geoffsgt :)

The cement shakes as Brad Barrington and Geoff Wilkinson show off their muscle cars in the parking lot of Patrick Taylor Hall. It sounds more like two fighter planes ready for takeoff rather than sports cars looking for a parking space.

The two have been customizing their late-model American cars since they were in high school.

“My favorite thing about my car is the sound it makes,” Wilkinson said. “It’s got that deep rumble that American V8s have, but then the supercharger has this high pitched, demon-like scream when you are running wide open, so you get this crazy mixture of a screaming demon in front of you and a roaring beast behind you.”

Barrington, mechanical engineering senior, drives a red 2001 SS Camaro. Wilkinson, also a mechanical engineering senior, drives a black 2003 Mustang GT. Together they have spent more than $40,000 customizing their cars, a hobby many still enjoy despite recent economic downturns.

Barrington said he’s added “after-market heads, cam, full exhaust, nitrous kit and too many other engine, drivetrain and suspension modifications to list.”

Wilkinson has added a supercharger, full stainless steel exhaust from headers to tips, an upgraded T-56 Transmission, wider wheels and drag-racing tires.

Both Barrington and Wilkinson said they think their money is well spent.

“Looking back on it, there are other avenues where I could have spent that money,” Barrington said. “Driving it on the drag strip makes it somewhat worth it.”

Barrington and Wilkinson race their cars on the drag strip at No Problem Raceway in Donaldsonville.

“It’s an adrenaline thing,” Barrington said. “Generally when people modify their cars it’s for their own fun, but at the same time some of it is having a flashy car.”

Barrington said he plans on enjoying his car and not spending any more money on it for a while. He admitted he sometimes wishes the engine would explode.

“It would give me an excuse to build a new one.”

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