Prior to Honda’s announcement of the EP3 chassis, the 96-00 EK hatchback was the weapon of choice. A departure from the 92-95 EG hatchback was welcoming with the new headlights and shape of the EK. Prowling the streets of sunny Central Florida, this bright Phoenix Yellow EK has been built from the ground up perfecting every little aspect Honda might have glanced over.
Tearing the chassis down to bare metal, the entire car including the engine bay was repainted the Type-R Phoenix Yellow. While the stock motor was tossed out, an impressive B-series power plant was being built to withstand several pounds of boost and plenty of horsepower. But before we get to that, we have to pay tribute to the slight exterior modifications done to the EK. The bulk of the exterior styling is attributed to the Civic Type-R counter part, including the grille, side skirts and rear lip. The front lip carried a Mugen style to it but finished off in carbon fiber. The mirrors are none other than Spoon Sports pieces. Lastly, a Spoon Sports carbon fiber duck bill resides on the rear hatch while a carbon fiber hood accents the front end.
Back to the power plant however, a B18B bottom end was being prepared for the ride of its life. Utilizing an 81mm block, an Endyn block guard was installed first along with SRP 9.0:1 compression pistons and Crower billet rods. Forming an LS/VTEC long block, a B16 head was then focused on for the new motor. All Skunk2 valvetrain was installed along with Civic Type-R cams and Skunk2 cam gears. Bringing the head and the short block together is a set of ARP head and main studs. Putting the long block to good use, El Gato fabricated a custom exhaust manifold for the SC-61 turbo that was being bolted on. An APEXi Skyline Core intercooler fills up the entire front bumper while cooling off every bit of pressurized air being forced into that setup. 880cc injectors supply the fuel as the motor revs towards redline flowing air through the JG / Edelbrock intake manifold. Everything is tuned through a Hondata S200B and GReddy E-01 boost controller.
In the interior, a Civic Type R cluster was swapped in along with Bride Zeta II seats and Takata harnesses. The unmistakable shade of a Cusco 6 point roll cage also brightens up the interior along with the APEXi boost and EGT gauges. Suspension wise, this EK has it all as well. A set of Skunk2 drag coilovers gets it ready for the quarter mile, while Koni Yellow shocks gives it a little bit of comfort to battle against the harsh spring rates. Gator Axles ensures every bit of power gets to the ground safely. Lastly, a Cusco strut bar keeps the chassis now and rigid.
This EK is a fine specimen to Honda’s product. It makes plenty of power, can be daily driven and has looks that appeals to all of us. Oh wait, did I forget to mention the Advan RG wheels on each corner? You didn’t need me to state that now, did you?
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