My first Type R (EP3) - Ell's second Honda build

[Ellb123]

Thought I'd eventually make one of these threads, so here goes, ill start from the beginning...

About three years ago i wanted to learn about cars and how they work, and what better way than to get stuck in? I always liked EK shaped civic's, I was old enough to eventually insure one with everything declared to my insurance, I had just been made redundant at work but had a new job lined up straight away, what a better oppurinity to waste some money on a car?

I bought an EK3, completely original, but I had also already bought a new engine for it, jump in at the deep end right?




Fast forward three years it got abit out of hand





I'll not waffle on about the EK as this is not a thread for that, to cut a long story short, after three years I wanted to try something new, I also changed job again (longer commute) so I was insuring two cars (a honda jazz to use as a daily ) and the cost was starting to add up.

I decided I wanted to go back to having one car again, something I could enjoy using everyday, not to harsh for dailying but I could still use on the track if I wanted too, reasonble MPG, and reliable.... well there was only one real choice here for a honda fanboy?

I broke the EK for parts, I got rid of the jazz, and bought an EP3.

A local lad had a trip planned to the Nurburging and the car he was supposed to be buying for it fell through, so he needed something pretty quickly and ended up with this EP3, when he came back he had no use for it anymore so I dropped him a message and a deal was done!

Couple of photos and a spec list below;





EP3 -
107k , full service history
Tegiwa carbon intake
DC sports exhaust manifold
HKS Cat back
Tegiwa Strut brace
Eibach springs
Rear camber arms
Front camber bolts
Ktuned engine bay bits
Energy front and rear engine mount inserts
Powerflex gearbox mount insert
Energy front lower arm bushes
Hardrace drop links front and rear
Hardrace balljoints
Super pro front ARB buses
Tegiwa aluminium rad
JDM polybushed rear arb
RPB discs with PBS pads
Federal RSR's all round

Exactly the kind of OEM+ spec i was after, nothing to harsh for the road but more than capable of doing the work commute and a track day.

Since I've bought it the only things I've added is braided HEL lines all round, a new brake master cylinder and fresh fluid after I was having an issue with a soft brake pedal. I've also ordered a head light polishing kit as they need sorting.

As for plans, I'll be attending Mimms Honda Day at Rockingham next weekend and taking it round the track, I'll see how it gets on and go from there!

If you've made it this far, cheers! I'll be keeping this updated as I go, hopefully check back in after next weekend!

[Ellb123]

Well I took it round Rockingham, and what a fun car it is. I was very impressed with the way it handled and the brakes with those PBS pads are very confidence inspiring.

Next plans,
I'm going to look at a set of premier edition seats, a mugen spoiler and a set of meister r coilovers tonight.... im unsure on the coilovers though as I don't want to ruin it as a daily, but they are adjustable dampening so I can just set them soft when needed. I'll update the thread if/when I buy and fit.

Also going to service it this week to keep things fresh.

[Martin_Hx]

I can confirm... Premier seats are lovely and very supportive

[VTECMFR]

Love that colour combo on the EP, I've got a Silver FN2 but I just don't think black rims work as well, I think I'll go anthracite.

I'm pretty sure the Meisters will be a good investment, as like you say, you can soften them up when you're not on the track.

[Kev_Mk3]

I really miss my EP3. I had a silver with anthracite wheels and was perfect but each to there own. I fitted BC coilovers and they handled well but also where comfy for daily drving. Great cars and I would love another