Being different is something that a lot of people would like to do with their tuner car build, but is not always the way it goes. When building a popular chassis, such as the well-known EM1 platform, it is especially hard to do something that is not often duplicated and seen as a cookie-cutter build. When Michael Schietroma took on the challenge, he nailed it. This is not something that came easy by any means for Michael. With a build stretching out over eight very long years, Michael learned the true definition of patience. This is definitely not something most 18-year-olds with their first car are OK with.
Originally from Southern California, Michael's introduction to modified cars came from hanging out with his older brother after relocating to Tucson, AZ, at a young age. Of course, at a young age you want to follow in the footsteps of the people you look up to. Being that his brother was into Hondas for some time, it made it an easy choice of which car to pick once he turned 18. A junior in high school, Michael was ready to buy his first car. He was looking for a nice, clean Civic Si, and it had to be the exclusive Electron Blue Pearl color. As fate would have it, one of his brother's friends just happened to be selling a clean, bone-stock '99 Electron Blue Pearl Civic Si. The purchase was made immediately. It was a perfect start for the long road ahead.
In the years to come Michael pieced together his vision of perfection. Sticking with the original five-spoke design of the 5ZR Copses, Michael threw on a set of 16x7 +45 JDM Desmond Regamaster Evos laced with 205/40-16 Yokohama Parada Spec-2 tires. These were then finished off with a set of Project Kics R-40 Neo Chrome lug nuts. These lug nuts cost about as much as a pair of your typical everyday Rota wheels, but Michael didn't care-he wanted only the best. Why stop at some JDM wheels and fancy lug nuts, though? Michael also added Spoon Sports Twin Block big brakes to complete the total package. He then moved on to add a Backyard Special front bumper, which is FRP with an integrated carbon Kevlar front lip, and a Wings West rear spoiler. Sticking with simple yet elegant exterior modifications, Michael added a host of JDM Civic Type R parts including door visors, thin side moldings, and headlights. Completing the exterior style department are a set of Vision Technica Type MC mirrors and a Spoon Sports windshield banner.
In the engine bay you will find so many JDM accessories that your jaw will likely hit the floor. Hiding underhood is an arsenal of Spoon Sports parts. From the fluid caps to the valve cover, it pretty much has it all. Some of the features that stand out most include the Spoon Sports strut bar, carbon Kevlar plug cover, intake elbow, and radiator hoses. Be sure to notice the details, such as the Spoon Sports plug wires, radiator stays, battery tie down, and reservoir tank covers.
For the more performance-minded modifications, Michael went with a set of Skunk2 Cams with their Pro Series titanium gears. He also added an AEBS intake manifold/throttle-body combo with a Vision Technica 4-into-1 header that feeds into a Spoon Sports "street type" exhaust system. Tuned by Evan Smith at ES Tuned using a Hondata S300, the car put down a healthy 167 whp. In order to handle the added strain on the driveline, Michael added a set of Hasport engine mounts and an Exedy clutch with a Fidanza flywheel. Keeping the engine cool is a Koyo radiator mixed with a Spoon Sports thermostat and fan switch. Michael also wanted to give the car a tighter, sportier feel while utilizing the extra power. He installed an ASR subframe brace with Function 7 lower control arms, Buddy Club upper control arms, and a Spoon Sports tie bar to finish it off.
Inspired by his family of automotive enthusiasts, Michael was able to complete what is now a well-formed, simple yet elegant Spoon Sports Certified Civic Si. Even if you don't have a big interest in Hondas, you can appreciate this build. In the end it was all worth it to Michael. He still loves the car and drives it all the time.
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