Elgrand for Dan at MAX USA

Hello there, some of you internet drifters may already know me as Dan from Parts Shop MAX USA in San Diego or from my other Japanese car related adventures over the past 10 years.  My new project in collaboration with my partner in Japan (with some VIP flavor) is this Elgrand.  This van is being used to demonstrate the Tanuma Body legal importation method and correct build process to conform with NHTSA, EPA and DMV requirements.  

Here is the progress so far:

The Elgrand was delivered to Tanuma body for processing. As you can see Eisuke San has selected a body without any damage in pristene condition. Even the interior is immaculate (and is even wrapped in plastic). The complete aero package has arrived as well from Fabulous.

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dsc03472.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dsc03477.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dsc03479.jpg[/IMG]

Below is a pic of Eisuke San At Tanuma Body in Japan removing the (nonconforming) JDM drivetrain and other components.  One of the pitfalls that other imports have fallen victim to is making the mistake of reuniting the body with its original drivetrain, which is explicitly forbidden!
A US spec EPA certified drivetrain and other conforming components must be used in place of non conforming components that get removed in japan.  All of these efforts are done to avoid any enforcement action we have seen rain down on others who tried to circumvent the importation laws.  There is a proper way to do things within the letter of the law but its not cheap or quick!

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/p1000317.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/dsc03609.jpg[/IMG]

Tanuma Body packs the vehicle body in a bamboo floor container with beams nailed to the floor to prevent the body from moving during transit.  

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/elg2.jpg[/IMG] 
[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/elg5.jpg[/IMG]

This van body shipment was great at proving our method of importation because it got selected for physical inspection by US customs TWICE. It was x-rayed, processed and physically inspected at the Long Beach terminal and then processed and physically inspected in San Diego before being released for delivery. I guess customs wanted a christmas bonus this year performing redundant inspections, but the extra costs were well worth it in exchange for absolute confidence in the legitimate and legal Tanuma process.

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1050902.jpg[/IMG]

A Fabulous brand body kit was shipped in the same container, so naturally it was the first modification.  Fits perfectly!

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1050923.jpg[/IMG]

A crashed ~ yet complete for our needs ~ 2001 infinity QX4 was found on craigs list which should serve nicely as the donor of many US comforming  components.

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/p1050994.jpg[/IMG] 

I just swooped on genetic's Viennas in the for sale section which is what brought me here to the forum through a google search.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/geneticdr1ft/1-2.jpg[/IMG] 

Once I started poking around in here I saw some familiar names from other forums I frequent, so I thought I would post up and see if this project is a good fit for the community here.  Hopefully Freddy at autofashion across the street from my shop can give me some pointers on how to properly vip this elgrand.

Awesome! It's great to see a documented importation process.
Nice looking box as well. ;)

Dam*it! I want some JDM sweetness too. I'm subscribed.... Oh Yeah, just out of curiosity, what year is the El Grand, and what are the differences between the drive trains (Cylinders, mounting difficulties, Etc)?  I hope this question is not premature...

Nice project! Loving the Van Love! Keep pictures coming! Can't wait to see the stance and the paint

What's up Dan. Thanks for all the parts, love all my PBM footwork

Thanks gangsta, fursure this is gonna be a sick build. Especially with the help you can get from across the street. It'll be no problem gettin stuff.

This should turn out awesome.

S15 Dan?

= )

Ya theres an S15 in this gunmetal JDM fleet

[IMG]http://www.larrychendesign.com/all_star_bash/asb4/day1/28.jpg[/IMG]

the R334
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1241228384_2_FT10_skymotion.jpg[/IMG]

and this is the latest special construction vehicle just finished before the elgrand arrived
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1262226780_2_FT5228_p1050878.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=lowvanu2;294245]Dam*it! I want some JDM sweetness too. I'm subscribed.... Oh Yeah, just out of curiosity, what year is the El Grand, and what are the differences between the drive trains (Cylinders, mounting difficulties, Etc)?  I hope this question is not premature...[/QUOTE] 

2004.  The E51 elgrand and 01-03 pathfinder and QX4 here in the USA share the same configuration of VQ35's (there is many to choose from)
thankfully this particular van is an FR
We are not actually doing the swap until my technician returns from the Formula D Panama exhibition.  When that goes down, we will certainly know if there is some custom subframe, motor mount, wire harness work etc. 
Im sure the driveshaft is different due to the difference in the two vehicles lengths

Welcome to the Forum. Very interesting build you have going. I can leave this as an intro thread for you or move it to the wagons section as a build thread or let you start a build thread there.

