89 Civic Si Build

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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 04:21 PM
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Default 89 Civic Si Build

Wassup HT, decided it was time to make a build thread. I've been owning the car for almost 4 years now. I almost started a thread about 2 years ago but was hit on my passenger side by some idiot then my misfortune continued and was I got hit with a DUI in June of 2013. Now that I've got that out of the way, I've been gathering parts to restore this one year only car.

Before the accident which messed up my bumper, fender, and hood.



Replacing the fender with a white one i found at the pick a part.



Still got the black primered one if anyone is interested, it does have bondo hence the reason why it was replaced.



Some of the parts I've accumulated over the past year

Front LCA's with PIC Hard Rubber Bushings


Y8 Exhaust Manifold, still debating as to whether throwing it on or buying a carb legal one.


Sidemarkers i've had for sometime


Z6 Intake Manifold


Integra Airbox



Greddy Axleback that I bought for cheap, just gonna clean it up and remove that big *** tip and replace them with OEM tips found on accords and DA Integras.


Tokico Illuminas with OEM Springs that i picked up for 200


CRX Si Rear Sway Bar


Mudflaps that I repainted with SEM Satin Black


How the whip currently stands






I plan on replacing the crossmember that was bent by raised asphalt with this one but not sure because of the tabs for the front mount seem bent


Other things i plan on doing: New headunit with speakers, tires (winter is approaching), painting trim with SEM Trim Black, new hood, getting the seats reupholstered by my uncle, eliminating rattles, and finally a paintjob sometime next year.
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 05:50 PM
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Steve at Heart
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Will be watching this.

For the Cross member you can cut those ears off and not use the front mount. Also would recommend some Hasports or Innovative steel mounts. They provide plenty of stiffness and look sharp, plus the OE mounts are probably shot.

Does your car not have a sway bar?
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 07:57 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Nice ride. Love the look of a clean factory 89 Si. Especially in white.
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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 02:22 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Lots of potential. Looking forward to more updates!
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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 02:25 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

lots of great parts !!! good luck with the restoration ! it defenetly worth it !
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Old Oct 19, 2014 | 11:24 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Originally Posted by Bently_Coop
Will be watching this.

Does your car not have a sway bar?
It does have the sway bar, but got the crx si one because the junkyard had 50% off on everything. Also got new moog ball joints for $50, but they are kind of hard to move around, is that normal?

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Old Oct 19, 2014 | 11:30 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Another thing I've got on my mind is upgrading the front brakes. I've heard about the 17cl15vn calipers with milled 23t brakes are the only bolt on option for EF's without changing the knuckle. Is it worth it for a daily driver; I plan on taking the car for some canyon runs once i deal with the suspension maybe even some autocross. I ask this because my front left caliper seems like it going out as it make a screeching noise whenever i drive. I doubt that my brake pads have gone bad, as i changed them sometime last year with akebono pads which work pretty good. Or should i just replace the caliper with a re-manufactured unit and get some new pads, rotors, ss lines, and new fluid. Please chime in thanks.
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Old Oct 20, 2014 | 05:44 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

I haven't upgraded my brakes in size yet, however on my project car I have upgraded to goodridge lines, 15/16's EX master cylinder, Hawk HPS pads and centric high carbon rotors.

Check out BrakeExperts thread on what to upgrade.

Do you have rear discs? 40/40 Proportioning valve?
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Old Oct 21, 2014 | 10:30 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

My braking systems is all stock, but since you mentioned you have those upgrades how does it feel. Would definitely help with my question regarding brakes.
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 04:07 AM
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Steve at Heart
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Car is not drivable yet. No engine. However the master and lines are supposed to help the pedal feel. Rear disc and the proportioning valve on my other 89 civic si did make a pretty big difference though.

On my 98 Civic lx daily I used the centric rotors and HPS pads, thing stops pretty good.
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Old Oct 24, 2014 | 11:54 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Originally Posted by M3THTICAL(EF)
It does have the sway bar, but got the crx si one because the junkyard had 50% off on everything. Also got new moog ball joints for $50, but they are kind of hard to move around, is that normal?

yes sir, the ball joints are suppose to be close to unmovable by hand. That's when we know they are good
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Old Oct 26, 2014 | 07:16 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Originally Posted by mr. Grind
yes sir, the ball joints are suppose to be close to unmovable by hand. That's when we know they are good
Thanks for the headsup man.
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Old Oct 26, 2014 | 07:33 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Just came up on a lower audio console, along with a pm6 ecu and si cluster for $20. The guy who sold them to me was going to throw them in the trash.
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Old Nov 2, 2014 | 07:17 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

The lower audio I bought was originally brown, so I painted it with some SEM interior paint.






At the moment I'm looking for some tires, the Kumho Ecsta AST I currently have are almost on there way out. Any recommendations and what size 195/50/15 or 205/50/15.
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Old Nov 3, 2014 | 05:56 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

195/55/R15 is a pretty nice size. A little taller than both you mentioned and factory sizing for the 94-00 Integras and 99-00 Civic Si. The 195/50/15's are decent, i think they are a bit light and have a nice sidewall profile.

Thats a steal on the audio console. I have been looking for one but they are expensive.
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Old Feb 2, 2015 | 11:57 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

It's been a while since i last updated, but finally replaced the Skunk2 lowering springs/Tokico Blue setup the car had when i purchased it. Replaced with Tokico Illuminas and OTS Ground Control Sleeves. Such a noticeable improvement in ride quality and handling.



Bought some E30 Basketweaves, but had a change of heart and sold them within 2 months of buying them.



After I sold the basketweaves, bought me a set of Crimson Sparco NS2 for $300, then sold my blades to get new tires!
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Old Feb 2, 2015 | 12:01 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

My hatch with the Crimson Sparco NS2





Once more i got to replace the fender and corner light after someone hit while at the mall! Hoping to get the rest of the suspension finished before summer.
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 05:21 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Just registered on the forum and saw this post....got instantly hooked....good luck mate.... will keep on following the build.... greetings from malaysia
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 05:04 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

How come you haven't lowered it a little more? It looks like a hot rod with the rear that high.
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 10:35 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Just waiting to finish replacing all the worn out suspension parts.
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Old Feb 24, 2015 | 10:07 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Just picked up a set of ex knuckles, should i also replace the wheel bearings while ive got them at hand?
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Old Feb 25, 2015 | 03:56 AM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Originally Posted by M3THTICAL(EF)
Just picked up a set of ex knuckles, should i also replace the wheel bearings while ive got them at hand?
I would. Also love the thread I have one of my own that I will be build soon so keep up the great work. Love to see these kind of post it motivates me.
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Old Feb 26, 2015 | 08:06 PM
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Default Re: 89 Civic Si Build

Originally Posted by M3THTICAL(EF)
Just picked up a set of ex knuckles, should i also replace the wheel bearings while ive got them at hand?

Yes, and the ball joints. Save yourself the work later.
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