I own a USDM ep3 with a JDM type r swap. I have owned the car for 16 years. I swapped the JDM engine in over ten years ago. Here are a few things i have learned. Suspension: Don't go to low. It is very easy to throw off your geometry in this car. It is very hard to get it back. After going through the nightmare of coil over bump steer, i decided to go with the Bilstein B8 mono. I matched that with a Tanabe race spring. Dropped the car 2" and made it possible to get the geometry back. I have found this to be a good street / track set up. I'm not sure if the euro got a lsd tranny, but i had to put one in mine. It made a big difference in the handling. Engine: Oil? Losing it? I did too. I tried 20 different oils. In the end there was a clear winner. AMSOIL is by far the best synthetic oil you can use for this engine. I drive my car spirited and it ate other oils. It barely, and i mean BARELY eats Amsoil at all. Purrs like a kitten. Roars like a lion. I run SAE 5W-30 full synthetic. Mods: Kpro. Your mods are worthless if you can't tune your engine. RBC intake. 4-2-1 header Enclosed air intake. I made mine myself. I used silicon tube and a K&N Apollo filter. I tried Bosch spark plugs but quickly learned that NGK work best with this engine. Transmission: Third gear grind? Me too. So i had a company called Synchrotec build me a better transmission. Carbon syncros and lsd. I tried a fancy racing fluid and quickly learned that Honda Manual Trans Fluid works the best. Shifts like butter at redline. Weight reduction: Goes a long way in this car. I took out my backseats and spare. Probably lost close to 80 pounds. After many years this is the final set up. I still get 28 mpg hwy. I don't drive it as much but everytime i do, i smile.
@sebs you found a good one for sure LOL. but, she isn't for sale. it would be like losing a good friend and we still have too much fun together. she turns 20 this November. my classic.
I also have ep3, 02 that I swap a JDM K20a and 6 speed trans. I'm waiting on my Seibon carbon fiber mugen style wing, and negotiating with some one for a Airwalker front bumper and lip and side skirts. Once I get that done, I'll be doing an AWD conversion.
Just picked up my EP3... Useful video and perfect timing 😂 Edit - the difference in the spoilers... The EP3 spoilers have little bits on the back side that rest against the glass well technically sit around the glass. The glass I believe is the but that is differently shaped so if you get an EP3 spoiler for an EP2 you'll need to trim 2 little bits off the back side of the spoiler else it will just be bashing against the glass of the window and won't sit flush down. If you have an EP3 and want to fit an spoiler of an EP2 I believe they are a straight fit with no issues 😄 And there is quite a few differences between the ECUS especially if you are planning on boost. I'm not a tuner but I know the Haltech has more options on it which is ideal for when running boost 😃 If you NA then really it doesn't matter though
Take note of what Olly says about rust around the wheel arches and sills. I spent lockdown cutting and welding the full length of the inner sills on both sides and the wheel arches especially at the front side. Olly has done a vid on where to check behind the rear passenger speakers. Integra's are the same and I believe the FN2 isn't great for rust protection neither. Do it now.
The OEM tensioners are good till 9000 rpm. Just like the stock oil pump. If you want to rev higher, you have to keep this in mind. You can also use a Doctronic ecu. Cheaper than a Hondata and works fine :-) Verry nice car. Thanks for the vid. Greets from Holland!
Thanks for the input man! Yeah, I have heard from a few of you Boys in Holland that the Doctronic is another option! Glad you like the car though! Appreciate it! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
decent notes dude! thanks for the insight. personal notes, i'm running 17x215x45 Kuhmo PS71s and i rate them heavily. Syvecs S6Plus PNP (i work there it makes sense XD) - My EP3 was the first full standalone with all gauges and AC working. Having a standalone does have it's benefits, such as launch control and zero ceiling on future engine mods.
Kpro has all the launch control features you'll ever need on a fwd hatchback. There's very little ceiling with much cheaper standalones like the haltech/ecumaster products. Syvecs make great products, I've tuned on the platform a couple times and the products are outstanding, so are the prices though 😎 might make sense with a staff discount, but outside of that its overkill on a sub 10k road going hatch
You don’t need coilovers for a fast road setup Ollie. In fact you can do it with stock springs and shocks. All you need is front camber bolts (I’d recommend eibach ones) and then the adjustable rear toe arms.
