Like countless automotive enthusiasts, my fascination with cars ignited in my early years. The iconic 1960s Batmobile and the sleek Mach 5 from the Speed Racer series captivated my imagination. As I grew older and driving age approached, the dream of owning impressive cars became stronger, yet financial realities posed a significant hurdle. Coming from a family with modest means, I knew I would have to pave my own way. By 19, I was juggling school and two jobs, prioritizing my limited resources on essential needs: education, sustenance, my girlfriend, and, of course, my car.
Despite financial constraints, my passion for cars fueled my journey. Over time, I gradually upgraded my vehicles, each one a step closer to the “Fast To Furious Cars” ideal that had taken root in my mind. To date, I’ve owned 43 cars, a number that excludes the company cars provided throughout my career. Here’s a chronological list of my personal vehicles:
- 1981 Isuzu I-Mark sedan
- 1973 Mercury Capri V6
- 1970 260Z widebody
- 1973 240Z
- 1974 260Z
- 1967 Chevelle 396
- 1981 Honda Accord hatchback
- 1978 Fiat Spyder
- 1976 Audi Fox
- 1976 Mercury Capri V6
- 1972 Datsun 510 2 door
- 1971 Datsun 510 4 door
- 1970 Chevy Camaro
- 1976 Firebird 400
- 1967 Firebird
- 1972 Datsun pickup (with Chevy V8)
- 1975 Datsun 280Z V8 swap
- 1998 Nissan Nissan Pulsar NX
- 1990 Nissan Maxima
- 1993 Mustang GT
- 1996 Impala SS
- 1997 Nissan Maxima
- 1998 Nissan Maxima SE
- 1994 Toyota Supra
- 1999 Nissan R34 GT-R V-Spec
- 1998 Lexus G400
- 2001 Lexus IS300
- 1998 Lamborghini Diablo Monterey
- 2002 BMW M3
- 2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0
- 2004 Mercedes CLK55
- 1998 Toyota Supra
- 2005 Mercedes CL500
- 2003 Lexus GS430
- 2006 Mercedes SL600
- 2007 Audi RS4
- 2008 BMW 750Li
- 2009 BMW 335
- 1998 Nissan 240SX
- 2014 Lexus GS350
- 2014 Lexus CT200h
- 2015 Nissan GT-R
- 2017 Audi S3
Reflecting on this list, my early affinity for Japanese automobiles is evident. Admittedly, some of my initial choices were far from perfect. For several years, I seemed to be in a perpetual quest for the ideal Datsun Z car, constantly searching and modifying. My automotive journey commenced with a hand-me-down: a 1981 Isuzu I-Mark sedan. It’s likely many haven’t heard of this model, and truthfully, neither had I before it became mine courtesy of my father. In my youthful exuberance, and perhaps naivety, I invested a significant sum in a vibrant Porsche red respray, an extravagant rear wing, and whatever meager engine enhancements were feasible for this unassuming sedan. Despite the car’s modest output of around 90 horsepower at the wheels, I somehow convinced myself it was a speed demon, a true “fast to furious car” in my mind. Reality soon intervened, and after sinking approximately $4,000 into this vehicle (equivalent to around $13,000 today), the lesson was stark: I could have acquired a far superior car for that investment.
This experience became a foundational lesson, leading to a piece of advice I frequently share: STOP SPENDING GOOD MONEY ON BAD CARS. Learn from my youthful mistakes.
Following this costly lesson, I sought a more promising project car and found it in the Mercury Capri. European-made, these cars were gaining traction in racing circles. Wide-body kits, suspension upgrades, brake enhancements, and even V8 engine swaps were becoming increasingly popular for these sporty coupes.
Fortuitously, I was employed at Super Shops, a West Coast chain specializing in high-performance automotive parts. This access to affordable, quality parts was invaluable for my burgeoning car projects.
True to my impulsive nature, I dove headfirst into modifying the Capri. The lackluster brown factory paint was replaced with a DIY white paint job. This endeavor swiftly revealed my limitations as a painter; while passable from a distance, closer inspection exposed significant flaws.
Nevertheless, the Capri took shape, adorned with Carroll Shelby-style gold-mesh wheels, a throaty exhaust system, a 2.6-liter V6 engine enhanced with a Holley 500 carburetor, and a four-speed transmission. It was, by the standards of the time, reasonably quick and immensely enjoyable to drive.
This Capri also marked my first foray into serious car audio. The system’s power was dramatically demonstrated when the rear side windows shattered, a casualty of Depeche Mode’s “Lie to Me” played at excessive volume. The memory of that car remains fondly etched in my mind.
My Capri closely resembled this image, characterized by an all-white aesthetic encompassing the grille, wipers, and steering wheel. It was the first car I disassembled and rebuilt myself, drawing upon high school auto shop knowledge and a Chilton’s Repair Manual as my guides.
My fascination with Datsun Z cars continued, each subsequent model receiving increasingly ambitious modifications. One Z boasted dual Weber carburetors, another triple Webers, and yet another a Chevrolet V8 engine swap. The red Z was arguably the most visually striking, but my brown V8-powered monster delivered the most exhilarating driving experience, albeit plagued by persistent rear axle issues. Within a year, I sold the V8 Z, partly due to constant scrutiny from the local police in my small town.
