The list of best base cars to sport tune is one that could be argued ad naseum but we’re fairly confident that the fifth generation Honda Civic (1992-1995) would find its way onto most versions of it. Cheap, reliable, with a wealth of aftermarket options, JDM Civic-adds can run the gamut from serious performance pieces to poseur specials. Here are nine of our favorites.
1.Full Body Kit: New front and rear clips are absolute must-haves here . Side skirts complete the look, and extra points for each example of non-functional duct work.
2.Carbon Fiber Duckbill Roof Spoiler: Actual carbon fiber is pure baller, but CF Effect will do for the lighter wallets. Any real gains in down force are a happy accident; the CF spoiler has one primary goal – cred.
3.Unicon Tiny Ball Squash Air Freshener: Any funny looking/smelling air freshener will really do the trick here, but the true JDM enthusiast will find Unicon’s “sweet candy-bubblegum like scent ” irresistible.
4.Projector Headlamps, Clear lenses: Let’s face it, by the time you’re done with this Civic it’s going to be way too fast for ordinary headlights. HID units work here too, extra points for “angel eye ” effect.
5.Carbon Fiber Hood: See the above entry for the CF spoiler, and then triple the effect on the street. Lightweight, expensive, and unmissable; get one or go home .
6.Red Honda Badges: The Honda “H” couldn’t look any cooler, a JDM must. Seriously, we’ve seen red Honda badges on Toyotas, Mitsubishis; they well and truly span the tuner universe.
7.Performance ECU: Sticking with the factory engine control unit would be a big nay nay for the dream JDM Civic, especially when this unit from legendary Japanese tuner Spoon is available at eBay Motors for only a few hundred bucks. Money well-spent when you consider the gains of a higher red-line, an earlier VTEC point, and the ability to add a legit Spoon sticker to your door. Now, just make sure you don’t blow the engine at a red light.
8.K20A Type R Engine: So you blew your engine. Don’t think of it as a loss, but rather an opportunity to take your JDM dream to the next level. Something like $6000 should buy an example of one hardcore VTEC motor, pried from the engine bay of a Type R Integra/RSX and shipped stateside. This add may be a bit pricey for all but the most dedicated, and you’ll need another wad of cash or some mechanical ability to get that sucker installed. For a slightly cheaper route, search eBay for “Type R red valve cover ” instead, we won’t tell.
9.Japanese Girlfriend: You can’t really find the ultimate JDM Civic accessory on eBay or in stores, but her presence is irreplaceable. We go for punk rock haircuts and t-shirts with bizarre English phrases, but the details are up to you.
1.Full Body Kit: New front and rear clips are absolute must-haves here . Side skirts complete the look, and extra points for each example of non-functional duct work.
2.Carbon Fiber Duckbill Roof Spoiler: Actual carbon fiber is pure baller, but CF Effect will do for the lighter wallets. Any real gains in down force are a happy accident; the CF spoiler has one primary goal – cred.
3.Unicon Tiny Ball Squash Air Freshener: Any funny looking/smelling air freshener will really do the trick here, but the true JDM enthusiast will find Unicon’s “sweet candy-bubblegum like scent ” irresistible.
4.Projector Headlamps, Clear lenses: Let’s face it, by the time you’re done with this Civic it’s going to be way too fast for ordinary headlights. HID units work here too, extra points for “angel eye ” effect.
5.Carbon Fiber Hood: See the above entry for the CF spoiler, and then triple the effect on the street. Lightweight, expensive, and unmissable; get one or go home .
6.Red Honda Badges: The Honda “H” couldn’t look any cooler, a JDM must. Seriously, we’ve seen red Honda badges on Toyotas, Mitsubishis; they well and truly span the tuner universe.
7.Performance ECU: Sticking with the factory engine control unit would be a big nay nay for the dream JDM Civic, especially when this unit from legendary Japanese tuner Spoon is available at eBay Motors for only a few hundred bucks. Money well-spent when you consider the gains of a higher red-line, an earlier VTEC point, and the ability to add a legit Spoon sticker to your door. Now, just make sure you don’t blow the engine at a red light.
8.K20A Type R Engine: So you blew your engine. Don’t think of it as a loss, but rather an opportunity to take your JDM dream to the next level. Something like $6000 should buy an example of one hardcore VTEC motor, pried from the engine bay of a Type R Integra/RSX and shipped stateside. This add may be a bit pricey for all but the most dedicated, and you’ll need another wad of cash or some mechanical ability to get that sucker installed. For a slightly cheaper route, search eBay for “Type R red valve cover ” instead, we won’t tell.
9.Japanese Girlfriend: You can’t really find the ultimate JDM Civic accessory on eBay or in stores, but her presence is irreplaceable. We go for punk rock haircuts and t-shirts with bizarre English phrases, but the details are up to you.