Looking forward to see how this comes out.

Wherever you think it is most useful.  I think a lot of people here may know me already so the introduction is not as important as the build itself.

I saw your van with the kit on it and your s13 the other day. i was getting some new tires on my sportbike at NKB and I had to walk over and see what kind of van that was. That thing is gonna be sweet when it's completed.

Welcome to the Forum Dan!!!!  Great build. ;)

Sweet! Following with great interest!

I never seen that van before.  Good luck on this project.  The pics and story line is great

some good examples from brostar and fabulous:
 
[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/fab.jpg[/IMG]
[img]http://www.brostar-cs.com/nissan/ele51/elgrand2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.brostar-cs.com/nissan/ele51/elgrand2_rear.jpg[/img]

awesome!

awesome! subscribed!

if you are doing this partially to advertise for the service, can you sat about how much you invested in this process so far?

and also welcome dan. know you from zilvia and the great pbm parts that were on my s13!

You guys wouldnt be happening to look to sponsor some vip cars with suspension parts would ya? Worth a shot :).

This is a first in America, same with a lot of other things he produces.

I can't wait til it is all done!

[QUOTE=ALEXTHESUS*PECT;294427]if you are doing this partially to advertise for the service, can you sat about how much you invested in this process so far?

and also welcome dan. know you from zilvia and the great pbm parts that were on my s13![/QUOTE]

I do not believe this to be an advertisment.:thelaw:

OP please refrain from honoring request for pricing as that will create an issue. Thanks and please continue!:biggthumpup:

Wow, this looks like a really nice build.  Can't wait for more pictures and updates!

:biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=ALEXTHESUS*PECT;294427]how much you invested in this process so far?[/QUOTE]
The van was $X,XXX
Tanuma body service is $X,XXX
20' container ocean freight was $X,XXX
Customs clearance, duty, exams, bond, broker fees, inland delivery were $X,XXX
 
Thats $XX,XXX total for the process of getting the van body delivered to my door.
 
Now I'll easily spend thousands more fixing it up to be the VIP spec ride it deserves to be, but hey we all have to do that no matter what platform we choose right?
 
Point here is when is when I build this myself, and endure the process of doing things the right way the end result is something rare, and special all for about the same budget as the middle of the range used luxury platforms found here.
 
[QUOTE=urmyhero4now;294432]You guys wouldnt be happening to look to sponsor some vip cars with suspension parts would ya? Worth a shot :).[/QUOTE]the only parts we make right now are for drift cars.
I would be happy to make suspensions for VIP platforms if there was enough demand.
 
[QUOTE=augdogg;294456]I do not believe this to be an advertisment.
OP please refrain from honoring request for pricing as that will create an issue. [/QUOTE]
Oh crap i didnt see that until after I answered...
 
I dont mind paying for advertiser status if its reasonable, people should know what this costs. Please LMK = )

That Brostar van is the sex
 
[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;294539] the only parts we make right now are for drift cars.
I would be happy to make suspensions for VIP platforms if there was enough demand. [/QUOTE]
Dan sponsoring???? Put me down for number 1 hahah
 
Nah, Y33 guys already got it covered
-S13/ S14 Coilovers (personally I got the S13's)
-Traction Rods
-RUCA
-Toe Rods
-Tension Rods
-Subframe Risers
 
Parts Shop Max FTW
Before I got my Toe Rods cause they were waiting on the new shipment this past summer
[IMG]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_N_bnSL4I/AAAAAAAAANk/wXWzfkiPQyA/s800/PBM.JPG[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_OC6Ea2aI/AAAAAAAAANs/OqZCUooGKaY/s800/Links2.JPG[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_KTRSAKkI/AAAAAAAAANg/N4plYr5tyEA/s800/Links3.JPG[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_OA4t_H1I/AAAAAAAAANo/Wdf6KZJ4uB0/s800/Links4.JPG[/IMG]
 
Everyone trips when they see the bottom of my ride cause of the colors :dance:

interesting, never saw my stuff in a q45, looks sextacular!!!
even if the multilink bolted on Im sure the coilovers did not. 
Let me see your coilover modifications. 
Are you sure you can use the S14 coilovers too? - the holes in the front bottom mount are bigger, the rear coilover is much longer, and the rear upper mount is bigger.
How does it ride?

