The ability to efficiently transfer power to the rear wheels becomes crucial in any drift-spec vehicle. Lee opted to go with a TRD 3-puck clutch mated to a 20-valve flywheel, and a set of steel braided Battle Version transmission lines. In the traction department a Cusco 2-way limited slip differential is spun through a set of 15x8 (-13 offset) and 15X9 (+0 offset) SSR Mk III rims wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza's, ensuring full contact is made to the tarmac. Overall braking characteristics are improved using front and rear Brembo cross-drilled rotors with semi metallic brake pads.
Open the doors and you're in for a gauge lover's treat. The overwhelming amount of Autometer gauges covering the custom fabricated dash would make NASA proud of this Hachi-GO. Autometer tachometer, speedo, EGT, boost, voltmeter, oil pressure and modified AF meter sit tightly clustered together as Lee can closely monitor all the vital characteristics of his engine from the confines of his interior. Sparco Torino seats attached to a pair of Sparco harnesses ensure driver and passenger posteriors are securely fastened to the seat while Lee grips his 330mm Sparco steering wheel and shift through his TRD short stroke shifter at high rated speeds through the drifts. Adding additional structural integrity to the car is a Cusco three point stress bar and custom seven point chromoly roll cage fabricated professionally by Endless Garage of Hawaii.
Three days prior to Streetcar Showoff 5.0 at the Blasdell Center, Lee and his friends wrenched on the Hachi for 72 hours straight to prep and assemble the vehicle before its grand debut. All the hard work paid off as Lee took first place honors in the Performance Category. "All the time, effort, and money, I put into the car was well worth it, but I couldn't have done it without my friends and family who put up with all the madness and long hours" states Lee. Special thanks go out to Brandon Murakami, Jason Mehelua, Christina Yamamoto, G.X. Auto, the crew at Endless Garage, my understanding parents and everyone else who helped along the way to get the car to where is today. It's hard to believe this car is a daily driver to and from work, but even more amazing is the car is a regular at drift shows and Touge (mountain) runs. "What's the point of building a car if your not going to drive it? That defeats the purpose," says Lee. We couldn't have said it any better.