EP3 Honda Civic Goes From Graduation Present to Track Monster

DIY Build

Featured on Fast Car all the way back in 2014, Philipp Nguyen's EP3 Honda Civic is an awesome example of the type of DIY build that has become synonymous with Southern California's JDM enthusiast scene. What started life as a graduation present has been transformed into a capable track-ready beast with a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and cash!

Photos: Fast Car

New Equipment

Nguyen's work on the Civic started mostly with the cosmetic stuff. Soon enough, his handy work started to grab the attention of his peers in the enthusiast community. It even enabled him to get a job working at a local repair shop. To a young man who had been working with limited equipment at home, having access to the shop facilities was like a dream come true.

Long-Running Project

That was when he started to take the build multiple levels up, working on the mechanical elements to make the go match the show. When the Civic was featured on Fast Car in 2014, the ongoing project was already in its 9th year. During that time, Nguyen's car had gone through a number of extensive modifications on the exterior, the interior, and under the hood.

The Love of Motorsports

Nguyen's love of motorsport drew him towards track-focused modifications. From the suspension and aero to the stripped-out interior and racing bucket seats, everything transformed over time, turning an unassuming hatchback into a real contender around the track.

More Power

Another area that has undergone multiple surgeries over the years has been the power source. Having tried and tested a variety of forced induction methods, as well as different engines altogether, Nguyen landed on a built K24A1 unit. And with around 300 horsepower, the little beast could hang with the day's high-performance track cars in terms of lap times.

Race-Ready

Perhaps more important than sheer power when it comes to quickness around the corners, though, is the chassis and suspension setup. And this is where Nguyen's build really shines. The Buddy Club race-spec damper coilovers and Swift Springs work together with a number of frame-stiffening braces, as well as the aero elements to help the car stick to the asphalt. And let's not forget all the weight-saving efforts, all adding up to a time-attack monster in Honda Civic clothing.

>>Join the conversation about this EP3 Civic track build right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.