many thanks for your quick replies... very much appreciated...
actually, i'm more on "stock" guy as i prefer and restore my cars in its original state as much as possible.
i have 3 old honda cars. 96 civic vti, 95 accord exi and 2000 crv... all of them are in their stocks appearance and condition, but with the exception of one.
my civic, which was the last one i purchased in lieu of my sentra purposely for "FC tipid mode", was painted black (from maroon) and have its bumper shaved by its previous owner. too, it has smoked HL. I have already done some restorations (engine, electrical, underchassis, including bolts and plastic clips etc.. ) except the two i mentioned... the bumper and the HL... as i think it looks neat and simple.
but after reading that RICE thread, (and honestly i was not able to comprehend the paramount distinction of RICE or otherwise) i was thinking that i should be guilty too, or should i be not, for having a shaved bumper and smoked HL for mynot too powerful vti...
indeed, im am now entertaining to drop my "stock" mentality after reading some suggestions on I/H/E in other forums and do some mod specially to gain more power for my civic but, still, i am having a second thought that what im planning to do could be categorized as ricey...
accordingly, it would be my pleasure if anyone would direct me to the right path...

regards and cheers to all..
phezthie