Drift Tengoku — September 2004 · Page 183

The C35 never had a factory manual-transmission option, yet 13 of the 19 cars here had been converted. With the RB25 engine, they use transmissions from the ECR33 or ER34. What is interesting is the finish around the gear lever. Because the stock trim cannot be used unchanged after conversion, owners adapt parts from similarly shaped interiors. Here are some variations. Trim transplanted from a C34 Laurel (Mori).

C35 owners wanted! I am Imahori, known as Bori, organizer of this meeting and website administrator. I created a website to support C35 owners and founded the owners' club in 2002. Our meetings inevitably tend to be around Kanto, but I hope to make friends with C35 owners across Japan. Even if you do not own one, come visit the website: http://t_bori.at.infoseek.co.jp.

I recently rode in an enthusiast's car and really want one of my own. This summer I'll buy an S13 and stop being just a would-be driver! — Niigata, “13…” [name damaged]. I am working hard delivering morning newspapers to pay for a full respray! — Hokkaido, “Dark Blue Soarer” [location damaged].

An instructor at my local driving school drives a Roadster and says sports cars don't impress women. For me, a man without a sports car is out of the question! Everyone is different. — Niigata, “Yellow Seven.” Nobody else is doing it, so I'm reviving drift haiku: “Accept the risk of … / keep your foot buried …” — Tsu, Mie, “Garden Mechanic …”

My girlfriend apparently went drifting with a male friend without telling me. Don't mess with me! — Niigata, “Red Early S14” . I work at a gas station but never meet women!

I see plenty of tuned cars, though. What does my future hold? If you see a gunmetal HCR… with a beginner sticker, come say hello! — Yokohama, “…” [model, district and pen name damaged].

Cats often crawl under my parked 180SX; apparently a low car is easier to get under. — Kawasaki. Mai Nakamura, the promising newcomer in the July issue, is seriously cute! We're the same age! — Dazaifu, Fukuoka, “…”

…when we tried to drift, a truck blocked us. … police arrived and we were told to jack up all four wheels. They even ordered … ; an awful night. — Yaizu, Shizuoka, “…” . Is the illustration at the start of Full Counter Club an 180SX towing a trailer full of tires?

Great idea! I wish somebody would do it. — Anonymous. My car's power window broke … and the door wouldn't close.

Truly speechless! I'm seriously looking for a parts car. — Asahi, Chiba, “Electrical Contractor …”

I drove at Ebisu for the first time in six months. Great fun! D1 drivers were practicing hard for the Ebisu round; they are in another league. — Fukushima, “Back …” [name damaged].

I often see “S13 Under Modification” from August's Full Counter Club, a woman in an S13. I work at the … station near … Central Station and drive a white 90 Mark II. Where do you drive?

I've only seen you in town. — Hyogo [locations and name damaged]. Among Ono's parts in July's editor's notes was a Nismo mount I sold at auction! Please fit it during the engine swap. — Fukui, “…” [name damaged].

After fixing my suspension to drift properly, I headed to the mountains for the first time in … months, but power had dropped and I couldn't transition. Was it a mistake not to run coolant through the turbo? — Chikushino, Fukuoka, “…” [name damaged]. It has been eight years since splitting with the boyfriend I loved.

I need to forget him, but I never meet anyone. I want an FD soon. — Tokyo, Emiri. In what seemed like a Sunday rerun, celebrity Hiromi wore a DRFT T-shirt! — Anonymous.

I broke up with my girlfriend because I love cars; … because I love driving; I go alone because I want to drive until satisfied. — Kuji, Iwate . I drive an S14 with …; the rear bumper came off at the number-plate mounting point after … — Yonago . So what if your turbo is upgraded?

I'll keep fighting as the boost-up champion! Hurry up and finish my car! I'll start by practicing handbrake turns. — Anonymous.

While jacking up my boyfriend's car, my tool made a ten-centimeter scratch in the side skirt. I was afraid he'd get angry, but he said nothing. Did he not notice?

I'm too scared to ask. He also said nothing when I burned the seat. Sorry, Hiko-chan! — “…”

About two years ago, a woman driving a champagne-gold 180SX helped me when I was in terrible trouble. Thank you; I will never forget it. You now drive a midnight-purple late-model 180SX, right?

I support you quietly, so keep driving! — Matsuyama, “…” [name damaged]. Hello! I ride beside various people at circuits.

I watched SUGO: everyone made incredible smoke, and the three special reporters appeared too. … is cute! I hope Utsumi keeps his Onevia; I love Onevias. — Tajimi, Gifu, Shiu [one name damaged]. I started driving school in April and found a girlfriend there.

We've known each other only three months and a lot has happened, but I still love you. Let's stay together forever; I won't let you go! You never know what will happen at driving school.

Driving school rules! Drifting rules! Ami rules! — Soma, Fukushima, “I Love Ami” .

I finally moved the battery into the trunk, then tried to start the engine … nothing! The starter turned weakly. Why?

Later, jumper cables showed … . I use thick welding cable. Maybe because the front is lighter and rear heavier, drifting feels harder.

I need to get used to it! — Kobe, “Kevin”