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

DRIFTER Is Coming Back to Toronto for Its World Premiere at TIFF

2026-07-22T16:01:55+00:00

Sung Kang’s DRIFTER is coming back to Toronto, and this time, we will get to see the finished film on the big screen.

The Toronto International Film Festival has officially selected DRIFTER for its 2026 Discovery program, where it will make its World Premiere.

For anyone who has not been following along since SEMA, DRIFTER marks the directorial debut of Sung Kang. He also co-wrote and, of course, stars in the film alongside familiar faces Adam LZ and Rutledge Wood, plus what may be a special appearance by �ֲ��ý Drift Editor Kevin Darwish.

Set in Barstow, California, the film follows a struggling janitor chasing his dream of becoming a professional drift racer behind the wheel of a battered Toyota AE86 named Lola.

�ֲ��ý and more than a thousand fans already got an early look at DRIFTER during the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow. Sung met fans at the �ֲ��ý Garage booth, signed posters, took photos and surprised the crowd by screening an extended trailer of the still-in-progress film inside the packed John Bassett Theatre, followed by a live Q&A.

Now, it is all coming full circle as DRIFTER returns to Toronto for its official World Premiere at one of the biggest film festivals in the world.

TIFF 2026 runs from September 10 to 20. Screening dates, locations and ticket information have not yet been announced, with the official festival schedule expected in August.

Stay tuned to �ֲ��ý for details on when tickets go on sale and how fans can see DRIFTER when it comes back to Toronto.

Survive to Thrive – Mussi Hussain’s 2022 Ford Mustang GT

2026-07-28T17:21:18+00:00

Mussi Hussain - 2022 Ford Mustang GT

Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Tom Deachman (@tommylcds)

Mussi Hussain’s 2022 Ford Mustang GT is more than a Cyber Orange S550 with Robot Craftsman aero, Air Lift Performance suspension, Work Gnosis wheels, custom lighting, and a fully reworked interior. Built after a life-threatening workplace injury and a long recovery, the Mustang represents survival, resilience, and a promise Hussain made to himself when his future was uncertain.

Before landing behind the wheel of a Mustang, Mussi Hussain’s automotive journey took a few unexpected turns. Growing up in Dubai, domestic V8s were everywhere, and the Mustang nameplate left an early impression. His early ownership leaned German, beginning with a BMW X5 and eventually an E92 M3. That M3 never reached its next chapter—it was lost in a fire caused by shop negligence.

Shortly after, Hussain suffered a major workplace injury that put him into a two-year recovery. At one point, doctors gave him just 90 days to live. “It was terrifying,” he says. “I promised myself that if I made it through that phase of my life, I’d buy my dream car and build it in a way that truly represented me and my story.”

The 2022 Mustang GT is the physical result of that promise.

More than a performance build, the car carries deep personal weight. It also became part of how he connected with his wife, who added her own creative input throughout the build. “The car holds a lot of sentimental value to both of us,” Hussain explains. “We’ve been fortunate to share it at shows locally and in the U.S., and to show people a different approach to modifying a Mustang than what they’re used to.”

Under the hood, the Coyote platform has been thoughtfully developed rather than pushed recklessly. Kooks long-tube headers feed into a Roush H-pipe and custom dump exit, setting the tone early. A Shelby GT350 87mm throttle body, Corsa carbon-fiber cold-air system, and Bama Performance tuning sharpen throttle response, while the top end benefits from upgraded internals, Boundary ported oil pump gears, and a billet lower timing sprocket.

Fuel delivery is handled by a Nostrum Performance high-pressure pump and XDX injectors, with Mishimoto and Ford Performance components supporting long-term reliability. Carbon-fiber dress-up pieces and subtle LED lighting complete the engine bay without distracting from its purpose.

Suspension and stance revolve around Air Lift Performance, complete with hardlines, dual Viair 444c compressors, and seamless air tanks. BMR suspension components—vertical links, camber adjustments, and a no-hop kit—keep geometry in check. Work Gnosis GR203 three-piece wheels introduce a refined visual contrast rarely seen on Mustangs, paired with Hawk Performance pads and SP drilled-and-slotted rotors.

