Darth Raider: An Element EX Achieves Death Star Status
The Honda Model X was introduced in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The cross-over vehicle targeted the activity-oriented buyers, with its open concept, washable urethane floor, and rugged exterior plastic panels. In 2003, Honda released the production version of the Honda Model X, called the Honda Element, which boasted a slender 166 HP from the K-series block.
In 2005, Phillip “Chief” DeMarks purchased an Element EX. This is how he transformed it into something more in his element.
Darth Raider
Chief quickly decided that the OEM paint didn’t meet his expectation and laid the custom three-tone paint job – Mercedes Black with Blue Pearl on the roof, Mercedes Arabian Grey for the main body and Porsche Pearl Platinum Silver filled the bottom end. The refined Element was dubbed "Darth Raider" – a play on words for his love of Star Wars and Raiders’ Football. Other fine details include roof cladding, tail lights and rear bumper from the SC trim, a.k.a. “Street Custom.”
Death Star Status
Just like how the Death Star wasn’t built in a day, Chief’s yearning for the perfect look wasn’t achieved overnight. He searched high and low for an air suspension for the ultimate Element, which had been years in the making. ICE BOXX Customs came to the rescue and fabricated a custom, one-of-a-kind set that utilizes AirLift’s 3P air management system. Now, the custom 20 inch DPE wheels fit tightly tucked underneath the fenders. Chief chose a Rotora big brake kit for stopping power and aesthetics.
For comfort, Darth Raider was laced with JDM rear seats and center console, both wrapped with Backyard Custom leather. A few of the hottest trinkets are the Nardi leather steering wheel with custom Honda horn cap and the custom Mugen billet aluminum door sills.
The Force Is Strong With This One
Chief found its lack of power disturbing, so he bored and stroked the block using pistons and rings from a TSX for a 10:1 compression. Skunk2 Cams, valve springs and retainers keep the air flowing through a port and polished TSX head. A polished TSX intake manifold and throttle body optimizes the flow.
Cloaked in Success
Keeping true to JDM quality, Chief glammed the engine compartment with ARC and Spoon gems – including a one-off custom air intake box made specifically for Chief’s Element while an ARC radiator keep the internals cool. Dressed for success, the engine is capped with a Spoon valve cover and ARC plug covers.
Knowing Chief’s passion for his Element and cars in general, one can assume that he is not done with his ever-evolving Darth Raider.
Chief would like to give shout outs to Lisa and Regi at Island Motorsports, and his son PJ for always being there for him; Eddie Hernandez at New Era Customs; also to his Element brothers Jeff Smith and Joe Dixon; and Chief’s good buddy Jerry Kimmel over at South Coast Accessories.
To finish the look, Chief registered a custom license plate that reads “YOKOKE” which translates to “Thankful” in Choctaw, because Chief is truly thankful to everyone who helped make his dreams a reality!
