There are some things in life you can count on in a positive way, yet it seems we are all to accepting of "Murphy's Law" - anything that can go wrong, always will and at the worst possible time.
Whether you're running late for work and hitting every red light or getting to the Bakery in time to see them sell the last of your favorite Pie, you can rest assured that all human's everywhere have experienced this.
For me, Turning the key to the GTR and not hearing a thing, was both infuriating and hilarious in equal measure but either way, with all the other dramas, wholly expected. What followed was the Guru and I, pulling apart of the boot of the car in a manic fashion - both of us cursing more and more with each passing second.
This was to be my first taste of just how different a Skyline GT-R is underneath the skin when compared to my (now very familiar) GT-T, or any other car for that matter.
You see, we were pulling apart the boot, to get to the battery...
With my life in turmoil and severely depressed, getting on the road early and heading up to the Temple would go a long way to relieving some stress. If that didn't do the trick, the fact I'd be driving my GTR back home certainly did.
We'd left early, but still hit a bit of traffic on the way through the city - though once we got past Spaghetti junction things moved quickly and soon we were pulling in to the Temple.
Now, this is where I remind you that the names of those participating have been changed for privacy etc. However, right from my first visit the Guru's garage really did feel special and still does every time i go there. Aside from the nostalgia, thinking about all the weird and wonderful machines that have been through the place, there're usually one or two interesting vehicles there having this or that done.
Today though, it was about the Purple GTR tucked away in the corner, all safe and warm under its blanket...
As the battery had run flat, we moved it outside by hand - stuck the battery charger on it and fixed the LVV cert plate to the boot interior. We then got to giving it a bit of a wash (no wax though!) whilst the Guru worked with another client on the dyno.
Once all clean, the last thing to do was to attach the license plates and then head out.
As much as people will tell you in your life that you need to learn from your past and move on, as we humans are creatures who learn by doing things, this is intrinsically flawed advice. Sure, the idea of learning from experience, filing it away and then not thinking about it ever again is appealing but the practicalities are a little more difficult.
In short - sure it'd be nice to let shit go, but sometimes it's not that easy.
Regardless of our ability (or inability) to let them go - it is true that we learn more about ourselves during times of adversity than times of peace. Whether on a personal scale or global scale, we define ourselves through "the struggle of human existence" and in general, once the dust settles, we usually find ourselves in a much better place.
July 2013 marked the beginning of a very trying time for me. I was pushed beyond my breaking point and have never felt so utterly terrible in my thirty six years drawing breath, however, i found strength i never knew i had, i fought through pain and loss with that strength. I endured, however, and i thank whatever powers that be for those who helped me through that time.
Upon the Guru's return from his much needed holiday, everything was in place for my car. Complied, Certified, SIV sorted, road registered and insured i arranged to pick it up from the Guru's and get it to a security specialists to get the alarm squared away.
With my erstwhile cousin behind the wheel of his trusty little Vitz, with brand new licence plates and car washing gear in hand, we headed to the temple.
Governments are terribly inefficient beasts. I'm certainly no economical or political expert, but it seems to me that a government's main role is to provide as many jobs as possible to accomplish as little actual work as they can.
After weeks of waiting I received a call stating that my application for an emission exemption had been declined and that to register the car for road use I'd need to apply for an SIV permit.
After hurriedly getting my paperwork together and getting it in to Land Transport, I heard back within two days that I'd been approved and was now able to register the car which also meant I could insure it.
HUZZAH!
Sadly the Guru had left the country that morning for a two week holiday. ... ...sigh.
If you met me, or spoke to my friends about me, they would describe me in many ways. A bit of a dick. A bit of a geek. Loyal, annoying, sucks at telling stories, passionate about driving and music...
Whatever they would tell you, i can hand on heart say that they would NOT describe me as patient.
I can't remember how many times i called the LTANZ to try to hurry things along, but in the end all I could do was hurry up and wait.
With the car delivered to the Boatman for storage, the process of compliance and registration began. Initially things moved with rapidity - compliance was done in a matter of days, so to the LVV certification.
Prior to application for an SIV Permit, the Boatman suggested we apply for an emissions exemption - a more cost effective way of doing things than the SIV process.
With all paperwork filed the wait began. Of course when dealing with Government departments, this almost always takes far too long, and this was no exception.
In the mean time, with the car having been processed, we arranged to move it into storage at the Guru's, as it had been getting a few looks and comments whilst in the Boatmans's care.
To do this, we used a dealer plate and set out for, what was probably the most harrowing and stressful drive of my life. A mate had volunteered to come with me for moral support and to act as an extra set of eyes during our drive, which took us from the Boatman's warehouse, to the Guru's garage.
