Oddballs, misfits, eccentrics, and oddities – the rich tapestry of people and their cars make this hobby captivating.
If we only reeled off spec sheets, we’d likely tire of the conversation quickly. Without the emotions, vibes, and stories attached to them, modified cars are merely collections of parts. The way Mike Faizi feels about his A31 Nissan Cefiro is a whole vibe, and I love it.
When was the last time you felt an emotional connection with a monotube shock absorber? Other than getting angry when someone else doesn’t know what it does, of course.
On the flip side, you probably remember the first time you saw a Ferrari 288 GTO because the vibe it gives off is incredible. I know I do – at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance. Will its performance make your head spin by today’s standards? Probably not. But seeing one glide past on a B-road? You might need tissues and a moment of solitude afterwards.
Sure, the technical aspects of road and race cars are fascinating and essential to their enjoyment, but that’s not why we love them. The engineering is merely a means to an end, and that end is the emotion it ignites in our hearts, stomachs and loins.
Without the brilliant minds at Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz, we wouldn’t experience the thrill of a V10 screaming past, sending shivers down our spines. But if someone starts listing firing orders, I might just issue my own.
Here, we have a car adorned with a patchwork of parts, polished metal for days, and countless hours of love poured into it. But what truly brings this four-door Nissan from the late ’80s/early ’90s to life? Listening to Mike talk about it. His passion for the A31 platform is infectious.
“Cefiros are affordable here in Malaysia. No one can really afford a GT-R of any generation – import taxes and broker fees are just too much,” explains Mike. “So, the Cefiro becomes the best option. Its chassis is nearly identical to the R32, meaning most parts will fit. I found this one abandoned in a field, rescued it, and built it up.”
In Malaysia, you can pick up a rough JZX Toyota Chaser for the equivalent of around US$20K, while a Cefiro might only set you back US$2,000. A ropey R32? That’ll cost you US$45,000 – if you can even find one. It’s easy to see why starting a drift project car build with a Cefiro is a no-brainer.
The mechanical aspects of the rear-wheel-drive A31 were handled by a workshop in Batu Caves – who wish to remain anonymous for some reason – and the exterior parts from Dasuki Bodykit were fitted there, too. The cherry-red, high-flake paint was done at ZQ Autoworks. I love the bright red and polished metal combination, though I’m not sure I could handle it for a daily driver.
While there is nothing revolutionary about the engine build, it’s a true hot rod. The RB25DET NEO came from an R34 Skyline GT-t, and it’s been fitted with HKS 272-degree cams, a custom billet intake, a GTX3076R-style turbocharger, and lots more. An HKS F-CON V Pro Ver.3.4 engine management system controls the package.
Mike didn’t just dip into the Nissan OEM and aftermarket parts bins for the engine base either; the front grille is an S13 Silvia piece, the rear spoiler was designed for the R33 Skyline, and the brakes use Z33 350Z (Brembo) and R32 components. That’s the kind of creativity that makes life interesting.
When Mike rescued the car, he first stripped it to bare metal and then had it fully caged to ensure the ageing body could handle the new components.
If you saw this build parked at a car show with its hood up, you might snap a photo for your Instagram and walk by. Without owners there to share the story, you could easily pass by the next 10 cars, too. But spend a few hours cruising the streets of Kuala Lumpur with Mike, and this car will etch itself into your memory.
There’s a spec list below for those who crave details, but, for me, driving a car is far more important than knowing every technical nuance of why it performs the way it does.
Every car is unique, every person different, and every viewpoint valid. I may not remember model numbers or part names, but I’m glad others do.
Toby Thyer
Instagram _tobinsta_
tobythyer.co.uk
Mike Faizi’s A31 Nissan Cefiro
Engine: Nissan RB25DET NEO (R34), custom billet rocker cover, custom GTX3076R-style double ball-bearing billet turbocharger, custom billet intake, custom billet throttle body, custom billet radiator with dual electric fans, AN fittings, custom billet turbo bell mouth, 850cc injectors, HKS 272-degree cams, Honda K20 coils, custom billet coil holder, custom lobster tail intake & turbo piping, R34 GT-R intercooler, custom carbon fibre heat plate cover, Astra battery by Bateriku x Motormaniac, custom steel braided engine breather hose, steel braided oil hose, steel braided radiator hose, custom engine & body wiring harness, wire-tucked engine bay, custom stainless steel exhaust manifold, custom billet oil catch tank, custom billet water spare tank, 2x Duratech fuel pumps, fuel surge tank, HKS F-CON V Pro Ver.3.4 engine management system
Driveline: Nissan RB25 5-speed gearbox, KAAZ limited slip differential
Suspension/Steering & Brakes: D2 Racing adjustable coilovers, Megan Racing caster kit, Megan Racing camber kit, Wisefab angle kit, electric power steering, Nissan Z33 Brembo front callipers & discs, Nissan R32 dual rear callipers & discs, stainless steel braided brake lines
Wheels & Tyres: 18×9.5-inch SRR wheels, 255/35R18 Zeknova RS606 R1 tyres
Exterior: Candy Red Diamond Gold paint, Wonder side skirts, Wonder rear bumper, custom Dasuki Bodykits x Motormaniac front bumper, carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber side splitters, carbon fibre rear diffuser, custom wheel arches, carbon fibre rear R33 spoiler, Tofu headlamps, S13 carbon fibre grille, custom carbon fibre S15 roof spoiler, DMAX front hood, carbon fibre hood duct, custom fender air ducts
Interior: Kevmanz x Motormaniac carbon fibre seats, carbon fibre dashboard, custom carbon fibre control panel, keyless starter, custom 6-point roll cage, Defi meters, Vertex 78 Edition steering wheel, Works Engineering quick release hub, carbon fibre door panels, carbon fibre door step trim, carbon fibre foot rest, carbon fibre gear knob, hydraulic e-brake, custom keypad