Civic Si EP3 is the Perfect Daily Driven Track Toy

EP3 Civic Si features an Integra Type R K20A and a host of upgrades to the brakes, suspension, body and interior.

The EP3 Honda Civic Si was unique in the fact that it did not share a body style with the non-Si version. The EP3 Si that was sold in the United States was unlike the Civic sedan or coupe sold on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, instead being based on the sporty hatchback sold overseas. The EP3 Si even featured an interior layout that differed from the other American models, with the shifter mounted on the dashboard, a few inches below the radio.

Although the EP3 Si didn’t offer a significant improvement over the previous generation, the hot hatch style has made it a popular option for Honda fans who like the look. Of course, the hatchback design also yields some performance advantages, and Honda-Tech forum member “jdmkevin” was looking to capitalize on those advantages when he built this EP3. Unfortunately for him, now that the car is built the way that he wants it, he doesn’t have time to drive it or race it, so he has posted it for sale in the Honda-Tech Marketplace with a price of $8,000.

EP3 Civic Si Introduction

When the OP first posted his 2002 Honda Civic Si for sale, he began with a brief introduction and towards the end of the thread, he explains why he is selling.

Up for sale is my track-focused EP3 build. This is not a show car but has been built well, focusing on reliability and fun. The exterior is in overall good condition with a few minor scratches and dings. The interior is in good condition, has a few scratches as well and is missing a few trim pieces in the rear (see pictures). The car drives really well and is a blast! Asking $8,000 OBO. I’m happy to answer any questions – thanks for looking!

I would totally keep it if I had the room and time for more track days. Unfortunately, I’ve been neglecting my NB Miata too long and I will be focusing a lot more time and attention on that. It’s been in my family since new so it means a lot to me, but still a Honda guy at heart ha.

The Detailed Mod List

In addition to the basics, the seller included a mile-long mod list, running through everything that he has done to this EP3 Civic Si to transform it into a formidable track car.

Engine / Drivetrain

– 2003 K20A ITR full swap w/ 6 speed LSD trans from Hmotorsonline
– K-Tuned tucked full engine harness
– Hondata Kpro
– Hardrace engine mounts (full kit – 4 mounts. Really nice, not a ton of vibration)
– Hytech header
– Hytech stage 1 cams
– Hytech oil pan baffle
– Spoon 70mm throttle body
– AEM short ram intake w/ K&N filter
– Acura RDX OEM injectors (410cc)
– Custom fuel supply line, tank to rail (Earl’s braided line w/ in-line filter)
– Radium Engineering fuel rail
– Radium Engineering fuel pressure gauge
– DeatschWerks fuel pump (265 lph)
– K-Tuned oil cooler fittings
– Fluidyne harmonic crank pulley
– Password JDM carbon/kevlar spark plug cover
– Hybrid Racing shifter bushings
– Custom 2.5″ header back exhaust w/ small muffler (pretty loud)

Suspension / Brakes
– KW V2 Coilovers (955kg F / 825kg R)
– New Sachs upper strut mounts (front)
– New KYB upper strut mounts (rear)
– BLOX Racing subframe hard collar kit
– ITR front LCAs
– Hardrace rear LCAs
– Buddy Club extended ball joints (front)
– Whiteline front LCA bushings
– Progress 24mm rear sway bar / brace combo
– Adjustable sway bar end links
– Wilwoodbig brake kit w/ new rotors/pads (front)
– Slotted rotors (rear)
– SHG delrin steering rack slider

Wheels / Tires
– 17×8 Konig Hypergrams
– 225/45/17 Michelin Pilot Super Sport (~90% tread left)
– ARP extended studs
– Gorilla forged open end lug nuts

Interior
– Euro CTR gauge cluster (reads in MPH – FYI, mileage does not match the chassis or engine mileage)
– Tenzo R adjustable racing seats w/ sliding brackets
– Sparco 4-point harnesses
– MOMO Mod 69 suede steering wheel (350mm)
– Neuspeed short shifter
– JDM ITR shift lever
– JDM ITR shift ****
– DG Industries bolt-in harness bar
– C-pillar chassis brace
– Rear seat opening chassis brace
– Apexi water / oil pressure gauges in A-pillar pods (currently not hooked up)
– NRG floor mat set
– “Wink” style mirror

Exterior
– CTR grille insert
– CTR rear Honda emblem
– JDM amber fender turn signals
– Password JDM rear wiper delete
– Password JDM mini antenna
– OEM splash guards

Extras
– OEM silver hood w/ vent cut-outs
– OEM EP3 front seats
– OEM engine harness
– Tons of various other small parts / hardware in boxes (I’m throwing in everything I have)

Based on that list, it is clear that no expenses were spared during this build, as there are few key components that the seller hasn’t upgraded. From the Integra Type R engine to the extensive suspension upgrades, this Civic Si is fitted with all of the right parts to make it a great track car while still maintaining the ability to serve as a fun daily driver.

If you have been dreaming of rocking an EP3 Civic Si that will serve as a daily driver and a weekend track toy, this Honda hatchback might be perfect for you.

Join the Honda Tech forums now!

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com