The Masterminds Behind AMS Performance
From humble beginnings sharing a 3,000-foot shop with a power washing company and using a tarp to separate the two companies, Martin Musial and his best friend since grade school, Arne Toman, pursued a dream that one day two kids from the northwest suburbs of Chicago could build a company that possessed the same passion and enthusiasm they had for cars and transform it into an authoritative leader in automotive performance known today as AMS Performance.inline_mediumwraptextright25730957/features/turp_0811_mitsubishi_lancer_evo_ams_performanceturp_0811_02_o+mitsubishi_lancer_evo_ams_performance+owners.jpgTrue

Acura Integra

900 WHP
600 LB-FT Of Torque
It's no secret that competition fuels the autosport hobby. In a world where tens of thousands of guys with busted knuckles and dirt under their fingernails spend every waking moment in pursuit of being faster than they were yesterday-working sh*t jobs to pay off turbos and suspensions, waking up in the middle of the night with the solution to a cooling problem, and evolving their rides into examples of mechanical domination with every breath-there's always someone faster. Unless you're Norris Prayoonto.inline_mediumwraptextright26871814/features/turp_0812_2000_acura_integraturp_0812_01_o+2000_acura_integra+front_view.jpgTrue

Mitsubishi Evo VIII MR

424 HP
398 LB-FT Of Torque
When it comes to explosive performance out of the box, the Lancer Evolution has always been right up there with he Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra. But like all cars of this nature, it's the limitless tuning potential that has made them so popular. Just take a look at what the likes that the Cyber Evo has managed to extract from the 4G63, and even now that the Evolution X has arrived, real diehard Evo fans wouldn't trade up to save their lives. The owner of the Evo VIII MR you see here is exactly this sort of person, appreciating what Mitsubishi has done with the X but preferring to stick to previous-generation models. He has gone all out and literally created a street-going Cyber Evo replica with the help of the folks at Unlimited Works and Voltex. The result is one of the most intimidating cars we have come across lately. It's a car that means business even while sitting quietly on the show stand at the '08 Tokyo Auto Salon, where we first laid our eyes on it.inline_mediumwraptextright31084893/features/turp_0812_mitsubishi_evo_8_mrturp_0812_01_o+mitsubishi_evo_8_mr+front_view.jpgTrue

Nissan Skyline GT-R
613 WHP
452 LB-FT OF Torque
Dream cars, we all have them lingering in the back of our minds in hopes of it one day becoming a reality. Hitting the lottery, a big inheritance from an unknown, long-lost uncle; the scenarios are endless. The bottom line is, somehow the dream comes true. The Skyline GT-R is perched atop the list of many light-headed dreamers. But what flavor: R32, R33, R34, or the new R35? If you're going to dream, dream big. Why not all of them? Alex Shen, the owner of SP Engineering in the City of Industry, Calif., has a knack for dreaming big, and, more importantly, driving those dreams. Starting from his home garage, Shen has evolved his passion for performance into big business. As his shop has prospered he has collected Skylines. He currently owns a 957whp R33, the Athletic Silver '99 R34 that graces these pages, and has two R35s on the way for product R&D. One will be all BPU, the other will be balls to the walls. What about an R32? Shen's mission continues.inline_mediumwraptextright25734632/features/turp_0812_nissan_skyline_r34_gtrturp_0812_01_o+nissan_skyline_r34_gtr+front_view.jpgTrue

Progression is the key element behind most successful undertakings. We’ve all heard the story before. It starts with “From humble beginnings” and chronicles the trials and tribulations that lead to a crowning achievement.inline_mediumwraptextright25390256/features/turp_0902_tempest_racing_acura_integra_drag_carturp_0902_01_z+tempest_racing_acura_integra_drag_car+front_right.jpeg.jpgTrue

Nobody takes on a project car with the intention of coming in last. Wanting to win and having what it takes to beat the kings of the aftermarket industry are two different things. What does it mean to be able to modify a car that hasn’t even hit showroom floors yet?inline_mediumwraptextright30869751/features/turp_0902_2008_ford_focus_coupe_turboturp_0902_01_z+2008_ford_focus_coupe_turbo+front_left.jpeg.jpgTrue

Due to some shotty craftsmanship on his single-turbo setup, Fukamoto chose another shop for his next series of upgrades. He went to Profile International in Brea, Calif., and spoke with owner Duy Le about the build. Le suggested a custom twin-turbo system that, if properly tuned, should come close to the 1,000hp threshold. Fukamoto gave the OK, and the engine was pulled. A pair of HKS GT3037s replaced the existing turbo. The fuel system was upgraded with a twin Bosch Racing fuel pump and 1,000cc injectors, again provided by SARD. A GReddy oil cooler, ARC oil pan, and Nismo Racing oil pump took care of the oil supply. To handle this much power, upgraded engine internals were in store. Darton sleeves, Crower Rods, and ARP rod bolts were selected along with a set of forged CP pistons with an 8.5:1 compression ratio. A port and polish job was performed and Nismo valves and valvesprings finished off the headwork. In order to put this power to the wheels, an OS Giken triple-plate clutch and flywheel were installed along with a Cusco, two-way limited-slip differential. A larger GReddy intercooler was added along with new Kuruma Z front bumper to provide more airflow.inline_mediumwraptextright26588287/features/turp_0902_2003_infiniti_g35_twin_turboturp_0902_12_z+2003_infiniti_g35_twin_turbo+oil_catch_tank.jpeg.jpgTrue

Ricky Vang has ridden that revolving project roller coaster more times than he would care to remember. As the chain clanks on the way up, it's all anticipation--a new car, new challenge, endless possibilities, and all you can see in front of you is the sky. Soon reality sets in and the coaster lurches into a downward position and plummets with no time, no parts, and no money propelling you toward abandonment and a fast sale.

