2000 Honda Civic Si (EM1), 1.6 DOHC VTEC

A replacement of choice for my beloved SOHC Civic.

I needed my new ride to make me feel “at home” and have a better potential at the same time. The EM1 was the best pick available. It’s basically the same car, with a facelifted, better looking front end, better chassis, and of course overwhelmingly better engine. Oh and it’s RHD because it comes frome the UK.

Some say Civics are slow. I’d be the first to say they are, unless modified. But my relationship with this car goes far beyond numbers. VTEC engines are part of the most amazing engines I’ve ever seen as driver or passenger. And I’ve been in 500+ hp cars, either stock (RS6 Avant) or heavily tuned (300ZX). But there is no comparison.

The B16A2 is mean. It just screams its rage from 5500 to 8200 rpm. Throttle response is great, it picks up right away and feels like it never wants to stop revving higher and higher. Drive it hard and it’ll ask for more. As if it was daring you to go further. That’s an amazing feeling.

Sure, a stock B16 has as much torque as a dead horse, and its power does not even make it lightning fast in the high rpm range. Some might call it slow, well, let them speak. But those who criticize miss the whole point of Hondas in general. They’re not meant to be fast all by themselves. They’re pushing the driver to make them go fast. Watch Best Motoring/Hot Version and you’ll understand their potential when a good driver is behind the wheel.

And that kinda is the magic of it all.

Specs :
- Stock B16A2
- 96 Spec Integra Type R gearbox with LSD
- Injen SR intake
- Magnaflow catback
- Bilstein B8 shocks with Integra Tein H-Tech springs
- Genuine Mugen wing
- Genuine EK9 front grille
- Aftermarket front & tail lights
- Sparco Sprint V seats with OMP harnesses
- Buddy Club P1 16” wheels (summer)
- Rota Circuit 10, 15” wheels (winter/track)

Soon… new brakes and more chassis upgrades (Energy bushings, sway bars, etc.).