I think the point is its not about making is handle "like" an EK9, just as good as one.
When you concider an EK9 will set you back at least £4000 for a half decent one. If you have bought an EJ, EK or even EG for only a few hundred then Im sure £3500 plenty just to make it handle and go as well as a standard EK9.
An MB6 will only set you back £500-800 which will give you a B18, lsd box, 282/260 brakes, 1" MC and Proportion Valve all you need then is a set of EK9 or ITR shocks/springs or better ie spoon spring, bilstien or just a coilover setup. Then get some chassis seam welding done, a few decent braces (or just a cage). Dont for get to get a shorter FD for the MB6 S9B box or a shorter box. New set of bushes all round or a hardrace kit. Camber arms are not really needed unless you want them. And there you have it, a Civic that should be no different in handling (if stock EK9 parts are used) or even better than an EK9 and should even better with the B18C4 if you spend a little on bolt ons and a remap.
I do get the whole "just buy an EK9 point" as Im quite tired of explaining what an EG6 SiR is myself, when poeple only know of a Type R or EK9. And building something up from scratch is time consuming and can be costly if labour is done by a garage.
But I really dont get why people think an EK9 will alway handle better than any other older or lower moddel civic. It just doesnt make sense.
Maybe im missing something here. I really need to have a good go in an EK9, But as far as the facts of the chassis state they are no that much different.