About the Contributors
Andres S. - I became interested in cars even before I had my license. My love of Hondas stems from attending, the “local races” in my early teens. I am currently on my second CRX (I loved the car so much that I bought a second one after I crashed my original). Unfortunately my CRX is only lightly modified but I have plans to add more parts in the near future unless I get my VW Bus first. I would not consider myself a hardcore “car guy” but cars are one of my hobbies. I love the style and appearance of various types of cars more than the speed because speed always gets me into trouble.
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Jonathan L. – My interest in cars starts as far back as I can remember. My father, being an Automotive Technician, I basically grew up in his garage. Upon graduating High School I went to work with my father, learning the trade through hands on experience and taking classes at the local community college. I obtained my ASE Licenses and my Smog Technician License; after building my FC RX-7 from the ground up I became interested in other aspects of the automotive industry and thus came to work for Tein. Now you can find me abiding the speed limits in my EVO X. Side Note: I thought I would be seeing Models left and right, however, I have only seen one in person.
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K. Nakai – I worked for TEIN Japan and was relocated to the US over five years ago. I grew up driving on the touge in my AE86 (I am the original Takumi – j/k). I have had 3 different AE86s and I actually still have one mint condition ’86 Levin 3dr GT-APEX sitting in Japan. I currently drive a Tacoma which I think is the perfect vehicle for daily use in the world (: . One day I hope to either buy a second car or bring my AE86 from Japan. My previous AE86s had LSD, roll cage, bucket seat, tuned suspension, brake pads, etc… – it does not seem like a lot but it all worked very well together. My tuning style is to add one part at a time so I can feel exactly how it changes my car.
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Paul P. – So, after many years of dreaming, I finally own my dream car- a VW Bug. NOT THE NEW BUG, but a vintage ’64 Beetle. It’s a far cry from anything TEIN makes product for. But, who knows? Maybe a Specialized Damper kit is in its future… I hope to turn it into a Cal-Look Beetle with a high strung 2110cc motor, primed for the 1/8 mile. But, I’m sure I’ll get the road racing itch once more. And when it does, maybe another EF Civic might be the ticket. Geez,,, so many projects on my mind. Maybe a nice Prius will do. A SLAMMED PRIUS.
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Sergio M. – I love Hondas, been an enthusiast since I was in High School. I have had countless Honda/ Acura vehicles including Accords, Civics, Del Sol, Integras, right-hand drives, etc… I usually work on my own cars and I am known in the office to slam my cars to the ground. The lower the better.
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Taeko H. (Hannah) – I recently relocated from Japan. I have worked for TEIN for many years but I am new to the TEIN USA staff. In my free time I enjoy eating delicious foods, playing Nintendo DS, watching American television shows and I recently started learning classical guitar. Cars do not really interest me but I don’t mind them, either. I can drive manual but I prefer automatic. I currently drive a very practical Nissan Versa but my favorite car is the VW Type 3 Squareback.
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Alex H. – I’ve been a fan of the import scene for quite a while. But to this day I cant make up my mind whether I want to buy a Nissan or a Honda. I drive a 2002 Nissan Maxima bone stock I’m actually thinking of lowering it in the near future. I also drive a 1984 K5 blazer off-road ready. I enjoy working on my truck and going off-roading when ever I get a chance. Most people might say I’m in the wrong industry since my passion is big tires on lifted trucks, complete opposite of the JDM scene with slammed cars but I do have plans on building me a nice 4 cylinder to save some gas and to, of course, have some fun!
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Shuichiro Y. – My interest to car is back to when I was 4years old. My dad bought me a photo book of Porsche. I remember I was watching that photo book as story book. Ever since then, my dream car has been Porsche. And when I got my a license at 18years old, my very first car was ’94 Mazda Miata. Unfortunately I crashed it, but it made me into a sports car fan and sports car driver! I now have S2000 as track car and LandRover for my daily car. Both has completely different character but I love “CARS” in general, so I am very happy. And last, my goal is to own 100 cars in my life!
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Omar A. – I am one of the newest members to TEIN USA. I have had an interest for cars ever since I was a child collecting hot wheels. Till this day I will lose track of time if I pick up a car magazine no matter where I’m at. I spend most of my free time bonding with my daughter. If I’m not doing that I am either at work, watching family guy, or creating a blueprint on how to accomplish a goal in my life. I also plan on going to school to earn a bachelors degree in criminal justice and someday being a part of the LAPD or Sheriffs department.
