As automotive enthusiasts we have all experienced that sensation—the feeling of boredom with our car’s current state of performance. We use our hard-earned cash to purchase and install another “go fast” product and then take to the streets for testing. The butt dyno registers big gains as we mash our right foot to the floor and adrenaline fills our veins, but as weeks pass and gallons of $4 gas are swallowed, the feelings of joy and excitement begin to diminish. We no longer feel the impact of our upgrades and we become used to our new level of output, and once again itch for more.
Tom Fukamoto is well aware of this cycle. Fukamoto’s story begins five years ago with the purchase of his ’03 Infiniti G35 coupe. Not satisfied with the look of his new G, he opted for a set of 19-inch Rays Volk TE-37s matched with Bridgestone Potenza S-03 rubber. He then added an Impul front bumper, side skirts, and a rear apron. With no intentions of increasing power, Fukamoto was more than happy with his coupe.
But the mod bug bit again. After consulting a local performance shop, he decided it was time to up the ante and had a custom, single turbo kit installed. To complement the new turbo, a GReddy front-mount intercooler was mounted along with a SARD Racing wastegate and a SQV blow-off valve from HKS. A slew of custom exhaust piping had to be fabricated for the kit and the ignition system was upgraded with NGK spark plugs and Denso coil packs. In order to supply more fuel to the system, Fukamoto went with a Bosch Racing fuel pump and SARD injectors. An HKS F-Con V pro standalone unit was added to manage the new power and allow for a safe and reliable tune. The car hit the dyno and laid down an impressive 410 hp to the rear wheels.
Fukamoto’s initial goal of building a powerful G with a “nice and simple looking exterior” was complete. He showed the car at both the ’04 Chinatown Showoff and HIN San Mateo 2004, taking First Place in the VIP category at Chinatown. Not bad for a car driven to and from the show. Fukamoto made it clear that this is no garage queen. He drives the car three to five times per week in Southern California traffic and is not afraid to put miles on his baby. With all this seat time, the thrill of 410 horses on tap was starting to fade. Fukamoto had grown accustomed to the power and it just wasn’t “doing it” for him anymore.