2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

Read Rusty I thought that the Outlander's fold-down bumper was a stupid gimmick ... until I went to Ikea last night to pick up a giant box (what else does Ikea sell besides cinnamon rolls?). The lowered bumper and low load floor made loading the box a snap, and we then locked it back in the up position to help hold the box in place for the open-liftgate, quarter-mile drive home. The paddle shifters have a nice feel to them, too, even if they operate fake ratios in the CVT. Negatives? The seats felt flat to me, and the styling is pretty uninspired, at least when the car is covered in roBlackwell's comments on driving the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
Source: http://blogs.automobilemag.com

Terminologies to Help Shake the Greenhorn in YouTerminologies to Help Shake the Greenhorn in You

Here are some drag racing terms so you “racers” out there aren’t left scratching your heads. A little knowledge goes a long, long way my friends.
Air foil: acts as a stabilizer creating that much needed down force for better traction and control
Bang the blower: an explosion inside the supercharger caused by a flame from the combustion process accidentally re-entering the supercharger, where fuel and air are present. Generally caused by a stuck or broken intake valve that normally would be closed during the combustion sequence.
Breakout: Used only in handicap racing, “breakout” refers to a contestant running quicker than he or she “dialed” his or her vehicle (predicted how quick it would run). Unless the opponent commits a more serious foul (e.g., red-lights, crosses the centerline, or fails a post-race inspection), the driver who breaks out loses. If both drivers break out, the one who runs closest to his or her dial is the winner.
Burned Piston: When a cylinder runs lean (too much air in the air-to-fuel mixture) and excessive heat burns or melts the piston.
Burnout: spinning the rear tires in water to heat and clean them prior to a run for better traction. A burnout precedes every run.
Christmas Tree: Also called the Tree, it is the noticeable electronic starting device between the lanes on the starting line. It displays a calibrated-light countdown for each driver.
Clutch Can: The bell-shaped housing, or bellhousing, used to encase the clutch and flywheel.
Clutch Lockup: The progression of clutch-disc engagement controlled by an air-timer management system.
Deep stage: to roll a few inches farther into the beams after staging, which causes the pre-stage lights to go out. In that position, a driver is closer to the finish line but dangerously close to a foul start.
Dial under: when drivers in Super Stock and Stock (handicap categories) select an elapsed time quicker than the national index. Drivers select a dial-under, or e.t., that they think their cars will run based on previous performance. The breakout rule is in effect.
Diaper: an absorbent blanket made from ballistic material, often Kevlar, that surrounds the oil pan to contain oil and parts in case of an engine explosion; required for Top Fuel, Funny Car, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car.
Dropped cylinder: when a cylinder runs too rich (too much fuel in the air/fuel mixture) and prevents the spark plug(s) from firing.
Elapsed time: the time it takes a vehicle to travel from the starting line to the finish line. Also called e.t.
Eliminations: After qualifying, vehicles race two at a time, resulting in one winner from each pair. Winners continue in tournament-style competition until one remains.
Foul start: indicated by a red light on the Christmas Tree when a car has left the starting line before the green light, or starting signal.
Full Tree: used in Competition, Super Stock, and Stock, for which a handicap starting system is used to equalize competition. The three amber bulbs on the Christmas Tree flash consecutively five-tenths of a second apart, followed five-tenths later by the green starting light. A perfect reaction time on a full Tree is .500.
Header(s): a fine-tuned exhaust system that routes exhaust from the engine; replaces conventional exhaust manifolds.
Hemi: A Hemi engine has a hemispherical shaped cylinder-head combustion chamber, like a ball cut in half.
Holeshot: when a driver reacts quicker to the Christmas Tree to win a race against an opponent with a quicker e.t.
Hydraulic: when a cylinder fills with too much fuel, thus prohibiting compression by the cylinder and causing a mechanical malfunction, usually an explosive one
Index: the expected performance for vehicles in a class as assigned by NHRA. It allows various classes of cars in the same category to race together competitively.
Interval timers: part of a secondary timing system that records elapsed times, primarily for the racers’ benefit, at 60, 330, 660, and 1,000 feet.
Methanol: pure methyl alcohol produced by synthesis; used in Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars.
Nitromethane: Produced specifically as a fuel for drag racing, it is the result of a chemical reaction between nitric acid and propane.
Pre-stage: to position the front wheels about seven inches behind the starting line so the small yellow lights atop that driver’s side of the Christmas Tree are glowing. The next step is to stage and be ready to race.
Pro Tree: used in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Super Street, which feature heads-up competition. All three large amber lights on the Christmas Tree flash simultaneously, followed four-tenths of a second later by the green starting light.
Reaction time: the time it takes a driver to react to the green starting light on the Christmas Tree, measured in thousandths of a second. The reaction-time counter begins when the last amber light flashes on the Tree and stops when the vehicle clears the stage beam.
Sixty-foot time: the time it takes a vehicle to cover the first 60 feet of the racetrack. It is the most accurate measure of the launch from the starting line and in most cases determines how quick the rest of the run will be.
Slider clutch: a multi-disc clutch designed to slip until a predetermined rpm is reached; decreases shock load to the drive wheels.
Speed trap: the final 66 feet to the finish line where speed is recorded.
Stage: to position the front wheels right on the starting line so the small yellow lights below the pre-stage lights are glowing. Once both drivers are staged, the calibrated countdown (see Christmas Tree) may begin.
Supercharger: a crank-driven air/fuel-mixture compressor also called a blower. It increases atmospheric pressure in the engine to produce more horsepower.
Turbocharger: an exhaust-driven intake air compressor (see supercharger).
Wedge: an engine with a combustion chamber resembling a wedge in shape.
Weight transfer: critical to traction. Vehicles are set up to provide a desired weight transfer to the rear wheels. Upon acceleration, the front wheels lift and the weight shifts to the rear wheels, which makes them less likely to spin.
Wheelie bar(s): used to prevent excessive front-wheel lift.

