Descrizione
Finished in Satin Silver this ‘02 model in great condition throughout with 0000’s recently spent to provide a full mechanical inspection and overhaul to be the perfect fast road Civic. It has had only 3 previous owners from new and is fully HPI clear. It has not been messed with and is a nice original example (it even has the original stereo and floor mats) that has had all the key EP3 problem areas addressed. I was intended to turn this into a track car but it is too nice for that and has barely been driven since i've owned it, hence the sale.
The standard spec of the EP3 of this year includes sports seats, ABS, remote central locking and alarm, Power Steering, Leather 3 spoke steering wheels and twin airbags. I was thankful it didn’t have the optional air conditioning fitted which adds weight and complexity and can be problematic as these cars age.
The highlight of this model is the engine, the legendary K20 engine producing nearly 200BHP and revving to 8, 000. It will do 0-60 in 6 and a half seconds and run to 146mph. It will also do an easy 30mpg and is incredibly smooth and refined when not being driven hard. The reliability of this unit is if anything even more impressive than the performance statistics and the gearbox is also one of the very best in the business with a super positive and short action.
The main focus on this engine is the cam chain which ordinarily should be replaced at the 100k miles mark. This is a big job and has just been completed by a Honda specialist using genuine Honda parts, not cheaper aftermarket ones off ebay that are not of the same quality. At the same time the valve clearances were checked and adjusted and the car given a full service including all filters, plugs and the correct grade Shell Helix oil. The engine and gearbox mounts have also been improved with more durable polyurethane items to also address a common weak spot of EP3's as well as a new genuine Honda bonnet cable, these also are known for breaking as they age. The exhaust system was also renewed with a stainless steel decat system with single tailpipe. It’s not too loud and far more durable that the original steel Honda system but the original back is still with the car if the new owner would prefer to use the original item.
At the same time the gearbox was checked and had the fluid changed using the correct genuine Honda fluid. The brake fluid was also renewed and a new set of high quality Pagid front discs matched to Ferodo DS2500 pads. This is a very effective set-up and provides great brake feel also.
Underneath the suspension had been given a thorough overhaul with new high quality Tein springs and dampers fitted along with new top mounts. The original Showa dampers that were fitted from the factory when the car was new were not very high quality and were know to fail so the Tein upgrade is a good one that is worth having. At the same time as this the underside was given a thorough inspection and various suspension links, arms and bushes (as well as uprated engine and gearbox mounts) were renewed as well as the front lower wishbones, camber bolts and rear camber arms. Once this work was completed the wheels were refurbished and fitted with the correct Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tyres that are correct for this car and all in good condition with 5mm+ of tread. A full geo suspension alignment has also been completed. The result is an EP3 that drives, rides and handles even better than new with no clunks, knocks or rattles and overall feels remarkably tight. It would also make a great track car, though i've never been near a circuit with it. Once all the suspension work was completed the car was given a full fast-road geo set-up by Grinspeed performance, the well known performance Honda specialist.
The headlights have been refinished and the bodywork and trim are also in very good condition for their age with minimal scuffs or marking. The lights have been upgraded to LED units which improve visibility and therefore safety considerably. Inside the driver's seat had some minor damage when I got the car so both front seats have been replaced with excellent replacement items from a face lift car that look brilliant and have hardly any wear (they came out of a very low mileage car) The dials are nice and bright and everything works as it should and it also comes with two keys. The service history is exceptionally detailed with the original books and manuals all in place to demonstrate how well it's been looked after. The inner rear wheel arches and rear sills have also been renewed as this is a common weak area on EP3s
Everything works as it should, it's HPI clear and it also qualifies for cheap road tax and modern classic insurance. If you are wanting a car that is a project that needs some work then this one isn't for you as its all been done. Any inspections would be welcome and if you have any questions please let me know.