Oh really? I didn't realise that! I guess I thought you needed the coilovers because it was something I wanted on the car anyway! Good bit of info that! Thanks man!
@@OllyRoss you’ve really made me consider the Skunk2 intake. I don’t have many mods on my FN2. Just a Tegiwa exhaust, HKS intake and remap. You think it will make it much louder? (I’m not looking for more noise)
@@megasaturndreams6634 The Skunk2 Inlet won't make any sound difference but you will need a remap before driving it too hard as it allows a lot more air flow (which will give you more power too)
Congrats man! Oh wow! That is crazy to think! I am glad you like my build. Luckily I have a full part breakdown on my channel so you have all the links to the bits I have got! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
I have a pre face lift and my friend a face lift ep3 type R and they both have the k20 sneeze on start up and both also have rear caliper problems where it seems the caliper pistons don’t go back properly causing the brake pads to rub on the disc causing the pads to run out really quick !
Could you do a video on the differences between an ep2 and ep3, not just the obvious engine and interior. Would help ep2 owners like myself with finding compatible parts :)
@@OllyRoss Yea I've been told, but it'd be nice to know the exact details of the common cross use able parts just an idea if you are short on video idea ahaha
Id avoid the hybrid tensioner very prone to fail ive had one split in half if it were not for my circuit hero chain guide i would kiss the motor goodbye
Ouch!! Had a 54 plate Owned for 6 years Water pump and tensioner Pulley Clutch Callipers Exhaust Cost me 4k in 2014 was Stolen in 2020🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 Moved on to FK2 Final edition 2017reg for 17k in 2021.....Well happy with Honda👍👍
@@statementleaver8095 nice mate how are they? They get alot of stick compared to the iconic models, but as we all know times change and the world has moved on
@@danprecious4583 I MISS MY EP3.....Real Hot hatch! FK2 is the biggest vehicle on the Drive and 5Door......Speed difference is most impressive Sounds like Darth Vader is under the Bonnet & R2D2 in the Dash with C3PO on SatNav 😂🤣 Although No Problems so far and Nothing but Enjoyment for Driving/Hooning 👍
nice man! have you done an alignment on your ep3? theres no videos on aligning your ep3 even at a shop where ill be going to have it done. but i would like to know how its done on these cars as well as rsx
I have got a “fast road” alignment and I do have a video about it from a few years back. Hopefully this is useful for you: th-cam.com/video/yDNYmWAa8hM/w-d-xo.html
It certainly is safe! I have had mine on as the daily for 4 years. There is a hole drilled in the bottom of the airbox before the filter to let any water out 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hey man. Yeah I have changed them over and I installed them in a video. The link to ones I used are in that video too. Here is a link to that video: th-cam.com/video/njsUjXJo6go/w-d-xo.html
Thats only the peak power gain though. I am not that worried about chasing numbers. That being said, I have some stuff coming that should increase the power. The mid range gain of 50hp really has transformed the car though so it is far more fun to drive now. Also, even though the K20's can handle the boost, I really enjoy the N/A characteristics of this engine so I will probably just boost something else in the future.
Piper make a sports cat for there manifold and also passes MOT. That last what I’m running as I didn’t trust any of these random sports cats out there to pass.
These engines are pretty bulletproof if they have been looked after. I would rather own a 120k car with loads of service history (and timing chain change) than an 80k car with no history. The real killer for these cars is the rust
Funny I've seen this comment because I literally had this race last week lol. My ep3 is 245hp and by the end of 4th gear I had pulled away about 2-3 car lengths before we stopped
Yeah I know, I made a full fail video of me trying to do it. I would rather put up with the bubbles than take it off until I get someone who actually knows what they are doing to sort it out! Haha
Hi Olly, I've had my ep3 just shy of nine years now, previous owner did an AC delete, just wondering if you or anyone in the comments know the part numbers for the AC components, all the best.
