like a sweet fruity smell lingered in the convention center.

I’ll end it with this BMW M4, that was showing with the Dopery booth. This car hasn’t been out in the market that long and already someone has tapped into the potential. My parents said I should get a car that matches my profession. I think this M4 would do just fine.

Check out:

http://dopery.com/

Shop:

http://natsukashigarage.bigcartel.com/

Within the past few months, I’ve been looking into getting coilovers for the Miata. The Racelands (came with the car when I bought it) rode like shit and I couldn’t take it anymore. I was looking into 326 Power, which I still really want to get, but at this moment, just a bit financially out of reach. I looked into Fourtune Auto coilovers with custom spring rates and I was going to buy it, if I didn’t stumble upon the HKS Hiper D coilovers I found on eBay… yes, eBay.

The interesting thing was I was just about to enter my billing info for the Fortune Auto coilovers, but then something in my mind said just wait and see what else is out there. So I hit gym the to distract myself from cars and clear my mind. When I came home, I was just browsing the interwebs when I found a really good deal. I stumbled upon HKS coilovers for $800.

Obviously they were used BUT $2k coilovers for $800 is a steal. Plus HKS is made in Japan which is a country known for quality and reliability. They are not made in Taiwan, or China… Not saying Taiwan or China are bad but some cheap coilovers, like Raceland, are made there and I personally don’t want to pay $1000 for coilovers made in Taiwan…. aka BC Racing or Megan racing. I’m sure it’s a great product and I know lots of people on them but it’s just my preference. I just like to be different.

Fortune Auto coilovers are assembled in the States and the customer service is great but the HKS is just a brand I would rather get. It’s a personal preference. If didn’t see the HKS the 2^nd choice is Fortune Auto. The 1k range coilovers is a lot of money and the H&R on the GTI was around that much, brand new.

Anyways back to HKS, I found it on eBay and I immediately clicked the buy now sign. Yeah it’s used, but HKS is a brand known in the racing world especially in Time Attacks, Drifting and Road Racing. All the R&D that HKS does on the track makes their way to the consumers. From the pics from eBay looked like it was taken cared of and not abused. I wasn’t worried if they were blown, because HKS. Another factor I wanted these coilovers was they are discounted which make it even more rare and just cool to own.

I broke 20 watchers heart that night. I waited 7 days anxiously counting down the days I will no longer ride in Racelands.

The day came and I was sooo excited! I inspected the coilovers and no obvious leaks and the collars didn’t look seized. The coilovers comes with a metal purple top mount with “HKS” stamped on it. They have the HKS purple, chrome color scheme. These coilovers are a Monotube design with fully adjustable right height.

I knew the HKS wouldn’t go low like the Racelands since HKS is more about the track/drift setups then just go slammed and have a shity ride. Don’t get me wrong though, I love to ride slammed and throw sparks, but having cheap coilovers kills it. Let me explain. I have H&R Ultralows on my GTI for 3 years now and its slammed, occasionally takes out a reflector but the ride over bumps is 100x better than Racelands. With any quality coilovers you don’t get the bouncy ride or always bottoming out even when the coilovers are maxed to their lowest setting. Yeah the H&Rs are stiff but its not bouncing up and down endlessly like cut springs, or feel as if the piston is about to go through the shock when bottoming out. The H&R soaks up the bumps better than the softer Racelands. You would think a softer set up would be smoother but it’s not always the case. It’s all about quality here and dampening.

So the next day I wanted to install the coilovers at my friend’s house but unfortunately my friend was working and I couldn’t wait. I went to One Stop Automotive and hit up Fernando. With the help of power tools we got done in 2 hrs and I also did alignment too because that’s what you are suppose to do after changing the suspension. Some people tend to ignore that.

With my HKS coilovers installed and alignment dialed in, I immediately felt a BIG difference. With the collars spun all the way down, the Miata was still 1.5” higher than the Racleands. But I didn’t mind it, because the Miata had this track style going on. There is this corner I take almost everyday and with the Racelands I felt like the body roll was excessive, and my right rear shock was bottoming out on the exit. Then I took the same turn on the HKS and it was 10mph faster!! The HKS had minimal body roll, felt more planted and wasn’t unselted when I passed over the bump. HKS coilovers never felt like they where bottoming out even having the collars spun all the way down. The ride is stiffer but not bouncy or rough. HKS soaks up the bumps smoother than the Racelands. This HKS coilovers gave me more confidence on the corners but of course I have to be responsible and not be the idiot where his ego went over his skill. The difference is night and day. Hoping I can make it to a drift/track even and really see the potential. If you are going to do something, do it right and don’t cut corners. Buy legit products.

