HT: What's special about the EG6 chassis that you used so many components from it (front end, rear brakes)?DA: The EG6 is basically the hatchback version of this car in Japan. In Japan, EG Civic coupes are rare. They were manufactured in the U.S. only, so if you were in Japan and wanted a coupe, you'd have to get it sent from the U.S. Similarly, American EJ1 chassis owners have to get JDM parts designed for the hatchback, which makes it a little harder, too, because only the front end is a direct fit.
HT: Not everything matches up?DA: No. Some stuff I'd have to get from a four-door. It just depends on what I'm looking for. Like the glass-there's almost no way to get JDM glass for a coupe because coupes are so rare and the glass for the hatch and sedan is nothing like the coupe's.
HT: So what's been the biggest challenge in the build-up? Was it tracking down JDM parts?DA: That wasn't really that hard. One thing this process made me realize is that in the beginning, you're always looking to save a buck, but then the project usually gets to a point where you're willing to pay whatever it takes just to get it done. Then it seems like the other party always winds up lagging. Shops always assume I'm not going to have the money, and then when I have it, there's always a pause as they try to explain just how long it's going to take to receive the part. Basically, just getting everything done right the first time and quickly has been the most frustrating part.
HT: What's next on the agenda? Still interested in setting the chassis up to road race, like you mentioned on your tech sheet?DA: Yeah, that's why I want the K, for more torque. Right now it's the motor and suspension that I'm working on.
HT: Cool. Well, best of luck, David. We'll see you at the track.
Propulsion
Go: Once powered by the SOHC 1.6-liter D-series engine that was native to the car, this two-door now flosses a swapped Japanese B16A mill outfitted with Civic Type R slugs and held in with Hasport mounts. CTR cams matched to the higher compression pistons improve an otherwise factory valvetrain, while head efficiency is optimized with a K&N filter in the stock intake, a custom 4-to-1 header, and a GReddy/Trust exhaust.
Fuel delivery is augmented with the installation of steel-braided lines and an inline filter, both by Earl's. Via the lines, fuel makes its way to a BDL rail rigged with a B&M pressure regulator. Using juice from a Buddy Club battery, Nology plug wires carry the energy it takes to fire off the NGK platinum Iridium spark plugs, while a P28 ECU with a Mugen chip makes sure the spark, air, and fuel all play nice to make power. That power proceeds out of the bottom end to a 5-speed S80 gearbox via an ACT flywheel and 6-puck clutch. The engine bay is kept clutter free with a wire tuck from Sportcar Motion.
Stance
The EJ1 coupe chassis is lowered with a set of D2 coil-overs and stiffened with an EM Racing C-pillar bar. For the right amount of negative camber, Andrade went with Skunk2's camber kits.
Resistance
The EX's rear drum brakes have been converted to JDM EG6 SiR II discs. An EG6 master cylinder and proportioning valve complete the swap and push fluid through steel-braided lines to all four corners.
Rims & rubber
Andrade rips through the streets of Lakewood, Calif., on 15x7-inch Mugen MF10L wheels shod in 205/50 Falken Azenis RT615 rubber. He gets bonus points for the spare, the same tire wrapped around a Desmond Reganmaster Evo.
Fashion
Outside:Shine Street took care of shaving the front and rear badges, and then sprayed the coupe body a custom green inside and out. Other changes include an RS front lip, JDM headlights and corners, JDM thin side moldings, OEM mudguards, and new window moldings.
Inside:The Civic's interior is a melting pot of international influences, Andrade employing a JDM armrest and audio console and an EG6 gauge cluster from the Euro Civic VTi. The cabin is further spruced with a pair of discontinued Recaro SRD seats sporting confetti pattern centers, a Nardi steering wheel, and a Spoon shift knob.
I.C.E.
The receiver from a USDM '99-00 Si belts out jams through a complement of Kenwood speakers.
Love
Andrade sends it to his girlfriend Jaclyn, his mom, Rudy, Marco, Kevin, Palindrome, JP at Shine Street, Eugene at Inline Four, and Loi and Josh of Sportcar Motion