Tuck and Poke – I swear, if someone said those words to me a year ago, I’d think they had just come from their plastic surgeon. Now, they represent one of the latest crazes in automotive modification, and Mark Naylor has chosen.
Starting with a 1998 Lexus GS300, Naylor set to work on the stance of the car. A set of Tein CS coilovers were wrapped in universal air bags to ensure the possible best use of earth’s gravity. The bags are controlled by a Dakota Digital DHC-2000 air management system. Each corner of the car was treated to a Kranze Vishunu 20-inch wheel by Weds. The front wheels are a respectable nine inches wide, while the rears are an imposing 11 inches. Connecting them to the road are Nexen N3000 tires sized in massive 225/30 and 265/30 dimensions. Tucked inside of each wheel are Grip Force drilled and slotted rotors that are grabbed by custom color-matched calipers.
Under the hood, Naylor had an AAP supercharger kit grafted to the motor. The kit makes use of an HKS Rotrex blower. High pressure air enters the engine through an SRT intake and exits after combustion through a classic Tanabe Super Medallion exhaust system. SRT also provided ECU tuning to handle the additional airflow.
Next on the agenda was entertainment. With the help of the folks at Scosche and Kinetik, and impressive multimedia system was put together. The system includes an Apple iPod, Nintendo Wii and Myron & Davis 7” headrest monitors in its list of sources. A pair of Accele 10” monitors were fitted to the trunk lid, along with a pair of Sosche EFX coaxial speakers. A pair of Scosche 12” subs are fed by a 1,000W EFX amp, while the rest of the speakers get power from an EFX 4-channel. It’s all wired up with EFX cabling. To ensure maximum performance and long play-times, a massive Kinetik KHC3800 power cell was installed in the trunk, along with a Kinetik KIPS12-70 power supply. A KHC1800 power cell replaced the wimpy stock battery under the hood.
With the theme of the build being of the dark and mysterious VIP focus, a custom table was fabricated for the dash. Junction Produce Curtains adorn each of the cars windows, while a black Kiku knot Junction Produce Fusa and Kintuna hang from the rear view mirror. Truly these are classic Japanese accessories, but likely not quite akin to a mirrored disco ball that some of our Southern friends rock! The roof liner was replaced with Suede and a Vertex Prorpius shift knob add to the classy theme.
Exterior details were last on the list. A vertex 4-piece body kit gives the car clean ground-hugging lines. A Silk Blaze roof spoiler and Explosion Rear spoiler add to the sensation of speed. The stock fenders were massaged to deal with the massive wheel sizing, and the rear of the vehicle now sports ’04 Lexus GS taillights. With it all installed, the car was treated to a coat of House of Kolor Kandy Cobalt Blue paint over a silver base coat. While in the booth, a custom gauge pod and several interior trim pieces were also slathering in the shimmering metallic blue hue. A chrome grill, Advanced Automotive Concepts HIDs and Halos, VIP puddle lights, illuminated turn signal mirrors and chrome door handles finished off the exterior accents.
Whether rolling down the interstate, or on display at an event, the clean and smooth lines of the Lexus attract seemingly endless attention. With support from manufacturers like Nexen Tires, Scosche, Assultech, Kinetik, Flynn’s Detailing, Advanced Automotive Concepts and 3rd and Twentieth Studios, the GS has won dozens of awards, including Best of Show, Best Paint and all versions of Best Luxury at shows all over the US. From his days in the DUB / Tuner scene to his current recognition in the VIP scene, Naylor has enjoyed every step of the long build process. The next step? Drop in a 2JZ-GTE to give the go-pedal some VIP status of its own.
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