Okay, now that some knowledge have been imparted on you jokers out there you can walk away smugly and be confident knowing that you actually know more about your car and the sport. Feels good doesn’t it? So the nest time somebody opens up a conversation about drag racing, you can actually participate intelligently. Word up!
Source: http://www.nhra.com/basics/glossary.html

Spend your 2 Million Dollars on the DiMora Natalia SLS 2, NOT

I did a casual search today on the world most expensive car. I though for sure it was going to be the Veyron or the Zonda, but out popped this Natalia SLS 2. There is a purpose for that 2 in the end because believe it or not, this car comes in at a staggering 2 million smackeroos. Take a minute to process that information and throw out your disbelief. Yes, my friends this 1200 horsepower baby has doubled the priced tag of the much-more good looking Lambo Reventon. I’m still in a state of shock. I can’t believe how the makers could delude themselves into thinking someone would buy this piece of crapola. The analogy to use here would be the movie TITANIC. Big budget but totally stinks. This car is doomed to follow in its miserable path. Of course you gotta love that power, but then what? You can get TWO Reventons for this price. It doesn’t even look the supercar it’s announced to be. It looks more like a luxury- sedan, in which case a Rolls Royce Phantom or a Maybach could easily outclass it.

It’s supposed to have all these fancy schmancy computer that analyzes even you’re emotions and adjusts the driving condition. I don’t know about you but if that’s the only thing they can offer I’m seriously going to feel shortchanged if I was the owner. There are seriously tons of stuff you could do with this money instead of spending it on a Natalia. Even if I was rolling in the dough, I still wouldn’t buy this. If I was to spend 2 frigging million dollars on a car, I’d get a car that’s more worthy or hell, maybe even a yatch. At least you can sleep in one. If there’s one thing I love about this car is the ethanol fuel which is supposed to carry an environment-friendly promise. That however, remains to be seen what with 1200 horsepower that displaces 14 liters and all.

Stereotyping

Just take a good look at this car. Can’t you just feel the owner’s personality radiating from it? I bet it’s a girl or it could even be a guy who appreciates nature or cute stuff. This tiger represents cute and cuddly things. It wasn’t designed to intimidate. If it was then it should have should a roaring or crouched tiger. But what it is a cute portrait of a tiger cub. Awwww… Not your taste? Well by all means do something different with your car then.

It is by my understanding that what we, car customizers, strive for is to transfer our personality unto our rides. What we generally want is to have a ride that says a lot or even totally reflect our personality. This is a good starting point, as well when you’re looking to customize your ride. Search yourself… You have to know yourself inside and out for this to work. If your ride looks like a hodge-podge of everything then you probably don’t know yourself as well as you think. Think hard and come up with a good solid theme that works for you.

