Gruppe S Engineering

Giving away JMD gear for free!

2012-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

We are giving away some fresh JDM gear for free, but it does require some participation on your.

1st give away is this limited edition WEDS Mug from Japan. Check it out it's their GT500 car.

2nd give away is this limited edition Tomei emblem.

All you have to do is go to our Facebook and like us and tag us with a photo of your car with the Tomei part or WEDS wheels on your car. We will pic a winner by the 1/31/2012 and ship you the item for free!

Tomei EVO X turbo - being tested!

2012-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Tomei USA and Japan have been secretly working on a replacement turbo for the EVO X. They have been manufacturing turbos for the EVO 8/9 and WRX with great success and now they are testing the new turbo for the EVO X. Their turbos has been quite popular recently due to their OEM fitment, good horsepower, and their quick spool up on their turbos. The new EVO X turbo should have the new billet wastegate they introduced last year.

Spy shots of the turbo being tested. The best part is that they won't release that turbo unless their engineers give it their seal of approval. I know have been working on a high flowing exhaust housing which is very hard to engineer with the stock parameters. Stayed tuned, lots of new things coming your way.

-EK

Gruppe-S Scion TC says cheese!

2011-11-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well guys this week has been crazy with a photoshoot and SEMA right after. We had plans to take the TC to the track after SEMA but it is actually going to be going to a few more shows before tearing up the tarmac. Here are a few pictures from the photoshoot as well as some one's I took at SEMA while I was there.

Here it is at the Scion booth at SEMA.

Time Attack TC Photoshoot

2011-10-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

We stayed up a bit late Tuesday night getting the TC's interior back together after getting the cage painted. We all got together to get this thing finished for it's 9am pick up. The TC is being sent over to be wrapped for it's new look! Then it's photo shoot time! Also we tightened done the new KW 3-way Race coilovers. All you ScionLife guys that are reading this, feel free to let us know what you think in the comments!

Our white roll cage showing function can have some form!

Everything put back together and ready to go for the photo shoot.

Next we will be covering the TRD big brake kit, KW 3-way coilovers and more prep for the track day we have in November. Stay tuned!

Ladies like a close SHAVE! - Warning - Adult Content!

2011-10-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

This material may not be suitable for all audience members, you have been warned!

We are just kidding, but we all know how awesome the Hankook RS-3 (Z222) tires are, the results speak for themselves. We didn't think it was possible to improve the performance of this tire, but we have found a way.

We recently started shaving these tires and the improvements have been incredible. This is just unfair for the competition.

5/32 shave depth

This service costs $25.00 per tire up to 17s and $30 for 18s.

For ultimate performance we can even shave these babies to 4/32! Watch out time attack teams, shaved Hankook RS-3s are coming to take you down.

Who said smoking isn't cool?

2011-09-30T14:50:00.001-07:00

I don't smoke but these Japanese ashtrays make me want to take it up! I am going to order this for myself, and I don't even smoke! Eat your heart out, let me know if you guys need your interior to look simply sick!

Black ashtray with Silver top and black script

Black ashtray with red top and gold script

Black Ashtray with red top and silver script

Black Ashtray and black top with gold logo.

Black Ashtray black top with silver logo. Murdered out, I think this is the one I am going to order.

Silver Ashtray with silver top and black script

Silver Ashtray with red top and gold script

Silver Ashtray with red top and silver script

Silver Ashtray with black top and gold script

Silver Ashtray with black top and gold script

All are billet aluminum and special order. Retail at $111.00 each and take 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Gruppe-S LS460 VIP treament with WEDS wheels

2011-09-30T14:20:00.001-07:00

Forget dubs, he is rolling 22x10.5s on the back of his Lexus. I don't even know how many 22 inch WED Bazreias are even in this country.

One of the shop homies came by and we hooked him up with some WEDS Kranze Bazreias, thought you might like to see something that you don't see everyday.

Brian the car looks tight, we need to get some Elaborars on there! Next time!

Chassis Prep: Street Cage going into Project Time Attack TC

2011-08-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

In order to get that additional handling out of the car, we are increasing the rigidity of the chassis by putting in a welded cage. Along with the increase in rigidity, it also provides additional protection for our driver.

So how does having your chassis stronger and more rigid makes the car handle better? Believe it or not when you are turning the chassis of your car is twisting under the pressure and G forces experienced while driving. A cage helps to make the suspension point consistently in the correct place.

Steven @ Gruppe-s

Kranze Test Fitted!

2011-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

As posted earlier here are the wheels test fitted on the actual car, its looking pretty amazing so far...

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Kranze VIP Setup 19x10.5 -13 <---Yeah negative 13...

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Not much to be said on this one, just gotta stare an appreciate deep dished, gangster offset wheels.

Time Attack TC: Bucky Lasek Puts Down a Solid Time @ Streets at First Testing

2011-08-10T12:17:00.001-07:00

(To the Forum Members of ScionLife.com that are following my blog, this post is for you guys. )

Under a veil of secrecy, Team Dynamic Autosports has been building and developing the 2011 Scion TC platform for Time Attack in the US. Set to pilot this car is Professional Skateboarder and six time X-Games Gold Medalist Bucky Lasek. Lasek with his extensive background in motorsports including a first place win and a professional racing status recognition at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro-Celebrity Race. Bucky’s long standing experience in extreme sports and driver training from Toyota makes him a formidable driver.

Press releases regarding the details of the vehicle have been kept down to a minimum during the development process, but last week marked the completion of the first successful testing of the 2011 Scion TC. Within the first initial test session without any prior seat time, Bucky Lasek was able to lay down an impressive lap time of 1:28. After some minor corrections his time dropped to 1:27. After learning the capabilities of the car within a few laps, Bucky Lasek was able to complete a final lap time of 1:26.3, although it is apparent that there is much room for growth and faster times.

In preparation for the coming events, the Scion TC will undergo further development to make the proven platform even faster.

-Steven Tran @Gruppe-S

Power to the Ground: OS Giken LSD

2011-08-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

One of the absolutely best modifications anyone can do to any car is a differential. In terms of handling it is one of the most dramatic mods you can do that gives you that amazing driver feedback during track conditions. With the FWD application it helps to significantly reduce if not eliminate a great deal of understeer. For our Scion TC Time Attack car we had to go with one of the best in the business, OS Giken.

Contrary to Rear Wheel Drive applications or AWD where you can just remove the "Pumpkin"(Differential Housing) you need to actually remove the transmission and disassemble it to change out a diff. Its a little bit more daunting of a task, but it is absolutely well worth the effort.

While we were there, we took out the stock Clutch and changed it out with an ACT Head Duty Clutch. We needed that extra strong bite that ACT clutches gives especially since we went with forced induction.

Organization is key in this kind of work and our head Technician Sy, is a master of organization with his super JDM work ethic.

The network of transmission gears that enables our driver to hit those apex's.

Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Project Time Attack Scion TC gets GReddy Powered Turbo Kit

2011-08-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Having a deep heritage in the Automotive world internationally, GReddy Performance is known for their high performing products with their amazing Japanese Quality. Looking to use only the best, GReddy agreed to help us get a little more pull out of our Scion TC Race car. Equipped with a Custom Greddy Turbo Kit, our Scion TC has the power to pull through the turns and lead to the finish.

The exhaust manifold is a piece of art using only the highest strength material to hold in those exhaust fumes.

To maximize power and prevent heat soak, they used a GReddy Intercooler, one of the highest quality cores available on the market.

Airflow is critical to maintaining lower engine temperatures, so a front mount setup is a must.

Every last piece of this kit screams GReddy, with the amazing Japanese Manufacturing quality.

Expect to see some more information on our setup after some more testing!

Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Freshest JDM Hybrid

2011-08-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Once in a blue moon a customer will bring in a car that warrants some real estate on the internet super highway.

This customer, has the hands down cleanest Prius we have seen on the road. Of course there are crazier things out there like the several thousand dollar Tommy Kaira Body Kit, but this car is a practical car done right.

Eye on Details, Legit Tom's Shift Knob.

Even finer on the details, CF Toyota Emblem.

Real CF Mirror Covers

100% Real Volk TE37's in that classic bronze.

Some green footwork, with Tein's.

