BLACK  SHEEP

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.