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Tracy Sports
NA1 "350NSX"

345 HP, NA Track Beast

Who/What/Where:
Gary Burton; EJ8 Civic EX; Cropwell, Alabama

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."

Ojay Bayang's '05 Element

Inside The Box

No one can deny the popularity of cars like the Civic, Integra, or even the S2000, but let us not forget about those chassis that reside among the outskirts of the cool crowd. The aftermarket and, admittedly, the media have long neglected cars like the Prelude, Accord, and Civic wagon. Make no mistake about it though, cool crowd acceptance isn't limited to the big three but memberships are steep. Even in import-rich Southern California, tastefully modified, well-balanced versions of less-than-popular models are a rare sight. It isn't easy embarking on a build that's not fully supported by the aftermarket. Careful planning, a bit of ingenuity, and a whole lot of creativity are crucial to ensuring the project will actually draw some positive attention rather than fall off the map. Introduced in 2003, the Honda Element is a car that doesn't really fit into any specific category. It's not really a car at all and, by all definitions, isn't really a truck either. It's really just a big box with a ton of interior space and unmatched flexibility, as well as a quirky outward appearance. Add to that a hefty curb weight and an absence of cutting-edge aerodynamics and it's easy to see why the Element hasn't infiltrated into the cool crowd yet.

Raul Corrales, JR.'S '06 TSXSouthern California youth of the '90s looked away from the musclecar and dedicated their interest elsewhere, like Hondas. The import movement had barely begun, and was far from reaching the level of mainstream attention it's since earned. As such, most kids got their fixes at the local street races. Sneaking out of their parents' house late at night to hit up the races became second nature-that and gawking at the chicks at local car shows. Like many, Raul Corrales, Jr.'s, project car dream had yet to come to fruition and, at the time, wishful thinking was the only modification he could afford. "I was too young to drive at the time but, being around the import street racing scene, I always wanted to build a fast car," Raul says. "As the years went by my vision never changed, cars were always on my mind."

"No bullshit-40 horses," Carter insisted, as he explained the results of his R35 GT-R dyno day at XS Engineering for "Driven" (Sept. '08).

Paul Armstrong's '93 Civic DXThroughout History, many lopsided trades have taken place. Babe Ruth for $100,000, Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant, or the kid on the playground who traded you his slap bracelet for your prismatic Pog slammer. At some point, someone's gotten the raw end of the deal. It's like trading a night of sobriety for a lifetime of STDs. If we told you that Paul Armstrong's Civic was bartered for a CRX, you might think it was the deal of a lifetime, but as good as that may sound, Paul still had his work cut out for him in order to tip that scale in his favor.

The '88-'91 Civic carries some serious weight upon its somewhat boxy yet curiously streamlined shoulders. Originally intended by many as a grocery getter or perhaps an economical family car that could be passed down, this generation of Civics carried on the tradition of being cheap, reliable, and easily obtainable. As the tidal wave of import street racing crashed upon the clone-like business parks of Southern California, a Honda presence seemed to be increasing more than any other make. Being the cheapest of Honda's fleet, the Civic dominated the number of H-badged street warriors and a reputation for being quick and nimble was soon earned. Almost 20 years and a number of changes later, the EF chassis is still known as the foundation that the modern age of Honda tuning was based upon. Though just about every possible persona has been slapped onto the Civic chassis, including 9-second drag monsters and lowriders, it continues to carry a bit of tradition and old-school honor. Admittedly though, these days it's tough to find a well-rounded build like Ruben Rivera's.

Acura's NSX is not the expensive, mid-engine supercar it once was, reserved only for the rich, famous, or both. Nope, if you can afford a new S2000, Evo, or STI then you can probably afford an early model NA1 NSX. Don't kid yourself though. Sure, NSX prices have dropped to the low-$20,000 range, but buying the wrong one could put you in the poorhouse quicker than you think. Despite the car's affordable entry cost, owning and maintaining one is as expensive as ever, and if you're moving from a Civic or an Integra into the world of Japanese supercar-dom, be prepared for a rude awakening because OEM NSX replacement parts and labor charges are priced in a league of their own. Avoid the pitfalls, do your research, and buy your NSX the smart way. While it may be tempting to jump on the first and cheapest Internet special that you see, be patient because yearlong searches for that perfect NSX gem aren't uncommon, and paying a visit to check yours out firsthand will pay off in the long run. Don't let your impulses get the best of you. Read on. Buy with confidence.

Know Your Oil
Oil: It's what prevents important metal parts from rubbing up against other important metal parts inside your engine, all the while keeping friction temperatures at bay, and preventing the rotating assembly from seizing up. Using the right oil is an important decision whether you're filling up your K-series or your lawnmower. As for your K-series, or pretty much any other Honda engine for that matter, most engines' oil caps display their recommended oil viscosities. If you happen to swap out your stock oil cap though, the info can be found elsewhere, like in your owner's manual, service manual, or online.