That my friend, you're right about.
Dont know if you remember, a few months back i hit you up on Zilvia through PM's with the order and about making this for a Y33, only thing was that I would've had to have the car down for weeks, while y'all machined the top hats, and i couldn't wait cause this is my daily. That plus the several trips I'd have to make to SD was gonna be killer. So I schemed something up and found a water jet shop close by to cut out my design.
 
Its the inner dimensions of the PBM top hats, with the outter dimensions for the stock top hats. These are the rears
PBM on left                              My custom ones on right
[IMG]http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_X0C06IPI/AAAAAAAAAOI/PcUXLsXi4mk/s800/0910090709.jpg[/IMG]
 
I believe the rear S14 tops fit stock Y33 mounting locations, but since i used S13 coils, I needed mine made
Fronts top hats
 
[IMG]http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_f_wjv92I/AAAAAAAAAOM/LsCYU08Ae9U/s800/IMG_0376.JPG[/IMG]
 
And full S13 conversion, so that the lower part could bolt up, Stock Y33 suspenion uses spindles attached to the shock body
[IMG]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_yTr40MAMZU8/S0_hL7oRMDI/AAAAAAAAAOc/s4yGG5Eqx54/s800/0905091903.jpg[/IMG]

Ooooppps
The ride is gansta. Still super stiff to hold up this beast of a vehicle, compared to being built for a car that weighs half as much. 
I'll let ya take it for a spin next time im down there. Need to stop by AF anyways.

I imagine it must ride pretty good.  I would like to go for a spin and hear what damping setting you use.
I like all that good work! Thats a proper job you did with the retrofit. 
I wonder how many Y33 people there are willing to do that?  Probably not many, but if it makes it easier I can make the Y33 top plates if there are some people willing to buy it...
I can check the S14 top plate to confirm fitment if you have a dimension on that
the rear lower is ok on the stock y33 knuckle mounting diameter?

[IMG]http://accincjp.com/model/nissan/elgrand/b-51.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img01.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserDiary/6107470/P1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/onthebuses/elgrand-headerE51-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.genjimiki.com/img3/topline-elgrand-rise-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/chrono-cr/cabinet/00347115/img39508572.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.mctv.ne.jp/~primera/image/ELGRAND/main.jpg[/IMG]

[youtube]tKOyQ7ZUekA[/youtube]
[youtube]hHEkloFSOTg[/youtube]
[youtube]TIkoYeeuzeo[/youtube]
[youtube]qV9if9fCixE[/youtube]
[youtube]68vGVYhm3fA[/youtube]
[youtube]6bnDS7dYj2A[/youtube]
[youtube]AQuqaed0Og8[/youtube]

WOW how did I miss this ? 

Can't wait to see the whole build thread on the car and follow along

not to take away from the thread but def you should become a vendor. I plan on running a similar set up like brokey33~~(looking good homie!) cant wait to see the van finished also. love the attention to detail!!

Damn, those are some cool vids. Diggin those back up camera system, and that limited edition leather looks nice :biggthumpup: Funny how that same family is in a few different ones, and looks like they had one in Vegas??? Pretty sweet.

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;294579]I imagine it must ride pretty good.  I would like to go for a spin and hear what damping setting you use.
I like all that good work! Thats a proper job you did with the retrofit. 
I wonder how many Y33 people there are willing to do that?  Probably not many, but if it makes it easier I can make the Y33 top plates if there are some people willing to buy it...
I can check the S14 top plate to confirm fitment if you have a dimension on that
the rear lower is ok on the stock y33 knuckle mounting diameter?[/QUOTE]

Oh I'm sure you'll get business outta this. People just gotta be willing to do the work and converting the front end to S13/S14 components. I got a few PM's asking how I made these. If you don't get enough interest to mass produce these, I could just post up a DIY. I'm sure that'll take some intrest. I could take my old plates and you can verify it with S14 plates. The lower rears bolt up the same, nothing changes there.

[QUOTE=dzznuts671;294595]you should become a vendor.[/QUOTE]
sent an email and IM inquiring about vender status yesterday.

I'd be the first in line for a set of LS400 Coilovers.

I'm sure a ton would be in for Q45s

Elgrand has so many nice kits!

[QUOTE=genetic;294660]

I'm sure a ton would be in for Q45s![/QUOTE]

yeezzurr!!! sign me up!!