Of the route's available, neither was overly appealing but i opted to head along Lincoln Road (Henderson) to the North Western motorway for the run north to the Temple. If you've ever driven along Lincoln Road on a busy day you'll be aware of how nerve wracking an experience it really is. Now put yourself in a very rare and very uninsured car worth more than your annual salary.
Thankfully the fates were kind and we made it to the open road north. In spite of the lack of traffic i still didn't really feel comfortable pushing the car, due to the dealer plates and the aforementioned insurance - however the car stuck to the road like duct tape to a cat's feet.
We hitched a ride back to the Boatman's in his 300ZX, after chatting to him and the Guru for a little while and then headed home to wait for the paper work to come through.
If you're a petrolhead, or indeed a motorist really, there are certain things we take as read. We need a warrant and registration to use our vehicles on the road. We understand that part of the registration we pay is for ACC in case of emergency and that our rates pay for maintaining and paying for new roads. The government structures things in a "fair and reasonable" way for the majority of its citizens (or at least it should...)
In 2001 and 2007 the government passed into law two distinct bills that changed the performance and classic car scene, especially for importers such as the Boatman.
The first, was a law around the requirements for frontal impact standards on any and all imported vehicles. The reason to begin checking this was to provide safer motoring for all road users, including pedestrians.
The second, in 2007, was a law centered around exhaust emissions, in an attempt to stem some of the CO2 build up happening not only here in NZ but all over the world. Part of this was also geared to limiting the age of imported vehicles to no more than eight years after production.
Whilst the success of these two laws is still very much debatable, one thing we are certain of, is that it meant that a lot of high performance or enthusiast cars were no longer able to be imported.
The government created yet another rule to alleviate this, called the Special Interest Vehicle (SIV) scheme. This allowed a very limited number of vehicles to be imported, complied and registered for road use, all the while circumventing the other two laws.
PHEW
The interesting thing about this is that it only applies to vehicles over 8 years old but younger than 20 years old. After 20 years old I'm told that things go back to the standard entry procedures as outlined above.
But wait, there's more!
To qualify for an SIV permit, your car needs to meet three out of four of the following:
1: The car (sub-model and all) is classified as a classic by these magazines... (insert random car magazines here - no seriously...)
2: It was manufactured in annual volumes of 20,000 or less
3: It is either a convertible or coupe
4: It's considered to be a high performance car
NZTA also required proof that you have another car to use day to day.
So capital laid out, car purchased - I did my due diligence and began the calls to insurance companies
The answer was unanimous: "Until such time as the car has a licence plate, we're unable to insure it." I get this somewhat, but i disagree with it in principle as there are many occasions where having insurance legally is a good idea prior to having a registered vehicle but alas, no one could see things from my perspective and so I turned my attention to other matters.
Prior to purchase The Guru had put me in touch with a friend of his who imports vehicles from Japan, we shall name him, in keeping with themes, the boatman. The boatman advised me of the process we would take to get the car on the road, all above board and according to LTNZ. In short, it was A LOT of paperwork...
All cars entering NZ must go through what's called 'Compliance' essentially this is the stripping down and re-assembly of your car to check for structural defects, including rust and of the like, sure, but more to ensure the car hasn't undergone any treatment for which the silly "Serious Crash Unit" producers would pay good money to secure the royalties to.
Next up and done at the same time - though not always required - is an LVV certification, commonly known as a cert. Adjustable suspension and major power changes are usually the reasons for this, however more radical changes (front wheel drive to rear wheel drive for instance) are also reasons to get this squared away. Once done, you're provided with a 'plate' to be affixed to your car, detailing the modifications and specifications for them, so Mr. Plod doesn't have to think too hard if he decides to get grumpy about things.
From here, you're normally all set to pay your initial registration and get the car on the road.
However, that's not enough of a cliff-hangar for one of my posts now is it...
Not the best first thought about buying a new and relatively expensive car but it was my first impression, right after; "The front seats are comfortable too!"
The issue was (and somewhat still is) that after having dumped so much money into my GT-t, the car i found myself in now felt very different indeed. When i bought the GT-t an old mate of mine had exclaimed: "That's 90% of a GTR, TAKE ME FOR A RIDE!" At the time i'd smiled and agreed - now, not so much.
The weight difference between the two was instantly apparent - the GTR was not only heavier, but also has a lower center of gravity. The Tein coil overs fitted to it give an amazing ride comfort wise whilst still staying fairly rigid, allowing the 18", 265mm rubber wrapped BBS rims to stick even more securely to the road.
