For those who’re solely fascinated by extremely polished present vehicles and/or four-figure horsepower numbers, this most likely isn’t the story for you. In truth, we’re looking at one thing on the completely reverse finish of the modified automobile spectrum.
This story begins throughout a current journey to Kansai, the place I accompanied some pals visiting from Australia. After a day of exploring varied areas of Osaka and having fun with a few of the native meals, I obtained a message again from outdated good friend confirming a dinner rendezvous and a few extra-curricular actions.
I’m grateful to have made fairly just a few pals in Japan since I’ve been residing right here, and Ryoma was one of many first. Ryoma had promised to take us to a preferred native udon spot, so we hopped into our rental Toyota Alphard and headed out of town in the direction of his native Household Mart.
As we arrived, we have been greeted by an SR20-swapped C33 Nissan Laurel and Ryoma’s RPS13 Nissan 180SX. You may discover fairly rapidly that his 180SX is way from a present automobile, however let me let you know from expertise, these physique panels inform some wild tales.
As of late, drift vehicles appear to change into overcomplicated in a short time with loopy steering angle kits, hydraulic handbrakes and large energy. You’ll discover none of that right here; Ryoma’s 180SX is so simple as it will get. Aside from an S14 turbo and an digital increase controller, it’s just about commonplace power-wise. Add some used aero components, fundamental suspension upgrades and modified steering knuckles, and that’s all he must get the job finished.
After some dialog – and naturally a few conbini snacks – we adopted the drift automobile duo into what can solely be defined as a heavy industrial space. Watching and listening to Ryoma’s 180SX cruise together with its straight-pipe exhaust and battle scars was fairly a surreal expertise; one thing you’d anticipate to see in an early Drift Tengoku VHS or road drifting compilation.
Now, bear in mind after I talked about that udon ‘restaurant’ earlier? Properly, you’re taking a look at it. We have been equally confused on the time…
Apparently, this spot is well-liked amongst locals and has fairly a little bit of historical past. For those who haven’t fairly caught on but, that’s a merchandising machine that serves sizzling udon. Whereas we have been all keen to flee the chilly in a heat noodle store, Ryoma reassured us that this udon would hit the spot.
I’m not going to let you know this was the perfect udon I’ve had – it was removed from it – however whereas within the firm of two drift vehicles, cracking jokes with their house owners and soaking in the entire warmth doable from a cardboard bowl stuffed with noodles, it was one thing you’d by no means expertise anyplace else.
Keen to flee the chilly, we devoured the remainder of our noodles and piled again into the Alphard. For the following hour or so, we adopted the 180SX and Laurel deep into the mountains, however for considerably apparent causes, you’ll must let your imaginations do the remaining.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