Say, for example you’re a rocker; I suggest decking your car out in a matte black paintjob with tribal vinyls added. Then may you could throw in a set of huge ass rims for good measure. I’m basically stereotyping here, but this is only a suggestion. As for the abovementioned example, rockers are supposed to exude an aura of rage and passion. That’s what rock is all about… pure, unadulterated, burning passion. So, I think it’s only fitting that the car should be a metallic incarnation of that, don’t you? I’m thinking of a powerful American muscle car like a mustang or a GTO. Woot… That’ll certainly grab everybody’s attention. And of course, what’s a rocker without ear-splitting music? You have to have a great sound system set-up. Give your stock speakers a good shake down. Purchase quality subs and amps to have the perfect aural experience to go with your ride’s rocking power.

Hip hop fans on the other hand require a bit more bass, so I suggest prioritizing the subs. Hip-hop is generally driven by the beat, so you’ll need quality subs to get everybody’s head bouncing. And since Hip Hop is also about the bling then you can bet no matter what model the ride is, it’s going to have a lot of shiny trimmings. There are great billet sets to add to your ride. Chrome, chrome and even more chrome add that much desired flash and sense of luxury about the car. Throw in some posh upholstery to add style to the interiors, and watch the honeys come banging at your doors begging to cruise with you. Spinners can also do wonders for your car’s shoes. There are even rims that have animal skin these days. The things men do for luxury…

A movie buff are you? Well, if you can’t wait to get home to your TV set, you can always set up a perfectly decent entertainment package on your car. Grab cool LCD monitors and the right sound system and you’ll be enjoying your favorite flicks in no time. But please, no airbrushed design of Quentin Tarantino’s face on the hood please…

I think I’ve reached my limit… there are just too many personalities to mention. But I trust you got the drift by now. Whatever your personality, always remember that you can customize your car to match it. The world is evolving rapidly and every need is caters; even making your car a “mini-you”. Oh but please, no matter how much of a dog lover you are; please don’t take your design cues from the movie “Dumb and Dumber”. If you do well… you’re the dumbest. Spice up your car’s looks by incorporating a bit of you, but don’t go too much though. Still, you must be able to draw the line. And again, take the car’s design into consideration. And you might want to consider the practicality of the accessories you’re going to put in. Really, just because you’re a chef doesn’t mean you need to fit in that stove top grill in there, right? Although, I think lady passengers might appreciate it if you have a wine cooler in there. Hmmm… scheming I am.

If you find you’re having too much trouble of finding a design on your own, you can always borrow ideas. There are a lot of inspirations to be found on the net, movies, magazines, etc. Do your research so you won’t end up with a car you wish you hadn’t fooled around with. Borrow ideas, but please, don’t build an exact replica. C’mon man, you’re better than that. It’s time for those creative juices to flow. Always keep your mind on the goal which is to build a great car that:

1. reflect your personality
2. original
3. practical
4. efficient
5. pleases the eye

With these guidelines in mind, I don’t think you won’t be able to build a car worth flaunting. Just stick to your overall plan and you’ll build your dram car in no time. But take heed, these do not come cheap so work hard and earn some moolah first lest your dream car remain…well, a dream. What are you waiting for son? Take that dream car out of your head and onto the streets.

Honeys are Most Welcome

I’ve read somewhere that girls are afraid to tune up their cars because they’re afraid it might come off as a turn-off for men. I don’t know where they base this on since I don’t know any guy that is turned-off by the sight of a woman in a serious car, certainly not me. Nothing warms me up more than the sight of a lady in a car with over 200 horses of power. I’ve learned that if you adapt to their ways, you could be more attractive to the opposite sex. Girls adore us when we are in touch with our feminine side, like crying at movies, reading poetry, etc. Well, the same holds true for the girls. The sight of a girl in a Mitsubishi EVO brings me close to orgasm, it really does. Like Suki in 2 Fast 2 Furious; can you honestly dismiss her as not your type just because she has nitrous oxide installed in her S2000?

The reign of men is slowly coming to an end. Almost in every facet of modern society, women are slowly marking their territory. Gone are the where women were confined to their homes nursing the children and cooking dinner. Even in racing, women are slowly but surely making their mark. I know quite a few chicks that can beat guys at a race. These are the type of ladies that won’t take machismo lightly. They’re out to prove their mettle and assert their superiority. Me, I can’t find anything wrong with going up against a girl in a race. A win’s a win and a loss is a loss, regardless of gender. Some might take offense at being beaten by a girl. But, that’s because they’re looking at it the wrong way. They were beaten by a faster and more skilled competitor, that’s it.

So I say, bring them on. I love to see more females at the racing scene, and not just the ones for décor. Game on ladies!

