We Bought Our First Drift Car!!
Three weeks ago, to take our first steps into the world of drifting, Dylan and I embarked on a bit of an unconventional path by choosing a 2003 G35 sedan as the canvas for our latest project for Checkpoint Japan. While the platform might be often passed up due to its questionable owners and a typical lack of style, we saw it as an opportunity to break the mould, redefine expectations and not be pigeonholeed into spending a fortune while doing so.
The Infiniti G35 has often been overshadowed by other, more desirable platforms in the drifting community. However, our decision to breathe new life into this somewhat overlooked gem is fueled by a desire to challenge stereotypes and inject a fresh dose of style into the scene.
One of the main reasons the G35 is often dismissed is the stigma associated with it by its owners. Often viewed as immature (think high school parking lots), reckless (think dangerous intersection takeover activities) or lacking style (think bad wraps and rep wheels), the G35 has been unfairly sidelined. Nevertheless, Dylan and I are determined to show that any car, with the right vision and dedication, can become something with a bit of substance.Our inspiration for this project harks back to the golden era of Japanese drifting – the early 2000s D1 Grand Prix (D1GP), primarily the Toyota sedans that could be found in the more grassroots level of the sport (D1 Lights). We aim to capture the essence of that period, where style and excitement converged on the tracks of Japan. The G35 sedan, with its sleek lines and potential, provides a decent canvas to pay homage to the iconic drift machines of that era.
Our vision is clear: to build a G35 sedan that stands out not just for its performance but also for its aesthetic appeal. We plan to invest in high-quality parts and meticulous craftsmanship to ensure that every aspect of the car reflects our commitment to excellence. We hope to revive a sense of nostalgia for seasoned drift enthusiasts while introducing a new generation to the allure of classic Japanese drifting.
Thankfully, we have some awesome friends and sponsors who have helped us get started on this build. Milo and Raul helped us get the transmission back together and into the car, and Cube Speed sent us another short shifter to run in this car, along with a set of coilovers that they had just recently announced. As always, the short shifter was fantastic, and the coilovers quickly exceeded our expectations.
We would never recommend a product or accept a sponsor that we wouldn’t run in one of our cars. If you want to upgrade the feel of your car’s shifter performance significantly and inexpensively, or get onto a new set of coilovers, check out Cube Speed Shifters.
There is still a lot left for us to do, learn, test and try on this car, but for now, we feel accomplished to have it moving under its own power and looking a lot better aesthetically from when we picked it up three weeks ago.
In a world where conformity often stifles creativity, Dylan and I are excited to showcase the potential hidden within the G35 sedan. Stay tuned as Checkpoint Japan takes on the challenge of turning a dismissed platform into a stylish and exciting drift car that pays homage to the glory days of Japanese drifting.
