Authors Posts by Kyle@STILLEN

Kyle@STILLEN

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Well, we’re back in New Zealand for the Targa Rally.  Today was the first official day of the event and it started with scrutineering in the viaduct in Auckland Harbor.  Last night was pretty exciting as the All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team) won the world cup!  Today was a bit busy in Auckland as they shut down the main streets and had a ticker tape parade for the team.  GO ALL BLACKS!!!!!

Once we got down to the scrutineering location we let Steve and Jen (more on Jen later in this post) do their thing with the organizers of the event.  Mark and Joe (you know them from years past) have to follow up with their crew meeting.  Conrad and I cruised through the park ferme (parking area) to check out some of the competitors cars.  The BS has already started as some of the other GT-R teams are telling us they aren’t running as much power as we know they are….That’s OK…we’re not going to tell them everything we’ve done either!!!

Joe Nagy of Nissan North America tech center joins the team again this year.  This is Joe’s third event with the Team STILLEN Nissan GT-R. He worked with Steve on the initial launch of the GT R at all of the magazine and dealer demonstrations and knows these cars inside and out.  He and I flew into New Zealand on Thursday and spent Thursday and Friday preparing the car.  On Saturday Mark Ungles flew in and joined us while we worked on the tuning and further preparation.  Mark has been with the team since 2006, the first year of the Ford GT.  He brings a lot of knowledge of rallying and great mechanical aptitude.  We spent Saturday and Sunday wrapping up the final adjustments to the car, ride height, tuning (special thanks to Jack at Horsepower Logic) etc.  Overall preparation has been relatively easy.  We added some adjustable rear toe arms as well as changed springs, injectors, and a few other little tweaks.

Jen Horsey is new to the team but not new to racing, especially rally!  Jen has been involved in North American rally racing since 2004.  You may remember her from the X Games in car commentator.  She was also the co-driver in the Evo that decided to do an endo in X Games competition over the jump in 2008…We’ve already told her that she was brought on board for her navigator skills…not acrobatics abilities.

You all know Steve Millen.  Steve is the President and CEO of STILLEN.  Steve was born and raised in New Zealand, competing in rally and hill climb events before progressing into saloon and open wheeled race cars.  After moving to America, racing all over the world, and winning multiple championships Steve still looks forward to coming home every year and competing in the Targa rally.  These events are always a fun time and a great way to see the country and catch up with friends for a week.  Plus it doesn’t hurt to “sight see” at 100+ MPH through back country roads!

Steve’s wife Jodi is kind of the team mom.  Taking care of the service crew as well as making sure Steve and Jen have everything they need.  There is no more important job on the team than making sure the driver and co driver are happy and the service crew is fed and ready at any moment.

Then there is me and Conrad.  I’m Kyle Millen, I’ve been coming on the Targa’s every year since 2006.  I have done some navigator work but after a couple of bad experiences with motion sickness we’ve all agreed I’ll be most useful as the reporter sending updates back to everyone back home!  Conrad Healey has been on every Targa New Zealand Dad has ever done.

We’re ready to go, the car is running great!  Steve and Jen are working on the route books and how they want to call the instructions.  Jodi is getting the crew sorted with everything they need.  I need to get to work to make sure all the cameras and what not are ready.  Check back tomorrow for the first update of actual racing news!  By the way….the first day is allllll new stages!  Needless to say we’re very excited!

Here’s a quick video of the STILLEN GT-R, lots more to come as the Rally begins!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uswbSqzSs4

If you missed the previous years coverage, here’s a compilation video of some of the NZ courses from 2010, and links to previous years coverage:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcg-wGjyZGY

2010 Recap: https://blog.stillen.com/2010/11/targa-new-zealand-rally-2010-recap-and-wrap-up/

2008 Recap: https://blog.stillen.com/2008/11/2008-dunlop-targa-rally-new-zealand-wrap-up/

 

All 2011 Targa New Zealand Coverage

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For over 25 years STILLEN has been recognized as a leader in Nissan/Infiniti tuning. With a history of setting “first time” milestones in the aftermarket for these great vehicles, STILLEN has established themselves as the company to follow when it comes to Nissan and Infiniti product development. STILLEN was the first company to develop the HICAS eliminator system for the 300ZX Z32 platform. When the Z33 350Z was introduced, STILLEN was once again the leader with the first forced induction solution, as well as the first to offer CARB legality, and AGAIN the first with a 3-year/36,000 mile engine warranty.

