Table of contents for No 303 July - August 2023 in NZ Performance Car

It’s almost weekly now that I am reminded of just what it means to be the editor of New Zealand’s only performance car magazine. I’ll get tagged in a post by a feature car owner, international motorsport athlete, or even someone who made it into our Social Slam section—it’s a constant reminder of why I do what I do. What most of you probably don’t know is that NZPC isn’t my full-time gig—it’s something that I work on once I get home from my day job. It’s incredibly challenging juggling my personal and work time, and mostly I don’t feel as though I can give the magazine the time and attention it truly deserves. However, I am notoriously hard on myself in terms of quality and progression, and, looking back…

There is no way to describe Daniel ‘Fanga Dan’ Woolhouse other than as a stalwart. With four D1NZ titles to his name, there will now be an argument for GOAT (Greatest of All Time) status. Woolhouse is the only driver to have won titles in multiple chassis and engine platforms. Combined with his international performances and regular appearances at a wide variety of events, there is a pretty decent case. Woolhouse sealed the title by grabbing the #1 qualifying spot at the recent final round, and from there the crown was his. We now wait and watch to see what the team does next, with a facelift on the cards for the spec 5D cars, and perhaps some more airline tickets. PULLEN-BURRY DOMINATES PRO SPORT When you win four out…

Autorama is bringing back a much-loved car show that had attendees buzzing with excitement back in 2019, and now after an absence from the event calendar for the last four years it’s set to return later in 2023. Autorama has been in discussion with the past organisers behind the renowned National Rod & Custom Show, and with their cooperation the Grand National Rod & Custom Show is back again, with show dates set for 10–12 November. Expect a 2023 update on the show as it slots alongside the planned Autormama format, but already two pro-builder exhibitors have confirmed they will be unveiling new cars, and the expectation is that more additions will be made by the show date. Invitations are now open for interested and eager car owners to register…

It’s not every day that we get thrown the keys to a legitimate monster, let alone a cover-worthy one, but when this writer made inquiries about coming to take a look to see what might inspire my story, the response I got from Fenix’s manager, Ben, was, “Bro, just pop down and take it for a drive.” The best part about this was finding out that the owner, Adrian, was actually in China at the time and had no idea, but it seemed like a good plan to Ben and me. I pulled up to the shop in the heart of industrial East Tāmaki, and sitting out front of the showroom full of anything your performance car could need to keep cool was something that can perhaps best be described…

Rewind back to Issue No. 299 of NZPC—specifically, to an article titled How to Import Your Dream Car. The car that the article was talking about arrived in New Zealand in August 2022—coming up to nearly one year ago. Everything in that article that I said I wanted to do, I did. The full OEM aero went on, OEM shocks and springs, OEM turbo wheels, S15 seats, and a few other finishing bits and bobs. The car was looking just like the version in the sales brochure that I had on my desk! Everything was ready for compliance—or so I thought … In September 2022, I took the car to be complied—this is when they will thoroughly check your car for any damage, rust, or worn parts – a much…

When living in the capital city, there are a couple of ways to go about life. Assuming that you, dear reader, are the type of person who would choose to attack tight, windy roads with steep drop-offs and enjoy scenic harbourside drives at maximum speed rather than riding bicycles everywhere, we present proud Hutt Valley Motorsport Club member Eli Barrington. Over the past decade, Eli has been assembling a weapon that checks all the boxes for anyone who grew up in the homologation rally weapon era. EXTERIOR PAINT: Factory ENHANCEMENTS: Carboglass custom widebody, Lexan windows, WRC window sliders INTERIOR SEATS: Racetech 4100HR STEERING WHEEL: Grip Royal deep-dish, NRG quick-release kit INSTRUMENTATION: AiM digital dash, Kotouc LCD gear indicator HEART ENGINE: EJ20 2000cc four-cylinder BLOCK: 0.5-oversized Wiseco pistons, Eagle rods HEAD:…

Joseph’s Barra-swap journey kicked off with an R33 Skyline sedan rolling shell that Jhe intended to drop a naturally aspirated RB25 in, bringing it back to a somewhat factory condition. His initial plan came to a sudden halt as he faced the reality of the overpriced and heavily ‘taxed’ RB market. Gone are the days when you could pick up a motor for loose change or a box of beers. The frustration of overpriced and poor-quality RB25 long blocks triggered this young man’s inner Kiwi ingenuity. Joseph needed to phone a friend but ended up ringing a cousin who happened to have a BA Falcon rotting away on his lawn (as you do). After researching, he found out that Barra-swapping Skylines were pretty common over the ditch. “The Barra to…

HERO CONTRIBUTOR SHAUN CONSTABLE What a privilege being asked to be the hero contributor for this issue, and what great timing too. I think there’s no debate that I love S14 Koukis—having two myself might be a slight clue. I started my journey with Silvias back in 2011 when I purchased an S14 Zenki for $1700—automatic and non-turbo. I spent about two years with this car before I sold it for $7K, and during that time I did a manual conversion; bought coilovers, arms, and wheels; and then certified it. Some of that money was used to buy a Canon 5D Mark III, which helped me improve my photography tenfold. The rest went on my first trip to Japan, and, like most people visiting Japan for the first time, I…

