"The feel on an open road is awesome. The power is instant."
Finally content, Ben set out to adjust the stance to complement the TSX's newfound power. The stock suspension was tossed out like bad cheese and replaced with JIC FLT-A2 coilovers. For rolling stock, he opted for often overlooked Work Emotion XD9 wheels mounted to a set of Toyos. Sitting behind the Work wheels are bank-account-humbling Endless brakes. Endless' System Inch Up big brake kit provides the ultimate stopping power to bring one of America's fastest TSXs to a complete halt.
Anyone who builds Hondas understands that if you're going to make respectable horsepower numbers, you might as well look the part. The way of the sleeper is definitely cool, but it simply isn't for everyone. To get the look that would set him apart from the rest, Ben decided to play the doppelganger to Japan's Accord Euro R. Marcus from Heeltoe Automotive in Mission Viejo, California, was then commissioned to supply the parts for the TSX's Euro R conversion. With the perfect combination of power, style, and stance all rolled into one, make sure to keep an eye out for Ben and his TSX as he terrorizes the streets of the dirty south.
Owner Specs
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Daily Grind:
Marketing and sales manager
Favorite website:
www.myspace.com/benjamin1081
Building Cars How Long:
5 years
Favorite Kicks:
Nike SB Dunks
Dream Car:
Maserati
Build Inspiration:
None, it's just a hobby
Can't Miss TV:
America's Best Dance Crew
Is That Really An Accord?
If you've ever stood in front of a re-badged TSX and wondered why someone would put Accord badges on it, that's because it is an Accord--in Japan at least. The car Americans know as the Acura TSX is little more than the U.S. equivalent of the CL7 Accord Euro R from Japan minus all the JDM goodies. The CL7 chassis is the successor to the CL1 Accord Euro R, which came from the factory with a 220hp twin-cam VTEC engine. Inside the CL7 lies a K20A i-VTEC powerplant, whereas the U.S. CL9 TSX is equipped with a K24. Accord Euro Rs also have all the extras that have been a staple to the Type R family. Those extras include Recaro bucket seats, a factory-equipped limited-slip differential, and a double wishbone suspension. At a glance, one may not notice all of the exterior differences aside from the new badges, but converting to Euro R specs is more complicated than it seems. The conversion includes, but is not limited to, the replacement of the grille, headlights, foglights, emblems, and even the addition of a full factory lip kit. So the next time you overhear someone making fun of a TSX owner for "downgrading" to Accord badges, make sure to drop some knowledge on these characters. Who said Accords can't be cool?