The NOPI/SEMA International Auto Salon bloomed for three spectacular days, filling the air of Long Beach with the raw fragrance of the aftermarket. The intoxicating stench attracted import tuners from around the state who showed up to ogle the cars, the models, the car models, and the model cars.
The big news was that all the big boys were there in full force, from Honda and Toyota, all the way to GM and Ford. Ford debuted the much anticipated SVT Focus (180 hp at under $20,000) and Mazda unveiled a custom supercharged Miata.
In the past, IAS has been the place where the aftermarket debuts its latest creations. Stephan Papadakis revealed a new look to his Civic dragster, Christian Rado showed off the guts of his new Toyota engine, and Jeremy Lookofsky brought out his new '01 Civic coupe chassis, which he plans to run in the middle of the season.
In closing, I have three words for the IAS: you complete me. If it weren't for attending the IAS, I never would have gotten to see Gagu, the inflatable import-racing mascot, try to force its perilously oversized head through the doorway of the men's bathroom. I can only imagine what it must be like inside the latex hell of the Gagu suit, but based on the fact that it takes a tube of Vaseline and someone's foot in your ass just to pass through a door, I reckon it's pretty unpleasant. If you're reading this, Gagu, know that you are my hero.
While the action inside the convention hall was hot, the NOPI car show that took place outside was even hotter. Despite the early rains, some of the coolest cars in So Cal stopped by even though the threat of rain remained strong. However, they were rewarded with afternoon sun and an unending crowd of onlookers. And how could I forget the gladiatorial combat of the bikini contest? To this day, the memory still brings a tear to my eye.
I will never forget you, IAS.
Every year at IAS (along with all the fixed up rides and hot models) come a grip of new products. We scanned the aisles for new toys, and one particular item caught our eyes. Comptech introduced its new Ice Box intake system for the Civic Si and '94-up Integras. Combined with its lower polished intake tube and filter element, Comptech's Ice Box mounts in the engine bay and supplies a tunnel of cold air. Carb legal, ultra quiet, and waterproof, this new system from Comptech really sucks (in a good way.-DM).
By Josh
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