Moon Priviledge Revoked: Racing, Keep your Eyes on the Prize.

2011-07-05T15:05:00.001-07:00

With RPM's soaring, tires melting, and apex's being hit; a time attack is no place to be staring at the mysterious heavens and double rainbows. The 2011 Scion TC features a gorgeous 2 window Moon Roof that really opens up the cabin and lets in a lot natural light giving it a real roomy and spacious feeling.

HOWEVER!!

This is racing and you have to keep your eyes on the prize. Rather than giving our driver a luxurious experience, we sealed in driver with Lexan. Lexan being the lighter version of its heavier set sister; glass, has helped to shave significant weight on the car, not to mention make the car safer for racing conditions. We onyl painted the inside portion so at least the room can still have that blingy shimmer. can't let all the style go away.

Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Layin' Down the Pipes. Custom Exhaust for our Scion TC Time Attack Car

2011-05-26T16:47:00.001-07:00

The stock Scion Motor is a solid platform and from the factory, the stock exhaust holds back all that power just to keep it quiet on the streets. Our fabricator, Sy has made this custom exhaust to unleash that hidden potential. Its basically a straight pipe with the exception of a small resonator we put in the back in order to give it a nice mean tone.

It sounds awesome and we'll post up a small video of it real soon just to give you an idea of the power underneath the hood.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

[ Summertime Dieting] Seibon Carbon Fiber x Hood/Hatch/Trunk

2011-05-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

We here at Gruppe-S (Along with most Import Owners) love Carbon Fiber.... We'd eat it for breakfast if it was possible. Its a great composite material being ultra lightweight, stylish and durable. For our Time Attack TC we definitely wanted to make it as competitive as possible, and to lighten it up we had to go with the best brand out there, SEIBON Carbon.

Engineered to have awesome fitment, our Seibon Parts not only give our Project car a mean look, the vented hood allows for increased air flow in the engine bay for additional cooling as well as SIGNIFICANT weight savings. The trunk and the hood are on and the doors are coming in real soon so stay tuned!

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Scion FR-S: Movement to Motorsports

2011-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

We have been hard at work prepping our Scion TC Redline Time Attack Car, and with the recent release of the new gorgeous Scion FR-S Concept vehicle it seems that Scion is pushing real hard into the realm of performance. Even though this amazing looking car is only a concept, we're definitely looking forward to all the amazing new designs to come out of Scion!

JDM x FLOSS: Kyo-Ei Crystal Lugs (Only 50 Sets Ever Made)

2011-04-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

If you have seen VIP / Bippu you have seen Crystal Lugs. But rather than having a removable piece where the crystal is attached like a lot of the other brands, these bad boys are a solid single piece lug.

Don't be fooled that these lugs like dainty, they are made by Kyo-ei, the same people who brought you the ENTIRE Project KIC's lineup including the infamous R40's.

So what makes these lugs different? There are only 50 sets ever made! Talk about being exclusive. Brian and his LS460L are going to keep it the opposite of lowkey. Pics will follow soon of his car equipped with his new Weds and these shiny new additions.

Steven Tran @ Gruppe-s

Bippu Files: Kranze Bazreia Crazy Gangster

2011-04-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Anyone can appreciate the fine art of VIP. Reppin the Bippu style is a very specific task, first you buy the wheels and then you buy the car and modify it to fit the wheels.

Saw this set floating around the shop and I had to take a quick shot. Another set of Kranze's leaving our doorsteps from WEDS Sport USA, preparing to floss. Gorgeous...

Wheel Specs for a Lexus LS460L
22x9.5 +22 Offset
22x10.5 +26 Offset

Along with these insane wheels, he ordered some insane lug nuts

-Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Time Attack Scion TC: Weight Reduction Stage 1

2011-04-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

A light car is a quick car. Lightening up a car will give it better handling characteristics as well as faster acceleration. The first step in our Project Scion TC Time Attack car is to shed as much pounds as we can. we started off with taking out all sound deadening material.

Put on all joining metal portions, this material is used to make the car more quiet in the cabin reducing the natural creaking of the metal and dampening the outside noise by absorbing vibration.
After extensive removal, we cleaned out every last piece of material in order to maximize the amount of weight we are shaving.

Its like caulk and rubber combined in consistency and since our car is brand new, it was pretty easy to remove.

Having completed cleaning out the car, next we'll start to stitch weld the joining portions of the chassis to increase its rigidity for greater handling, but more on that real soon! Check out the blog in a couple days for more updates!

- Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Gruppe-S builds 2011 Scion TC Time Attack Car

2011-04-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

And so it begins.. Gruppe-S Engineering was awarded a 2011 Scion TC to build into a Street Class Time Attack monster. It is BONE STOCK but that will be changed shortly as we begin the development process on the car stripping it down to its bare bones and rebuilding it into greatness.

Equipped with the Stock Scion TC Powerplant, we plan to utilize forced induction in order to unlock the hidden potential within this Toyota 4 Cylinder.

Yeah we still got the floor mats in this bad boy, and yea

We requested a TC with a good sound system, hitting Apex's shouldnt have to be a quiet and dull process.

Moon Roof? Of course..

So who is the Driver of this car you ask? Lets just say a high profile celebrity in extreme spor.... well I think I've already said too much, I'll let you guys know soon!

Steven @ Gruppe-S

When you Hit the Negatives, you know its Legit.

2011-03-25T16:50:00.001-07:00

Many people are ok with renting their wheels to own, but most of our Customers don't feel like beldning . We salute this customer who decided to push the extreme with the WEDS Bazreia wheels, custom ordered for his G35.

Check these bad boys out and keep drooling, because only a certain few are allowed something so badass!

More pics of car to be coming soon, stay tuned.

WEDS Kranze Bazreia 19x11 -1

G35 rear

With 5 inches of lip.

Gruppe S first to receive the HPi TC-FD RC drift car with countersteer!

2011-03-23T17:47:00.001-07:00

Check out the craftsman ship on this chassis, this thing has been in the works for a long time. Simple badass

Check out the steering knuckles, you can get some serious angle on this thing

Check out the front differential and the engine is now in the front

The gears can be adjusted to change the distribute the power to the front and rear separately

The ear has a spool, look at all the rear end adjustments and the carbon

Be one of the first, put your name down and get the first HPI TC-FD in the world.

The Turkish Delight S2000: International Customer from Turkey!

2011-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Our customer, formerly in the US moved his amazing S2000 and himself back to his home country of Turkey. This Amazing S2000 is rocking our Aerosync S2000 Widebody with our Aerosync Hardtop. Enough with my words, time for pics!

-Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Customer's: GReddy Turbo Charged SE3P Mazda RX-8

2011-01-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

Remember him? Couple weeks ago I posted up a picture of our MMA Style Bodybuilder friend with his newly picked up RX-8. He got a Greddy Evo TT installed and couldn't stop right there. He decided he wanted to knock it up a couple notches, and then knock that notch a hell of a lot higher by Turbocharging his Wankels.

And some Footwork because without handling, power is nothing.

Tuning video coming shortly, via my Droid.

Steven Tran @ Gruppe-S

Eddie gets the first and only Cwest Iphone 4 case in America!

2011-01-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

Uber JDM exclusive case with laser marked C-West logos
4 piece aluminum case, super tight and slick fitment
Will come in 10 different colors

Case designed to work with lanyards
Currently testing to make sure it doesn’t affect reception quality.
Carbon fiber back will be available separately<
Real carbon fiber or vinyl.

Non-Automotive Related.... BUT.... If you're having a bad day.

2011-01-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

Customer's RX-8: GReddy Evo TT Installed!

2011-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Import Community has always been a diverse bunch of enthusiasts and today we had an awesome customer come in to pick up a Greddy Evo TT and have it installed on his 2007 Mazda RX-8 that he just picked up.

The Exhaust was CLEAN.... as per the engineering over at GReddy Performance, the exhaust system had a CLEAN deep note, especially for a Rotary which are notorious for throaty exhaust note. Equipped with Ti Tips this system is definitely Function with some steezy form. The customer was real cool and a real enthusiast. Next on his list of mods, Wheels and keeping in line with GReddy, a Bolt on Turbo Kit.

