Feature Member Archive

[Ludachris]

Archives of past featured members. Want your profile and ride to be featured? Have someone you would recommend to be featured? GET INVOLVED!

 

[Rx3]

Archives of past featured members. Want your profile and ride to be featured? Have someone you would recommend to be featured? GET INVOLVED!

December 2008

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/avatars/got-grip.gif?dateline=1218491727" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Tony Niemczyk

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Tony Niemczyk started out in the world of V8 domestics, but fully caught DSM fever when another DSMTuner member, Boost Junkie, showed him what a 2G GSX was capable of. Since then, he hasn't looked back!

Tony competed in the NOPI series this past season with his 95 Eclipse GSX. His mods are extensive, and he credits his mechanical engineering background for helping him to evaluate and choose the right mods, which sometimes were very different from what most average enthusiasts used.

With the demise of NOPI, Tony will be racing with BOTI (Battle of the Imports) for the 2009 season, as well as helping his father with a 4G63 powered dragster to compete in NHRA's I-dragster!

View Tony's Profile

October 2008

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/avatars/gixxerdrew.gif?dateline=1225287336" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Andrew Michael Brilliant

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Salt. The Final Frontier. At least for one Drew Brilliant! Somehow he got it into his head that a DSM could set a few top speed records on the salt flats!

Drew's first DSM was a 1998 GS-T that he lent to a friend, who promptly plowed it through a rocky embankment. Later on, he ended up with a GS-T Spyder and the Land Speed Eclipse Project was born. A lot of work went into turning this convertible into a viable street and race car.

Being an engineer, Drew worked on solutions to enhance the chassis rigidity to reduce overall flex relative to the suspension travel. Who knows, maybe some of these solutions will be able to help out other DSM drivers in the racing world? After all, if he can develop a suspension upgrade for the MKIV Supra and work on wing design for Modellista's Bonneville wing, surely he can help out his DSM family right? (*cough* *cough* )

This Salt Spyder packs one hell of a punch, topping out at 687whp and 660 ft/lb.

Drew's future plans? A land speed record with the DSM, and more horsepower! Apparently 687 whp isn't enough, so he is working on breaking 700whp to help him find some more speed at the flats!

View Andrew's Profile, and keep an eye out on Urban Racer Cyberzine. Drew's Land Speed Eclipse Project will soon be featured in an upcoming feature article! You can also check out a video of Drew's 2007 season here.

August 2008

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/avatars/fst91dsm.gif?dateline=1189402629" align="left" hspace="3" vspace="3">Alexander H. Shuster
The chase for the elusive 1/4 mile crown never ends. One of the people stepping up to the challenge is Alexander Shuster. Starting out four years ago with a bone stock 91 Talon AWD, Alexander has worked hard planning his build to achieve his dream to be one of the heavy hitters on the drag strip.

Check out this thread to track his progress!

His goal this year? An 8.99 second pass at the Race Wars in Woodburn this September.

Future goal: A 4G63 methanol powered dragster to attempt to claim the top spot in the Pacific Northwest Region?

That will be a tall order to fill. The competition is fierce!

Will he succeed? Only time will tell...

View Alexander's Profile

JULY 2008
<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/avatars/laserspeeddemon.gif?dateline=1176467405" align="left" hspace="3" vspace="3">Sean Bailey
What's better than being clean? Being dirty! At least that's what our latest feature member, Sean Bailey thinks. This DSM owner has been muddin' it up for 10 years now, and has a lot of cool tales to tell. Don't believe us? Just check out his blog! Sean's goal for his car is to get it ready for SCCA Rally competition with 400 awhp powerplant based around a FP 18G-6SL2 turbo and some beefed up suspension.

Riding dirty never looked so good

View Sean's Profile

JUNE 2008
<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/avatars/dave532.gif?dateline=1202853277" align="left" hspace="3" vspace="3">David LaFavor


David is currently campaigning a 1993 Eclipse GSX in the Production Touring C class with NASA for the 2008 season. He also ran a full 2007 season with NASA as well as participated in the Production GT class in Rally America with a 1990 Eagle Talon.
Though he doesn't run a full season within Rally America anymore, David competes at one rally per year at least (usually Sno-Drift).

David's last race report was here. Check out his BLOG for more race reports.


View David's Profile

 

[snowborder714]

More past featured members.

February 2010

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar23065_2.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Wendy Pate

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Wendy has been an inspiration to DSM owners for a long time. Since her recent passing from cancer, her husband and 3 boys are continuing with her car to reach her goal of a 10 second quarter mile pass in her 1g FWD. You can follow the progress here.

