For some people plain good is not enough. This Honda Civic EG hatchback started out as a clean fully restored car spec’d to resemble a JDM EG6 SiR. However, Rex Tan wasn’t satisfied with just a clean looking car, he wanted it be different. So began his EG project, the shell was sent to FM Garage for a showcar finish using PPG paint tinted to the color of Vanilla White.

With its minimalist color, the car isn’t a total screamer from the outside. The parts were more for lightening the car and adding a bit of a color contrast. Spoon Sports carbon fiber racing mirrors replaced the heavy stock side mirrors. A lightweight carbon fiber hood and rear bumper diffuser was especially custom made by Stage21, and the CF details were finished off with the Backyard Special front lip and rear wing.

Under the hood, this car is a totally different monster; the B16A engine that originally resided here was evicted in favor of a fully built K20/K24 Frankenstein engine complete with a plethora of go-fast parts put together by engine builder Bong Hilario of H3 Autoworks. The longblock is mated to an Xcessive intake manifold mated with an 80mm throttle body and BPI velocity stack, which breathes out to an SSR header with a 3-inch custom exhaust. It was mapped with a Hondata K-Pro ECU to the tune of 276 wheel horsepower and 190 lbs-ft of torque with a rev limit of 9,500 rpm with E85 fuel on the Autoplus Dynojet. All this is mated to a 5.1-final ratio DC5 Type-R 6-speed transmission with an Exedy Hyper-Single Clutch. The engine and transmission is lubricated exclusive with Motul 300V, Motul Gear FF and cooled with Motul MoCool in the Dynamics aluminum radiator.

Keeping the car on the ground are race-spec Dynamics coilovers, Skunk2 rear lower control arms, ASR rear subframe, and a Fullrace traction bar. To make suspension tweaking easier, Skunk2 front and rear camber kits were installed for adjusting from race to show set-ups. The car rolls on 16″x7″ Rays Engineering Volk Racing TE-37 with 205/45R16 Yokohama Advan Neova AD-08 tires.

Inside the car are leftovers of the former EG6 restoration which include full JDM sidings and flat folding rear seats, and more functional styling parts, which start off with a pair Bride Stradia carbon-kevlar seats mounted on Bride super-low seat rails; a rare Mugen FG360 steering wheel, Mugen sports pedals, and Mugen aluminum shift knob paired with the K-Tuned billet shifter. Monitoring is done via a standalone Innovate wideband O2 sensor, and Defi Link Black-Face oil temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure meters.

Vanilla may be the most common ice cream flavor, this Vanilla-colored EG hatchback may look normal to the untrained eye, but is far beyond the common examples you’ll see on the road. This car has the show and packs a lot of go.

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Right off the bat, the current Nissan GT-R makes no pretensions regarding what it can do on the track. In fact it has proven itself to be one of the fastest production cars around any racetrack. This actually comes as no surprise for Nissan engineers loaded it with state of the art technology. With over four hundred plus horses from a twin turbo V-6 engine and a “Nurburgring-tuned” suspension, it’s no slouch. Why they loaded it to the hilt stems from Nissan’s mantra that they should do everything they can to make it extremely fast and handle exceptionally.

Just like previous GT-R models that have been modified by various Japanese high performance tuners, it didn’t take long for the current GT-R to enter the aftermarket-tuning scene. As we all know this is a realm where the possibilities, as they say are endless. As such, we have Dolf Santiago’s tuned GT-R from Emperor Motorsports. His shop needs no intro at all as it specializes in selling hardcore aftermarket performance parts and accessories from Japan. In addition, it also offers periodic maintenance services on high performance cars. But what makes it even greater now is the fact that it’s the authorized dealer of HKS parts and lubricants in the Philippines.

