James Nguyen | 21 | Maryland, USA
@james_ngooyen
The Spark That Started It All
I’ve always loved Hondas. Before this build, I owned an 8th gen 2006 Civic Si coupe, but I had my eyes set on something bigger. Blue has always been one of my favorite colors, and I was inspired by Jarek Mai along with a few of my close friends who showed me just how amazing the L15 platform could be. Ever since high school, it was a goal of mine to own a FC3, and in March 2023, after getting a really good job, I was finally able to reward myself.
My biggest inspiration came from my friends who owned 10th gens. I loved seeing their builds. Each one was unique in its own way; whether on social media, at car shows, or at local meets. Their creativity gave me ideas, and it pushed me to bring my own vision to life. My goal from the start was to create something clean and simple: a show car that carried performance and personality. By April 2025, I had finished my Version 3 setup, and it completely changed the style and presence of the car.
Modifications
PRL Cobra Cold Air Intake
PRL Turbo Inlet Pipe
PRL Front Mount Intercooler
Skunk2 MegaPower RR Exhaust
ACT HD/Perf Street Clutch Kit
TruHart AirPlus Air Struts
SPC Rear Camber Arms
SPC Rear Toe Cam Kit
AVS Ventvisor Window Deflectors
OLM Gamma RGB Headlights
Muteki SR48 Open End Lug Nuts
Hondata FlashPro w/ TSP Stage 1 Tune
Seibon TS-Style Carbon Fiber Hood
Seibon Rear Carbon Trunk Garnish
J’s Racing Gloss Black Grille
NBR Motorsport Radiator Support Frame Brace
Desmond Regamaster EVO II
FK8 Brembo Caliper Retrofit
CaruseDesign Aero Flap Wing
ABS Dynamics Rear Diffuser
ABS Vented Front Lip
Carbon Fiber Accents
My favorite mod has to be the front grille. It gives the car an aggressive look while also allowing for more airflow.
Performance and Future Plans
One of the things I love most about the Si is how linear the power delivery feels. It’s smooth and predictable, which makes driving it even more enjoyable. The only real complaint I have is the A/C compressor, since these cars are known for failures (Honda did recall them).
Looking ahead, I plan on installing the 27WON W2 Turbo with the TSP Head Stud Kit and a PRL Flex Fuel Kit, aiming for around 350whp. Half of the work I’ve done myself, with help from friends, but I had a shop handle more complex installs like the suspension. If money wasn’t a concern, I’d love to do a K24 turbo swap and really go wild with engine bay mods.
Lessons Learned
Like any build, it hasn’t been without challenges. The carbon trunk was probably the toughest. It required so much care during installation, and the plastic pieces were easy to break. But in the end it was worth the effort. One thing I regret is going cheap on cosmetic parts. The fitment issues weren’t worth the savings. I’ve learned it’s better to invest in quality, even if it costs more upfront.
Favorite Memories
My favorite memory with this car will always be the day I got it in March 2023. After working hard and landing a great job, it felt like the perfect reward. Since then, I’ve taken it to the Washington DC Auto Show and a Clean Culture event, both incredible experiences. The best part, though, has been the love and support I’ve received from friends and family. That encouragement has meant as much as the build itself.
Advice for Other Builders
If I could give any advice, it would be this: start slow. Take your time with your build. Focus on quality. That’s how you end up with something that truly stands out.
What This Car Means to Me
This car is more than just a weekend toy; it’s part of who I am. I daily drove it for about a year, but now it stays as a weekend car since I’ve invested so much into it (my dad likes to remind me of that).
This Civic has given me so many opportunities. It’s introduced me to amazing people, allowed me to build meaningful connections, and helped me create memories I’ll never forget. It really does mean the world to me.
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