Visually, Cyber Orange Metallic establishes the foundation, but Robot Craftsman’s components reshape the Mustang’s entire silhouette. A carbon GT sport wing with swan mounts, custom skirts, diffuser, and a vented carbon hood with a glass window push the design well beyond factory lines. A Mach 1 front-end conversion breaks the standard GT identity, while custom lighting, carbon roof panels, RGB taillights, and underglow lean into the lighting-forward aesthetic Hussain prefers. It’s unmistakably a Mustang—viewed through a different cultural lens.

Inside, the transformation is just as extensive. Carbon fiber, Italian Alcantara, and custom-stitched materials redefine nearly every surface. Highlights include Dyna Performance paddle shifters, a Trufiber carbon steering wheel with an integrated LED display, Cyber Orange interior accents, and fully reupholstered seating. ChopShop handled the rear-seat delete and trunk air setup, framed by carbon-fiber hardlines and a custom platform.

The trunk doubles as a display space, complete with integrated screens, custom upholstery, and a full DS18 and Alpine-powered audio system.

This Mustang wasn’t built to chase trends or validation. It reflects survival, resilience, and shared vision—shaped by Hussain’s recovery, his background, and the collaborative process between him and his wife. Plenty of people build Mustangs. This one stands apart because it wasn’t designed to fit in.

Originally featured in �ֲ��ý Issue #184

Click here to order �ֲ��ý #184 - DOUBLE ISSUE: East Meets West + Audience Choice Awards.

ESSENTIALS

VEHICLE:
2022 Ford Mustang GT

LOCATION:
Scarborough, ON, Canada

HORSEPOWER:
486 whp

CLUB:
EndGame

SOCIAL:
IG: @gt_tango

ENGINE:
Kooks long-tube headers + Roush H-pipe + Custom dump exit + Shelby GT350 87mm throttle body + Corsa carbon-fiber cold-air intake + Bama Performance tune + Mishimoto 160-degree thermostat + Boundary ported oil pump gears + Billet lower timing sprocket + Ford Performance block hardware kit + Nostrum Performance Gen 3 Coyote high-pressure fuel pump + XDX fuel injectors + On3 Performance fuel system + NGK racing spark plugs + Ford Performance half-shafts + Carbon-fiber engine dress-up including engine cover, fuse box cover, and radiator cover + Custom LED engine bay lighting + CJ Pony Parts master cylinder, radiator overflow tank, aluminum radiator cap, and aluminum master cylinder cap + Orange hardware dress-up kit + Boomba chrome windshield washer cap

DRIVETRAIN:
10R80 transmission tune

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Work Gnosis GR203 three-piece wheels + Hawk Performance brake pads + SP Performance drilled/slotted rotors

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
Air Lift Performance air suspension + Air Lift Performance 3P management + Hardline air setup + Viair 444c dual compressors + Seamless air tanks + BMR Suspension vertical links, rear camber adjustment, front camber bolts, and no-hop kit + Custom strut bar

EXTERIOR:
Cyber Orange Metallic paint + Robot Craftsman body kit + Robot Craftsman carbon GT sport wing with swan mounts + Robot Craftsman carbon side skirts + Robot Craftsman carbon diffuser + Robot Craftsman carbon hood with vents and glass window + Akarcarbon carbon-fiber side mirrors + Mach 1 front-end conversion + Custom 3D-printed Mach 1 grille lights + S650-style custom RGB headlights by S550Euros + Carbon-fiber roof + RGB panel-screen taillights + Underglow + Color-changing door step lights + LED fog lights and side markers

INTERIOR:
Dyna Performance carbon-fiber paddle shifters + Trufiber carbon steering wheel with LED screen + Cyber Orange interior trim + Mattmetrics custom floor mats + Custom engraved LED cupholders + Custom red/black double-diamond stitched seats + Akarcarbon Italian Alcantara interior trim + Carbon-fiber center console + Carbon-fiber seat handles and controls + Carbon-fiber dash and trim kit + AMP suede rear-seat delete + Custom door panels with integrated speaker pods + Diamond stitching throughout + Italian Alcantara steering wheel wrap + ChopShop custom trunk and air tank setup + Custom carbon-fiber hardline platform + Custom carbon-fiber LED compressor bridge + Dual trunk-mounted TVs + Alcantara-wrapped fiberglass trunk lid with integrated iPad