Shop:

http://natsukashigarage.bigcartel.com/

Its that time of year again! Wekfest has always been my favorite show to attend to, and this year was no different but this time Im the spectator. I wasn’t accepted this year when I registered both of my cars. I am kinda butt hurt but I guess its another person’s turn to be in Wekfest. Besides I was working that whole weekend (nightshift 12 hrs.) and I wouldn’t be able to show my cars, sometimes things do happen for a reason.

Thaison’s hatchiroku was the only car in our team that made it to Wekfest but that didn’t stop the rest of the team to drive to Houston from Austin. Unfortunately Thaison couldn’t make it because of work but Cody drove his car for him. I was determined to at make it Wekfest before I had to get some rest for work.

Sunday morning, after my shift was over I went home and got ready for Wekfest. Some my friends from Austin came the night before and slept at my crib. Sooo naturally, after they woke up, we were all hungry. We ate at a local spot in Houston called House of Pies and their menu has always been delicious. After doing a 12hr shift I was sleepy but the excitement and 3 cups of coffee kept me awake.

The breakfast of champions. As you know, you need a good hearty breakfast for Wekfest.

The entrance to House of Pies was dump friendly but the exit looked like Mt. Everest. Since we are all static, we exited through the entrance without drama with the exception of a few confused faces from the customers.

Since we were the cool kids, we all parked behind the convention center.

Branden finally put the center caps for the Advans. He actually had a motocycle race the day before Wekfest and trailered his CBR600.

I remember seeing this Mercedes at StanceNation Dallas and it still looks great! This is the same owner that had the green bagged MK1 Golf at Wekfest last year. Very impressive build and a lot of custom work, I know he is planning to bag the Merc too.

This TSX rocking Mugen and 90s Volk GT-P! No replicas in Wekfest.

Crews getting ready for roll in.

The line for the roll in and people waiting to be assigned a spot.

This ITR, with a K20 swapped ITBs, really killed the game. Wekfest really brings the heavy hitters out.

All carbon fiber Js Racing s2000. Wekfest has a good mix of stance, meaty fitment, JDM, Euro, and American. No haters here.

Hakosuka GTR. Legit shit from Mayday Garage. Im clearly doing it wrong.

Team Volk Racing

My homie Manny from Team Apokalypse couldn’t show his TSX because someone vandalized his car weeks before Wekfest. People like that shouldn’t even be living, why ruin someone’s hard work just because of jealously. Kinda shows this world is not as nice as it seems to be but you just come back harder and knowing you have good friends and family with you. Because in the end its your life. Don’t let the lows get to you, instead get back up and try harder.

This BMW was absolutely insane. Seemed like every single body panel in this BMW was modified, in a good way. I think this BMW is rocking the Liberty Walk body kit. This is probably the best BMW out of the show in my opinion.

Very classy. Im a wheel whore and I can tell a nice rim. These are BBS Motorsport Magnesium wheels made for Bugatti. They are centerlocked rims but I think these have been converted to 5 lug. Most people wont notice it but its all the little things that count that ties the build together. Super rare wheels, and even rarer to be converted to 5 lug. Ahhh the early 90s styling, and did I mention, its Bugatti.

Really lovin the red Work center caps. A nice touch to make the Kiwami pop. Demon camber is starting to get popular with increasing hate too haha. I personally love it, and Im glad to say I did demon camber on the Miata Jan 2014, before it got popular, in the States. Next year though, the Miata is going to have a different stance. You just have to wait and see.

Team Advans

Lam with his baby blue Tiburion. Now with team Prospeks

Last year he had iForged Fabulous now he is on Volk CE28 for a more functional fitment. He just picked up those carbon fiber side skirts days before Wekfest. Looking good.

G35 was pushing the fitment envelope. This build is the other end of spectrum with the slam, tuck, poke, stretch scene. I like this style the most, and definitely stirs controversy in hearts of some car people.

Tony’s static TSX…… Just kidding its actually bagged. But Hong’s Altimia is static. Team Vossen wheels with these duo.

This was my favorite Euro mainly because I love VWs and I happen to own a MK5 GTI. This R32 keeps it clean and simple, bagged on classic BBS RS with upsized lips. Love the little details like the Cupra R lip, the BBS center caps to the yellow high beam lights. I tried to the replace the high beem lights on my GTI and was a pain in the ass, or maybe Im just not mechanically inclined.

The Honda game at Wekfest always seems to be the hardest to judge because I think a majority of them has a swap, boosted, ITBs, shaven engine bays, or rocking legit JDM parts. The Honda judges must have it tough.

This EF looked very familiar to the EF last year that had the rebarreled SSR Super Fins. It was all stanced and cambered but this year the look is a more functional track/kanjo look. The engine had the looks to back it up.

No reps, just Mugen MF10 from Japan.

