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 After several attempts we were finally able to air this sucker up. 285/30R20 Falken FK-452 on an HRE wheel that measures 20×13″ So YES technically we were able to do what we were asked to do, and that is air this crazy stretch up.

But NO you should not be driving on this. There is about a 3/4″ gap between the tire bead and where it should be sitting on the wheel. This mysterious request was from Formula Drift world champion Chris Forsberg.

For what kind of car? A 350Z naturally… It’s a show car that Chris is helping out with. He was pretty floored that we were able to air it up after several attempts by himself and other tire shops. Later the customer decided to go with a 305/30R20. But we are still stretching with the best of them here at CTO!

It wasn’t intentional by all means, but some how we ended up with a few Porsches at our shop this past Saturday.

Our good friend Danny stopped by in the morning. He had purchased the coilovers and really needed a shop where he could install them. His car was in desperate need for a ride height change. Good bye rally Porsche!

Some of you may recognize Danny from our 24 Hours of Nürburgring trip. He is good friends with our driver Carl Rydquist (shown on the right working on his 996 Turbo).

Carl had also scheduled some garage time to put on some new rear camber arms and toe links on his 996 Turbo that we prepping for the 2010 Red Line Time Attack Season.

A few moments later, Jimmy from Attic swings by to do some fine tune adjustments on his Porsche… that’s what he says.. but I think he came by for the infamous CTO Shrimp Cocktails and Tostadas!

The garage area was looking pretty nice with three 911’s parked side by side.   

On the left is Carl’s Porsche after we put in the rear Camber Arms and Toe Links. On the right is Danny’s rally Porsche transformed into Street Beast! Looking much better.

Another pic of Danny’s Porsche, front end is really nice and low. We had to raise it a tad. But both Carl and Danny were admiring a side by side shot of their Porsches parked on our lot.

I <3 Porsche. 

Our good friend Alan, has been coming to CTO for a while now. Changing various setups on a couple pairs of wheels that he has. He came to us for some help on a track setup that would be reasonable for him to drive as a daily as well. He started off with Large Rotora brake kit and was having a difficult time finding a wheel that will give him enough clearance to do something semi aggressive.

First things first, in order for him to have the right stance in which he wanted, we installed a KW Variant 3 coil over kit to improve his handling around the track. It also will allow us to set a nice aggressive stance on the vehicle with the new wheel setup.

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/

 After some advice, Alan wanted a light wheel that will still look great, be strong, and have enough clearance for the Rotor brake system to clear. This is what we came up with!  Volk VR. G2 in Formula Silver. Sized very aggressively they are 20×9.0 and 20×10 with Yokohama Advan Sports in 245/30R20 and 295/25R20.

http://www.rays-msc.com/wheels/index.cgi?d=4

http://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/advan_sport.aspx

The combo came out great, just what Alan was looking for. Really great stance and performance now!

Fitment is so close! We had to do a little fender trimming to get everything to fit perfectly flush while still be able to clear without any rubbing issues. Thanks Alan for bringing your car to CTO!

 If you live in the Southern California area and have yet to visit the LA Auto Show 2009, you’re missing out! Last day of the show is Sunday December 13th. If you haven’t gone out yet, its a great way to spend the day checking out your favorite cars now and future!

The biggest theme this year has been the concept of going green. Fact of the matter is.. in my opinion I think Hydrogen Fuel Cell is the way to go. The Honda FCX Clarity which has been sold in only in the cities of Santa Monica and Irvine, CA has really come up with a great car with zero emissions. Another great car we spotted was the new Mazda “2” that has yet to be released. I love this little car! I really hope they make a “Speed2”!

Most of you have seen the new Chevy Camaro.. but the Concept “Chroma” model on the left looks really sharp! The silver Camaro on the right is the Jay Leno Edition is doing the same with less. They took out the V8 425 HP engine and swapped it out with a V6 3.6 direct injected twin turbo that produces the same 425HP as the V8!

Speaking of USDMs, Dodge had an outrageous booth of Vipers on display. 5 Vipers were parked with a video of a Viper attacking the infamous “Green Hell” – Nüburgring race track. Hits close to heart, cause I was there earlier this year with our driver Carl who was competing in the 24 hour race there. 7.22.1 is pretty damn fast. 

Of all the booths and displays, the Scion booth was clearly a showcase. As always, Scion creates a huge impact, especially amongst the youth group with their shoe-store like setup. One of the most famous Scions would most likely be Tanner Foust’s Formula Drift Rockstar Scion TC. Found his race suit, but found it odd that he is actually the same height as Vaughn Gitten Jr. hmmmmm…  

Here she is.. the beauty.. from Scion to Lexus… Toyota has hit a winner. The Lexus LF-A is an amazingly beautiful with a 5.2 V10 that will have you screaming to 60 in only 3.7 seconds after spending $375,000 on this car, I’d be screaming too! Maybe for less I might consider the new R8 Spyder. Part of the fun of going to the Auto Show is dreaming like you’re shopping!

Possibly a Rolls Royce Phantom. Interior is nicer than most homes. Never-mind… I found it! The one I want. 2010 Porsche GT3 RS. Done and done! Now with a 3.8 liter 450hp naturally aspirated flat six, this car has much motor under its stunning exterior. And at $132,800 compared to the $375,000 LF-A.. I still have some cash left in my wallet to pick up a few more McRibs!

If you’re planning to head out to the Auto Sow this weekend, park at the Convention center parking lot for $12 and there is a discount for entry tickets at:

http://www.laautoshow.com/DiscountCoupon.html

Just print it and bring it with you for a $10 entry with coupon!

-John