Plug and Play The RX-7 uses two video sources for entertainment. The first is the ever-popular Sony PlayStation 2, which actually serves two purposes. It can be used as a DVD player to watch movies, or you can play games with it. Chen admitted that the PlayStation 2 is often loaded with Gran Turismo 3 (not surprising at all). The game console is installed underneath the front glove box. It is held in place using two pieces of steel and low enough so that the glove box still opens fully, but high enough where it does not protrude into the foot well. The second video source is a Sony VCR installed vertically in the storage compartment behind the front driver seat. Custom brackets made from metal increase the structural integrity. It is trimmed in black factory-matched vinyl. With all the video and audio sources at Chen's fingertips, you know he'll never get bored.
Opposite the VCR in the storage compartment behind the passenger seat is a blue top Optima battery. The original location of the vehicles battery was under the hood, but it was relocated here so that the extensive piping for the intercooler could be installed properly. Switching between video sources is made possible using a video switcher tucked away in the glove box.
Keeping the system connected are components (interconnects and cables) from various manufacturers such as Phoenix Gold, Tsunami, and Monster Cable.
Long RoadChen completed the RX-7 you see here in approximately three years. "I waited over a year for some parts on the car now to arrive from Japan. That was annoying," says Chen. After a lot of competing and no attention, he has done an incredible job of turning heads these days. The stereo installation cost around $5000.00 and took two weeks to complete. It was the final step left on the vehicle to take it to that next level and set it apart from the ordinary crowd.
Chen wants to thank Rotary Xecret 7 (an RX-7 club he belongs to), ADM graphics, ES Motorsports, and Ryan Uchida at Creative Car Audio and Motorsports for all playing a role in getting his vehicle into tip-top shape for import competitions.
Chen admits that there is no stopping now. He is in it for the long run. His future plans on vehicle upgrades (motor and such) are top secret; however, he did say that he will definitely upgrade the stereo system by having neon highlight various portions of the installation. He may also add some more monitors and change the hatch around for next year. Nothing is really clear on how these upgrades will come about, but rest assured, by the way things look now, Chen will be just fine.