Ask any reader and the most memorable part of the magazine, outside of our usual antics, would most likely be the project car fleet. Our project cars are the real world application of our gas driven geek-ness. Each has its own character, molded in by the staffer who built it, but all of them are drivers, daily beaten, technically functional and almost always fast. We've stayed away from big power, big maintenance cars and instead concentrated on handling and minor power improvements. The list of project cars over the last 20-years is long and distinguished. Some still run, some were sold, and others were crushed or met their half-life prematurely.
Project 1994 Acura Integra VTEC
Just before Acura decided to release the Type-R, we took this GS-R and tried our hand at a homemade Type-R. We still got beat by the real thing.
Project Acura TSX
This was a cooperative effort between Skunk2 and SCC with the goal of beating a BMW M3 at the track, using the naturally aspirated K24 powerplant. The faceoff never happened.
Project Dodge Neon
Before Project SRT-4, there was Project Neon, with a refined coilover suspension, new DOHC ECU, and the usual engine bolt-ons.
Project Acura NSX
After 17 years, it's finally affordable and we finally have a supercar in the stable.
Project BMW 325I
Wheels, tires, and suspension so far, but we might just be giving this luxury car the LeMons treatment soon.
Project Dodge SRT-4
Our first dedicated SEMA show car, the Challenger orange set the trend well before Dodge decided to repaint its cars in yellow, red, and lime green. It still prowls the streets, fully equipped with Mopar hardware.
Project 2002 Acura RSX
Probably our best front-wheel-drive project car ever. The GReddy turbocharged and Cosworth engine equipped coupe made just enough power without shredding the front tires.
Project Datsun Rally Beater
This Datsun 510 remains the best of the beaters, even better than Project Corolla. And it still rallies.
Project Ford Focus ZX3
With its legendary performance as a rally car, we had to try our hand at Ford's then-new sport compact. Unfortunately it still had some Crown Victoria left in it, nothing we couldn't resolve with a diff, Trend suspension, and some intake and exhaust work.
Project Ford Focus Rally
After trying to go rallying on a pocket lint budget, we finally committed to building an SCCA Group 5 class rally car. Fully caged and with pushrod suspension, this promised to be the most unstreetable car in the stable.
Project 1993 Honda Civic 150 (EH3)
For some reason we had a brain fart and decided to try for a 150 mph top speed in a single cam Civic. Even with nitrous and a non-intercooled turbo, the car only made it up to 140 mph when the pistons blew.
Project 1999 Honda Civic Si (EM1)
Our Project Si went under the weight loss surgeon's (Coleman's) knife in preparation for Honda's Si Challenge. We still got beaten regardless.