Luckily for John, insurance can be a beautiful thing; armed with a healthy settlement, and the will to drive something unique (and less attractive to thieves), John plucked a ’91 Toyota MR2 from the used market. In approximately one year’s time, this vehicle was mechanically and aesthetically morphed into a uniquely American rendition of a Japanese domestic market MR2 that offers excellent performance, and drool on your sneakers visual bang.

The JDM flavor of this ride is most evident in the engine compartment. Out went the U.S.-spec turbo motor, replaced by the Japanese version of the 2.0L 3S-GTE, which enjoys a 45hp advantage over its U.S. market counterpart. The additional horsepower is the result of a more capable ceramic ball bearing CT-26 turbo, in conjunction with a more performance-spirited engine management computer. Meanwhile, the rest of the short-block and cylinder-head remain Japanese factory stock and certainly capable of thriving under higher boost pressures with ease. After all, the racing pedigree of the 3S-GTE design would prove its mettle as the powerplant for various Toyota racing efforts, such as the Rod Millen Pikes Peak race car which delivered 980 hp at up to 80 psi.

Additional power for this street-driven MR2 would be unleashed through better turbo management and intercooling as provided by an A’pex Super AVC-R boost controller, A’pex twin chamber blow off valve in concert with an HKS intercooler. Air-intake chores are handled by an A’pex Super intake. John feels that this recipe of bolt-ons should be good to produce 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque on up to 17 lbs of boost, certainly enough to yield white-knuckle driving thrills from an MR2. The reliability of the sturdy factory Toyota-Japanese-engine package is not at all compromised, fully meeting John’s needs as daily transportation. As for emission legalities, the JDM motor was not originally hindered by the U.S.-spec EGR, equipment that had to be fitted to the motor to pass a visual smog inspection.

All of that power makes its way to the rear wheels via a stock transmission that is actuated by a TRD short shift kit and a Centerforce Dual-Friction Clutch. The MR2’s rugged stance and handling are attributed to H&R Sport Springs, good for a 2-inch drop, and Tokico 5-position adjustable Illumina shocks, as well as Suspension Techniques sway bars at the front and rear of the car to help assist with high g-loads in corners.

The MR2’s interior features blue Corbeau Forza seats and matching custom-blue door vinyl. In keeping with the decidedly JDM theme of this vehicle, the custom-carbon-fiber gauge panel houses white-faced gauges that match Omori boost, with vacuum and oil pressure gauges mounted over the console by SP Engineering. Rounding out the interior are niceties such as a TRD/MOMO steering wheel, a TRD shifter and Räzo pedals. The cabin’s mood is enhanced by JVC KW-XC770 CD cassette head unit connected to a JVC 12-disc changer. A PPI five-channel amp pumps sound through Polk audio speakers and two 8-inch Bazooka tubes.

Fate has a funny way of working itself out. For many an enthusiast, giving his or her car up to thieves would normally spell an end to passions for another project vehicle. Considering the time, effort, and expense John endured in producing his Honda, no one would have blamed him.

Instead, this dedicated enthusiast chose to create a more powerful, enjoyable, and attractive ride, all the while following the road less traveled to create it. Judging from the outcome of John’s vision, I would deem this MR2 to be a very convincing argument for the road less traveled.