Thursday 27 August 2009

Out with the old, in with the new....air filter

I have now fitted the DC2 air box, trunking and OEM air filter, a long with a cold air feed from the bumper.

The air filter I got with the air box looked a bit old so I replaced this today.

I'm sure you can tell which is the new filter in this picture! I picked up another OEM replacement from Honda. I may go aftermarket in the future, like Blitz for example, but for now this will do.

For those wondering about how the DC2 air box is fitted, well I am sure there are lots of other glamorous ways of installing one, but this home made bracket does it for me!

In this picture you can see the cold air feed attached to the bottom of the air box. Under the air box is a rubber seal. I binned this and cable tied the actual feed securely around the box and fed the other end to the front bumper.


New filter fitted.



Now the resonator has been removed and the air feed fitted, there is a very nice induction growl now. I have not experienced any power loss or stuttering low down that some people say you can get either.

Chow for now.

Friday 31 July 2009

Mugen Twin Loop fitted...plus smashed out cat

Still not fitted my DC2 air box yet! Just ordered a cold intake kit and need to get some brackets in order for it to sit correctly, so more on that soon.

Yesterday I did manage to get the Mugen Twin Loop exhaust fitted though. While fitting the exhaust system we noticed that the baffles inside the cat were collapsed. Probably did not do much for the flow and explains why it only just scrapped through emissions on the MOT test.

So, we smashed out the cat and fitted it with the exhaust system.

The Twin Loop is nice on idle. A little bit louder than the stock system on tick over, nice and throaty. You can tell its not stock.

On VTEC it really shines. Not overally loud but louder and throaty enough to enjoy and actually sound sporty.

The best thing though is the response/torque that has been achieved. I am not sure how much of this is due to the smashed out cat or how much is from the Twin Loop but it picks up really nice now.

I now have that the tinny sound from the cat though, can't be helped. Come MOT time I am going to try and get hold of a second hand cat or a sports cat. Anyone know of any?

I am pleased with the exhaust modifications so far and looking forward to the DC2 box and cold air feed even more now.An EK9 + bolt on's, decat and Hondata S300 + tune IMO must really create a very fast, responsive, streetable car.

Tuesday 28 July 2009

To be truly great, the EK9 needs a B18C

So, the B18C is now in.Here are some pictures and comments.

Firstly, time to get everything ready in order to drop the engine out. Never used a hoist in the end. For anyone who thinks dropping the engine out is easier that lifting it out...I think you're crazy!

We used the following to remove the engine:

2 axle stands
3 jacks
Breeze blocks
Cups of tea and coffee
1x pink belt from a dressing gown.

Yes you read that right. Make shift hoist baby!

Bonnet off, wheels off.


Then came the easiest part. Disconnecting everything and dropping the engine out. The air con got in the way I bit but we managed it.
We couldn't get the car up too high as the higher we got, the more unstable it went. So unstable that on once side the jack actually partially collapsed! Eventually we cleared everything and managed to get it on a crate and shimmy it along underneath the car.

Here is the B16B on the way out.




And here it is saying good buy to its mother and leaving home.


Now time to get the B18C in. The B16B was a bit jealous of the B18C. Here you can see them weighing each other up.




Anyway, I had to prep the B18C for going in so I split them a part before a fight broke down and got on with the following:

Swapped over my existing rocker cover from the B16B as the one on the B18C had been resprayed but I was not too keen on the shade of red.

Removed my B16B engine harness and installed it on to the B18C. The B18C harness would of been fine but my B16B harness looked in better condition.

Used the B16B oil pressure sensor. The B18C same with some sort of Defi gauge sensor.

Also, there is some sort of mount on the right side of the engine when facing it directly. I think it lines up to the passenger side engine mount? Anyway I changed it over for the B16B mount as the angle of it was a little different. This is the only mount that I can think of that people may of mentioned when doing the conversion.

Next we installed the ACT Street Lite flywheel.




And then a OEM clutch.




Here is the engine bay waiting for the B18C. At this point it would of been a really good idea to give it a good clean down, but we never had time.





So here is the B18C on the way up in to the engine bay. Nearly there now!