Going back to Dolf’s highly tuned GT-R, occupying the top spot on its list of mods is the HKS GT800 kit. Aside from its very hefty price tag, this advanced turbo kit is not a simple bolt-on kit. For starters, the whole engine must be removed to facilitate the mods. Before advancing to the GT800 kit, it needs the components found on the GT600 kit. It’s really so advanced that HKS does not offer any warranty as to what can happen to the engine. The said kit comes with a comprehensive list of equipment that includes, Special GTII Turbines, Heat Resistant Cast Exhaust Manifolds, GTII (50mm) Wastegates and aluminum piping’s. According to HKS, the GT800 Turbo Kit with “Symmetrical Twin Turbo Layout” combined with other HKS performance products has the potential to increase the R-35′s engine performance to 800+ horsepower”. Local tuning guru Tommy Teng of DTM/Autotechnika was responsible for pulling out the motor while Dolf flew in Lester Wong of HKS Singapore who dialed-in the HKS F-Con V-Pro ECU. Another notable and very audible mod is the HKS Superior R-Spec exhaust system. Being the high-end model of the HKS exhaust systems, it’s made of full titanium and very, very lightweight. Hearing it howl through the titanium tips during high rpm throttle bursts as the GT-R goes through the gears is nothing short of spectacular and addicting.

After more ECU tweaking on the DTM/Autotechnika Dynapack Dyno, Tommy Teng was able to extract over 700 plus horses at the wheel and 600+ lb-ft of torque. Despite not being able to reach the 800+ target, this is just due to the lack of internal mods such as forged pistons and heavy-duty con rods. Overall, this is certainly a considerable figure and feat, given that a stock GT-R is already rated at 480 horses. As compared to the explosive power burst of let’s say a tuned EVO or an STi, Dolf comments that the GT-R’s power delivery is more consistent whether in the low, mid or high rpm levels. While I can truly attest to that, but what really got my attention was the linear and neck-pulling acceleration of this beast that really pushes your back hard on the bucket seat. Despite its hefty weight, the addition of stiffer aftermarket lowering springs from Mine’s limits the amount of body roll together with wide Bridgestone rubber. With a well-designed silhouette, Dolf simply added slight exterior touches. A Zele front lip spoiler and a carbon fiber hood is all that’s needed to assert its performance factor. With all the mods done to it, Dolf’s R-35 certainly lives up to its predecessors in all aspects of tuning.

Engine: HKS GT800 kit (Special GTII Turbines, Heat Resistant Cast Exhaust Manifolds, GTII (50mm) Wastegates, Aluminum pipes, HKS racing suction air filter, HKS Superior Spec R Exhaust system, HKS F-Con V-Pro, HKS EVC Electronic Boost Controller
Suspension: Mine's lowering coil springs
Interior: Bride limited edition Cuga seats
Exterior: Zele front lip spoiler, Varis carbon fiber hood
Wheels: Prodrive GC05K 20-inch wheels, Bridgestone Potenza RE070R tires F- 255/40ZRF R-285/35ZRF20

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The air filter is an often-neglected part in car maintenance, most people forget they have to clean their filter regularly and replace it after about a year or depending on how and where you drive. Some of course think of the cost before they decide to replace their filters, as some OEM filters cost Php1,000 or more. They forget to consider however, that a clean and efficiently working air filter saves fuel as it helps the engine breath better.

In 2010, VTX Commercial introduced a new product to answer this need – Hurricane Air Filters. Instead of the standard disposable paper-cloth filters, they’re made with high-grade Japanese stainless-steel mesh. The microscopic holes on the Hurricane wire mesh ensures very consistent filtration and airflow, allowing the engine to breathe better compared to other aftermarket cotton or foam filters, which have inconsistent airflow. Better filtration also means longer life for the airflow sensor due to less contamination of the sensor.

The product promises to give a smoother acceleration and decent horsepower increase in the mid to high engine speed range. While the sturdy stainless mesh is guaranteed to deliver its promised filtration and will not shift even under extreme pressure. The rubber frame is made of a treated material that is resistant to heat to ensure durability.

