Chase Mcmaster's '90 CRX HFChase McMaster's Alabama-born, California-raised CRX build begs the question: Is this an East Coast or a West Coast car? Oftentimes, the geographical location of a build determines the outcome. Factors like culture, weather, and parts suppliers can drastically affect a build. Luckily, Chase's ED8 benefits from both coasts in becoming a true bicoastal build. Experiencing Chase's CRX is like listening to a perfect blend of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and 2Pac's "California Love."
Like most Honda heads, Chase fell in love with the brand because of its simplicity, ease of modification, and "the ability to put so much originality into them." More specifically, he chose the CRX platform because he fell in love with it at the age of 15 and it's been his favorite car since. Having purchased the car in Alabama, he held off on the build until moving to California. Chase transplanted to California in an effort to expand his upstart automotive repair/wiring business, ChaseBays. The build began with modest intentions. Eight months and 18 g's later, the custom Rex evolved into a complete restoration. He explains that he used cash straight from his business to finance the project. "I wouldn't have gotten so deep with the build if I had built the car in Alabama," he says. "Out here everyone goes crazy, so I had to go balls out." Picking up eight sponsors in California didn't hurt either. He also credits his car crew dAng! back home and other East Coast aspects in contributing to the build. "In dAng! we all influence each other and give each other ideas," Chase says.
The process began when Chase stripped the CRX and sent it to Woody at HoodFab Paint for a few coats of Lexus SC430 Egyptian Sand Metallic paint. Following that, Chase towed the Rex home and quickly put it on jackstands. That's when the build crossed into extreme makeover territory. "I didn't even know where to begin reassembly," he says. However, don't be fooled. Within eight months, 20-year-old Chase produced the Rex that exists today. He completed all of the custom work minus powdercoating, which Jon at Wuhhht Duhh's Powdercoating performed.
After assembling the essentials, Chase dropped in a '06 K20Z1 RSX Type S longblock that he sourced with 800 original miles. The entire car exemplifies his attention to detail, but it's the wire-tucked engine bay that really shows off his skills. "The car looks like it doesn't even run," he laughs. Hasport EFK1 mounts secure the engine while a Full-Race Pro Street EF/ED radiator and SamcoSport hoses keep temperatures cool. Web Cam AS2 camshafts coupled with Supertech valvesprings and retainers add extra insurance for high shift points. A Password:JDM Kevlar plug cover and Karcepts A/C, power steering, and alternator relocation kit further the illusion of a wireless engine bay. A Trick Flow filter, Aeromotive regulator, Golden Eagle Pro Series rail, and a Walbro 255lph pump allow a generous and clean flow of fuel. A Vibrant 3-inch intake pipe, K&N filter, DC Sports K-swap header, Camino Mufflers 3-inch mandrel-bent exhaust, and Vibrant race muffler convert fresh goodness into spent greatness. A Quaife limited-slip differential and Kaiten 9-pound flywheel work together to transfer power to Drive Shaft Shop 2.9 axles while a Hondata K-Pro ECU properly manages the engine. Chase also chose 15x7 Enkei J-Speed III rims wrapped in 195/50-15 Yokohama S.Drive rubber. Brembo blank rotors, PBR ultimate ceramic pads, Earl's stainless steel lines, and ATE Super Blue fluid helps prevent the inevitable California roll. He adjusts the 12kg/mm front and 10kg/mm rear Ksport Kontrol Pro damper system as needed. Further stiffening is accomplished with a Next Miracle X brace, Benen rear lower tie-bar, and an ETD Racing/K-Tuned EF K-swap traction bar. Skunk2 rear lower control arms ensure track readiness at all times.