I just wanted to put these words down in print about truly an innovator. Many of you guys (and gals) here don't really know the history of sport compacts, and how the performance, turbocharging 4cyl market came to be what it is today. A lot of what we see today is a result of the projects Shaun Carlson and his company Nuformz brought to the eyes of the aftermarket.
I first met Shaun in around 1992 (or so) when he was working as an editor/photographer for MiniTruckin magazine. Yes, I was in a truck club, and yes I owned a Chevy Suburban with a 9" drop, 12 15" subwoofers, and all the audio components that go with it (for those days).
The enthusiasts in the car/truck club world were always brought to their knees every time Shaun would complete another project. His ideas, design, and fabrication skills were one of kind. No one could complete a project like Shaun. I remember back in 94 he built this Toyota 4 runner, body dropped, bagged, Kal Koncepts painted machine that was the coolest looking thing anyone could imagine. I know I have a whole roll of pictures that I took of this thing at one of the truck runs in Parker.
The industry changed over the next few years, and the performance end of things began to take the forefront, and sport compact performance was born. Shaun built some of the craziest cars, and the most beautiful craftsmanship that hasn't been rivaled today. Jason Whitfield's CRX that graced the cover of every magazine in 97/98 was a race car that you could eat off of every square inch. Shaun built a Mitsubishi Diamante wagon with a twin turbo 3000GT swap, not to mention the "AEM Civic", the front wheel drive, longitudinal mounted piloted by Steph Papadakis, and so on.
From the long blonde hair carrying around a camera at car shows, to the spiked mohawk pierced professional, Shaun was truly the innovator that directed this industry where it is today. The last time I talked to Shaun was SEMA 06, and I wish I stayed in better contact with him over these past few years. His passing is very sad for all of us. With the accomplishments he made at such a young age, we could only imagine what he would have done over the next 15 years.
Godspeed Shaun, you will always be remembered.
__________________
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle - Kenny Van Buren Come see AGP Turbo at NHRA Full Throttle events.
The purpose of ignition advance is to account for the lag time following spark ignition for combustion pressure to peak at 15 degrees AFTER TOP DEAD CENTER. A little fyi !
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Shaun Carlson - RIP
!
Linear Mode
