For years now we’ve been teaming up with our various event partners across the world to run FeatureThis promotions at many of the different shows and meets we cover. It’s pretty simple really – a Speedhunters representative looks over the vehicles and chooses a winner that not only receives a trophy of some sort, but a full car feature right here on Speedhunters.com.
Having been tasked with selecting a winner at many different events, I can some provide some insight on what goes into our decision making. Despite what you might think, a FeatureThis winner needs not be the rarest, fastest, flashiest or most expensive car at a particular event. It just needs to to be cool and interesting, and hopefully make for an enjoyable story.
That said, it might be surprising to hear that we chose one of the loudest and most outrageously-styled S13s in North America as the FeatureThis winner from the recent Offset Kings event in Seattle. So did we simply find the wildest car and declare it winner?
Absolutely not. Derrik Pompeo’s 1990 240SX might be a major attention-grabber, but there’s a whole lot more to this car than just saying ‘look at me’. Not only does it have all the bite to back up its bark, the Nissan is also a perfect homage to the radical street drift cars that came out of Japan during the early 2000s.
It all started back in 2008 when Derrik was 15 and bought his first automobile – a bone-stock 240SX hatchback with a lame automatic transmission. He’d wanted a 240SX since the 5th grade, so after bringing the car home he got straight into modifying it.
Over the last seven years Derrik’s taken the Nissan beyond what he could have imagined originally, going through multiple engines and multiple exterior styles.
Go Wide, Go Low
Let’s begin with the exterior, because that’s the first thing that draws people toward the car. It’s aggressive to say the least and looks like something that came straight off a Drift Tengoku video circa 2001.
For Derrik, one of the biggest challenges of putting the S13 together was gathering all of the parts to complete the look he wanted – particularly the BN Sports body components from Japan.
He’s running a full catalog’s worth of BN panels on the car including the front and rear wide fenders, the bumpers, the vented hood and the side skirts.
He’s also added a rare BN Sports inverted hatch which gives the S13 an especially radical look from the rear when combined with the Do-Luck spoiler.
Other work done to the exterior includes D.Pomps canards and splitter up front, kouki 180SX taillights, OEM Nissan rain guards and of course a set of Ganador side mirrors.
All of that is set off by a graphics package that includes metallic blue flames, pink tinted windows and decals from many of Derrik’s drifting-obsessed friends.
Derrik has given plenty of attention to the suspension and chassis as well. He’s running a set of JIC Magic FLT-A2 coilovers along with Garage Autohero knuckles, Battle Version adjustable arms and a number of other bits to help the S13 go sideways as aggressively as possible.
Stay True To Your Roots
These days when you open the hood on a modified S13 you really have no idea what kind of motor you’ll find. In Derrik’s case though he always wanted to stay true to the roots, thus the decision to go with an SR20-based engine package.
Of course, his motor is far from your typical SR setup. It’s actually a variable valve timing equipped SR20VE-T setup with strengthened internals, upgraded cams and an AEM engine management system.
Boost is provided by a Garrett GTX3582R turbocharger and there’s also a ZEX nitrous kit on board for good measure. You can bet there’s more than enough power for Derrik to hang with those who have gone the increasingly popular V8 route.
Wheels are a massively important part of building a stylish drift car, and the choice of 18×9.5-inch and 18×10.5-inch bright pink RAYS Gram Lights 57DRs is hard to argue with.
And in addition to the 57DRs, Derrik also has a set of Work VS KFs for when he’s in that multi-piece mood. Either choice is equally suited to the wide, low and aggressive look.
Peeking into the cockpit, you can see a 6-point Cusco rollcage along with Recaro and Bride buckets for the driver and passenger respectively, all basking in the glow of the pink tinted windows.
Other touches in the cabin include a Tomei shift knob, a rare Fabulous Profound steering wheel, and of course the requisite set of checkered-pattern floor mats.
Being his first car, it’s unlikely that Derrik will be parting with his S13 anytime soon. In fact, he already has additional upgrades planned including a full custom rollcage and other updated interior equipment.
Whether it’s the unique SR engine setup, the wild exterior or just the fun attitude that this car exudes, we feel Derrrik’s 240SX is more than worthy of joining the growing list of Speedhunters-approved machinery. Tune in next time to see what we find during an upcoming FeatureThis outing.
Mike Garrett
Instagram: japanifornia_media
mike@speedhunters.com
Photos by Linhbergh
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Is it bad that my favorite part is the window tint?
Is it bad that my favorite part is the window tint?
Is it bad that my favorite part is the window tint?
Not really, considering that my favorite part is the Gold reflective covered brake booster and master cylinder shield.
Not really, considering that my favorite part is the Gold reflective covered brake booster and master cylinder shield.
Not really, considering that my favorite part is the Gold reflective covered brake booster and master cylinder shield.
Love the inverted hatch, first thing that came to mind was the rear of an MR2. Pretty awesome that this is his first car and that he's enjoyed transforming it over the years rather than moving on to something different.
I thought most cars sporting the junkhouse sticker were converted to RHD?
this car is wicked cool man!
To bad JUNKHOUSE isn't what people think it is and the the owner of JH is not welcome to any events here in Chicago. JH hasn't been the same since the designer left.
The tints and playboy bunnies are hidious. Love the rest of the car tho.
