why Buy a Porsche? ... Customize a RX-7

[HarryD]

I think I know a better way to spend over 60 large on a fast car.

Seems very sad

Seen in the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/31/automobiles/31TUNE.html?8dt

Too Fast. Too Furious. Too Old?
By FARA WARNER

Published: October 31, 2003




LES WONG'S car looks like something straight out of the "Fast and Furious" movies. The bright red 1993 Mazda RX-7 has a giant blue panther leaping along the passenger side, a tweaked 348-horsepower engine under the hood and an elegant winglike spoiler off the back. In fact, Dr. Wong, who has spent close to $60,000 customizing his car, could be a classic "import tuner" — a young, car-obsessed street racer with a souped-up compact. Except for one thing: He's a 35-year-old dentist with a wife, two children and a house in Sacramento.

Meet the new tuners: men and women over 30 who trade notes on intercoolers and superchargers while trying to figure out just who or what Ludicris and Outkast are besides misspelled words. Some "mature" tuners, like Dr. Wong, who says his car is akin to a woman's designer shoe collection, look to show off their own personal style. Others say they are reliving or extending part of their youth, when they raced big V-8 American cars. Though their younger counterparts flock to car shows like Hot Import Nights to ogle models, dance to hip-hop and show off their customized Hondas, Mitsubishis and Subarus, older tuners tend to settle for a little friendly competition on the streets.

"All I have to do is stop at a red light and have a youngster pull up next to me," said Barbra Craig, a 54-year-old Detroit office manager whose $16,000 Ford Focus has $10,000 worth of add-ons, including a turbocharger, custom 17-inch wheels, and Recaro racing seats. "I wouldn't want to stand around and look at my car," she said. "I just want to drive."

The tuning craze began more than a decade ago, among young men in the Asian-immigrant communities outside Los Angeles. The car of choice then was a hand-me-down Honda Civic, with the four-cylinder engine modified, or tuned, to boost the horsepower and turn a cheap Japanese import into a street racer capable of hitting 60 miles an hour in less than five seconds.

Unlike pre-electronic age hot-rodders, tuners didn't get their hands dirty messing around with the distributor or carburetor to raise power and speed. Instead, they hacked into their cars' computer chip brains, modifying the algorithms controlling the fuel injectors, and added items like turbochargers and new exhaust systems to increase the amount of air and fuel going into a car's engine.

They didn't stop there: Tuners lowered the cars to make them more aerodynamic, added rear spoilers and side skirts to make them, well, look cool, painted them wild colors and changed the standard head and tail lights for xenon or L.E.D. lights. Before long, carmakers like Honda and Mitsubishi started catering to the subculture, by giving so-called aftermarket companies early looks at the cars so they could create new parts to appeal to tuners. More recently, the cars got a boost into the mainstream from movies like "Fast and Furious" and the Grand Theft Auto video games, which feature tuner cars racing down late-night streets.

But for older tuners, it's not always a comfortable fit. Brian Callahan, 60, isn't particularly interested in hanging out in a 7-Eleven parking lot at midnight with Detroit-area tuners or motoring down the city's famous car cruising street, Woodward Avenue. "I listen to jazz and classical music," Mr. Callahan, a computer consultant, said.

Still, he recently bought a $25,000 2003 Subaru WRX, then spent another $7,000 to get more than 300 horsepower out of the four-cylinder engine. And on a recent afternoon, he couldn't help the big grin that spread across his face as he stepped on the gas just as a red light turned green, quickly shifting from first gear to second. The car growled and shot down a suburban Detroit thoroughfare. "That was zero to 60 in second gear in under five seconds," Mr. Callahan said as he stopped at the next red light.

Mixing a tuner obsession with family life can make for some odd juxtapositions. Dr. Wong's personal Web site, for instance, is filled with smiling shots of his children at Disney World, at Christmas and playing in the snow. Then there are the beauty shots of his car, hood up, engine gleaming, miniskirted model smiling in front at tuner events like Hot Import Nights or on the set of a Ludicris video. "I pretty much stay home and take care of my kids," Dr. Wong said, except, of course, for when he's exhibiting his Mazda at shows like Import Revolution and Nisei Week.