Definitely looking forward to see whats next on this Mazda.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Customer's Fairlady Z33 Converti: Newly Rocking the GReddy Gracer Aero

2010-12-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

Like always when we have a Customer with an awesome looking car we like to take a coupel snaps and share it with the Community! This Customer just picked up, painted and installed his Gracer Aero Kit by GReddy on his Z33. Hes one of the few that are reppin the Convertible and pretty cleanly too. More shots to come by its the New Years Eve so we're closing the shop early.

Shots came out pretty decent being in shot pitch black during the night.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Gruppe S gets invited to MH+L

2010-12-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Gruppe-S and the boys from Attic2zoo got invited to Hollywood Highlands club to MH+L's (Modern Home + Living magazine) Charity Christmas party alongside Quentin Rampage Jackson, “Taboo” of Black Eyed Peas, Ruth "Ruthless" Pineda from LA Ink and also special performances from “Cali Swag Distr.” and Poreotix from America’s Best Dance Crew.

Whoa is that Attic and Gruppe-S on the VIP red carpet? Do we belong there?

Clark from VIP Autosalon was there with Sarah Kim from Sebamed. Don't get the wrong idea, make up, hair and clothes can do wonders, that isn't what she looks like normally!

Big thanks for Attic crew:
Jimmy Yang and William Lee for the clothes hookup and making an old man look super steezy for one night.

Mattie Kim for dancing when I requested it
Elvin Abril for making black guys think Asian can dance
Clark Ishihara for always trying to make me drink
Sarah Kim for always hooking up Gruppe-S with Sebamed,the best skin care products on the planet, and the VIP hookup, and even taking a shower that night :)

-EK

Charity Toy Drive @ APEXI USA

2010-12-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

Gruppe-S goes crazy for Hello Kitty!

2010-11-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

I just heard that McDonalds was featuring their new Happy Meal Toy, the 50th anniversary Hello Kitty toy for the girls. It is a really cool watch and there are 7 different variations so I thought I would have to wait til all the watches released, this was going to take time and frequent visits to the local McDonalds.

So I head over there to the Foothill Ranch, Ca location and happen to know the manager because my fatass likes eating there. So I asked which toys were available and she said that I could have all 7 if I bought them with a Happy Meal. So I ordered all 7 and the Gruppe-S staff got to eat Happy Meals minus the toy. (The Staff was a bit disappointed opening the happy meals and missing their toy)

BTW the toys are for my 7 year old daughter, I do not have a Hello Kitty fetish, but this should make her very happy. I will save the watches and just use each watch as a reward for good behavior.

Hello Kitty, My Melody, Chococat, Badtz Maru, Keroppi, Sugar Bunnies(white and beige)
From left to right

Don't hate the playa, hate the game!

-EK

Gruppe-S first and only to introduce GTR R35 billet piston

2010-11-26T13:25:00.001-08:00

Gruppe-S Engineering is proud to unveil the first billet GTR R35 piston!

No cost was spared in the research and development of the most comprehensive internals solution for the true GTR builders out there. There are obviously great forged pistons available in the world, but we worked with the engineers at JE to introduce a piston that can handle the rigorous demands of extreme high horsepower applications.

Currently there are a few engines that are capable of 1200 horsepower, however the engineers at JE Pistons feel that these are the limitations of these pistons. Some engine builders have contacted us and have seen some piston distortion at those horsepower levels and have been looking for an alternative that can handle up to 1600 hp. Well the industry should be happy to know we finally have a solution for those looking to build the fastest GTRs in the world.

Well here it is, and hope everyone enjoys the greatness of this billet FSR piston just built for us.

These pistons are designed from a billet piece of aerospace aluminum and then machined to maximum lightness, narrow pin bosses and the ability to handle the power demands of a 1600 horsepower engine. We are able to maintain the same piston weight as a forged piston but handle the abuse of endurance or drag.

These pistons will be available in many different configurations from stock bore to 100mm with compressions ranging from 9.0 to 10.5:1, the pistons will also be available for your 4.3 liter stroker kit for those looking to set some records. When your GTR requires nothing but the best, choose the Gruppe-S/JE Billet FSR piston.

-EK

HPI Romania we salute you

2010-11-26T12:24:00.001-08:00

This is the official HPI Romania company car featuring the Gruppe-S GTR Drift car. I wonder what the Romanians think when they see this trucking rolling around?

There are even a couple of custom Hankook GTR R35s around, would love to see them if anyone had the time to do it.

HPI thanks for all the love over the years, Andrew Hilman and Rodney Wills we salute you.

-EK

Black Friday Blowout @ Gruppe-S

2010-11-23T17:28:00.001-08:00

We are in a recession and we got bills to pay, so everything in our shop is being BLOWN OUT!

And to make the deal even sweeter, we have some insane doorbuster deals going up on Thanksgiving. So check it out here!

Gruppe S to start December as HPI dealer

2010-11-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

I know it's not a big deal, there a bunch of HPI dealers in America, but Gruppe S is going to be stocking some of the rarest and coolest JDM parts for your HPI RC car. Here is a sample of the TCX which available at a select few distributors in America. Check it out.

Look at the detail on this car and the craftsmanship, it is unmatched.

Features:

* 50/50 centralized chassis weight distribution optimizes chassis balance and improves handling
* Centralized motor position optimizes lateral weight distribution and improves handling
* LiPo/Life ready chassis layout optimizes electronic mounting locations for better weight distribution
* Narrow bulkheads improve overall traction and cornering performance
* 20T center pulley improves acceleration and maximizes drive-train efficiency
* Dual link steering system gives a more linear steering response
* One piece upper deck optimizes chassis rigidity for improved corner speed
* Variable front and rear shock mounting positions provide numerous tuning options
* Long front aluminum universal driveshafts improve chassis stability and increase traction
* Narrow main chassis maximizes traction and cornering performance
* 3mm Ceramic diff balls deliver super smooth and efficient diff performance

TCX SPEC:
Length: 365mm
Width: 190mm
Wheelbase: 258-262mm
Weight: 1350g

Also I am not sure if we are allowed to release this information but I heard rumors that HPI is planning to release a top of the line drift chassis with countersteer that is supposed to put the industry to shame.

Stay tuned we are working with HPI to bring you some local drift competitions in Lake Forest and even some pictures of some really cool unveiled RC cars in the HPI dungeon.

HPI Online Site on Gruppe-S

-EK

SoCAL MINI presents: Bootgate Party in LA! November 17th, 2010

2010-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

MINI USA has always been number one in creating this amazing car culture/lifestyle around their cars. When you buy a MINI you dont only become an owner, you also enter into this awesome culture surrounding the car and the people that enjoy them. They always throw amazing events whether its driving a Mini in racing conditions, or just having a grand party to showcase their amazing cars. We just got the invite to this party for their new AWD Turbo Countryman Model, and I will definitely be heading out to it, the perks of attending are amazing as usual. Info is below, hope to see you guys out there!

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

SoCAL MINI Presents: Countryman Bootgate Party for the LA Autoshow
When: November 17th, 2010, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: 1360 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles
Located directly across from the Los Angeles Convention Center -SOUTH HALL[/SIZE]

PRIZES AND GIFTS
Each Attending Guest will Receive ONE FREE LA AUTO SHOW Ticket upon Entry to the event!

- FREE Beer, Sodas and Finger Foods will be served
- There will be Many Prize Giveaways!
- There will be a Surprise NFL Player Attending that will be Autographing some Footballs

The guys at JE Pistons have lost their mind

2010-11-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

Our sales staff have kept this a secret for quite some time, but it is time to let the cat out of the bag. The guys at JE pistons have created a new FSR forging for the popular import applications and we are letting all our followers know.

The have been replacing all their Subaru applications and EVO applications with their new FSR forgings.

The pistons are extremely durable and lightweight, we have tested them to 700hp with great reliability. The best part is that these guys spend a lot of money developing this forging and they kept the price the same as the old pistons. Don't let these guys know, but we are stealing them right from under their noses. Pick up a set before they find out and start raising prices.

JE part #291061 8.5:1 stock bore 99.5mm
JE part #291062 8.5:1 .5mm overbore 100mm

-EK

Hankook TD Z221 DOT-R compound coming to America!