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
DS18 5-channel amplifier + Eight DS18 LED speakers + Alpine 2-channel subwoofer amplifier + Two Kenwood 10-inch subwoofers + Bass control knob

SPONSORS:
S550Euros + BMR Suspension + DynaPerformance

PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Tom Deachman — @tommylcds

GALLERY

Built to Be Rebuilt – Chris Burch’s 1997 Toyota Aristo

2026-07-23T21:12:16+00:00

Chris Burch - 1997 Toyota Aristo

Story by PAS Staff
Photography by Joshua Villegas (@fotosdelavida86)

Chris Burch’s 1997 Toyota Aristo is not a typical VIP cruiser, drift-style GS build, or simple 2JZ donor platform. Built in Henderson, Nevada, this satin red Aristo combines a turbocharged 2JZ setup, an 8HP70 transmission swap, Haltech electronics, Advan RG4 wheels, BC Racing suspension, and a function-first mindset shaped by years of rebuilding, testing, and reworking the car until it drove the way Burch wanted.

Not every build follows a straight line — and Chris Burch’s Toyota Aristo is proof of that. What started as a clean platform turned into something much more involved, shaped by trial, error, and a willingness to tear the whole thing back down when it didn’t feel right.

Most people look at an Aristo and think one of two things: VIP cruiser or 2JZ donor. Chris went in a different direction entirely.

“I’ve always liked to march down a different path,” he says.

That mindset shows up in every part of the car. Over the last couple of years, the Aristo has been built and rebuilt more than once — each version pushing further toward something that feels less like a typical GS-based build and more like a street car built around how he wants it to drive.

The turning point came when the original setup stopped being exciting. A big turbo on the factory transmission made power, but it didn’t deliver the driving experience Chris was after. Instead of settling, he went back to the drawing board.

That’s where things got interesting.

Working with a company in Sweden, Chris sourced an 8HP70 transmission out of a Dodge Ram — something no one had successfully run in an Aristo before. With the help of a Domiworks adapter kit and a custom solution developed along the way, the swap came together without the kind of major compromises most people would expect.

The result is an 8-speed setup that completely changes how the car drives, backed by a Turbolamik TCU and a Haltech Elite 2500 managing the engine. Everything communicates cleanly, even feeding gear data directly into the Haltech IC7 dash.

It’s the kind of setup that makes the car feel less like a modified GS and more like something that was built around the driving experience.

Power comes from a BorgWarner-based turbo setup, supported by a fully reworked fuel system with dual Hellcat pumps, a triple pump hanger, and Radium Engineering components throughout. Every line has been converted to AN, and the entire system reflects the same mindset: keep improving it until it feels right.

On 91 octane, the car puts down just under 500 wheel horsepower — more than enough for a chassis like this.

Underneath, the car reflects the same shift in direction. The original air suspension setup was replaced with BC Racing coilovers, with plans to corner balance the car moving forward. Figs Engineering links and Cusco sway bars round out the setup, giving the Aristo the control to match its power, while Serial9 components can be found throughout the build.

Visually, it still carries personality.

The satin red wrap, RAW livery, and details like the exposed bash bar and carbon components make it clear the car isn’t trying to hide what it is. It doesn’t try to clean things up for the sake of presentation — it leans into the function-first approach.

Inside, Bride seats, Takata harnesses, and a Braum harness bar reinforce that same mindset. It’s built to be used, not just looked at, but there’s still enough personality to keep it from feeling stripped down or unfinished.

What makes this build stand out isn’t just the parts list — it’s the process behind it.

Chris didn’t hand this car off to a shop to be assembled. It was built in a garage, reworked multiple times, and pushed further each time something didn’t meet expectations. From custom fabrication to 3D-printed solutions, it’s a car that exists because someone was willing to figure it out instead of taking the easy route.

