Justin Salerno - EP.164
About this episode
Justin Salerno joins the Right Hand Drive Guys to share his journey in the JDM car scene, discussing his experiences with right-hand drive vehicles, particularly his Nissan Skyline 33. The conversation touches on the camaraderie within the community, the differences between car events in Japan and the U.S., and the evolution of car culture in Colorado. Justin reflects on his early influences from his father, his first cars, and the modifications he's made to his Skyline. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes and insights into the joys of car ownership and the connections formed through a shared passion.
In this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we link up with our good friend Justin Salerno from Colorado — someone we originally met on one of our Japan trips and instantly bonded with through the Skyline community.
Recorded live from GT-R Festival 2025 in Ennis, Texas, this conversation captures the energy of the event while we dive into Justin’s journey with his R33 GT-R, the friendships built through JDM culture, and why these cars connect people from all over the map.
From reminiscing about Japan to taking in the festival’s wild builds, this episode feels like hanging out trackside with one of the real ones.
🎙️ Japan roots, Colorado roads, Texas vibes — all connected through an R33 and the love of the game.
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Nissan Skyline GT-R R33
"oh, you got a white 33. Do you know? Yeah And so I'm kind of instantly hit it off."
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is a famous sports car that is loved by many car fans. It has a powerful engine and is known for its performance on the racetrack.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It features a turbocharged inline-six engine and is part of the iconic Skyline series, which has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
Nissan GT-R
"...or I mean it doesn't got to be a GTR, but yeah, sure and then this guy over here..."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that many car enthusiasts admire. It's known for being very powerful and popular in racing.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful engine. It's particularly famous for its capabilities in motorsports and street racing.
Nissan R32
"...some rear calipers for my R32 that I picked up off you..."
The Nissan R32 is a model of the Skyline GT-R, a car that is very popular among car fans for its speed and advanced features. It was made in the late 80s and early 90s.
The Nissan R32 refers to the Nissan Skyline GT-R model produced from 1989 to 1994, which is celebrated for its performance and technology, particularly its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine.
Lexus SC 300
"...and he got something he went to actually a Lexus SC 300 after that..."
The Lexus SC 300 is a sporty car made by Lexus, which is known for luxury vehicles. It's a two-door coupe that offers a good mix of performance and comfort.
The Lexus SC 300 is a luxury coupe that was produced in the 1990s, known for its blend of performance and comfort. It features a smooth inline-six engine and a stylish design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Jeep Cherokee
"...my first two cars were was a Jeep Like Cherokee nothing not not even Wrangler. Just you know Cherokee..."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that can handle rough terrain and is often used for outdoor adventures. It's known for being practical and reliable.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. It has been popular among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike since its introduction in the 1970s.
Jeep Wrangler
"...re was a Jeep Like Cherokee nothing not not even Wrangler. Just you know Cherokee And then"
Nissan Maxima
"...a friend of mine had a Maxima that he had kind of done some wheels and just basic stuff, too..."
The Nissan Maxima is a larger car that offers a comfortable ride and good performance. It's often chosen by people who want a mix of luxury and sportiness.
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan known for its sporty performance and upscale features. It has been a popular choice for those seeking a blend of comfort and driving excitement.
Subaru 2.5 RS
"...after I got a Subaru 2.5 RS. Oh nice. So that's where I started. Yeah. Yeah, and then I mean at at that point..."
The Subaru 2.5 RS is a performance version of the Subaru Impreza, which is known for being fun to drive and having all-wheel drive. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Subaru 2.5 RS is a sporty variant of the Subaru Impreza, known for its performance and all-wheel drive capabilities. It was popular among enthusiasts for its rally-inspired design and driving dynamics.
resonator
"So they put a resonator on and helped That's cool. Yeah"
A resonator is a part of the car's exhaust system that changes how the car sounds. It can make the noise more pleasant and less loud.
A resonator is an exhaust component that modifies the sound of the exhaust system. It helps to reduce unwanted noise and can enhance the overall sound of the vehicle, often making it deeper or more aggressive without increasing volume significantly.
HKS muffler
"...having them put on like this hks muffler that I sourced from a buddy..."
