Civic EF Project: A Good Idea?

[Chris_19]

The Honda Civic EF design caught my eye recently (especially the saloon) and I thought it would be cool to own one in the future as a little project/ weekend car.
I have no idea about these cars though so wanted to get a bit more info about them.
What is there to look out for on them, common issues?
How easy are they to work on?
What is parts availability like? (Aftermarket & Genuine)
Any other useful info?

I don't have the funds or space for one at the moment but just wanted to find out a bit more about them before I set my sights on one.

[aka_kerrly]

The Mk4 Civic is a bit of a gem, my first experience of VTEC was a ef Civic SIR ( a jdm import with the legendary 1.6 16v engine)

It's a very underated chassis , double wishbone at the front , independent at the rear , with a few upgrades they really punch well above their weight.

Parts are still available, might need to hunt Japan for some really unusual parts but general engine/gearbox/running gear is reasonably easy to procure. I dont know about panels though and some interior bits will be a problem if you want immaculate parts.

[Chris_19]

Just googled the Civic SIR, looks awesome. Thanks for the info, I know that Hondas are supposed to be good cars so i'm glad to hear that this one follows the trend.

[aka_kerrly]

The EF really was a special car, as far as I know there weren't any other hot hatches in the early 80s with such a high end suspension setup and in JDM form the b16a made 160hp from a 1.6 normally aspirated engine which was and still is an astonishing amount of power from an engine of that size.

Consider at the time a golf GTi had 139hp from a 1.8 16v, a escort Rs Turbo 130hp from a 1.6 turbo , a Astra gte 150 from a 2.0 16v.

Even the D16 8 and 16v engines with 110-130hp are not to be overlooked and there are plenty of tuning parts for these engines. There are nutters out there who are pushing over 300hp on standard 1.6s with turbo conversions!!

A restomod version with a relatively standard body perhaps some SiR/period bodykit parts , a fresh b series engine, short/close ratio gearbox , limited slip diff will be a riot.

If you want to go really mad the Integra type R B18 engine and box can fit, if that's not enough the 2.0 bottom end from a CRV can make higher torque or the newer generation K series from the 2001-2006 civic type R can be made to fit.

Remember these things don't even weigh a tonne, a basic 1.3 model is barely 800kg so you dont need mega power to make them shift!!!!!!!!

Have a look at the Spoon sport EF if you want some race car inspiration

[Moz_BLY]

good looking cars jap reliability but trying to get one will be difficult. in the early 2000s these and corolla twin cams could be had for £800. last year i went to view a corolla gti £4300 civic would be around the same but as said very difficult to find that shape ime.

[aka_kerrly]

Just been to see a mate to get some Honda parts and remembered he has a few EF civics and is very knowledgeable about them plus can help with parts or at least give an indication of anything that maybe hard to get

I spent the morning drooling over his 220hp B18c Integra powered Civic hatchback..

Look up 'Just Tec Motorsport' on Facebook/Instagram

[Chris_19]

aka_kerrly said:

Just been to see a mate to get some Honda parts and remembered he has a few EF civics and is very knowledgeable about them plus can help with parts or at least give an indication of anything that maybe hard to get

I spent the morning drooling over his 220hp B18c Integra powered Civic hatchback..

Look up 'Just Tec Motorsport' on Facebook/Instagram

Thanks very much for the info, appreciate it!
Will look up Just Tec too