Quick Installation

The install was done in my personal Nissan Navara pick-up. Just in time for my recent periodic maintenance service, I decided to swap my OEM filter with a Hurricane to try how the product works. It was a simple take out the stock filter and replace it with the Hurricane with no frills at all. Fit was perfect and the product did seem to be very sturdy as I tried to flex it out a bit. The whole installation procedure took less than five minutes. Checked all the clips to make sure they were fastened properly and started the car, and it was all done.

Test Drive

I took the car out for a short drive and it felt a bit lighter on the throttle but it was negligible on normal driving speeds and stop and go situations.

For a longer drive to properly evaluate the product, I took my truck out to the expressway to give it more room to flex its muscle. This should be able to test the performance benefit of the new filter. The throttle did feel lighter and engine felt a little livelier as the revs went up.

The Verdict

Overall the product delivers what it promises, but don’t expect a drastic improvement in performance as it is only an air filter. The combination of performance benefit, fuel economy and the longer lifespan of the product alone outweigh the price you pay for it. So I would definitely recommend this product.

VTX Commercial shares that the SRP for the Hurricane Air Filter starts at Php2,500 and varies depending on application. For more information, visit www.hurricaneairfilters.com or call (02)584-1415.

High-intensity, fast-paced full-on drifting action was once again the order of the day (weekend to be exact) at the Clark International Speedway as the 2010 Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship held its 5th Round at the circuit inside the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

Over thirty drivers came to tackle the challenging course selected by race officials to test the skills of the country’s top drifters.

Alex Perez makes full use of the racetrack.

Francisco Blanco smokes the rears of the powerful Motul S13

Jason Choachuy smokes the Kumhos of the AutoIndustriya.com Cefiro to the Top Qualifier Spot

Gio Rodriguez countersteers to victory

Mike Tuason captures the Amateur Division win and championship lead

Pro Division

1. Gio Rodriguez
2. Jason Choachuy
3. Alex Perez

Amateur Division

1. Mike Tuason
2. Bjorn Ongtiaobok
3. Norman Agojo

Round 4 of the Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship moved back to the metro in Eastwood City last June 26-27. With the championship going past the halfway mark, the points leaders tried to outdo themselves while those trying to catch up showed them that the series is far from over.

With great power comes great smoke – Pacho Blanco smoking the tires of the Motul/Autoplus Nissan S13

The Destroyer showing his own brand of power and tire smoke that made him the top qualifier for the Pro Division

Hot on his heels from his first podium finish during the last leg, Team AutoIndustriya.com-Kumho Tires’ Jason “The Destroyer” Choachuy truly put on a good show taking the top spot in the qualifiers for the Pro Division. Topping the scoresheets in the Amateur Division was Alvin Dayrit in his first outing in the series.

In the end, it would be classic matchup between Choachuy (Nissan Cefiro) and Yellow Cab’s Alex Perez (Nissan S13), where The Destroyer literally hands the victory to Perez on a silver platter with a spin during their first championship tandem battle.

Meanwhile in the Amateur Division, youngblood Kar Montaner drove his SR20DE powered Corona to the limit and took TRS’ Bjorn Ongtiaobok (Mazda BT50) to school.

Choachuy sticks it close to Blanco

Tayao tries to go side-by-side with Ronquillo

Hurt and still fighting – Audel Sison soldiers on after a brief encounter with the wall in the first turn

Pro Division
1. Alex Perez
2. Jason Choachuy
3. Kevin Tayao

Amateur Division
1. Kar Montaner
2. Bjorn Ongtiaobok
3. Alvin Dayrit

The Lateral Drift Championship series was revised for 2010 to merge both the Pro division and Amateur division into one series ran for 6 events with both classes running on the same weekend. Four legs were to be held in the Eastwood City open grounds while two would be in the Clark International Speedway.

The third round moved to Clark for fast paced high intensity sideways action after having run two rounds in Eastwood. The long track however proved to be more than what some expected it to be, as some cars broke down and relegated some competitors to watch from the sidelines instead of going sideways.

