Yan-cha Life with Boy’s Racer specs

The Life was introduced in 1971 as the successor to the Honda N360, which debuted in 1967 and became a huge hit. The Life was a successor to the N360, which was a big hit when it debuted in 1967. In this issue, we will take a look at the custom car of “Uchi,” who is a great admirer of LIFE. 

An enthusiast who owns multiple LIVES has created this car

“Uchi,” a well-known Sub Roc enthusiast in Hyogo Prefecture, owns several cars at home, including cars he collects for parts. His favorite car on display at the event was a machine he built in a style reminiscent of the boy’s racers that were popular at the time.

“When I was young, I experienced all kinds of mountain passes and drifting as a racer,”

“Uchi” is an expert in customization and tuning, and he modified and set up this car. As a privateer with strong mechanical skills, he is as skilled as a tuner, and his Honda “Life” differs from its normal, petite, cute image in that it has a slightly pointy, Yankee look. Of course, it is not only the appearance, but the mechanism inside was also carefully thought out.

The engine compartment was designed using a custom technique that originated in the United States

The style of the car is reminiscent of the boy’s racers of the past, with over fenders, a chin spoiler, and a large rear spoiler. The front bumper is eliminated to give the vehicle an appealing, Yankee custom look. The 360cc engine was too inefficient, so the stock engine block was modified to a 400cc bore up to the limit of its processing. In addition to increasing the displacement and boring the engine, a lightweight flywheel was also installed to complete the high-response power unit.

A peek into the engine compartment reveals a proud redhead and carburetor, but a closer look reveals a clean engine compartment. This is not because it is an old car, but because of a custom technique called “wire tucking,” in which the wiring in the engine compartment is tucked (hidden) to make it look simple and clean. This is a customization technique that originated in the U.S., and Uchi has incorporated it into his old car lifestyle. Therefore, the battery and other components have been relocated to the interior.

There are some holes in the engine compartment, but they are left to show that “we eliminated so many things in the engine compartment”. The fact that it is not smoothed out is also a point of attention.

A car that was built as a parts scavenger hunt has now become one of his favorite cars

The suspension that creates the lowered form is a special coilover kit. The base was modified from a Honda “Beat” and combined with Nissan S13 “Silvia” pillow upper mounts. Camber was also installed as much as possible, allowing the driver to enjoy driving with quick handling.

“This car was originally one that I built in a bad way as a parts scavenger. However, as we customized it, it became more interesting and we ended up with these specifications. Now it has become one of my favorite cars, and I participate in many events with it.”

He said he plans to review the suspension in the future, as it is not comfortable to ride while moving around.

translated by DeepL