My 03 CL9 Build - Warning LOTS OF PICS

Here is the completed build of my 03’ CL9 as I think it should have come out of the factory..
It has taken me 2 ½ years of saving and being a dodgy uni student, but here it is. I originally wasn't going to post this, but hopefully this can be of some help for people out there.

Before I started modding my car, I honestly had no idea how to change a tyre. I honestly feel that the best way to learn is just to get out there and give it a shot!

This build isn’t extreme or crazy, just a normal guy modding his car. Here we go!


Here is a picture of the car on the day that I got it. It's a very rare colour (indigo blue pearl) only produced in 03' for a few months.
http://i.imgur.com/wgbQe.jpg


Here is a picture of the dodgy $10 Cold Air Intake I made from bunnings material!
http://i.imgur.com/KofHk.jpg


Then I decided to buy FN2R Rims (Civic type R), which I managed to find on ebay.
http://i.imgur.com/mko2d.jpg


The only problem was… The car looked like a CRV 
http://i.imgur.com/RHn96.jpg


So after a lot of research, I decided to get Buddclub N+ coilovers. The idea of height adjustability really appealed to me.
http://i.imgur.com/5JLRr.jpg


Here is a pic of the car lowered with an Ingalls rear camber kit as well.
http://i.imgur.com/z5MYQ.jpg

Another pic
http://i.imgur.com/9GMxE.jpg


Here’s a pic of half installed Euro-R pedals.
http://i.imgur.com/7hy4X.jpg


Then I decided that I needed some more straight line power. Here I have acquired Top speed headers, high flow cat and a Haltech Platinum interceptor for tuning.
http://i.imgur.com/Bmc1K.jpg


Then I decided to get a real CAI and replace my dodgy ghetto intake.
http://i.imgur.com/JDxWA.jpg


My brakes were starting to shutter under heavy braking, so I decided to upgrade my rotors and pads. I went for Racingbrake HP front and rear rotors and racing grade pads. No more brake fading. 
http://i.imgur.com/RsJv9.jpg


I installed an Xcarlink unit so I play music and speak to people over Bluetooth.
http://i.imgur.com/iMOdd.jpg


My car on the dyno..
http://i.imgur.com/Tzqm9.jpg



Achieved 122kw atw first time round. Not a great result, but the headers were small and gave good torque gains, so it felt pretty good
http://i.imgur.com/07wGn.jpg


Installed some interior bling – this gear knob is freezing in winter and boiling in summer. But when it’s a normal temperature, it feels good.
http://i.imgur.com/tEkgb.jpg


I ended up raising the car because I was scraping on a heap of things. here’s how the car stood for a good 6 months..
http://i.imgur.com/1QxEs.jpg



Then I finally got around to installing a Rear sway bar. The size difference in the bars isn’t that great, but the feel of the car was now so solid and flat through corners.
http://i.imgur.com/q0v5c.jpg


Then I decided to get a $70 (painted) boot lip spoiler from Taiwan. Good purchase well installed by the ever precise GF.
http://i.imgur.com/Y2Be7.jpg



For you guys :P
http://i.imgur.com/7ojDQ.jpg



Strut bar acquired – made turn in sharper
http://i.imgur.com/ikaTu.jpg



Then came some more JDM stuff – Euro r Grille
http://i.imgur.com/zVPRX.jpg



Type-S badging because I didn’t want Euro-R on the car. Flame away if you want.
http://i.imgur.com/IMWch.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/YFHYe.jpg



Then after months of searching and tracking down, I found a Euro-r front lip, euro-r rear lip and OEM sport side skirts. Of course, none of these were ever made in my colour from Honda so off to get resprayed!
http://i.imgur.com/bqstgl.jpg



YAY Finally installed after months of shipping and waiting and waiting and painting and waiting...
http://i.imgur.com/xaki8.jpg
 

Then time for an exhaust system to fill out the rear lip ;) Not too loud, not too quiet..
http://i.imgur.com/1VspS.jpg


Exhaust + lip kit :D and yes, I know the car is in dire need of more lows.
http://i.imgur.com/TS0iH.jpg



Here is a couple of shots my mate took at Deakin Uni. Thanks Bennet and Sem.
http://i.imgur.com/Rkg83.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/B3Dae.jpg


Stock shifter on the left, Mugen short shifter on the right. Nice solid changes.
http://i.imgur.com/ElbMl.jpg


Then my mate had the unfortunate experience of hydrolocking his euro with and Injen CAI and a big puddle. I ended up ‘borrowing’ his silver interior inserts as I always hated the woodgrain look.
http://i.imgur.com/xIrK0.jpg