And it shows.

This Aristo isn’t trying to fit into a category. It’s not VIP, not a traditional drift build, and not a show car in the usual sense. It sits somewhere in between — built around how it drives, shaped by experience, and still evolving.

For Chris, that’s the whole point.

Originally featured in �ֲ��ý Issue #184

Click here to order �ֲ��ý #184 - DOUBLE ISSUE: East Meets West + Audience Choice Awards.

ESSENTIALS

VEHICLE:
1997 Toyota Aristo

OWNER:
Chris Burch

LOCATION:
Henderson, Nevada

HORSEPOWER:
492 whp

CLUB:
Genkai Tuned

SOCIAL:
IG: @8hp_aristo

ENGINE:
AGP BorgWarner S258SX-R turbo + 6Boost turbo manifold + Turbosmart 50mm wastegate + Radium Engineering fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, and catch cans + Injector Dynamics 1050cc injectors + PHR triple pump hanger + Dual Hellcat fuel pumps + Haltech Elite 2500 ECU, sensors, and E85 sensor + Titan Motorsports pulleys + Koyo Supra radiator

DRIVETRAIN:
8HP70 transmission from Dodge Ram + Domiworks adapter kit + Turbolamik TCU

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Advan RG4 wheels - 18x9.5 +22 front, 18x10.5 +22 rear + Falken RT660 tires + Ceika 6-piston brake kit

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
BC Racing BR coilovers + Figs Engineering links + Cusco sway bars + Serial9 components throughout

EXTERIOR:
Job Design front bumper + 326 Power side skirts + Big Country Labs carbon wing + APR Performance carbon mirrors with custom endplates + Seibon carbon-fiber components + True Focus Fab bash bar + Spinnywhoosh RAW livery + 3M Satin Vampire Red wrap

INTERIOR:
Bride Zieg IV Wide seats + Bride seat rails + Takata harnesses + Braum harness bar + Vertex steering wheel + Works Bell hub + Mako Motorsports cluster bezel + Haltech IC7 digital dash + Domiworks paddle shifters + DCT shifter

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Alpine ILX-650 head unit + CT Sounds front and rear speakers + JL Audio 10-inch subwoofers and amplifier

SHOPS / INSTALLERS:
Broken Outcasts Customs

SPONSORS:
Domiworks + Big Country Labs + Ceika + Haltech

PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Joshua Villegas — @fotosdelavida86

GALLERY

Unmistakable – Osmond Seangsuwan’s 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R

2026-07-23T13:38:36+00:00

Osmond Seangsuwan - 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Kit Fung (@_kittos_ @kittoshachi)

Osmond Seangsuwan’s 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R reinterprets the unmistakable shape of the R32 with a Liberty Walk LB-Kaido widebody kit, a Japanese-culture-inspired Jon Sibal livery, LIQUI MOLY support, LTMW involvement, and a measured RB26 setup that keeps the build focused on presence, balance, and execution.

There’s a certain honesty to the R32 Skyline GT-R’s shape. It’s boxy without looking clumsy, purposeful without trying too hard. That baseline matters here, because Seangsuwan’s 1990 GT-R doesn’t preserve the original silhouette so much as reinterpret it. This widebody R32 stretches the familiar form, sharpens its edges, and reframes it into something unmistakably its own. The Liberty Walk LB-Kaido kit doesn’t overwhelm the car — it redraws the margins, exaggerating the Skyline’s lines until they carry a completely new presence.

The project came together through LTMW owner Long Tran, with a clear goal from the outset: build a Liberty Walk R32 that spoke directly to Japanese culture. When LIQUI MOLY expressed interest in supporting a SEMA build, the direction locked in quickly. Visual execution was handed to artist Jon Sibal, with inspiration coming from close to home. Osmond and his son narrowed the concept to three elements that felt essential: cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and Hokusai’s Great Wave. Paired with a loose color palette, those references gave Sibal room to create a livery that rewards a longer look, flowing naturally across the widened bodywork.

