Pham, ever paranoid of a routine police stop, was careful to pick his mods wisely. And he had good reason to be. Pham works for a law firm and spends his day driving back and forth from court. The last thing he wants is to see flashing lights in the rearview-again. Keeping things reasonable, a Walbro 255lph pump fuels the new cams' appetite, while a Helix CEL Fix keeps the check engine light from going crazy. The improved head isn't the only thing that could trigger a check engine light-a Works P2 Brain Flash is definitely not stock. The guys at Works are no amateurs; when the head was off, a set of ARP head studs and a Cosworth headgasket were installed to guard against any potential pressure problems. An RNR intercooler and Helix intercooler piping keep cool air flowing into the intake manifold.
With the engine bolted back together, it was time for the finishing touches. A Weapon-R engine damper helps eradicate unnecessary engine movement without transmitting excessive vibrations to the cockpit. An ARC titanium spark plug cover and radiator-cooling shroud team up with a Garage HRS heat shield to add some bling to the otherwise lightly touched engine bay. Some would consider the GReddy oil filter block adapter as an additional piece of bling, but it has the obvious purpose of relocating the oil filter for easy access.
At this point, Pham was going the distance. The car needed a few more exterior tweaks to turn the show judges' heads. And so they were poured on-a JDM window visor combined with JDM headlights and taillights make the car look like it lives on the other side of the ocean. Speaking of overseas appeal, Pham used a UK Evo MR badge in the front grille and on the decklid, in addition to a Works TR-340 badge to further set the car apart from the American masses.
With the exterior perfected, the next logical step was to increase the interior bling to match. For this, Pham called on San Jose Audio Dynamic to install Alpine's IVA-W200 double-DIN DVD/CD/MP3/WMA receiver/AV head unit, along with an Alpine full-speed iPod connection cable. An Autometer three-gauge A-pillar was painted to match the stock interior gray and filled with Defi Blue Racer series EGT, boost and oil temperature gauges.
What was once destined to be a daily driver has gone on to win two shows and two Third place finishes at the San Jose Grand Prix (Best Overall Import) and Hot Import Daze in Pleasanton, Calif., (Best Overall Four-Door Wild). Pham has also entered the subtle widebody in Hot Import Nights and Night Shift. Reluctantly, he admits, "...no matter how many times I promise myself I'm done, I find myself buying more and more products. I guess it will always be a work in progress." We feel your pain, Duy.