IVOAC Targa Challenge car.....

..is back from paint.

Being a family man...

...I've become partial to roomy vehicles. My current family mover, the Pontiac Montana is alright, for now. Which brings me to the wagon of all wagons, the Nissan Stagea.

It's latest incarnation, the M35, is pretty sedate and included a change from the RB series engine to the VQ. Available with either a 2.5l or 3.0l V6, and certain variants made 4wd and HICAS available.

The WC34 ran from 1996-1998 as Series 1 models, and 1998-2001 as Series 2. Series 1's had the RB series engine, in a 2.0l and 2.5l capacity. Models were available in 2wd and 4WD similar to the GTR's. Series 2 models got a mild face lift, the NEO derivative of the RB engines and again available in 2 or 4wd. The big dog, the Autech 260RS Stagea, was available with the 280 HP RB26DETT and the ATESSA-ETS AWD system lifted from the Skyline GTR. IT was also equipped with Brembo brakes.



An interesting version was the JDM-Option Magazines R33 GTR based project car, the Speed Wagon.

One of my all time favorites, and I'm not much of a fan of conversions, is a R34 GTR converted 260RS, a "real" R43 GTR Wagon,

The Stagea ended it's run in June 2007,
putting a cap on yet another of my favorite Nissans. Who know's, maybe someday, we'll see the return of the 260RS...

To Targa, and back...Why not race while we're there!?!

IVOAC/GTRC members have plans to take on the Targa Newfoundland in a R32 GTR. 1 of the two Targa races that I know of (the second being the Quit - Targa in Australia), they've thrown in a twist. They plan to drive the race car from Vancouver, race, and back to B.C.

Official discussion here: IVOAC Targa Challenge

They've gained some sponsors and enlisted some knowledgeable people, including members of the Automotiveforums.com R34 World Challenge race car team. Most notable addition to the team is Sean Morris. More info can be found on his blog, who adds years of Skyline experience to the mix. Sponsors include the likes of Brave Auto International of Japan and Z-tune Motorsports in Canada.

I'l track there progress here as things get rolling.

East meets, west meets...

GTR Canada members in the East and West had gatherings yesterday.

In the West, a gathering of 15 or so...
More pics....

Out in the East, track time for some..

More pics...

Looks like good times.

April Showers, My Ass!!!

Car sits.

Snow started Saturday, goes till Tuesday.

Two days ago, I could see my grass.

On the plus side, I now know what a drag spoiler would look like on an Element...