What's up EP3 Owners! I looked for a thread like this but nothing specific, so I figured I'd make a thread to ask. Simply put. Currently I own a 97 Ex Coupe. Punchy D series engine and a kick *** chassis. Lately I've been thinking of looking into a new car. One candidate I'm serious considering is the EP3 SI. Now I'm a huge fan of the EP3 Type R but I know the SI is quite different. Less power, no LSD, 5 Speed instead of 6, and other accessories. Despite this it still seems like a blast to drive. Especially with a little bit tuning sprinkled on top.

This sounds like a jackass question to ask but how do you EP3 owners like your cars? Have you ever owned any other generation of civic? How does it stack up? It seems it'd be just as fun as my lil EJ8. Whether on the street or the auto X course. Any thoughts guys?

 

No thoughts guys? Haha

 

I've had my 04 Si for almost a year now and love it, it's a fun car to drive. The only other Civic I've had was a 92 CX hatchback with a D16Y8 swap. I like the EP3 better, in just about everything but gas mileage

 

Awesome! Any particular things that stand out? How si the fuel milage. If I get one I'd be daily driving it and having some auto X action with it too but nothing too crazy. Was the other civic just better on fuel?

 

I've had an RSX and I drove my friend's 95 eg, and his 99 si for the few years that he owned them. I love my ep3 more than all 3. I've done a lot of suspension mods and the thing handles like a dream. Gas mileage is very good too. Anywhere from 25-32mpg. The dash shifter is one of the best things about it. You may think it's weird at first but until you drive one it's the best thing ever

 

I get about 26 city and 32-34 on the highway in my 04 Si. My 92 CX with Y8 used to get 34/45 city/highway, I didn't expect to get that and I'm happy with what I get.

I also use mine daily, previous car used premium fuel and got about 20/26 city/highway and I wanted something better.

Things that stand out for me is the seats are comfy and I love the shifter location. In general though the interior is very nice imo. Overall I just think it's a well put together car that is fun to drive.

 

Thanks so much for the words guys. I'm heavily concidering one and I found a nice well sorted one at a dealer that I really like. It sounds like it really is a great car that is underapreciated by people who've never driven one. I can't wait to test drive one

 

Love my EP3. I had a 99 EM1 before that and I dearly miss that car.

 

^ Would you say you like your EP3 and your EM1 equally?

 

Definitely. The EP is very unique IMO.

 

The ep3 is missing some ***** though. Its quite a shame it didnt come with the k20a2. I drove one and regardless of underpowered motor, fun to drive.

2 complaints would be...
-macpherson struts
-k20a3

 

Thanks for the input. I would agree the UK/JDM models may have more grunt out of the box but I feel that with a little tuning and can be jsut as badass Just like our EG SI compared to the JDM SIR2. I'm test driving one tommorow and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs.

 

I agree, you won't regret it. It's probably the least common Si and the most unique of them all.

Even if it is underpowered, the car sounds great stock and the gas mileage is good if it's your daily drive

First thing I upgraded was the speakers lol.

 

Only had mine for 2 weeks now, But so far it has been pretty awesome. And after coming from an LT1 Z28 even...

Nice to have something nimble again. And I love the look of a clean hatchback.

 

I just bought one yesterday. 2005 Si HFP. Gotta gets some plates so I can drive it.

 

I average about the same between both. I had a 94 cx w/ a d16y8, then an ls w/ a gsr trans. The ls was a hog in comparison to the sohc and the ep.

With a k20a2, 6spd, sri/dcrh/3"/kpro I average about 34mpg w/ a lot of highway driving. Highway driving in the ep3 is MUCH more enjoyable than an eg.

 

^ Nice =] I'll let you guys know how my second test drive goes this weekend for one! It has 91,000 miles. Silver... Looks pretty clean so far =D Can't wait to take it for a spin!

 

PS: do you guys reccomend doing any valve or head maitenance at that many miles? Kinda curious is all! I want this car to last a loooooooonnngggg *** time if I score it.

 

Yes, definitely do a valve adjustment and take a close look at your camshafts to make sure that they're not galling.

 

I love my ep3, owned a em2 and an EF hatch.

 

Sounds good! Usually is their minimal wear on the cams at that much mileage? I've scene these bad boys at well over 200K running like a champ. Any other suggested maitenance? Things to keep a look out for?

 

1. Check the oil, make sure it isn't brown water.
2. At that mileage the clutch may need to be replaced. Inquire as to if/when it was changed. It's not particularly hard to change a clutch in an ep3...with a lift. It's a pain on the ground.

K20a3 heads have a common issue with cam galling. Just make sure you don't hear any unnecessary ticking from the head.

 

Thanks Speedo. I wasn't happy with the one I found. Though the girl seemed like some innocent college student. She thrashed the thing. It had a lot of dents and damage for a car as young. There was a minor valve tick I beleive. (Is the galling a serious problem though?) I'll deffinitly keep the cltch aspect in mind since I dont really have access to a lift most of the year haha Assuming these aspects are positive, I should be good to go right? =]