EKo Civic Hatch Build Thread!

[RLochard]

Whoo Hoo! I think the admin got this working successfully! Time to Finally Post My Ecomodding Build!

[RLochard]

A lot of this was in my intro but I wanted to start a Build Thread that I could add to as time goes on!

My name is Ryan and I'm in Indianapolis, Indiana. I've owned a bunch of Civics over the past few years. I had a BMW that I daily drove that the engine blew in so I bought a Civic to drive back and forth to work. Amazed by the fuel economy I wanted to start EcoModding. My BMW E46 now has an all aluminum LS1 w/T56 6-Speed swapped into it. Modifying cars has always been a passion of mine but with the Hondas I've wanted to do a different kind of modding. Not that stupid rice burner ****.

The Civic that I've chose as my Ecomodder build is a 1999 Honda Civic CX Hatchback. Basist of the base models. No AC, No Power Steering, Nower Power Windows or Mirrors, No Cruise Control, Etc. I really wanted to get my hands on a Lean Burn HX model but couldn't find one that's not a total POS.

For my EcoModding Adventure I'm going for Aesthetics First and EcoFunctionality Second.

Plans For The Car:

Install ScanGauge II

Inflate Tires to 40-55 PSI

Install Lowering Springs-Get the car sitting Lower giving it a more aggressive tuner look while also reducing air traveling under the car.

Tint the Windows- More Aesthetically Pleasing and I don't feel like I'm in a fish bowl.

Install New Headlights- Restore the look of the car so it looks like less of a late 90s Piece of ****.

Install SI Style Grill-Looks Better than the base model Grill

Remove Side Mirrors- Reduce Wind Drag Created by Side Mirrors. Safety is First so I'll be Installing a "Wink" Mirror along with "Blind Spot" Mirrors on door panels.

Upper & Lower Grill Blocks- I've seen people on here use cardboard and duct tape as Grill blocks. I've also seen someone use plexi glass for a stealthier look. Since Plexi is so brittle I'll be using Lexan Polycarbonate (Racecar Windshield) to cover the SI Grill and Lower Grill. This should improve overall aerodynamics But not be incredibly noticeable. Once again, I want to EcoMod but also keep the car looking cool.

Install SI Style Front Lip- The SI Lip should reduce the amount of air traveling under the car but this design being that it protrudes out may not be beneficial to my EcoModding but it will help the overall look of the car.

WAI/HAI- Hot Air Intake- I've got a few ideas with how I want to go about the HAI but nothing is set in stone yet.

I know there's a lot of die hard EcoModders on here with a ton of knowledge. I know there's a lot of die hard Civic fans out there as well. I'm open to all suggestions and advice anyone can give along the way! I'll be uploading pictures of my Modifications every time! Thanks!

[RLochard]

Before and After of Headlights, Tint, Lowering Springs, HX Wheels, Si Grill, Upper & Lower Lexan Grill Blocks (Notice you don’t see the Grill Blocks)

[RLochard]

Now I’ll show how I made my Grill Blocks as well as my Mirror Caps because of Mirror Delete.

First I had to get ahold of a sheet of Lexan and make templates for the Grill Block and Mirror Caps

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I used Cardboard to get a rough template to draw onto the Lexan then used a Dremel to cut out the pieces

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Here’s the Grill Block Installed on the Si Grill. I mounted it by just drilling four small holes and using 2 zip ties through the grill

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Here’s a better view of the mounted Si Grill w/ Upper and Lower Lexan Blocks Installed

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Here’s a better Before and After Lowering of the Car. I went with TEIN Springs because they offer a pretty close to stock ride comfort and of course they come in Green and this is an eco friendly build.

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Before & After of Engine Bay Detail, Valve Cover Gasket Replacment, Valve Cover Paint, and WAI/HAI (Warm/Hot Air Intake). I used High Temp Air Ducting for my HAI. This is the same ducting used in NASCAR to cool Brakes. It’s supposed to be good for over 900 Degrees if I remember correctly. With the outside temperature of approximately 17 degrees my IAT (Intake Air Temperature) was reading out at approximately 64 degrees cruising. Now My IAT ranges between 154-212 Degrees Fahrenheit depending on outside air temperatures and my cruising speed. If I cruise at approximately 65MPH my IAT is Approximately 184F. If cruising at 80MPH+ my IAT is approximately 202F+

[RLochard]

Of course I have to represent the Forum with some EcoModder Decals