Chopping the Civic

[Hasbro]

I'm not very good with computers but the pic is done with Paint. When it comes to cars I'm a Jekyl/Hyde kind of guy, with practical and sensible opposing high performance in the form of cornering gs. This rendering is a fairly accurate shot at what I'd like to do to my 04 Civic Si hatch. The black shadowing shows what the stock body sort of looks like. The body work would eliminate about 100 lbs. off of front/rear axle overhang and up top weight, which would make a vast improvement in cornering, braking, and quicker to top end (for track days). Plus the smoother body would really enhance fe. Due to the simplicity of Paint (ok, me) a lot of fender treatments etc. are not shown. If I could pull this off the total weight removed would be over 500 lbs, +20% of the stock weight. That's 20% "more hp" without building the motor. The top of the windshield is -4" and the bonnett and windshield would be on the same flat plane. Since I'm getting close to 40 mpg now, the aero chop and new gearing would get me near 50, I'm thinking. Might not be everyone's cup of tea but thought someone might find it interesting.

[SVOboy]

Hell, it certainly looks aero. Dunno if your head would fit in it though?

[Hasbro]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Hell, it certainly looks aero. Dunno if your head would fit in it though?

With the removal of the sun roof and dropping the seat it would leave plenty of room for me at 6'2".

[i_am_socket]

As long as cost is not an issue: go for it!

That's a lot of metalwork, custom glass, and fiberglassing. You may also need to change radiator position based on how much of the front you're cutting off which may effect engine mounting. It also looks like the rear bumper is going to be removed almost entirely would could affect safety.

Looks awesome though!

[Hasbro]

Originally Posted by i_am_socket

As long as cost is not an issue: go for it!

That's a lot of metalwork, custom glass, and fiberglassing. You may also need to change radiator position based on how much of the front you're cutting off which may effect engine mounting. It also looks like the rear bumper is going to be removed almost entirely would could affect safety.

Looks awesome though!

Good points, thanks. The windshield would be stock and unaltered, rear side windows and rear window would be plastic and cheap. Door windows would have to be custom shaped. Radiator is well out of the way. Roof is pretty flat. Hardest bodywork would be from the b pillar to the rear on the sides, I think. No fiberglassing but some metalwork. Custom bumpers would be integrated into chassis further in.
Also, several details are not shown. For one, wheel wells would be shaped smaller and appropriately.

[vtec-e]

Hasbro, if you've got the skills then you've got to do this! It looks awesome and for that alone, it's worth doing. More mpg is just the icing on the cake.
On a practical note, how do you propose getting around the crashworthiness issue, since there will be heavy cutting of the structure?

ollie

[MetroMPG]

That looks cool.

One thing to keep in mind if you lay the windshield angle back is you'll have less pressure for flow through ventilation (typically relies on high pressure at the base of the windshield).

[PaleMelanesian]

It looks like a baby Lamborghini!

[2003protege]

that looks awesome

[dremd]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

It looks like a baby Lamborghini!

My thoughts exactly; specifically a Lamborghini Gallardo.


I totally say go for it!

The SEMA side of me says it would need lambo doors if you did that :-)