JDM red rocker cover and silver spark plug cover.. At least 20kw right there!
http://i.imgur.com/JTu6W.jpg


Then it was time to replace the old top speed ebay headers with something that had a bit more bang.
http://i.imgur.com/kI6vZ.jpg


Then it was time for a retune with the new headers 143.9kw atw is a very nice figue... It was also around this time moar lows was acquired; +1 for adjustable coilovers!
http://i.imgur.com/yZEET.jpg


Here are some sweet shots my mate took at a random car wash. Thanks Chris!
http://i.imgur.com/RQPv1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZzXpO.jpg


Then CL1 EuroR Recaro’s with CL9 rails acquired... They match the cream interior really well!
http://i.imgur.com/55BA2l.jpg


From inside... My god they are comfy.. Even better than the leather seats!
http://i.imgur.com/eynQMl.jpg







And finally, how the car stands and looks as of a couple of days ago... Thanks to Sem and Simon

http://i.imgur.com/1dkBS.jpg




http://i.imgur.com/73P0i.jpg





So that’s basically what I’ve done to my car over the last few years. Feel free to pick my brain about any of this! If I don’t know the answer.. I’m sure someone else does. :P

sex :) certainly can't wait for a melbourne meet :)

holy fuark that looks so good compared to how it originally did!

Love your short build very much!

and 122 kW atw is sweet!

actually 143.9kw :p

whoops my bad. 143 is nuts!

niceee... love the seats

yeah just realized your euro must be a luxury... so does that mean no more seat warmers :P

Stock manual makes 110kw atw there abouts, so you've gained about 33kw. Niiiiiice

The $10000 dollar question is... Are you running with a test pipe atm? If so avoid cops like plague lol

Sweet build dude,

Really like the right up as well, heaps of progress pics +1 rep!

The 33kw gain was all due to the red valve cover! Lol.

Love it!

Do you go to deakin if so checking out the car park everyday for it man where did you get it tuned did u loose vsa and cruise and can you control vtc oh so many questions I'm so excited

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DA9B18C

Sweet build dude,

Really like the right up as well, heaps of progress pics +1 rep!

The 33kw gain was all due to the red valve cover! Lol.

Love it!

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I beg to differ, it was the ozhonda sticker

Quote:

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Originally Posted by curtis265

I beg to differ, it was the ozhonda sticker

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It's the WP-R header, it + testpipe is something like 25-30hp.

nice ride man, the seats look a little funny in there but they are bomb regardless!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MingZai

sex :) certainly can't wait for a melbourne meet :)

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Thanks man! There hasn't been a meet for a while, I'll organise something as soon as the weather is a bit more consistent.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by curtis265

whoops my bad. 143 is nuts!

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Haha, thanks 143kw atw is great, but it's the torque that's really usable on a day to day basis. It pulls nice in every gear.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rein

niceee... love the seats

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Thanks Rein, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to keep them though. I need some money to fund my track project ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MingZai

yeah just realized your euro must be a luxury... so does that mean no more seat warmers :P

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No seat warmers, no electronic adjustment, no airbags. But they are fantasic. They are amazingly comfortable and hug really nice around corners. 100% worth the sacrifice!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fredoops

Stock manual makes 110kw atw there abouts, so you've gained about 33kw. Niiiiiice
Thanks! I never dyno'ed the car when it was completely stock :( Kinda wish I had now!

The $10000 dollar question is... Are you running with a test pipe atm? If so avoid cops like plague lol

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I avoid the cops like the plague because nothing on my car is legal as a P-plater in Victoria :( But I am running the 250cell high flow fastline cat from my original header setup. No way I'm gonna risk it for 5kw atw maximum!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DA9B18C

Sweet build dude,

Really like the right up as well, heaps of progress pics +1 rep!

The 33kw gain was all due to the red valve cover! Lol.

Love it!

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I'm 100% sure I could gain another 30kw with a spoon valve cover haha! Thanks for the rep man, but really this thread is for people to ask those questions that took me months of research and mistakes to figure out! I was going to write all my experiences up, but it would end up being 10,000 words :( I wouldn't even read that!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marquee

Do you go to deakin if so checking out the car park everyday for it man where did you get it tuned did u loose vsa and cruise and can you control vtc oh so many questions I'm so excited

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Haha, ask away! I'm at Monash Clayton, so unfortunately you won't see the car at Deakin very often. I got the car tuned first at 'Chasers Motorworks' in West Melbourne, and Paul the tuner was pretty good (and well priced), but I got the vibe that they weren't really interested in a 4cyl NA Honda (just my opinion). The second time I got the car tuned at 'REVZONE' in Ringwood and they seemed a bit more interested in the car, but were also a lot more pricey.

