It has been some time since I visited a storage, so not too long ago I finished by X-Level Import Co. in Chiba Prefecture.

I first met X-Level’s proprietor Masatsuga Chiba – Masa to his buddies – again in Might after I got here throughout an FD3S Mazda RX-7 he had constructed and proven at Wekfest Japan. We made plans to fulfill in Meguro Metropolis for a photograph shoot with the RX-7’s proprietor, however stated proprietor by no means confirmed up.

Nonetheless, all was not misplaced. I sat on the aspect of the highway close to Naka Meguro station and talked about automobiles with Masa-san. We flipped by means of Instagram feeds and photograph albums, sharing automobiles we have admired, owned or wished we had. Masa-san’s private trip? A really tasty Honda S2000.

Then Masa-san confirmed me an EK Civic he had constructed. That was the second I knew I needed to make the journey to Chiba and shoot it – with the FD, after all.

Tucked away in a quiet aspect road in a small industrial zone within the Chiba countryside, X-Level Import Co. typical of any small Japanese storage.

Donor automobiles rub shoulders with half-finished tasks, and buyer automobiles patiently await completion.

Masa-san tells me that he began the enterprise in 2011, initially specializing in automotive audio and electronics, and importing tuning components.

Round that point, the USDM tradition took off in Japan, and after a number of journeys to the USA, Masa was hooked. His first engine swap? A K20A in his 1993 CB Accord – impressed by what occurred within the US.

Within the time since then, X-Level has made a reputation for itself by finishing Okay-swaps and different USDM-inspired modifications. Whereas Honda is the preferred model right here, this Mitsubishi Eclipse was in no way misplaced.

Proper now, Masa-san is engaged on an EG Civic, which acquired a K20A and 6-speed transmission from a JDM CL7 Accord Euro R.

However what I am actually right here to see is the EK Civic. Straight back and front it appears to be like like another EK hatchback, however catch it at a three-quarter angle or all the best way to the aspect, and its celebration trick reveals itself. Yep, it is a five-door EK Civic hatchback, which after all Honda by no means made.

How does one create one thing like this? By beginning with a four-door EK sedan – on this case a JDM Civic Ferio – and eradicating your entire rear part by reducing off the C-pillar. Then it’s important to sacrifice an EK 3-door hatchback for its rear finish and merge the 2. The result’s a automotive that actually messes along with your thoughts.

Underneath the hood is a USDM-spec D16Y8, full with built-in wiring from Rywire Motorsport Electronics. It has all the proper bits: a Skunk2 consumption manifold, PLM headers, an MPC D-series gasoline rail, and Hasport motor mounts to maintain all the pieces tight.

So why did Masa-san construct it? As a result of he might. And perhaps as a result of he is just a bit loopy – in the easiest way potential.

Keep tuned for options on two extra X-Level Import Co. automobiles quickly: the beforehand talked about FD RX-7 and a shock entry…

Toby Thyer
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