OK, so there is really no way you can pick out THE 30 hottest cars of SEMA. It would be a huge undertaking – like finding a mint condition CRX Si with no mods, figuring out all the miscellaneous taxes on your cell phone bill, or even picking only 5 import models to be stranded with on a deserted island.

But, you can certainly try. So, we did. After enlisting two of our own staffers to do the judging, as well the services of guest editor Ed Loh (editor of Import Racer Magazine) to ensure a west coast/east coast representation, we searched through our SEMA 2004 photo gallery and weeded out the thirty most impressive cars based on average scores from our three judges.

No, there were no rules or classes. So, yeah there are some oddities – including a jacked-up Escalade tying a JDM Scion xB in scoring – but that’s a fair representation of what goes on at the SEMA Show – and that’s why this isn’t the “Top 30 sport compacts at SEMA”, though that's definitely our tilt. So, check the list and see if you agree. If not, you can choose your own… see below.

30. Extreme Golf Cart Editors Rating – 6 Preston: 7 If I had time to play golf, I would be rolling in this. Tiger wouldn’t have shit on me. Ed: 5 I don’t golf. Jackie: 6 Actually, Tiger would have one hot ass Swedish model and oh, several hundred million dollars over you.

29. ChargeSpeed Acura RSX
Editors Rating – 6.5

Preston: 7
It's aiight. Maybe it just needed a different color.

Ed: 6
As seen on the freeways of Los Angeles, CA.

Jackie: 6.5
Still, nice alternative to the “as seen everywhere” Mugen kit.

27 (tie). Evolve Volvo S40 Editors Rating – 6.73 Preston: 7 If I were looking into a Volvo this would be the one. Ed: 6 Bumper needs something wider and lower. The better Volvo was Ferrari red V8-powered XC SUV with the yellow moose sticker and Aria widebody kit. Jackie: 7.2 Only “girlie men” drive Volvos, but you hafta give props to the S40. Never like the hole in the hood treatment that the Evolve guys keep cutting though.

27. Extreme Dimensions Mazda RX8
Editors Rating – 6.73

Preston: 7
The whole red carbon look, looked hot on this car.

Ed: 6
Their name sez it all – “Extreme Dimensions”. I just would have liked to see the grille and intercooler in the bumper.

Jackie: 7.2
Minus 2 points for having an unfinished look. The car and the body kit are right, just need to focus on the details.

26. Scion tC by Haze Editors Rating – 6.9 Preston: 7.5 Needs to stay in an art gallery. Ed: 6 Design and execution is kickass, but I think this paint job really lends itself more to an xB or ’64 Impala. Jackie: 7.2 Have to give it up for the paint, Ed’s right though – wrong car.

25. Widebody Scion tC
Editors Rating – 7

Preston: 7
good looking tC body kit

Ed: 7
Front bumper looks good, rear fenders a little weird, but the transition from the front fender to the door needs serious help. It kinda just…ends…

Jackie: 7
If it weren’t for the widebody 5Axis tC, I’d be more impressed with this one.

24. Hotchkis Tuning Scion tC Editors Rating – 7.03 Preston: 9 Widebody is the shit and they made this tC squat like a pregnant bulldog. Ed: 6 Performance-wise, this thing probably kicks ass, but the wheel fitment is a bit lowriderish and that kit looks exactly like the Shark Racing widebody kit for the Hyundai Tiburon. Jackie: 6.1 Would have scored a lot higher if they put a little more effort into wheel choice and graphics selection.

23. Polk/Momo Honda Si
Editors Rating – 7.16

Preston: 8

Ed: 7.5
Paint is bitchin, stance and kit appear to make it practically undriveable.

Jackie: 6
The show car equivalent of “made for TV”. The paint scores 5 of the 6 points and the MOMO chick get the other point. If it weren’t for the paint, this could have been an APC project car.

22. Ford F250 Terminator Editors Rating – 7.3 Preston: 8.5 The level of detail that went into this project was top notch Ed: 8 Perfect for those trips to mall and after school practice! Jackie: 5.5 Love the new F250, but this is not feeling this one. Like the concept, understand it, but it still could have been done better.

21. Widebody Nissan 350Z
Editors Rating – 7.53

Preston: 7
Widebody and a Z, what more do u need?

Ed: 8
That silver widebody tC needs to look at this Z to get the front fender right.

Jackie: 7.6
Another nice Z, just enough JGTC flavoring to get me to overlook the bad graphics job – and leaving the Z badge on the side.