Notice the front mount turbo on this ITR. You don’t see that often, and its not the eBay turbo kit either. This is custom fabrication and countless hours in the garage. Im pretty sure the owner put more money on this ITR then I have on my GTI or Miata combined.

Always something new with Tom’s S2000 at every show. Going for the fuctional track setup for Wekfest this year. And now on Volk TE37 instead of Mugen MF10s.

Meaty Toyo R888

Lightwight with a K swap.

Cristian S2000 looking real clean. Fitment on point and static too.

Roger’s Mazdaspeed daily from team BRG. He just recently acquired Work VS KF, team Work Wheel right here. He actually drives his car from San Antonio to Houston frequently because his girlfriend lives in Houston. Better love story than Twilight.

Hybrid Lexus, something you dont see often in the car community. Not sure if the LED tail lights come stock from Lexus but Im liking it.

VQ swap on this 280Z with a custom twin turbo set up. I saw this car in the early morning with a WRX just cruising the streets of Houston. Purred really nice on the highway and it broke my neck, I almost missed my exit heading home.

Bun’s uniquely wrapped Anime wrapped Subie. Just being different from the rest but still looking cool.

Root beer GLI, with Mercedes Benz Alphards. A classic wheel in the Euro community. I wish I still kept my set.

The memories.

The Volk Wheel booth was showing its products at Wekfest with Mayday Garage since they are rocking Volks. Volk is also starting to stamp their TE37, obviously because of all the knock offs. Forged wheels, not rep wheels.

After 18 hrs of no sleep and having to work later that night, I left before they opened their doors to the public. I wanted to take more pictures and stay longer but I needed rest. Its was only a day later after looking at instagram pics that I missed out on the Ridox Supra and I didn’t even get to see my homie, Johnny’s custom widebodied MK5 GTI. BUT…… For more Wekfest photos check out my homie Cody’s flicker page:

Shop:

http://natsukashigarage.bigcartel.com/

*Edit* Sorry for such a late post (2 months) Sometimes I forget I write for this thing. Please forgive me friends */Edit*

Car events are always, for me at least, a place to gather with friends that you don’t get to see all the time, check out each others current projects, and have a good time. The Cupcake Meet has been doing that for quite some time now, and they did not disappoint this time around either. A main plus for these events is that all of their proceeds go towards a different charity each time, which makes the even small entry fees that much more worth it.

During this meet, I did quite a bit of thinking. Years back, going to a meet always seemed to be a rushed ordeal with large amounts of excess stress, planning, and frustration. I had some time at the start of the day to think about how much more I enjoy the whole process once I take a deep breath and just appreciate the fact that I get to have some of my closest friends in one place. It doesn’t happen often due to life changes and people living in various areas of the country/world, but when it does it’s a beautiful thing and I hope you all partake in taking in the moment much as I have.

So on that laid back note, we started the day out at First Texas Honda where Cody and Billy work.

Arick loves to think that he can look hard…. even when owning  a FIAT

The Dodge Dart is a relatively new platform. I’m interested in seeing how this unfolds.

Our friend Angel has one of the coolest cars in Austin IMO

An interesting part about this meet was the fact that the entrance was a 2 way road. This created a huge traffic jam on the service roads leading to the entrance. Some people would be annoyed or even angry at this… us? We took it as an opportunity to have some fun.

Upon entering, we were immediately hit with some awesome looking cars. This s13 coupe sitting all by itself looked awesome with the widened fenders.

Roy’s IS300 is never something you’re sad to see. The amount of handcrafted goodness that has gone into this thing is ridiculous.

Squirrel Squads Lexus is on point

The homies at JDM Freshness have some really cool cars.

A lonely Z spotted

Thaison always ends up with some super cool old corolla. Peep his latest creation.

My God daughter Addy wanted to make an appearance.

The Pinkies Out homies peepin’ us as we rode by in the wagon

Who doesn’t love an s13 coupe though?

Your neighborhood dyno show

Just one more of the Squirrel Squad lexus

Blob eyes

The homie Everette’s car is raw and beautiful. Who would have guessed a drift car with some VIP wheels would flow so well?

Drew’s already stunning work in progress

The Lineup

Steven “The Thai Food Guy” Edge

Some homies just having a good time

Closing this one out with Melvin’s 5 lug, h swapped hatch

Over the past year, I’ve been thinking about starting a business and make the Natsukashi Garage blog turn into a brand. I like what I do for the blog and all the car related things. If people want to rep us, so be it. We all have one thing in common and that is the appreciation of cars and the memories they make. Here is the very first NG shirt design that is for sale. Shirts are 100% super comfortable for any day. Coming soon, will be stickers 🙂

Shop:

http://natsukashigarage.bigcartel.com/

 

Saw this little gem at one of the local hang outs in Houston. Bag 280Z, flared with aggressive spec AG Wheels.