Norman Agojo drives his Skyline hard in Amateur Division

Mike Tuason and Mark Rosca battle it out for the win

Jason "The Destroyer" Choachuy wows the crowd with his daring drift maneuvers

One of the more exciting tandem battles between Alex Perez and Boodie Dabasol

RJ Obiedo versus “The Destroyer”

Blanco against Agregado in a highly competitive tandem battle

RJ Obiedo going sideways with his Hankook S15

Pro Division
1. Gio Rodriguez
2. RJ Obiedo
3. Jason Choachuy

Amateur Division
1. Mike Tuason
2. Mark Rosca
3. Norman Agojo

For the full event coverage on Autoindustriya.com Motorsports click here

Clear skies, glaring sun and intense heat was the order of the day for the second round of the 2009 Lateral Drift Championship held at the Greenhills Open Parking Bay 6 in the City of San Juan last May 23. A total of twenty-seven participants came to the track to show-off, compete and simply have fun. The track layout designed by David Feliciano proved exciting for the competitors throughout the day up to the tight tandem battles.

The Destroyer drives the AutoIndustriya.com Cefiro hard

Kevin “Bad News” Tayao drives his AE86 smooth as a golf putt qualifying on top

D1 Grand Prix US competitor Cyrus Martinez take the Motul-Autoplus Nissan 240SX for a demo run, smoking tires and showing his moves.

Making his way back to the top of the podium was Team Yellow Cab’s Alex “X” Perez, who won a very narrow victory over Team Forced Speed’s RJ Obiedo who spun out just before the finish line. Rounding up the podium finishers was first leg winner Jason “The Destroyer” Choachuy.

Final Result
1. Alex Perez
2. RJ Obiedo
3. Jason Choachuy
4. Chukri Prieto
5. Kevin Tayao
6. John Boban
7. Jeffrey Villanueva
8. Joema Montaner

From just helping out in his father’s garage at fourteen to buying his first AE86, Cyrus Martinez is now a proud holder of a D1 Grand Prix US license. He is the first Filipino driver to achieve this feat and is also the first Filipino driver to actively compete in professional drifting. He visited Manila recently and we at Tuned got to have an exclusive interview with him courtesy of local Megan Racing distributor HART International.

How long have you been into cars?

I’ve been into cars ever since my dad got me working with him when we first moved to the states. I was fourteen then, basically changing tires and helping him out with whatever I could do. It was just a home-based garage for people who wanted to save money. I basically did it to earn some extra cash for myself.

What inspired you to go into drifting?

In 2003, after attending my first drifting event in Irwindale. The winner was Katsuhiro Ueo, who was driving a Toyota AE86. I was into drag racing at that time, but I saw drifting as a different form or art of drifting. It was exciting for the crowd and for the drivers at the same time. That practically got me into drifting. I bought myself a Toyota Corolla AE86 the next day and started watching videos and riding along with friends who were already into drifting at that time.

How long have you been with Megan Racing?

I’ve been with the company for three years, handling marketing, research and development, and product support. Driving was just for the last year and a half, which started when my boss saw a future for me in drifting, he decided to sponsor me.

What’s your impression of the Philippine aftermarket industry?

The local industry has a lot of marketing involved like Motul and Autoplus. At first, when I visited Banawe, it looked so disorganized and I actually thought the Philippines was really far behind. But when I got to visit high profile shops like Autoplus, who are really passionate with their cars. They also have a lot of nice parts from major brands there as well. Which brings me to conclude that the market shows a lot of promise for growth especially with the influences from the Japanese and American markets. Filipinos will always love cars, they love fixing up cars. There’s always new cars coming out and more cars to fix up.

What can you say about the Philippine drift scene?

I’m actually very impressed. I first got to see the videos of Lateral Drift online about two years ago, and I wasn’t expecting much. I was very surprised to see that its gotten far from what it was. The drifts were a lot better, and the cars also improved by influences from drifting in Japan and the States. I also saw that the Filipino drifters are actually stepping up their driving. The drivers want to learn, they want to get to the point of achievement. I’m actually impressed with the skills of the Lateral Drift drivers, especially with the level of competition they have. I’d like to thank Mr. David Feliciano for letting me drive in their series even just with a demo run.

