SP Rides: Rolling with Blue Beauty
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Steven Domingo
Age: 32
Occupation: Real Property Appraiser
Hobbies: Cars, paintball
Year/Make/Model: 2005 Nissan 350Z
Color: Bayside Blue
Engine: Kinetx intake manifold, Z1 intake, AMS lightweight pulley set, Kinetix high flow cats, Top Speed N1 catback, Rare JDM harness cover, Sard oil cap, Sard radiator cap
Exterior: Nismo body kit, Nismo V2 spoiler, Bayside blue (R34 GTR blue), VIS AMS carbon fiber hood, Z1 hatch struts
Interior: Tomei shift knob, Personal steering wheel, NRG short hub, NRG quick release, tan to black interior
Drivetrain/Suspension: JWT clutch/flywheel, AMS short shifter, Stance coilovers, SPC camber arms, Cusco front strut bar
Wheels: Volk GTS front 19×9.5 +17, 19×10.5 +18
Steve Domingo may be 32 years of age, but he’s already owned 17 cars, including several 240s and WRXs, a 300ZX, an Audi TT and a Ford Mustang. And as much as he’d ultimately love to add a GT-R to his collection, he’s quite content with his latest pride and joy — a 2005 Nissan 350Z.
None of this should come as a surprise to anyone who knows this avid car collector. His fleet of cars previously included a 350Z, and the truth of the matter is he was feeling a bit nostalgic without it. So, without giving it a second thought, he jumped at the chance to acquire this stunning Z following a straight up swap for another ride in his collection — a 2002 Subaru WRX.
Of course, in order to get the 350Z into its current condition required a new paint job and work to its body. Domingo originally wanted an Amuse kit, but he chose to stick to NISMO bodylines, which include a front lip, side-skirts, rear bumper add-ons, as well as a NISMO V2 spoiler. A sexy VIS AMS carbon fiber hood has also been added. The entire car is bathed in a gorgeous, custom shade of Bayside Blue, thanks to Leighton Kano, aka Picasso, who works at Nakamura’s Autobody. According to Domingo, he prefers that his cars stand out in any crowd of metal, and there’s absolutely no way anyone can miss this beauty of a ride that’s bathed in blue.
Even though Domingo has a turbo sitting in his living room, that doesn’t mean he’s neglected the car’s engine. The basic bolt-ons have already been installed and feature some detail goodies to add shine. A Kinetix intake manifold really changes the look while creating some polished bling. Combined with the Z1 intake, an AMS lightweight pulley set, Kinetix high flow cats and a Top Speed N1 catback, the 350Z has more than enough additional power while maintaining reliability. Engine dress-up includes a very rare JDM harness cover and SARD oil and radiator caps.
The drivetrain has been modified for more go as well with a JWT clutch/flywheel combo and an AMS short shifter with Tome shift knob. Stance coilovers drop it low with more stability while SPC camber arms and a Cusco front strut bar tighten things up. All of this rides on Volk GTS with the fronts set at 19×9.5 +17 and the rears at 19×10.5 +18.
The interior of the 350Z is Spartan, but the performance is functional. And although the car may look stock, Domingo has actually swapped the entire interior over from its original tan make by using a donor car’s black gear. He’s even added a Personal steering wheel combined with an NRG short hub and quick release for some additional swagger.
Domingo is still intent on rounding out this ride with additional power. He chooses to build his cars for himself, not others, and remains committed to putting it all out there and making an impact on the local scene. His counsel reminded me of what someone from a galaxy far, far away once said. “Do or do not,” he said. “There is no try.”