Hey man. So… I have a full video on me fixing my A/C system with links and part numbers. Obviously you will need more parts than in that video so have a look on: www.parts-honda.uk/honda-cars/CIVIC/2004/TYPE-R/10348
The front bumper is the standard bumper with a Fiberworx Airwalker style front lip. The rear bumper is a standard rear bumper with a Fiberworx FX rear lip
@@OllyRoss Owned my EP3 for 12 years all original and never had to put a drop of oil in it only every year on the service when it gets changed.. must admit hardly ever thrash it..superb videos and lots of useful hints tips and handy tricks..
@@mugenrr8202 there pretty much exactly the same in a straight-line. If you look at the topgear test track times the fn2 is faster. Wider track = better handling
Fn2's feel disgusting to drive. Had an EP3 for 6 months, went to an FN2, sold it after 3 weeks and got another EP3. I will never sit behind the wheel of an FN2 again, horrible to drive lmao.
I own a USDM ep3 with a JDM type r swap. I have owned the car for 16 years. I swapped the JDM engine in over ten years ago. Here are a few things i have learned.
Suspension:
Don't go to low. It is very easy to throw off your geometry in this car. It is very hard to get it back.
After going through the nightmare of coil over bump steer, i decided to go with the Bilstein B8 mono. I matched that with a Tanabe race spring. Dropped the car 2" and made it possible to get the geometry back. I have found this to be a good street / track set up. I'm not sure if the euro got a lsd tranny, but i had to put one in mine. It made a big difference in the handling.
Engine:
Oil? Losing it? I did too. I tried 20 different oils. In the end there was a clear winner.
AMSOIL is by far the best synthetic oil you can use for this engine. I drive my car spirited and it ate other oils. It barely, and i mean BARELY eats Amsoil at all. Purrs like a kitten. Roars like a lion.
I run SAE 5W-30 full synthetic.
Mods:
Kpro. Your mods are worthless if you can't tune your engine.
RBC intake.
4-2-1 header
Enclosed air intake. I made mine myself. I used silicon tube and a K&N Apollo filter.
I tried Bosch spark plugs but quickly learned that NGK work best with this engine.
Transmission:
Third gear grind? Me too. So i had a company called Synchrotec build me a better transmission. Carbon syncros and lsd.
I tried a fancy racing fluid and quickly learned that Honda Manual Trans Fluid works the best. Shifts like butter at redline.
Weight reduction:
Goes a long way in this car. I took out my backseats and spare. Probably lost close to 80 pounds.
After many years this is the final set up. I still get 28 mpg hwy. I don't drive it as much but everytime i do, i smile.
@sebs you found a good one for sure LOL. but, she isn't for sale. it would be like losing a good friend and we still have too much fun together. she turns 20 this November. my classic.
I also have ep3, 02 that I swap a JDM K20a and 6 speed trans. I'm waiting on my Seibon carbon fiber mugen style wing, and negotiating with some one for a Airwalker front bumper and lip and side skirts. Once I get that done, I'll be doing an AWD conversion.
whatvtype of AMSoil do you use?
@@maxencefossion2137 5w-30 full synthetic. I also put in prolong every oil change.
@@musshwins412 I assume you used their ''signature'' oil type? I think it's their premium product.
Just picked up my EP3... Useful video and perfect timing 😂
Edit - the difference in the spoilers... The EP3 spoilers have little bits on the back side that rest against the glass well technically sit around the glass. The glass I believe is the but that is differently shaped so if you get an EP3 spoiler for an EP2 you'll need to trim 2 little bits off the back side of the spoiler else it will just be bashing against the glass of the window and won't sit flush down.
If you have an EP3 and want to fit an spoiler of an EP2 I believe they are a straight fit with no issues 😄
And there is quite a few differences between the ECUS especially if you are planning on boost. I'm not a tuner but I know the Haltech has more options on it which is ideal for when running boost 😃 If you NA then really it doesn't matter though
Take note of what Olly says about rust around the wheel arches and sills. I spent lockdown cutting and welding the full length of the inner sills on both sides and the wheel arches especially at the front side. Olly has done a vid on where to check behind the rear passenger speakers. Integra's are the same and I believe the FN2 isn't great for rust protection neither. Do it now.
