I always hear the stories that the DC5/EP3 have inferior suspension setups, they don't handle well etc. So yesterday I'm bored and watching Top Gear on YouTube and watched the episode where they test out the EP3-R and they were having a blast tossing that little sucker around the bendies! Saying basically nothing but good things. Just curious, how do you guys feel about the EP's handling characteristics? If you could compare it to the DC5 or any other cars that would be good too. I don't own one, but am considering one as a new daily/project.

 

I love mine, but then again I've got aftermarket suspension goodies on mine. Stock it handled ok, it just sat up a lil higher than what I liked.

 

I guess I should have mentioned if I do get one, I will get aftermarket suspension and chassis upgrades.

 

as the owner of many Old School honda hatches, GENs 2,3,and 4...
the move to the EP3 was a no brainer... better performance!

it does have "too much" weight compared to any others, the GEN 3's were my favorite!
but it can be very fun tossing it around, as long as you get the right suspension and tires!
mine's lowered, stock shocks worn out, and my front end slips out if i over power the turns... under steer!

so i need new shocks (sometime before winter i'm hoping) no biggy.

other than that- i like the feel... it's definitely more solid than older models...
i can still let go of the wheel - and it goes straight for ever! -something the older ones seldom did!

 

Ep3 and DC5 have the same basic chassis, hence is one of the reasons why they share a forum. Therefore, they'll handle about the same--although the Ep3 has a bit more weight up high.

They were comparing the 'old' EP3R to the new Civic Type R with the beam axle rear suspension. Both are inferior to the older double-wishbone.

 

Yeah I'm coming from a CRX so I'm used to light weight lol.

I would for sure put on a full coilover system, sway bars, wheels, etc. Probably swap out the stock SiR motor for that of a K20A or K24 if I'm ballin' enough!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ep3 and DC5 have the same basic chassis, hence is one of the reasons why they share a forum. Therefore, they'll handle about the same--although the Ep3 has a bit more weight up high.

They were comparing the 'old' EP3R to the new Civic Type R with the beam axle rear suspension. Both are inferior to the older double-wishbone.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is true. They seemed to just love the EP3 so I wanted to find out some more opinions to it.

It's hard finding something for an all year 'round, daily project. The CRX is summer only, and our summers are like 4 months lol.

I want something newer, and I do wanna stay Honda.

What do you guys find are the weakest points in regards to the chassis?


Modified by c.dub at 1:41 AM 7/29/2008

 

Well, I refer to mine as the fat mouse. Its wide, and handles like hell on the corner(Stock). And the stock ride height is horrible. Imo, stock, the ep3 has terrible looks haha.. With a nice suspension upgrade and some rims/nice tires, its a unique, good looking hatch. I get compliments from Eg/Ek/Ef owners all the time. And the 02 eps go for dirt cheap. look around for an ep 6k-9k and pick it up.

 

i think they are great for daily driving. they ride smooth stock, very easy to modulate and control (ie. i can control understeer).

only gripe i have about the EP is its so damn high for a stock car.

but like any other car, once you start upgrading the suspension, it will handle very well.

 

I do agree, in stock form (except the Type-R) they look like a goofy minivan haha.

I really like the interior, and with one of the OEM lip kits, plus some cool wheels and a nice suspension setup, they look really cool. I just like to do my research on suspension since handling is very important (our Honda family includes my CRX and my old man's S2000).

I have also been considering a BB6 as well. Being in Canada, I would want to pick up an '01 SE, do similar mods, and add a LSD as well. It is a bigger car, and I love my hatches, but the Lude does have the double wishbone rear suspension, which would be a 1up on the EP..

 

i use my ep as a dd and it handles ok but i wouldn't push it too much

 

I'll let u know in a week or so. Ordered up my coilovers, new tires, new rear sway and i have yet to drive it yet. Time to head down to Menkes

 

Take a look in the FAQ if you really want to know what issues the Ep3/RSX suspension has.

 

It sure does give me hope to watch these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnTWXb78c7Q&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9a7UnLwn20


Modified by Hasbro at 12:35 AM 7/29/2008

 

I love man. It takes a bit to get used to from an eg/ef but after I did I'm very confident with taking it to the limit. I've got shocks, springs, sways/endlinks, camber kit and strut bars and hit 1.00g on a lapping day. I was actually only loosing distance on an SRT4 and Evo on the straights.

Man, I want LSD.

https://honda-tech.com/zero...66816

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhiteOnRice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I was actually only loosing distance on an SRT4 and Evo on the straights.


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I wouldn't exactly call a SRT4 a good handling car, though.

 

****....
Todd and Whitey actually track race, making them the ones i would trust

but then again you see- both have differing views...
-Whitey thinks its Great with mods- like most of us!
-and Todd hates any car that doesn't handle like an Formula One race car... LOL


just get the car- Gut it, Slam it, Turbo it- you're done, Go Race!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WyldRice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
just get the car- Gut it, Slam it, Turbo it- you're done, Go Race! </TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhiteOnRice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I love man.</TD></TR></TABLE>


LOL How did no one catch that???

 

ep3? or stay with em2? i really want an rsx but i cant afford one...

 

Out of all that generation's chassis (EP3, DC5, EM2), the 01-05 Civic 4-door technically had the best chassis as it was the stiffest (Sedans usually are).

If a K motor fell into my lap, I'd look for a cheap 01 Sedan chassis (minus sunroof) and build it up. You're still faced with a bad suspension design, but a Civic coupe or sedan would make the best track car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't exactly call a SRT4 a good handling car, though. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah I don't know why I threw that it there. This one was heavily modded though.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by c.dub &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">LOL How did no one catch that???</TD></TR></TABLE>
Lol, the truth will find it's way out! lol jk.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhiteOnRice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Yeah I don't know why I threw that it there. This one was heavily modded though.


</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can only polish a turd so much...