Strangers, misfits, eccentrics and oddities: the rich tapestry of people and their cars keeps this hobby interesting.
If we just requested the spec sheets, we would probably get tired of the conversation quickly. Without the emotions, atmosphere and stories associated with them, custom cars are just a collection of parts. The way Mike Faizi feels about his A31 Nissan Cefiro is quite a vibe, and I love it.
When was the last time you felt an emotional connection to a monotube shock absorber? Except getting angry when someone else doesn’t know what they are doing, of course.
On the other hand, you probably remember the first time you saw a Ferrari 288 GTO because the atmosphere it exudes is incredible. I know for sure – at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance. Will the performance make your head spin by today’s standards? Probably not. But seeing one slide by on a B-road? You may need tissues and a moment of solitude afterward.
Sure, the technical aspects of road and racing cars are fascinating and essential to their enjoyment, but that’s not why we love them. The technique is merely a means to an end, and that end is the emotion it produces in our hearts, our stomachs, and our loins.
Without the brilliant minds of Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz, we wouldn’t experience the thrill of a V10 screaming past and sending shivers down our spines. But if someone starts rattling off an order to dismiss, I might give my own order.
Here we have a car decorated with a patchwork of parts, days of polished metal and countless hours of love poured into it. But what really brings this four-door Nissan from the late ’80s/early ’90s to life? I listen to Mike talk about it. His passion for the A31 platform is infectious.
“Cefiros are affordable here in Malaysia. No one can afford a GT-R of any generation – import taxes and brokerage fees are just too high.” Mike explains. “So the Cefiro becomes the best option. The chassis is virtually identical to the R32, meaning most parts fit. I found this one abandoned in a field, rescued it and built it up.
In Malaysia you can buy a rugged JZX Toyota Chaser for the equivalent of around US$20,000, while a Cefiro might only set you back US$2,000. A poor R32? That will cost you $45,000 – if you can find one at all. It’s easy to see why building a drift project car 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 for some reason wish to remain anonymous – and the Dasuki Bodykit exterior parts were also fitted there. The cherry red, high-flake paint was applied at ZQ Autoworks. I love the combination of bright red and polished metal, although I’m not sure I can wear it for a daily drive.
While there’s nothing revolutionary about the engine construction, it’s a real hot rod. The RB25DET NEO came from an R34 Skyline GT-t and is equipped with 272-degree HKS cams, a custom billet intake, a GTX3076R-style turbocharger and much more. An HKS F-CON V Pro Ver.3.4 engine management system controls the package.
Mike didn’t just dig into the Nissan OEM and aftermarket parts bins for the engine base; the front grille is an S13 Silvia piece, the rear spoiler is 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 down to bare metal and then had it completely boxed up to ensure the aging body could handle the new components.
If you saw this structure with the hood up at a car show, you might want to snap a photo for your Instagram and walk by. Without owners willing to share the story, you could easily pass the next ten cars as well. But spend a few hours with Mike on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, and this car will sear itself into your memory.
There’s a spec list below for those looking for details, but for me, driving a car is far more important than knowing every technical nuance of why the car performs the way it does.
Every car is unique, every person different and every point of view valid. I may not remember the model numbers or part names, but I’m glad there are people who do.
Toby Thyer
Instagram _tobinsta_
tobythyer.co.uk
Mike Faizi’s A31 Nissan Cefiro
Engine: Nissan RB25DET NEO (R34), custom valve cover, custom GTX3076R style dual ball bearing turbocharger, custom intake, custom throttle body, custom radiator with dual electric fans, AN fittings, custom turbo -bell mouth, 850cc injectors, HKS 272 degree camshafts, Honda K20 coils, custom billet coil holder, custom lobster tail intake and turbo pipes, R34 GT-R intercooler, custom carbon fiber heater plate cover, Astra battery from Bateriku x Motormaniac, custom steel braided engine breather hose, steel braided oil hose, steel braided radiator hose, custom engine and body wiring harness, wire tucked engine bay, custom stainless steel exhaust manifold, custom oil recovery tank, custom water reserve tank, 2x Duratech fuel pumps, fuel buffer tank, HKS F-CON V Pro Ver.3.4 engine management system
Powertrain: Nissan RB25 5-speed gearbox, KAAZ limited slip differential
Suspension/steering and brakes: D2 Racing adjustable coilovers, Megan Racing caster kit, Megan Racing camber kit, Wisefab corner kit, electric power steering, Nissan Z33 Brembo front calipers and discs, Nissan R32 dual rear calipers and discs, stainless steel braided brake lines
Wheels and tires: 18 x 9.5 inch SRR wheels, 255/35R18 Zeknova RS606 R1 tires
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 fiber rear diffuser, custom wheel arches, carbon fiber R33 rear spoiler, Tofu headlights, S13 carbon fiber grille, custom carbon fiber S15 roof spoiler, DMAX hood, carbon fiber hood duct, custom fender air ducts
Interior: Kevmanz x Motormaniac carbon fiber seats, carbon fiber dashboard, custom carbon fiber control panel, keyless starter, custom 6-point roll cage, Defi gauges, Vertex 78 Edition steering wheel, Works Engineering quick release hub, carbon fiber door panels, carbon fiber door sill trim, carbon fiber footrest, gear shift knob made of carbon fiber, hydraulic e-brake, custom keyboard