The car companies — from General Motors' Saturn division to Mercedes-Benz — are hoping to cash in on the older tuners, many of whom are willing to spend more than the $15,000 or so that a classic tuner subcompact costs. The new Mercedes AMG performance versions of its usually sedate sedans come with twin-spoke wheels and 450-horsepower engines — and cost five times what a typical tuner car goes for. And while Ford's Focus is still fairly cheap — the base price is about $13,000 — the carmaker is betting it will add some performance gloss to its family-sedan reputation.

AMONG the events at recent Fun Ford weekends: legal versions of the late-night street racing and fancy burnouts that the younger tuners have been known for. At a Focus Frenzy race in July in Norwalk, Ohio, Mrs. Craig put her souped-up car up against the competition on the drag strip — doing the quarter-mile in less than 15 seconds, good enough to place third. "Not bad for a grandmother," she said.

Indeed, many older tuners are looking for legal ways to enjoy their cars. When Thomas H. Limpo, 35, moved to Detroit from Southern California eight years ago, he figured he'd leave some of the more outrageous tuner behavior behind. His new club, Redline Motorsports, strictly prohibits things like loud engine revving and using nitrous oxide to boost speed (a practice that's illegal in some states). "We're just a bunch of old respectable guys," Mr. Limpo said.

Even his car is different: He drives a silver 2002 Honda roadster, not a subcompact. Still, he admits that Redline has its fair share of tuner tantrums. "Before you know it, somebody has thrown down the gauntlet on the message boards and there's a race to see whose car is better or faster," he said.

[89911]

Hard to knock people who love cars and working on them. I'm sure if you delved deep enough into some of the pockets of "tuners" on this board, you could find some serious coinage being spent. I find more similarities with "tuners" and car enthusiasts such as 911 followers then differences. Both looking to customize a car to his on taste.

[Porsche]

As long as the car is faster, there's nothing wrong with modifying it. It's when the car is actually SLOWER after modifications... that's when beauty is only skin deep.

[kpfoten]

If my patients saw me driving around in one of those, they'd probably laugh and find a new dentist...

[HarryD]

89911,

ThHe problem I have with this article is a guy spending $60k to customize an RX-7 in the quest for a fast ride. This is a $13,000 car! For $73,000 you have quite the selection to get a fast car that represent a better overall package.

I also do not like the hints of street racing that are in this article instead of highlinghting a trip to the track/dragstrip to show what you and your car can do.

I personally always smile when I see a good custom car because it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd. Even if I do not like what they did, I do admire the willingness to express their vision.

[Supergranule]

dont' know of any street leagal civic that can do 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. anyway, the import scene is pretty much a joke around where i live. most of the kids i've met don't know too much and just want to look cool. at a car show i went to over the summer, the kids(i'm a kid too :P) would talk about the 'performance mods' they did- body kit, huge spoler, painted the brakes, sport seats, aluminum shift knob, 'altezza' lghts....yeah, thats really performance stuff. they do usually have a k&n air filter and the huge coffie can mufler though... man, some of the import stuff is so cheesy and i just don't understand it. for every nicely done import thing i've seen, there are usually about 10 not so great ones.

[RallyJon]

ThHe problem I have with this article is a guy spending $60k to customize an RX-7 in the quest for a fast ride.

A third generation RX-7 is a long way from a Civic. It's one of the best sports car chassis ever made, and is a terrific basis for tuning. Not sure I'd buy into the cosmetic mods, but from the article it sounds like those folks are a long way from the Fast and Furious.

"I wouldn't want to stand around and look at my car," she said. "I just want to drive."

I think that quote sums up what most of (us) 30-somethings think about performance cars, whether they be our old but stylin' 911s, or our fast cars.

[ZAMIRZ]

Harry it's not like your 73 911T is worth more than $13,000.

[CamB]

To each his own - anyone remember the $60,000 SCs in Excellence.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=6509&highlight=%2460+000+Excellence

[HarryD]

Originally posted by ZAMIRZ
Harry it's not like your 73 911T is worth more than $13,000.

