Let’s face it, at one time or another we all had parts on our cars that we wouldn’t be caught dead with now. Just like the next guy, Randy En, a member of the Northern California team, plusONE, was one of those people that bought replica parts and “JDM” themed accessories to do his best at fitting in. Fast forward a few years and one car accident later, and you have one of the cleanest Hondas that NorCal has ever seen.
After a slight run in with an uninsured motorist, En had the chance to turn his once bland Honda Civic into what he had envisioned in his head for some many years. First things first, En started off with the exterior of his Civic. En decided to pick up a handful of goodies to give his Civic a cleaner look. He started off with a pair of JDM fenders that came complete with side markers. He then added a set of thinner JDM side moldings and JDM power folding mirrors. Next it was time to take the car over to the body shop. While the car was in the body shop, En got himself a Wings West front lip. Next on the agenda it was time to have the entire car sprayed in a custom Sun Bake Gold hue. En told us that he chose the color because he was inspired by a gift that his grandmother once gave him when he was younger. After the car was sprayed, and reassembled, the other parts were installed. En exchanged the once stock headlights and tail lights for a set of JDM pieces. Going nicely with the new headlights and tail lights was an OEM rear glass hatch, OEM SiR rear spoiler, and OEM window visors.
After the exterior makeover was complete it was time for to move to the next part of the build-up. En promised himself there’d be no more replica wheels and/or knock-off parts and he backed that up by picking up a set of 16-inch Sprint Hart CPR wheels. Giving the Civic a nice, fresh new look, the highly sought after Spring Hart wheels were the perfect addition to En’s ride. Bringing the Honda’s fenders down over the new wheels comes from a combination of Tokico adjustable shocks that are matched up with a set of Skunk2 springs. While a Mugen front strut bar and Benen rear strut bar help stabilize the car. Ditching the factory brakes, En found himself with a new set of Integra GSR brakes which aide in bringing the Civic to a stop.
Just as the exterior of the car, the interior is kept just as clean, and just as mint. After getting rid of the outdated accessories, the first thing En did was find himself a pair of Bride Brix seats. Giving the interior of the car that sports car feel, the next addition was a Cusco six-point cage which makes its way around the Civic Type R rear seats and also holds the Takata harnesses in place. To keep the entire theme going, a handful of Japanese accessories were also added including the center console, steering wheel, gauge cluster, climate control, clock, optional armrest and door panels. A collection of EM Racing pieces, such as the triangulated c-pillar bar and rear strut brace finish off the interior
Since the car started out as an Si, it came with the underpowered SOHC motor; looking to get a little more power out of his daily transportation, En opted to swap out the old motor in exchange for a second generation JDM B16 swap. Thanks to the addition of a Mugen header and exhaust the horsepower numbers were also slightly increased. A set of NGK power spark plug wires, and Denso Iridium spark plugs add to the horsepower numbers as well. The little details are what can easily make or break a car. En wanted to make sure that he did all the minor things that so many forget about. A EG6 OEM VIN plate and fuse box, along with a JDM ITR valve cover, Baker Battery, Cusco oil catch can, a Spoon radiator cap, spark plug cover, and oil cap can all be found underneath the hood of this beauty. Just like the old motor the stock transmission was also tossed aside in favor of a JDM B16 tyranny and a GSR shift linkage.
En and his plusOne crew are repping NorCal with some serious love. En’s Civic is one of the prime examples of how to build a car for you and how to do it right. The NorCal guys have always been about form and function over bondo and conversions and their style and flavor are trends that will be followed for years to come.
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