Sol’s EK9 Circuit Build… Part 2
As with most projects, there were a few set backs along the way but the guys were still hopeful with the time they had left to be ready for testing before the event. The shell was now at a stage where most of the parts required bolting in place as most of the fabrication had already been completed.
The guys over at Y-Esuf Auto Clinic finished up the paint work on the EK9 an the shell arrived back at the workshop where the guys started the assembly. The majority of the parts had arrived during the absence of the shell. Today we’ll be taking a close look at this process, along with some additional parts required for the motor setup.
The car is back and the guys wasted no time in trying to have it assembled, we’ll be going through the first photos with the car back from Y-esuf Auto Clinic, I also have some shots of a few additional parts that arrived.
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
Sol’s EK9 Circuit Build… Part 1
Having completed the paint stage, the shell returned to the workshop where the guys immediately began work in efforts to remain on schedule. With the assembly started I though we’d take a closer look at the paint work on the interior as well as the progress so far…
A full view of the freshly painted floor with the custom exhaust tunnel and seat brackets…
While the shell was off being prepared Sol received the Tilton Racing pedal assembly. This is a floor mounted assembly which gives the adjustability to the brake pedal to match Sol’s preference without having to change the master cylinder size. The assembly was placed inside to begin test fitting…
A view where you can get a better grasp of the floor layout; on the opposite side of the driver is the battery box and the fuel cell mounted where the rear seats were located…
Sol opted to go with an Aeromotive fuel cell with a built in baffle. The unit carries 2 in tank AEM 50-1200 fuel pumps that will be perfect for the fuel the car will be running…
To give you guys a better view of the placement on the fuel cell…
A few shots of the bay where the guys had already started the assembly, with the subframe and suspension bolted in place…
The gutted tailgate back from the paint shop and up against the wall until its time to have it fitted…
Likewise the doors were laid out until the guys were ready for them…
One of the most important pieces that arrived was the Rays Gram Light 57DR wheels. Sol went with these wheels based on the group specifications along with their design which allows the fitment of a big brake kit. The wheels specs are 15×8 +35 in a matte bronze finish and they are wrapped in Maxxis 225/45 RC-1 rubber.
The wheel mounted after the suspension and brakes were bolted up…
The first full shot of the car as it sat on jack stands while the guys were getting ready to set it down on the wheels…
A close up of the wheel where you see the AP Racing Pro 5000R big brake kit…
Moving our way to the rear of the car, we see the exposed slotted and drilled Password JDM rotors…
Extended wheel studs were used at all four corners. Already in possession of a set of Eibach Multi Pro coilovers, Sol decided to use them on the EK9. They feature external reservoirs which allow for a wide range of adjustability…
Another shot of the brake and suspension set up where the billet aluminum lower control arms are visible…
With the rear wheels temporarily fitted to the car, the guys jacked it down to check the fitment on the 57DR Gram Light wheels…
Full on side shot of the EK9 as it came together, and looking amazing so far on the Gram Light 57DR wheels…
After fitting the suspension and brakes to the Civic, the guys could focus on other aspects of the assembly…
A slight glimpse of whats to come, EG Civic build in the background currently under the knife…
A few more as it sat in the workshop…
Moving to the rear of the car you notice the tail lights have been fitted…
A better look at the lower control arms paired with the OEM Civic Type R sway bar which has been powder coated in red…
Looking forward into the cabin, it speaks of all business so far…
Things were really starting to take shape on the interior, power steering pump and reservoir mounted…
A first look at the custom mounting plates required for the Tilton pedal assembly…
I liked this partial shot of the Recaro Profi SPG seat with the contrast of the covered hydraulic handbrake…
A few more shots showing off the Recaro seat now fitted in the EK9…
Capturing a portion of all the current elements within the interior; the gusseted roll cage, race seat in place, shifter and handbrake placement in progress, the remainder of the bars that make up the cage along with the fuel cell tucked away in the rear…
