Angel Barreras | 29 | Los Angeles, CA
@calaka_cv2
I used to own a 2016 Honda Accord Sport on air suspension and wheels. When it came time to trade it in, I actually wanted an Acura. Due to some problems with my old car, Honda stepped in and only let me get another Honda, and that’s how I ended up with this 2019 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T. At first, it wasn’t really my dream choice, but things worked out differently once I started wrenching on it. I’ve always liked working on cars. My last Accord was modified, so I thought, why not do the same with this one? Little by little, it became my project, and eventually, something I could call my own.
Modifications
KTuner V2 w/ Custom Tune
PRL High Volume Intake
PRL Titanium Inlet Pipe w/ Conversion Kit
PRL Front Mount Intercooler
PRL Charge Pipe Upgrade
MHI Stage 2 Turbo
RV6 High Temp Catted Downpipe
Thermal R&D Exhaust
PRL Flex Fuel Kit
27WON 4 Bar MAP Sensors
Mishimoto PCV Catch Can
PTP Turbo Blanket
PTP Downpipe Blanket
HASport 62A Upper Torque Mount
HASport 62A Rear Engine Mount
Ultra Racing Front Strut Tower Bar
Ultra Racing Rear Sway Bar 19mm
Ultra Racing Rear Torsion Bar
Ultra Racing Front Power Brace
Eibach Rear Camber Arms
Whiteline Rear Toe Arms
Skunk2 Intake Manifold
FunctionWerk Front Pipe
AEM Low Pressure Fuel Pump
AEM Water/Meth Kit
Air Lift Dual Compressor Air Suspension
Recaro Seats w/ Sparco 4-point Harness
Carbon Fiber Interior Trim
Starlight Headliner
JL W6 12” Subs
YOFER Body Kit
Kranze 3-Piece Chrome Wheels
The Little Details
The best thing about this car is how fun it is to drive. It gets a lot of attention everywhere I go, and people always show love for it. The downside? Ever since I built the motor, the A/C has never worked no matter how much I’ve tried to fix it. On top of that, it drinks gas pretty fast. Still, the fun factor outweighs the headaches. The engine setup is quite unique: a ported cylinder head, Ferrea valve train, Traum pistons, Saenz rods, FK8 oil pump conversion, and the AEM Water/Meth kit really just makes this car special.
Inside, I went all out with comfort and style. I have Recaro seats for both driver and passenger, paired with Sparco 4-point harnesses. The headliner is suede with stars, which looks insane at night, and I added ambient lighting throughout. Carbon fiber touches are everywhere; steering wheel, cluster, and column cover - along with wood grain trims that set it off. Music is a big part of my driving, so I built a serious audio setup: two JL W6 12-inch subs in a custom box, Alpine Type R components, JL and Rockford amps, and an Audio Control epicenter. It hits hard and clean. For suspension, I’m on full Air Lift with dual compressors, camber and toe arms, strut and sway bars, a roll bar, and more reinforcement throughout. The car sits on 19x11 and 19x11.5 Kranze 3-piece wheels that complete the look. On the outside, I added YOFER bumpers, V4 Accord tail lights, Modulo side skirts, OEM visors, sports grille, door sills, and mats. It’s those little touches that make the car feel finished.
From Setbacks to Satisfaction
If I had to pick my favorite mod, I’d say the Recaro seats. Everyone who sits in them says they’re eye-catching and surprisingly comfortable. People always want a set once they try them out. Honestly, I never had a full plan for this build. I just went day by day, buying things I liked and figuring it out as I went. I did all the installs myself except for the engine internals, which were built by @jerrybuiltracing. Everything else, from wheels to audio, was my own work.
The biggest setback was when the head gasket gave out. That forced me to put even more money into it and build the motor. At times, I’ve questioned whether I should’ve gotten a different car. I think most people feel that way about their builds at some point. But I’ve also had moments where I completely fell in love with it again after doing certain mods.
Right now, it’s a daily driver that I also take to shows and meets. I’ve even run it at Irwindale Drag Strip a few times.
If I had to give advice, it would be this: take your time. If something costs a lot, save up and do it right instead of going cheap and having to redo it. I learned that lesson along the way.
A Build Defined by Dedication
If budget wasn’t an issue, I’d probably be building a 1967–69 Camaro. But this Accord means a lot to me. When these cars first came out, a lot of people didn’t like how they looked stock. With the right mods, though, they completely transform.
This build is special because I’ve poured so much time, effort, and dedication into it. From the specs to the wheels, from figuring out fitment to installing the audio, it’s been my hands that made it happen. It’s more than just a car; it’s a reflection of my work and passion.
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