An HKS muffler is a type of exhaust part made by a popular brand. It helps the car run better and makes a unique sound that many people like.
HKS is a well-known aftermarket brand that specializes in performance parts, including exhaust systems. An HKS muffler is designed to improve exhaust flow, enhance engine performance, and create a distinct sound that many car enthusiasts appreciate.
Chevrolet Cavalier
"Yeah, right. Yeah, same here on my cavalier, right? It's but it was a clamp on muffler can muffler, dude"
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a small car that was made by the Chevrolet brand. It was popular because it was cheap to buy and easy to drive.
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
Nissan Skylines
"...points, right? And and now obviously we all have skylines and we've put so much work and love into them An..."
The Nissan Skyline is a type of car made by Nissan that is famous for being fast and sporty. Many people love to customize and improve these cars, making them a popular choice for car fans. It's often talked about because of its cool design and racing history.
The Nissan Skyline is a series of cars produced by Nissan, known for its performance and advanced technology, particularly in the realm of sports cars. It gained significant popularity in the 1990s, especially the GT-R variant, which became a legend in motorsports and car culture. The Skyline is often discussed for its tuning potential and iconic status among car enthusiasts.
trunk
"...but you know, it was enough to do, you know, bumper hood rear bumper trunk..."
The trunk is the back part of the car where you can store bags and other things. It's like a storage space for the car.
The trunk is the storage compartment at the rear of a vehicle, typically used for carrying luggage and other items.
bumper
"...it didn't hold the car, but you know, it was enough to do, you know, bumper hood..."
The bumper is the part of the car that helps protect it during minor accidents. It's located at the front and back of the vehicle.
A bumper is a protective component located at the front and rear of a vehicle, designed to absorb impact during collisions and protect the car's body and safety systems.
hood
"...but you know, it was enough to do, you know, bumper hood rear bumper trunk..."
The hood is the part of the car that covers the engine. It can be opened to check or fix things under it.
The hood is the hinged cover that rests over the engine bay of a front-engine vehicle, providing access to the engine for maintenance and repair.
panels
"...I was doing so many panels anyway might as well just reshoot the whole car..."
Panels are the flat parts of the car's body, like the doors and hood. If they get damaged, they can be fixed or replaced.
In automotive terms, panels refer to the individual sections of a car's body, such as doors, hoods, and fenders. They can be replaced or repaired if damaged.
OEM parts
"...they had oem stuff and Because those were the days of front cuts and oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. RIP to those"
OEM parts are the original parts made by the car's manufacturer. They fit well and usually work better than cheaper alternatives.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to parts that are made by the same company that manufactured the original parts for a vehicle. These parts are typically of high quality and designed to fit perfectly with the vehicle.
cat back
"Um, it had cat back, you know, your typical hks filters coilovers like a japanese like build like that's how they all come almost"
A cat back is a type of exhaust system that helps your car's engine breathe better, which can make it louder and more powerful.
A cat back refers to an aftermarket exhaust system that replaces everything from the catalytic converter back to the exhaust tips. This modification can improve exhaust flow and enhance engine performance and sound.
coilovers
"Um, it had cat back, you know, your typical hks filters coilovers like a japanese like build like that's how they all come almost"
Coilovers are special parts that help your car's suspension. They let you change how high or low your car sits and can make it handle better on the road.
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines a coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit. They allow for adjustable ride height and improved handling characteristics.
Xenon headlights
"And luckily had uh xeon, you know series three headlights in already too, which is huge. That's nice"
Xenon headlights are a type of car light that shines brighter than regular lights, helping you see better at night.
Xenon headlights, also known as HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, use an electric arc to produce light, providing brighter illumination compared to traditional halogen bulbs. They are often used in higher-end vehicles for improved visibility.
Yahoo Japan auctions
"Yeah, sure. Yeah it was cool too because I'd always gone on like the yahoo japan auctions, you know looking around at parts and cars too"
Yahoo Japan auctions is a website where people can bid on and buy things, including cars. It's a popular place to find Japanese cars and parts.
Yahoo Japan auctions is an online auction platform where users can buy and sell a wide range of items, including cars and automotive parts. It is particularly popular for sourcing JDM vehicles and parts.
