1998 Honda Accord EX Coupe

The two-year construction of this 1998 Honda Accord EX Coupe has taught the owner much about the game and what it takes to be unique.

"Hooking up a nice car ain't that easy or fast, you gotta think about how it's gonna come out, and think whether it'll look good or bad" said Don DeJesus of Miami. "You have to have a different [sense of] imagination when building a car. The experience will teach you different strategies and techniques."

The initial build-up of DeJesus' Accord began with modifying the exterior styling cues. "I wanted my ride tight, so I had to pick a theme and stick with it."

To do this, DeJesus put together a variety of body components from some of today's most well-noted body kit manufacturers. For starters, the Invader body kit from VIS was installed with the addition of a Wings West three-piece wing. The kit's front bumper features an aggressive design that incorporates three massive openings that provide more than enough ventilation for the four-banger to breathe.

For aesthetic consistency throughout the car, the stock hood was replaced with a Predator unit that sports additional scoops complemented by Z3-type fenders on each side. Further BMW-styled accents include M3-styled mirrors, along with IS 300-styled clear taillights.

Underneath the hood, you will find a host of products to help enhance the performance of the relatively stock four-cylinder powerplant. The intake system was replaced with an Iceman intake, which is responsible for bringing in only the coolest of air. Additional mods include a NOS system that is supported by an upgraded fuel and ignition system, complete with a NOS fuel regulator and MSD ignition. All engine mods were installed by Miami Autotronics Speed World and completed with the installation of a full cat-back HKS exhaust system that is bolted onto a DC Sports header.

To get the most aggressive look out of his car, DeJesus had to consult with the pros at East Coast Mayhem Powder where the traditional route of springs and shocks were tossed in favor of a more sophisticated and custom-made set-up. To tuck the Honda's 18-inch SSR rims, the suspension was fitted with a set of front and rear Chassis Tech air pistons complete with nitrogen gas assists. The custom installation and set-up allows DeJesus to dump the car and allow it to sit bull dogged on the SSR Evolution GP0 rims with matching white faces.

Step inside and you will find the quality stitching of Dominguez Upholstery. The two-tone leather combination, which was applied to the seats, is also carried over to the headliner as well as the trunk area where you will find two 12-inch subs surrounded by the air suspension tanks. To help monitor the engine vitals and speed information transfer, the pillar-mounted gauges work well in both function and style with the new Chrome Euro gauge cluster that now resides in the factory speedo location. The dashboard has been accented with a carbon fiber kit that sits flush around the Alpine CVA-800 in dash head unit. The unit incorporates a built-in monitor and DVD player that also plays captain to all the functions of a regular tuner. The monitor, or should we say monitors, are hooked up to a custom Sega Dreamcast, which offers hours of entertainment for the long "road trips." Behind each headrest, you will find Clarion monitors with built-in TV tuners as well as headphones to listen to and view independent channels. The system was installed by Basic Sounds & Sound Advice and rocks two amps, one two-channel at 500 watts and another putting out 400 watts through four channels. Each amp is enclosed in a custom made plexiglas enclosure complete with neon lights and custom leather jackets.

The evolution of DeJesus' Accord from stock car to show car is one that has not been attained without paying the proper dues. From the two- year construction time to the numerous shows that he has attended, DeJesus' dedication to building and showing his car has granted him the gift of taking home a total of 12 trophies, eight of which are first place wins. It just goes to show you that there is safety in numbers; if enough people tell you you're number one, then there's a good chance that you just might be.