John Bowman - 2001 Behrman Honda Prelude

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John Bowman

2001 Behrman Honda Prelude

Instagram: @Hondahots

Photographer: @trey.coleman.photos

Hi there! My name is John C. Bowman, and I am 26 years old.  Coming from a military-oriented family, I have lived in Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, and good ole' Tennessee which is my current home since 2010. I specialize in High-Performance Engineering with an Associate's in Mechanical Engineering. During my period of obtaining my mechanical background, I was in a motorcycle accident that left me with an amputated limb. 

This gave me a disadvantage in the automotive industry due to myself being a "high risk" employee. In 2015, I began my career journey in the tech industry with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Over the years, my expertise has now shifted into my current role in Web Development. My side hustles tie in with my passion for cars. During my free time, you will catch me hunting for, buying, and reselling hard-to-find car parts. Along with actively working on car projects, you can always catch me with a camera in my hand.  In the past year, I have taken up photography very seriously and hope to expand on my skill even more in the upcoming months. Outside of the realm of cars, I love to travel and experience new things with my partner-in-crime. Oh! One more thing, I love my cats.  

What or who got you into cars?

Let's take a blast at the past.  In 2005, my best friend from elementary school showed off his hot wheels and model cars to me.  We would race them with homemade tracks and ramps.  This is how my expensive hobby started!  As time went on, I began using Youtube and online forums to teach myself how to work on cars. What really set things into full motion was stealing my mother's 1992 25th edition purple Camaro.  Yes, I did get caught, and it was so worth the butt-whooping! Many years later, I finally was gifted the car from my parents to restore her back to its original form. I finished this restoration project in 2021 and did a Mother/Son road trip back to where the car was originally purchased - Daytona Beach, FL. 

Why did you choose this car?

When my first car was totalled, I began searching for affordable, reliable coupes in 2012.  My father saw a beautiful, white 1999 Honda Prelude for sale nearby.  We checked it out, and it was the perfect fit for my tastes.  As time went on and the "Fast and Furious" scene came into play, I began going all out with my eBay-built Honda! My dream was short-lived once a teenager ploughed into me in 2017 totalling out my 1st car build.  I didn't give up and soon found my replacement.  I picked up my Black 2001 Honda Prelude, which is now the beautiful, blue Prelude you see today.  She is known globally as "Athena".  

What made you customise it?

As mentioned previously, my 1st Prelude was a true, authentic eBay-built car! With that being said, I did many things incorrectly and cut a lot of corners.  During this go-round on having a second chance to redo my choices, I decided to exceed all expectations.  I touched every inch of this car from the exterior, interior, engine, and electrical.  It was my goal to be one of the very few Behrman Preludes internationally. 

If you enjoyed this Car why not read this ONE HERE

What does it feel like owning it?

I have always had a passion for the Honda Prelude.  While this car typically goes unnoticed in the streets, I always spot them from a mile away!  My mind always had a vision of how I wanted to interpret the Prelude, and that is exactly what I have done with Athena.  After many hours, sweat, tears, money, and hand injuries, I finally completed the build of my dreams.  Every time I am behind the wheel of my car, there is a rush of happiness running through my veins.  I built this for myself, but it is an honour that my car is used as an example for many other Honda enthusiasts for their Prelude builds.  I'm proud and humbled to know Athena is catching the attention that she is all due to me having a dream. 

What makes your car unique?

The definition of the Honda Prelude is "an action or event serving as an introduction to something new or more important."  That is exactly what I have done with Athena.  Let's start with the most eye-catching feature of the vehicle at a quick glance -- paint!  I decided to go with Dodge's Surf Blue Pearl with even more pearl than what the paint code calls for.  You will also notice some 'strange' emblems on the vehicle.  They are NOT standard OEM Honda emblems that can be purchased.  I collaborated with MirroredAcrylics to create custom 1:1 front/rear emblems using my signature and an illuminated rear license plate.  After speaking with leadership from Wisesquare.jp, I am one of very few Honda Preludes worldwide that is driven on the roads with a complete Behrman body kit.  Let's move on to the heart of Athena.  Once the hood pops, you will be greeted with custom glass radiator hoses manufactured by Killerglass, a custom dimple dies window cowl created by SolKreations365, and multiple billet aluminium BBAlliance dress-up parts. Lastly, when sitting in the driver seat of Athena, your attention will be grabbed immediately by a 1:1 LED-based gauge cluster made by XTuners Tuning Studio that features my signature and the name Athena. 

Spec List

Engine Bay:

• BBA radiator brackets 
• BBA cooling plate
• BBA power steering delete plate
• KillerGlass glass radiator hoses
• KillerGlass radiator hose LEDs (4 green)
• KillerGlass velocity stack
• Mishimoto radiator 
• Mishimoto fan shroud 
• Plm ram horn headers
• Exedy Clutch 
• Fidanza lightweight flywheel
• Esp alternator bracket
• Esp front torque mount
• Esp rear t bracket 
• Esp motor mounts 
• Mpc hundred proof engine hardware
• Mpc hundred proof transmission hardware
• Mpc block off plate
• Mpc hundred proof vc hardware
• Wilwood master cylinder 
• Bwr brake booster delete plate (polished)
• Bwr billet oil cap
• Fender washers (40pc)
• Steel braided clutch line
• Spark plug spacers 
• 40/40 proportioning valve (abs delete)
• Led engine bay kit
• Hood struts 
• Spark plug wires (red)
• Golden eagle cam seal
• Golden eagle solenoid cover
• Rywire 61 pin connector kit
• Evolution PCV valve extension 
• Weapon R radiator reservoir 
• Weapon R power steering reservoir
• Powder coat valve cover purple 
• Powder coat intake mani chrome
• Powder coat booster delete plate chrome
• Powder coat radiator brackets chrome
• Powder coat cooling plate chrome
• Shaving engine bay 
• VMS header bolts 
• K-tuned engine ground wires 
• Silicone radiator hose kit