2010-11-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

HANKOOK Z221 TD Tire to be released in spring 2011!
The tire that is breaking records in Japan time attack is to be released her in America. We are not sure of all the details but the tire is expected to be in the treadwear 50 to 80 range. This tire has been tested and Hankook is happy with their testing, this tire is made to compete and beat the Toyo R888 and the Yokohama A050.

Pic of the Hankook Z221 TD Tire

The size of the proposed tire line up is as follows:

195/55R15V	Medium
195/55R15V	Soft
215/45ZR17W	Hard
215/45ZR17W	Soft
225/45ZR17W	Hard
235/45ZR17W	Hard
255/40ZR17W	Hard
255/40ZR17W	Soft
235/40ZR18Y	Hard
235/40ZR18Y	Soft
265/35ZR18Y	Hard
265/35ZR18Y	Soft
285/30ZR18Y	Hard
285/30ZR18Y	Soft
295/30ZR18Y	Hard
295/30ZR18Y	Soft

The best part of this is that Gruppe-S will be on of the very first companies in this country to carry it. We will have the best possible prices and service. Be the first, attack the track with these bad boys. Don't miss out and pre-order the tire that is breaking all the records.

- EK

Edelbrock Update Check out these Applications!

2010-11-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

E-Force Street Legal Supercharger Kit for 2010-11 Camaro SS (Automatic Transmission) 1597

E-Force Street Legal Supercharger Kit for 2010-11 Camaro SS (Manual Transmission) 1598

2006-2007 LS2 Applications Part

550 HP Complete Supercharger Kit for 2006-07 Corvette 1593

599 HP Complete Supercharger Kit for 2006-07 Corvette 1594

* 2005 programs coming soon

2008-2011 LS3 Applications Part

550 HP Complete Supercharger Kit for 2008-10 Corvette 1590

599 HP Complete Supercharger Kit for 2008-10 Corvette 1591

E-Force Street Legal Supercharger Kit for 2004-08 Ford F-150 2-Wheel Drive (5.4L 3V) 1581

E-Force Street Legal Supercharger Kit for 2009-10 Ford F-150 2-Wheel Drive (5.4L 3V) 1583

E-Force Street Legal Supercharger Kit for 2005-09 Ford Mustang 4.6L 3V 1580

E-Force Street Legal Supercharger Kit for 2010 Ford Mustang 4.6L 3V 1582

SEMA News: INNOVATE MOTORSPORTS “DIGITAL MTX” WIDEBAND AIR/FUEL RATIO GAUGE

2010-11-04T14:07:00.001-07:00

INNOVATE MOTORSPORTS “DIGITAL MTX” WIDEBAND AIR/FUEL RATIO GAUGE

The new Innovate Motorsports Digital MTX Series Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge utilizes the only 100% digital Wideband air/fuel ratio technology on the market! Our patented Direct Digital technology is faster and more accurate than common “UEGO” gauges and is now more affordable! In addition, the gauge features a water resistant casing, interchangeable faceplates and bezels, and 2 fully programmable linear analog outputs for use with aftermarket engine managements systems and dataloggers!

KEY FEATURES
The only 100% digital wideband air/fuel ratio technology!

Water Resistant 52mm (2 1/16”) round dash-mountable casing is perfect for automotive, powersports, marine, and demanding racing applications.

Built-in “Direct Digital TM” Wideband Controller reduces wiring and simplifies installation

Wideband O2 “UEGO” is compatible with all fuel types (Leaded, Unleaded, Diesel, Methanol, E85, etc).

Ability to calibrate O2 sensor for increased accuracy

(2) 0-5v fully programmable linear analog outputs for use with engine management systems “closed-loop” and external dataloggers

Interchangeable faceplates and bezels: Black and silver bezel, black and white faceplates included

Large digital readout and programmable “Digital Needle” provides the functionality of a needle style gauge with the pinpoint accuracy of a digital display

Datalog using LogWorks on your PC

Serial IN and OUT ports allows for easy connection with other Innovate MTS and other devices

How the Numbers are Calculated if you are curious!

The calculation involves 2 Steps.

1 a) Calculate first how many revolutions of the crankshaft there are per second instead of per minute.
8000 revolutions/min x 1 min/60 sec.
= 133 revolutions / sec.

1 b) Then using rev/sec, calculate how long it takes to complete 1 crankshaft revolution @8000 rpm?
Using straight ratios:
133 revolutions / sec. = 1 revolution / ? sec.
? seconds = 1 rev. / 133 rev/sec.
= 0.0075 sec.
= 7.5 millisec.

Bottom line is 180milliseconds faster digital air fuel gauge means 24 engine revolutions faster at 8000rpm

ON SPECIAL NOW @ Gruppe-S!
$189 Free Shipping + tax if in CA

-Steven@Gruppe-S

Edelbrock now Available at Gruppe-S, Supercharge your Car Today!

2010-11-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

We are now offering Edelbrock through Gruppe-S, so now you can get your Domestic Superchargers for the best price available on the internet from Gruppe-S!

We don't normally push domestic products, but we just got back from SEMA Show and they looked so good we had to carry them.

-The manufacturing on these kits its under strict quality control and everything bolts up perfectly every time.
-These kits are 100% CALIFORNIA SMOG LEGAL
-They create strong power gains
-They are priced to move

These new kits are some of the best engineered kits we have seen in a long time, and the power gains are insane so check out the kits to day at Edelbrock.com or give us a call at 949-457-1234!

-Steven @Gruppe-S

Its Official, Weds Sport SA60M Coming to the US in Feb!

2010-10-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Gruppe-S will be the first to receive the Weds Sport SA-60m Wheel!
The latest and greatest JDM hotness will be available in mid February, and we are taking pre orders now so be the very first in North America to rock these new wheels!

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Want to go to Tokyo Auto Salon 2011??

2010-10-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

For all of us in the JDM Import Scene, including myself, many of us dream of one day visiting the the motherland of all things JDM... Japan.

DSport Magazine is offering an insane trip to Japan but they are kicking it up a couple notches and are offering an experience of a lifetime to visit the Tokyo Auto Salon, the holy grail of all automotive shows. This is your chance to travel with the DSport team and see the Tokyo Auto Salon through the eyes of one of the industry leading magazine groups in the world and experience the Tokyo Auto Salon and see things that only industry members will get to see. Check out the banner for more information and sign up, you won't regret this experience and tell them Gruppe-S sent you!
-Steven @ Gruppe-S

The JDM Hotness: Weds Sports SA55M in Matte Black. Be Exclusive, be the first in North America Rock Them.

2010-10-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

We just got a pallet from Weds Sport for their ever so popular Wed Sport SA55M in Matte Black. We are the very first to get these wheels so be exclusive and the first person to own the JDM Hotness for your Evo X.

Luckily for you these wheels wrapped in the most sticky of sticky rubber, the Hankook RS-3 tires, are going to a customer of ours that is International so you can still be the first in North America to own these.

Wheel Specs:
Wed Sports SA55M in Matte Black
18x10 +18 All the way around

Achieve flushness. Also I'll throw in a set of Hankook RS-3s for a Flushness Discounted Package Price.
-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Lancer Evolution 10: Weds Sport 18x9 +20 SA55M Matte Grey Machining 18x

2010-10-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

We here at Gruppe-S are all automotive enthusiasts and can appreciate all those clean cars out there. Fortunately for us many of those clean cars end up coming by our shop to pick up parts, and this Evo X definitely stood out. Amidst all the replica wheels that are flooding the market, this Evo X owner decided to rock some real JDM hotness. His cars still in its early phase of building, but with this good base, footwork is probably next so he can get that awesome stance.

Fitment is clean, but for those looking for a more Flush fitment Weds Sport has a 18x10 +15 SA55M in Matte Black that in stock at Gruppe-S right now. Keep an eye out for this sleeper Evo X.

Wheel Spec:
Weds Sport SA55M
Matte Grey Machining
18x9 +20 All around

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Robbie Nishida Does Playboy TV!

2010-08-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Robbie Nishida being an internationally acclaimed race car driver recently received a phone call from Playboy about a video shoot for "Badass" a new show airing on September 14th on Playboy Television. They wanted to showcase the infamous extreme driving style of Formula Drift driver Robbie Nishida and his Nissan GTR, the only professionally competing Drift GTR in the entire world.
We loaded up the car, and took off to Spring Mountain in Pahrump, Nevada, for this exclusive video shoot.