The Mitsubishi EVO X (applause please)

Do you remember the look on Jimmy’s face when he saw Brian’s EVO VII in 2 Fast 2 Furious? That’s exactly how an EVO affects people. It stuns them for a second and takes them a few minutes to realize that they are not dreaming and that’s really an EVO in front of them. Mitsubishi’s premiere racing line has been in production for some time now and has created countless fans and followers. With countless of won races, under its belt, the EVO series looks poised never to relinquish it reign.

The Last EVO, the IX, was no exception. It was a constant award collector. Numerous races from all over the world have been won by this car. Owners have nothing to complain about the last EVO, with its ǘber-engine, great handling and menacing look. Needless to say owners of the last EVO are extreme happy and satisfied. Now that we’ve seen what the IX could do, imagine what an upgraded EVO X can accomplish.

The jaws of countless performance car fans around the world slacked involuntarily when Mitsubishi announced the tenth generation in the EVO series. This car is a bloody monster. Its performance features are not carry-overs like what Subaru did for the new Imprezza. The X features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0 L turbocharged, all-aluminum Straight-4 engine. This baby means serious business.

In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X.

Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The Lancer Evolution X sedan will feature a newly designed 4B11T 2.0 L turbocharged, all-aluminum Straight-4 engine. Power and torque depend on the market (North American version: 291 hp (217 kW) and 290 lbf·ft, Japanese version: 291 hp (217 kW) and 213 lbf·ft, UK version: 200 bhp at 6500 rpm, 231 lbf·ft at 3500 rpm [12]). Two versions of the car will be offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which will have a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car has also a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations. The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time.

It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed Twin Clutch SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. A 5-speed manual gearbox will also be available. Mitsubishi claims that the 5 speed manual transmission has always been preferred in rallying and should be very refined, resulting in a more satisfying drive. New Lancer Evolution will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.

The production version of Prototype-X has begun production in Autumn 2007. The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan then in January 2008 in the U.S.A., February in Canada and in March 2008 in the UK at prices between £27,499 and £37,999.

Source: Wikipedia

How not to Create an Ugly Car Mod

1. Begin with the end in mind. As cliché as this might sound, it actually works wonders when modding your car. Always visualize the finished look. Avoid buying parts because they look cool. They may look cool separately but they may not go together with everything else.
2. Choose your niche and stick to it. Create a sort of theme. Choose if you want to go colorful or two-tone or single color. Avoid having to mix different elements together or you may end up with a car looking like it’d be perfect for the local circus.
3. Buy quality kits. Cheap ones are easily revealed for what they really are. They’ll end up making your car look…well, cheap.
4. Buy from known manufacturers. Big manufacturers usually carry a guarantee whereas those shady ones may not. You don’t want to end up is a situation where you receive a scratched or defective product and not get your cash back or a replacement.
5. Don’t skimp out on the essentials. Look, you got into this thing. You might as well go all the way. Half-hearted attempts are easily reflected by the finished product.
6. Get parts that match the cars design. Just because the movie “alien” looked cool doesn’t mean objects from the movie will look great on your car. Again, visualize if the product would look cool on the car.

There are tons of things that I’d like to put on this list. However, I think these will do for now. Look, you have to be a great medium in your car’s transformation from stock to greatness. Think of it like raising a child. There are different models, each of them has their own unique quality, just because a side skirt design looks great on a Miata doesn’t mean it would be the same for a Skyline. As your car’s father, it’s up to you to take all of these different elements and combine them for your car to “grow” beautifully. It’s entirely up to you whether the car grows into a beautiful swan or doom it to remain an ugly duckling until its ready to face the compactor. Some cars are beautiful from the get-go. If you’re lucky enough to own such a car, well then good for you. Go easy on the mods lest you turn its natural beauty against it. Be conservative for a change. Your car is beautiful already; all it need is just a few more touches for it to look absolutely divine. Some blokes aren’t so lucky. For those that own stock cars that look better crushed, don’t lose hope. There are tons of aftermarket kits out there. But again, exercise restraint or you may end up with something looking worse than the original, if that’s possible. Choose your parts and kits wisely. Set limits man for crying out loud. Once it gets to the point that your car looks good already, stop. Going beyond that means you’re trying to build a float for the parade.