Interior: 

• Honda access door sills
• Honda access carbon fibre trim 
• Honda access auto headlights
• Honda access security system 
• Honda access fog light switch w/ bezel
• Honda access rear sunshade usdm
• Jdm cup holder 
• Jdm digital climate control 
• Jdm rear ashtray 
• Jdm cig outlet
• Jdm ashtray
• Honda access chrome ring bezel 
• Edm gauge speedo
• Edm red door lights
• Type s red-stitched seats
• Type sh door panels (black)
• Type sh rear deck 
• JTC short shifter 
• Nardi steering wheel 350mm
• Nardi steering wheel cover 
• Nardi prestige line perforated leather knob
• Nardi leather shift boot
• Nardi Leather hand brake boot
• Nrg hub 
• Nrg quick release 
• Nrg quick-lock hub 
• Spoon blue wide rearview mirror
• Integra rearview mirror

Exterior:

• Honda access fog lights jdm style 
• Honda access hood spoiler 
• Honda access car cover w/ bag
• Honda access yellow covex mirrors
• Honda access gunmetal grey grill 
• Jdm fenders 
• Jdm bumper support
• Jdm clear side markers
• Type s flush mount spoiler 
• Type s grill emblem
• Type s rear badge
• Prelude vanity plate 
• Behrman front bumper 
• Behrman side skirts
• Behrman rear bumper
• WeatherTech window visors
• Retrofitted headlights 
• Repainted b5 blue 
• Magnaflow muffler #14816
• Ebay clear taillights
• Led headlight bulbs 
• Led 2 in 1 fog bulbs
• Window tint 20% and 70% ceramic front
• Prelude Nation front window banner 
• Stature banner
• Xkglow devil eye kit
• Xkglow devil eye extension harness 
• Powder coat callipers neon yellow
• Mirrored acrylic indiglow emblems

Suspension:

• SPC rear camber kit
• T1r 2.0 neo chrome lug nuts
• Air Lift 3p management
• Air Lift 3h upgrade kit
• D2 struts/bags
• Custom shortened lower control arms 
• St sway bars 
• St sway bar bushings
• Esp traction bar system 
• Drilled and slotted rotors
• Mpc drop forks

Wheels:

• Work Meisters S1 3P 18x10 +43

Audio:

• Atoto radio
• Polk audio speakers front w/ crossovers 
• Kicker rear speakers
• 12" Rockford phosgate sub

I'd like to start this section off by shouting out Teddy Gibson, the painter of Athena.  He drove many times (5+ hours) to teach me how to dismantle, prep, paint, and buff my Honda Prelude.  Not many know, but the car was painted in my basement, and he worked his magic to ensure an A+ paint job was done. The second person I'd like to shout out is myself.  I completed the following tasks with no assistance: Installing Air Ride Suspension, Full Engine bay tuck, Reassembling the drivetrain, Interior swap, and obtaining all rare goodies for the car. The third and final shout out goes to Middle Tennessee Fab & Performance with always lending a hand in all my car builds.  They assisted with completing a motor swap in a time crunch and all my typical maintenance needs.  MTFP will be the shop that completes the Height Sensor install, Trunk setup, and the Jackson Racing Supercharger build.

Future Plans

The next big project that I will be tackling is boosting the car with a Jackson Racing Supercharger for the H22; however, that is going to be the last thing on my wishlist.  Currently, I have two other projects I must tend to at this given time.

Advice/Tips

The very first thing that anyone should look out for when purchasing an older Honda is rust.  If you buy a northern Honda, always check to make sure there is NO RUST.  Dealing with this causes more headache, money, and time than what it's worth.  Don't do it! The second thing I suggest is always pulling a Carfax.  I cannot tell you how many times I have come across clocked odometers.  It is a thing, and it can happen to you.  Don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of!  The third thing that is a common occurrence in the 5th generation Honda Prelude is that automatic transmissions are notorious for going bad.  So let's go ahead and make sure you have a spare off to the side or stick with a 5 speed!

Groups/Clubs Shout Outs

Stature - @StatureCrew.tm

Slammedenuff - @Slammedenuff

Battlegang - @Battlegvng.tm

BBAlliance TB - @BBAlliancetb

StreetLab - @_StreetLab

Middle Tennessee Fab and Performance - @mtfp_built

What do you get from the car scene?

The car scene has moulded my life to where it is today.  I will forever be thankful for the unforgettable experiences and memories that have occurred up to this point. Car brands hosting shows all across the USA has allowed me, my friends, and my family to travel for more than just leisure.  It has provided opportunities to showcase our passion with others!  I look forward to future events and cannot wait to see where history takes us next.

Looking for a new club? Have a look at the ones featured on our site HERE

Dream Car

My dream car since a child has always been a Ferrari F355 GTS or 360 Modena.  I would watch the show, Top Gear, and that is where I first laid eyes on the Ferrari.  Since then, my obsession with their design, style, performance, sound, and history made it

What do you think? leave your comments in the comments section at the bottom of the page

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