While the Videographers prepped their equipment, one of the head technicians and fabricators Keith Covey and Robbie Nishida made last minute preparations on the GTR for the demo.

Accommodations at Spring Mountain are of the highest quality. How many race tracks do you know of have a mini putting range, lounge areas, flat-screen TV's, leather couches and Listerine in the bathrooms!!!!

Along with Robbie, Mike "Playboy" Essa came out with his M3!

And finally a quick shot of the girls!Thats all i can show you for now, but stay tuned after September 14 after the show airs for more pictures and videos of the event!!

Be sure to check out Badass on Playboy TV airing September 14 to see Robbie Nishida tear up the track in his Nissan GTR with the lovely ladies of Playboy!

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Quick Shot: Customer's Super Clean 350z with Newly Painted Aerosync Bumper

2010-08-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

We just got these photos from our customer about his recently purchased Aerosync Bumper for his 350z. All the guys here were admiring the clean shots of this 350 done right. We just had to give a shout out to this customer for building a clean 350z, especially rocking the red.

For more information on Aerosync check it out here!

Aerosync Bumper for 350z Z33

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Big Boss gets new Footwork.

2010-08-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the team rocks the Oakley racing shoes, the boss never actually got a pair. While his excuse was that he needed more support for his feet, he finally found a pair of shoes he likes at www.Attic2zoo.com

He took a trip to The Attic in Buena Park, CA and muscled around James Yang to get his last pair of Airmax 90s.

He's pretty picky with clothing, but not picky enough to spend a bunch of money, the price tag out weighs the style factor. Pretty strange for a guy with a GTR!!!!!

Notice the colors, very close the the Hankook colors so I guess he will be rocking them at the Formula D events with the race uniform. He knows they are Salmon color, but he insists they are orange and make for Hankook's drift team, too bad he didn't get us any.

Check out attic and pick up your cool gear from them.

For more shoes and apparel check out:
www.Attic2zoo.com

Gruppe-S

Satoshi puts ACT Clutches to the Time and Stress Test! 11 Years of Boost and Daily Driving!

2010-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our Operations Manager has been conducting a test for ACT for 11 years and 130,000 miles later, his clutch finally let out!. His 95 Honda Civic Ex with a B16 motor was tracked, turbo charged for a year, and driven every day. Check it out!

This was a 11 test that has really shown the quality of their products and why we have great satisfaction with their products. Dynamic Autosports has once again proven that the product lines that we carry are simply the best in our industry. That is why we have been in business for so long.

ACT we salute you for making such a good product, the bad part is that we aren't really generatiing anymore clutch sales when we sell your product. One and done, I guess he will have to wait another 11 years til his next ACT clutch runs out.

-Eddie

Drift Fan Request!

2010-07-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

We recently received an email from one of our major Drift Fanatics. She sent in some photos and requested them to be put on our blog in order to promote the team and to show support! Her name is Taylor and shes out to support the drift community. She wants to hangout with other drifters so you can email her at taylorkatelin@yahoo.com

- Gruppe-S

New to the US!!!! Weds Sports SA55M in BRM

2010-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Subaru Bearing Shortage is Over!! Mahle Motorsports EJ Bearings!

2010-07-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Recently the Subaru community has been faced with a shortage of the production of engine bearings which has been a bit of a hit to the Engine Building Community. Gruppe-S has searched high and low to offer our customers a solution for our race engines and after much leg work we are extremely happy to introduce the release of the Mahle Motorsports bearing. With a long standing heritage in racing specifically in Formula One, Mahle Motorsports manufactures some of the world's finest bearings. These bearings are not the same as the Formula 1 bearings but are now being built by the same people who build their bearings and going to be available here from Gruppe-S.

These specific Subaru bearing are being used specifically in WRC cars in Europe and will be testing the bearing here shortly at Gruppe-S as well as customer motors and also on famous RWD Hankook drift car.
Some of the special Benefits of Mahle Motorsports bearings
Laser Marking

The cheapest method of identifying a bearing is by stamping, and in motorsports this can compromise some performance. The embossed section on the bearing causes less efficient heat transfer because there is less surface contact. Laser marking is an alternative method which creates smaller, more consistent marking which does not distort the backing and as such does not disrupt the backcontact and subsequent heat transfer.

Racing Notch

1. The first is that it enables the cross sectional area of the joint face to remain fully intact such that the hoop stresses in the bearing caused by the interference fit with the housing are equally distributed.

• A conventional notch requires a section of the material to be pressed back from the joint face which reduces the cross sectional area and therefore there is less material with which to support the load imposed by the interference fit of the bearing assembly.

• The racing notch allows the contact pressure between the bearing and housing to be maximised if required. This allows the housing to provide maximum support for the bearing and the optimum heat transfer from the bearing into the housing.

2. The second advantage is that the bore of the bearing remains uninterrupted which creates a better surface for the formation of the oil film and it also removes an oil leakage path.

Inside Look Behind the Gruppe-S Drift Team

2010-07-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our techs here at Gruppe-S spend extremely long hours in building and prepping the Drift cars that you see at the Formula Drift Events, and they are definitely the most hardcore automotive enthusiasts i have ever met in my life. Here are a couple shots we found from one of the guy's cell phones a couple weeks prior to the Seattle Event. The time the shots were taken are roughly 1am PST. We'll keep you up to date with more photos of what it looks like from the back end to run a Drift team.

And a short video of the GTR being prepped for a Dyno Pull.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

McNugget Challenge Results: FAILURE

2010-07-20T16:06:00.001-07:00

It was unbelievably close........ Having fronted the money for this challenge, I have to say i was sweating a bit. It got down to 10 McNuggets and about 15 minutes to go so he was looking good. The Nard Dog decided to take a break and thats what ultimately did him in. With only 3 minutes to the finish line he had 4 left and called it quits. A BRAVE EFFORT FROM MR ANDREW BERNARD, But I WIN!

FINAL RESULTS: FAILURE!

TOTAL NUTRITIONAL FACTS OF THE CHALLENGE
Total Nuggets Completed: 46 Pieces
Total Calories from Nuggets Alone: 2185
Total Grams of fat from Nuggets: 138 Grams
Total Sodium: 4600mg

SAUCE NUTRITION FACTS
Total Sauce Containers Consumed: 10
Total Calories from Sauces: 500
Total Sodium: 2050mg
Total Sugar: 100 Grams

Here he is IMMEDIATE after the challenge. he looks happy.

The remnants of McNugget Challenge!

Until the next one.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

McNugget Challenge 50 Pieces of Glory!

2010-07-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Our Intern-turned Employee has decided to take on a little challenge for the day. Andrew Bernard otherwise known as the "Nard Dog" (Check out "The Office" for that reference) has taken on our own little McNugget Challenge. He is going to Eat 50 Pieces of Golden Deliciousness from the Golden Arches in one hours time.

THE RULES
1. He must consume all 50 within a One Hour Time Limit
2. He must hold down all 50 all day, otherwise he loses.

The consequences.
If he loses he must reimburse DOUBLE the cost of the Nuggets, if he wins he has gained himself a free meal and the GLORY of Victory.

Ill keep you guys up to date on how hes doing.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Gets a Cockpit Friendly Adjustable Sway Bar!

2010-06-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Robbie Nishida requested more adjustability in the cockpit and the team went to work. The easiest and fastest way to make adjustments to the chassis was to design a custom cockpit adjustable sway bar. The controls allow the sway bar to go from soft to hard in a matter seconds.

Here is our wonderful creation, enjoy.

Inside the car has an Adjustable Knob Linkage for the Sway bar to adjust from Hard to Soft.

The adjustable blades allow the drift team to adjust oversteer and traction depending on track conditions and the tandem driver Robbie is competing against.

-EK

GTR Dyno Video!

2010-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just a video we did a little bit ago, but never really put it up on the blog, enjoy guys!