Well, STILLEN has done it again as Team STILLEN is proud to announce the CARB Exempt Status of the Nissan 370Z (Z34) G37 Supercharger Kit.
STILLEN has not only been the first company to achieve CARB Exemption of a forced induction solution on the VQ37, we have also been the first company to achieve such an accomplishment while tuning through Nissan’s sophisticated ECU with larger injectors. This is a major accomplishment for Team STILLEN and one that will join the many other first time landmarks STILLEN has achieved in the Nissan/Infiniti tuning world.
CARB (California Air Resources Board) is the division of the California state government that controls all aspects of air quality and standards. With standards getting stricter it is getting more and more difficult to achieve CARB legality. CARB is recognized as the toughest emissions control in the country and is therefore recognized in all 50 states as an emissions standard for all performance parts. If a performance part achieves CARB Exempt status, it is recognized by all other states.
The power the STILLEN Supercharger system delivers is dramatic, taking the factory 3.7L V6 from 332hp to over 500hp! The system is designed to work with both automatic and 6-speed vehicles, including convertible and AWD models.
The STILLEN VQ37 Supercharger features a new cast aluminum intake manifold engineered specifically for this kit, complete air-to-water intercooler system, and boost is derived from a Vortech V-3 Supercharger unit. The V-3 features a quiet V-belt design, and a self-contained oiling system for easy maintenance.
In the past year STILLEN has shipped supercharger systems around the world. Fantastic reviews and reports are coming in from:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Russia
  • Thailand
  • Korea
  • Canada
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • France
  • Unite Arab Emirates
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • United Kingdom

Not to mention all of the kits that have been installed with great success across the United States at Nissan/Infiniti dealerships and performance shops. This is a bolt-on system, capable of being installed by any qualified ASE-certified automotive performance shop, or at hundreds of Nissan and Infiniti dealerships across the country, or right here at STILLEN at our in-house install facility.

Once again, STILLEN has successfully accomplished all of its goals with another great forced induction solution for the Nissan/Infiniti vehicles.

STILLEN 3.7L Supercharger System Features Include:

  • Vortech V-3 Centrifugal Supercharger Unit
  • STILLEN purpose designed cast aluminum intake manifold with long runners for increased torque
  • Installs under the stock hood – No modifications needed
  • Complete system includes pre-assembled Vortech V-3 supercharger assembly, air intake with polished air charge pipe and genuine K&N intake filters, fuel injectors, air-to-water intercooler, UpRev ECU Tuning cable/software and detailed installation instructions.
  • Optional 3-year/36,000 mile powertrain warranty
  • Made in the USA
  • 50 State Legal – CARB EXEMPT (E.O. Number D-436-17)


httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRpUC72wV8M

About STILLEN
STILLEN, located in Costa Mesa, CA, is a premier manufacturer and distributor of a select line of high performance products for late model import and domestic vehicles — developed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Founded in 1986 by renowned professional driver and race car builder, Steve Millen, STILLEN incorporates cutting edge race proven technology and advanced aerodynamic designs into the company’s proprietary performance and appearance product lines. Millen is known worldwide for achieving the greatest number of wins in IMSA GT history during the course of an impressive racing career that spans 30 years and numerous wins in series around the globe – from Le Mans to the 24 Hours of Daytona. Still family owned and operated, STILLEN branded products include exhaust systems and components, superchargers, fuel systems and components, brake kits and components, and urethane body styling products. The company’s race heritage and continued participation in motorsports has added special focus on motorsports proven R&D, manufacturing processes and materials, and expert, enthusiast-based customer support, distinguishing STILLEN in the field of performance manufacturers. In addition, STILLEN is an online reseller of many high performance products for late model cars and trucks, import and domestic, and creator of unique, one-of-a-kind performance project vehicles.

Continuing in the development of body kit components for the new Camaro, STILLEN is proud to announce the availability of our newly designed Polyurethane Lip Spoiler!

The STILLEN Camaro SS Lip Spoiler adds aggressive styling while keeping the flow and design of the new body style.  Set your Camaro apart from the rest with this bolt-on lip!

Urethane has significant benefits over fiberglass, most notably with the subtle flexibility like the OEM body, versus the rigidity found with fiberglass.

As with all STILLEN urethane body components, this lip was designed and developed at our in-house studio in Southern California. STILLEN body components come ready to prep and paint, and also include installation instructions, as well as the hardware necessary for install, and 3M automotive trim tape pre-installed to the part.

STILLEN components are so durable, they also come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty against cracking or breaking under normal use!

 

Other available body components from STILLEN:

Meet Paul and Robyn Mullen of Australia, who are taking a neat trip on the historic Route 66 from California to Chicago.  The Mullen’s are recently married, and taking their honeymoon on the road, after purchasing the Ford Mustang we built and hitting the pavement hard on a multi-state US trip!

Paul Mullen and Steve Millen have known each other for years and years, with Paul heading up Black Magic Media, a television production company which has handled coverage on numerous New Zealand Targa Rallies Steve has raced in.

Paul and Robyn are doing an excellent job in capturing their trip, blogging daily about the quirks and interesting things they have discovered along the way, with plenty of pictures as well.  Neat to see the Mustang stretch it’s legs, and get to see it pictured along all of the cool roadside attractions on the nostalgic-ridden Route 66.

This 2007 Mustang features a variety of upgrades, from the Magnuson intercooled supercharger system, AP Racing front and rear big brake kit, STILLEN polyurethane body kit, custom paint and full audio installation, wheels and tires, and Eibach upgraded suspension. Just shows how a properly set up vehicle can have huge increased power, performance and handling, and still be qualified for long trips and remain comfortable and fun to drive.

