We like different. Different is good. So naturally, we’re really digging the project that Pennsylvania sport compact racer Steve Merman is hard at work on in his efforts to cross over into the domestic-dominated playground.

Merman, who has previously campaigned a very serious turbocharged, front wheel drive Honda Civic, is keeping the Honda theme going with his newest endeavor, building of all things, an Outlaw 10.5 1993 Civic coupe converted to rear wheel drive that he’ll carry into battle at Cecil County Dragway’s Street Car Shootouts and other 10.5W-tire events on the east coast.

In a category dominated by twin turbocharged big blocks, nitrous-fed big blocks, a small block here and there, and even a few supercharged combos in Camaros and Mustangs of every generation, Merman’s Honda will represent quite a departure from the status quo, both in body style and drivetrain, as he’ll be taking advantage of a unique place in the rules for four and six cylinder engines that could make him rather competitive, given enough horsepower.

The Civic, which has undergone transformation to a rear wheel drive configuration, as many front-running sport compact vehicles have, is a hardcore, 3-4 tube chassis car that’s been fitted with a composite nose to meet the maximum overhang rules of the category.

The car is 103-inch wheelbase, with the works under the body, including titanium tin work, carbon wheel tubs and trunk floor, mated with the steel quarters, roof, rockers as per the Outlaw 10.5 rules.

As outlined in the Cecil County engine/power adder guidelines, four and six cylinder cars may run alcohol or intercoolers with turbocharged combinations at no minimum weight, which, if Merman ca coax enough horsepower from his four-banger combo, could make the car a bit of a spoiler for the V-8 competitors.

Merman is toiling away to prepare the car for next season, and we’ll be bringing you additional updates on the car as it comes together and later, when the team begins to shake it down.