Issue #15

Features

26 Showstopper: Chad Rapper’s impeccable G35 Coupe

As automotive enthusiasts, we all enjoy playing with our Datsuns, Infinitis and Nissans. Whether it’s driving or wrenching, there’s always an element of creativity that comes with making our cars shine. But for Chad Rapper, it’s about making it really shine. From a hobby to a weekend vocation, Rapper has a passion for making a clean car that much cleaner. No detail is too small to be overlooked. When Infiniti unveiled the G35 Coupe, Rapper knew he had found the blank piece of canvas he’d been seeking. Beyond detailing a stock vehicle, Rapper soon discovered the world of automotive show competition and knew he could develop the Infiniti into a winning entry. The mods for his very special G35 were selected not only with an eye toward performance, but for their potential appeal to a panel of judges. Beyond pure eye candy, Nissan Sport found Rapper’s G35 Coupe an interesting exercise in balancing automotive performance and art.

32 motorsports

Godzilla Rules! Or at least he gets around. News from the Japanese Super GT series, European GT-1 and SCCA World Challenge Championships. Off-road Nissans challenge in Tunisia. Drifters at Long Beach and in China—dude, your car’s on fire!

38 project vehicles

1995 300ZX Twin Turbo: Swapping a five-speed into the Z32

1989 240SX: Primer for a V-8 conversion

2007 Nissan Xterra: Suspension upgrade and monster tires

44 DIY tech

Product Tests, Reviews & Spotlights: Stillen’s new VQ37VHR supercharger.

How Tos, Tech Tips & Tech Explained: What makes Hoosier’s R-compound tires so fast?

Q&A: Suspension upgrades for the Infiniti M45X and Nissan Versa.

Departments

2 from the editor

Lessons from the 2010 NICO North American Nissan Convention.

4 letters

Support and comments to Nissan Sport’s managing editor. Hello Kitty edition Versa,

longtime supporter, personal Z history, hardbody canuck, Jerry King cartoon:

off-road bachelor party fun.

6 ignition

Summer gratitude for Nissan Sport Partner Clubs.

8 shifting gears

Walter Mitty Vintage Racing Classic with commentary from BRE’s Peter Brock, RPM (rumors, parts and more), Archives (1986 Safari Double Cab), Redline (lithium-ion

battery details, Carlos Ghosn and Roger Penske, 2010 NY Auto Show) and quick shifts.

14 first takes

Nissan: 2011 Nissan Juke

Infiniti: 2011 Infiniti M56T, Infiniti QX

20 behind the wheel

Nelson Ackerman’s Datsun 280ZX

Ian Westmoreland’s Nissan Patrol

Joe Ippolito’s Nissan Sentra Se-R Spec V

48 the scene

Event Recaps: NICOfest Carlisle, Stillen Days, MSA Enthusiast Reunion. Also:

calendar of events, the official website

and club partners of Nissan Sport, Sarah’s Web Watch.