To be fair - I didn't push it in the slightest - just a simple round the block to get a feel for it. Being used to driving much lighter cars, the weight came as a bit of a shock, but the car performed well.
Another trip back a few days later and the paperwork was signed... And the drama began.
Coming up to my 36th Birthday, i can certainly say that in my life, things are never straight forward. Sure things may seem that way but they never really are, still waters run deep and all that...
It took one more trip, with my wife in tow, to decide to buy the car. I won't say something as cliche as had i known then, or any of the shoulda woulda coulda bullshit it entails just that i was over the moon happy with it and life in general.
Given the car was fresh off the boat, it would need to go through several lots of legal paperwork before it could be registered for road use. Firstly, given the aforementioned off the boat status, it would need to be fully stripped for safety compliance. The after-market adjustable suspension and exhaust would also need LVV certification and last but not least, due to the age of the car, it would need to have a special interest vehicle permit squared away. Once that was done, it could be registered, insured and put on the road.
Prior to all this, i wanted to take it for a drive to make sure it was actually what i wanted. So i went back to the dealer one last time and jumped into my GT-R's driver's seat for the first time.
Yeah, scraped the front lip pulling out onto the road from the dealer's.
Given my propensity for pushing my vehicles hard through tight bends and my respect for tyres, i've never been one to enjoy drifting. I can appreciate the skill involved and can do it (in a somewhat limited capacity) myself but it never really appealed to me. The setup in my GT-t was a great example of this - although quite capable of drifting - i geared the footwork (suspension, tyres and brakes) all towards sticking to the road and getting out of corners fast. That said, when it let go, it really let go!
However, whether you're out to annoy Australians, or just wanting to go around corners faster than most other cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R and it's successors, the Nissan _ _ _ GT-R's, are generally considered some of the best in the business. So good in fact that they were effectively outlawed from the Australian Touring Car Championships in the early nineties.
The trick to them was an intuitive all wheel drive system called ATTESA E-TS I won't bore you with the details but effectively this system, first introduced on the 1989 R32 GT-R, combined the best elements of a rear wheel drive car, with the desirable elements of a four wheel drive. In normal conditions, the car is RWD, allowing for the maneuverability and agility associated with them. However, when pushed past the limits of grip, sensors and a specialized computer system, will divert torque (engine power) away from the rear to the front wheels, allowing for more traction, especially on entry to and exit from corners at high speed.
With the introduction of the V-Spec models cam the E-TS Pro, using an active rear differential to 'vector' torque more accurately between the rear wheels. I'm still a tad uncertain what the actual difference is but from what i've read, the active rear differential is controlled directly by the ATTESA computer, to allow more precise opening and locking. Effectively, this minimizes the charcteristic under-steer so common in four wheel drives (GT-R's especially)
Whilst we didn't hammer it, just a quick up and down the street, I could feel the difference the extra grip made. More sure footed than blue was from the get go. The exhaust note was sublime, thanks to the factory fitted Nismo cat - back and did i mention the rear seats?
We dropped the car back and after running a few errands, I dropped the guru home and proceeded to my abode to contemplate the massive financial and emotional decision in front of me.
Watching One Piece (Currently waiting on ep 630 sumin) If you're on this thread and not watching it, I'd advise you take a look at movie 10: Strong World. Like most anime, you just kinda have to roll with it in some places, but the charaters and story are pretty damn cool.
Also a fan of Macross, grew up on robotech etc, so yeah, kinda follows suit.
I have nothing against the colour, or any colour for that matter - they're colours - but, like Pink, there are many I won't wear, not for any grand statements about race, religion or sexuality - nope, i simply don't look good in Pink.
Purple on the other hand is a different story. Years ago I had an amazing purple business shirt that was ruined by the careless use of exit mould in the cupboard where it was hanging. Sigh, i loved that shirt...
Purple has a bit of a History with Nissan as well. In 1995 they (Nissan) launched a new GT-R as a follow up to the highly successful and widely praised R32. It was wider, longer and heavier than its predecessor and because of this, sadly, not as popular. With the V-Spec variant came several changes over and above the standard GT-R, however the most noticeable was the option of the now iconic, inky black, Midnight Purple paint. A pearlescent paint that was an instant classic look, it can't really be appreciated until viewed in person, but when you get up close the depth to the colour is astonishing.
In 1999, with the introduction of the R34 shape in the previous year, Nissan revived the now legendary Midnight Purple as an option for the brand new V-Spec models, but with several 'catches'. Firstly there would be two colours aptly named; Midnight Purple II and III. Second, they would be a limited run, 300 cars for II and 175 for III. Lastly, thanks largely to trends in Japanese car culture at the time, the colours would be more subtle and subdued... ...wait that's not right, let's rephrase that... the colours would be bat-crap crazy.
