OUT WITH THE OLD (OEM parts…), AND
IN WITH THE NEW (modified parts!!!)
IN WITH THE NEW (modified parts!!!)
Everybody knows that a good service at a Hyundai dealership is usually going to cost an arm and a leg…but back in February 2002, John’s minor oil change cost him a fair bit more…..
John, ever the keen one for proper upkeep and maintenance, took his 2nd Gen Tiburon into his local dealership (where, incidentally, his father is the service manager) for a routine service. While he browsed around the showroom, he stumbled across what was the latest model GK – after which, the future was as good as written. A quick test drive later, John had well and truly fallen for the GK, “the drop dead sexy lines, the exhilarating drive and an amazing price too boot, where all enough to seal the deal” says John,….needless to say, John never turned the wheel of his once loved and much cared for Gen 2.
Right from the outset, John knew what he wanted from the Tiburon - he wanted to be different, he longed to be unique – but with a fresh and clean appearance of the GK, John says “I little flavour is good, but not too much flash”
So John set out to work. First to come off was the OEM wheels, replaced with 18" Konig Reasons, neatly wrapped in BFGoodrich G-Force KDW's 225/40R18s. Keeping with his objective of a clean look, a subtle yet different Orca/Art Tech 1 Body Kit was fitted with precision. John told nt.com, “The Art Tech lip kit is by far my most favourite modification. It is very simple and clean, much like my objective. Yet I think it adds to entire look of the car, keeping the lines that we all know and love. Not only that, but it gives the car a very squatty look”…and who would argue with that? A slight window tint and the introduction of the Tuscani emblems, and the subtle, yet sleek, exterior was as good as done.
Put simply, the uneducated would really have to look hard and long for the exterior styling modifications on this car...they are simply that well done and subtle, they look factory...yet if John's Tib was to park next to a factory spec Tiburon, the mist clears and it is blatently obvious this car means business!
However, looking subtle is all well and good – but sometimes you want to be noticed…so John installed royal blue street glow neon’s, royal blue gill lights and a set of royal blue angel eyes. Continuing the theme, John swapped the color of his LED clock to blue and accented the interior with a "Tuscani" Shifter Plate in, you guessed it, royal blue!
Now, we have covered the appearance of Johns car, which by its self is simply awesome, but when he starts talking about the engine modifications, you realise that this car really is a dream come true!. In a modest way, John refers to the egine modifications as only "minor" additions, possibly an indication, and suggestion, that there is still more to be done? The time and effort that has been put into the engine bay area is overwhelming. John really has spent a lot of time and money on my performance upgrades. "As far as I know, I am in a select few GK owners when it comes to having an engine tuned like mine. Having it bored out, getting over sized pistons, and having the heads shaved" said John. This unusual step has naturally lead to other modifications too. "Not only that, but the BBK, clutch, springs, motor mounts, headers, exhaust....this was a HUGE step in my cars evolution. Not sure how many of us can say they have had that type of motor work done".
So, what are John’s ambitions for this New Year. After just completing the stage 1 conversion, John, like most tuners is intending on turning his attention to the in car entertainment (ICE) – but he wont be pushed on any finer points than that. But never one to rest on his laurels, John also sneakily added “. I have some good ideas in the works, plans include interior changes, body image, and additional performance upgrades. It should be quite an adventure”, which I am sure we will all watch with interest.
For more pictures, as often requested...see Johns webpage here; http://www.johns03tib.com/
John, congratulations on being the first nt.com COTM for 2005.