Haltech
"So I took it straight to them did haltech... just so I know the car's happy and"
Haltech makes devices that help car engines run better by adjusting how they use fuel and air. It's like giving the engine a special tune-up to improve performance.
Haltech is a brand known for its aftermarket engine management systems and tuning solutions. They provide tools for optimizing engine performance, which can include adjusting fuel maps and ignition timing.
timing belt
"change the timing belt water pump bullies..."
The timing belt is a part in the engine that helps keep everything moving in sync. If it breaks, the engine can stop working properly.
The timing belt is a crucial component that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in an engine. It ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the correct times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.
Cars Performance
"Who's the tuner? Can you shout out the tuner? Yeah cars performance cars?"
Cars Performance is a place where car enthusiasts go to improve their cars. They help make cars faster and more fun to drive.
Cars Performance is a tuning shop that specializes in performance upgrades and tuning for various vehicles. They often work with aftermarket parts to enhance vehicle performance.
Revolutions Performance
"So I used to live in the springs and I worked for revolutions performance. I don't know if you remember them. Yeah, they would build a bunch of evos and stis and stuff..."
Revolutions Performance is a company that specializes in upgrading and tuning cars to make them faster and more powerful, especially popular models like the Evo and STI.
Revolutions Performance is a performance automotive shop known for modifying and tuning vehicles, particularly focusing on high-performance models like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo) and Subaru WRX STI.
STI
"...and then after that I worked for UPP..."
STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, which is Subaru's performance brand. They make faster and sportier versions of Subaru cars, like the WRX STI.
The STI, or Subaru Tecnica International, is the performance division of Subaru, known for producing high-performance versions of their vehicles, particularly the Subaru WRX STI, which features enhanced power and handling.
JDM
"...Because obviously jdm cars weren't there wasn't a plethora of those..."
JDM means cars that are made for Japan. They often have special features that you might not find in cars sold in other countries.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are produced for the Japanese market. These cars often have unique features and specifications not found in models sold elsewhere.
Subaru WRX STI
"...you're hard-pressed not to find an sti or an evo rolling around or a 350z, right?"
The Subaru WRX STI is a fast car designed for racing and off-road driving. It's known for its ability to handle tough conditions and is loved by many car fans.
The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance variant of the Subaru WRX, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive capabilities. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and tuning potential.
Nissan 350Z
"...you're hard-pressed not to find an sti or an evo rolling around or a 350z, right?"
The Nissan 350Z is a fast sports car that many people enjoy driving. It's known for its powerful engine and good handling, making it fun on the road or track.
The Nissan 350Z is a sports car known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and strong V6 engine. It has been popular for its performance and tuning potential, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
"...you're hard-pressed not to find an sti or an evo rolling around or a 350z, right?"
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a sporty car that is great for racing and has a strong reputation for speed and handling. It's popular among car enthusiasts.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, often referred to as the Evo, is a high-performance car known for its turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system. It has a strong following in the automotive community due to its motorsport pedigree.
turbos
"...plus two I just changed out. I just had to change out the turbos last minute recently because I had gas could go bad..."
Turbos are parts that help engines produce more power by pushing in extra air, which lets the engine burn more fuel. This makes the car go faster without needing a bigger engine.
Turbos, or turbochargers, are devices that force more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and increasing power output. They are commonly used in performance and efficiency-oriented vehicles.
gasket
"How did you know that you needed a gasket like what what was the issue that you were having you could hear the leak? Oh, you could hear it."
A gasket is a piece that helps seal parts of the engine together, so fluids don't leak out. It's important for keeping everything working correctly.
A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases. In automotive applications, gaskets are crucial for ensuring that engine components are sealed properly to maintain performance and prevent leaks.
RB
"Yeah, which is awesome. You know like air like not everybody a lot of people bitch about the rb, right? All the oiling issues all this or that right, but dude if you take care of it"
The RB is a type of engine made by Nissan, popular in performance cars. It's known for being powerful and tunable, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The RB refers to the RB series of engines produced by Nissan, known for their performance and tuning potential. Commonly found in models like the Nissan Skyline, these engines have a strong following in the automotive community, especially among enthusiasts and tuners.
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