ddk369

First Post: Bought an EP3 Civic SI. 2004. Car is in mint condition besides a single rust spot near the door handle and a big chip in the windshield. 140K miles. No gear grind. Everything original. This car will be my partial commuter/daily - I am a BMW guy, but had an Acura 3G TL, which I honestly did not like. I currently have an F30 BMW that is stage 1 and modded. Don't like being pretentious and driving it to work all the time that's why I bought the EP3 as I think it will be fun, practical, fuel efficient, and I can finally practice and drive stick before they all go away.

Couple of questions:
1) What kind of service should I be doing - these cars have a timing belt or timing chain?
2) How can I minimize rust formation - I live in the midwest so snow/salt/rust is an issue?
3) I want to do a few very basic mods - wheels (prefer OEM honda) and suspension (springs + shocks). What recommendations are out there? Also want to swap the head unit for a Nav.
4) Good websites for Honda aftermarket parts?

And pictures of the little guy:


and it's big brother:

89Y49Si

1.) Basic maintenance as with all cars. Change all the fluids, spark plugs, serpentine belt, etc. They have timing chains. I'm sure some of the more experienced members can chime in on some more maintenance items.

2.) I live in Michigan, drove my RSX over the winter. All I did was take it to an automatic touchless car wash with underbody spray once a week. Still rust free and the underbody is still spotless.

3.) RSX Type S suspension is, for the most part, direct bolt on and should net you a small drop with stiffer springs. You can even go one step further with the RSX A-Spec suspension, which you can still get brand new. '05-'06 Type S wheels look good on EP3s and they are 17x7. Since you have an '04, you don't have to swap to the five lug brake setup. Also, due to the less than ideal suspension design, you really don't want to go lower than 1-1.5" from stock.

4.) For aftermarket parts, I always got my stuff from kseriesparts . com for my DC5.

Enjoy it, they are some fun cars when done right! Very nice BMW btw!

ddk369

Thank you for the response, I live in the SE MI area.

Wonder where I can get RSX suspension and wheels, would love the wheels on the car asap.

89Y49Si

I'm also in SE Mi, travelling anywhere from Trenton to Pontiac to Ypsi and just about everywhere in between. I'm surprised I haven't seen your Bimmer.

For the suspension, search this part number... 08W60-S6M-200A That's the A-Spec kit. And then read how to put RSX suspension on an EP3. It's not hard, just a few minor things need to be done.

For wheels, just look in the classifieds or Craigslist.

tommycrx

Curry Acura in Scarsdale, NY is the best source for the A-spec kit; Joe is the contact ($650 plus shipping - I was lucky enough to be able to drive over and get it). I just bought mine two weeks ago and had it installed. Good writeup of the process on ephatch.com, in the DIY section. The drop is from .75 - 1", I barely noticed it. As it's a kit with the springs already installed, I'd recommend it over piecing a kit together yourself of Type-S parts.

Just picked up my black 04 as well; it's a fun little car so far.

ddk369

I'm in the Oakland county area and don't really venture out much. I just moved from NJ actually. I've found a set of 2014 Civic SI wheels in Ann Arbor that I'm thinking of picking up.

I am loving mine so far.

SleeperGSR

Had really good luck with Tien S-Tech's and tokico blues, lowered by 1.5'' and everything is a little "better" than OEM. Might save you a few $ too. I'm really happy with the set up for a dd. have some other bits too but all in all a fun car.

b_ron

Or DC5R suspension, basically the same thing.

Get RSX tie rod ends, grind down rear bushing or press out and replace with ep3 bushings.

89Y49Si

Correct on the DC5R suspension. You can usually get them for half the price of A-Spec. But I've never found any brand new sets, only used.

You could also go with DC5R dampers and Spoon progressive springs. A little bit more drop and a firmer ride than keeping the Type R springs.

ddk369

Anyone have some good recommendations for wheels and offsets? I'm not looking to run spacers, I don't want massive poke, just a nice clean semi-flush setup that I won't need to screw around with alignment or spacers for and won't be rubbing all over. I am not sure what the appropriate wheel specs are for these cars.

I'm looking at XXR 527s or Varsstoen 2.2.2s or something in 17 inch size.

The bolt pattern is 5x114.3?

B serious

iTrader: (1)

XXR's or Varrastonens? Meh. Id rather keep the stock wheels. Or have someone punch me in the stomach.

Tein street basis (not basic), or Street Advance are available in the $600-800 range. They're great street coilovers. I think (KW) ST speedtechs are available for this chassis now as well?

As far as wheel offsets, something about 8" wide with a +45 offset should fit just fine as long as you're not looking to run 0 camber or something asinine. Stock 3G TL wheels are that sizing, ironically.

04sidriver

I have fortune auto coils on my car and love them. I also have CCW's. Those look good on the EP

Handacessories.com and hondaautomotiveparts.com

I have a pioneer head unit that has nav and no complaints about it either

tommycrx

Just go to Tirerack and pull up wheels that will fit your car. That will give you a good idea of what offsets work with what sizes.

They're all over the place (I've got a set on my CRX), but you can't go wrong with Enkei RPF1s, especially if you're not going to go big on brakes. (their design limits what you can do) Cheap, not bad looking, and very light. As I said, though, they are a bit overpopular, if that is important. I do have to agree with B serious on the two options you mentioned, honestly.

You're right on bolt pattern.