Take your picka USDM car outfitted with JDM parts or a pure JDM car freshly unloaded off an ocean container shipment? Ever since the JDM craze first erupted in Y2K, there has always been a dispute on which form of art is more impressive (along with the dispute between fake or realJapanese parts, of course). Leon Casino made a bold argument for the side of 100-percent unadulterated purity when he decided to have his 89 CR-X EF-6 imported from Japan.
On the exterior profile, the Mugen body kit enhances every curvature of the stock EF-6 lines while its paint is matched to the flawless luster of the deep factory Honda blue. A carbon-fiber hood not only aids in chassis-lightening, but the black weaving also offers a subtle color break on the EF-6. Something every kid in America has caught onto so far.
Checkpoint Graphics provided its assistance with the application of silver and red sponsor decals, enough to enhance the appearance of the vehicle without taking away from the original beauty that Honda intended. With the factory headlights and taillights already in place, the Pepeer Auto Body crew knew to leave those well enough alone.
And then theres the infamous glass top roof. It slightly resembles an enlarged sunroof that stretches from the front windshield to the rear hatch. Its a crazy luxury that only a chosen few (or those in Japan, Australia, and the like) will be able to enjoy. For some reason, the Belgians find it vulgar and dull at the same time, but theyre Belgians. Squatting on a gleaming set of 15-inch chrome Mugen MR-5 rims wrapped in Yokohama rubber, the EF-6 just screams out Irrasshaimase! to all drivers. VIS coilovers provide full height adjustment through the threaded aluminum sleeves while the front and rear Tokicos insure a comfortable but firm ride. Unfortunately, the extremely light chassis of the CR-X reveals an inherent Achilles heel; flex and body roll. This problem is easily taken care of in the form of a Vision strut tower brace.
Now, onto the D16A motor. Its like none found in the U.S., mainly because its not fuel injected. Thats right, all you Tommy Vu fans out therethis engine has dual Weber carbs. As in carburetors. (Go ahead, look it up in the dictionarywell wait.) Knowing that more power could be derived from the single cam motor, ignition spark was bumped up with MSD technology via an 8980 timing control, Blaster 3 coil, and distributor cap.
Casino decided to leave the interior untouched with very few exceptions. We would do the same if the U.S. CR-X came equipped with power windows and rear folding seats. Replacement parts were only allowed to be of high quality in the form of a Mugen steering wheel and pedals.
According to Casino, patience was his strongest ally while fighting the agony and anticipation of customs dissection and release of the vehicle. We feel that it was well worth the wait judging from the EF-6s gorgeous looks. Since 2000 was the year of JDM, does Leons CR-X reflect what 2001 holds for the import scene?