Putting it down for the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS

Whoa! It’s been a while since I’ve been able to put my thoughts down on this here blog. I guess I was having too good a time racing. I’ve been out almost every night looking for punks who want to lose their money. It’s not pride I just know I’m good. And I trust my car, heck with all of the time and money I’ve invested already, it better be damn trustworthy. So, I was racin’ and stuff and I just finally felt the need to slow down for a change. Man, if I go on like this every night it’s either my car or me that going to have problems. So, here I am facing the screen and not the road for a change. I’m actually in the market to look for a new car. I feel I’ve saved enough cash to get me a second ride. My car now is great but I don’t think my poor baby is going to take all the abuse it has to bear on a nightly basis. So, I think a second car will save it.

I’ve seen great new models from different brands. There’s the 2008 Ford Focus, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2008 Dodge Charger (sweet) and a 2008 Infinity G37 coupe to name a few. But what seriously eyeing is the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS. Man oh man I fall in love with this car the moment its beautiful face popped-out on the webpage. Kudos to Mitsubishi for its impeccable styling and overall design! I never felt this excited since, well I got my first car. I’m sure with the right body and performance kits, I could have this baby looking and driving like a bona fide winner.

Pricing is good, it’s a bit more expensive than the Focus but it’s definitely cheaper than the rest of the abovementioned cars. Even though it’s cheaper, its specs are just about the same as the rest, save for the Infinity G37 which is way beyond. It may not be at the top of the heap when it comes to performance but its price and looks can’t be beat. And I’m sure that I could tune this car up to my standards. I mean, it always starts like this. You get a stock car with good potential, and the others get more expensive ones, but with the money you’ve saved on the cheaper model you could fit aftermarket kits on it to make go above and beyond the others.

Specs for the 2008 Eclipse are: 162 horsepower at 6000rpm run the 2.4L engine with 5 speed manual. Features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and seat mounted front side airbags.

But I really have to go back to its looks. For me this is the biggest selling point for this car. I liked the old eclipse’s distinct styling but I absolutely LOVE the new one. The model I saw had this pearlescent orange paint job and man was it an eye catcher. I rarely run out of things to improve on a car, but with the new eclipse’s look, there’s nothing I would change. Its backside looks a bit like the Nizzan 350Z, which is great because I also liked that part on the 350Z.

There are cars that you have to add loads of body mods for it to look worthy but this one, it only need a little lowering and skirts and it would be totally ready to go. Performance-wise, I think I need to add a few kits and tweak it a bit so I won’t look like a jack-ass losing to some punk. Its interiors are a bit bland though. Hmm… looks like I’m in for a bit of accessorizing. Carbon fiber will do wonders for it. Also, I like to have loud music pumping me up while I go circles around my rivals, so I think I might buy some amps and quality subs for it as well. Stock speaker just won’t cut it. I like my competitors to hear my music as well so they’ll know the song that lost them some cash.

Overall though, I think I’m set. All I need to do now is go to my bank, sign some papers, and then I’ll finally get to give this baby a new home in my garage. So, when you hear loud music coming up from behind you accompanied by roaring mufflers, give some space, it might be me in my new Mitsubishi Eclipse GS. Game on!

Speed kills or is it just irresponsible driving?

We can’t help but get bombarded everyday while watching the 6 pm news, with pictures showing horrifying accidents on the street due to speed. Which lead to some creating the slogan “kill your speed before it kills you”. This racer is not particularly convinced. What did the news show really? Did it show that the driver was actually just testing his vehicle in an abandoned stretch of road? Or did it show a drunk going 90mph on a crowded freeway? This leads me to believe that speed, like power, doesn’t kill… it is actually how you use it. Let me break it down to you by showing you two cases:

a) Alfred is on a hill overlooking a magnificent view in his customized Mitsubishi EVO VIII. Now one of the things he sees from his view is a wide road going down from that hill with absolutely no one in sight. He revs his car up till it redlines releases the pedal and goes down the hill at 75 mph feeling the wind in his face while testing the boundaries of his beloved automobile.

b) Gary is a lowlife. He doesn’t have anyone to care for and he takes a very grim view on life as a whole. He goes out on a Friday night gets utterly smashed and gets in to his Dodge Charger. He blasts out of the pub’s parking lot mowing down 2 innocent bystanders and gets into a 5 car pile-up down the road.

Let me tell you this up front. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Alfred. It’s inherent to us as humans to have that need for speed. There is absolutely no comparing the feeling of going fast. Nothing. And when you do it responsibly, like when there’s nobody around and you have the proper space for it. Then by all means go for it! It’s all part of the whole living your life to the fullest thing. It’s all good, baby.