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Eric O'Sullivan Video Blog for Formula Drift Round 3 New Jersey

2010-06-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

See a Formula Drift event through the eyes of Professional Drifter Eric O'Sullivan as he travels from Ireland to compete in the Premier Drifting Series in the US, Formula Drift. Travel with Eric as he competes in Round 3 of this Championship Series in Wall, New Jersey in the Hankook Tire / Dynamic Autosports RWD Converted Subaru WRX STi.

Check it out here!

And check out more updates on Professional Drifter Eric O'Sullivan at his blog @ www.Ericosullivan.com
Steven @ Gruppe-S

Weds Sport SA55 Matte Black: The JDM Hotness

2010-06-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Weds Sport came by to show us their new SA55 in Matte Black. Nuff said.

Genius Tools Special Sale!!! @ Gruppe-S.com

2010-05-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Genius Tools, the Official Tool and only Tools used to build and maintain the world's only Professionally Competing Drift GTR.

These Tools are really high quality and are extremely reliable. Our techs use only Genius Tools on the Gruppe-S Drift Team. We put Genius Tools to the test everyday building and maintaining our race cars, and at the Race Track they are put under insane pressure and they Always Perform. They come with a lifetime warranty and are Made for Life. Theses are just a few items we have on sale right now, but if you check out

www.geniustools.net

You can check out all the great tools they have available, over 9000 different tools. Just find what you want a drop us an email at Sales@gruppe-s.com and we'll hook it up with an unbeatable price for any automotive enthusiast.

Genius Tools 87 Piece 1/4" & 1/2" Dr. Metric Hand Socket & Bit Set
$95 Bucks Brand New (MSRP $154.48)

Genius Tools GS-347MS 47 Piece 3/8" Dr. & SAE Deep Hand Socket Set
$65 Bucks Brand New (MSRP $105.92)

Genius Tools 3/8" Drive Torque Wrench 40-250ft/lb
$55 Bucks Brand New (MSRP $90)

Check it out today, I already got my set at home.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Shout out to Super Fans from Puerto Rico!

2010-05-24T18:57:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago the team landed in Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Georgia for Round 2 of Formula Drift. It was about 3:30-4:00am local time, and we were waiting to get our rental car when a group of people walked up to us.

It was a group of fans that came all the way from Puerto Rico to attend Formula Drift Round 2 in Atlanta. It was inspiring to see some seriously dedicated drift fans, so we hooked them up with gear from our sponsors, Seibon, Genius Tools, ACT, Hankook, and HPI Racing.

We @ Gruppe-S wanted to just give a serious shout out to the Puerto Rican Import Community for taking it up a couple notches, especially to these super fans for being hardcore.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Suspension: More Angle!!

2010-05-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

With Formula Drift: New Jersey around the corner we are continuing to prep the GTR and Subaru. The GTR is undergoing some suspension work as our tech Adam Depner modifying the arms for more angle. More info as we continue the development process of the GTR

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Gruppe S Improves Short Blocks!

2010-05-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

The owner of our company has always pursued improving quality or the parts we sell or selling the latest and greatest. I think that really excited him to bring the newest technology to the import industry. He has been complaining to JE Pistons about improving the quality of their already great pistons and pushing the envelope, so Sean Crawford and Nick Diblasi at JE pistons succomed to his rants and is introducing the new forged FSR piston. The new piston is stronger and lighter and they did some crazy FEA analysis and have proof to show us. I don't know if this was meant for public view, but we have don't it anyways.

I know it is easy to improve a piston and charge the end users more, we can all do that. The crazy thing is, JE pistons is going to now offer this piston at the same price. Sorry for all the guys that got the old pistons, but this should be coming soon.

ACT - The Choice of Champions

2010-05-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

How awesome, ACT is going to be using our GTR R35 in some of the future ads!

This statement is so true, Dynamic Autosports has been an ACT customer for 15 years and have really cherished the relationship with ACT. During this time, they have always made great products and have always priced so that that others couldn't bring you this much clutch for the same money. They have always supported the racers and allowed companies to trust their good products over the years.

Yes we are running a stroked VQ35 in our GTR R35 but we are developing a VR38DETT engine program while we run this motor. The stroked VQ35DE has really made some big torque for a drift car and held up to the abuse that Robbie puts it through. His constant clutch kicking and launches off the line have busted dog rings and transmissions, but the ACT clutch has been bulletproof. I bet that is why Tanner uses ACT in his winning Scion TC. As a competitor I wish he didn't sometimes :) J/K Tanner!

Don't forget they make some great clutches not only for the VQ35DE but the Subaru STi and the Mitsubishi EVOs.

Inside secret, we will be working on a clutch and flywheel package for the VR38DETT, maybe some of your maniacs might get lucky and find a motor out there and install one in your 350Z or G35! We will have a solution for you in the near future.

Eric O'Sullivan: FD Road Atlanta from a Driver's Experience

2010-05-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Formula D Video Blog - Atlanta

Blood, Sweat, and Beers – Formula D Style

2010-05-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Check out our team photographer, Tram Tran! His perspective on our event in Atlanta observing the journey of the APEXi/Hankook Tire RX-7 driven by Ryuji Miki.
http://tramtran.com/blog/2010/05/17/blood-sweat-and-beers-formula-d-style/

What's all the hype about these billet GTR R35 pistons?

2010-05-12T17:08:00.001-07:00

JE takes the stock pistons and draws and engineers it into Solidworks engineering program.

The block is carefully measure with the stroker crank and all the clearances are measured and drawn into the engineering program

Even the oil squirters are carefully drawn out to make sure that everything is perfect. No other piston manufacturers takes the stock crank, stroker crank, stock block, sleeved block, stock connecting rods, stroker connecting rods, and the oil squirters to design 1 set of pistons. This is going to be a truly engineered pistons exclusively for the GTR R35 and every inch of the piston will be machined. These pistons will have everything unnecessary machined out of them for maximum weight saving and the ability to handle 1600hp. I dare you to make it!

-Ek

Gruppe-S Recieves the First Sleeved VR38 in the World!

2010-05-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Gruppe S received the first sleeved block for VR38 in the world, that we know of. We are taking the final measurements to finalize this 4.3 liter stroker kit. The billet pistons engineer is getting the final specs and tolerances.

This baby is coming out soon, stay tuned!
javascript:void(0)

-EK

Mono Forged by Savini Wheels: New Neon Finish!

2010-04-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

After Long Beach, we decided that with the GTR, we needed a little bit more color on it, so we called up Savini Wheels and they went out of their way to refinish the wheels in this super vibrant orange for Round 2 in Atlanta! If youre going to be at the Formula Drift Event in Atlanta check out these wheels, the color is one of a kind and the finish on the wheels are immaculate.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Footwork: Custom KW Variant 3 Coilovers

2010-04-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Designed with superior German Engineering, Team Dynamic Autosports receives one of the first sets of KW Full Race 3-way adjustable coilovers straight from their engineering facility in Germany. These coilovers are extremely lightweight, and specially designed strictly for full racing conditions. This specially designed system features full aluminum bodies for strength and efficient heat dissipation and low and high speed adjustment knobs on the external reservoir.

EK

A Closer Look @ Genius Tools

2010-04-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Little Background on Genius:
Genius Tools is a manufacturer of quality hand tools that offer great selections and values to the professionals since 1975. With over 9000 types of tools, they have every tool for every job.

Our Genius Tools Box is loaded up with all the tools we need to build and maintain our race cars and I have to say the quality of these tools is pretty impressive, its a comprehensive set with everything needed to do any job we need to, especially since we need high quality reliable tools for those crunch times at the racetracks when we need to get our cars back on the track.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to Andrew over at Genius Tools for supporting our team this year with these awesome tools. If you guys have a chance at the Formula Drift events, come by our pits and check out these tools in person. Plus we will be having a huge sale on Genius Tools coming at you real soon, so check back in these coming days for more details, or go to Gruppe-S.com

Steven @ Gruppe-S

Smart Mechanics and Race Teams use Genius Tools!!

2010-04-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Genius toolbox and hand tools arrive for our race team. I am very excited to be using their product on our trailer, the quality of the product is excellent and the stuff is really nice. The bins that organize the tools really make things efficient and allow us to find out tools quickly, really great thinking on their part.