I haven't lost any functionality at all. Cruse control still works, same as VSA. The ECU is just a piggyback so it can't control VTC. This was annoying because the 6,000rpm VTEC engagement point cannot be dropped without VTC control. Well, to be more precise, it can be dropped but you will lose power from whatever the new VTEC point is to 6,000rpm when the VTC will come in as normal. Does that make sense?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fredoops

It's the WP-R header, it + testpipe is something like 25-30hp.

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No Testpipe, but the gains from the header were really good. It's not a turbo, but it's very smooth through the rev range. :)

Didn't you get the testpipe welded with a hi-flow cat?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by npcan2

I haven't lost any functionality at all. Cruse control still works, same as VSA. The ECU is just a piggyback so it can't control VTC. This was annoying because the 6,000rpm VTEC engagement point cannot be dropped without VTC control. Well, to be more precise, it can be dropped but you will lose power from whatever the new VTEC point is to 6,000rpm when the VTC will come in as normal. Does that make sense?


No Testpipe, but the gains from the header were really good. It's not a turbo, but it's very smooth through the rev range. :)

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Only hondata reflash can drop VTEC w/o all the above mod-cons or losing cruise/VSA, piggy back effectiveness is hampered by the Drive-by-wire setup Euro's got :-(

So for Australia J-tune has monoply (they at Ringwood I think), else you can risk getting a Hondata reflashed TSX ECU, swap it out, then swap out 2 valve purges (1 in engine bay, 1 in fuel tank) to make the car EURO 4 emmission instead of Euro 5... to get rid of the CEL's (in theory)

Great build, love the pics! (particularly that very last one ;P)

nice euro :) how much do you reckon you've spent all up on engine mods and tuning?

nice car, looks great!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MingZai

Didn't you get the testpipe welded with a hi-flow cat?

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I welded the cat section of the fastline cat (bulbous section) into the centre of the test pipe.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fredoops

Only hondata reflash can drop VTEC w/o all the above mod-cons or losing cruise/VSA, piggy back effectiveness is hampered by the Drive-by-wire setup Euro's got :-(

So for Australia J-tune has monoply (they at Ringwood I think), else you can risk getting a Hondata reflashed TSX ECU, swap it out, then swap out 2 valve purges (1 in engine bay, 1 in fuel tank) to make the car EURO 4 emmission instead of Euro 5... to get rid of the CEL's (in theory)

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Correct! Hence why I just settled for a piggyback. And it makes pretty good gains too!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jzx_andy

nice euro :) how much do you reckon you've spent all up on engine mods and tuning?

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Injen CAI - $390.00
Weapon R Headers + Fastline cat + welding + install - $1241.50
Haltech Platinum interceptor + install + tuning twice - $1300.00
Fujitsubo Legalis R + Shipping from USA + install - $1300

Total: 4231.50 or $100/kwatw lol!

Please note that all the parts I bought were brand new.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by d_evilz

nice car, looks great!

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Thx man!

Impressive dyno result. I didnt expect the gains to be thaaat great when switching from your topspeed to the weapon-R's. Was it repeatable? :p

Your car looks great man! Especially now that you've lowered it a bit more.
Any plans to paint the chrome grille trim, it would look heaps bettter imo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by snYpz

Impressive dyno result. I didnt expect the gains to be thaaat great when switching from your topspeed to the weapon-R's. Was it repeatable? :p

Your car looks great man! Especially now that you've lowered it a bit more.
Any plans to paint the chrome grille trim, it would look heaps bettter imo

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Ahh very good point! The car only made an extra 5.9kw (peak) with just the weapon-R header. However, the header was much more friendly to tuning with the piggy back ECU. The dyno was done on an 18degree day and I haven't dyno'ed it since, but i'm assuming the results will be similar.

I have no plans to paint the chrome grille. I like the unique look that it gives the car. I have done a photoshop of what it would look like, and it is more aggressive, but IMO it just looks weird having a piece on the bonnet that has obviously been sprayed.
Thanks for the complements :)

are your airbag lights still on?

Goregous looking Euro,but the seats are not really my cup of tea....

With the Euro R seats whole cool is the thigh/leg rests.
mate has these in his gen2 crx
http://www.redpepperracing.com/galle...2/pics+010.jpg

http://www.redpepperracing.com/galle...3/pics+011.jpg

http://www.redpepperracing.com/galle...2/pics+005.jpg

have u thought about changing the intake manifold?
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...EDIT3Large.jpg

From what I gather from a project done by Hondata themselves, with just bolt-ons, VTC to 45 degrees, K-pro tune and RBC IM, the gains were negligible and were mainly close to the higher RPMs.
You might benefit though if you did cams and some cam timing.