If you're reading this magazine, you're well familiar with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and its outrageous potential. The 10th and latest iteration, known as the Evo X, is the first gen-eration to truly feature a full ground-up redesign, not to mention the first to stray from the Mitsubishi power standard--its tried-and-true workhorse 4G63 engine. It's also the first generation to be sold in the states with Mitsubishi's brilliant Yaw Control System, now part of its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The Evo X is available in two trims, GSR and MR, and neither one is short on performance. While the MR offers more modern trickery, like the amazing dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission (DC-SST), it also carries a touch more weight and certainly a heavier price tag than the GSR. For many performance buffs, the GSR, with its traditional clutch and shifter, will be the way to go, especially since it still has the same S-AWC.

The most important aspect to have when looking at the Lancer Ralliart is perspective. If you perceive the car as a detuned, deboosted Evo X you are setting the table for disappointment. If you look at it as a Lancer GTS with a 4B11 powertrain swap you will better appreciate the car on its own merits. When looking at it as a jigsaw puzzle, most of the pieces are GTS derived, which is how we'll approach the car. Of course, Evo X comparisons are unavoidable, especially since Mitsubishi had a fleet of GSR- and MR-spec Xs in attendance at a press introduction at Pacific Raceway in the Seattle area. It is also wise to remember the Ralliart's target is not its own brethren but the Subaru WRX, Mazdaspeed3, and VW R32. The Mitsubishi is rated at 237 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, and will drop with a $26,490 pricetag.

Have you ever asked yourself just how much work goes into build-ing a serious time attack machine? We aren’t talking about bolting on parts from a tuning catalog, but a full-on, top-spec professional project. The car you see here is the perfect example of such a build, and this is the first time this car has graced the pages of any magazine. We teamed up with the guys at Tomei, Cusco, and Voltex to bring you an insight on how this new Team Tarzan Time Attack GDB Impreza has come to be.

Dear Competitors,
I'm currently sitting in the SP Engineering garage, lounging around with nothing to do. SP's head mechanic, Hiro, is here chain smoking and reading a Skyline GT-R service manual while tooling around on an ice chest with wheels. As I sat idly by, listlessly watching the fans spin in a trance state, I see Hiro attempting to do a dry burnout as he vicariously takes a tight turn spinning the machine's tires in place. We're bored.

Honda S2000 240 WHP 180 LB-FT Of Torque
Shortly after the annual Long Beach Grand Prix race weekend, we got in touch with competitors A&J Racing to get the scoop on their track star, this white S2000. Having just clocked in at barely over 1:38 in the Limited FR class at the Super Lap Battle event of the weekend, we were all too curious to find out what made this Honda tick.

Much like the engine position, the suspension is free to be modified. Like most teams, Shift opted for a far-better-performing double wishbone layout. Shift created a tubular front subframe, where you'd expect the engine to sit in a Lexus IS, to hold up the initially complicated-looking suspension mechanism. The double wishbones connect to the pushrod system, which in turn pivots to send the suspension movement onto the Quantum dampers. These are mounted vertically for easy access during spring changes, while their reservoir tanks are mounted on the top crossbar. The adjustable antiroll bar is connected to the billet pushrods and fixed onto the main chassis. Taking advantage of the extra space in front of the suspension is the radiator, enclosed in a carbon air-guide tub.inline_mediumwraptextright26867005/features/turp_0811_lexus_is350_team_takeuchi_super_gtturp_0811_02_o+lexus_is350_team_takeuchi_super_gt+left_rear.jpgTrue

Specs

Interior:
Bride Zeta III Sport seats
Bride seat brackets
Crow racing harness
Shift knob and boots
Sparco 285 SN steering wheel
Quick-release hub
Steering wheel hub adapter
Custom suede door panel
Custom carpet
Auto Meter pillar gauge pod
Custom painted interior panels
Black rear storage bin and panels
Replace stock trunk strut
JDM aluminum scuff plate
Blitz MD pressure meter (carbon)
Blitz MD boost gauge (carbon)
Blitz MD temperature meter (carbon)
Blitz boost controller
A'PEXi PowerFC Commander
HKS turbo timer
Blitz water temp gauge
Blitz oil temp gauge
GReddy gauge stands

Performance Showcase
You've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into building the ride of your dreams. And now the time has finally come to show your fellow Turbo magazine readers how you spent those long hours of wrenching in the garage or perhaps fine-tuning your engine on the dyno. Think you got what it takes to grace the pages of our Performance Showcase section? Be sure to submit your best quality photos (300dpi minimum) and a list of mods you've put into your ride. Send those photos to turbo@sourceinterlink.com along with Readers' Rides in the subject line.