The LB-Kaido kit defines the car’s stance. Massive over-fenders flatten the GT-R’s profile, while a GT-style wing, aggressive front bumper, and rear diffuser complete the silhouette. A Prazis air suspension system allows the car to sit impossibly low when parked, without compromising usability. Rohana Forged RFG40 Trinity three-piece wheels tuck tightly beneath the arches, wrapped in Toyo rubber and backed by APG brakes that fill the space with purpose.

Mechanically, restraint was intentional. The RB26 remains largely untouched internally, supported by a GReddy T517Z turbo and CSF cooling components — enough to deliver strong performance without turning the build into a numbers exercise. The same mindset carries into the cabin. Garage Active carbon components transform the interior into a cohesive, carbon-heavy environment, paired with Sparco seating, a Cusco roll cage, and a Liberty Walk steering wheel. Modern concessions like Alpine CarPlay and integrated cameras keep the car functional beyond the show floor.

What makes this GT-R stand out isn’t any single part, but how clearly everything works together. The widened silhouette, cultural references, and measured mechanical choices all feel deliberate. Familiar, yet completely its own — unmistakable from any angle.

Originally featured in �ֲ��ý Issue #184

Click here to order �ֲ��ý #184 - DOUBLE ISSUE: East Meets West + Audience Choice Awards.

ESSENTIALS

VEHICLE:
1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R

LOCATION:
Bountiful, UT

HORSEPOWER:
500 whp

CLUB:
Liberty Walk / LIQUI MOLY / LTMW / Inozetek

SOCIAL:
IG: @creator.porsche

ENGINE:
GReddy T517Z turbo + GReddy AIRINX Suction Kit + CSF radiator + CSF oil cooler system

EXHAUST:
Armytrix exhaust

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Rohana Forged RFG40 Trinity three-piece wheels - 18x11 -40 front, 18x12.5 -40 rear + Toyo tires - 265/35R18 front, 315/30R18 rear + APG brakes

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
Prazis air suspension

EXTERIOR:
Liberty Walk LB-Kaido widebody kit + Liberty Walk GT-style wing + Liberty Walk front bumper + Liberty Walk rear diffuser + Liberty Walk over-fenders + Inozetek PPF / livery wrap + Livery design by Jon Sibal + LowGlow undercarriage lighting

INTERIOR:
Garage Active carbon interior package + Sparco custom racing seats + Deworx seat brackets + Liberty Walk steering wheel + NRG quick-release and hub + Cusco roll cage + Front and rear cameras, custom wiring, and full speaker system by Elite Auto Solutions

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Alpine multimedia system with Apple CarPlay

SPONSORS:
LIQUI MOLY + Liberty Walk USA + LTMW + Elite Auto Solutions + Inozetek + Garage Active + Sparco

PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Kit Fung — @_kittos_ / @kittoshachi

GALLERY

MPACT COTA Winner – Jason Merck’s 2020 BMW M2

2026-07-22T14:12:39+00:00

Jason Merck - 2020 BMW M2

Photography by Rj Lake (@nerdy.m3dia)

Jason Merck’s 2020 BMW M2 brought serious track-focused hardware to #TBGLIVE at MPACT COTA, combining 630 whp, upgraded Mosselman turbos, Bend Calibration tuning, Nitron-based suspension, serious braking, and functional aero into a complete BMW performance build. Representing OG Shark Motorsport out of Spring Branch, Texas, Merck’s M2 earned the #TBGLIVE MPACT COTA Winner title with a setup built to back up the look.

Originally featured in �ֲ��ý Issue #180

Click here to order the Toyota/Lexus special issue.