Then what seemed like hours later, we finally managed to align up the mounts to holes and get the bolts in! What a nightmare.She's in!A picture before everything got hooked up.



I will get some better pictures of the finished article and update at a later day. I am still aching after the conversion.We started the conversion at 12:00pm Wednesday and finished...wait for it...5:30am the next morning! WTF These things are never as simple as they sound.

So anyway, driven the car for about 2 days now and here are my first impressions. Feel free to ask me questions though, will help me think too.

It sounds very stupid, but the car feels like how it should...like it has a bigger engine in it!
It sounds more powerful and just feels more powerful even when cruising and driving below VTEC.

The car is now more eager to go. Just blipping the throttle now just feels like the car is ready to jet off. It rev's up a bit easier and faster now too due to the ACT lightened flywheel.More torque all through the rev range. Not only does this make the car a faster car, it also makes the car far easier to drive.In scenarios where I may of geared down or the car may of bogged there is no problem now. I can use 5th where I used to use 4th etc.

The VTEC change over is not as aggressive but it does not bother me in the slightest. With the B16B the change over to VTEC felt a lot more aggressive because it is pretty flat below VTEC, where as the B18C has more torque by the time it reaches VTEC it does not feel as aggressive.It might not feel as thrilling, but you definitely know you are going faster before VTEC than the B16B ever did.

I thought I might miss the aggressive VTEC cross over point, but after two days I can tell you I don't.I am sure there is more, but that will do for now. Again, feel free to ask any questions!

So, just a few things that I need to do:

Fit the DC2 air box.

I am using the EK9 air box at the moment as I need to make some brackets up in order to fit the DC2 air box. As the throttle body is larger on the B18C the trunking from the EK9 air box is actually smaller in diameter so this probably is causing a restriction? There might be more to come from the engine yet!

Also, I still have not fitted my Mugen Twin Loop so I wonder how the car is going to feel with the new air box and twin loop fitted?

So overall the B18C is a better engine in every scenario IMO and I would never go back.Still, coming from a 275hp 8**KG tin can I can tell you its still not enough for me.

Next is a Hondata S300 + tune.

The story continues.....









Friday 17 July 2009

Mod focus - ACT Lightened Flywheel


As part of my B18C conversion I obviously decided to fully service the engine before it goes in, but to also fit a new OEM clutch and a lightened flywheel.
Well today I got my flywheel from America which is an ACT Street Lite flywheel which weighs 5.7kg.

Some of the benefits of the ACT lightened flywheel are:

-Quicker acceleration and increased throttle response
-Maximum gear life - gear will not wear out or fall off
-Serviceable - can be resurfaced with no need to purchase additional parts
-Chrome-moly forgings three times more rigid than aluminum
-Longer lasting because of heat treated friction surfaces
-Excellent heat capacity from retaining adequate material behind the friction surface
-Trouble-free single piece design -SFI certified to insure safety




Now, I don't have personal experience but here are some negatives when installed on a daily driver:

-More rev's needed to set off
-Harsher deceleration when letting off the throttle
-Rev's drop quicker

With a lot of modifications there is a compromise, so as my car is a daily driver I decided to go for the ACT over other light weight flywheels such as the Fidanza which weighs only 3.4kg for the above reasons.



The flywheel is still considerably lighter than stock, I will still see all the above benefits, but no so much or not has harsh negatives.

Thursday 9 July 2009

The B18CR has arrived

Finally the real fun starts.

Today I took delivery of the B18CR which is from a 98 JDM Integra Type R. They produce more power than the UKDM Integra due to a different ECU map and 4-1 header.

Had a look around the engine and everything looks fine so far. Found a bit of bodged wiring to the alternator and the 'paint job' to the engine is not to my taste. I asked for the engine to be cleaned but it got sprayed, including the inlet manifold, fuel rail and rocker cover.

I'll be swapping these out from my B16B as I prefer the unpainted look.

I am still awaiting some parts from America, but as long as they arrive before Wednesday the plan is to do the conversion Wednesday night.

There will be a few upgrades that will be happening and a full engine service before it goes it, which I will update you all on shortly.

For now, here are a few snaps:



Tuesday 23 June 2009

Braking + Misc Updates

So, not updated in a while but now it is time for a few more minor updates.