Look here to show your support for Wendy and her family.

Startup video | Photo gallery | Gearbox Magazine interview


R.I.P. Wendy

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar34414_10.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Mike Wohler

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Mike has been pushing the limits of his 2g and is now the record holder for the 2g AWD gas record with an 8.8 @ 165! You can read about his accomplishment's here.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/drag-strip/354787-8-8-165mph-2g-awd-gas-record.html

Photo gallery

8.8 second pass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2izAlxAY8UY


1000hp Dyno video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LFWYd6No7Q


Accomplishments:
Featured 5 page Article in May 2008 Modified Magazine
Fastest Time 8.8 @ 165 mph Oct 2010

Sponsors:
Topspeed
Powertrain Technologies
Magnus Motorsports
Bullseye Power
Turbo Dave Fabrications
Shearer Fabrications

Specs:
97' Eclipse GSX
1021 all wheel hp without the Nitrous.

Exterior:
Red Paint
Carbon Doors
Carbon Hood
Carbon Hatch
Tires:26x8.5x15 Mickey Thompson ET Drags
Wheels: Hole Shot revolvers 15x8
Shroud Parachute

Engine & Tranny:
Shearer Fabrications Topmount Header & Downpipe
Shearer Fabricatons Intercooler With Garrett Core
Bullseye Power/Borgwarner S374 Turbo
Shepherd Racing Dogbox Transmission
Dogbox Racing Transfer case
Powertrain Technologies Twin Disk Clutch & Flywheel
Driveshaft Shop Stage 5 Rear Hubs & Axles
150 Shot Direct Port NX Kit
DV/DT FAB Intake Manifold
2.0 Long Rod 6 Bolt Engine
Magnus Rods
Magnus Spec Ross Pistons
AAM Full Race Prep Head
Kiggly Racing Beehive Valve Springs
Kiggly Racing 1g Main Bolt Girdle
Kiggly Racing HLA
Custom Intake & Catchcan by Turbo Dave
Stainless & Inconel Valves
Forced Performace 5R & 11R Cams (Intake & Exhaust Respectively)
HKS Cam Gears
Tial BOV & 44mm Wastegate
4G Performance Custom IC Piping
1600cc Injectors
-10 SS Fuel Feed Line
-8 SS Return Line
Paxton Fuel Pressure Regulator
Holley Fuel Rail
Aeromotive Pro Series Fuel Pump
Aeromotive Fuel Filter
12 Gallon Fuel Cell And Battery Mounted In Rear With Mild Tin Work
Griffin Radiator
90mm Throttlebody
B&M Oil Cooler
I Can't Think Of Anything Else At The Moment

Suspension & Brakes:
Megan Racing Coilovers
Magnus Motorsports Brakes
Magnus tubular rear subframe
Interior:
Kirky Aluminum Racing seat
G-Force 5 Point Harness
10 Point Chromally Roll Cage by Turbo Dave
Momo Steering Wheel
Greddy Shift Knob

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar9023_2.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Robert Montalvo

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Robert is pushing the 420a platform to new levels! He's laid down 661whp and is shooting for more. You can check out his record-setting experience here and his changes for this year here.

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar16415_3.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Paul Volk

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Paul has been an active member of the community for years and has recently pushed the envelope with his compound turbo setup.

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar4076_2.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Dave Groff

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Dave has been an active and helpful member on here for years, but is driving a very unique 4g63. Some of you may have seen his yellow Sandrail at the Shootout and recognized it immediately. If not, you can read more about it, the owner, and his background here.

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar63101_2.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Ricky Nichols

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Ricky doesn't stick out in the community by having a sick car or putting down quick times on the strip, however, he still has accomplished these. He's known for giving back to the community and helping out other members, especially with their tuning needs. It's always a pleasure to see and talk with these types of people as you know these are the ones that keep the community alive and growing, and they don't get nearly enough recognition for all they do

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar99804_29.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">David Ruby

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Dave has recently placed himself among the leaders in the DSM community with his attempt to get into the 9's on a tight budget. His best E.T. of 10.12 and best MPH of 145.07 is quite impressive in the eyes of most who admire his accomplishment, but even more impressive is Dave's dedication to get where he is today.

His car, up until recently, carried no sponsor- the car and engine are entirely self-built by Dave with the help of some close friends. Dave has worked up to three jobs at once in order to fund his hobby, remaining very determined over the years to get the car where it is today. Dave just recently picked up Bullseye Power as a sponsor, and will be putting their new Batmowheel HX40 compressor to the test!

