Hey as you can see by my posts, im not new to this site, i had a 1997 civic hx 5 speed but it was stolen out my driveway with a lot of security on it, i don't feel like typing the whole smeal, anyways, I can get a 02 si white with 90 k for a good deal, and im wondering if its any good.

I know a lot about the 92-2000's I mean a lot, i did a lot of work to my car and friends, including my still owned 96 dx four door beater, and I know that they changed the double wishbone past 2000. does the 02 si have a good motor, i have no idea what it is, all i know is that its ivtec and thats about it, I think its rated at 170, i have no clue. i really don't want the car, but its being sold for a steal, and its in good conidition.

so bottom line, what should i expect from the car, handling wise, are there any good aftermarket parts for it, is it reliable, and how is it on gas. does it have any know problems please any help would be great thanks guys.

 

Check out ephatch.com first.

The EP3 makes a great daily driver. It has comfortable suede seats and a fat leather wrapped steering wheel, and a unique shifter position.

It has macpherson struts so the suspension isn't optimal, lowering it more than 2" inches requires a lot of suspension changes. Upgrading to a stiffer spring rate and installing a larger rear sway bar will make it handle pretty decently.

It has a K20a3 motor, which is comparable to a B18B motor. It's lower compression and has a restrictive head, which makes it perfect for boost. Don't build this motor for N/A.

The EP3 is k-swap ready, just change out the shortblock. There are a ton of aftermarket parts available because it has the same chasis/motor as an RSX/DC5. Not all DC5/EP3 parts are interchangable though, so do your research before buying anything.

I was like you at first where I didn't want the car, but you'll grow to love it the more you drive it. It's torquey around town and has tons of storage capacity.

I sound like a car salesman.

 

i, personally, like the previous si or the new one. the new ones are, of course, more expensive, but you can find the 00 si for a pretty good price. you can do anything to any of these cars, but i like the styling of the 99-00 and new ones better than the 02 si. the ep3 of course is a great car too with alot of potential. the engine is great stock or boosted. overall, i dont think you can go wrong with the car. remember its a honda.

 

^^ Agreed I like the body styling of 99-00 SI's too but the newer ones are much much better in terms of safety. They have side-impact air bags and a unibody frame. The older Civics are tin can death traps.

 

Thanks guys, i didn't buy it yet, but i most likely, I drove it the other day, it seemed torquey compared to my silly d16y5, which is not saying a lot. It has some cosmetic problems, but nothing i can't handle, what i found odd was that the owner was telling me that the ivtec that is in this car, does not pop at a certain rpm which i am use to with mechanical vtec, he said it was always on. I pulled it up to 7 and then the rev limiter came on, i'm not sure if its due to the cel he had on and he is in limp mode, or it was just like that. It has a low 8k limit, im use to the b16ing rev to 9. well Ill let you guys know if i get it.

 

lol yes the K20a3 motor is the econo-vtec motor so it's made for fuel efficency, not power. It redlines at 7k. The vtec lobe is only on the intake cam, not both cams like "true" vtec systems.

If you want to rev to 8k, you'll need to swap in a k20a2 motor.