ESSENTIALS

LOCATION:
Spring Branch, TX

HORSEPOWER:
630 whp

CLUB:
OG Shark Motorsport

SOCIAL:
IG: @teamogshark

ENGINE:
Mosselman turbos + Bend Calibration Ecutek tune and flex fuel kit + SSR crankhub + Wagner top mount intercooler and heat exchangers + Eventuri intake and charge pipes + Mosselman oil thermostat + Active Autowerke downpipes + Radium Engineering surge tank + Intake snorkels

EXHAUST:
Akrapovic titanium exhaust and midpipe

DRIVETRAIN:
KMP rear differential lift kit + Drexler custom differential

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Signature Wheels Track wheels - 18x10 (f), 18x11 (r) + Apex Wheels - 18x10 (f), 18x11 (r) + Bridgestone RE71S tires + Essex/AP Racing brake kit + Burkhardt Engineering brake cooling kit

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
OG Shark Motorsport/Nitron R3 coilover kit + MK Rennsport full control arm kit

EXTERIOR:
Satin paint protection film + Yellow DRL conversion + Smoked headlights/taillights + Alpha N carbon fiber fenders and carbon fiber hood + Zebulon front splitter and rear wing + M2 CS Racing trunk + RKP carbon fiber roof + Aerocatch latches

INTERIOR:
Recaro Podium carbon fiber seats + OG Shark Motorsport seat mount brackets, half cage, and rear seat closeout kit + Northwest Crafted custom seat upholstery + Safecraft 6-point harnesses + Alcantara reupholstered steering wheel and interior panels + 3D Design DCT paddles + AiM Solo 2 DL CAN

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Bavsound speakers

SPONSORS:
Nitron + Essex + Signature Wheel + Bend Calibration + Inertia Laboratory

GALLERY

Promise Kept – Moises Wynns’ 2003 Acura RSX

2026-07-17T14:23:34+00:00

Moises Wynns - 2003 Acura RSX

Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by John Mascarinas (@johnvmascarinas)

Moises Wynns’ 2003 Acura RSX is more than a right-hand-drive converted DC5 with rare J’s Racing parts, K-series power, Mugen MF10 wheels, and authentic Type R details. It is the physical embodiment of a promise he made to himself in 2012, the year his father passed away — the same father who bought him his very first RSX.

To honor that connection, Wynns decided that one day he would build the most complete J’s Racing-themed RSX he could — a car that would immerse itself in the brand’s catalog and culture.

His first attempt at realizing that vision began in 2012 with a standard RSX, which he owned until 2018 before parting it out. But the idea never left him. In 2019, he came across a right-hand-drive converted 2003 RSX shell and knew it was the foundation he needed.

“I’ve always been a fan of J’s Racing and saw how no one would ever build a fully themed J’s Racing car because the parts take years to ship,” he explains. The long waits didn’t deter him. Over time, Wynns sourced nearly the entire catalog — about 98 percent by his estimate — and integrated each piece into his overall build.

The depth of J’s Racing integration is striking. Full J’s Racing aero covers the exterior, from the bumper and skirts to the rear wing, accented with carbon options where available. The cabin follows the same theme with J’s Racing’s steering wheel, floor mats, and engine damper under the hood. Even the braking and suspension systems feature J’s Racing hardware, most notably the six-pot big brake kit up front. One of the rarest items on the car is its hood, a J’s Racing/First Molding piece once featured on early demo builds — currently the only one of its kind in the U.S.

Wynns didn’t stop with catalog-inspired aesthetics. The RSX runs a Skunk2-built K-series with Ultra 2 cams, Alpha rods, and 87mm Wiseco pistons bringing compression to 12.5:1. Supporting upgrades like XRP fuel lines, a SpeedFactory custom radiator, and a ported RBC manifold paired with a Hybrid Racing throttle body help make the most of the setup, while a J’s Racing FX Pro titanium header and 70RR race exhaust handle the exit.

Power reaches the ground through a Comp Clutch Stage 3 ceramic clutch, MFactory LSD, and Hybrid Racing’s V4 shifter. The stance is completed with Mugen MF10 wheels wrapped in Toyo R888R tires, paired with Cusco and Hardrace suspension components to keep everything balanced.

Attention to detail extends to the conversion work. The shell was already right-hand drive, but Wynns added a Type R roof swap, Type R lighting, glass, and slicktop conversion to stay true to form. Ings+1 molded rear flares add visual muscle, while Craft Square mirrors refine the purpose-built look. Inside, ICB bucket seats with Takata six-points share space with DC5 Type R rear seats, a Cusco cage, and Mugen details that continue the authentic JDM aesthetic.

