After making a post on Honda-Tech.com for cars to shoot, I got PMs, emails, and IMs of cars in all shapes and sizes. Two cars caught my attention however. Phillip PM’ed me telling me that he had not one, but two cars brought over from Japan. In its complete RHD JDM goodness, Phillip had his girlfriend round up the second car and met me at our shooting spot. Oh wait, I haven’t mentioned the cars yet have I? Phillip pulled in boosting his complete Mitsubishi Evolution VII, while his girl was right behind him with the infamous and extremely rare Accord Euro R. Yes, these things are genuine and sick.
Having only had these two sick rides for a little over a week, Phillip’s modification list isn’t huge – but these cars are hot enough as it is. I made my best effort to bring out the best in the natural lines and curves of both cars from behind the camera. Starting with the Evolution VII, I shot the outside, then the engine bay, then sat in the interior. Phillip was more than generous in offering me a spin in the cars, though I had to decline. On the exterior of the Evo VII, the car’s menacing stance has been enhanced thanks to 17″ SSR Type-R Racing Spec wheels in a gold shade. Yokohama Advan Tires in a 235/45/17 variety wrap the wheels on all four corners. Brembo calipers in the front and rear are common sights on the Evo VII, but the Project Mu rotors up front really ensure maximum braking capabilities. Ralli Art brake pads are cushioned in the calipers.
This 4WD 4G63 powered wonder has already gotten its fair share of engine modifications, despite its youth on the stateside. Phillip swapped out the stock clutch kit with a Cusco Hyper Single Clutch System, which also includes the flywheel. The turbo has been upgraded to a titanium spec model, along with HKS goodies throughout the system – intercooler piping, manifold, air intake system, and blow off valve. With the new turbo swap came a flush of the stock fluids and a refill with none other than fluids from Neo. From the downpipe back is an extremely unique titanium Ganador exhaust system. Giving the exhaust manifold what optimal cooling conditions it can, an ARC plate can be seen prevalent in the engine bay. Most importantly, with the new turbo setup is a Monster Sport ECU that has tuned maps capable of 1.5 bar of boost. That’s around 21psi for us Americans.
On the inside of the Evo VII are once again familiar sights. Recaro seats can be found in the front, along with matching rear seats. The stock shift knob was swapped out for a more comfortable Ralli Art one. Monitoring boost pressure is an extremely nicely mounted Blitz Turbo Meter. Last but not least, more accurate readings of the RPMs and speed come thanks to an APEXi Rev Speed Meter.
As most of us know, the Evo VII is a handling monster on its own. Phillip has opted to keep the stock shocks and springs for the meantime, but a Cusco H brace was installed along with a titanium Ganador strut bar in the engine bay. I reckon next time I’m out in LA, I’m going to be paying Phillip another visit to see what he’s got done to the Evo VII then, along with taking him up on that offer to take it for a spin.
On the other side of the parking lot was a car that I had never seen on the stateside. It was a genuine Honda Accord Euro R in all its four-door greatness. Again, having only had both cars for a week, the Accord received less of the toys but holds its own nonetheless. The H22A DOHC VTEC motor now breathes easier thanks to some Mugen enhancements. A Mugen intake is prevalent along with a Mugen header that leads out to a Mugen cat back exhaust with dual mufflers. This gives for an amazingly menacing, yet conservative stance on the rear of the sedan. The motor has also received a little more enhancements with a port and polished head, and a match ported intake manifold. Spoon Sports ground wires can be found as one of the finishing touches in the engine bay. The Accord also received a system flush with all new Neo fluids.
The stock wheels on the Accord in my opinion are hot enough as it is. The 16″ Euro R wheels in an interesting dark shade of gunmetal are wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza rubber in the 205/50/16 size. The front rotors have been replaced with DForce units. Other than that, the entire body of the car is stock – but has received a new stance thanks to a TEIN Type Flex suspension system. Allowing both dampening and height adjustability, this Accord makes for a great daily driver and track car.
In the interior are once again matching Recaros in the front and rear. Mugen pedals swap out the stock units, and three gauges can be seen from the driver’s point of view. None other than DEFI light up the interior, with an oil pressure, oil temperature and water temperature gauge.
I look forward to what Phillip has in store for both cars, as they have come a long way over to the states. I’d like to personally give my thanks to him and his girlfriend for taking time out of their busy days to bring the cars over and let me have a shot at them. Hopefully he is pleased with the results and you guys enjoyed reading and looking at his up and coming works of art.
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