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 mates – again in Could, once I stumbled upon an FD3S Mazda RX-7 he had constructed and confirmed at Wekfest Japan. We made plans to fulfill up in Meguro Metropolis for a photograph shoot with the RX-7’s proprietor, however stated 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 vehicles. We scrolled by way of Instagram feeds and photograph albums, sharing vehicles we admired, owned, or wished we did. Masa-san’s private experience? 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, after all.
Tucked away down a quiet aspect road in a small industrial zone within the Chiba countryside, X-Level Import Co. is typical of any small Japanese storage.
Donor vehicles rub shoulders with half-finished tasks, and buyer automobiles patiently await completion.
Masa-san tells me he began the enterprise again in 2011, initially specializing in automobile audio and electronics, and importing tuning components.
Round that point, USDM tradition was gaining traction in Japan, and after just a few journeys to the USA, Masa acquired hooked. His first engine swap? A K20A into his 1993 CB Accord – impressed by what was taking place 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 acquired 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 appears to be like like every other EK hatchback, however catch it at a three-quarter angle or fully side-on, and its occasion trick reveals itself. Yep, it is a five-door EK Civic hatchback, which, after all, 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, you want to sacrifice an EK 3-door hatchback for its rear finish and be part of the 2 collectively. The result’s a automobile that basically messes along with your thoughts.
Below the hood is a USDM-spec D16Y8, full with a tucked wiring harness from Rywire Motorsport Electronics. It’s acquired all the correct bits: a Skunk2 consumption manifold, PLM headers, an MPC D-Collection gasoline rail, and Hasport motor mounts to maintain all the things tight.
So why did Masa-san construct it? As a result of he might. And perhaps as a result of he’s just a bit loopy – in the easiest way attainable.
Keep tuned for options on two extra X-Level Import Co. vehicles quickly: the beforehand talked about FD RX-7 and a shock entry…
Toby Thyer
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