It’s been some time since I’ve visited a storage, so not too long ago, I took a visit to 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 stumbled upon an FD3S Mazda RX-7 he had constructed and confirmed at Wekfest Japan. We made plans to satisfy up in Meguro Metropolis for a photograph shoot with the RX-7’s proprietor, however mentioned proprietor by no means confirmed up.
All wasn’t misplaced, although. I sat by the roadside close to Naka Meguro Station and chatted with Masa-san about automobiles. We scrolled by way of Instagram feeds and photograph albums, sharing automobiles we admired, owned, or wished we did. Masa-san’s private journey? 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 – together with the FD, in fact.
Tucked away down a quiet aspect avenue in a small industrial zone within the Chiba countryside, X-Level Import Co. is typical of any small Japanese storage.
Donor automobiles rub shoulders with half-finished initiatives, and buyer autos patiently await completion.
Masa-san tells me he began the enterprise again in 2011, initially specializing in automobile audio and electronics, and importing tuning elements.
Round that point, USDM tradition was gaining traction in Japan, and after a couple of journeys to the USA, Masa acquired hooked. His first engine swap? A K20A into his 1993 CB Accord – impressed by what was occurring within the US scene.
Within the time since, X-Level has made a reputation for itself finishing Ok-swaps and different USDM-inspired modifications. Whereas Honda is the most well-liked model right here, this Mitsubishi Eclipse wasn’t in any respect misplaced.
Proper now, Masa-san is engaged on an EG Civic, which has obtained a K20A and 6-speed transmission from a JDM CL7 Accord Euro R.
However what I’m actually right here to see is the EK Civic. Straight-on entrance and rear, it seems to be like some other EK hatchback, however catch it at a three-quarter angle or utterly side-on, and its celebration trick reveals itself. Yep, it is a five-door EK Civic hatchback, which, in fact, Honda by no means made.
How do you create such a factor? By beginning with a four-door EK sedan – a JDM Civic Ferio on this case – and eradicating the whole rear part by slicing down the C-pillar. Then, it is advisable sacrifice an EK 3-door hatchback for its rear finish and be a part of the 2 collectively. The result’s a automobile that basically messes along with your thoughts.
Beneath the hood is a USDM-spec D16Y8, full with a tucked wiring harness from Rywire Motorsport Electronics. It’s acquired all the fitting bits: a Skunk2 consumption manifold, PLM headers, an MPC D-Sequence gas 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 possibly as a result of he’s just a bit loopy – in one of the best ways 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 ThyerInstagram _tobinsta_tobythyer.co.uk
Extra tales from Japan on Auto
