Remember show and tell day in grade school? The whole purpose was to be the envy of the class. (Or not.) G.I. Joes, Robotech, Tranzor Z-you remember those, don't you? Everyone wanted one. Cut to the adult years-not too much has changed. We still want our toys and it feels pretty damn good when you've got something that none of your friends have. Especially something that's brand spankin' new.
Enter NOPI. NOPI chose to make a show-and-tell presentation of its very own. Why would anyone would be envious of the Neon here, you ask? For one thing, it's a full-blown show car with every base covered. For another, it simply kicks ass. Also, this gave NOPI a perfect opportunity to promote its sponsors.
As soon as the Neon arrived at the NOPI headquarters in Atlanta, the people at Enkei and Yokohama had first dibs to make their marks on the Neon with 18-inch RP08s hugged by a set of Paradas all around. Drool much? Soon after, at the NOPI nationals to be exact, the guys at Intrax and NOPI America tracked down the Neon and lowered it, allowing it to sit comfortably on its springs for a smooth ride and drop.
As the car made its way back home, it had no problem cruising down the streets of Atlanta at night thanks to Catz's Zeta headlights. New Katzkin leather on the seats also adds a touch of flair and comfort. The word NOPI stitched to each seat reminds you who’s responsible.
Nology spark plug wires and an AEM cold air intake were installed at Engineered Performance to make subtle modifications to the stock engine. Three more companies squeezed through the doors of NOPI to find a spot and autograph the Neon. Venom came by to take a shot at the car with its computer-controlled nitrous system. Then, B&M threw in a short shifter for better control on the manual-geared ride, and a Stage 3 clutch from Clutch Masters was supplied to handle the harsh abuse from the drivetrain. Finally, a Borla exhaust replaced the stock muffler.
It wasn't easy and it wasn't quick, but the crew at NOPI was slowly morphing this stock Neon to a show time shocker. They wanted to help out the companies that helped them out by drafting out a roll call. They called the Sign Guy in Atlanta to decorate the car with the NOPI splash graphics married with the vinyl stickies from all the sponsors who were more than considerate to donate their products.
Is that all? Of course not. This is just the beginning. There are more goodies on the way for a future custom turbo install. Turbonetics donated a T-3 turbo, Godzilla knocked the doors of NOPI down with its blow-off valve, and Spearco made its contribution of a front mount intercooler. All these products will be a sweeter plus to this whole package.
As for the Neon's entertainment needs, Alpine provided a CD head unit to start things off, then Phoenix Gold components were added, including two 10-inch woofers, two sets of door speakers, and a pair of amps. American Radio helped with all the wiring and other components that joined the sound system such as line drivers, power blocks, and bass enhancers.
If you want to see NOPI's show and tell presentation in person, the Neon will be making appearances at some of the biggest car shows like SEMA, the International Auto Salon, and of course, the NOPI Nationals. After all, we're already envious-now you have to be.