PBM shit rocks. 
ordering all my arms from PBM for my other project (s13)
 
 
 
 
also props on gettin that elgrand to the states. 
 
keep us updated!!

wow!   Well done on the meticulous work importing the Elgrand.  

Good luck with the transplant.

thanks! 

More videos I found: wood floor? and a closet? crazy!

[youtube]MmIQ-4llzV4[/youtube]

[youtube]J_9cIcSgZnA[/youtube]

That wood grain floor is neat. I love the idea.

freakin gangster project!! also I would also be down for y33 tophats!!! And Brokey33 I would love for you to post up a DIY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

awsome.

Dopeness. Workin on some ideas for your Elgrand???

Man, they got all the best rides in Japan :sad:

[QUOTE=jlego;294812]freakin gangster project!! also I would also be down for y33 tophats!!! And Brokey33 I would love for you to post up a DIY!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/QUOTE]

yes please! DIY!

Let me talk to Dan 1st, don't wanna take business away from him.

if dan would make just straight up y33 coilovers here in the states with the same quality as his s chassis ones i'm down to buy some right now. 

no real good choices that stock them locally to even be competitive against you dan if you followed through with this. all you rear arms and subframe collars would still work too!

Same with the g50 q45 components as well.

yup yup PBM is quality stuff, had them on my S13 and are the best coilovers I had on my 240 for drift, it'd be awesome if you made them for Y33

[QUOTE=Brokey33;294822]Dopeness. Workin on some ideas for your Elgrand???

Man, they got all the best rides in Japan :sad:[/QUOTE]
Thats exactly why I had to do the Tanuma body system. 

There is a few goals for the van, it has to be a multipurpose vehicle because its replacing my tundra.
~ I need a hidden hitch inside the rear aero 
~ the airbag system, drivetrain needs to be robust enough for towing my car trailer to the track
~ I am thinking about what to do with the floor to be able to transport cargo, spare wheels and tires and my ruckus.  At least the seats fold up nicely
~ since everything needs to be off the floor, the air bag system will need to be mounted underneath the van or behind the bumper
~ I have been thinking of a light weight aluminum subwoofer enclosure that bolts to the metal above the headliner so I could have a system without taking space

some of those things will have to be on the backburner till we get it running

[QUOTE=ALEXTHESUS*PECT;294855]if dan would make just straight up y33 coilovers here in the states with the same quality as his s chassis ones i'm down to buy some right now. 

no real good choices that stock them locally to even be competitive against you dan if you followed through with this. all you rear arms and subframe collars would still work too![/QUOTE]

when you say straight up, you mean one that would work with the original spindle?
That wouldnt be made here in the states so it needs to be an endevor that is made and sold in quantity.  I could make the top plates only here.
what would people like more, modding the original spindle to accept the new suspension or changing to S13 type spindle?  
What are the competitors exactly?

[QUOTE=ALEXTHESUS*PECT;294855]if dan would make just straight up y33 coilovers here in the states with the same quality as his s chassis ones i'm down to buy some right now. 
 
no real good choices that stock them locally to even be competitive against you dan if you followed through with this. all you rear arms and subframe collars would still work too![/QUOTE]
 
 
I dont think i would go the bag route if they did to be honest.
 
 
thats gonna be sick. elgrand for a tow vehicle. cant wait to see that at the track.

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;294901]
What are the competitors exactly?[/QUOTE]

jic
[IMG]http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/44090/2655032690101163224S600x600Q85.jpg[/IMG]


buddyclub
insurance






but i would love to look inside my wheels and see this
[IMG]http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/240sx_/IMG_1531.jpg[/IMG]

I need PSM knuckles!!!!!!!!! 

btw welcome dan and i think if you made y33 coilovers and could sell them for around as much as your s13 coils are you'd be quite sucessful. All other competitors y33 coils are around $1500+ and are not super easy to get. No cheap brands such as megan make y33 coils so everyone forced to buy the super expensive ones.

