Hawaiian Import Enthusiasts - Keepin' It Kaotic

The mods do not, by any means, end there. A look inside the Civic reveals a complete transformation from stock to shock. The Civic was dropped off at Al's Auto Upholstery where the crew replaced the factory fabric with blue and white vinyl. Automotive Innovation painted the panels and dash to match, while Jim concentrated on the finishing touches by hiring Evolution Performance to install the roll cage. Further interior accoutrements come by way of an Auto Meter tachometer and racing pedals as well as an aftermarket shift knob and E-brake handle. Jim also dropped the factory stereo system; sounds are now delivered through a Clarion head unit that feeds two Rockford amplifiers, two JL Audio 12-inch sub woofers and an array of MB Quartz mids and highs.

Under the hood, the Civic still sports the SOHC powerplant, but an assortment of bolt-on power has upped the ante. An Iceman air intake system produces more airflow to the motor and a DC Sports four-into-one header and a Flowmaster exhaust system relieves the Civic of power-restricting backpressure. The limited factory ignition has been upgraded with an MSD ignition coil, Accel wires and NGK plugs and a 50 hp injection of nitrous oxide provides the big bang. All rides that are built to go fast should also be able to stop fast, and Jim's Civic measures up with a Power Slot brake upgrade.

As you can see, Hawaii's show heads are building some all-out, no-holds-barred show cars. Jim's ride, though on the wild side, is a daily-driven example of how import enthusiasts all across the country live for vehicle customization. Not so long ago, sour-faced cronies from a past and forgotten era said the "import thing" is just a phase and is going nowhere. All we gotta say is "who's going nowhere now mo'fo'?"