Dave is a very friendly guy who is an inspiration to all DSMers on a budget proving that it doesn't necessarily take the most expensive parts and shop-built engines to get you to your goal as long as you remain focused and determined.

Congratulations to David Ruby for his hard work and accomplishments, and look for his car to run in the 9's very soon!

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/customavatars/avatar9617_9.gif" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Phil Beers

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Phil has been running the 14b forever! He is one of the first guys to push the stock turbo platform and today he currently holds the AWD No nitrous 14b Record of 11.497 @ 113.85! Adding to that, Phil has done this with no shops backing him, personally doing all the work on his Talon, and shares everything about his setup with the rest of us. Phil is the first guy to help out with others goals and will give anyone tips and tricks to help them out along the way. Truly a class act guy!

<img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/gallery/files/5/8/8/4/talon-rear_thumb.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3">Dave Womer

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Dave is a self tuner, utilizing some amazing tuning skills to push his limited platforms to the max. Aquiring some extremely fast times with the small turbo platforms. Dave is also quick to help anyone out on the board and share his tips and secrets along the way to help others go faster! Now if only we can get him to upload some photo's of his silver beast in his gallery.

Pushing the 16g | GT35 Dyno Results | 11 second 14b

 

[snowborder714]

Start of the Featured Build Journals.

<img src="http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp207/Wicked_EE/rockfalls3.jpg" height="137.5" width="250" border="3" hspace="5" vspace="10" align="left">We have decided to start a new series called Featured Build Journal. It will highlight one new build per month. Anyone can be featured so get to work on your cars and be sure to document your progress in the build journal section!

For our first edition we are featuring Mark L. Mark is a 35 year old electrical engineer who has owned his 1992 Eagle Talon TSi since 1997. He put over 130k miles on it before deciding to go full drag. His best 1/4 mile pass to date is a 9.40 @ 156 MPH but with his current round of modifications he is hoping to drop into the 8's. Mark keeps his DSM drag car super clean and currently rocks a 770hp Evo IX as his DD. Be sure to check out his build journal and stay tuned, who knows, maybe your build will be featured next month!

<center>Drag Race Build: 1G 5 speed - Sick of 9's... </center>

<img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/553323_10151422325078385_124684326_n.jpg" height="229" width="480" border="3" hspace="5" vspace="10" align="center">

For May our Featured Build Journal is Rochester DSM's 2013 One Lap of America VR4 build. Rochester DSM One Lap was founded in 2009 to participate in the demanding One Lap of America (OLOA), inspired by and founded by the creator of the original Cannonball Run. Team Rochester DSM competed in the OLOA with their VR4 in 2009 and 2010 but for 2011 and 212 they instead ran a Magnus Motorsports prepared Evo X. 2013 marks the return of the vehicle that got them started, their 1992 Galant VR4. This year they are racing to support the Wounded Warrior Project!

For 2013 the OLOA is traversing 3,380 miles in just 7 days while completing 20 events including skid pads, time trials, and drag racing... all on one set of tires (Dunlop ZII's for Team Rochester DSM this year). The 2013 OLOA runs from May 4th though the 11th with almost non stop driving and racing. Follow along on their build journal to keep up with all the action!

<center>2013 One Lap VR4 </center>

<center><img src="http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=157005&d=1370062681" height="229" width="480" border="3" hspace="5" vspace="10" align="center"></center>

We're proud to announce that our June DSMTuners Featured Build Journal belongs to, our very own, Nathan Davis and his '9! Eclipse N/T. Nathan's DSM story began back in 2003 when he turned 16, driving the very same 1g Eclipse you see gracing the pages of his Build Journal. Whether it's tearing up the asphalt drag racing or squealing tires on the tarmac autox'ing, Nate's done it all in his 1g and he's not stopping there. When he's not busy protecting our borders or spending time with his wife, all while preparing to be a new father, Nate's out in the garage wrenching on a Mitsubishi. This hasn't been hard for him lately considering he now owns three of them - his 1g for the track, Evo for the street, and the Montero for towing duties.

Nate decided to do something a bit different than most in his 1g this year and sling some mud, transforming it into a RallyX car. His goal this season is to compete in 5 of the 6 RallyX events held in Tucson, AZ and take 1st in the 2WD Modified class. This build journal is second to none as Nate takes us through his life as a DSMer, molding his 1g to outperform the competition in any race event he enters. This is one Build Journal you can't miss!

<center>'9! Eclipse N/T -> Turbo FWD for Street/Drag/Autox </center>