Do it right now Alex :biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=ALEXTHESUS*PECT;295110]jic 
buddyclub
insurance
[/QUOTE]
Question is do people think its easier to weld the lower mount to the knuckle or find S13 knuckles?
[QUOTE=walka;295136]I need PSM knuckles!!!!!!!!! 
 
btw welcome dan and i think if you made y33 coilovers and could sell them for around as much as your s13 coils are you'd be quite sucessful. All other competitors y33 coils are around $1500+ and are not super easy to get. No cheap brands such as megan make y33 coils so everyone forced to buy the super expensive ones.[/QUOTE]
our Super Angle Kit is in stock now.
$1500 does that  include the spindle ready to bolt on or you spend $1500 and more to weld it on to your exsisting spindle?

y33 coils start at $2k brand new and more like $1500 used. just trying to save up to get me some PBM stuff!! would def be interested if you sold the s13 coils with the y33 tophats!! 

looking forward to see more updated pix of the van!

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;295183]Question is do people think its easier to weld the lower mount to the knuckle or find S13 knuckles?[/QUOTE]
People. Speak up what you want!!!!! Dan's willing to see what's good for us, but y'all gotta let him know what ya want, unfortunately he ain't a mind reader :thelaw:
+1, dzznuts671 for S13 coils/Y33 top hats

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;295183]$1500 does that  include the spindle ready to bolt on or you spend $1500 and more to weld it on to your exsisting spindle?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=dzznuts671;295193]y33 coils start at $2k brand new and more like $1500 used. just trying to save up to get me some PBM stuff!! would def be interested if you sold the s13 coils with the y33 tophats!![/QUOTE]
Spindles are built into the coilover just like stock. Alex postes the JIC's. They come like that outta the box. But like dzznuts said, $2K+ easily for some new ones. And like ~$1200/$1300+ for used. 
Y'all can do the S13 conversion with PBM coils brand new, for less than new Y33 coils. Its a lil more work, but well worth it IMO. Plus y'all can get your ish as low as mine sits, if ya down to get down =)

[QUOTE=dzznuts671;295193]looking forward to see more updated pix of the van![/QUOTE]
Hahaha for reals. I wanna see that too. Sorry this thread turned into a Y33 suspension thread, Maybe a mod can split this up and get two threads going :shrug:

that price is understandable if it has spindles. I dont want to make spindles though thats wasteful.  I would make coilovers that either weld on or a bottom mount that slips in like a cartridge or if we use the S13 knuckle I dont have to make anything different on the bottom. 

I dont care if we talk about other stuff I do in the build thread but if you want people to jump on board so i can really see what kind of response there is to this potential suspension product, maybe it should be in a more visible spot than a 101 build thread.

[QUOTE=Brokey33;295222]
 Sorry this thread turned into a Y33 suspension thread, Maybe a mod can split this up and get two threads going :shrug:[/QUOTE]

yes mods pls split this thread! dont want to take away from what i believe is going to be a really awesome build!! plus i got more questions bout the pbm stuff and the y33 to s13 conversion. Brokey33 i will be hitting you up soon cuz i got alot of questions and i know this is not the place for it!! 

more van pix pls!!:biggthumpup:

from the skipper website: I have no idea why its so high, just those roberuta cups on this
[IMG]http://www.skipper.co.jp/skipper/img/elg01.jpg[/IMG]
this is nice:
[IMG]http://www.skipper.co.jp/skipper/img/elg03.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.skipper.co.jp/skipper/img/elg04.jpg[/IMG]
 
thanks to brokey33 for the measuring session and the stock suspension parts = )

that white one is clean!! love the wheels! if that is normally slammed then the roberuta cups get really high! nice!

btw thanks brokey33 for letting them measure your set up! sounds like we may be able to get the coils with y33 top hats?!:dance:

Im working on a unique design for the front lower specifically for the Y33 knuckles that will bolt on with some drilling or weld on, whatever method is available to the end user.  Although the rear has compatible top and bottom mounts from S14 & S13 the dampers and spring rates on all 4 corners  need to be tuned specifically for the heavier car.  These changes will result in a completely new suspension tailored specifically to the vehicle

Yup yup, thanks to Dan for making the efforts for us. No problem makin the drive down there, its all for the cause :biggthumpup: Y33 guys be on the look out for somethin comin outta PBM. Y'all gonna be dumped and at a good price too.

^^^ Ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!tttttttttttt that interior is gangtsa
OMG no need for a house when you got the Elgrand, that ride is straight pimpin.

on the Y33 to s13 writeup
i did it 2 years ago, and its already up in the wheel/suspension forum
 
asf or y33vs s chassis, s chasses should win out 100% of the time. i dont know why people dont do it more.
 
