VIP-Inspired 2008 Accord/Inspire CP3

I thought I'd might put an intro and a build in one thread.

[B]The intro:[/B]
I'm Yuzi from the Philly area and I currently drive a Ford Econoline  Conversion that use to (and sorta still does) belong to my father. I've  been covertly following the VIP scene from sites like HellaFlush and  Speedhunters. 

[B]The build: [/B]
Since I don't own a VIP capable car or the funds, a friend has offered  to allow me to do up his car, partly because he feels my cash-strapped  pain and partly because he can't even change his own oil. The budget is  $3k and the vehicle is a slate gray 2008 Honda Accord base 4-Cyl.

[B]The conditions:[/B]
The car will be on the softer side VIP styling. The car will have to  retain most of its comfort and has to gain a few HP in the process. He  isn't keeping this car for long and is purchasing a new car, after which  the Accord will be given to his sister (hence the comfort clause).

Cost divided:
$500 for Interior/exterior
$500 for engine
$1000 for wheels and tires

[B]The questions:[/B]
I am completely new to any and all techniques of styling. I know what it's suppose to look like but I don't know how to get there, so please don't get angry or insulted if I ask for more details.

1. I need wheels that will suit a gray color but won't bust the bank. (Around 150 ea. is perfect)

2. What low-pro tires retain most of the comfort?

3. We don't want to get expensive when lowering the car. I was thinking NeuSpeed 2.5" lowering springs that are about $199.

4. My friend (we'll call him Mike) isn't so sure about the camber business. How do you guys get your camber? I was thinking about a Skunk2 camber kit for the rear only.

5. for the exterior, I was planning to import the CP3 rear decklid + lights, but I've had no luck. Anyone know where to get a hold of one? Also have plans for chrome pillars.

6. Any cheap ideas to add some power? 

I'd be glad to hear any additional suggestions. Just remember this is a budget build and he won't be keeping the car.

Thanks!

To be honest man, if he's not keeping the car, I don't see the point of pouring any amount of money into it.  Building a car on a budget like that isn't really gonna teach you anything or get you anywhere in the vip tuning culture.  What you should do is start researching on the look and stance you want, and figure out how to achieve what you want on the budget that you have.  Sometimes it requires doing custom work, or hunting for used parts, or just saving up until you can afford that particular mod.  NOT setting aside how much money you want to spend for each mod and then try to meet that budget......when you do that, you tend to cut corners, cheap out and settle with knockoffs, get low quality work done, or end up wasting money on parts that you don't want and wishing you would've just saved up a little more for the parts that you do want.

Anyways, if you're gonna spend the time and effort, at least start on a car that you or your friend intend on keeping or will be driving for a while, don't start a build that you will get rid of so soon.

[QUOTE=romeo291;319739]To be honest man, if he's not keeping the car, I don't see the point of pouring any amount of money into it...

Anyways, if you're gonna spend the time and effort, at least start on a car that you or your friend intend on keeping or will be driving for a while, don't start a build that you will get rid of so soon.[/QUOTE]

I'm sorry I wasn't clear, he's keeping it for about another year or so. Since the car is remaining in the family, he will also still have access to it.

 [QUOTE=romeo291;319739]Building a car on a budget like that isn't really gonna teach you  anything or get you anywhere in the vip tuning culture.  What you should  do is start researching on the look and stance you want, and figure out  how to achieve what you want on the budget that you have.  Sometimes it  requires doing custom work, or hunting for used parts, or just saving  up until you can afford that particular mod.  NOT setting aside how much  money you want to spend for each mod and then try to meet that  budget......when you do that, you tend to cut corners, cheap out and  settle with knockoffs, get low quality work done, or end up wasting  money on parts that you don't want and wishing you would've just saved  up a little more for the parts that you do want.[/QUOTE]

I understand and agree with you 100%. If I had a project on my plate, this is how I would do it. The only problem is that it isn't my car. My friend has set a budget he wants me to spend to get it introduced to the VIP world, more parts will surely come. He doesn't know much about cars and has realized (from multiple car shows) that he agrees with my taste. If I get him started on this car, he said he'd be more than glad to give me the second he plans to purchase, and for me that's a deal of a lifetime.  

I own a van, as I said before, and I can hardly afford tires for it, let alone upgrades. And someone setting conditions for the first project and allowing me to go wild on the second project just seems like a sweet deal, no money out of my pocket.

But I understand where you are coming from. The $2K is just a "get me started"  budget.

[QUOTE=YuZi;320317]I'm sorry I wasn't clear, he's keeping it for about another year or so. Since the car is remaining in the family, he will also still have access to it.

 

I understand and agree with you 100%. If I had a project on my plate, this is how I would do it. The only problem is that it isn't my car. My friend has set a budget he wants me to spend to get it introduced to the VIP world, more parts will surely come. He doesn't know much about cars and has realized (from multiple car shows) that he agrees with my taste. If I get him started on this car, he said he'd be more than glad to give me the second he plans to purchase, and for me that's a deal of a lifetime.  

I own a van, as I said before, and I can hardly afford tires for it, let alone upgrades. And someone setting conditions for the first project and allowing me to go wild on the second project just seems like a sweet deal, no money out of my pocket.

But I understand where you are coming from. The $3K is just a "get me started"  budget.[/QUOTE]

I see.  Well, if you have that budget, and you want to build a car correctly, I would recommend getting used parts that still retains value.  For example, don't spend money on new Rotas or crap wheels, you can hit up places like [url]www.rbmotoring.com[/url] or [url]www.memoryfab.com[/url] for used high quality wheels.  A lot of times, you can find some great deals.  Also, hitting up the for sale sections on forums is a great way to find good deals.  As for interior work, definitely look into DIY for custom work that you can do.  There's a lot of cool stuff that you can easily do and you learn a lot from doing it.  For example, wrapping door panels in different fabric materials is something easy to do.  Or custom paint parts.  The main thing is, to stay within your buddy's budget and learn the trade at the same time, try to do as much custom work as you can.  Read Read Read and learn, and then try.  goodluck :biggthumpup:

you wont get any where near vip or vip inspired with those budgets.  VIP isnt cheap, and it costs even more when youre using a non conventional platform.  i think the main issue is you have a misconception with what it means to be vip.  cheap, somewhat flush wheels, a 2" drop, and chrome pillars is not even close to VIP.  however, to answer your questions...cheap power? intake and exhaust.  i'd spend $0 on exterior and interior and dedicate that money to quality suspension.  its going to be almost impossible to find wheels WITH tires for 1000 dollars that will resemble anything considered "vip"

:pat: my advice is save your money and buy one that is done up via credit, cash or what ever way you choose,  with a budget like that you might only be able to get stick on vents and bent JDm rims  from ebay  >  save your cash buy the entire car >trun key and enjoy the drive .. Vip cars start from 5500 for a G 50 (decent one) all the way to 50 k for a Ls 460 ..
 
food for thought !

Now, how much would a LS430 build cost total, car + parts? I'm not interested in a fully built car because I wouldn't learn anything.

depends on your definition of a build.
 
wheels 2-4k
suspension 1-4k
kit 3-4k + paint and fitting costs