Well, last week I finally got this little lot fitted.

- HEL braided brake lines
- HEL braided clutch line
- Blue Print rear pads
- McGard locking wheel nuts
- Brake/clutch fluid changed with Motul RBF 600


I can't give you much information on the pedal difference in regards to the braided lines at them moment, as the system is not 100% bled properly and I ran out of fluid. This will be sorted shortly via a suction pump.

The Blue Print pads are a simple OEM standard replacement for now, as they were an advisory on my MOT. Uprated disc's and pads will come at some point.
I picked up the locking wheel nuts for £10. A bargain I could not ignore.

Next things on the list:

- Raise the car even MORE. Still a little too low
- Fit the Mugen Twin Loop
- Under seal the car
- Locate a B18C

I am currently in negotiations in regards to the B18C. Waiting until I get this months pay packet before making any decisions. Assuming it is still available at this point.
For now, I'll leave you with a few shots so you can get an idea on the fitment of the braided lines.


Monday 11 May 2009

Mugen Twin Loop Arrival

When I came home on Friday afternoon, I was greeted by a very large box in the living with my name on it. It could only of been my Mugen Twin Loop exhaust system.

I opened the package today and inspected the exhaust to ensure there was no major rust and/or damage. Thankfully, everything seems to be in order.



I gave the system the once over with some Autosol to bring back some of the shine. Nothing to shout home about and it will end up getting dirty again when on the car anyway.




A close up of the JASMA stamps.

Very small dint and scrape on the backbox. Nothing to worry about though, will not disrupt the air flow at all.

The EK9 this came off was probably lowered, scrapes like this are common and to be expected.

So, the exhaust will be going up into the attic until I raise the car AGAIN. It is still too low and the exhaust is rubbing on some speed bumps, so I will not being fitting the Mugen until this has been done.

Bye for now, more soon.

Sunday 5 April 2009

Make Me Stiff

At long last, I have finally fitted the SPOON rear strut brace I got thrown in when I bought the car.

The finish ain't too bad, could do with some sanding down to finish it off but we never had any sand paper. Who ever gets to see the boot space anyway! The finish doesn't have to be perfect.

Not sure if it has made any difference, I have not driven the car in anger yet..he he. I'll report back on that one later.

While we were at it, we changed of the coolant for Honda OEM pre mixed coolant. Think I have an air pocket in the system as the temperature is a little higher than normal, but driving around with the heaters on full blast should clear it in a day or so?

Anyway, here are some pictures of how we got on.

Holes cut...bit of a mess left behind.



Mock fitting.

The finished article. Dont worry, I cleaned up.

Friday 3 April 2009

It Has Begun.

My plan was to get the chassis/suspension & brakes in tip top condition before going for more power and it still is.

The EK9 really is superb out of the box, but there is always room for improvement.

Currently the car is rolling on Cusco Zero II coilovers, I have uprated the engine mounts and the brakes have the discs and pads have plenty of meat in them, so will wear these out before upgrading.

The next steps will probably be HAWK HP+ pads up front and HAWK HPS pads at the rear with standard discs.

I am also thinking of going for a Hard Race rubber bushing set. Need to look into this a little further first, but I am please with their uprated engine mounts.



So, after the chassis/suspension and brakes comes more power. I am going to go for a B18C, that's already decided. I will then do the usual modifications, such as full cat back exhaust system (muffler), aftermarket header and possibly an aftermarket induction system. Then a tune using the Hondata S3000.

So, the hording of parts begins!

I managed to put a deposit on a Mugen Twin Loop exhaust system today, which is due in from Japan next month. I did not want a system that was too loud when cruising, but roared on VTEC and after some research, the Twin Loop kept getting mentioned.

To say these now retail at over £1000 due to the current economic crisis, I have managed to get hold of one for less than half of that, which is a good deal in my opinion.

Here is a picture:

Saturday 28 March 2009

Out Of Time...

While doing a bit of servicing (cambelt change), me and my mechanic friend decided to investigate a small issue that was bothering me.

When accelerating below 3,000rpm, it would feel sluggish and the suddenly pickup after 3,000rpm.