Given that the car will be racing in group 2 it would be fitted with a H pattern gearbox. Sol went with a K Tuned billet race spec shifter, base plate and shift knob combination…
A quick mock up on shifter and final placement on the Wilwood staging brake…
Gram Lights, AP Racing, K20 motor… speaks racecar build in progress…
Exhaust and oil filter ports covered for additional safety…
Close up on the Skunk2 intake manifold, fuel rail and 70mm throttle body fitted…
The sun was about to set and the guys had made significant progress; a final look at the motor before it fills the EK9’s engine bay…
Meanwhile, a few more much needed components arrived…
Ididit steering column that Sol chose to go with for the build which has a mounting bracket for a digital dash…
Along with the steering column was the Speed Factory Racing radiator…
With dual high performance Spal fans…
Already having gone with a full head package from Drag Cartel, Sol opted to purchase their recently released, collaboration valve cover with K Tuned in a wrinkle black finish…
On that note I’ll leave you guys with a parting shot until our next update in this series…
Joker’s FD Build… Introduction
I’ve got some new content for you guys today, we’ll be kicking off Jamar’s FD Civic build. Definitely no stranger to the Honda scene, throughout the years Jamar had his fair share of Civic and Integra builds. His most prominent build was a 4 door B20 swapped Civic. After spending over 10 years modifying the older chassis Hondas, Jamar thought it was time he tried a newer platform build. Being a long time fan of the FD2 Civic Type R Jamar was was in the market for just such, however due to the ever rising popularity of the FD2, the pricing surpassed the budget he had to work with. Jamar started to look for alternatives, when it hit him that much like he previously did with the older Honda chassis, he could find a base model FD and build from there.
With a renewed direction and focus, Jamar started the process of finding a clean unmolested FD1 chassis. He was lucky enough to find a low mileage manual one which would save him some time, verses if he had to source the necessary conversion parts.
The goal in Jamar’s mind isn’t to be the fastest, but as an enthusiast who is getting older, the FD Civic fits the bill for the perfect mix between comfort and performance. And with this in mind he has no intention of going crazy where the motor plans are concerned. A few of the usual bolt ons and keep things relatively simple.
We’ll be taking a look at the car in full detail along with some of the progress that was made thus far.
Some factory details about the car…
The FD1 as it sat while the swap was in progress…
One of the goodies Jamar was fortunate enough to receive when purchasing car was this Mugen RR wing…
To go with the Civic, Jamar selected a set of Enkei Sporsh wheels in 18 x a 7.5 sizing…
In addition, he purchased a set of HSD coilovers and wasted no time in fitting them to the car…
A look at the FD1 front bumper…
As mentioned, Jamar had plans on swapping out the R18A motor…
Given the vast amount of K series platforms which are made for the U.S market, Jamar opted to source a Civic Si complete swap…
A look at the swap assembly…
K20A motor, OEM header, gearbox, linkages, axles, brakes which will all be making their way onto the Civic…
Swap in progress!…
A look at the rear interior of the Civic which was in immaculate condition…
The front portion of the FD1 reflected the same as the rear and it was great thing to see…
A note worthy addition that Jamar’s car has over any other FD2 is having a sunroof…
A look on the driver’s side of the Civic where you can see the OEM pedals and shifter console…
A close up on the black K-Tuned billet aluminum shift knob which is a subtle touch to the interior…
The factory spec R18A motor after it had been removed…
Another shot of the Enkei Sporsh wheel in serious need of a wash…
A first look at the K20A motor fitted…
Some close ups of the swap’s progress thus far…
The FD1 originally came from the factory with a R18A motor which requires a slight adjustment in mounting points for the K20A. Jamar wanted the swap to be as authentic as possible, and made sure to source the FD2 original mount and bracket…
The mock up of the mount and bracket went well and its now to be welded in place before moving forward with the next phase of the swap…
That’s it for a first look at Joker’s FD Build, I hope you guys enjoyed this glimpse into a different kind of build than what is normally seen on the site.
