11/25/2023 0 Comments Jdm ek hatchThis also meant cutting, modifying and re-welding the Mugen strut brace to suit the new point of contact. It had already happened to Andy, so to avoid it occurring again raised strut tops were fabricated. With lowered EKs, the upper control arm can hit the top of the original turret, denting the metal and damaging the paintwork. You’d have to really know your Hondas to tell, but all-new strut tops were fabricated too. Rather than use bolt-on conversion mounts to sit the DC5 Integra Type R K20A motor in place, the necessary metalwork was welded and smoothed into place to accept the Hybrid Racing engine mounts used, subtly stamped with Hond-R’s logo. In doing so, he opted to keep some OEM touches, such as the ribs and deviations in panel angle on the bulkhead. All unneeded holes were filled and brackets removed, however Andy didn’t want a completely smooth look, but rather wanted the conversion to look like it always belonged. Everything that wasn’t deemed necessary was removed, tucked or relocated. With the B18C removed, Hond-R got to work on readying the bay for its new heart. ![]() Now, engine swaps in the Honda world are nothing unusual, but the quality or work and the lengths gone to here are what really makes this Civic quite special. With inspiration from the famous Spoon K20A EK9 planted firmly in his mind, Andy set Maz and the team at Hond-R back to work again, this time converting the B18C to a K20A setup. “It’s a feeling of being at one with the car and being able to know exactly where the limits are and how hard to push them.” Change Something “The reason that I ended up keeping the car for as long as I have is the way that it makes me feel when I drive it,” Andy explained. He came very close to selling the EK, but after much contemplation decided that rather than part with it, he was going to stick with what he knew, and transform it into his ultimate Type R. For a little while…įast forward to 2016 and Andy’s sights shifted towards owning his dream car – an R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. This did the job, and with the extra power, whilst retaining the naturally aspirated bark of a Honda B-series engine, Andy was satisfied. If the name rings a bell, it’s because we ran a spotlight on their Prelude Type S from Mimms Honda Day earlier this year, and also because they’re one of the most respected Honda tuners in Europe.Īndy called upon the team at Hond-R to first swap the stock B16B motor out for a larger displacement B18C engine from a 1998 JDM Integra Type R to satisfy his urge for more go. UK Honda specialists Hond-R just so happened to be on Andy’s doorstep. For this Type R’s credentials aren’t immediately apparent on the surface, but what lurks beneath is something truly special and immaculately achieved. It wasn’t long before Andy turned his attention to what was under the bonnet. ![]() As is so often the story, he had all intentions to keep the car stock, but after putting some miles on the Civic he began to get a feel for the areas that he’d like to improve and the modifications soon followed. So when the chance came for Andy to buy this Japanese import 2000 Civic EK9 Type R, he jumped at it. This was some nine years ago, when the popularity of the EK hatchback was strong and visitors to the dealership’s parts and service departments were ordering and fitting uprated components to their base-model, but modified, EKs. The story began in 2008, when working at a Honda main dealer, Andy found it hard to escape the inspiration all around him. That’s exactly what happened when I first laid eyes on Andy Boyle’s 2000 Honda Civic Type R. ![]() You know when you find it. Well, at least I do – it’s when I find myself intentionally uttering out loud ‘this is nice‘. Whether it’s the combination of parts used, the driving ethos or motivation, the quality of workmanship at hand, or just something that you can’t quite put your finger on. There are some cars that immediately grab you from afar and command your attention, and then there are some that attract admiration in a more understated manner, but build your appreciation the closer and more you look.įocusing on the latter, some builds just feel ‘right’.
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