SUBTLY SLICED
April 2, 2025
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THE AUTO BUILDER
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Gearstar 4L65E Transmissions
May 30, 2025
The Triple Crown of Rodding 2023
September 15, 2023
The Epic Corvettes of the Triple Crown of Rodding
When it comes to America’s sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette has always been a blank canvas for creativity, speed, and style. From factory-pure survivors to wild, one-off customs, the Triple Crown of Rodding 2025 proved once again that no other nameplate captures the imagination of builders and fans quite like the Corvette.
LOWER YOUR ALTIMA, NOT YOUR STANDARDS
Nissan is hoping that the Altima finds a niche with the tuner crowd and makes a huge splash with the younger generation that is far more car-conscious than those who buy mere transportation. It priced the car competitively at $17,900, but it’s hard to consider that $18,000 is reasonable—until you compare the Altima to what little you get out there for $17,900 nowadays.
Brizio Street Rods Shines at GNRS 2025
The Grand National Roadster Show 2025 was an all-out horsepower spectacle, packed with jaw-dropping rides and elite craftsmanship. But one booth that truly stole the show? Brizio Street Rods. These guys don’t just build cars—they create rolling masterpieces that blend power, style, and history into one breathtaking package.
Spotlighter
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.
