Since Speedhunters’ inception in 2008, we’ve featured occasions from all around the world. A decade and a half later, many of those are nonetheless occurring. Others have merely light away.
BLOX Evolution is among the latter, however that’s to not say the occasion was a failure. For the few years that it ran, it introduced collectively the most effective of the San Francisco Bay Space’s tuner tradition in a massive approach. So let’s wind again the clock and be part of Speedhunters OG Mike Garrett in 2014, to see what that yr’s BLOX Evolution occasion was all about…
2014 Function
The San Francisco Bay Space is thought for lots of issues – hippies, tech begin ups, thizzin’, fog and clam chowder in bread bowls. Automobiles – aside from EVs or the newest self-driving prototypes – aren’t thought of one of many space’s claims to fame. However maybe they need to be.
I simply bought house after a number of days of Speedhunting across the Bay Space – a go to that left me very impressed with what I discovered. This journey included every thing from professional touring monster machines to lowriders, and I completed off my keep on Saturday by testing one of many area’s most anticipated auto occasions of the yr.
It’s referred to as BLOX Evolution, and if that title doesn’t sound acquainted you aren’t alone. It begins with BLOX Racing, an organization that makes efficiency elements for a wide range of import autos, headquartered within the East Bay metropolis of Fremont.
For the previous a number of years BLOX has held an open home meet at their HQ – the turnout rising greater with every year’s occasion. By final yr it was clear that the meet was outgrowing the venue, so for 2014 the organizers determined to alter issues up.
Truly, they didn’t simply change issues up, they took the occasion to the following degree, aiming to create one of many space’s new life-style automotive occasions. You recognize – import fashions, DJs, meals vehicles and that kind of factor. Thus BLOX Evolution was born.
In fact with the bigger ambitions of the occasion a brand new venue would have to be discovered. A run-of-the-mill enterprise park simply wouldn’t lower it any extra.
The venue for BLOX Evolution was one of many extra fascinating automobile present places I’ve seen – an outdated warehouse at Pier 70 within the Port of San Francisco. In fact, locals know that summer time climate in San Francisco might be removed from summer-like – however fortuitously Saturday’s circumstances have been lovely. It felt extra Los Angeles than San Francisco.
If I’m trustworthy I’ve by no means been a giant fan of music-blasting, import ‘life-style’ occasions as I desire to let the cars communicate for themselves. However figuring out what the Bay Space’s auto scene can deliver to the desk, I used to be excited to examine this out.
I’ve to say the outdated port venue actually made for a cool environment and there was positively much more character than you’d discover at your typical conference heart or fairgrounds automobile present. Rolling as much as the large brick constructing on the Bay, I felt like I used to be going to some form of secret underground assembly. I used to be simply ready for some man named Hector to return out and ask who the Snowman was.
As for the occasion itself, BLOX Evolution can be divided into two important areas. Outdoors can be the ‘meet’ space, arrange within the spirit of the unique open home occasions. Contained in the warehouse can be the ‘present’ space – the place autos have been judged in numerous classes.
Present ‘N Go
As I headed inside the huge warehouse to get my first at take a look at the present, I wasn’t fairly certain what to anticipate. Would there be rows and rows of stanced automobiles? VIP luxurious machines? Conventional tuner autos? Classic automobiles? Because it seems, there was a bit little bit of every thing…
It’s been about 15 years for the reason that explosion of import tuning initially took over locations just like the San Francisco Bay Space. A variety of the children the could possibly be discovered modifying Honda Civics and Acura Integras again within the day have since moved onto different automobiles and different scenes.
However whereas they could have grown up, developed careers and began households, they definitely haven’t outgrown their love for automobiles.
Some have moved on to the world of VIP automobiles, and there have been quite a few examples of modified Japanese luxurious sedans hanging round Pier 70 on Saturday.
Others saved their want for pace, selecting up trendy excessive efficiency turbo machines just like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Nissan GT-R.
One other group went again in time to rediscover the roots of the scene, constructing a few of the nicest 510s, Zs, and Celicas that you just’ll discover wherever.