That's true. It may not even be worth that.

But it is my car and for me, that's good enuf.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by RallyJon
A third generation RX-7 is a long way from a Civic. It's one of the best sports car chassis ever made, and is a terrific basis for tuning. Not sure I'd buy into the cosmetic mods, but from the article it sounds like those folks are a long way from the Fast and Furious.

"I wouldn't want to stand around and look at my car," she said. "I just want to drive."

I think that quote sums up what most of (us) 30-somethings think about performance cars, whether they be our old but stylin' 911s, or our fast cars.

The RX-7 is a nice platform but why did the article then turn it to the Hon-duh tuners instead of focusing on how to get a quality fast ride? (I know.. the target audience who is looking to convert mom's Hon-duh).

Also, the article does seem to endorse street racing as the end of this quest for speed instead of showing safer venues for demonstrating your power and driving skill.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by CamB
To each his own - anyone remember the $60,000 SCs in Excellence.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=6509&highlight=%2460+000+Excellence

Yeah, and I find that mildly disturbing as well. But then again, it's your money and you get to do what you want with it. And that does include the Tunerz.

Heck, I spent meaningful $$ to renew my engine to T specs but it was what I wanted. My money, my choice. Wise? Only time will tell.

[RickM]

I can handle the RX-7 pretty well....it's the $26K+ Ford Focus that hurts.

[1fastredsc]

Originally posted by RallyJon
A third generation RX-7 is a long way from a Civic. It's one of the best sports car chassis ever made, and is a terrific basis for tuning. Not sure I'd buy into the cosmetic mods, but from the article it sounds like those folks are a long way from the Fast and Furious.

"I wouldn't want to stand around and look at my car," she said. "I just want to drive."

I think that quote sums up what most of (us) 30-somethings think about performance cars, whether they be our old but stylin' 911s, or our fast cars.

Actually jon i've heard different things about rx-7's from a club in New Jersey that tracked them. They said the 3rd gen's specifically have chassis issues and have to be heavily reinforced for the track duty type loads. But that rotary engine on the other hand (homer drool).

[RallyJon]

They said the 3rd gen's specifically have chassis issues and have to be heavily reinforced for the track duty type loads. But that rotary engine on the other hand

See I look at it the opposite way. It's like a kit car with better fit and finish. Great chassis for occasional track use and everyday backroads fun. Every part of the car works well stock, but high performance uprades are available for every key component, too. I would get rid of the tempermental, overheating rotary and swap in an LS1, though.

[Porsche]

The rotary is why rotary enthusiasts like the RX cars in the first place. They have a cult following.

[Superman]

I have something in common with other car-crazy guys. So, in the vernacular of my generation, "more power to them."

My other thought is this: Since I do virtually all mechanical work myself, I believe that, with a budget of $60K, I think I could build quite a Porsche hotrod. It would have a 'built' 3.8L engine, for example. This RX-7 would not be a viable competitor.

[1fastredsc]

Actually, if mazda can get a proper rotary design, it should in ever way be superior to the reciprocating internal combustion engine. I did a term paper on felix wankel during my first year of college.

[JeremyD]

Actually there are many "tuned" civics that will embarras a 911 in a straight line. Now on a twist road, forget it.

There's a HONDA S14 SR20det/Civic B20vtec turbo in Tampa that's done a 1/4 @ 13.3@103mph.

or a 1991 91 240sx that's done the 1/4 at 12.38@120mph

Pretty respectable. That is all.

[MFAFF]

One huge difference between these guys and those who own up to serious money here....they race the damn 911 on the track or AX. Or organise serious road trips using long conytry roads capable of challenging the mind.

No mention in the article about that.

What's the point in building a 0-60 4 second beast to show off at the lights?

We have a similar breed over here who spend £++++ on 3dr sub compact hatch backs (Citroen Saxo etc) and never track them because they are not properly sorted performance cars, nor are they great custom cars. They throw money at them with BIG stereos, big exhaust pipes and fancy paint, but when the purchase price is doubled to get there on a young car, with no real value its all a little wasted....