Performance Showcase
You've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into building the ride of your dreams. And now the time has finally come to show your fellow Turbo magazine readers how you spent those long hours of wrenching in the garage or perhaps fine-tuning your engine on the dyno. Think you got what it takes to grace the pages of our Performance Showcase section? Be sure to submit your best quality photos (300dpi minimum) and a list of mods you've put into your ride. Send those photos to turbo@sourceinterlink.com along with Readers' Rides in the subject line.

With an incredible amount of success in the World Rally Championship over the years, the Subaru Impreza has always captivated the minds of enthusiasts. Subaru is well aware of this, which is why it didn't hesitate taking a gamble when designing the all-new Impreza WRX. From an aesthetic point of view, it's an extremely daring proposition in that it has nothing at all to do with the previous generation models. The beefed-up four-door sedans with massive trunk spoilers were replaced with a rather anonymously styled five-door hatchback. Subaru is trying very hard to get a bigger slice of the Mazda3 market in both Japan and Europe. But this is mainly something they're attempting with the more sedate WRX models (ST in Japan).

Over the last few months, the Cas-trol Syntec Top Shop Challenge has become a pissing match of sorts. The classic tale of "who's got the bigger package" has become the highlight of this competition as our six competitors anxiously stand idly by awaiting each other's every move like a shadow. While the rest of our competitors still scurry around from shop to shop like headless chickens looking for reputable parts to build their engines, we at Turbo magazine would like to fill them in on a little secret. Super Street, Import Tuner, Modified, Sport Compact Car, eurotuner, and Lowrider magazines, we hate to burst your bubble but SP Engineering has completed the RB26DETT and to put things mildly its gonna wreck sh*t up! Now that the engine has been built, and is currently under dyno testing and tuning, both Turbo magazine and SP Engineering can grab a cold beer and sit back and relax. We'll be laughing all the way to the finals to take the winning prize money and bragging rights. Until then, prove us wrong and drop us a line. We're team players and won't disclose any secrets from our competitors because in the end were all reaching for the same goal. We'll be more than happy to show you how to build a real engine.

Toyota Supra
1,200 WHP
868 LB-FT Of Torque
Tommy Banh has a need for speed unmatched by anyone-Maverick included. Tommy isn'tan F-16 jock. He's the king of the standing mile and he flies a Supra. His previous car, a six-speed '95 Anthracite, which appeared in Turbo, topped out at 201 mph at the famed Texas Mile in 2006. Tommy was up to his old tricks and up to stratospheric speeds in 2007 with an all-new dance partner.

Brent Metro's Stroked Z Flexes 777 whpAt first glance, Brent Metro's Nissan 350Z portrays a decidedly The Fast and the Furious aura. With its mural-ladened body and Lambo doors, one would be well within reason to call the Z a showstopper. With a 183mph top speed, this ride's beauty is much more than skin-deep. A fully boosted, bored, and stroked VQ35DE provides the thrust for this intensely modified, yet uniquely balanced, drop-top.

This Honda Civic Is Anything But Sedate."I was 5 when my dad drove the car into the driveway. All I can really remember about it was saying, 'Cool'," remi-nisces Ryan Smith about this '92 Civic CX, back when his dad first drove it home from the dealership. Keep in mind, this was back when the phrase "no replacement for displacement" was still very relevant. Now we know that a Garrett turbocharger can change that rule with just the turn of a few veritable bolts on any modern sport compact platform. Ryan realized the car's true potential when a skiing accident left his leg in a cast and his eyes buried in tuner magazines.

Performance Showcase
You've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into building the ride of your dreams. And now the time has finally come to show your fellow Turbo magazine readers how you spent those long hours of wrenching in the garage or perhaps fine-tuning your engine on the dyno. Think you got what it takes to grace the pages of our Performance Showcase section? Be sure to submit your best quality photos (300dpi minimum) and a list of mods you've put into your ride. Send those photos to turbo@sourceinterlink.com along with Readers' Rides in the subject line.

Specs
Engine
Methanol injection
Garret 4202 turbine
Dual TiAL 38mm wastegates
Turbonetics Godzilla blow-off valve
Custom tubular manifold
Custom 3.5-inch exhaust
Aeromotive mechanical fuel pump
Aeromotive regulator
Magnus fuel rails
Four primary and six secondary 160 lb/hr injectors
Ross Pistons 10:1 compression ratio
Engine block-honed 0.020 over
Moroso block fill

Honda Civic
1,000 WHP
683 LB-FT Of Torque
Over the years we've become accustomed (and, dare I say, even a bit blas) to 1,000whp drag cars. Of course, those are usually Nissan Skylines or Mitsubishi Evos. This powerful monster, however, is a Honda Civic Type R kicking out 1,000 whp on the dragstrip and all through the front wheels. You've got to hand it to those mad Brits-they like to be different. The man in question who is hoping to be the first person to drive a Japanese front-wheel-drive car into the 9s in the U.K. is Paul Jones, the boss at TDi North.