I have already serviced the car with new ignition leads, spark plugs etc and the problem was still apparent. I also had a new dizzy cap and rotor arm to go on, but decided not to install those new parts..more on this in a moment.

So anyway, we decided to check the timing and it seems that it was slightly advanced. Not sure if the previous owner did this on purpose or not, as with the advanced timing there should be some gains top end, but less torque down below. So, could this be the reason why it feels sluggish below 3,000rpm?

Well, we adjusted the timing to stock. Not sure how if it has had an effect because your head sometimes tells you changes have made a difference because you want the to LOL. So I'll report on it later.

Moving on..the reason I decided to save the rotor arm and new dizzy cap is because within a couple of months I should be dropping in a B18CR from a 98 spec Integra. So I am going to utilize any service parts I have no the new block.

More soon.

Sunday 15 March 2009

MCR VTEC Meet X

Went to my first Honda meet today and is was great.

The meet was arranged by the members of http://www.mcr-vtec.co.uk/

Parked up and had a chat with some of the guys there and poked around the cars that turned up. We then went for a drive on the infamous Cat n Fiddle route. If you are not familiar with this route, I'd recommend you go visit if your a local.

Google it to find out.

I will get a few pictures up in my next post, but for now you will have to make do with a few shots of mine at the meet.









Saturday 7 March 2009

Some More EK9 Videos

Top Fuel EK9 Turbo Lapping Tsukuba In Under A Mintute!

This is a highly respectable time for a FF car. According to the video, the car has 483 WHP and the following spec:

Engine : B16B (stroked to 1800cc)
Turbine : BLITZ K3T
Cam : In 280 Ex 280
Compression ratio : 8.5:1
Injectors : 550cc x4
ECU : Apexi SAFC
Final ratio : 4.8
Suspension : Mugen APEX N1 F.28k R.18K
tyre : yokohama A048 F.245/40/17 R.215/50/16



And here is another video which gives some further scope of the car with in car footage of a high speed run on the road.

Please excuse the 'Max Power' commentary.




Thursday 5 March 2009

The Parcel Shelf Saga

Finally!

My rear speaker covers turned up, so I have manged to install the parcel shelf now. Nice and stock looking.


Tuesday 3 March 2009

Just Some Little Bits...

Not much to update on performance or modification wise, but there has been a couple of little things that I have wanted to sort out.

Firstly, the car never came with a rear parcel shelf so I bought one. No problem...lets go out and fit it. Hmmm...you would think that fitting a parcel shelf is pretty straight forward, just a couple of clips then slot it in to place right?

Well yeah, that's right. But I discovered I don't have any rear speaker covers in place which the parcel shelf clips on to! Doh!

So currently I am trailing forums looking for anyone that has these parts for sale or that may be breaking an EK9. I have also sent an email to a particular site that breaks JDM cars, so we'll see what they come back with!




Now secondly, in the middle of the dash is a carbon console that holds the two dash air vents. Well, the left side 'curtain' we'll call it is broke and Honda reckon they don't sell the 'curtain'..or slider...whatever by itself. Oh no..they wanted £300 for another replacement carbon console, just so I can get hold of the left side vent. No thanks.

I managed to pickup a carbon console for £40 which is cracked on one side, but this is fine as I only want the vent anyway. So, we'll see how that goes.


Wednesday 25 February 2009

HardRace Engine Mounts Installed

Got the engine mounts fitted on Sunday. Easy job for someone that knows what they are doing. Was done in my mates garage with 2 axle stands and a wind up jack :)
Fitment was perfect with no installation problems at all.

So, after fitting them I could tell there was a different straight away just from start up. Everything just seemed more firm and rigid..its hard to explain. The engine note is also louder, but in a nice way.

Driving the car, it feels a lot better. Turn in seems to be sharper and the engine is definitely more responsive through the rev's now.
I used to get a thud sometimes when slamming through the gears, which I assumed was because the OEM mounts were on the way out. Pictures below will tell the story on that.

Also amazingly (maybe this is in my head), but the crunch I got in 4th gear while way up in the rev's seems to have disappeared? :confused:
I have just recently changed to Redline gearbox oil, but it still crunched when I tested it..maybe it took sometime to settle? Who knows, I'm sure someone will clear this up for me..maybe it is in my head. I'll do some further testing.

