iM Highlight: Ryan Dandurand’s 2011 BMW 1M

Some of you may remember Ryan Dandurand and his infamous Imola Red 1991 Toyota MR2 (Photos HERE) and the various stages that we’ve featured of it throughout the years. Today, Ryan’s back once again, but with something a little different from his MR2 this time around. Kicking it totally new school, Ryan’s focus is now drawn to his newly acquired 2011 BMW 1M.

For a quick little background on the 1M, BMW introduced it’s high performance sub-compact to North America with a limited stock release of 220 vehicles. Ryan’s 1M is actually the 65th of the 220 made. In typical Ryan Dandurand fashion, this 1M was not going to go untouched. In just under a year, Ryan has done quite a bit to make his M-Powered sub compact stand out not only from your typical 1 Series BMW’s out there, but fellow 1Ms on the street as well.

Most noticeable on the exterior of Ryan’s 1M is the subtle drop on KW V3 Coilovers paired with a very aggressive set of Gun Metal 19″ Advan RS wheels. Ryan’s attention to detail is also found in the exterior with IND black sidemarkers and a set of LUX LED Angel Eyes. In addition, Ryan chose a few exterior pieces from BMW Performance, such as the black kidney grilles and the carbon fiber rear spoiler. The interior retains most of it’s original equipment, but goes in the same BMW Performance route with an interior LED conversion and a suede steering wheel.

Going back into quick facts on the BMW 1M, this peppy little coupe sports BMW’s 3.0L N54 Twin Turbo engine. With an impressive performance package straight from the factory, Ryan builds upon the N54 and takes things a step further with a Stage 3 BMS JB4 tune.

With function over form definitely being the route Ryan is going with his BMW 1M, we’ll definitely be paying close attention to what else Ryan has in store in the future for this little coupe. For now, have a look at what Ryan has already accomplished, in such little time.

Check it out!

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Owner: Ryan Dandurand
Vehicle: 2011 BMW 1M

Exterior
BMW Performance Kidney Grilles
BMW Performance Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler
LUX LED Angel Eyes
IND Black Sidemarkers
ECS Tow Hook

Interior
BMW Performance Suede Steering Wheel
BMW Performance LED Interior Conversion

Suspension
KW V3 Coilovers

Wheels & Tires
BMS Wheel Spacers
Advan Racing RS Wheels in Dark Gun Metal Finish
Front: 19×9 (+22)
Rear: 19×10 (+20)
Michelin PS2 Tires

Engine Management
BMS JB4 Stage 3

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For more pics, check out our Flickr page here: Ryan Dandurand’s BMW 1M

iM Highlight: Twin TSX’s

‘The Acura TSX.
Known as the European Accord or JDM Accord outside of North America, The Acura TSX (Touring Sportscar eXperimental) was introduced to North America in late 2003 as an entry level mid-size luxury sedan.’

Take that cheesy and kind of lame introduction and from an initial standpoint, the TSX wouldn’t exactly be the first weapon of choice when it comes to having a vehicle to modify, whether it be as a modded daily driver or a dedicated project car. It’s because of this exact mentality though, that some of the most cleanest and well done cars out there, are the ones that enthusiasts wouldn’t even think twice to modify; such as the TSX. In a day and age where practically any vehicle with good form and fitment is embraced by peers in the car scene, it’s no wonder that cars like the TSX are becoming more and more of a popular modding platform. Have a look at Justin and B’s “Twin TSXs”, and you just might have an idea as to why.

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A look at these two TSXs together, and what is immediately brought to one’s attention are the similar characteristics that these two share, such as the A-Spec front lip, the aggressive stance and of course the Volk CE28N wheels that both TSXs are rocking. Now, while both vehicles do share the same features, it’s the execution of these two TSXs that ultimately set them apart.