Gary on the other hand needs to have his license revoked and his ass put in the slammer. These types of person use speed for all the wrong reasons. He doesn’t care about other people so it doesn’t matter to him whether he kills a few blokes here or there. This is the type of guy that gives guys like Alfred a bad name. I just hate to read about the black propaganda against speed. C’mon speed is useful. Speed means we can get to where we’re going fast thereby saving precious time and getting a lot of things done. In fact, I believe speed bought us the new age. Speed is the reason why we have advanced as a whole. Without speed, information doesn’t get to where it’s supposed to be on time. We don’t have fresh food, because by the time the produce gets to us, it old. Speed keeps us young. Youth goes when our speed goes. Speed IS youth. This is the best cre for people thinking they’re too old. Strap ‘em onto a GTO and watch how their faces shine as you blast through the open roads.

So, to end this I just want to reach out to those people thinking speed should be burned at the stake. Speed is good people! Speed, when used responsibly is a godsend. It is one of the things the MAN himself bestowed upon us humble beings to bring life to this world. Speed is life, not the cause of death. Peed should be praised not scorned. Speed should be admired not shun away. People should be educated on how to use speed so it doesn’t go the other way. Everybody needs to know. It would be a shame if everybody adopted the “speed kills” thought. The world would be a much grimmer place to live in if that happens. It would feel as if the life was sucked out of the world by some invisible siphon. Like blood leaking out an open wound. Face it people, we need speed. There’s no denying that. People are afraid because they don’t fully grasp the concept of speed. We only need to use it responsibly for us to enjoy the full effect of it. Like any other raw force created, we need to know how to use it first. Everything has its pros and cons… Let us dissolve speed’s cons by arming ourselves with the knowledge on how to use it safely and effectively. Speed kills? Nah… Dumb bastards going fast does.

The Gray Area of Racing

What is really about illegal street racing that gets our blood absolutely pounding with excitement? In a line… it’s because it IS illegal. Now I know the conservatives will abhor me for this. I’m not encouraging anyone. In fact I don’t think everybody can handle it. This article is targeting only those who are already racers. In fact, I don’t encourage it at all but if you’re deep into the whole thing already, well… good for ‘ya mate!

I don’t know about you guys, but racing for me lost its fun when they constructed a LEGAL racing place in our town. Lemme tell ya… If you want anything illegal to stop, legalize it. At first it was fine, and I actually got a kick out of it. But as time passed, the street racer in me was beginning to long for the “wild”. Now I know how a caged cheetah feels like. I think I even started foaming at the mouth at one point. I don’t know if it’s just me but I strongly suspect m comrades were feeling the same thing. So what does any true blue street racer do? We turned our backs on the legal circuit and slowly returned to our REAL domain: the streets. The first peel-out I did on the open road felt like a glass of ice cold water after being stranded on a desert with no water for 3 days. Man, there was absolutely no comparing it. It was definitely sublime. I passed a cop on his cruiser and I was secretly hoping he’d give chase, but he saw my car and I guess he figured it was pointless.

The first race I entered after that, man, everybody came in full force. I knew then how much everybody missed being on the other side of the law. We’re not bandits or anything… We don’t hurt people (except the ones who lose). We don’t rob, steal, rape or kill. We just love testing our custom rides out on familiar territory. And we do it at night so there are no stupid pedestrians getting their brain splattered all over the pavement. So back to the race… My heart was absolutely racing with excitement, far greater than how it felt on the legal track. After the bets were placed, we were off… The only real competitor I had was this guy on a tuned Honda S2000. Man, was he fast. He sure had a great ride. But in racing, it’s not all about the ride… I outmaneuvered him. I never let up and I always made sure he didn’t get the chance to pass me. So I won the race and pocketed some cash. Bloody great feeling lemme tell ya.

So I guess legal racing will never be for me. I will always remain on the streets participating in planned events or lurking below some stop light looking for a sucker to challenge and make a quick buck. I repeat, I don’t encourage. I’m just sharing how it feels like to be an illegal street racer. It’s shady, grimy, illegal and 100% dangerous…like I could lose my life at any given race. But this is my personal choice. Because in this life the only thing that matters is the choices you make and how you stand up for them.

The Basics in Car Modification (Part III)

CONTINUED…

Alright, now that you have your car’s exterior covered, you have to make sure your car has enough bang to go with it, performance-wise. There are loads of performance kits out there to give your car that added boost. A great turbo kit will make sure your car won’t be left to snort the fumes from other faster rides. Also you car has to have enough brains to handle all that power so throw-in a quality ECU as well.

Just because you’re not concerned about your weight doesn’t mean your car shouldn’t as well. Put your car on diet. Get a good weight- reduction kit for it as well because less poundage means more zoom for your car.