Tanuma, they dont need to be changed
With CST Boyz coils on the cedric, not only was it extremely awesome, but had a better valving than JICs made for the car.
 
ive had way too many coilovers in the past few  years, and the s13 applications on a y33 are way better than the actual y33 applications

^^^ thanks yakotas! ive read it and will review it again! will ask my questions about it there!!=)

*Tanuma thanks in advance for helping us Y33 guys out!! cant wait! I know this is the way i am gonna go with mine!!:biggthumpup:

any updates on the van?

PBM Y33 coils would be sick!

Thanks for the tip yakotaS13, we can leave the shock tuning alone but change the mounting brackets to work directly to all the original Y33 components to make things easy and inexpensive

is there any other VIP platforms that are lacking a proper solution?

toyota previa.... nothing available stateside...

I know the M45 Y34 guys are always struggling with a decent drop for their rides

alright I finished the CAD for the Y33
 
front lower can weld on to stock knuckle (preferred method) 
or 
Garage spec DIY install by cutting down the strut, drilling holes, through bolting and sealing with epoxy
 
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1265420768_2_FT0_y33fl.jpg[/IMG]
front upper
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1265420768_2_FT0_y33fu.jpg[/IMG]

all i can say is thank you for looking out for the Y33 guys!! cant wait to see how this turns out! 

** any updates on the van?

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;296453]Thanks for the tip yakotaS13, we can leave the shock tuning alone but change the mounting brackets to work directly to all the original Y33 components to make things easy and inexpensive

is there any other VIP platforms that are lacking a proper solution?[/QUOTE]


Yea us ls/gs guys that need multilinks hah.

welcome sir, we have never formally meet but have been in similiar circles ie zilvia, sddrift, random drift events etc. Congrats on the elgrand, looks like its gonna be a fun build.

Anyway, multilinks with lots of adjustment for lexus guys would be a good idea imo. The only real option we have is nagisa and you know their prices. q45s get all the fun cause their stuff is compatible with s chassis. 

btw, dont you have a genesis 2.0 also or am I mistaken?

Dope Dan, your stuff's lookin good, no homo haha and glad the stuff you got there helped ya get this far so far
Can't wait to see the products when they in production

I'm in for an update on the van too =)

I was going to get this running last week but it did not work out.  We don't have a lift in the shop yet to do the drivetrain install, and waiting on my neighbors to have time on their lift is a guessing game so I suppose I just need to man up & buy a lift at this point so I don't have to depend on anyone else to get this done but that will take time for delivery and install = (

thanks for the comments guys - I have a genesis 3.8 coupe

Oh I see, yeah a lift helps tremendously. And its a huge investment. Hopefully y'all would get a lot of use outta it if you do decide to go that route

whats the price on these if you produce them? 
around the same price as s13-s14coils? or a lil but more?

they should make new homes fitted with a lift option...haha 

this is gonna be a fun build for you guys...

damn. this shit is pimpin'

[QUOTE=Brokey33;298691]Oh I see, yeah a lift helps tremendously. And its a huge investment. Hopefully y'all would get a lot of use outta it if you do decide to go that route[/QUOTE]
well it's long overdue, I've had an automotive shop for 10 years without one so I just went ahead and ordered it this afternoon. Bendpak - should be legit

[QUOTE=MR.J;298693]whats the price on these if you produce them? 
around the same price as s13-s14coils? or a lil but more?[/QUOTE]
I never really know the true cost until after shipping and customs duty but ya hopefully $1000

So what's the order of popularity in VIP platforms like a list of most popular to least popular?

all year LS
all year GS 
all year infinitis.
 
but q45 are the most common from what ive seen bc of the price that they are sold.

As far as suspension components go (toe rods, RUCA, tension rods, etc.) definitely the LS and GS peeps need the help. 

As far as coilovers go, the Q45's definitely need it because all the available companies are $$$. LS and GS have plenty of options as is.

Wow great thread. Loving that rear reclining seat on pg 2...

really liking the looks of the y33 tophats! already have s14 front susension in my house though now. but still hopefull on buying the tophats from you!

We got a BandPak asymmetric 2 post lift 
Makes life easier but was a bitch to install.
Was $2550 delivered, took 2.5 days to complete.
In sure the symmetric lifts are easier to install.
We are putting this to use immediately.
 
Now we can do the van drivetrain swap!
 