After i was done picking my jaw off the floor, i knew i was looking at something special, something rare and something far more agressive than i had remembered. After a quick walk around the sales guys moved the car out of storage, i jumped in the back, the guru and yard owner jumped in the front and we headed out onto the street in a freshly imported, Midnight Purple III, R34 GT-R Victory Spec.
My first thought was simple - MAN these back seats are comfy!!!
For many people, at least Since the mid 90's or so, their first taste of true performance motoring came from some form of Video game. The playstation and xbox game catalog are awash with racing titles; from staples of the annual F1 simulators, through to the more arcade inspired Need For Speed games to karting games from LittleBigPlanet and Mario there's literally something for everyone to be found.
For me, in '99 working at Dick Smith introduced me to Gran Turismo 2 and the myriad of cars and manufacturers avaiable. My eyes were opened and I've never looked back
Of all the cars in my garage, my prized possession was my Calsonic R34 GTR. Setup for Japan's GT500 league, the car was very different from the standard, but it was more a looks thing. Unlike the 32 and 33, the 34 shape Skyline's seemed more aggressive and staunch. Possibly because of the angles and wider stance, possible just on the larger headlights but for whatever reason, they struck a chord with me.
So it was that in early May 2013, Blue and I made the trek up to the Guru's temple, picked up Raj and, after apologizing in advance for my inferior driving ability, headed to the car yard to check out the prospective replacement.
I wasn't terribly hopeful en route simply because of the colour, not only of the car itself, but also the wheels... Still when the thing is as rare as these beasties are, you kinda shrug and say oh well.
As it was, after fighting our way through Auckland mid week, rainy day traffic, we arrived at the dealership...
In all things there is potential for love. Whether seen or unseen, heard or unheard, there is always the potential, the possibility, that we, as creatures of emotion, can find that connection, not just in one another, but in ourselves and our interests.
I came from an artistic background - son to an English teacher and a Weaver, brother to an Archivist come Calligrapher - performance music for many years, followed in to a semi-career dj'ing here and there...
So my question was, and still is really; Where the hell did my love of Cars come from?
I've lost sleep about this - this unnatural obsession with things of a four- wheeled nature. It wasn't apparent until i hit about 24 or so either, so part of me wonders if it's a natural or forced behavior, due to the people i chose to hang out with. The fact remains that i'm still unable to resolve the reasons behind my passion for things automotive and yes, though i know it shouldn't, it bugs me that i'm this invested in something with apparently no due reason other than; people like what they like...
One of my oldest friends and long term flatmate, Blackdove (gamer nickname) recalls how happy i was with my mate Blue and that my now ex-wife began putting thoughts of changing cars into my head. From my standpoint, it was something i did actually want, however from his perspective, it's a different story.
Whatever the reason, whatever the cause, trademe came through once more and after a phone call or two, one to the Guru and one to the dealership, we arranged a time to meet and test drive the vehicle in question.
So you've built a life for yourself. Dream girl, dream house, dream car, dream Cat. Things seem amazing. Of course, at least from a literary stand point, things are not always as they seem...
With my ER34 GT-t running brilliantly (apart from that vicious twin plate!) A few road trips, a few track days and more than a few people biting off way more than they could chew - 2000 Legacy, i'm looking at you (in the rear view) I was more than happy with the weapon i had built...
...and yet. In the back of my mind there was a niggle. A thought scratching away like a mosquito bite.
In mid 2012, the next planned modification to my GT-t was down to two options: Either go with a bigger turbo and manifold or bin the 25DET engine for a 26DETT. Whilst weighing up the costs associated (including workshop and re-tune) it was beginning to look pricey, especially since i wanted to go with plan B (new engine) After weighing up the options my partner (at the time) put forward the suggestion: "Sell Blue and find a replacement"
After several months of debate and a few more of settling in to our new place, we hit up Trademe once more to find something new...
I've found a really good (if not unorthodox) cure for scratches on interior plastics; vaseline...
Sounds odd, but putting a little on the scratch and lightly rubbing it in, waiting for an hour or so, then wiping off the excess should leave the scratches much less obvious, if not completely gone.
Demon Lord - if you are thinking of reducing the number of wheels and need a buyer for the Mazda 6 hit me up, as my wife's looking at them currently. I take it the car is manual?
A while ago I got a wax attack buffer type thingy for car polishing. When used with good wax it makes a massive difference. Wax wise, I use mother's carnuba (sp) or ICE car polish.