And to round that off, go ahead and get a good nitrous oxide kit for a speed burst when you need it most. Boy, you’re car should be smoking by now, eh?

So your car looks good and goes fast, but does it have a good sound system? Give your car its own theme song to go with its looks and power by installing great amplifiers and sub-woofers for it. Low-quality ones have less power and may even sound a bit off. Great ones though, well, let’s just say you’ll be the village alarm clock and I’m not even exaggerating. You’ll have everyone’s head bobbing up and down in no time. God bless sound engineering. Boom-boom-boom baby!

If you followed my list, by now, you’re car should be just about ready to hit the streets and dazzle everyone. There’s just one more thing left: the interior. No matter how good your car looks on the outside, driving it will not be enjoyable if you don’t have the proper stuff INSIDE the car, you know what I mean? First off, what do you do before you start your car? You have to SIT inside first right? Ok so you’re thinking, replacing your seats might be a little overkill. I you do then you’re missing the point. When you get into car modification, you have to pay attention to every little detail in your car inside and out. You got to have the rights seats man. Bucket-type seats offer good support for your back and it’s professionally set to be in the optimum driving configuration. Hell, pro racers have been enjoying these types of seats for decades. So if it’s good for them it’s damn sure good enough for the ordinary driver. Leave it to the experts.

Now that we got you sitting comfortably, how bout your passengers? Get choice upholstery so you’re passengers sit comfortable and in style. Trust me, you’ll be thanking me when the ladies flock to your car because of them.

Everybody’s comfortable, so now what? Are they bored? Chuck in some entertainment for them then. There are great LCDs that you can installed on the back of the driver’s headrest. Why do you need them, you ask? So you can install a couple of game consoles, that’s why. Now no one gets bored in your car, no one. And with that awesome sound system that you have, they’ll be playing as if they were the characters themselves. Got some more room? Here are some things you can add: GPS (so you’ll know exactly where the party’s going to be), a fridge for sodas (what? Were you thinking of beer? You know driving while getting smashed is illegal…if the good ‘ole 5-0 catches you) and virtually anything else you can fit in there. Be creative. It’s your friggin’ car so you should be able to dress it up some more to suit your taste and personality.

Now that everything is everything, open that garage door, rev your NEW car up till it redlines then zoom off and experience everything that you and you’re car have been missing out on. Cheers!

The Basics in Car Modification (Part II)

CONTINUED….

Now that we have the right “clothes” for your car, it’s time to get it some decent shoes. Nice rims to house your car’s tires, add even more bling for your ride. These are available in different sizes and materials. They come in alloys, steel and even in chrome for you players out there. Some of these look great but tend to bend when exposed to extreme situations. If money is no object, then go for chrome 19-inchers and above with spinners. Those will definitely cause some heads to turn.

Next up we have your car’s lights. This particular area in your car is not one to be overlooked. You may have a wicked body kit on already, but if your car’s headlights and taillights are still stock, it just doesn’t feel complete. There are oodles of choices for you to go on here. They even come in different colors and intensity nowadays.

Speaking of lights, your car’s underbody deserves a decent set too. Grab a good underbody neon light kit and watch everybody’s jaw drop. Now while static neon lights are already appreciated by everyone, imagine what pulse neon lights will do for your car. Believe it or not, some of the damn things actually blink continuously while you cruise, how absolutely friggin’ awesome is that?

There is one topic that has been debated on over and over again by experts and enthusiasts alike. Nobody seems to agree on whether a car should be tinted or not. While some go for the darkest tint available, others believe that tinting should be left to ex-convicts and wanted felons. Celebrities that don’t want to be bothered by TMZ go for the deepest shades they can find. I asked my buddy why his window doesn’t have any tint at all, to which he replied, and I quote “why should I spend more money just to hide my good looks?” Ah modesty at its finest. I guess this all boils down to your taste really… It depends on your car’s overall look too. Use your imagination when deciding whether to add tints to your window or not.

When it comes to lowering your vehicle, always get the best kit possible to avoid damaging your car’s suspensions. Others go for the cheapie cheapie way and just cut some inches off of their spring to lower it. Now while this method is way cheaper than getting quality kits, this also comes with a greater risk of wrecking your suspension at even the slightest bumps on the road. Choose wisely my friend. Don’t be a cheap-ass because repairs will cost you so much more in the end. A well-lowered car adds to a more streamlined feel and definitely makes your car look like a stalking predator ready to burst unexpectedly to go for the kill.

