The 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show continues its tradition as the world’s largest aftermarket trade show for automobiles in spectacular style, with cars and trucks to suit everyone’s taste. We visited the show for two days and it was both incredible and overwhelming to see all of the muscle cars, imports, trucks and thousands of new accessories and products spread across the multi-building convention center and outdoor venues.

 

The big domestic automakers like Ford, GM and Dodge had huge multimedia displays with one-off/tuned vehicles. Honda, Mazda, Hyundai and even KIA had their own displays but sadly Nissan was absent. We did not spot a single Datsun at SEMA(other than the Fatlace Kenmeri) but there were plenty of Skylines and late-model Z cars in all stages of modifications. This Liberty walk LB Performance R35 was treated to over- fenders adding a dose of curvaceousness to its sharp lines:

 

LB Performance also made its mark on the BMW E92 M3 and ultra-exotic Ferrari 458. Watch owner Wataru Kato rev and shoot flames for the crowd HERE

 

Surprisingly devoid of huge wheels or fancy bodywork, this R35 paid tribute to Nissan’s historic racing heritage by sporting Datsun stripes seen on the Scoville and BRE cars of yore.  In true Nissan competitive spirit this GTR was also a contender in the Optima Batteries Ultimate Street Car challenge being held today!

On the wilder side was this R’s Tuning GTR with a BenSopra aero package and many Seibon carbon fiber panels. You might recognize this car from the latest Fast and Furious movie. Modified Nissan 350z’s and 370z’s, Infiniti G35 and G37’s were found in greater numbers outside the main exhibit halls. From simple and understated to absolutely bonkers these Z’s and G’s were parked amongst Hot Rods and other cool imports.

 

OS Giken displayed their legendary TC24-B1 engine. To Datsun/Nissan fans this is the “Holy Grail” of drivetrains for the Z car. Thirty years ago OS Giken created a DOHC, 4-valve/cylinder head to run on the traditional L24  six-cylinder engine.

The head has recently been re-casted and revised with modern materials to the tune of 420hp at 9,000rpm! A gear drive, specially tuned intake trumpets, Weber carbs and equal-length stainless steel headers make for the best-sounding inline-6 on the planet.

 

The most prolific Japanese sports car at this year’s show must have been the Scion/Subaru FR-S/BR-Z. I love these cars and often wish that Nissan released an equivalent but such is life! Their aftermarket support is tremendous and it was fun to see all the different takes on modifying these affordable sportscars including forced induction kits.  I have never seen so many Rocketbunny bodykits in one place, at least 9 cars sported the tacked-on flares and bodywork.

  

This BR-Z was my favorite and it did not have a Rocketbunny kit 🙂 Just a mild drop on Enkei wheels and a Crawford turbo kit kept it simple but cool!

 

Plenty of modified Hondas outside too but I think the show-stopper was Bisimoto’s Honda Odyssey minivan with a 1,000hp turbo-charged J-series V6…you know for those soccer moms that can’t lose to that Ferrari at the stoplight:

Boosted K-series drivetrains seemed to be the popular engine swap into different Civic chassis and even this 4th gen Prelude:

 

I always wanted to see a Porsche RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB)  in person. This purple 930 had their trademark fenders and ultra-wide deep dish wheels. I was shocked to see the massive 315-width tires but the use of (2) 2″ spacers stacked was weird. The Rotiform 964 on oversized replica Fuchs was beautiful:

  

SEMA was a muscle car/Hot Rod paradise with eye-candy at every corner. I’m a huge fan of late model-power combined with old-school looks and I got a healthy dose of Pro-Touring machines to the point of saturation! If I had to narrow it down here were my top three favorites:

Troy Trepanier 1969 Ford Torino-Talladega

This was a modern take on the Talladega racer from Troy of Rad Rides. It’s all in the details! GT40-style wheels, Glasurit gold paint, Hilborn intake converted to EFI, an interior with exposed rivets, Holman Moody gauges from Classic Instruments and a extensive roll cage complete the Talladega racer effect. Fit and finish were impeccable on this car. I could stare at it all day.

 

1969 Plymouth Valiant

This Mopar caught my eye because of its true “patina” exterior combined with sanitary detailing in the engine bay and interior. The ITB’d HEMI was fanatically detailed with tasteful finishes and colors. The interior on the other hand was super-luxurious yet still managed to look utilitarian.

 

Dodge Challenger

To me this car was the epitome of old soul meeting modern go. On the outside this Challenger looked like your father’s 392. Sure, the larger than stock OEM-style wheels may stand out, but pop the hood and you’d see that this wasn’t your father’s 392. It’s a crate motor from Chrysler’s new muscle cars residing in a uncluttered, super clean engine bay. No chrome or bling. Simplicity. I love it.

  

Wheels!  Great new releases from SSR, RAYS and ADVAN. Even the domestics are lucky to have companies re-popping oldies but goodies like GM Rallye-style wheels, 80’s Camaro/Firebird IROC/Trans Am wheels, etc.

 

Do you like Turbos? We do! Garret, Borg-Warner, Precision and others showed off their latest hair-dryers. Turbo kits are available for virtually every car/application. We really like the new Ford Coyote engine seen in the Mustang GT. Dig this twin-turbo setup for the 5.0:

 

One of the wonders of SEMA is the sheer number of equipment/tool companies on display. From chassis dynos to cylinder boring machines to tractor tires; things we take for granted are crucial to businesses and important to consumers! Where else can you demo a new tire-mounting machine or watch a fuel-injector tester before before buying one?

 

We aren’t huge truck fans but SEMA made it apparent that there are plenty of folks modifying their rigs from gargantuan monster-truck style builds to slammed and tubbed street machines. Ford displayed this go-anywhere truck (L) complete with tent and also showed a custom F100 from KISS’ Gene Simmons. This Hot Rod had a complete Shelby Mustang drivetrain:

 

SEMA is also known for showcasing the latest trends for better or worse. This year I noticed that bright, shiny gold wheels seemed to be the craze on economy cars all the way to Lamborghini’s.  The vinyl wrap has become more pervasive than ever. LED lighting on trucks has gone mad. You can’t lose with 22’s but 26’s are even better.  Crinkle coat finished paint on entire bodies. Here is a R33 Skyline GTR with XXR wheels?! A matte green wrapped F10 BMW M5.

 

The most sacrilegious engine swap award goes to this E92 BMW 335 with a Coyote drivetrain from a Mustang. Even had the BOSS intake manifold for an extra in-your-face to BMW owners. I like it!

 

Weirdest Automobile: The Spongebob Highlander. Yes, that is a fish tank occupying the entire area behind the seats!

 

Our two-day adventure at SEMA was impressive. The aftermarket is still thriving with companies continuing to innovate and meet enthusiast’s demands.  Equally impressive were the Hot Rod builds that displayed an ever-increasing bar of perfection and creativity. I think that is what SEMA is all about.  I could not possibly capture the grandeur and scale of this event in one blog post so please check out the photo gallery!