1997 Honda Civic CX Hatchback

Bolts & Washers
Jeffrey Blumenfeld's 1997 Civic CX

Propulsion
JE 81.5mm pistons with ProSeal rings and Carillo rods stand up to boost pressure inside a bored and sleeved B16A block, assembled by John Spindler Machine in Westminster, Md. Providing power to this mix is a Garrett T67 turbo, suspended by a Neukin Ramhorn manifold and blowing through custom piping that leads to a Precision intercooler and ultimately an Edelbrock Victor X manifold. A Tial 38mm wastegate and Blitz SBC boost controller regulate boost build, while a Greddy blow-off valve expels what's not needed during throttle let-off, and a Neukin downpipe directs waste through the custom-made Epic Tuning exhaust. A Nitrous Express direct-port system provides additional power, but has not yet been tuned for use.

A 5-speed S80 transmission from a GSR transfers power to the wheels, with the help of an ACT 4-puck / Max Extreme clutch combo and Pro-Lite flywheel.
Evidence: Jeff's Civic makes 463 wheel hp at 19psi on pump gas.

Rims & Rubber
After many different lightweight wheel/tire combos, Jeff decided that a set of bronze 15x7 Volk Racing TE37's with Advan A032R tires would be best to save weight, provide positive traction, and deliver some JDM style. On the track, Jeff uses 13-inch Lenso wheels with Hoosier slicks up front, and skinnies in the rear.

Stance
Omnipower race coilovers are used at all four corners for consistent launches, while a 6-point chromoly cage and Eibach front sway bar stiffen up the chassis for more enjoyable street driving. Omnipower lower control arms and a rear sub-frame brace by ASR further facilitate chassis rigidity.

Resistance
Stopping isn't much of an interest, but nevertheless a priority for a street-driven car. Jeff relies upon the Fastbrakes 11-inch drilled and slotted rotors, rebuilt ITS calipers, and Hawk HPS pads, front and rear, to provide enhanced stopping power. Not wanting to mess with a good thing, Jeff trusts that OEM Honda DOT 3 brake fluid can do the best possible job of engaging the system.

Fashion
Outside: Being the perfectionist that he is, Jeff had the entire car stripped prior to bodywork and paint by Phil Denhardt of VP Auto Collision in Bel Air, Md. After reassembly, Civic Type-R fenders, headlights, rear lip, and mirrors were added to maintain a clean, OEM look, while a Seibon front lip, Composites Fab hood, and VIS duckbill wing all add carbon fiber flair. Honda JDM Access window visors vent the interior during Mother Nature's tantrums.

Inside: Many of the OEM interior appointments were removed from the car, prior to paint, and are kept out for weight reduction. Sparco Tourino and Sprint seats replace the stock driver and passenger units, respectively, while a Sparco Camlock 4-point harness keep said persons in place when in operation. A Skunk2 short shifter with knob and Sparco Mugello enhance the vehicle feedback to the driver, while Defi 60mm boost and oil pressure gauges relay pertinent information to the driver. A Composite Fab carbon-fiber fuel pump cover and custom battery box spice up the interior.

Love
Blumenfeld thanks Kyle for helping him build the car; Mike, Steven, and Tim from TSR Performance for being there any hour of the day to help; Phil, for the bodywork and paint he laid inside and out; Henry from HFR for keeping Jeff safe with the cage he fabricated; Dustin from Composites Fab for all the carbon fiber goodies; Josh at Nitrous Express for supplying the kit; Fastbrakes for the big brakes; Sean and Josh from East Coast Clothing for the endless amounts of clothing they supplied; the boys at Speedesign Custom Graphics; Jon and Sal from BYE Engineering for the tuning; and finally John Spindler for assembling this monster motor.