PEEL ‘N STICK
December 16, 2022
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Madillac
Jerry Starling is a rod and custom car builder by trade, but like many builders, Starling found that he did not have the time available to build his own vehicle. When it did come time to build the fine-looking ’96 Chevy Tahoe you see here, he instead turned to the father-and-son team of Randy and Kevin Cox, and their shop Custom Concepts in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
Honda did the right thing in refreshing the looks of the aging DC2 Integra platform, but somewhere along the retooling process, the terrific driving experience for which the Integra was known was lost somewhere. The Integra Type-R was a no-frills, high-performance sport compact that bordered on being a street-legal racecar, but without the loud exhaust or kidney-bruising ride; the RSX Type-S just doesn’t have the feel that the older Integra had—instead of being razor sharp and agile, the RSX feels numbed and subdued by comparison.
A TRIBUTE ROADSTER
It all started with my buddy Dave Collins, a flooring contractor who happened to own a ’55 DeSoto sedan, complete with terminal rust. I told him I would be interested in buying the engine,” says Jim Moore, owner of this roadster. “He replied that if I would buy the entire car, he would sell me new carpet for cost plus five percent; this enabled me to haul the DeSoto hulk home and part it out without any complaints from my wife as she gained new carpet in the deal.” And so it goes in the world of hot rodding!
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BLACK SHEEP
A Honda Prelude That Resulted From Some Painstaking Hunting for Parts
Ever since Honda released the Prelude back in the late ’70s, they’ve never enjoyed the following of the Civic or Accord. Always placed in the shadows of Honda’s two more popular models, the Prelude has managed to become known as Honda’s black sheep...except, of course, to those who dared to be different.
Author
Gene Tjin
Photos by Brian Khang
Andy Lai’s Passion for the Honda Prelude
One of those people is Andy Lai of Edison, New Jersey, who—after an earlier trip to Hong Kong and a visit to his aunt’s house—instantly fell in love with what he saw in her driveway. What Lai saw and the affection for this love affair was a third-generation Prelude. Having already been of the type who enjoyed being different, Lai made up his mind that the Prelude platform would be his next starting point.
Choosing the Fifth-Generation Prelude as the Perfect Platform
When the fifth-generation Prelude debuted, Lai figured that this was his chance to make a move, so he sold his current project and purchased Honda’s new Prelude. Keeping it stock for the first three years, Lai figured the time was right to begin his personalization and started off with the basics of the exterior. Lai picked up a Wings West lip kit, along with a Fiber Images carbon fiber hood sprayed in a matching candy blue. His next step was to find a wheel and tire package and suspension setup that would give the Prelude a better stance and smooth ride.
Initial Modifications: Wheels, Suspension, and the Budget Constraints
After doing his research, Lai found what he thought would make the perfect addition and ordered a set of Racing Hart C5 EVO wheels and Apex springs. Although the modifications were basic, living the student life at the time limited Lai from getting too deeply involved in his new hobby.
Taking the Prelude to the Next Level
By the time he managed to get himself through school and out into the workforce, Lai finally had the time and resources to take the Prelude to the next level, which is where you see it right now. With version one now outdated, Lai figured that version two would be one that would help him set his Prelude apart from the rest.
A Shift to Japanese Styling and the Quest for Mugen Parts
With the trend changing from American-made brands to those from overseas, Lai figured that more subtle styling cues and functional products that were being offered in Japan were the route he should take. Having spotted the Mugen brand earlier in the build, his mission was now to acquire a collection of some of the rare parts they offered. As difficult as it was to find even the parts that Mugen offered for the more popular Civic and Integra chassis at the time, coming across Mugen parts for the Prelude was even more difficult.
Mugen Aero Kit and Rare JDM Parts
Limited runs and a lower demand for these products meant that if he wanted it, he’d have to pay top dollar for it. That is, if he was able to hunt it down and buy it at all. But after doing some additional research and making a bunch of phone calls, King Motorsports was able to help Lai obtain the parts he was looking for. The authentic Mugen aero kit—which includes the front bumper, side skirts, and rear add-ons—along with the flush-mount rear wing are some of the rarest pieces you’ll come across, but Lai also managed to find a set of 17-inch Mugen MZ3X wheels wrapped in Falken rubber. Aside from these Mugen pieces on the outside, several other Japanese OEM pieces were also added, such as foglights, side marker lights, window visors, and power folding mirrors.
Japanese OEM Additions and Interior Modifications
With subtle touches to the Prelude’s exterior, the OEM pieces add a nice touch to the car although only a true enthusiast will take notice. To stick with the Mugen theme, Lai also accessorized the interior with Japanese brands. Sticking out to be noticed, the Mugen S1 bucket seat (mounted on a Bride Type-FO seat rails and bracket) keeps Lai tucked in place while cruising the streets of New Jersey. Also found inside are a Mugen Racing II steering wheel mounted on an NRG quick-release hub, shift knob, and racing pedal combo. Working with this Japanese-inspired theme, Lai also picked up a set of four-point Takata harnesses protected by a set of Takata’s shoulder belt pads. Just like the exterior, Lai also added a handful of Japanese OE items to the interior. Sitting behind the steering wheel and mounted back in the dash are a Type-S gauge cluster that reads in kilometers, a center console/cupholder, rear ashtray, and a pair of ultra-rare doorsills.
Performance Upgrades and Engine Enhancements
When the time came to touch on the performance aspect of the car, Lai continued to keep things basic by adding a Mugen twin-loop exhaust, 4-2-1 header, oil cap, reservoir covers, and radiator cap. Also found under the hood are TWM individual throttle bodies, which now allow for increased air induction in conjunction with an AEM cold air intake. Lai also picked up a JDM SiR blue valve cover to match the Prelude’s exterior, and it houses a set of AEM’s adjustable cam gears, which allow for further fine-tuning.
Suspension Upgrades for Improved Handling
The final pieces in the puzzle are the suspension components. Lai ditched the Apex springs from the earlier build in favor of a JDM Honda Access suspension. To aid in stiffening the ride, a Type-S front strut bar was added under the hood while a Spoon Sports rear upper bar and DC Sports rear lower tie bar were also included. On the inside, an EM Racing C-pillar bar also keeps body roll to a minimum while Lai makes his way through whatever corners he may come across.
Looking Ahead: Future Modifications for Lai’s Prelude
Even though many tuners would be happy to even get to this point, Lai told us that plans call for additional work. By the time you read this, Lai’s Prelude will already be outfitted with a complete JUN valvetrain upgrade, an Endless brake kit, and a set of Zeal Function X coilovers. So if you live around the New Jersey area, be sure to keep an eye out for what we feel is one of the cleanest-looking Preludes around because this one is different and very nicely done.
