It’s hard to overestimate the popularity of Honda Civics on the modified car scene. In fact, this model is responsible for emerging this scene back in the 90s.
Even though Honda is currently producing the 11th generation of this model, the old-school Civics remain highly sought after among tuners all over the world.
I stumbled upon this modified 5th gen 1994 Honda Civic Coupe at the Eurocrew’s car show in Cartagena, Spain. Knowing the local car culture which is represented mostly by EUDM cars produced by German or French brands, I was quite surprised seeing such a legit Civic build.
5th Gen Civic Build
This EJ2 Civic features all the period-correct mods and upgrades you would see on a build during one of those late-night meets circa 2008 in the US. Looks like the Honda thing is international and it doesn’t really matter what country you are located in.
B16A2 Engine Swap
The factory powerplant was swapped with the iconic B16A2 engine with the famous VTEC mated to S80 transmission.
To squeeze more power and improve the aspiration, the owner has installed Skunk2 intake manifold and 70mm Skunk2 throttle body and spring-type camshafts.
Other performance upgrades include D1Spec oil cooler with thermostatic sandwich, limited-slip clutch, lightweight flywheel and reinforced clutch.
It also features a full 2.5″ stainless steel exhaust system with replica Todaracing 4-2-1 headers to fine tune that high exhaust pitch.
Suspension
The suspension was fully modified with the help of a front strut bar, 25.4mm Hardrace front sway bar, 18mm rear sway bar with M2Motorsports reinforcement. All Hardrace silentblocks were reinforced.
The car sits low on a set of period-correct Japan Racing JR5 silver wheels and HSD DualTech coilovers with Hardrace rear camber adjusters to tailor the fitment.
Exterior
On the outside, a trained eye can spot the Mugen-style front fender flares and Civic EJ8 side skirts that keep the overall look clean and subtle.
Interior
Inside are the Momo Monte Carlo steering wheel, M2Motorsports shortshift, Prelude IV front seats, all Beyma speakers, Pioneer radio and powered subwoofer, full door and trunk upholstery, wideband gauges, oil temperature and oil pressure monitors.
List of Modifications
Performance
- B16A2 engine swap
- Skunk2 intake manifold
- 70mm Skunk2 throttle body
- Spring-type camshafts
- D1Spec oil cooler with thermostatic sandwich
- S80 gearbox
- Short-range, limited-slip clutch
- Lightweight flywheel
- Reinforced clutch
- Full 2.5″ stainless steel exhaust system
- Replica Todaracing 4-2-1 headers
- Reprogrammable Hondata ECU
- Additional wideband installation
Suspension
- Front strut bar
- 25.4mm Hardrace front sway bar
- 18mm rear sway bar with M2Motorsports reinforcement
- All Hardrace silentblocks reinforced
- HSD DualTech coilovers
- Hardrace rear camber adjusters
Wheels
- 15×8 ET28 Japan Racing JR5 silver wheels
- 195/50R15 Tires
Exterior
- Mugen-style front fender flares
- Civic EJ8 side skirts
Interior
- Momo Monte Carlo steering wheel
- M2Motorsports shortshift
- Prelude IV front seats
- All Beyma speakers
- Pioneer radio and powered subwoofer
- Full door and trunk upholstery
- Wideband gauges
- Oil temperature and oil pressure monitors
Conclusion
This EJ2 Civic excels in the Performance category with a perfect 10/10 score, dominated by the iconic B16A2 VTEC engine swap and comprehensive drivetrain modifications. The Suspension setup follows close behind at 10/10, featuring track-ready HSD DualTech coilovers complemented by a comprehensive Hardrace chassis reinforcement package.
| Parts Category | Difficulty Rating* |
|---|---|
| Suspension Mods: | 10/10 |
| Performance Mods: | 10/10 |
| Exterior Mods: | 3/10 |
| Interior Mods: | 8/10 |
* Based on our build difficulty evaluation system ⓘ
While keeping a relatively subtle exterior appearance with just 3/10 points, the build impresses with an 8/10 interior score that balances driver-focused upgrades like the Momo wheel with comfort features including full reupholstery and a complete audio system.
Watch the progress and find out more about this modded Civic by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @ivancubanito!
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