If there’s a single thread running through the project, it’s not just J’s Racing — it’s Wynns’ dedication. For him, every wait for a part, every detail of the conversion, and every choice to stay true to the theme ties back to why he started this build in the first place.

“This whole build aspired from trying to make my father proud,” he says. Looking at this RSX in its finished state, we’d say that’s a promise kept.

Originally featured in �ֲ��ý Issue #182

Click here to order the �ֲ��ý Issue #182 Tuner Battlegrounds Championship and Formula Drift special issue.

ESSENTIALS

VEHICLE:
2003 Acura RSX

LOCATION:
Ringwood, NJ

HORSEPOWER:
300 whp

CLUB:
SSB

SOCIAL:
IG: @stussedmos_

ENGINE:
Skunk2 Ultra 2 cams and Alpha rods + 87mm Wiseco pistons + Bored head and block + 12.5:1 compression + XRP fuel lines + SpeedFactory custom radiator + Ported RBC manifold + Hybrid Racing 74mm throttle body + Unit2 Fab custom intake + J’s Racing engine damper + Hybrid Racing thermostat + Hondata K-Pro V3

EXHAUST:
J’s Racing FX Pro titanium header + J’s Racing 70RR race exhaust

DRIVETRAIN:
Comp Clutch Stage 3 ceramic clutch + Hybrid Racing V4 shifter + MFactory LSD

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Mugen MF10 wheels - 17x8.5 +40 + Toyo Tires R888R tires - 245/40R17 + J’s Racing front 6-pot big brake kit

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
Hardrace lower control arms + Cusco front sway bar

EXTERIOR:
Championship White paint + J’s Racing First Molding hood + J’s Racing front bumper with carbon options + J’s Racing front fenders + J’s Racing rear spoiler + J’s Racing rear bumper with carbon options + J’s Racing side skirts with carbon options + J’s Racing rear tow hook + Ings+1 molded rear fender flares + JDM DC5 Type R right-hand-drive conversion + JDM DC5 Type R slicktop roof swap + JDM DC5 Type R front headlights + JDM DC5 Type R tail lights + JDM DC5 Type R glass + JDM DC5 Type R HID conversion + Craft Square carbon side mirrors

INTERIOR:
J’s Racing signed steering wheel + J’s Racing floor mats + ICB front bucket seats + Takata 6-point harness + Mugen e-brake cover + Mugen pedals + Mugen ECU brackets + Cusco 6-point roll cage + DC5 Type R rear seats + DC5 Type R cluster + DC5 Type R center console

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Pioneer MVH display

SPONSORS:
Toyo Tires

PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by John Mascarinas — @johnvmascarinas

GALLERY

Forever Silvia – Bill MacKenzie’s 2000 Nissan Silvia

2026-07-09T18:09:19+00:00

Bill MacKenzie - 2000 Nissan Silvia

Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Sebastian Miller (@_sebastian_miller_)

Bill MacKenzie’s 2000 Nissan Silvia S15 is not the high-horsepower SR20DET build many expect from Nissan’s final Silvia chassis. Instead, MacKenzie shaped his dream car into a clean, restomod-inspired forever build, blending Porsche Chalk paint, Nismo aero, period-correct Super Advan V2 wheels, and carefully executed custom details into an S15 that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.

“The S15 was forever my dream car and I wanted to have a clean, well-built example as a forever car,” he explains. Instead of treating it like a tuner project, MacKenzie pulled inspiration from the classic and restomod world, leaning on craftsmanship and timeless detailing to craft his build.

The base car was far from perfect. It was cheap, mistreated, and rough enough that it needed a strip down to a bare shell. That ground-up process gave MacKenzie a chance to take it in a direction rarely seen with S15s. Six years later, the car stands as a reimagined version of Nissan’s final Silvia, blending factory styling cues with custom work that pays tribute to restoration practices as much as it does to modern tuning.