What can you say about the cars here?

There are actually very expensive cars here. I actually had a chance to drive the Motul-Autoplus S13 in Round 2 of the Lateral Drift Championship. I was surprised when I first drove the car, it was very responsive. A lot of horsepower for such a small track, it was really easy to drive. The cars are starting to get put well together.

What about driving in the Manila?

I’ve driven, and its really crazy. Its really hard almost like you’re to crash every time, especially those crazy motorcycle riders who drive like there’s no tomorrow. The taxi drivers here are very good too, they can weave through the tight streets of Manila so easy.

What’s your best achievement so far?

That would be getting my 2009 D1 Grand Prix US license held in Anaheim. Because when I first started, I was actually watching these guys, now I’m actually a part of the action.

What are your future plans?

I’d want to be one of the top drivers for D1. I’m also aiming to get my license for Formula D in 2010. Its really hard to get in because you’re going against some of the best drivers as well. Some of the participants are actually demo drivers and stunt drivers. Not that D1 is easy, because the Japanese drivers are really good also. They started drifting after all. Its not going to be easy but you know the Pinoy way of thinking. Kung kaya nila, kaya ko din yan! (If they can do it, I can also do it!)

Any last words?

Well I’d like to thank Motul and Autoplus for letting me drive their car and for giving me a chance to show the drifting that I had to offer from the States. I’d also like to thank my mom and dad, “I’m here in the Philippines!” And last but not the least to my girlfriend, who regards herself as my number one fan.

I know I promise Brent every time i see him that I would start blogging asap! Here it is Brent! Finally!! First of, I would like to introduce myself. I am Bryan Revilla, and I love cars! As some of you readers know, I compete professionally at LATERAL DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. This is actually my 3rd season competing in the series.

This season, Lateral D is back with a bang! Sicker than ever with sick cars, sick track layouts and with more crazy drivers! LOL! Every year, Burnt Rubber Productions makes Lateral D bigger and bigger. I remember, when the events were held at CCP with only a few sponsors and now it’s hella crazy that a lot of companies are trying to get into the bandwagon. It’s really great to be part of history seeing this sport grow.

my s15 all taped up

The 1st round is over, however, I would just like to share that it was one for the books for me as a competitor. April 25, 2009 is the date that I won 2nd place and my 2nd time to step into the podium. This was the highest position I was able attain in my drifting career, what an unforgettable experience! Though, it was something I wasn’t even expecting. Earlier that day, I was already having problems with the car and my driving style. Qualifying for the top 16 was already a problem for me knowing that I’m still having a hard time adjusting to the new car and having to deal with a sliding clutch. My 1st run was not pretty at all! Under-steer on the first turn but luckily I was able to finish that run. Good thing I was able to get a conservative yet not so great 2nd and 3rd run. I thought my day was over knowing the fact that I was wasn’t driving a 100%. I was already losing hope of actually getting into the top 8 if this continues through out the day…. Surprisingly, my name was called as one of the top 16 drivers! I was actually happy I made it past the first eliminations…

As the eliminations for the top 8 spots began, the same problems I had during the previous eliminations happened again for my 1st run! I made sure that gave the crowd and the judges a good solid 2nd and 3rd run which I actually did with style and a broken bumper. I was praying that those runs were good enough to get me into the top 8! Luckily, my prayers were answered! I made it into the top against top qualifier Lt. Dan Javier. Dan was driving like a mad man earlier that day sticking the rear of his car to the barriers and clipping every point with speed and great angle. 1st run I was in front and Dan had the advantage, I know Dan is one of those very unpredictable drivers not knowing if he’s going to do. I made sure that I would make him get near me as possible during that run. 2nd run, I have the advantage but unluckily I spun out at the first turn. Score tied at 1-1, we both know that we have to give this our best for us to advance. 3rd run, it was a tight battle but Dan under-steered at the 1st turn committing the same mistake I did during the 2nd run giving me the win.

