Hello, Ive spend most of my time, Actually, basically all my time in the 92-00 section.
Currently Ive got a 98 civic with a B18c5 swap. The car run great but its a DX with no Power. No AC. Never had AC i didnt take it out.

Ive been wanting a new car for awhile now and was at the dealer today picking up bumper plugs. I saw an 04 Ep3 with 70k on it for ten grand. Ive always liked this GEN of SI and i have a couple questions.

Any and all pro's and cons.
Ive heard there is only one VTEC cam and thats on the intake side although it being a DOHC motor.
Is 70k alot of miles on these? Whats prone to breaking if anything.
Is there any differences between the 7th GEN civic EX motors and the SI K series?
I believe the EX is a 1.7 liter?

Im gonna go back to the dealer tomorrow and see what numbers they give me and test drive, possible trade in. They will probably rape me on trade even with the swap from Hmotors.

Anyway, Thanks all!!

 

going from the C5 to a K20a3 is going to be a big down grade. This is an economy engine. You will want to do a k20a2 swap(rsx type-s). However, the car as a whole will be an upgrade, the interior is pretty sweet in these. I would say go for it if you can get a good deal on it. And I would sell your car outright to get the most out of it.

 

The 04-05 models are improved over the 02-03 EP3 models. The 04-05's come with OEM sideskirts, 5 lug wheels, eliminated the cam galling issues, and has a lighter flywheel.

The K20a3 iVtec is more about economy than performance, but it still has a decent amount of low-end torque which makes it fun driving day to day.
70k isn't a lot of miles by any means (it's a Honda!) and these cars come with a timing chain rather than a belt, so you don't have to worry about replacing your t-belt anytime soon.

I would DEF sell your whip to a private party, the dealer will 0wn your *** if you trade it in.

Visit ephatch.com and look through the picture threads

 

I didnt know about the timing chain, I like that.
Yeah i know the dealer will own me in trade im just not looking fowards to putting up an add, getting lowballs, people backing out ect ect.

To be perfectly honest im not really looking for anything fast. I have a yamaha R6, my car feels slow after spending time on that thing. Ill probably just lower the EP and put wheels on it. But for between 10 and 13 grand i can get low miles with all creature comforts and nice interior. Seems nicer than sweatin my *** off in the summer. The c5 isnt even that fast. It has a nice 3rd gear but my buddies turbo y8 runs me down.

Thanks for the link!

 

I would definetely go for it!The only issue with the Ep is the 3rd gear pop out.Other than that no issues plus you sleep well at night because you don't have to worry about it being stolen as much as you would with a dc,eg,ek etc.It's kinda like the bastard child out of the Si's because everyone always has something negative to say about them.

 

Why not have both, you're current Civic and the EP?

 

I did the ol switcheroo too (Poorman's R EG to EP)

Don't really regret it, but definitly not satisfied with the EP. No major problems yet, just a bunch of dumb little electronic problems. Current problem right now is my parking light won't turn off sometimes. I have to flicker the headlight switch for like 10mins or pull the negative terminal on the battery b/c they won't shut off.

 

cuz the buster kept me out of handcuffs...lol

 

He didn't just run back to fort!


haha.

I have an EP. It is fun. Sporty, decently quick, handles well with suspension upgrades, etc.

I like the low end it has compared to B series engines I have driven.

Mine has 71K miles and I haven't had to replace a single thing on the car!