I looked at the EP3 I'm thinking of getting, it is in pretty good shape, for some reason the SRS light is on? but it is the stock wheel

Is there anything I should look for/check on the car?

Also are the EP3s a lot better than a 99-00 Civic SI?

Can Recaros be put in?

Thanks

 

The main things to look for on ep's are the 3rd gear pop out and the steering rack creak.Compared to the 99-00 Si's I believe Ep's are way more comfortable because of the seats steering wheel etc.Also you don't have to worry about someone stealing them because they are hated by everybody which is cool lol.

 

yes, check tranny, unless you're planning on motor/tranny swap...

Comfortwise, yes, it's much better, imo.
Also, keep in mind, it's not a cheap car to work on. GL

 

The 02-03 models don't have sideskirts and have the all red tail lights, the 04-05's have side skirts and clear ricer looking tail lights.

Also the 02-03s have a problem with cams getting pitted out with higher mileage engines, so be on the look out for problems with how it runs.

 

Can't forget 5-lug on the 04-05's

 

I knew I was forgetting something major

 

The SRS light will come on if the seats have been removed if it is the model with the optional side airbags. Or if the wheel has been removed. Shops can reset it.

I love my EP3.

The reason why I chose this over an EM1 Si is the torque. I have driven B series cars (even an Intergra Type R) and that extra 20+ ft lbs of torque from the K20 vs the B16 is a noticable difference. If you are looking at both, drive both.

I am sure you will prefer the quality and solidness of the EP3 over the EM1. It just feels like there is more car there. And it is quite a bit stiffer because they increased the chassis stiffnes.

 

Comparing an em1 with ep3 is a matter of preference. The ep has more torque though. And, everyone else answered all your questions.

 

Are we talking EU/UKDM EP3 or USDM here?

Can give you loads of info if its UK or EU but no idea about the US version...

 

US

Trying to decide whether to go black and stock, or maybe white and k20? I'm digging black more...

 

yeah, dont! spend your money on a better vehicle, buy a crx, buy a vx hatch, buy a donkey! it'd give you less problems than a Ep3 thats fudged from the start! just my opinion

 

I believe the EP he is talking about is my k20a2 ep and it's far from fudged, link in sig. :p

There is a recall on the seat connector for some EPs and can cause the SRS light to be on but when I called my local Honda dealer they said they'll "scan and fix it for free if it is indeed the recalled part, otherwise you have to pay for the scan itself and decide to go further."

There is a DIY reset but I have not tried it yet, I'll get the link.

Here: http://www.diymyhonda.com/civic/resetting-srs-light/

 

if there is a short in the wiring, like there is in mine, this wont work!

 

Did you have Honda look at your's NA?

 

He is just mad because someone sold him a lemon. Oh, wait he is mad because HE bought a lemon.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-rsx-dc5-honda-civic-ep3-32/so-my-ep3-fed-can-u-help-2794081/

On the side note "MY" EP3 is real comfortable and the extra torque is nice on the stock motor compared to the EM1 SI. After contemplating on selling it to buy an EM1 Si I like my EP3 1,000 x better, the interior on em1 Si's are so outdated and the seat suck, plus like many say nothing better than a chassis specific Si no? Also I like the thought of being able to upgrade to a RSX-S motor and 6-speed transmission for a fairly reasonable price. Just my helpful advice that doesn't just waste Network Bandwith