NZRacerX's EK9 - 19/10 Interior Pics Up


NZRacerX

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Joined
Mar 31, 2009
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86
So I've been around this forum for a number of years now, mainly just reading, with the occasional comment here or there. Thought it was about time to contribute something back, and at least post up some pics.

I bought my EK9 in 2004, having previously owned an EF3 and an EG6. Freshly imported from Japan with 60,000km's on the clock, it was almost stock standard at that point in time. I daily drove it in stock form for three years, with a few track day outings in that time. Then I decided to take the plunge and take it racing, so the modifications begun. There's not a lot of "stock" left these days, but through it all it's never lost the unmistakable character and fun of being an EK9.

Anyway, a few pics of it from the last couple of years...

HondaCup2012Round4Pic5_zpsc4156056.jpg

HondaCup2012Round4Pic4_zpsd3269811.jpg

DSC00068.jpg

DSC_0684.jpg


Currently it's completely clear of any kind of livery, and has some new side-skirts. One day I'll get someone with a decent camera to get some nice pics of it.

WP_20140131_001_zpsfa56434a.jpg

WP_20140131_007_zpse9b7e0b7.jpg


If you want to know anything about it though, just ask. :)
 
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Nice car man!
Why does the exhaust go through the rear bumper?
to miss the rear diffuser?
 
Yeah, you got it. It's a Sergeant diffuser, and the typical usage of these has people cutting a large hole in it for their exhaust to fit. We figured out that by slightly raising the exhaust it would clear the diffuser completely, and just exit straight out the back of the bumper.
 
inspirational car. Awesome mate
 
Nice 9 mate. Where did you get the door cards? Wouldn't mind a set of them :)
 
Give us some specs!
Hmmm.... where to start....? Too much to list; I have a full list for my insurer, and it runs to two full pages. In short:

Engine: Forged pistons and rods (still 1.6L), Ferrea valves and valve guides, Toda springs, ti retainers, Toda Spec B cams.
Exhaust: PLM Hytech style small-tube headers. Spoon B & C Pipes, modified to cut out the reduced size join and to sit higher (clearing the diffuser)
Intake: B18CR manifold, Spoon throttle body, pod filter with velocity stack.
Suspension: Gears Racing coilovers, Skunk2 Camber Arms etc
Body: Spoon front lip, bonnet, wing mirrors, rear spoiler, rear-view mirror. Sergeant diffuser.
Brakes: Spoon twin-block calipers, Mugen slotted rotors all round.
Interior: OMP WRC seats, Schroth Enduro harnesses, OMP Targa 330mm steering wheel, Seibon door cards, lots of fun work around the electronics.

The engine bay is pretty industrial... nothing pretty:
HondaCup2014TechInspection4_zps7bc819a0.jpg



If there's anything specific you want to know, just ask. :D
 
You still run abs and power steering? Ever tested the car without? Looks awesome, can you take some interior pics? Im a complete racing geek and love the details and different ways people spec there race cars
 
Fantastic car!
Would also like to see pictures of the inside and more pictures of the car all round
 
You still run abs and power steering? Ever tested the car without? Looks awesome, can you take some interior pics? Im a complete racing geek and love the details and different ways people spec there race cars
Yeah, never seen any reason to take them out (other than small power gains, but I've never been a huge power-chaser).

A few friends have removed the power steering from their race cars, with mixed feedback, including some then looking to put it back in (typically via an MR2 electric pump when retro-fitting). I think it's pretty well established that the "feel" and feedback through a manual rack is better, but it's a trade-off with effort/comfort. Especially with the car still being street-legal. I've never had any issue with how it's felt (especially compared to the JDM EP3 I had, which I would describe as a bit numb in comparison).

As for the ABS, again, never had any issue with it. I've had my Honda Jazz on the track for fun before, and from that I can understand why people would typically remove their ABS system ,as it just kicks in way too early and way too strongly; you could easily brake better without it. But the EK9 ABS is so well set up for the track (when used in conjunction with well matched pads), that I've never been in a situation where I've been getting out-braked. And given the always-limited budget, it means not having to worry about flat-spotting tyres with lock-ups.

To some extent, I've gone in a different direction to most racers for now. Typically people strip as much weight out, and as many driver-aids out, for the lightest, purest experience possible. My car is still VERY heavy for it's race class, as I've made little effort to remove excess weight; there's still full glass all round, electric windows and factory side-impact reinforcement in the doors, no cutting of excess metal, etc. I've kept power steering, ABS, factory heaters and demisters, got some fun electronics like wireless tyres pressure/temperature readouts and traction control (although I haven't had time to set it up properly yet). The car is fun and comfortable, and if I ever get to stripping weight it shouldn't be too difficult to get a substantial amount out. But I like it how it is, and I have no delusions of grandeur on the track. I'm kinda more interested in just fiddling with the car these days than actually racing.

Will try to get some interior pics in the next couple of days.
 
Beautiful, thanks for sharing :bow:

:fapfap:
 
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