me and jason during practice. Who knew that it would be me and him figting it out for the win that day

Top 4, it was Me vs Kevin tayao and Yellow Cab’s Alex Perez vs AI’s Jason Choachuy. The battle between Jason and Alex was really tight but Jason got the win upsetting the champ Alex Perez who would later win 3rd place that day. Next in line was me against Kevin. Kevin is one of those drivers that I really looked up too in this sport and it was really crazy that I would go head to head with him. 1st run I was able to get the win with my balls in my throat cause I was really nervous during this time. 2nd run, I felt more relaxed after getting that point during the 1st run. As the 2nd run began, Kevin was in front we were really close going towards the first turn, we initiated almost the same time making it really close but Kevin clipped the tire barrier which flew into my line which caused me to stop and losing the point to Kevin. Scored tied once again, its do or die for me. 3rd run was to close to call that the judges had to call one more time. 4th run Kevin in front, we were close approaching the first turn. I wasn’t expecting that the unexpected would happen, Kevin spinning out. I was thinking “Is this what I think it is?” truly enough, I heard the announcer say “Mr Revilla!!! You are going to the finals!!” I don’t know what I was feeling but for sure I was really happy to be there in the finals going head to head with my teammate!

it really doesn’t matter if I win or lose but come to think of it, it was a damn hard to get into the finals and I’m not going to give up with out a fight. Now or never, it was my first time to be in the finals. 1st run and 2nd run both drivers were given one point each. 3rd run, it was hella close! It was hella disappointing spinning out towards the end of the course! With that mistake, Jason got the win making him the champion for the 1st round! Like I said win or lose it didn’t matter, I was just happy to be there competing head to head with Dan, Kevin and Jason. That day, I realized that I burnt my clutch and I pretty much lost my bumper..

before

and after

Next round will be another story but till then, see you guys on round 2 this Saturday May 23, 2009!! Same time same place!

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY SPONSORS DMF DRIFT, PR AUTOSPORT, AUTOLINE, STAGE 21 BODYKITS, VISUAL SPEED AUTO DESIGN, AGR EXHAUSTS, MAXXIS TIRES, AUTOINDUSTRIYA AND MY WONDERFUL PARENTS!!

See you guys on round 2!!

-Bryan Revilla

Tire smoke, cool cars, and extreme sideways action was the order of the day in the season opener of the 2009 Glade Sport Lateral Drift Championship at the Greenhills Promenade Open Parking Lot in the City of San Juan. Many of the competitors for the pro-series came prepared with new cars, and new setups. New graduates from the recently held Drift Underground amateur series also came to play with the pros.

Bryan Revilla, Jason Choachuy and Alex Perez closely watching the practice session.

Alex Perez with his Nissan S13 in new Yellow Cab Livery hoping to defend his crown one more time.

Kevin Tayao smokin’ rubber in his newly supercharged and newly painted AE86 with shiny new rims as well.

Bryan Revilla aboard his new Nissan Silvia S15 proudly powered by his parents.

Jason “The Destroyer” Choachuy in his first outing with the new Team AutoIndustriya.com Nissan Cefiro A31.

The Destroyer takes first stab at the 2009 Championship Series, taking the final win against Revilla in the finals aboard the new Team AutoIndustriya.com Cefiro sponsored by Kumho Tires, A-toy Bodykits, Informatics Valenzuela, Recaro, Rota Wheels, Motul, Autoplus, Momo, Alpine, H&R Suspension, Du Pont, Fil Carrozzeria, Motor Pro, Remixx Clothing, and DMF Drift.

Final Result
1. Jason Choachuy
2. Bryan Revilla
3. Alex Perez
4. Kevin Tayao
5. Dan Javier
6. Jeff Villanueva
7. Giovan Bernardino
8. Franscisco Blanco