Taking stock of the coupe's journey to this point, Ros remembers the difficulty in sourcing the J-spec components. "What sucked was that all these rare items were hella pricey. But thanks to my girlfriend's credit cards, I managed to get everything I wanted."
Asked if the headaches were worth it, though, and we get resoundingly positive feedback from Ros. "My favorite mod has to be the motor. Anything would be better than [the engine that came] stock in the DX. Having a GSR motor gets me to work on time.
"Next on the list is the paint job," he continues to enthuse. "I like it so much because I spent a shitload of money on it and the results were great. Remember, you get what you pay for. My third favorite mod has to be the Choppys. I have 3 other sets of rims, but the Choppys stand apart. They look different and are very rare."
As of right now Ros says there are no future plans for his Civic. "I'm expecting a baby, so all of my plans are on hold. But what I would like to do is start a new build, start fresh with a del Sol this time. I'm excited about the next build because I can visualize the outcome and in my head it looks great."
Of course one thing Ros doesn't have to imagine too hard are wheels. To the 3 extra sets he claimed when we shot the car, we hear he has gone to the well 2 more times since. So many wheels, so little time.
Bolts & WashersSarath Ros' 1997 Honda Civic DXPropulsionWhen the factory D16Y7 motor grenaded on Ros, he went ahead and swapped in a B18C1 Integra GSR powerplant. The bottom end remains untouched, but Ros did address performance in the head with a pair of Civic Type R cams and Skunk2 cam gears. He added 310cc DSM injectors and a chipped P28 ECU from Skunk2. Post combustion gases escape via a 2 3/4-inch custom pipe/factory GSR muffler set-up.
StanceThe coupe runs Ground Control coilovers all around in conjunction with Energy Suspension bushings, an NRG strut bar, and Cusco six-point cage for an abundance of stiffness.
ResistanceStopping power has been updated to match the swapped engine's potential. Factory Integra GSR rotors and calipers are ready at all four corners.
Rims & RubberAs a self-proclaimed JDM wheel nut, Ros has a nice collection going. His bevy of 15-inch choices consist of 2 sets of Work RSZ-R rims, including a rare foursome finished in gold, Sprint Hart CPR's, and his crowning acquisition, Ray's Speed Choppy's. The Choppy's in the photos are shod in Michelin Energy MXV4 XSE of the 195/50/15 variety.
FashionOutside:Body embellishments include an EK4 SiR front lip spoiler (which Ros indicates is his fourth), CTR power folding mirrors and grille, Honda Access window visors, thin moldings, and antenna block-off plate, JDM Depo fog lights, SiR headlights, and a retrofitted OEM S2000 HID kit. Once the parts were installed at Ankor Autobody, the 2-door's body was splashed with '06 Ford F-150 medium brown metallic paint.
Inside:Within the Civic's cabin, the JDM hits keep coming. Ros added Recaro SRD seats with Bride super low rails, Takata 4-point harnesses with shoulder pads, an OEM EP3 Civic steering wheel and gauges, Spoon shift knob, CTR coin pocket, armrest eliminator, and cup holder, EK4 SiR door panels and climate control with clock, and an H.O.P. ashtray.
I.C.E.Signal starts at a Civic Si deck with amber readout, and is processed through an H.O.P. equalizer, also with amber readout. Signal strength is then bumped up with an Alpine V-Power amp that drives Alpine Type R 6.25-inch separates, 6x9 rear deck speakers, and a 12-inch subwoofer.