Appreciate it man!
Ive owned 5 ep3s through the years and still learned a few things👌 great vid
Thanks man! Glad it was able to help you out!
The OEM tensioners are good till 9000 rpm. Just like the stock oil pump. If you want to rev higher, you have to keep this in mind. You can also use a Doctronic ecu. Cheaper than a Hondata and works fine :-) Verry nice car. Thanks for the vid.
Greets from Holland!
Thanks for the input man! Yeah, I have heard from a few of you Boys in Holland that the Doctronic is another option!
Glad you like the car though! Appreciate it! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Olly, that was brilliant! Engaging and informative - thanks fella 😃
decent notes dude! thanks for the insight.
personal notes, i'm running 17x215x45 Kuhmo PS71s and i rate them heavily.
Syvecs S6Plus PNP (i work there it makes sense XD) - My EP3 was the first full standalone with all gauges and AC working.
Having a standalone does have it's benefits, such as launch control and zero ceiling on future engine mods.
Thanks man!
Awesome info you have added too! That is a pretty crazy set up for an EP3!
Kpro has all the launch control features you'll ever need on a fwd hatchback. There's very little ceiling with much cheaper standalones like the haltech/ecumaster products. Syvecs make great products, I've tuned on the platform a couple times and the products are outstanding, so are the prices though 😎 might make sense with a staff discount, but outside of that its overkill on a sub 10k road going hatch
If your EP3 has a puddle of water in the boot it usually leaks in from the roof rail,a bit of sealant under the roof rail stops it
Ah yes! I forgot to mention that! That is a great point!
You don’t need coilovers for a fast road setup Ollie. In fact you can do it with stock springs and shocks. All you need is front camber bolts (I’d recommend eibach ones) and then the adjustable rear toe arms.
Oh really? I didn't realise that! I guess I thought you needed the coilovers because it was something I wanted on the car anyway! Good bit of info that! Thanks man!
Yeah, I have Eibach springs, Eibach camber bolts and Eibach camber arms and have a FRSU. Michelin PS4 are good tyres, I run them on Evo 8 wheels.
Velcro tape on grill sounds good, great idea 👌
I wish there was a FN2 video this good. Hats off, very informative and well presented.
Thanks! I am glad everything came across so well for you!
@@OllyRoss you’ve really made me consider the Skunk2 intake. I don’t have many mods on my FN2. Just a Tegiwa exhaust, HKS intake and remap. You think it will make it much louder? (I’m not looking for more noise)
@@megasaturndreams6634 The Skunk2 Inlet won't make any sound difference but you will need a remap before driving it too hard as it allows a lot more air flow (which will give you more power too)
cheers Olly great vid again! 👍🏻
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it
Good videos man! Love your ep3. Just bought my self a preface lift completely standard.
Thanks! I am glad you enjoy the content! Congrats on the purchase! My car was pretty much standard when I got it too!
I just picked up a 2002 ep3 SIR (Canadian spec), I would love to build it out like yours.
Congrats man! Oh wow! That is crazy to think! I am glad you like my build. Luckily I have a full part breakdown on my channel so you have all the links to the bits I have got! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Props for all the insight 👌🏾dope video as usual 👊🏾
No worries! I am glad I could help you out! Appreciate it!
Great video... not modded mine yet,really appreciated this information thank you
Thanks man! Glad I could shed some light on the car for you
I have a pre face lift and my friend a face lift ep3 type R and they both have the k20 sneeze on start up and both also have rear caliper problems where it seems the caliper pistons don’t go back properly causing the brake pads to rub on the disc causing the pads to run out really quick !