 
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1267057888_2_FT0_p1060136.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1267057888_2_FT0_p1060137.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;298758]I never really know the true cost until after shipping and customs duty but ya hopefully $1000[/QUOTE]
 
I like what im hearing =)
 
 
 
like the new lift they are legit. 
we had then in the old shop that i use to work at.
thye pay for them selfs. one thing dont go over that weight.
 
we put a hummer in it lifted to high hit the top bar,bend it and i guess it was the hummer was to heavy and it came down ripping the locks.

would love to have a lift at my house!! looking good. Time to do work son!! cant wait to see new updates on the van!!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Tanuma Body View Post
I never really know the true cost until after shipping and customs duty but ya hopefully $1000
I like what im hearing

+2 for me

Hi There,

just found your post by accident. That is one great looking project. As the sole Elgrand owner in the Netherlands I wish you luck with completing this project so you can enjoy driving in First Class Style.

Just some pics of my standard 2000 Nissan Elgrand E50:

[IMG]http://gallery.me.com/lioncastle/100005/P1030663/web.jpg?ver=12253942820001[/IMG]

[IMG]http://gallery.me.com/lioncastle/100101/P1040588/web.jpg?ver=12515764800002[/IMG]

[IMG]http://gallery.me.com/lioncastle/100101/P1040572/web.jpg?ver=12515763040005[/IMG]


Check out this site, where you will find my British friends with their Elgrands:

[URL="http://elgrand.ning.com/"]Elgrand Ning,  Nissan ELgrand Club UK[/URL]




[IMG]http://gallery.me.com/lioncastle/100101/Signature/web.jpg?ver=12432003430001[/IMG]

I saw the site before, and some video of a meet that was completely full of e50's.
Thanks sincerely for dropping by and saying hello!  Did you have any adventures importing to the Netherlands?

Great update 
That lift is definitely gonna pay for itself. Life just got easier =)

lift looks great dan!

can you guys do alignments there as well?

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;298567]alright I finished the CAD for the Y33
 
front lower can weld on to stock knuckle (preferred method) 
or 
Garage spec DIY install by cutting down the strut, drilling holes, through bolting and sealing with epoxy
 
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1265420768_2_FT0_y33fl.jpg[/IMG]
front upper
[IMG]http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/e107_files/public/1265420768_2_FT0_y33fu.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]


any updates on the possibility of these top hats getting made by you?

We do a lot of drift spec alignments here with a basic alignment tool from Ikeya Formula.  
However for daily driving and OEM eccentric bolts there are more accurate methods. 

The prototype coilover set is being made now at the factory and will be tested by Broke Y33 when it comes in.  (probably end of April - early May)

Yeah, Y33 coils soon gonna be available here in the states locally =)
Good stuff Dan

Will there be any coilovers for any Lexus applications in the future?

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;306439]We do a lot of drift spec alignments here with a basic alignment tool from Ikeya Formula.  
However for daily driving and OEM eccentric bolts there are more accurate methods. 

The prototype coilover set is being made now at the factory and will be tested by Broke Y33 when it comes in.  (probably end of April - early May)[/QUOTE]

woohoo! sounds good! cant wait to see how this turns out! will be in the market for suspension by then!!!:biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=dzznuts671;306593]woohoo! sounds good! cant wait to see how this turns out! will be in the market for suspension by then!!!:biggthumpup:[/QUOTE]
 
ditto.
 
 
one question about these coils.. Do you have to have the s13/s14 convertion done? or can you still use the stock y33 suspension(arms,rods ect.)?? 
or... can it go on either set-up?

you would use all Y33 components because the parts are being made specifically for that car.

[QUOTE=genetic;306451]Will there be any coilovers for any Lexus applications in the future?[/QUOTE]

if there is demand, but seems like the lexus customers are being serviced by other companies at this time

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;307869]you would use all Y33 components because the parts are being made specifically for that car.[/QUOTE]
 
ah gotcha.
i like this.
:biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;307869]you would use all Y33 components because the parts are being made specifically for that car.[/QUOTE]

im liking what im hearing!:biggthumpup: cant wait to see how the prototype comes out!

what's up dan?  it's girard from totalruckus.  you already know i want the y33 coilovers when you finish them up.

