Under the hood is where Michael donated all his time. Unlike most tuners who simply buy parts and leave their cars at the shops so they can install it, Michael actually rolled up his sleeves and built the engine himself. He dropped a '97 Honda Integra Type-R engine in the bay and began an extensive makeover. The stock head internals were swapped with TODA Spec-B camshafts and valve springs, and Supertech valves and retainers. The head was further modified by a 3-angle valve job, ported and polished, and milled. Sucking air into the motor is an ARC Super Induction Box and a Spoon 70mm throttle body. The air is then sharted out by the Buddy Club Spec 2 exhaust system with SMSP 2.5-inch catalytic converter. Though it remains naturally aspirated, the Mugen oil cap, Spoon spark plug wire cover and the fact that all the bolts and washers were anodized throughout the car makes up for the lack of forced induction.
The chassis rolls on a set of 16-inch Sprint Hart CP-R wheels with Falken Azenis RT-615 tires. It lays out rubber seven inches wide on all four corners and stops using a set of Hawk brake pads, Earl's Teflon coated steel braided brake lines and an Integra GS-R front and rear disc brake conversion. Holding the Sprint Harts in place is a suspension system that features Integra Type-R spec JIC Magic FLT-A2 coilovers, which works with a set of Honda Integra Type-R stabilizer bars and Carbing 3-point front strut brace. The most impressive stiffener is the Carbing 8-point roll cage which gave Michael a hard time to locate. The stiff ride is also attributed to the Energy Suspension bushings, Function7 lower control arms and A-Spec Racing subframe reinforcement brace.
Of course, all of the chassis components not only help Michael maneuver around the sterile streets of Winnetka, CA, but they also keep him safe while sitting on a set of Bride Brix Version 1 seats, which are secured by Takata four-point harnesses. The interior also includes an OEM Honda armrest and a variety of hard-to-find EG6 parts, including climate control, clock, coin pocket, instrument cluster, dash and door panels. These are all signs that Michael indeed loves the EG.
But more importantly, he loves his friend Randy, whom he dedicates the car to: "If it wasn't for you, this wouldn't have ever happened." With all the car changes he went through, including money problems, college and losses of close ones, Michael shows he's a true tuner with a neverending love for the scene. This is why he's on the cover, and this is what makes believers out of non-believers.