When Nissan’s new Z first hit the streets, few owners were willing to tear into one right away. But Monk Antonio has never been the type to wait for someone else to set the tone. His 2023 Nissan Z is already wearing a Pandem widebody kit, sitting low on Intriket Solutions air suspension, and rolling on custom forged wheels of his own design. Combined with an Inozetek vinyl wrap, the car stands as one of the most visually reimagined builds of the platform so far.
Antonio isn’t new to being early. His previous project — a VB-chassis WRX — became an R&D proving ground when the platform had almost no aftermarket support. Companies like Aeroflowdynamics, Rexpeed, and Rae-Motorsports developed parts around that car, helping him earn a name in the Subaru community. This time, he stepped into a platform with support already in place.
He bought the Z at the encouragement of a friend who insisted the car had promise. After some hesitation, he eventually brought one home and dove in headfirst. The Pandem bodywork establishes the car’s silhouette, while the Intriket Solutions forged wheels (designed through his own company) and struts paired with Air Lift Performance 3P management complete its stance.
Performance upgrades remain modest but effective. Rae-Motorsports fabricated custom three-inch titanium intakes and a matching catless turbo-back exhaust, and SoHo Motorsports tuned the VR30 to a healthy 452 whp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It’s a setup that adds excitement without pushing the young platform beyond its limits.
Inside, the Z features Braum seats, harnesses, and a harness bar, with custom mats and a refined trunk presentation rounding out the cockpit. It’s a clean, functional interior that matches the visual tone of the exterior.
Antonio’s cars aren’t built in isolation. They’re also a reflection of Street Tempo — the club he founded in North Carolina that has since grown to chapters in South Carolina, Texas, California, and Washington. His Z represents the face of that movement, showcasing the level of creativity and commitment the team stands for.
The build is still evolving, but its current form makes one thing clear: this is a car meant to push the new Z community forward. As more owners step into the platform, Antonio’s approach reminds them that someone has to set the tempo — and he’s happy to lead the way.
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ESSENTIALS
2013 Nissan Z
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Horsepower: 452 whp
Club: Street Tempo
Social: @monk.tempo
Engine:
Custom 3-inch titanium intakes; SoHo Motorsports tune
Exhaust:
3-inch catless turbo-back exhaust
Wheels/Tires:
Intriket Solutions custom forged wheels — 19x10.5 (f), 19x12 (r)
Lexani tires — 265/35/19 (f), 305/30/19 (r)
Chassis/Suspension:
Intriket Solutions struts
Air Lift Performance 3P air suspension
Exterior:
Pandem widebody kit
Inozetek vinyl wrap
Interior:
Braum seats, harnesses, harness bar
custom floor mats
custom trunk setup
Sponsors:
Rae-Motorsports
Braum
Metawrapz
FormulaDrinks
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