So there is some major updates to the van build after some major setbacks:

The biggest thing that has held us back is the transmission.  We have tried transmissions from the QX4, G35, Titan, and finally we have found the correct combo, the 05+ Pathfinder / Xterra / Frontier tranny (less bellhousing because in the USA this mission bolts to a VQ40).  Unfortunately there is no published info out there on input shaft length, shift lever position, output shaft style, computer, plugs, and bell housing so we just had to see what worked.  At least this expensive trial and error transmissions has finally concluded with a $700 2008 Xterra unit obtained from San Diego Wrecking yard Tapatio.  They are very professional and actually let you warranty or exchange parts within 30 days if it does not fit as you planned.  The JDM bell housing and the Xterra torque converter bolted everything together.  JDM exhaust manifolds and engine mounts will allow for a smooth install.

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1070514.jpg[/IMG]

We have made major progress on the suspension and body work too!

3M panel bonding adhesive to attach the door panels and then we did some bodywork to smooth out the lines to make the parts look one piece with the doors.

MRR design 20″ wheels with 235/40/20 tires fill whe arches.

Parts Shop MAX customized some coilovers using parts from S13, S14, Genesis, FD RX7 and custom fab pieces.  The coilovers are adjusted as high as they can go, so you know this thing can really be in the weeds,  and while the front end sits a little higher in these photos, it should level out after the engine is bolted in.

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1070515.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1070509.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1070507.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1070389.jpg[/IMG]

See more here:

[url]http://tanumabody.com/wp/archives/275#more-275[/url]

Oh my god this is awesome :D

any chance we might see it in person at the autofashion meet on nov 7?

That sounds possible. I mean why not it's literally across the street from me lol

you could show off the y33 coils too if they are done by then......:shrug:

[QUOTE=ALEXTHESUS*PECT;346448]you could show off the y33 coils too if they are done by then......:shrug:[/QUOTE]

+1 on the Y33 coils

The production prototype unit will be done by then, and they will be in stock around new year.

[QUOTE=Tanuma Body;346541]The production prototype unit will be done by then, and they will be in stock around new year.[/QUOTE]

Cool! Can't wait to see these. Nice to see more options!

SO DOPE!

wow, thats freaken cool...

never thought i'd want to drive a van...lol. nice build!

Well I am sorry I missed out on the AF show, but the good news is that the van is getting painted now, and its really looking amazing.  I'll be sure to update the thread when it gets put together.  

as for the coilovers, I thought they deserved their own thread now that we got a production sample in hand.  [url]http://www.vipstylecars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23811[/url]

Paint is complete! It is an Infiniti QX56 smoke color done by [url]http://www.2mautobody.com/[/url]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00673.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00674.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00675.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00676.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00677.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00678.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00679.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tanumabody.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dsc00680.jpg[/IMG]

FRESH!!! Good Stuff!!:biggthumpup:

pretty awesome

That's awesome Dan! Glad it's finally done. What's next?

now we'd like to see you do an Odyssey RB1-2 =)... So sick, I was looking for you at the AF meet... Next time I'm in SD I'd like to see it.....

First...is it going lower? (pretty please tell me yes)
Second...are those the final wheels? (Not that they're that bad, just think something else would do it more justice.)
Third...you are putting fogs in there right? (obvious)

Otherwise cool to see another Elgrand.  I have always liked them.

Next thing is I need one last part to make it run, maybe a friend at nissan can scrounge it up for free, waiting on him.  After I can drive it I will get a feeling for possibly changing spring rates, checking the ground clearance in driveways etc, and then we will set the final height.  

I'd like to get some fogs but the fabulous ones are stupid expensive so I was hoping to find something that looks just as good for less, any suggestions?

The first wheels I bought were viennas with a custom offset + deep dish and then I realized its impossible to work the quarter panels on the van like a  car, and even if I did the door would need some pretty decent modification to the interior panel.  We have already put the maximum spacing on the hinge at the rear of the door just to fit these wheels.  Its not about cambering them in either, the door completely coveres the wheel so it would still hit the bottom of the wheel.  

Also, my wife will drive this so I set a goal to find the cheapest good lookin USA stocked wheels I could get since I would surely be replacing them regularly.  

The orange side marker bugs the shit out of me, its like a neon beacon when its off. lol.
I also have a stereo/dvd system to install but all of these little touches are going to take a back burner to getitng it running and registered.

Coming together very nicely. I love the vans offered in Japan, too bad the US doesn't have the taste for them.

Looks great! Glad to see it finally coming together.
Its strange because I normally think the Elgrands styling is too agressive for me. I think the paint colour tones it down just enough for my liking.