Former Winter Beater LS-VTEC Civic Reinvented for Track Duty
Classic Civic was given a second lease on life after it seemed destined to rust away in Canadian winters.
Rust In Peace
Those who live in the snow belt know the struggle. Road salt is rather adept at eating your car alive, quite literally. Thus, many resort to driving a winter beater and keeping their prized possessions in the garage. That was a fate that once befell this '89 Civic, owned by Allan Tung from Vancouver, Canada. But as Super Street found out in a recent feature, the little Honda got a second lease on life before it rusted away to oblivion.
Photos: Super Street
Going Through Changes
Roughly ten years ago, Tung purchased the Civic from a friend. At that time, it had already been equipped with a 2.0-liter B20 powerplant and B16 transmission. Tung happened to have a GReddy turbo kit laying around, so he went ahead and installed that, too. This combo lasted a couple of years before the engine quit, at which time a built LS was installed in the diminutive ride.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this LS-VTEC Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Frankenstein Build
The never-ending thirst for power drove Tung to do more, of course. "I wanted more power, so I looked into converting the motor to an LS-VTEC," Tung explained to Super Street. "I went to Independent Speed Shop looking to have the crew install a built/ported B16A cylinder head and tune it. Turns out it had become damaged by another shop, so I had Independent order me a 4Piston Racing CNC ported head instead."
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this LS-VTEC Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Period Correct
The head cost a pretty penny to build, so Tung initially thought he would just build the bottom end himself to save some dough. But he soon came to his senses and just ordered a long block from 4Piston Racing. Of course, he could have just spent this money on a K-series engine. But what fun would that be? "I eventually built this LS-VTEC so much that I could've built a K," Tung said. "But I'm glad it's B-series, so I can keep it more period correct with the chassis."
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this LS-VTEC Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Functional and Attractive
Of course, with 700 horsepower on tap, we doubt he's regretting his decision. It also drove Tung to make the rest of the car match that lofty power level. On the inside, that means a rather spartan race-inspired cabin with a full roll cage, racing buckets, and lots of exposed metal. Both functional and attractive, the interior is focused on saving pounds and looking cool at the same time.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this LS-VTEC Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Long List
The exterior continues that theme and looks rather unique, too. There you'll find goodies including a Five Mart/Osaka JDM carbon-fiber roof, an OEM bumper with a J's Racing replica lip molded in, and Work Meister CR01 wheels wrapped with Toyo R1R tires. The suspension mods list is long and includes KW V3 coilovers, various PCI components, a Honed Development rear trailing arm gusset plate, and a geometry correction kit.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this LS-VTEC Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Making a Comeback
Once destined to rust away in harsh Canadian winters, it's hard to imagine that this Civic would wind up in this sort of shape. But now, we imagine that it only sees dry roads. And with tons of power on tap and little weight to move it with, Tung has created quite the fun fair-weather toy that pushes the envelope in each and every possible way.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about this LS-VTEC Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
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