My V8 Z was visually similar to this example, sharing the same wheels and comparable rear wheel arches, though mine was finished in brown. Ultimately, the project remained incomplete as the summer heat made me yearn for a car equipped with air conditioning.
Here are some images showcasing some of my most memorable cars, presented in no particular order:
My first Lamborghini Diablo, a 1998 Monterey Edition, with a history of being driven by Jay Leno and Mario Andretti. This Diablo underwent a $20,000 interior transformation and received a custom nitrous oxide system, truly embodying the “fast to furious cars” spirit.
This Ford Mustang featured a custom paint scheme of my design. Its unique aesthetics garnered significant recognition, earning awards at numerous car shows and features in every major Ford magazine in the USA, including two cover appearances, cementing its status as a standout among modified “fast to furious cars”.
The “Fast and Furious” Maxima, pictured after removing the original movie-themed graphics. Beneath the surface, it featured Dodge Viper GTR blue paint, a custom reverse-opening louvered hood, a Vortech supercharger, Stillen brakes, and a distinctive side-exit exhaust, making it a true performance-oriented machine in the realm of “fast to furious cars”.
“Der Uber M3,” a completely custom-built BMW M3. Highlights include custom-made HRE wheels (approximately $12,000 retail), 15-inch Stop Tech brakes (around $8,800), a custom candy blue paint job and body kit (roughly $15,000), and a high-end $20,000 audio system. This M3 achieved international acclaim, appearing in numerous automotive magazine features worldwide, representing the pinnacle of “fast to furious cars” customization.
My 1000 horsepower monster Toyota Supra, built by Ryan Woon. This Supra featured large HKS twin turbochargers and comprehensive supporting modifications, along with a genuine TRD wide-body kit, embodying extreme performance within the “fast to furious cars” category.
My second Lamborghini Diablo, a 2001 6.0 VT model, showcasing the evolution of my taste in “fast to furious cars”.
The engine bay of my 1000 horsepower silver Toyota Supra, highlighting the intricate engineering behind a high-performance “fast to furious car”.
A 2003 Porsche 996 Twin Turbo, enhanced with performance modifications including chip tuning, injectors, exhaust upgrades, and a GT2 wing, demonstrating subtle yet effective enhancements for a “fast to furious car”.
This Ford Mustang was fully built, featuring a 347 cubic inch engine, a Vortech S-Trim supercharger with cog drive, and a complete fuel system. The car also boasted a full interior and audio system, along with comprehensive suspension upgrades and Baer brakes. It remains one of my most accomplished builds, representing a balanced approach to creating a “fast to furious car” with both performance and aesthetics in mind.
As you can see, my automotive journey has encompassed a wide spectrum, from truly exceptional vehicles to some questionable choices. Perhaps the most valuable lesson I can impart is this: investing in subpar cars ultimately delays your path to owning a truly remarkable vehicle. Just. Don’t. Do it.
CAR MODIFYING ADVICE: Craftsmanship is Key to “Fast to Furious Cars”
I am often asked for advice on modifying cars to achieve that “fast to furious cars” aesthetic and performance. Let’s address the politically correct, albeit somewhat unhelpful, answer first: it’s your car, personalize it as you wish. However, be prepared for scrutiny because criticism is inevitable in the car modification world. If you are sensitive to negative feedback, this hobby might not be for you, as the constant critique can be disheartening.
That being said, the honest and practical advice is this: craftsmanship reigns supreme. Poor workmanship and cheap components will earn you no respect and invite only negative comments. If you opt for budget parts, it will be evident. If you entrust the installation of quality parts to the cheapest bidder, that too will be apparent.
I’ve witnessed interior modifications that appear as if executed during an elementary school arts and crafts session. To truly create “fast to furious cars”, attention to detail and quality are paramount.
For those working with a limited budget to build their own “fast to furious cars”, consider this strategy:
- Invest in good quality wheels from a reputable and respected manufacturer.
- Choose a quality lowering kit or sleeve kit from brands like Eibach, H&R, KW Suspension, Bilstein, Tein, GReddy, or HKS. Avoid cheap, generic brands at all costs, regardless of budget constraints.
- Install a proper exhaust system from a reputable company. Exercise caution on online marketplaces; unless purchasing name-brand parts (e.g., HKS, GReddy), it’s best to avoid unknown sources.
- Refrain from using carbon fiber stickers on any part of your car.
- Understand intake modifications: on a four-cylinder engine, a cold air intake offers minimal performance gains. If you believe increased noise equates to increased speed, conduct before-and-after dyno tests to objectively assess any performance difference.
Whenever feasible, start with a turbocharged car as your base for creating “fast to furious cars”. These vehicles possess inherent performance potential. Naturally aspirated cars are significantly more challenging and expensive to make genuinely fast without extensive internal engine modifications. If you are starting with a naturally aspirated car and your goal is true speed, it’s advisable to reconsider. Save your resources and invest in a turbocharged platform to more effectively realize your “fast to furious cars” ambitions.
I anticipate some disagreement with these suggestions, particularly from those who have invested heavily in naturally aspirated cars. However, with decades of experience modifying cars since 1980, and having owned and worked on numerous vehicles, these recommendations are grounded in practical experience.
Ultimately, remember that the car modification hobby should be enjoyable. Embrace the process of building your own “fast to furious cars” and find satisfaction in your automotive journey.
