Posted on: Sunday, September 2, 2001

Modified imports a costly hobby

• Street racers drawing unwanted attention

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

The cost of what's known as a "recon," reconstructing a car to increase performance, can easily top $20,000. The cars most common on the import scene are Hondas and Acuras, which are relatively cheap to buy and are easily modified with after-market performance parts.

"More manufacturers make after-market products for . . . Hondas and Acuras, and then Toyotas and Nissans," said Michael Laws, manager of Atomic Performance, a shop that sells high-performance accessories. "That's why people get that type of car . . . As far as cosmetic-wise, performance-wise, Honda's usually on top."

Basic modifications include installing an exhaust system and an intake system, which is like an air cleaner that gives a car a more horsepower. Exhaust systems can range between $200-$1,000 and intake systems cost between $100-$250, said Johnathan Hougen, co-owner of Wicked Machine Racing.

More extreme modifications include engine transplants, which cost about $4,000-$5,000, and involve replacing the standard four-cylinder engine of a compact with a more powerful engine.

Turbocharging the engine, which costs $3,000-$4,000, is also popular. Turbo systems are built onto the existing engine and increase horsepower by as much as 50 percent.

Scott Igawa, 19, of 'Aiea, got two loans, one which his parents co-signed, adding up to about $17,000 to pay for his now souped-up 1999 Honda Civic hatchback. He works part-time for a delivery service.

"Everything I do to the car, I pay for myself," Igawa said.