One of the most distinctive choices was keeping the DE engine. Rather than chase the usual turbocharged SR route, MacKenzie focused on refining the naturally aspirated setup. A Blitz intake, Fujitsubo header and exhaust, and Chase Bays reservoirs tuck neatly under the hood, while custom 3D-printed fuse box and reservoir mounts emphasize the restomod ethos. A Vintage Air A/C system ensures daily usability and comfort weren’t lost in the pursuit of clean aesthetics.

That philosophy carries through the rest of the car. Nismo mounts, a short shifter, and an understated drivetrain setup keep the driving experience sharp without overcomplication. Suspension follows suit, with BC Racing coilovers paired to Cusco, Powerflex, and Next! Miracle bracing for a rigid, responsive chassis. A Parts Shop Max big-brake kit, Z32 master cylinder, and ISR braided lines provide balanced stopping power.

Visually, the Silvia has been reworked without losing its core identity. Nismo aero pieces remain true to Nissan’s design language, while Porsche Chalk paint places the car in a different design space altogether — one that feels equally at home among European restomods and modern JDM builds. Subtle custom touches like fog-light mounts in the bumper, Aerowolf mirror visors, and 3D-printed accents add individuality. Seventeen-inch Super Advan V2 wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Fleva tires complete a stance that feels period-correct yet contemporary.

Inside, the Silvia maintains that same balance between period-correct and refreshed. A Nardi wheel, Yashio Factory shift knob, and Option B seats preserve its driver-focused heritage, while custom panels and 3D-printed trays refine the finish. A rear-seat delete with display window hints at show-level execution, but practicality remains: a Pioneer double-DIN head unit and Vintage Air system make sure it’s still a car to be enjoyed on the road.

This S15 resists easy classification. The DE engine choice alone sets it apart, but what truly defines it is the restraint behind every decision. MacKenzie’s vision turned a once-abused shell into a forever car — one shaped not by trend or power figures, but by deliberate craftsmanship and a clear sense of purpose.

Originally featured in �ֲ��ý Issue #183

Click here to order the �ֲ��ý Issue #183 Nissan/Infiniti special issue.

ESSENTIALS

VEHICLE:
2000 Nissan Silvia

LOCATION:
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

HORSEPOWER:
160 whp

CLUB:
officialTHREETWENTY

SOCIAL:
IG: @officialthreetwenty

ENGINE:
Blitz intake + Fujitsubo header + Mazworx head studs + Chase Bays (reservoirs, carbon-fiber overlays, and tucked lines) + PRP valve cover hardware + GReddy radiator hoses + HKS belts + Tomei oil cap + Custom 3D-printed fuse box and reservoir mounts + Downstar hardware + Vintage Air A/C system + Custom radiator ducting + PIAA horns

EXHAUST:
Fujitsubo exhaust

DRIVETRAIN:
Nismo engine mounts + Nismo transmission mount + Short shifter

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Advan Racing Super Advan V2 wheels - 17x8 +35 front, 17x8.5 +35 rear + Yokohama Advan Fleva tires - 215/45R17 front, 235/45R17 rear + Parts Shop Max big brake kit + Z32 brake master cylinder + Cusco master cylinder stopper + ISR braided brake lines

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
BC Racing BR Type coilovers + Powerflex bushings + Nismo steering rack mounts + Cusco strut bars + Next! Miracle X Bar + Next! Miracle upper bar + Spec R B-pillar braces

EXTERIOR:
Nismo S-Tune front bumper + Nismo R-Tune rear bumper + Porsche Chalk paint + Lighting upgrades + Custom tow hook + Custom fog-light mounts in Nismo bumper + Aerowolf mirror visors + Nismo clear side markers and gas cap + 326Power license plate bolts + LED lights

INTERIOR:
Nardi steering wheel + Yashio Factory shift knob + Option B blue seats and door cards + Next! Miracle cross bar and upper bar + Spec R silver gauge-face trim and cluster + Custom rear seat delete panels with display window + Alcantara shift boot + Custom horn button + Nightrunner x Works Bell quick-release + THREETWENTY horn button + RedlineGoods Alcantara shift boot + Burnt titanium hardware + Custom 3D-printed tool and hardware tray + Downstar hardware

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Pioneer double-DIN head unit

PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Sebastian Miller — @_sebastian_miller_

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