Check out this cool tool tray, first of it’s kind!!! This is really functional at the track and is going to make our team really stand out. I am just worried that someone will want to steal it.
Also stay tuned, are we going to be running special tool sets for sale at prices that will make you think we stole the product and more Photos Coming Soon after we install it onto out Pitbox!

Lastly, if you see our rig at any of the Formula D races, we will be handing out tools for free at each Formula D event. Please be one of the first to stop by and receive the tools, quantities are limited.

Andy @ Genius tools, thank you for all the support this year!

For more information on Genius Tools Check Out
http://www.Geniustools.net/

Or give us a call at Gruppe-S for great Drift Specials on Genius Tools!

-EK

Streetwear Industry Leader "Crooks and Castles" Designs Gruppe-S Drift Team Crew Wear

2010-03-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

For the 2010 season of Formula Drift, The Gruppe-S Drift Team will be outfitted with specially designed clothing from the Exclusive Clothing Brand, "Crooks and Castles." Crooks and Castles is the industry trend setter, offering a unique style to street wear, with Celebrity Rappers such as Jadakiss and Jay-Z, and NBA Laker Player Lamar Odom rocking their designs.

Special Limited Edition Gear from Crooks and Castles will be available at each Formula Drift events for a special price, although you can purchase gear directly through our website.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

"Back in Black" Gruppe-S Subaru STi with Fresh Paint!

2010-03-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Subie returns this year sporting an all black exterior, although we have an awesome decal scheme planned out for the car, but more on that later!

Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Engine: New Intake Manifold from Cosworth!

2010-03-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

This just came in the mail straight from Cosworth USA, the Cosworth Nissan VQ35DE Twin Plenum Intake Manifold (PART #: 20000063). The Cosworth Twin Plenum inlet manifold for the Nissan VQ35DE has been engineered for increased performance featuring increased plenum volume for improved high rpm power with torque enhancing velocity stacks to maintain mid range performance. With performance derived from countless hours of development including computational fluid dynamics, the Cosworth Twin Plenum Inlet manifold is perfect for both normally aspirated and forced induction applications. Performance increases will be significant on engines with improved exhaust and intake system including optimized ignition/fuel maps with increased maximum rpm limiter. Cast from lightweight aluminum alloy with carbon fiber end caps and includes all required mounting hardware.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Interior: Carbon Fiber Gauge Trim

2010-03-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

To monitor the vitals of our competition GTR, our body work guru Jason Fajardo has mounted special carbon panel pieces inside the GTR's OEM Dash, modified of course to fit our needs. As painful as it was we had to let the luxurious climate control and radio system collect dust in a pile in the corner of the shop, although I think Robbie would not have minded leaving it in, although we are keeping the OEM Push Start Button. (We had to keep something OEM GTR in it)

Shown in the photo below is Keith Covey, our specialist brought in to help out with the GTR. Coming from the Sun Microsystems SPEED World Challenge GT Mustang Team, Keith is definitely adept to wiring this GTR. Utilizing an insane wiring diagram, feet of randomly colored wires, and work cubicle walled together with an R33 GTR and a Kouki S14, he's got his work cut out for him.

Stay Tuned for more updates!

Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Gruppe-S Subaru Receives Newly Built Powerplant

2010-03-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Gruppe-S Subaru WRX STi receives a new power plant assembled by the Gruppe-S Engineers, taking the EJ257 and utilizing a BC Stroker Kit pushing displacement to 2.7 Liters. Full Specs on the Internals listed below.

Specs:
Brian Crower Crank
Brian Crower Rods
Brian Crower Valves
Brian Crower Valve Springs
JE Pistons
Portflow Ported Head
Cosworth Head Gasket
GT30R Turbo

Projected Horsepower 450+ on a Mustang AWD Dyno

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Greddy FULL TITANIUM EXHAUST SYSTEM for GTR

2010-03-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is not for our Drift GTR but I just had to take a couple shots of it and put it up. This baller FULL TITANIUM Exhaust System for the GTR is unbelievably light weight and no expense was spared in manufacturing this piece. I carried it up a flight of stairs with just my fingertips holding it. The Titanium construction and free flow design offers strong gains, a deep exhaust note and even has the merging portions of the piping cut and welded into a belmouth 2 to 1 design, maximizing the efficieny of air flow and squeezing every last HP/TQ gain possible out of the VR Monster. I'd just like to give a shout out to the customer who purchased this from us here at Gruppe-S.com, it is an amazing choice and that GTR is being built to a high standard if you're running this masterpiece.

for more information on Greddy Products check out their website @
http://www.greddy.com/

for information on this Titanium Exhaust system, any other greddy products or purchasing feel free to contact us at sales@gruppe-s.com or give us a call at 949-457-1234.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

MONO Forged wheels for the GTR R35

2010-03-15T21:07:00.004-07:00

The GTR is a very difficult vehicle to put on wheels, since the Nissan engineers designed the car with very particular specifications. Stock wheel size is 20” and in order to compensate for the large 15” calipers we need to run a minimum of 19” wheels. With special sizing needed for this application, Hankook brings to the plate their world famous RS-3 tires, rear size 305/30ZR19.

For this application we needed custom offsets in order to accomplish the maximum width and we needed lightweight forged wheels.

Wheel Specs
MONO Forged wheels by Savini.
19x8.5 +10 Offset Front
19x11 +15 Offset Rear

Savini has really brought the best product to the plate. These wheels are the prototypes that were custom machined from those futuristic things we put up on the blog a week or so ago. The real deal will be here in 2 weeks.

BTW check our their website, you can see what the wheels will look like on their wheelbuilder. We even entered our custom orange wheel, and here it is. Don't try to copy our originality.

-EK

Automotive Art: A "Lamp" History of Knobs and Pedals

2010-03-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Take a good look boys, you might just see your shift knob or pedal set on these specially made lamps. Adorning this custom machined lamp base are such well-known brands as Razo, Sparco and Momo. Used as a show piece at the SEMA Show for Scion, these lamps have found a new home here at Dynamic Autosports.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Mishimoto Cools the GTR's VQ Powerplant

2010-03-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mishimoto, a leader in cooling products has taken on the challenge of keeping our Drift GTR Cool. From racing technology and research from cooling our competition vehicles in the 2009 season of Formula Drift, Mishimoto has once again outdone itself producing this Special Race Radiator which features a dual pass system that will keep overall engine temperatures to the absolute max in efficiency. With our new Dual Pass Racing Radiator from Mishimoto in place, Engine Temps are looking to be cool.

for more information on Mishimoto Products check out their website @
http://www.mishimoto.com/

for information on Mishimoto products or purchasing feel free to contact us at sales@gruppe-s.com or give us a call at 949-457-1234.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

GTR Competition Exhaust by APEXi for Project GTR

2010-03-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

APEXi, an industry leader in high performance aftermarket parts has signed on to supply the exhaust system for our Drift GTR for the 2010 Formula Drift Season. Re-known for their N1 exhaust systems and N1 Suspension System, this beautifully hand crafted piece is nothing short of a piece of art. It has an incredible exhaust note and touts strong power gains, not to mention it looks insane.

for more information on this system and other APEXi Products visit:
http://www.apexi-usa.com/

If you would like to inquire about this or any other APEXi products contact us @ Sales@gruppe-s.com or give us a call at 949-457-1234.

(note: photos do not do this system justice..)
-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Quick Shot: Heritage and Honey.

2010-03-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

On any given day, my desk is cluttered with all sorts of nonsense but today was special and I had to take a shot of this.

First off, Seibon Carbon and Import Tuner Magazine just released their new 2010 Calendar, and it somehow landed on my desk.. First off I have to say props to Import Tuner and Seibon for making an amazing calendar with some beautiful ladies gracing the sheets.

Secondly the Steering Wheel from our Drift GTR is out of the chassis and begins its life as the most amazing paper weight I have ever seen. Just Kidding. Its going to be put in our our Trophy Case and Team History case in the Main Room at Dynamic Autosports Headquarters. Come on by and it out!

As for the Seibon Calendars, if you want one.... (and believe me its worth it, mines already hanging on my wall) come on by to Dynamic Autosports / Gruppe-S.com in Lake Forest and I'll give you one, while we have them available, alot of them have already been spoken for by our crew but there are a few left so act now!!!!