On redbook, it says the cl9 has 140kw, does that mean you only gained 9.3kw? is that a lot?

yeah...im not the best when it comes to cars...

Redbook shows power output from the crank you lose power as it gets transfered to the wheels euros have about 105 atw

where does it all (the power) go???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by h17am

where does it all (the power) go???

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Everywhere. Drivetrain, transmission, sound, heat all sorts of energy transfer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by antony

Goregous looking Euro,but the seats are not really my cup of tea....

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Thanks man! I suppose everyone has there own tastes. Otherwise we'd all be driving around with stock cars! haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Snoop_gee

have u thought about changing the intake manifold?
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...EDIT3Large.jpg

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I looked into it, but as snYpz stated, the gains probably arn't worth it; especially as i'm only running a piggyback ecu.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fredoops

Everywhere. Drivetrain, transmission, sound, heat all sorts of energy transfer.

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Correct! And remember that a rear wheel drive car looses even more power at there is more energy loss than a front wheel drive car.

I saw your car coming down the hill yesterday afternoon near the Police Academy .... reversed out on to the street and sped down the hill, watch out for those school kids though lol!

You've done an awesome job!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EURO1dr

I saw your car coming down the hill yesterday afternoon near the Police Academy .... reversed out on to the street and sped down the hill, watch out for those school kids though lol!

You've done an awesome job!

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Haha! I was hoping that wasn't too obvious :o
Were you in the black euro?

Very observant! Yes, 03 black Euro, stock standard except for the number plate! Having said that, just bought me-self a set of Eibach Pro Kit springs for AUD485.00 from Eibach Direct shipping inclusive and thinking of replacing the shocks with Koni Yellow i.e. AUD1,250.00 fitted and aligned. AUD1,735.00 all up. I know you've opted for coil overs for adjustable heights! Not sure about whether I would need the camper kit though! Thoughts?

You can buy eibach and konis for 800 shipped from the states

Can't you get a set of Gab coilovers for that price?

Obviously I have not done enough research on the net. The sites I have been to re: Eibach prokit shipped from US works out to be around 400++ mark. Haven't done any research on the Koni's yellow yet. Anyone know the part no for the Koni to be CL9s?

@Marquee, could you please let me know the site/s that you went on thanks.

You can get a Neuspeed super cup kit for $684+ shipping from USA (via heeltoeauto)
It's got a set of neuspeed spring set and koni yellow shocks.
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/Neuspeed-...-pr-63317.html

Or
You can get HT spec Coilovers for $600 + shipping (height adjustable only, +300 for firmness adjustable)
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/HT-Spec-V...-pr-65923.html

@Fredoops, thanks for the links.

Theres a discount code for that site too I have.

^ tsxrocks ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by snYpz

^ tsxrocks ;)

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which gives you more discount than "ozhonda" :-)

Nice car!
Just wondering where you got your EuroR pedals from? i cant seem to find them!! also interested in which site you bought your exhaust from aswell and where to get it fitted.
Thanks :)

I have bought most of my parts from heeltoe. They are the cheapest place for 90% of products, and they have never done wrong by me.
The euro r pedals are from heeltoe as well as the fujitsubo exhaust.

I highly recommend coilovers, as the height and damper adjustability means that you'll never outgrow your suspension. Try and find a set of second hand Buddyclub N+ around.. They usually go for around 800-900, and they have the quality to last! :)

npcannnnn melb meeet !!!

Sent u a pm man.. heeltoe is goodbtw

Melbourne meet! When? Name a date! I'm keen!

Hey man just wanted to ask you, if custom welding an aftermarket cat onto the weapon r will diminish the weapon r's gains?? Because I am quite worried about running a test pipe, where they are pretty strict. Im currently deciding on either Comptech header with RT cat....which will rattle like crazy (I have an Auto) or the Weapon R with custom cat welding. One more question is, will doing the custom cat weld to the weapon r give me lots of hassle in terms of installation (O2 sensor etc etc...)Thank you very much for your help!!!

this sunday npcan2!! go checkout the meet page..

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday

Great project and write up mate :) exactly what I want to do. Nice mods and nothing too extreme.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MingZai

this sunday npcan2!! go checkout the meet page..