We encourage you to follow along in their journey, it looks like a blast!

http://route66mullanstyle.blogspot.com/

STILLEN is proud to announce the availability of the VQ37 supplemental warranty for the STILLEN 500HP Supercharger System!

The VQ37 Supercharger supplemental warranty program is available as a 3-year/36,000 total mile term (whichever occurs first), with liability coverage of up to $8,000.  This coverage warrants engine components (including the STILLEN Supercharger), transmission and rear axle components.  The supplemental warranty is valid in the United States and Canada, has a $0 deductible, and is available for $395.

One of the biggest concerns we hear from our customers is the worry of voiding their warranty with the use of aftermarket parts, and we’ve outlined some information in previous posts regarding this subject, and with the combination of an engine/drivetrain warranty, can give solid piece of mind.

For more information, please contact your STILLEN representative at 866-250-5542.

One of the more popular products we make for the Nissan GT-R has been the polyurethane Protective Skid Plate, and with the changes to the new 2012 GT-R’s front lip, this required a new skid plate to be designed. Proud to announce we are in final development of the new version for the new model!

Here’s a sneak peek inside the STILLEN modeling shop located in Costa Mesa, CA, and shows the final piece test fitted on the car before we sent it into mold preparation.  The final production part will be black urethane, sprayed with a black matte paint, and can also easily be painted to match any specific color if desired.

The skid plate is designed to protect the extremely expensive front fascia from scrapes and light bumps. It follows the specific contours of the car, and installs in just minutes with everything needed supplied.

We are in full swing with the 2012 Nissan GT-R, and are also nearly finished with the Front Lip Spoiler, as well as the Aerodynamic Side Skirts which are also available for the 2009-2011 GT-R.  Look for more information soon.

We’ve also been doing product fitment on other STILLEN items, such as our Cat-Back Exhaust System, Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipes, Stainless Steel Brake Lines, AP Racing rotor upgrades and much more!

Last month we brought you the information on the new high end Goodridge Phantom Gstop Brakelines, and as these are arriving soon, we wanted to get the word out, and get these in the hands of our customers, so we’re giving away 2 sets for free!

Simply head over to the STILLEN Facebook page, give us a ‘Like’ and you’ll have access to the entry form on the Sweepstakes tab, just pop in your information and you’ll be entered to win.  We’ll be picking a winner on April 15th, and again on April 30th!

The Phantom Brakelines are new from Goodridge, and are designed to replace the factory rubber brake lines on your car, improving safety, reducing stopping distances and deliver a much better brake pedal feel, just like the popular Goodridge Gstop Brakeline kits.  The Phantom series upgrades the hardware and fittings to stainless steel, features a black coating on the stainless steel lines, a beautiful upgrade, and we couldn’t encourage our customers more to consider upgrading your brake lines if you haven’t already, it’s an inexpensive upgrade that has huge benefits.

Good luck!  You can read the full giveaway rules here.

Goodridge has released information on their new limited edition Phantom Gstop Brakeline kits available for popular selected applications. For the ultimate brake line upgrade, look no further!

Upgraded stainless steel brake lines are one of the easiest modifications to make and get tangible results from.  Installing Goodridge G-Stop SS lines will dramatically improve brake pedal feel, eliminate the soft spongy feeling, and improve braking performance and reducing stopping distances.

The Phantom G-Stop kits take that performance and kick it up a notch, utilizing stainless hose ends, banjos and bolts, as well as feature black poly-coating to the stainless steel hoses.  Even the brackets and hardware are protective coated, creating a superior appearance, and ensuring durability.

All of the benefits of the best brakeline manufacturer, Goodridge, with upgraded hardware and coatings makes this a great modification for any enthusiast!

 

Initial Phantom Brakeline Applications Include:

  • 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS
  • 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette (Including Z06)
  • 2005-2011 Chevrolet Corvette C6 (Except Z06)
  • 2006-2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
  • 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 Coupe (Including Brembo)
  • 2003-2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan (Including Brembo – Excluding AWD)
  • 2003-2007 Nissan 350Z (Including Brembo)
  • 2009-2011 Nissan GT-R R35
  • 1997-2004 Porsche 911/996 (Including Turbo)
  • 2005-2008 Porsche 911/997 C2, C4, C4S
  • 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster/986 (All Models)
  • 2003-2006 Subaru Outback
  • 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza Wagon, WRX & STi
  • 2008-2011 Subaru Impreza WRX (Except STi)
  • 2006-2011 BMW 128i (E82/88)
  • 2006-2011 BMW 135i (E82/88)
  • 2007-2011 BMW 328i exc. Xi (E90/91/92/93)
  • 2006-2006 BMW 330i exc. Xi (E90/91/92/93)
  • 2007-2011 BMW 335i exc. Xi (E90/91/92/93)
  • 2005-2011 Ford Mustang GT (Including 5.0)
  • 2007-2011 Shelby GT500
  • 2005-2011 Ford Mustang V6 (with ABS)
  • Various 1998-2007 Mercedes C-Class / E-Class / SLK