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Transmission Mount Part 2: COMPLETED!

2010-03-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Transmission Mount is complete! After putting on a couple more support arms, our custom transmission mount is finished and on the GTR mating our G-Force 4-Speed Dog Box solidly on our chassis. This solid piece of welded metal is a piece of art for sure and seeing it in real life is a lot more bad ass than these photos. Pictured below is Adam Depner the fabricator that made this piece. With this and the engine mounted down, we are one step closer to getting this bad boy sideways.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Work in Progress: Custom Transmission Mounts & Wheel Fitment By Savini Wheels

2010-03-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

With the G-Force Dogbox Transmission Mated with our VQ sitting in the GTR, we are currently fabricating reinforced mounts to hold our 4-Speed in place. Currently its about half way done, just a few more reinforcement portions to make sure it can handle the pressures and high speeds of Drift and it will be ready. Made by one of our master techs, Adam Depner, its a sight to see in real life. More photos to come once its done.

Coming into the shop a day ago, "I was scratching my head" as I saw this wheel, it looked like something out of "Back to the Future 2". Its actually a test wheel given to us by Savini Wheels that is used to test fitment and offset on our GTR with tires, for a Special Wheel thats currently in the works, but more on that later...

You can check out some of the lightweight forged wheels available by Savini @ www.saviniforged.com/

Check back often for another update on our Project GTR.
-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Transmission and Engine ARE IN!!

2010-02-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

The team situated the VQ35 big boy stroker and Gforce transmision in the R35. The fitment is great, especially since the car was designed for a VR38 which is even bigger. We brought the engine as close to the firewall for good weight distribution and fabricated some solid engine mounts to keep the power going into the ground.

The extra room in the engine bay will allow for a bigger turbo and even a larger diameter downpipe.

Secret info, rear end is amazing but final product pics will be shown after completion on the rear end. Don't want to give away all our secrets, now do we?

-Eddie

Hankook GTR Information Release!

2010-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, my name is Steven Tran, I handle the Marketing / PR for Dynamic. After spending some time reading all the interesting rumors floating around the internet, I think it’s about time we squash the rumors on the Drift GTR for next year.

Let’s start off with the first question that’s been floating around:

What was the GTR we displayed at the SEMA Show?
That GTR was strictly for Demo and Press purposes to announce our plans for the 2010 Formula Drift Season, it was basically created in order to visually announce the project and how the finished vehicle would potentially look. Instead of releasing a rendered photo of the potential finished car, we opted to take it a bit further and make a replica GTR in order to showcase what the final product will look like; it was our way to announce the project with a strong impact. During this time, the chassis we are using for competition was at our shop undergoing preparation and development for the upcoming season of Formula Drift. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas is traditionally used to release information regarding the projects for 2010, and many of the new projects for 2010 that attend the SEMA Show are projects in progress and not entirely finished.

What motor will the GTR be using next year?
Moment of truth for some of you, we are going to be running a special large stroked VQ mated with a G-Force 4-Speed Dog Box Transmission, specs on this motor will be released at a later time as R&D and testing gets finished. Currently the VR38 GTR Motor is still under development and we are currently working on developing the most advanced stroker system for that motor. Our power target for that motor is 1000+HP, so as developments on that motor progress we will keep you up to date. The VR38 platform is something we are considering to use in the future, but until we finish R&D and test the motor for competition we do not have an ETA when we will use the GTR VR38.

Will the GTR be finished in time for Long Beach?
We are on a set schedule and have been working diligently to finish the car, and everything is currently on schedule. We plan have the racing debut of the GTR at Long Beach, so unless some serious unforeseen situation occurs or an act of god, we will be in Long Beach with the GTR.

If you are an Official Media Outlet and would like any information regarding the GTR, please feel free to give us a call at 949-457-1234 we'll gladly fill you in on any details of the project.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Gruppe-S VR38DETT Stroker Crank in Development

2010-02-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

Gruppe-S is currently working on developing the most Advanced Stroker Crank available. CNC machined with updated Oil Drilling will enhance Higher RPM ranges and resolve High horsepower oiling issues.

ETA on the finished prototype is one more week, then we'll begin the testing stage.

Expected new displacement on this Stroker kit will bring up the VR38 to a range from 4.0L to 4.3L. Updates on this VR38 Stroker kit will be up soon.

Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Cage: Side Runners Installed and Engine Bay Prep

2010-02-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

The side runners are on cage have been lined up and cut to fit the driver side with out fabricator working on the passenger side as we speak.

Jason, our resident genius when it comes to body work and chassis preparation, is cutting out sections in the engine bay in order to make room for the special power plant that will be pushing this GTR. The motor we will be running in the GTR for this 2010 season of Formula Drift is going to be...... I think I may have said too much so we'll talk more on that later..

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

Hankook GTR gets it's Rear End worked on

2010-02-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

Continuing work on the GTR's cage, we cut out sections of the chassis to lay out the base plates for the rear runners of the cage that connect the rear portion of the chassis to the main hoop. The cage is nearing completion and work continues on the chassis preparation. Come back tomorrow for another update on the progress of our GTR Drift Build!

-Steven @ Gruppe-S.com

GTR Cage: Front Beams and Bar and Stiching up the Seams!

2010-02-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

With the Foundation of a Main hoop and Crossbar in place, its time to extend this cage forward with the main front runners with a cross beam running along the front top section. Stay Tuned for updates tomorrow!!

Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Cage Developments

2010-02-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

With the main hoop laid out , the X portion of the cage has been cut and welded onto the main hoop. The rest of the cage is being laid out, bent and cut as we speak!

Tune in again for another update on the GTR's Progress.

- Steven @ Gruppe-S

GTR Chassis Prep Work Continues!

2010-02-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

The chassis prep work continues on the Gruppe-S.com / Hankook Tire GTR. All stops have been pulled and no expense is being spared for the build of this GTR. The cabin portion of the frame has been stitch welded, and the adhesive in the joints of the frame have been grinded out to reduce every last possible ounce of weight off the vehicle.

The main hoop and base plates for the cage have been belt and cut out, and further cage work is being done as this is being written. Every last ounce of possible weight it being taken out of this car.

Check in tomorrow for another update on the progress of the GTR Build.

Development on the Drift GTR! Subframe and Stitch Welding

2010-02-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Gruppe-S.com / Dynamic Autosports / Hankook Tire Drift GTR begins the chassis preparation stage of the development process.

Below: The subframe of the GTR along with the transmission is dropped after was stripped down to it's bare chassis.

The rear section of the under body has been stitched welded by one of our Master Technicians, Adam Depner. Sections of the under body coating had to be grinded off in order to clear the area for a clean weld

After finishing the stitch welding, Master Technician Adam Depner, pictured here, is laying on a coat of primer in order to protect the newly exposed metal from the elements..
We have a long way to go, but be sure to keep checking back for the latest news and photos on the development process of the GTR. We will be documenting the entire development process, from build to test and tune to competition.

-Steven @ Gruppe-S

Conrad Grunewald and the Hankook Tire Camaro 2010 Drift Car Drop in to Gruppe-S for a Tune!

2010-02-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

Alright folks. First off let me say that these photos don't do any justice to how beautiful this car is, not to mention how loud it is....

Standing next to this car while its doing a pull on the dyno is much like being outside during a thunderstorm, but instead of being on the ground your up in the clouds. Even with your hands over your ears, this thing just rumbled deeeeeeep into your bones. We had the entire shop at a standstill just so everyone could find out why it sounded like the "Apocalypse" in our warehouse.

2010 is looking pretty good for the Hankook Tire Team, come April this thing will mop up the competition! (Other than the other members of the Hankook Tire Team...)
No numbers to post up on our blog, you'll just have to find out in April @ the Streets of Long Beach FD Opener.

-S.Tran

Liposuction on the Rear End of the Subaru!

2010-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Subaru drift car piloted by Eric O'Sullivan will get an ass lift, tummy tuck, and some liposuction.

Adam Depner and Jason Fajardo take some weight of the rear of the car and reinforce it. Eric, Mr. Irish barrier crasher wanted more weight out of the car and left us with a nice present after Irwindale. This should make that ass a little lighter and stronger.

Eric O, see all this hard work, let's keep off the walls please!!

-EK