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B’s TSX, which is her also her winter and summer car, always sported a conservative, functional look. Taking things a step further this year, B’s refreshed take on the TSX platform is undeniably that of style and grace, as her TSX sits proper on a powdercoated set of 18×8.5 +30 Volk CEs. Bringing her TSX closer to the pavement are a set of T1R B-Max Coilovers. Sporting a full OEM A-Spec Kit, an M3 Style trunk lip spoiler, and Mugen visors, this is one TSX that is sure to turn heads with it’s Satin Silver Metallic exterior rolling low on brilliant white Volks; and just like sri-lankan rapper MIA says, bad girls do in fact, do it well.

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Onto Justin’s TSX, and arguably you’re looking at one of the lowest TSX’s, if not THE lowest TSX out there, on this side of the country. Justin, who originally wanted to keep his TSX as an untouchable daily driver, bit the bullet and decided to jump on a set of Function Form Type One Coilovers, which practically brought Justin’s TSX straight to the ground. With some encouragement from B herself, Justin acquired a set of 17×8.5 +50 (with 20mm spacers in the rear) Volk CEs, which is where the moniker of the “Twin TSXs” came from. Although still an undergoing project, Justin proves that having an aggressively low set up that practically tucks mad tire, can still break necks. With a simple and aggressive set up, this is something that Justin can definitely be happy about.

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Just from looking at a pair of well executed TSX’s, it’s definitely safe to say that it does not matter what car you choose to have as a modded daily driver or dedicated project car; as long as it’s done right. With the TSX being your typical mid size sedan that is often overlooked, and somewhat rare to see in the automotive scene, Justin and B have both been able to turn an everyday car into quite the head turner. Take a look for yourself and you’ll see what these twins are all about…

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Owner: B De Leon
Car: Acura TSX

Exterior
OEM A-spec Aero Kit
OEM Fog Lights
3000k HID fogs
M3 style Trunk Lip Spoiler
Mugen Window Visors

Interior
Alex Titanium Shift Knob

Engine
Injen Cold Air Intake
Mugen Oil Cap
JDM Accord Euro R Valve Cover

Wheels.&.Suspension
T1R B-Max Coilovers
18×8.5 +30 Volk CE28N
Muteki SR48 Neo-Chrome Lug Nuts
225/40R18 Federal 595 Tires

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Owner: Justin Kan
Car: Acura TSX

Exterior
OEM A-Spec Front Lip
“JDM Yellow” Fog Lamp Kit

Interior
EDM Accord Euro-R Shift Knob

Engine
Fujitsubo Cold Air Intake

Wheels.&.Suspension
Function Form Type One Coilovers
17×8.5 +50 Volk CE28N
20mm Rear Wheel Spacers

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For more pics, check out our Flickr page here: B & Justin’s TSX’s

iM Highlight: Urban X South’s BMW E36 M3

Keeping it simple.

For anyone whose ever modded a vehicle, whether it be conservative or aggressive, a plan (or an idea) is usually sought out before continuing with a build. For Gary & Cort of Urban Expressions Wheel & Tire (South) and their 1999 model BMW E36 M3, the plan was straight forward; keep it simple.

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Without a doubt, the main focus of this E36 M3 is found right where the boys from Urban Expressions specialize in, the wheels and tires. Sitting proper on 18×9.5 (front) and 18×11 (rear) custom painted Nagano Silver faced AC Schnitzer Rennsport Type 1s wrapped in Yokohoma S.Drives, the aggressive set up achieved by Gary & Cort is sure to break necks. Ultimately giving this E36 M3 a mean stance are the HSD Coilovers and UUC adjustable rear control arms.

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While the wheel and suspension set up attract all the attention on this E36 M3, we can’t help but to admire the cleanliness of the interior, the well maintained chassis, and the close attention to detail found on the car as well. The exterior of this Bimmer sports it’s original M3 aero, OEM French Style headlights and foglamps, and a Motion Motorsports GT adjustable front splitter. The interior stays true to the M3 brand as Gary & Cort have re-upholstered the seats to maintain the OEM feel that any BMW enthusiast can appreciate.

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On the performance side of things, Gary & Cort look to Active Autowerke with a full custom exhaust set up and a cold air intake. With plans for an Active Autowerke supercharger in the near future, the Urban X South E36 M3 is on the right track to being very unassuming, all the while staying maintaining it’s simply clean characteristic.