Yep! I have had both of these issues too so I can fully relate! Haha
Could you do a video on the differences between an ep2 and ep3, not just the obvious engine and interior. Would help ep2 owners like myself with finding compatible parts :)
Ep3 front end fits a ep2 seats steering wheel, wheels spoiler exhaust back box coilovers
I don't know much about the EP2 myself so I would have to figure it all out for that to work. I think a lot of the parts are cross compatible though.
@@OllyRoss most ep3 stuff fit just engine stuff manifold ect don’t
@@OllyRoss Yea I've been told, but it'd be nice to know the exact details of the common cross use able parts just an idea if you are short on video idea ahaha
I’ve been told by a big Honda specialist up here in scotland to get the clearances done every 25k
That is fair enough! I wouldn't argue with that either.
@@OllyRoss sorry mate sounded like I was having a go😂
@Stevie Fn2TypeR What Honda specialist do use if you don't mind me asking?
@@jdmguy44 automek in east Kilbride mate, up here in scotland
Id avoid the hybrid tensioner very prone to fail ive had one split in half if it were not for my circuit hero chain guide i would kiss the motor goodbye
Picked up an EP3 2 days ago. Just had to buy another engine as it started knocking after 130 miles👍🏻
That is so unlucky!
@@OllyRoss hahaha I know, so many dodgy things about this car I probably shouldn't have bought it😂
Ouch!!
Had a 54 plate
Owned for 6 years
Water pump and tensioner Pulley
Clutch
Callipers
Exhaust
Cost me 4k in 2014 was Stolen in 2020🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Moved on to FK2 Final edition 2017reg for 17k in 2021.....Well happy with Honda👍👍
@@statementleaver8095 nice mate how are they? They get alot of stick compared to the iconic models, but as we all know times change and the world has moved on
@@danprecious4583 I MISS MY EP3.....Real Hot hatch!
FK2 is the biggest vehicle on the Drive and 5Door......Speed difference is most impressive
Sounds like Darth Vader is under the Bonnet & R2D2 in the Dash with C3PO on SatNav 😂🤣
Although No Problems so far and Nothing but Enjoyment for Driving/Hooning 👍
Firestone Firehawks are a good performance street tire.
nice man! have you done an alignment on your ep3? theres no videos on aligning your ep3 even at a shop where ill be going to have it done. but i would like to know how its done on these cars as well as rsx
I have got a “fast road” alignment and I do have a video about it from a few years back. Hopefully this is useful for you: th-cam.com/video/yDNYmWAa8hM/w-d-xo.html
Mountings are different due to the ep3 having completely redesigned dimensions if only subtle.
Looking into getting one of these, after my mates recently boosted his I've fell in love..
Definitely worth it if you want a raw drivers car!
Thank you for the tips.
No worries!! Glad it has helped you out!
One question, I recently bought a civic si and was wondering if it's safe to use a tegiwa CAI for daily driving. I love it but scared of hydrolocking
It certainly is safe! I have had mine on as the daily for 4 years. There is a hole drilled in the bottom of the airbox before the filter to let any water out 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hi olly quick question did you ever change your water sprouts on your hood to the ones for the Honda Fit ? If so what year Honda Fit was it
Hey man. Yeah I have changed them over and I installed them in a video. The link to ones I used are in that video too. Here is a link to that video: th-cam.com/video/njsUjXJo6go/w-d-xo.html
what about coolant ? oem honda coolant is better to use or doesnt really matter ?
Stick to OEM Honda Type 2 coolant. About £18/19 for 5L pre mixed.
I think if you are going to spend that much money for a 23 BHP gain then you might as well add boost as well.
Thats only the peak power gain though. I am not that worried about chasing numbers. That being said, I have some stuff coming that should increase the power. The mid range gain of 50hp really has transformed the car though so it is far more fun to drive now. Also, even though the K20's can handle the boost, I really enjoy the N/A characteristics of this engine so I will probably just boost something else in the future.
Super Ep3👍
Thanks man! Appreciate it!
Where did you get the Hondavert from? I keep looking but can't find any for sale. Thank you
I got mine through Dynodaze when I got it mapped. I basically just showed up and they sorted everything for me.
anyone know if the s2000 disk trick works for the Si model?