Some have made the swap to European automobiles – Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and even MINI – the latter represented by this Cooper S loaded up with elements from Japan’s Duell AG.
Even guys that wanted household haulers didn’t quit on modifying automobiles. The Bay Space occurs to be house to one of many largest customized minivan scenes in america.
Lastly, there are those that caught with the automobiles of their youth, however now construct them higher than they ever may once they have been scrappy youngsters. The Bay Space is true up there with LA in terms of clear Honda builds.
Whereas there have been loads of automobiles with slammed journey heights and aggressive wheels at BLOX Evolution, I positively wouldn’t name this a stance-oriented occasion. The large mixture of kinds was positively some of the fulfilling elements of the present.
Not that there’s something in any respect fallacious with a low and sluggish cruiser – particularly a uncommon machine like Ken Stevens’ airbagged ’72 Audi 100.
I additionally thought this slammed Mazda Protege 5 was cool – not simply because it was cleanly executed – however as a result of this isn’t a standard platform for modification.
Is Efficiency Again?
If something although, it appears likes efficiency builds is likely to be making a comeback within the birthplace of Hellaflush.
The constructing was filled with turbo conversions, engine swaps and different automobiles with spec sheets that included a lot extra than simply wheel offsets or tire sizes.
Might there be a greater mixture than the FD3s RX-7 and a GM LS V8? Rotary purists would possibly cringe, however these highly effective, aluminum V8s are simply so well-matched to the FD’s mild chassis and timeless seems. As an added bonus, this FD road automobile from the Encourage Crew as additionally packing some enhance to go together with its eight cylinders of American muscle.
Talking of motor swaps, a store by the title of Tech3 introduced out its 240Z observe automobile venture. The Datsun sports activities all method of useful mechanical upgrades.
Beneath the hood, the L-series six has been eliminated in favor of a potent SR20DET setup.
If there’s one factor I observed concerning the Bay Space scene it’s that individuals right here appear to essentially take pleasure in their AWD turbo machines. Outlets like San Jose’s Pace Component are turning out quite a few Evos and Imprezas loaded with high-end tuning elements from Japan.
In truth, I feel Tsukuba Circuit is the one place I’ve seen extra Varis aero kits, Voltex wings and RAYS Volk Racing wheels. They definitely know tips on how to do ‘em effectively within the Bay!
Talking of Volk Racing, right here’s an STI modeling the model’s new ZE40 wheels beneath a set of widened fenders. I dig it.
Is there any stopping Rocket Bunny mania? It seems not after seeing the group response to the David Uy’s TRA Kyoto kit-equipped R35 GT-R. What a radical trying machine.
Some wish to look again to the Nineties to seek out their Japanese hero automobiles, and people folks can be happy to see autos like this ultra-clean JZA80 Supra. Whereas the Supra has at all times introduced massive cash on the used automobile market, I’ve bought little doubt this stuff will solely go up in worth because the years go on.
The identical might be stated for the Acura NSX, which was represented by this airbagged instance from the Countless Tasks crew.
You simply gotta lave a Datsun 510, particularly when it’s clear and authentic instance like this root beer-colored wagon. Nothing outrageous in terms of mods right here, only a traditional machine that’s obtained numerous love from its proprietor.
In distinction to the meticulously offered 510, right here’s one other Datsun that calls the Bay Space house. Moderately than a tidy present automobile, this 240Z is an absolute beast, coming straight out of Oakland’s late-night road racing scene.
It’s powered by a turbocharged LS motor, and with its exhaust dumped out proper subsequent to the entrance wheel it sounded completely gnarly.
This DC2 Integra with a bunch of JDM Kind R elements and a set of Dash Hart wheels was one other one of many many top quality Hondas and Acuras that got here out. Easy and to the purpose, don’t you assume?
Together with the a whole lot of automobiles that have been readily available, BLOX Evolution additionally included different actions like an RC drifting show placed on by a neighborhood membership.
There was additionally a powerful exhibiting of personalized scooters – that is one other scene which has roots on the tight streets of San Francisco.
As you may see, the Bay Space is about much more than public transportation and the Prius.
Mike Garrett
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