The only negative with fitting these mounts in the slight vibration coming from the dash on idle, but I totally expected this and accept it. While driving, it is not a problem anyway.

So overall I am happy with the mounts and would recommend them..thumbs up from me :nice:
No wonder the car feels so much better compared to OEM mounts though, check out the pictures below. Yes..the rubber fell out as soon as the mounts were removed!





Friday 20 February 2009

Toyota-Subaru Project Is Still On!


The car market as a whole is looking pretty miserable right now, but as a JDM fan it was the news of the new S2000, NSX etc being scrapped that was the most upsetting.

However, I came across a bit of good news today!

The joint project between Toyota and Subaru is still going ahead. The car is known to be the predecessor of the infamous AE86 (HACHIROKU) has a sporty FR layout like the original but this time with a boxer engine.

Lets hope development continues and is released on the scheduled 2012 date.

Tuesday 17 February 2009

HardRace Engine Mount Set

So, my latest modifications have turned up...

Reinforced engine and transmission mounts made by HardRace.

Here is what they have to say:

-Hardness rubber mounts create more strength than OE rubber mounts.
-Immediately experience the feedback from engine acceleration.
-Reduce Engine movement significantly.
-Provide the maximum output under engine acceleration.
-Compound with high anti-vibration and durometer rubber material




I have never come across this manufacturer before and I came across them while searching for alternatives to the likes of Mugen and SPOON. I'm sorry, but the SPOON and Mugen engine mount sets are outrageously priced in my opinion.

The mounts still use rubber, so won't rattle your teeth out but are 50% stiffer to OEM which should be a good compromise compared to stock and polyurethane mounts.

Going by using TRD uprated mounts in my previous car which was a Toyota, the benefits listed can indeed be expected. I noticed the difference in engine response and overall feel of the car when installed.

Another reason I opted for the mounts is after discussing chassis and suspension related components with a member of a forum I frequent on, the member advised his mounts were shot even though the car did not have that much mileage on it.

These should be fitted this Sunday, so I will let you all know how I find them.


Sunday 15 February 2009

Sock It To Me....

I'm sure some have forgotten to fully screw their oil cap on tightly at some point after topping up with oil...or even forgotten to put it back on.

Well, one guy kind of dropped his cap behind the back of his engine and could not find it as it was dark. Well he came up with the genius idea of...wait for it....sticking a sock in it!

See here for more!

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=311931

Saturday 14 February 2009

Another One Bites The Dust


Autocar Magazine are reporting that the successor of the Nissan Silvia has been canned due to cost cutting measures.

The Silvia is the latest victim of new development JDM's being cut, which include the new Honda S2000, Toyota's and Subaru's successor to the AE86 and the NSX replacement.

It leaves us Japanese car fans wondering about the future of Japanese sports cars!

This dam recession is hitting hard!

Wednesday 11 February 2009

First Service Done

So, got my first service done today.

Managed to get it done FOC by a mechanic friend, nice one!

We did:

Engine and gearbox oil with new seals and J's Racing magnetic sump plug
HAMP oil filter
HAMP fuel filter
Denso Iridium spark plugs

OK, so engine wise the car is standard apart from uprated ignition leads and would of been fine on the stock NGK plugs, but I opted for iridium's.

I have actually read some articles where the iridium plugs have helped gain 1-2 hp. I'm not expecting anything, but at least I don't have to worry about changing them for a while.

I have a track day in March, which I will give more details about in a future post, but there are a few things that I want to get done before then!

I have a modification on the way from the states which should be here within the next few days. More on that when it arrives!

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Best Motoring Release 03 - 2009

A new Best Motoring release is now available.

This release is not a Best Motoring International release, so does not have any subtitles but the battles themselves are still worth a watch.

Translate the below page if you would like a description of this release:

http://www.bestmotoring.jp/BM/200903/


Monday 9 February 2009

Garage Labour Prices

What do you guys think of garage labour prices these days?

I don't own a business, so I do not know the whole ins and outs of running a business but I do understand they have overheads and employee's to pay etc.

Recently I have been enquiring about getting a basic service done on the car. Engine and gearbox oil change, spark plug change and oil filter change.