Just as we put the final touches on this issue of NZPC, we got word through from a number of excited participants that the annual Mitsubishi Owners Day had broken the long-standing world record number of 283, when 290 Mitsubishi vehicles made their way around Hampton Downs on 3 June. The video footage has now been submitted for verification but we think this is something to be proud of no matter what!! Well done to the Downtime team and all the entrants in the event.…

It’s time to buckle up, because Repco Muscle Garage is back and streaming every Sunday at 12pm on Three’s CRC Motorsport. Every episode is filled with high-octane action to keep you on the edge of your seat. This season offers 10 exhilarating episodes packed with mind-blowing cars, epic garages, and thrilling events that showcase the best of New Zealand’s muscle car culture alongside the absolute legends behind the builds and the scene. A big shout-out to Repco New Zealand, Meguiar’s, Rislone, and Mount Shop for their incredible support. Without you guys, this wouldn’t have been possible! Tune in to Repco Muscle Garage season 12 every Sunday and get your fix of New Zealand’s ultimate muscle car show!…

There are a few key players here in the New Zealand car scene, and one of those is Lars Thomsen—owner and operator of Vinny Fabrication. Known in the New Zealand car scene for producing some of the most insane rotary products welded and produced in house, there’s no doubt that when Lars got his hands on his own build, it would be of epic proportions. Graham, the previous owner of this bright, immaculate machine, knew of Lars’ passion for RX-7s. A rare factory yellow model, Lars had always dreamt of building an all-blacked-out version. When Graham finally decided to part ways with his beloved car, Lars was quick to make his move. “When he sold it to us, it still had the original tyres on from when he purchased the…

LOCK ’EM UP Never let those turbo flange nuts or sump bolts come loose again: hit ’em with the J-B Weld Threadlocker range, designed to lock and seal nuts and bolts on all mechanical parts, body assemblies, and in hundreds of other applications where things may come loose due to shock or vibration. The red Perma-Lock High Strength Threadlocker is for heavy-duty applications; it requires heating and the use of hand tools to separate parts. The blue version is medium strength and suitable for loosening with hand tools alone. Both strengths are available in 6mL, 12mL, and the larger 36mL bottles. Available from leading automotive and hardware stores. Contact your local stockists for pricing. SEAL THE DEAL There’s nothing quite like getting caught out on a roadie, a hard park,…

Mozak and his EVLBOY R35 recently journeyed down to the Speed Science Grudge Wars, held at NAPA Auto Parts Meremere Dragway, with only one thing in mind: setting a new stock turbo benchmark among the highly competitive group of owners who happen to have these Japanese supercars. After setting an early mark at 10.385, Mozak faced several frustrating passes where the car would go into limp mode, leaving him hunting for a time. Finally, on one of his last runs of the day, it all came together with a time of 10.2. The only question now is how long the time will stand before Mozak or one of his fellow enthusiasts resets it.…

The World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) held at Sydney Motorsport Park is just around the corner, as motorsport fans worldwide hold their breath in anticipation. This thrilling weekend will be a whirlwind of exhilarating races, intense drift battles, and state-of-the-art automotive technology that will have you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be immersed in the fast-paced atmosphere as the world’s top drivers push their weapons to the absolute limit, racing against the clock in a quest for victory. With competitors from around the globe aggressively vying for the top spot, the level of competition is set to be fierce. No matter if you’re a die-hard time attack fanatic, a passionate drifting enthusiast, or simply someone who loves all things motorsport, this event is an adrenaline-pumping experience that…

GET READY FOR UNFORGETTABLE BATTLES AND RECORD-BREAKING RUNS The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC), held at Sydney Motorsport Park. As the global Time Attack racing community gears up for this thrilling event, a new wave of challengers has emerged, promising to make their mark on the international stage. Among them is the formidable Mitsuyoshi Nishio, whose 746kW S13 Onevia has stunned the Time Attack community with its blistering lap times at Tsukuba. Another standout competitor is the veteran pro drifter Ken Gushi, who will showcase his 746kW GT-R-powered Lexus RC in the drifting competition. Join us as we delve into the stories behind these remarkable drivers and their awe-inspiring machines. MITSUYOSHI NISHIO: FROM DRIFT TO DOMINANCE Mitsuyoshi Nishio may be a new name…

NZPC: Hey, Nikki. Can you give us a background on how you got into performance cars? When I was a teenager, my dad, who loves cars and always updated with new models of cars, used to take me to car events such as drag racing. He brought me to car shows held in Manila, Philippines. He had been a big Mitsubishi fan; he had a Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and Mitsubishi GTO back then—he also loved to collect toy cars and magazines and he enjoyed doing such for his pastime. I came for employment to New Zealand in 2014 alone. My kid was small, and I left my wife who was pregnant. Indeed, the situation pushed me to work hard for my family and myself and be able to save some…