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...th-Aug.-Sunday

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Sorry I haven't been on, I'll answer all questions tomorrow. I can't believe I can't make the meet today, I'm on my way to paintballing for a mates 21st
Sorry for being brief

nice build!! You have motivated me more to start my build. Just need some CashMoney $$ =[

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Razer

Hey man just wanted to ask you, if custom welding an aftermarket cat onto the weapon r will diminish the weapon r's gains?? Because I am quite worried about running a test pipe, where they are pretty strict. Im currently deciding on either Comptech header with RT cat....which will rattle like crazy (I have an Auto) or the Weapon R with custom cat welding. One more question is, will doing the custom cat weld to the weapon r give me lots of hassle in terms of installation (O2 sensor etc etc...)Thank you very much for your help!!!

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Welding in the cat with diminish the gains slightly (a few kw), but I don't think the risk of being caught without a cat is worth the gains. I can't comment of the comptech header, but from what i've heard the Weapon R header does produce better gains. The custom welding and install only cost $250 here in melbourne. The primary O2 sensor needs to be rotated 180degrees, which works out well when welding in a cat, because the test pipe needs to be cut anyway.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by richard_k

Great project and write up mate :) exactly what I want to do. Nice mods and nothing too extreme.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD using Tapatalk

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Thanks man! I highly recommend my setup

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TTonYy

nice build!! You have motivated me more to start my build. Just need some CashMoney $$ =[

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Cheers mate, keep saving! It's worth it. :)

I can't believe I'm saying this... I'm selling the Euro.
I have the opportunity to upgrade to the car I've always wanted (it's a secret).

I'm still deciding on whether I'm going to part out or sell the car as is. This is a sad and happy day. :|

I'm still happy to answer all questions! Learn from someone who has gone though all the research before!

Part out shot gun your headunit

shotgunexhaust:P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marquee

Part out shot gun your headunit

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I don't have an aftermarket headunit, sorry bud.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by longers

shotgunexhaust:P

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Will the exhaust fit your car?

I want the stock one lol mines got no lights is yours navi?

I'll take it even if it isn't

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marquee

I want the stock one lol mines got no lights is yours navi?

I'll take it even if it isn't

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Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm only parting our after market stuff. The head unit is being sold with the car.
Speak to these guys (http://www.hondworld.com.au/) about getting a new stock headunit. I was there the other day and saw one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by npcan2

Will the exhaust fit your car?

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yeap!, just need to cut/extend a little. did it once before with a system that came off the euro.

Shotgun Weapon R Header + Test Pipe / CAT setup, Recaros!

And sway bar what brand if removing that ill take it too

think it's either cusco or whiteline

He has a Whiteline RSB and Cusco front strut :)

Lip Kit ? if your parting it out ?

Whoah! Please don't PM me anymore! Haha, my inbox is full!
Just msg me on my mobile.

OK, it's official! I WILL be parting the car out.
This is not a for sale thread, but here is the list of parts available. I will pull the parts off within the next week or so.

Injen Cold Air Intake
Haltech Platinum Interceptor + current tune at 143.9kw atw
Racingbrake HP Slotted Rotors + Racingbrake ET500 Pads (plenty of meat left)
Whiteline Rear Sway Bar
Cusco Front Strut Bar
FN2 Civic Type R Wheels + Yokohama A-Drive R1 tyres (70% tread left)
Euro R Rear Lip
Euro R Grille
Front and Rear Type-S Badges
07 Euro Steering Wheel
Mugen Short Shifter

Please feel free to ask me any questions about anything I have done to the car. This thread is still intended to help people!

lol is it worth the effort to rip the grill out to sell it? :-P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fredoops

lol is it worth the effort to rip the grill out to sell it? :-P

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Lol! It won't take that long to put back to stock, and tbh it's worth quite a bit!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OEM-Honda...item563fb7b557

Quote:

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Originally Posted by npcan2

Lol! It won't take that long to put back to stock, and tbh it's worth quite a bit!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OEM-Honda...item563fb7b557

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I saw the installation manual for a replacement grill once.

Needless to say that went in the "too hard' basket.
I have a urge to hammer and liquid nail shit together if it start to piss me off. hence.....

HAHA! It's not that bad, maybe 30mins of toying around?

Parts all for sale! Please see my for sale thread in my signature :)

Is it hard to change the steeering wheel?

very simple un screw and screw!

^^^ Correct! I have the instructions for it too. Its literately 6 screws and 2 plugs!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by npcan2

Then came some more JDM stuff – Euro r Grille
http://i.imgur.com/zVPRX.jpg



 

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where did u get the grill from..dood?!!?

Sweet transformation!
how did you dump it - just adjustable coilovers?

awesome info! helped me alot with choices!
ran it down the 1/4 mile yet?