Not really preparation related, but I was looking around for a kit and I ran into the Uras Type 2 on a forum online. It was a thing of perfection. Of course I had to have one of my own. So there are replica versions available but I wanted only the best for my Kouki, so I knew I had to shell out a good amount of money to source one. Unfortunately they’re only made to order straight from Japan. Luckily, this was no problem for the guys at Wolfreign Motors (@wolfreignmotors) and they hooked me up at the low price of $1594! :
On to further preparation for the shakedown – remember how the new differential I got was howling as well? I decided that I might as well cash out on a super nice one – a friend of mine, Bob, is locally known as an S14 mad scientist – he had something in mind. What was it, you ask? Well I drove over to his spot and he ripped out my BART station inspired differential, gutted the insides, and threw in a 4.6 ring and pinion with a welded VLSD($250 and I gave him my oem driveshaft). Honestly I have no idea why this is so great but I trust his word. It definitely gave the car the extra kick it needed:
To complement this, I got a new passenger axle and a one piece aluminum driveshaft from Driveshaft shops ($400):
Oh yeah, and I also was fortunate enough to pick up a pristine Bride Zeta 2 with Bride rails for $650. I borrowed a headpad from Jeff (@notae86), a 330mm nardi (not pictured) from Cosio (@notkouki), Bob hooked it up with a new spline quick release to replace the NRG, got a new shift boot and trim, and a fake Vertex shift knob from the Philippines. The car was ready for the event, however the question of “will it even make the hundred mile drive to the event, slide all day, and drive back?” remained. Current total: $13,884:
1997 Nissan 240sx 