Widebody and Turbo B16 Breath New Life in Classic Civic

Sweet First-Gen

For those most part, Hondas of '90s vintage and up are what dominate our world these days. Mostly because, well, that's what most enthusiasts grew up with. But we still love to see a classic every now and then, and this '78 Civic recently featured at Super Street certainly fits that bill. And it also might be one of the coolest first-gens you'll ever see, to boot. 

Photos: Super Street

D.I.Y.

Owned by Victor Ho, this Civic has been around for quite some time. And it's also changed quite a bit over the years, all for the better. For starters, the widebody kit on the car was completely designed and built by Ho himself. And despite pouring loads of money and time into the car, he drives the thing. A lot. 

Photos: Super Street

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Wheeling and Dealing

Ho also managed to get the car's current powerplant, a B16, for free from a friend. He then proceeded to rebuild it himself, something he had never done before. In the process, Ho added more aggressive cams and a junkyard Volvo-sourced TD-05 turbo. With a little bit of fabrication to make it work, the huffer puts out 10 psi and helps the little engine move this 1,500-pound machine down the road quite quickly. 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this widebody turbo Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Little Support

But that's to be expected. After all, as Ho mentions in his feature, the aftermarket isn't quite as robust when it comes to old Civics. "Aftermarket support for these 1st-gen Civics is limited to nonexistent. Most parts had to be sourced from other generations of Honda or custom made—engine mounts, shorter driveshafts, turbo, downpipe, and intake pipe to name a few. Even my gauge pillar pod came from a Volvo V70R, modified to fit the Civic." 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this widebody turbo Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Updates Coming

The exterior is essentially done, but Ho did note that he has a couple of changes in store. "This eight-piece widebody kit was designed and built by me. I first learned how to work with fiberglass building sub enclosures. My brother and I competed in IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) back in the early nineties and got to the world finals. With awesome kits put out by RWB, Liberty Walk and Rocket Bunny, and nothing for my 1st-gen Civic, I decided to design my own. With my limited know-how, I was able to make molds of my present kit. I'm still missing two more pieces—a spoiler and rear diffuser. I'm also in the process of making a version two for 2020." 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this widebody turbo Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Long Timer

And after going through four Civics in his time, it appears that Ho is keeping this one for life. "I have had this Civic for about 15 years," he said. "It has gone through three transformations and two different engines. During these 15 years, both my kids were born, and my parents passed. There was a lot of time where the car just sat in storage." 

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this widebody turbo Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Priceless Possession

Thus, we imagine that this amazing classic Civic will be around for many more years to come, a fact that Ho confirms. "I have been asked numerous times if I would consider selling the Honda and what I would price it at. I'm not able to put a price tag on it. The memories, time and effort put into this car are worth more to me than anyone is willing to pay."

Photos: Super Street

>>Join the conversation about this widebody turbo Civic right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

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