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Keeping it simple can definitely go a long way and the boys of Urban Expressions Wheel & Tire South have done so with their simple, clean and mean BMW E36 M3. Whether going in a conservative route or an aggressive one, starting with a plan or an idea for a build can definitely prove for a positive outcome. If you’re looking to start with wheels & tires, don’t hestiate to give Gary & Cort a call for a consulation. 😉

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Engine
Active Autowerke Exhaust (full from headers-front/track)
Active Autowerke CAI

Exterior
Motion Motorsports GT Adjustable front splitter with aluminum underpanel
French style headlights
OEM French style foglights

Suspension
HSD coilovers
Racing Dynamics front strut bar
UUC Rear adjustable control arms

Interior
Re-upholstered Dove grey Vader Front Seats

Wheels.&.Tires
AC Schnitzer Rennsport Type 1 – Face custom painted nagano silver
-Front: 18×9.5 Rear:18×11.0
Yokohama S-Drive
-Front:225/35R18 Rear:245/35R18

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More pictures of Urban X’s BMW E36 M3 can be found on our flickr page here: Urban X BMW E36 M3

iM Highlight: Almond’s Mercedes-Benz G500

We don’t really get to highlight enough of these types of vehicles, but when we do it’s usually a Sport Utility Vehicle that everyone can appreciate. For those who remember Almond and his Dinan chipped BMW 335i (Feature can be found: HERE), then there’s no need to hype his Mercedes-Benz G500 Wagon.

Before we get to the G-Wagon though, Almond did in fact surprise us a little this year with an update on his 335i. Since his last feature, Almond ditched the Work XSA-02Cs and is now rocking one of the greatest wheels of all time, a set of 19″ BBS LMs, which we did manage to get a few shots of as well.

On to the Mercedes G-Wagon, Almond doesn’t disappoint as his Military inspired SUV sits on an uber clean set of 22″ Claus Ettensberger Corporation (CEC) C856 wheels! With an SUV built to look good in both the winter and the summer season we just gotta wonder how Almond chooses between these two toys.

On to the pics…

More pics can be found on our Flickr page here: Almond’s Mercedes G500 & BMW 335i

iM Highlight: Vince’s CSX

We are pleased to present another GAWA feature out of Toronto and this time we have Vince’s daily driven commuter car, a 2006 Acura CSX Premium.

Vince has a bunch of experience modding cars, as he started the day he got his license and hasn’t stopped since. First up was a brand new 2000 Civic DX hatchback fresh off the lot which didn’t last long before he decided to switch it up for a less expensive 1992 Civic Si hatchback. Once he got bored of that he upgraded to a 4 door 1994 Integra which immediately received a JDM front end and other appropriate mods. In 2005 he again decided to switch it up this time for a Del Sol that a buddy was selling and after taking possession Vince went crazy. Full tear down, K swapped, resprayed, nothing left untouched. He even landed a feature in Modified Magazine for his efforts on this build.

At this point Vince felt it was time to move on to something else so he upgraded to a 2002 IS300 which was once again torn apart and rebuilt bolt by bolt. Vertex everything, 19″ Advan Sienna wheels, shaved and tucked bay and full car respray. However this time he just wasn’t feeling it and due to some life changes he needed something that he could commute with (5000+ km’s/month!) so obviously a fully built IS wasn’t ideal.

Bye bye IS and hello commuter car #1. A stock RSX which he proceeded to put 80,000 km’s on in one years time. Feeling like he needed more space than the RSX could offer he upgraded again (you get the drift by now haha, Vince likes to switch cars) to the CSX you see here.

Not able to leave the CSX stock Vince has upgrade the exterior with CTR bumpers, Mugen window visors and CSL stye rear wing. He also has a small collection of wheels (Mugen MF10’s, SSR Type F’s and stock CTR wheels) that he changes up on occasion.