I was going to come here and start critiquing the aesthetic, but then I stopped and thought a sec. Actually, the story of falling in love with the S13 aged 10, buying one aged 15 and owning the above specimen at 22 is pretty damn cool, and the car stands up well as an expression of that sort of truly passionate enthusiasm for the model.
Nice one!
I was going to come here and start critiquing the aesthetic, but then I stopped and thought a sec. Actually, the story of falling in love with the S13 aged 10, buying one aged 15 and owning the above specimen at 22 is pretty damn cool, and the car stands up well as an expression of that sort of truly passionate enthusiasm for the model.
Nice one!
@TRUTH perhaps that's why one of the stickers on the rear 3/4 window reads 'F**K JUNKHOUSE' ? (just a guess)
I've seen this car get thrown sideways before at the track so it's not just a Hardparker.
MAXIMUMatttack I understand that's an opinion and all, but it's more hate the way your saying it
I didn't see that sticker. Also, why is JH not welcomed at any of the event I. Chicago?
I liked the fc3s that I saw them do years ago but after that I never saw anything from them anymore. Risky devil has made some nice cars but what happened to junkhouse????
I didn't see that sticker. Also, why is JH not welcomed at any of the event I. Chicago?
I liked the fc3s that I saw them do years ago but after that I never saw anything from them anymore. Risky devil has made some nice cars but what happened to junkhouse????
@Tom Junkhouse was never a crew it was just a brand that we all supported for a long time but not anymore.
@Tom Junkhouse was never a crew it was just a brand that we all supported for a long time but not anymore.
Takes me back to the early 2000's drift scene in Japan. Nicely done!
MAXIMUMatttack But they are the coolest parts!
really? this is, supposedly, cool? wtf, i'm on the wrong site i guess. this is just some kiddie car porn shit.
This has to be the dopest S13 Hatch I have ever seen.
I try my best to be as open as possible to all types of car modification, and understand that not everyone likes everything, but man, if you don't think early 2000's J style drift cars are the best I have to question your taste. This car is 10/10.
Taryn Croucher MAXIMUMatttack yep, i'm on the wrong site!
cutterjones13 Hah, I'm just stirring. Seriously though, Speedhunters covers all aspects of car culture, so we don't expect people to like every single car we feature! Going through your comments, it looks like you've enjoyed some of our other recent articles? If you liked those, I know you'll love some of the other stories we have coming up this month!
So much character!
the build quality on this car is horrible, look at the details that he forgot. does each sticker add a hp? body lines on the kit don't line up, paint is dull, wires hanging from bottom of glove box and that is just a glance.
Ok well it seems your count don't fucking matter and I don't see your car on here so shut the fuck up
For my street car I wouldn't. For a track weapon? Bet your ass. I love it!!
zzzgizmo I'm pretty sure the contrast in paint is intentional...
zzzgizmo This aint a show car. As long as it's functional, that's all that matters
Alot of 180/240's i see are doing the early or late 2000 Theme with their car cause at that time it was cool each had a different style of there character that went with there car personality , much like what you see here. Is it overrated ? I wouldn't know ? alot of us got many great ideas from the japs and i thank them for that. Props to the owner
Alot of 180/240's i see are doing the early or late 2000 Theme with their car cause at that time it was cool each had a different style of there character that went with there car personality , much like what you see here. Is it overrated ? I wouldn't know ? alot of us got many great ideas from the japs and i thank them for that. Props to the owner
crispykrem3 i think that's what the US Scene is really trying to make a comeback hopefully not trying to over clone a style we see in japan.. cause Japan can mimic are style as well and do it 10x's better with or without the decals
zzzgizmo And then don't like D1GP car style then :p
everybody is have a different style and taste btw
Drift cars should look like this, not these things with Monster and Rock star nonsense all over them..FD cars are quite ugly.
@Tom Westmacott lol all the "FUCK JUNKHOUSE" stickers were made BY junkhouse.
kevinalvarez1201 why would you think that?
this is what drift cars should look like, style over dudebro testosterone machines.
crazy livery
What happened to Linhbergh anyway? Is he in Seattle now since he's sullied his reputation all over California?
It's a small world and I heard he even tried to stiff Tesla until they threatened to sue him.
Shysters like that are not to be trusted---and are bad for the industry.
This car is perfect in my opinion! I've followed D pomps on IG for awhile and have always loved his style choices. 100/100
This car is perfect in my opinion! I've followed D pomps on IG for awhile and have always loved his style choices. 100/100
I was just going to post the came comment. Sloppy sloppy sloppy. I know it's a drift car, but come on, all I can see is body panels so crooked they look like they're help on by the stickers.
Every comment you post is negative..take your bad attitude elsewhere.
This car is sweet and perfect !!
This car is sweet and perfect !!
big wheel on that tilt reminds me of a bus. Usually you'd see a smaller diameter deep dish steering wheel.
big wheel on that tilt reminds me of a bus. Usually you'd see a smaller diameter deep dish steering wheel.
MarcPollard eat a dick, im entitled to my opinion. What are you? His bf? Oh yea, write better
It gives a good service window tinting.I have same service for window tinting for more detail visit here http://tintcollege.com
It gives a good service window tinting.I have same service for window tinting for more detail visit here http://tintcollege.com
Is this car actually drifted or is it a hard parked lifestyler?
Is this car actually drifted or is it a hard parked lifestyler?
@bungle the bungle I am guessing hard parked for life
Junkhouse doesn't build cars to hard park them. I suggest looking them up on YouTube.
the car was very good
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