Now we have your doors. Are you thinking is there some more ways that I could improve on my doors? This is the car modifier’s age man, of course there is! You can give fool everybody into thinking you own a supercar by getting supercar-ish doors. Scissor-type doors that have been used exclusively by supercars in the past can now be installed for your car. Get in and off your car with style.

Now that you have supercar-ish doors, go the extra mile by making making your car sound like a supercar too. Add a decent muffler and hear your car roar like a wind tunnel-tested Italian hybrids. This is just plain wicked man. Make your presence felt every time.

After all of those, we’re just about ready to close the chapter on making your car’s exterior stand out. All this cake need is its icing. What better way to do it than by getting an awesome paintjob and artwork done. Gone are the days when the choices for your car’s color are limited to plain red, mediocre blue, etc. We now have pearlescent shades that seem to change color in different light settings. Also, there are a lot of talented artist that can lay down your favorite artwork on your car for you. What better way to express your feelings and intentions than by getting a sick artwork airbrushed on your ride’s side.

The Basics in Car Modification 101 (Part I)

So you’re ready to trick your ride out are you? Know the basics so won’t end up with your car looking and feeling worse than when you started.

So you got your stock car right? First you have to assess your priorities. You can start modding on any part of your car so if you’re on a budget, you have to start on the aspects that matter the most to you.

If your car’s exterior is your primary concern then start from there. You have to look at your car’s overall design and single-out the parts that you want to improve on. Generally, there are tons of body kits out there for your car’s model. Additions include side, front and rear skirts, all of which make your car look sleeker and definitely much more menacing. Choose the ones that you believe are right for your car. Also, make sure that its design is flawless. Your car’s visual points depend on it. Then you have to make sure that it’s made from high-grade materials otherwise even the tiniest of objects that come into contact with it while driving may damage it, thus blemishing your car’s otherwise perfect looks.

Then there are the hoods. And I don’t mean where you came from. There is a wide variety of hoods available out there. They are available in different colors as well as materials. Some have slots to help dissipate heat from your engine, while giving your car added points in the looks department. Some hoods are even made from lightweight carbon fiber. These help your car and engine run lighter and cooler respectively. But the most noticeable aspect of a carbon fiber hood is its color. That solitary phantom black part (unless of course your car’s color is already black) gives an aura of menace about your car. This gives others a good solid warning not to mess with you.

Then there are spoilers. Due to a lack of a better name to call it, spoilers are actually contrary to how it sounds. These babies located at the top of your trunk gives that much needed down force when you’re driving way above the speed limit. Without them at these seeds, you’re car could make like an airplane and take off. Not literally take off, but it could start to rise from the ground thereby limiting your handling which makes it very dangerous. Aside from its practical uses, spoilers also give your car that F1 feel. Yeah that’s right, who could tell that your car wasn’t built for racing with those huge Batmobile-like protrusions coming out of your car’s backside. With these honeys on your car, you are one-step closer in making your ride the road-going menace you want it to be.

TO BE CONTINUED….

Perfect time to Live

I don’t think my fellow car modification enthusiasts will disagree when I say we are living in the perfect time for our hobby. I mean just look at the tools and products available for our purposes. I am ecstatic about the endless possibilities you can do to your car these days. For one thing, economical cars from Japan are available to us, with limited budgets. But that is not to say they’re not well-equipped. I say they are just as powerful as their American or European counterparts. And given the right boost from aftermarket kits, they may even leave their competitors far behind. People are starting to see Japanese cars in a brand-new light. Movies like the Fast and the Furious are a big help in making people see all the glorious possibilities they can do to their vehicles. And it also helps in debunking the myth that cars from Asia are crap. I mean, could you honestly say that a Nissan Skyline GT-R is under-powered? Will you have the heart to say that a Mitsubishi Evolution IX is slow or that a Subaru WRX Impreza doesn’t handle well? Now you get the picture…

What’s more, there is an outbreak of affordable aftermarket kits that you can fit them with. What this means is your 25-grand car with the right set-up could match the speed of a car more than twice its price tag. How great is that? That kind of technology wasn’t there during our dad’s time. Face it, we have it easy.

With its present rate, it won’t be long before we see stuff that’s straight out of the comic books. Ah, what it is to be a car tuner these days. There aren’t nearly enough words to explain it. So why don’t you take that broken down civic that you have in your front lawn and mod it into something you can definitely be proud of, trust me, now’s the perfect time.

Ride Tuners of the World Unite!