Kyle Harper's long-term relationship with his 2008 Nissan 350Z has had its fair share of ups and downs. From a very young age, the Z cars became his favorite, much to the dismay of his parents. As his parents attempted to talk him out of the Z early on, the dream never quite died. Once he got his license and the money together, he had to do it. He pulled the trigger on the 350Z, a decision which infuriated his parents. One year later, tragedy struck.
"I was driving in the mountains, lost control, and wrecked my dreams. I couldn't believe it. I was completely devastated," says Harper. "The car was totaled and there was nothing I could do about it. About a month and a half later, I received compensation from insurance for the car." After taking time to shop around many different cars that appealed to him, he just couldn't part ways with the Z dream, and in September of 2013 he decided to finish what he started, and bought another Z.
"In the past year or so, she has become a weekend and show car only and I baby her like no other. So much has gone in to this build in such a short time, most friends and people I know think I'm crazy for doing this at such a young age."
Owner: Kyle Harper
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Vehicle: 2008 Nissan 350Z
Horsepower: 302 whp
Club: High Octane Tuners
SOCIAL:
Facebook: Kyle Mante Harper
Instagram: @kyle_omgz33
Photography by Riley Di Pol, Jason, Tsui, Josh Howell.
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE:
Injen SP dual cold air intakes
Motordyne Art pipes
Motordyne XYZ pipe w/ straight pipe module
EXHAUST:
TopSpeed Pro N-1 cat-back exhaust
PERFORMANCE ELECTRONICS:
Protune with Osiris UpRev software
DRIVELINE:
Carbon fiber driveshaft
WHEELS & TIRES:
Work VS-XX wheels - 19x9.5 +17 (f), 19x11 +13 (r)
Hankook Ventus V12 tires - 225/35/19 (f), 255/30/19 (r)
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:
Airlift Performance air struts
Accuair E-Level management
Accuair I-Level module
SPC front camber arms
SPC rear camber arms
SPC rear toe bolts
BRAKES:
Custom powdercoated Brembo brakes w/ drilled & slotted rotors
EXTERIOR:
Custom paint
Shaved rear wiper & antenna
Nismo front bumper
Voltex Racing side skirts
JDM clear Nissan front bumper reflectors
Front "Z" emblem and CF inserts
CF fender emblems
CF door handle covers
CF B-pillars
CF mirror covers & mirror bases
Asuka CF roof
CF roof spoiler
INGS +1 duckbill spoiler
Amuse rear bumper add-on
APR Performance CF rear license plate backing
Custom retrofitted headlights
LED footwell lighting
LED parking & interior lights all around
INTERIOR:
Bride DIGO II Gradation seats
Kirk Racing roll bar with optional X-brace
Takata Race black 4-point harnesses
NRG steering wheel
NRG quick release & short hub
Powered By Max shift knob
Custom painted interior trim
AUDIO & MULTIMEDIA:
Alpine INE-W957HD
Powerbass door speakers & tweeters
Powerbass amp
COMPETITION EVENTS, CLASSES & AWARDS:
Wekfest San Jose 2014/2015/2016
Wekfest Long beach 2016
Blox Evolution 2014/2015/2016
Super Street magazine/Hardcore japan/Stance Showoff show - Top honors
Stance Showoff show, Stockton,CA - Top honors
2016 PASMAG Tuner Battlegrounds Championship - Stage 1: Elimination (Seed No. 4)
2016 PASMAG Tuner Battlegrounds Championship - Stage 2: Battle 10 (338 votes)
FAVORITE MODIFICATION:
"My favorite modification to this date is definitely the air suspension. I was static for three years before making the move to air, and I'm so glad I did. Life is much easier now. Speed bumps, bad roads, and freeways are no longer my worst enemy!"
FUTURE MODIFICATIONS:
A bigger Brembo BBK
New aero all around
Twin turbo setup, along with a built motor
Full carbon fiber interior
SPONSORS:
Mishimoto
Lumeneyez
Pristine Parts
SHOPS/MECHANICS:
Z Performance
Z Car Garage
Lumeneyez
