Ruining your transmission creates tough choices. It’s an expensive enough repair to justify not fixing, counting your losses and moving on. Or you can continue to dump money and hope to keep the car serviceable for a few more years. Josh Phipps chose the former and in doing so transformed a hobby into an obsession.
When his trusty Ford Tempo lost its will to obedience in 2004, no longer at the beck and call of his gearshift, Phipps began searching for a replacement vehicle. Shortly after, he caught wind of a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES that had been a demonstrator at a local car lot. With only 800 miles on it and a steal of price tag, Phipps, who had just turned 17, snatched up the opportunity to drive a car whose popularity was matched only by its aftermarket parts support.
Phipps’ inspiration to modify came during high school when some boys he knew took what little they had and made their rides into unique vehicles. The seed was planted, and Phipps started with own his modifications, adding aftermarket taillights and new wheels, and even trying out a few vinyl decals along the way, eventually opting for blue and black square checker pattern that trails from the front to rear of the car. Underneath he snaked through a new MagnaFlow exhaust leading to a performance AEM intake on the other end.
After the addition of a few milder engine parts, Phipps started a more structured and heavier modification strategy, gradually phasing in higher-stress performance parts. The intake manifold was bored as well as the throttle body. The cylinder heads were ported and polished for more aggressive power. Phipps included a Stage 2 camshaft, clutch, short shifter and lightweight flywheel.
» Engine: 2-liter inline 4-cylinder
» Wheels: Tenzo flat black DC6-VER2 18-by- 8 with Falken 452 tires
» Performance: AEM intake, OBX headers, Starlight pipe, MagnaFlow exhaust, Road Race Motor Sports bored intake manifold, bored throttle body, port and polished head, Stage 2 cam, Fidanza lightweight flywheel, Competition Stage 2 clutch, short shifter
» Interior: Custom-painted doors and dash, suede headliner and rear deck, 5-inch rpm tachometer, Tenzo-R racing seats, 7-inch flip-out LCD screen, Rockford Fosgate speakers, suede trunk, Kicker 12-inch subwoofers, Sparco racing harnesses, diamond-plate floor mates, carbon fiber switch pod, PlayStation 2
» Exterior: Blitz body kit, HIDS, custom graphics, carbon fiber hood, Vortex generator, flush-mounted spoiler, carbon fiber taillights, black housed headlights, tint, short antenna, Underglow neon and running lights
Phipps met with misfortune last summer on a return trip from a Pennsylvania car show. The brand-new adjustable cam gear that had been installed shattered to pieces, hitting him in the head. The injury was not critical, but the extensive damage required him to replace the cam, cam gear, water pump and tension pulley, turning a weekend of fun into a costly trip.
Returning to the exterior, a Blitz body kit changed the profile of the Lancer and outfitted the factory paint job with custom vinyl graphics. The heavy OEM hood was removed and replaced with a lightweight carbon fiber hood. A flush-mounted spoiler was added, and even the pavement now lights up when the underbody neon is activated.
Returning to the exterior, a Blitz body kit changed the profile of the Lancer and outfitted the factory paint job with custom vinyl graphics. The heavy OEM hood was removed and replaced with a lightweight carbon fiber hood. A flush-mounted spoiler was added, and even the pavement now lights up when the underbody neon is activated.
For the interior, Phipps wanted a true competition look. Tenzo-R racing seats were added while Sparco racing harnesses made sure the occupants didn’t slip from the bucket seats. Diamond-plate floor mats accented the interior underfoot, and Phipps custom-painted the doors and dash while ripping out the cloth headliner and installing a more luxurious suede.
Finally, the audio system is completed by a 7-inch flip-out LCD screen that sends its audio signal through Rockford Fosgate speakers and two 12-inch subwoofers positioned in the trunk.
What do you drive? A 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES.
What makes your car so special? I think my car is no more special then anyone else’s car. People put their time and money into their cars to make them look like they do. Not everyone will like your car, but as long as the builder is happy with it, then that’s all that matters.
What was the most memorable driving experience in your car? I would have to say driving my dad to the Ravens game last year. I have racing seats in my car, and my dad is a pretty big guy. When we got to the game, I had to help him out because he was stuck, and during the whole drive he was making jokes about them.
What was the first car you owned? A 1993 Ford Tempo that was more pink than it was red because of the sun fading it.
What kind of music are you currently listening to in your car? I have a mix in my car. Currently there is AFI, Paramore, Five Finger Death Punch, Pearl Jam, Three Days Grace, Chevelle, Lamb of God and Breaking Benjamin.
And your first ticket? What was it for? I have never had a ticket — just a couple warnings and a couple repair orders for tag lights and tint and that sort of thing.