Do these exhaust changes do away with the original cat? I don't see sports cats ever mentioned with ep3s. Thanks!
Piper make a sports cat for there manifold and also passes MOT. That last what I’m running as I didn’t trust any of these random sports cats out there to pass.
What mileage would you say to try and buy one at ?
These engines are pretty bulletproof if they have been looked after. I would rather own a 120k car with loads of service history (and timing chain change) than an 80k car with no history. The real killer for these cars is the rust
Can you please post a link to buy the Hondavert ECU for EP3?
I don't have a link I'm afraid. I got mine through Dynodaze so send them a message. www.dynodazeperformanceparts.com
@@OllyRoss thanks mate
Will the central locking work with the ECU ?
Mine does work so I can assume that it's the same for everyone else.
it should work. these receivers usually go bad on these models so you have to change them behind the gauge cluster.
knew all of this already
Steering Rack slider😁
Just a quick one what would win a tuned civic with 240bhp or a bmw 330d e92 stage 1 roughly 300bhp ??
Hard to say without really seeing the cars but I would say that the Civic would stand a pretty good chance
Depends on the driver!
Funny I've seen this comment because I literally had this race last week lol. My ep3 is 245hp and by the end of 4th gear I had pulled away about 2-3 car lengths before we stopped
@@darrencol I’ve got a mapped 330d and I raced my mates mapped ep3 and I pulled away fairly easily🤔
Does anyone know the size of the UK standard front anti roll bar bushes?
Bruh you got air bubbles on your rear windshield tint
The car looks sick tho
Yeah I know, I made a full fail video of me trying to do it. I would rather put up with the bubbles than take it off until I get someone who actually knows what they are doing to sort it out! Haha
Hi Olly, I've had my ep3 just shy of nine years now, previous owner did an AC delete, just wondering if you or anyone in the comments know the part numbers for the AC components, all the best.
Hey man. So… I have a full video on me fixing my A/C system with links and part numbers. Obviously you will need more parts than in that video so have a look on: www.parts-honda.uk/honda-cars/CIVIC/2004/TYPE-R/10348
@@OllyRoss Cheers Olly, I'll check the video for sure & I'm that link will be a massive help, thanks again.
Hi dude. Where did you get your Hondavert from?
Hey man, I got mine through Dynodaze
What bumper kit do you have?
The front bumper is the standard bumper with a Fiberworx Airwalker style front lip.
The rear bumper is a standard rear bumper with a Fiberworx FX rear lip
Top video
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed
What body kit is on there
It has a Airwalker style front lip from Fibreworx and FX rear lip, also from Fibreworx
what sort of mpg do you get
I think I get around 28mpg when you drive it "sensibly" Haha
Your engine must be thrashed pretty badly if it burns a lot of oil. Mine hasn't burned any noticeable amount in the past 2 years that I've owned it.
Wow! That is crazy! It is very rare to hear of an EP3 that doesn't burn oil!
@@OllyRoss Owned my EP3 for 12 years all original and never had to put a drop of oil in it only every year on the service when it gets changed.. must admit hardly ever thrash it..superb videos and lots of useful hints tips and handy tricks..
Dont put in a full synthetic oil, use a good 10-w40 , it's the syntethic oil that makes it burn alot
my friend dom linked me this video
I hope that’s a good thing??
🔝🔝🙌🏻🙌🏻
Tip 1: Dont modify it
Skip the ep3 and buy an fn2 as its a much better car
😂 don’t be silly the EP3 is million times better than the FN2 looks and performance 💯
@@mugenrr8202 there pretty much exactly the same in a straight-line. If you look at the topgear test track times the fn2 is faster. Wider track = better handling
@@davidkelly2542 look horrid though 🤷♂️
@@harveydouglas9204 and the ep3 doesn't look like a breadbin?
Fn2's feel disgusting to drive. Had an EP3 for 6 months, went to an FN2, sold it after 3 weeks and got another EP3. I will never sit behind the wheel of an FN2 again, horrible to drive lmao.
The suspension makes this car worthless. This could have been a great civic but honda fked up hard with this one.