Mäkelä Auto Tuning Projects

Every now and then, someone will submit a build that has already been featured, but it is far from a wasted effort as it can open up an opportunity for another story. Jani-Matti from Finland email me a build from Mäkelä Auto Tuning previously featured here, the immaculate restoration of a Group B Toyota Celica rally car. Even though I had already featured that particular build, I had another look at the site and remembered that MAT have more than one intricate build on the go.

Keep reading below and you will find a list of the projects documented in their galleries. I have listed all of them instead of releasing each one as separate features. Does this mean I can take a couple of weeks off now? Didn’t think so 🙁

MAT is truly at the top-end of the car restoration spectrum. Not only are their builds pure quality, but they also take the time to create and update a clean and informative website complemented with superb photography.

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BOWLS Tuner Challenge Update

Just before SEMA I posted here about the BOWLS Scion pickup being built for the Tuner Challenge. Well here it is in full effect with a second video showcasing more of the build. This is one smooth truck, perfectly executed, nice job BOWLS!

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Project 510 – CV driveshaft conversion

It’s been a while since the last update, but work has been happening in the meantime.

With the low-ride height I like the datto to roll at, there are no doubts I would run into a few obstacles (both literally and mechanically). One of those is the extreme angle that the drive-shafts operate at. Since the 510’s and some other Datsuns use an old-school independent rear suspension setup, the driveshafts angle upwards further and further as you lower the car. Being an older type universal-joint design, there is a limit to how efficiently the shafts can operate at such an angle.

Thankfully the Datsun brand captured the imaginations and hearts of many people around the world over the years, and we are lucky enough to have companies such as Wolf Creek Racing catering to our needs.


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Lancia Delta Evo1

The Lancia Delta is a car that I personally imagine to be on similar ground to the E30 M3. By that I mean that it seems to be almost universally loved by car enthusiasts the world over. Maybe not as much as the BMW, but there are no shortage of people who will declare their love for this boxy hatchback.

First up I have to say a huge thank you to Maccan from www.alive.se for not only submitting this build but also giving me a bit of a run-down on the project since the whole thread is in Swedish.

The car is being built for track duties, with a custom bodykit being moulded out of carbon & fiberglass, with lexen windows continuing the lightweight theme. Underneath, there are plans for a flat floor and rear diffuser to try to keep it stuck to the ground.

The engine is fully forged & balanced with a rear mounted radiator, aiming to produce around 550-600bhp when it is completed.

The actual project is not finalised yet, so peep the thread and check back for updates.

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The Infamous Project

“3 months – 2 Cars – 1 Dream”

Dave from Stance Is Everything sent me an email to let me know about The Infamous Project which is due to take place from January 1st until March 11th, 2010. During this time you will be able to view the customisation of two cars live a LIVE feed in the builder’s garage. This is taking the whole build thread/online journal concept to a new level. The cars in question are a 1992 BMW AC Schnitzer and a 1989 Mustang GT Convertible, so there’s something for the Euro and USDM lovers amongst us.

Could this live concept start a new trend in the online car documentation scene?

Head to http://theinfamousproject.com/ to read up more about the project(s) and be sure to bookmark it.

BMW M5 Ute

Cereal submitted this build to me, but it’s something I saw years ago while reading Street Machine Magazine when the car was still a concept. It belongs to professional Aussie golfer Stuart Appleby, and it shows what happens when you’re a BMW nut with a whole lot of disposable income. An M5 sedan is given the ute/pickup treatment to fit some golf clubs in the back, with all the body work being fabricated the old school way, in metal.

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RB26 E30 BMW

Thanks to Jeroen from Speedhunters for kindly throwing this build my way. Once again, everyone’s favourite car (or should I say, the Internet’s favourite car), the E30 BMW, get’s some major lovin’. This one’s getting it’s new heartbeat from Nissan’s finest, an RB26DETT (with both T’s removed and replaced with one big T). Purists look away.

cleaning02

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