The IDRC's Pro-Am FWD class is arguably one of the most popular, competitive and exciting classes in import drag racing. From coast to coast, privateer racers and shops are building Pro-Am FWD cars to wage war at IDRC events or just to earn bragging rights at their local drag strip and on internet forums.

Since Pro-Am FWDs are essentially high-performance, daily-driven, street car on slicks, just about every enthusiast can relate to a Pro-Am FWD racecar. When looking for a marketing plan that would showcase their talents, Modacar of Livermore, California decided to put their business on the map by building its own Pro-Am FWD beast. While most would have chosen the lightest platform possible, Modacar paid little attention to weight management when they selected a 1999 Civic Si as their platform. At an average weight disadvantage of 300 to 500 pounds, the Modacar Coupe relies on a healthy dose of horsepower to be competitive in its class. Currently, horsepower checks in at nearly 700 horsepower at the wheels with plans for more ponies in the future.

Boosted Killer B Engine

A solid foundation is everything when it comes to forced-induction performance. Starting with a B18C1 block, a set of Golden Eagle sleeves were machined in place. These sleeves now accommodate 84mm Arias forged 10-to-1 pistons. These pistons connect to the GSR crank via high-strength, 4340 Carrillo rods.

The solid bottom end is home to a GSR cylinder head that was ported by Casey Hofner before being fitted with valvetrain components from Ferrea and Portflow. Camshafts are currently just a pair of GSR sticks, but some aftermarket shafts might be installed in the near future to find some additional power. Power was also the plan when the factory intake manifold was swapped for an Edelbrock Victor X intake manifold.

Boost and Fuel

For turbocharged engines, the path to boost starts at the exhaust manifold. Modacar chose to incorporate a South Florida Performance (SFP) tubular exhaust manifold. This SFP manifold is currently home to a Precision Turbo PT67 turbocharger and an Innovative external wastegate. Working with an Innovative Multi-Stage-Boost-Controller (MSBC), boost pressure is regulated to 29 psi in each gear. Once the compressor section of the PT67 does its job, high-pressure flow gets sent through a Precision Turbo front-mount air-to-air intercooler.

With the chore of forcing air into the engine accomplished, the proper amount of fuel must be added for peak reliable performance. An Aeromotive fuel pump, filter and a set of -10 teflon-inner fuel lines provide a constant flow to the AEM fuel rail and Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator. This pressurized fuel gets injected into the engine by four 160 lb/hr Precision Turbo fuel injectors under the control of a F.A.S.T. (Fuel Air Spark Technology) engine management system. The F.A.S.T. system also sends the signal to the MSD 7AL-2 to energize the MSD HVC-II ignition coil that sends the high-voltage current to bridge the air gap on the NGK spark plugs.

Suspended Animation

Making power is part of the go-fast equation. Getting the power to the ground is the other part. Since this class is limited to 8-inch wide slicks, suspension is the key to getting down the track quicker than your competition. Progress custom rate rear springs and struts work with a pairing of Skunk 2 springs and Tokico Illumina struts in the front. A Z-10 traction back works with the Quaife differential to be sure that power is equally applied to the Drive Shaft Shop Stage-5 axles. Gearing for the powerband is left to a stock B16 transmission and Circuitworx ring and pinion.

The Results

At the IDRC West Coast Nationals held at Los Angeles County Raceway on March 27th and 28th, the Modacar Civic blasted into the 10s with a 10.86 at just over 136mph. The car's performance and Matt Tayo's driving skills were enough to earn a trip into the finals to face Tyler Hara's hatchback. While Tyler got the win light on this meeting, Modacar and Tayo are looking forward to the rematch at the finals. With Cortney Green scheduled to appear it should be an event to remember.

For more specs and images of Modacars 10-second Civic grab a copy of DSport Magazine on newsstands and tuning shops nationwide.