Sol’s EK9 Circuit Build… Part 1
Today we’re back with a quick update on Sol’s EK9 build. Having previously built several cars, Sol is no stranger to the process, however this project is on a high priority list to be completed. The main reason for this is so he can get in as much seat time as possible to aid with testing the suspension components and to ensure everything else flows with the circuit. No stranger to the Bushy Park circuit, Sol already had an idea of the type of setup he was looking into. He focused his efforts towards fast tracking the preparation of the EK9 shell to have it sent off to Y-Esuf Auto Clinic so the guys can wrap up the bodywork and begin the paint process.
With that plan in mind, we’ll be taking a look at the car as it went through the final stages of body work after the shell had been fully fitted with the roll cage from Custom Cages; we also take a look at some parts as they started to arrive. And I know from the previous post you guys have been wanting to get some info on the motor set up, so I have included the entire engine build in this post as well. I hope you guys enjoy!!
For those who may be viewing this build for the first time, I’ve provided the link to the previous post below:-
Sol’s EK9 Circuit Build… Introduction
With the estimated goal rapidly approaching, the EK9 was placed on a rotisserie and sent to Y-Esuf Auto Clinic…
The underside of the Civic was prepared and blown in a gray hue before arrival as to speed up the process…
Having the car dedicated to being a race car, there really is no need for a full exhaust. The floor was reworked and a tunnel cut to have the exhaust make a left turn after the header and exit on what was previously the passenger side…
Full view of the prepared underside…
Taking a closer look moving towards the rear of the car you can see where the floor was cut to accommodate for the fuel cell…
In the previous post I mentioned about the common disease when it comes to hatches, the rusted roof, which has since been repaired…
A full view of the shell which has been rotated 90° via the rotisserie…
At the front you can see where the gusseted A pillar ties into the dash bar; which has been modified to use a composite OEM styled dash. This will be revealed in the upcoming posts after the paint phase is completed…
A view of the interior fabrication work outside of the cage…
Pictured is the custom battery tray along with the exhaust tunnel to accommodate a side exit system…
Seating positioning is very important and quite some time was spent on determining the optimal seating point. More of this will be visible as we move forward with the build…
For those who may have doubts, this is in fact a legit CTR…
Even though the Hasport K swap mount bracket was bolted in place, a few welds were thrown down to fully secure it…
A final look at the hood and side skirts before the colour change…
With all that was currently going on over at Y-Esuf Auto Clinic a few goodies for the build started to arrive…
PCI seat bracket…
A host of Vibrant Performance AN fittings and hoses arrived…
Lets not forget about the Hasport EKK2 billet engine mounts…
In an effort to save time where the wiring was concerned a Wireworx EK conversion harness along with an engine harness were purchased…
Sol will be using DC2 Type R rear brake calipers with braided lines from a previous Civic build…
Meanwhile back at Y-Esuf Auto Clinic, some progress was made on the EK9…
The gutted tailgate after it received a fresh coat of white…
A look at the doors which too were also gutted of any unwanted metal…
A glimpse of the shell on the rotisserie…
A few shots of the work in progress…
After the paint process was completed with some of the masking removed…
The front end was fully treated to a metallic silver hue…
While the outer body was kept simple, in a bright white hue…
The rear under fenders were also treated to the metallic silver along with the full underbody…
Another view of the front fender underside…
The engine bay was hit with the same silver…
And to finish things up, the interior also was coated in metallic silver…
Close up of the freshly painted gusseted A pillars…
Having a strict timeline in mind, it would require multiple things taking place at the same time. And as a result Sol was rapidly gathering parts to piece this puzzle together…
The K Series gearbox was pulled apart to have the Gear-X close ratio kit installed along with a M Factory plated limited slip differential. In addition to this, a super single disc Competition Clutch and a set of Insane Shafts 500HP axles were purchased to close out the drivetrain setup.
Onto what you guys have been asking about, the motor assembly…
Sol will be using a K20a setup in accordance with the rules stipulated by BPMSI. The bottom end started off with a 4 Piston Racing ported oil pump and Circuit Hero baffle…
A set of Carrillo forged rods and CP pistons put the compression at around 13.7…
Added to the mix were a set of ARP head studs…
With the bottom end completed the head gasket was fitted…
Having already dealt with the guys at Drag Cartel on a previous build, Sol reached out when it was time to put together the head package for this build…
A look at the CNC ported head with the new valves fitted…
Along with the ported head, Sol added Drag Cartel’s 3.2 camshafts to complete the setup…
Camshafts installed…
Fully assembled with the cam gears and timing chain in place…
Closing out this build with a shot of some of the goodies to come in the upcoming post. Thanks for taking a look at this installment of Sol’s EK9 Circuit Build, stay tuned for more to come in this series.