Check out this awesome video of the Old School Reunion that took place this last weekend, taken by Loren Haleston!
We’ll have our photo coverage up soon.
Photos by Vinnie Nguyen. Words by Zach Taiji and Vinnie Nguyen.
One of our missions here at nw-built is to provide the Pacific Northwest with an outlet where cars and people of all different types and color can join together in one place – in essence, bringing to light the diversity of our region. Last year we took it upon ourselves to fulfill that mission by hosting an event at Golden Gardens in Seattle, WA. It was a huge success being our first big event, and welcomed over 400 cars. Most importantly it showed that people and cars of all types can get together without all of the e-thuggery/flaming, to have a great time and enjoy the Pacific Northwest automotive scene & atmosphere.
Photos by David Green / Words by Dylan Evans
Before we get started, you should know that I fell in love with this car from the first moment I laid eyes on it at a PGP summer drift event. So I can only assume that now that you’ve looked through these pictures, you’ve fallen in love as well. I had seen the car up close a few times before this shoot, but when I met Erich and he was telling me about it, I couldn’t help but be impressed.
The day started with David and I meeting up with Erich at the old U.P. Garage location. We then traveled to the new, completely top-secret U.P. Garage. As we got out of the car Erich said to me: “Now, you guys were never here. You don’t know where this is. This is not U.P. Garage.” Top secret debriefing out of the way (they will be revealing the location when the new shop is finished and opened), I started to browse the multitude of cars in and outside of the shop. It was like being a kid in a candy store.
In the back of the garage was an old school Datsun 510 with an S15 SR20 swap… and automatic transmission. I’m assuming you’re as shocked as I was to hear that, but apparently, “That’s what the customer asked for.” Also in the lot was the first all wheel drive 240SX in the U.S., powered by an RB26DETT. While the car wasn’t 100% finished, maybe we’ll be able to get a good look at it when it is. While David started taking pictures I got to talk to a few of the guys from U.P. Garage. The place has a very friendly environment; it feels like a big family. Hopefully we will be going back in the future to do a full profile on the shop.
Anyways, back to the E30. This thing is pretty special. When I asked Erich about why he chose the CA18DET, he replied, “The engine choice was kind of an accident, in fact, the whole car is kind of an accident. It all just fell together.” He told me that he picked up the parts separately and all by way of fate.
Erich still has big plans for this little BMW. He hopes to get more power from the CA18 and will eventually be getting a new full vinyl wrap from sponsor Fusion Graphix.
I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited to see how Erich does next season. Even though I know the Germans didn’t build this beast to do what it does, it does the job just fine. Even if it does get by with a little JDM help in the power department.
Chassis:
- 1990 BMW 325i Coupe (E30)
Engine:
- Nissan CA18DET w/ Upgraded S15 T28 Turbo
- 2.5in. Downpipe
- Kakimoto Exhaust
- Apexi Intake
- RB Blow-Off Valve
- Custom FMIC
- Accusump Oiling System
- Greddy Boost Controller
- Apexi Power FC
Drivetrain:
- OS Geiken Twin-Plate Clutch
- OS Geiken Lightweight Flywheel
- Custom Locking Differential
- Custom One Piece Driveshaft
- 4.1 Final Drive
Suspension:
- Ground Control Coilovers with Custom 440F/750R Springrates
- Ground Control Camber Plates
- Koni Adjustables with Custom Housings
- Ireland Engineering Sway Bars
- Ireland Engineering Strut Tower Bars
- AKG Motorsport Bushings
- Steering Rack Spacers
Interior:
- 6-Point AutoPower Roll Cage
- Woodgrain Steering Wheel with NRG Quick Release Hub
- Custom Bubble Shift Knob
- Sparco Racing Sprint Seats
- RJS 4-point Safety Harnesses
- Custom CNC Hydraulic E-Brake
Exterior:
- Custom Delphin Metallic Paint with Various Sponsor Stickers
- Eurosport Rieger Front Valance
- E36 M3 Sideskirt Reps
- Zender Rear Valance
- R32 Nissan Skyline GTR Spoiler
- DDM Tuning 3000k HID Kit
- Custom Candy Purple Rota P45R 17×9.5 et30 4×114.3, 4×100 to 4×114.3 25mm Wheel Spacers/Adapters
A sidenote from Erich:
I want to acknowledge and thank the whole crew at UPGARAGE: Doug Smith (owner), Erik Rittscher, and Randy Sisler II. I cant stress enough how much they have helped and how awesome they are. This car WOULD NOT be what it is without them. So happy to be part of the family! Also, big thanks to Terry Vo and Vu Nguyen at NOS Energy Drink! Super excited for things to come. Along with Tyson Blood at Fusion Graphix for his support and awesome design ideas. Jon Lindsey at CT specialties powder coating; I cant even count the times I’ve gotten compliments on the wheels he did for me.
I can’t wait for next season!