One particular garage quoted me about 2 hours work at £50+VAT per hour. You may consider this garage to be a 'tuner' garage, either way do you consider these costs to be reasonable?

There is a backstreet garage around my area that usually do an oil and filter change for £10. Probably would only charge another £20 or so for the rest I'm guessing, but I don't feel comfortable with them doing anything but basic stuff!

Anyway, one of my mechanic friends is doing it for free anyway this weekend..hee hee..because I get him discount on his mobile bill :)

Sunday 8 February 2009

BMI International - GTR Evolution -

If you do not know of Best Motoring International (BMI) then shame on you!

Best Motoring is THE source of all your JDM tuner cars, Touge and circuit battles!

I remember the first time I watched a Best Motoring video, it was like watching Gran Turismo but real! All of my favorite JDM's on track!

Since that day I was hooked and now probably have almost every copy of the Best Motoring collection.

Most of the video's are actually Japanese with no subtitles, ranging from:

Best Motoring
Best Motoring - Hot Version
Best Motoring - Platinum Series
Best Motoring - AE86 Club

Plus many other special versions of particular cars, such as the Nissan Skyline GTR for example.

Best Motoring International (BMI) is basically the best bits from various Hot Versions and edited with subtitles and voice overs.

The latest edition is due for release this month and is called BMI - GTR Evolution.

Some of the action includes:

Amuse R35 'phantom' GTR Tsukuba time attack
BMW M3 vs Lexus IS-F
Giant Touge test and Tsukuba battle
And much more...

I may update you once I have taken delivery and watched it many times over!



Saturday 7 February 2009

First Service

OK, so I've had the car a couple of weeks now and when I bought it the seller said it had just been serviced...well I'm not taking any chances!

So, I have the following gathered for it's first service:

-OEM cambelt & tensioner
-OEM fuel filter
-HAMP oil filter
-J's Racing magnetic sump plug
-Denso Iridium spark plugs

And for the lubricants:

-Silkolene fully synthetic oil, 5w/40
-Red Line MTL gearbox oil

A little bit more on the HAMP oil filter.

If you are new to Honda's like I am, then you may not of heard of HAMP before, so here is some generic information on HAMP/oil filter:

Hamp is Honda's Japanese aftermarket product "Hamp Synergy".
The Hamp Synergy is set up after the Honda original parts products.

The unique spring-controlled by-pass valve regulates the oil flow to ensure that the oil pressure is maintained constant under various operating conditions.

The body of the Hamp oil filter covered by anti-corrosion paint.







Turbo EK9 on track

Hi all,

There will be minor updates on the progression of my EK9 shortly.

In the meantime, I thought I would post up this video which has made its rounds around the internet for a while now.

The car is believed to be turbocharged on the B16B engine. Information is hard to obtain on this vehicle and a lot of the information aquired from the net is in Japanese.

The video speaks for itself :)

Friday 6 February 2009

SPOON EK9 Touge 'Check!'

Here we have a video of the infamous SPOON EK9 with K20A engine from a DC5 (Integra).

For those who are unfamiliar with the Touge, this video will give you some insight. I will post an article in a few days which will explain more in depth about the Touge.


Here are some stats on the SPOON EK9:

-K20A engine producing 250hp
-SPOON ECU
-SPOON LSD

-Weight 950kb




Thursday 5 February 2009

In the beginning....

So here we are...the first post on the blog!

This blog will follow the modification story of my Honda Civic Type R, EK9 and other JDM related news and material will be thrown in a long the way.

So, the emphasis of this vehicle will be to keep it 'street'.

A fast street car that can also be used on the track and driven back home again.
All luxuries and interior trim will be kept intact, there will be no removal of backseats, air con or even the spare wheel! Any removal of OEM parts will be subject to a lightweight replacement such as carbon fibre.
I have only had the car around 2 weeks, but the modifications are already starting. More about this in another post!
Currently the only modifications are:

Cusco Zero II coilovers
MOMO steering wheel
SPOON 'socks'
NGK Blue ignition leads


For now I will leave you with sale pictures from when I bought the car. My own better quality and more detailed pictures will be added shortly.