The engine bay and interior sport a bunch of JDM CTR or CSX-S parts, but Vince has not compromised the daily driver commuter use he so desperately needs. The CSX odometer is already blown past 320,000 km’s and Vince says he can’t wait to roll over 500,000 km’s!

|Exterior:
Brown Metallic Vinyl Wrap
CTR Front Bumper
CTR Side Skirts
CTR Rear Bumper
Mugen Window Visors
Blue Smoke Tinted Headlights, Turn Signals, and Tail Lights
Ignited HID 6000K Headlight Conversion
35% Tinted Windows
Roof Spoiler
CSL Style Trunk Spoiler
JDM Honda Emblems

|ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:
CSX Type-S Header
CSX Type-S Downpipe & Cat
CSX Type-S Cat-back Exhaust
JDM FD2 CTR Valve Cover
JDM FD2 CTR Spark Plug Cover

|Suspension:
HSD HR Series Coilovers
Skunk2 Rear Camber Kit
Progress Rear Sway Bar

|Wheels & Brakes:
18×9″ SSR Type-F Wheels on 215/40/18 Nankang NSII Tires
18×7.5″ JDM FD2 CTR Wheels on 225/40/18 Yokohama Advan AD08 Tires
17×8″ Mugen MF-10 Wheels on 215/45/17 Nexen N3000 Tires
CSX Type-S Front Brakes
Goodrich Stainless Brake Lines
Muteki Lug Nuts

|Interior:
JDM FD2 CTR Start Button
JDM FD2 CTR Hazard Button
JDM FD2 CTR Shift Boot
LED Cabin Lighting
Brushed Titanium Wrapped Interior Accents
Mugen Pedals
ARC Shift Knob
Neuspeed Short Shifter
Infinity Reference Components (Front)
Infinity Reference Coaxials (Rear)
Pioneer AVH-P4400BH
OEM Navigation Housing

And here’s a couple more shots on Vince’s new SSR rollers.

iM Highlight: Steve’s GS350

Coming at you again with another sick photo set from the homie Galen Wan (aka GAWA photo) featuring Steve’s Lexus GS350. With luxury vehicles becoming more and more of a popular platform for modding cars, sometimes you just gotta ask yourself what else can you really add to something that’s already so well equipped?

In Steve’s case, keeping it simple is key as an INGS+1 style lip kit, a full matte metallic dary grey vinyl wrapping, a set of BC Racing coilovers to get this car low, and an aggressive set of 20″ ADV.1 ADV08TS wheels were added to set off his GS350.

‘They say’ the set of wheels you choose for your car, can either make or break the appearance of your vehicle. A quick look at Steve’s GS, and it’s definitely safe to say that the ADV.1s he chose definitely made his car stand out from the rest. Have a look for yourself and you’ll see exactly what ‘they say’.

|Mod List:
BC Coilovers
INGS+1 Replica Lip Kit
ADV.1 ADV08TS wheels (20×9.5 & 20×10.5)
Matte Metallic Grey Wrapped

And a couple more rolling shots!

iM Highlight: Taylor’s 1994 GSR

Most of my friends have always known me as a VW kind of guy, and some of you might remember my old feature with my VR6 swapped Mk2 Jetta Coupe. Hanging around with nothing but Honda guys, it was only a matter of time before they would have me converted. After 4 years of convincing I finally caved in and picked up this 1994 GSR. I picked up the car with the intention of doing a full itr replica, while the car already had the jdm front end with various other itr spec parts, I have accumulated numerous parts to finish it off  the exterior before I head into the motor. While I have big plans for the car this winter, I just recently picked up a set of Gramlight T57-RC’s and thought what better way to begin a new chapter in my life as a Honda enthusiast, to share with you what I will be working with. Enjoy.

|ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:
B18C1
Short ram intake
DC Header
Cooling Plate
Type R Valve Cover
Apexi World Sport 2

|SUSPENSION:
Koni Yellow Struts
Works Lowering Springs
Type R Front Strut Bar
C Pillar Bar
Spoon Rear Strut Bar
ASR Subframe Brace
Blox Sway Bar End Links
Suspension Techniques Polyurethane Bushings

|WHEELS:
16×7 ET37 Gram Lights T57-RC

|EXTERIOR: 
JDM Front End
JDM Type R Front Lip
JDM Smoked Amber Side Markers
Type R Doors
JDM Type R Side Mirrors
Shaved Rear Quarter Moldings
Shaved Antenna
Shaved Rear Hatch
Rear Wiper Delete
Azect Side Skirts
Phillips 8k HID kit
JDM yellow fogs
98-01 tail lights

|INTERIOR:
JDM Type R Red Recaro Seats
JDM Type R Door Panels
JDM Type R Gauge Cluster
JDM Type R Center console
JDM fog light switch
JDM Airbag Delete
JDM Armrest Delete
JDM Type R shifter boot
Type R shifter plate
Spoon Sports Shift Knob
Momo Wheel
HKB Hub Adapter

iM Highlight: Taylor’s VR Coupe

Often times I find that I am being asked by many others to shoot their cars that it is extremely hard to find the time to shoot my own. I usually go out with the regular group of car enthusiasts, thinking that I will finally take a few shots of my car, the end result being I am taking photos of others. This past week was different, I set out a day away from the crowds and it was actually great to get my first “real” photos of the car I have been staring at for so long thinking of the possibilities. While winter is in full force on the island, the day resulted in having dry roads and the opportunity to put the summer shoes on for a few waterfront photos. Hope you enjoy my mk2 coupe.

Read more “iM Highlight: Taylor’s VR Coupe” →

iM Highlight: Tim’s Lexus IS 300

What is perfection? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as: “an exemplification of supreme excellence”. Lexus has been striving for perfection since its debut in 1989 with the Lexus LS 400, or “FlagShipOne” for all you history buffs. As we all know, Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota that has created cars that feature comfort, style, performance and sex appeal as standard options.

Fortunately, I had the chance to experience three of those features in person by shooting Tim’s Lexus IS 300. Tastefully modified, it stands out, but not too much. It’s very subtle, timid and clean. When he purchased it back in 2004, Tim’s goal was to take a fairly common car, at the time, and turn it into something that is unique, subtle, and to customize it in a way that mostly represents him. Tim told me he got a lot of inspiration from the website My.IS, a Lexus IS forum.

As far as modifications go, here’s what Tim’s done so far:

AERO:
Carson-Tuned Front Bumper and Rear Valance
RMM Side Skirts
UGO Roof Spoiler
Gloss Black Roof Vinyl
TRD Trunk Lip Spoiler
Matte black JDM Altezza Front Grille
Matte gunmetal WORK Emotion CR-Kai Wheels

ENGINE:
TurboEast Headers
HKS Super Drager II Axle Back Exhaust
K&N FIPK II Intake
Titan Motorsports Adjustable Exhaust Cam Gear
Apexi SAFC-IIStage 1 Valve Body Upgrade
M Transmission Cooler

SUSPENSION & BRAKES:
Rotora Cross Drilled Rotors
ARK CoiloversTanabe Sustec Sway Bars
SRT Member Braces

Again, he wanted to keep it clean and subtle. In the near future, he does have plans to add a little more juice to his “FlagShipOne” car. But for the time being, I’d say he’s got a pretty fly ride. Wouldn’t you?

Thanks for reading. Stay fresh kids!

More photos in the gallery HERE

iM Highlight: Porson’s EVO X

Earlier this year, Porson replaced his Civic Si with a full Mugen RR conversion with an Evo X. After a few months of ownership, lots have already gone into this daily driver. Last week Porson took the first step of going winter mode by installing his roof-rack for his fat cat. We decided to go downtown for a quick shoot before the sun set. Now to the pictures.

Lots more is planned for this car after winter. Both cosmetic and performance. Even though I love his wheels and they look super aggressive with his Evo, he may be getting new wheels because another Evo around town is rolling on the same setup. 🙁 Big ups to Porson for making this photo shoot happen.

– Words and pictures by Uno Lee