Am-Speed

February Summary

2010-03-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

Over February, I finished the 5 lug conversion, z32 rear brakes, and got the suspension wrapped up. This included a new set of SPL outer tie rod ends and Agency Power shock mount spacers, which are needed when running s14 spindles with s13 coilovers. I also removed the lower collars from the front coilovers, and set them as low as they'll go. I can still remove one more collar, if necessary.

We also had a pretty big snow storm. It was the first time I had the car back on the ground and rolled it outside for a while.

I also picked up a Type-X front bumper. It has a few cracks, but they shouldnt be too difficult to fix. I'm also planning on getting a lip for it, along with all the lights and fender extensions.

Today, I welded up the crack in my gas tank, undercoated, and installed it. I also removed a majority of the stock auto seatbelt wiring from the interior wiring harness.

2010-01-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

new hubs installed and test fitting new wheels. they're hot wheels 68. 17x9 +0. planning on 215/40 front, 215/45 rear

2010-01-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

wrapped up the subframe and got it back in the other night. those solid bushings were totally not fun to deal with! hopefully all the effort will be worth it.

i also got the new RUCA i need to replace the cracked one. i found out that i need a new rod end now too since mine is seized!

i also scored a great deal on a complete set of z32 rear brakes with e-brake, cables, conversion lines, and 5 lug hubs!

new wheels and cage coming soon!

2009-12-11T22:47:00.000-08:00

subframe/underside progress so far

as of 2pm today

went to work...as of 12 am tonight
huh?

whaaaaaaaaaaaat

New parts

2009-11-26T23:06:00.000-08:00

here are some of the new things that ill be adding for next season:

s14 BB turbo

power fc and commander

tomei 256 cams

greddy profec type s boost controller

Beaverun

2009-11-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

heres a short video from BeaveRun that i forgot to post up.

BeaveRun 9/13/09 from Mike Skudlarek on Vimeo.

fall update

2009-11-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

well the drift season is over around here. i think i ended the year off pretty strong at Autocity Speedway's Drift Battle in Clio, MI. i ended up qualifying 7th for the competition, which lined me up to tandem with Bill Cook. it was definitely a totally different feeling to be out on the track with another car. i can't wait to get a cage so i can do this more often!

Drift Battle '09 1 from Mike Skudlarek on Vimeo.

so it's time to tear the car apart again. a few things have changed since august, but more things need to be done.
gutted rear interior and removed sound deadening

dropped gas tank (has crack) and dropped rear subframe. going to install solid aluminum subframe/diff(maybe) bushings, need new left ruca(cracked), check subframe geometry(might be bent), clean subframe, clean and undercoat bottom of the rear of the car.

i bought some other fun things to add too. i'll talk about those more later.

Mike's s13- Video: Drift Indy Practice/Comp at Converse Airport

2009-08-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well i just went to the DriftIndy event this past Saturday in Converse, IN. It was an awesome event! lots of track time, pretty big crowd(locals supporting the event), a DJ, and some pretty cool vendors. alot of highly skilled drivers (amateur, semi-pro, and pro) driver were there from all over the midwest. I ended up qualifying 7th for the comp that they had. i would have been up against a guy in some red fc(qualified 2nd), but since i dont have a cage, i received a DNF for the first round. it still feels like a good accomplishment for me to be considered on a level...well distant level...with some of the best drivers in the midwest!

since the event, i incurred some minor body damage(due to hitting some damn tough cones at ~60mph), wore out my front tires completely, need to find more burnoffs for the rear, and need to do some other suspension maintenance.

its going to be tough to pay for the maintenance items while trying to save for a seat and cage at the same time since school will be starting soon... i'll have all winter..lets see what happens.

anyways, here's a video

DriftIndy Converse Airport Drift Event 8/29/09 from Mike Skudlarek on Vimeo.

Mike's s13- Video: BeaveRun Practice- 8/16/09

2009-08-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Beaverun 8/16/09 from Mike Skudlarek on Vimeo.

Mike's s13- Video: BeaveRun Practice- 8/9/09

2009-08-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

Beaverun Drift 8/9/09 - Edit from Mike Skudlarek on Vimeo.

Mike's s13- Video: BeaveRun Practice- 7/19/09

2009-08-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

Beaverun Drift Practice 7/19/09 from Mike Skudlarek on Vimeo.

Mike's s13- Mid-Summer Update

2009-08-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2009
havent really done much to the car except for:
- altima e-fans (which are AWESOME btw...kept motor at or under 170* during a full day of drifting in 95*+ ambient temps)
-got an alignment
-fixed power steering...NO leaks!
-new sunroof
-turned boost down to 10-12 psi
-driving in as much events as i can

car is running great, hasnt given me any huge problems at all this season!

Mike's s13- Rewind a Little Bit

2009-08-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

here is the work that i completed over the '08-'09 winter/off-season...basically just a big clean up of the engine bay along with some other small maintenance items and upgrades.

February 23, 2009
got the motor out this weekend and up on the stand. i'll probably start cleaning things up tomorrow and and wednesday.

since i have the motor out, i can see how much of a bitch it would be to work on turbo related stuff with the engine in the car. depending on funds and time, im going to at least try to get an s14 turbo. also, planning on getting a new clutch and flywheel while i have everything apart. time to work 2 jobs :(. ha

April 21, 2009
filled some holes, painted bay and subframe

motor/trans in. new clutch and flywheel

First post!

2009-08-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

My name is Mike Skudlarek. I will be updating this blog with pictures, videos, and results from drift events I attend and the build up of my car.