My Honda Civic EM1 Suggestions?

Hi,

Here are some photo's of my EM1

I was just wondering whether someone could give me advice (without spending too much money) in regards to

1. What brakes I should upgrade to? - I find that my current brakes are almost at it's life. Something I wish to eliminate or reduce is brake dust sticking to my rims. I almost have to clean my rims every 2nd day, otherwise it goes brown.

2. What rims I should get? - I like those rims that have that bowl or dish or whatever you call it around the edge and how the spokes actually go into the rim if you know what I mean. I was considering Rota Slipstreams?

3. Whether or not it's worth putting a Stage 1 OR a Stage 2 turbo? - Considering all the other extra's that will need to be upgraded as a result?


Please be considerate in your suggestions, I'm semi new to all this modifying stuff.

Thanks guys!

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

Hi,

Here are some photo's of my EM1

I was just wondering whether someone could give me advice (without spending too much money) in regards to

1. What brakes I should upgrade to? - I find that my current brakes are almost at it's life. Something I wish to eliminate or reduce is brake dust sticking to my rims. I almost have to clean my rims every 2nd day, otherwise it goes brown.

unless you're doing some serious track work go oem in terms of pads I have little issues with dust or ebc red stuff

2. What rims I should get? - I like those rims that have that bowl or dish or whatever you call it around the edge and how the spokes actually go into the rim if you know what I mean. I was considering Rota Slipstreams?

rotas are nice as, also sus out sportmax's :)

3. Whether or not it's worth putting a Stage 1 OR a Stage 2 turbo? - Considering all the other extra's that will need to be upgraded as a result?

it's alot of money to be spent if you don't have an idea of what you'd like the end result to be, it will mean changing most of the car for it all to work well (brakes, suspension, clutch etc etc)

Please be considerate in your suggestions, I'm semi new to all this modifying stuff.

Thanks guys!

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:) very tidy car

That's a beaut example of an EM1.
I think you should have a good look around on this forum and sort out what your tastes are then decide later.
As for the Brake Dust, I'd suggest checking the pads before completely upgrading the brake system.
Take the time to learn about reputable rim brands and you'll eventually stumble across a set you really like. Have a look in the appearance/gallery section at the "clean EK's/EM1's" thread. If you see something on a car you like, just ask what brand it/they are.
Just personally I think a clean EM1 is pretty unique, so turbo'ing one wouldn't even come into my mind.

Read my build should help you out alot. Seem to heading down the same track I am

those look like ej8 rear lights :o

Clearly they aren't.

nice car, the posibilities are endless mate. Just comes down to how much you wanna spend :)

What suspension are you running in it?

Oh wow, thanks everyone for your responses. I didn't expect to see replies that quickly.

I guess, I'm willing to spend up to 4k for a Turbo Setup, ECU, tuned and installed (Not sure if that's a realistic ask).

That is a very interesting turbo write up, I'll definitely read up further. Would I need to upgrade any Internals if I put a stage 1 turbo?

I'm sorry that these photo's are relatively old and don't show my suspension. However, I'm currently running Buddy Club N+ Coil-overs with Potenza RE001 Tyre's and my front wheels are sitting flush to the fender (unlike how the pictures shown - using super low king springs).

One other thing I forgot to mention is that the back of my car is getting filled with like exhaust (stuff -black dust) after like 2 days of driving. Does anyone know what this is? And is there anyway to reduce the amount of 'stuff' coming out the back? I like keeping my car clean, and after a couple of days, you can streak your finger accross the back of my car and your fingers would be black...

Thanks heaps all!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

Oh wow, thanks everyone for your responses. I didn't expect to see replies that quickly.

I guess, I'm willing to spend up to 4k for a Turbo Setup, ECU, tuned and installed (Not sure if that's a realistic ask).

That is a very interesting turbo write up, I'll definitely read up further. Would I need to upgrade any Internals if I put a stage 1 turbo?

I'm sorry that these photo's are relatively old and don't show my suspension. However, I'm currently running Buddy Club N+ Coil-overs with Potenza RE001 Tyre's and my front wheels are sitting flush to the fender (unlike how the pictures shown - using super low king springs).

One other thing I forgot to mention is that the back of my car is getting filled with like exhaust (stuff -black dust) after like 2 days of driving. Does anyone know what this is? And is there anyway to reduce the amount of 'stuff' coming out the back? I like keeping my car clean, and after a couple of days, you can streak your finger accross the back of my car and your fingers would be black...

Thanks heaps all!

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the black stuff is normal man with your car, your using VTEC alot right? My car always has heaps of the black soot on the bumper.

N/A is the way I say :)

oh really? so I'm not running too richly or anything like that? Like if i rev my car you can fully see the spray on the floor...

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Originally Posted by banana123

those look like ej8 rear lights :o

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notice the hazards are on which make them glow yellow =P

you have enlightened me

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

oh really? so I'm not running too richly or anything like that? Like if i rev my car you can fully see the spray on the floor...

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just cleaning out all the carbon build up in your exhaust, its normal :thumbsup:

My parents are constantly whinging at me because my car sprays it all over the driveway :cool:

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Originally Posted by jks24

just cleaning out all the carbon build up in your exhaust, its normal :thumbsup:

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Did Leighton tell you that? lol.

lol, I only get some on the bumper and not much at all

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Originally Posted by ~Sp33~

Did Leighton tell you that? lol.

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and a few other people....why??

With the stock exhaust system it was letting out no where near the amount I am now. I have a hi-flow system with a spoon muffler thought might be something to do with that... But maybe not by what you all are saying. Thanks for all your responses. But back to an original question

Will replacing my brake pads reduce brake dust? Cheers.

yea just get some new oem pads from the dealer buddy, bugger all dust

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Originally Posted by jks24

and a few other people....why??

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I've had the carbon deposit discussion with him before.

ive spent abt 710 on my em. i have a JUN bl muffler with a 2.5 inch custom exhaust with Jun BL resonator, kings springs and a K&N air filter. =]

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Originally Posted by kimang

ive spent abt 710 on my em. i have a JUN bl muffler with a 2.5 inch custom exhaust with Jun BL resonator, kings springs and a K&N air filter. =]

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what else you got planned?

I'm also looking at getting rota slipstreams but I want to somehow place a honda cap in the center. Would this be possible? If I go 16 x 7?... Because it seems like the centre nut pokes out so a cap wouldn't sit flush... Please help. thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

1. What brakes I should upgrade to? - I find that my current brakes are almost at it's life. Something I wish to eliminate or reduce is brake dust sticking to my rims. I almost have to clean my rims every 2nd day, otherwise it goes brown.

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GET BLACK RIMS - ALL BRAKE PADS GONNA LEAVE DUST.. the ones that dont leave dust dont stop your car either HAHA. spray your rims when clean with tyre shine and that will act as a film to catch the dust and will be easier to wipe off. OEM (NISSIN) Pads are very good compromise assomeone on here said also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

2. What rims I should get? - I like those rims that have that bowl or dish or whatever you call it around the edge and how the spokes actually go into the rim if you know what I mean. I was considering Rota Slipstreams?

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Rotas aint got dish but they do come in matte black. There's some Sportmaxx '501s' that have a good dish and i've seen em on eBay in black.. cant get em here in that colour though but nothing a can of spray paint wont fix. but these rims will give you other issues with fitment etc. if you get new Rotas they come with gay centre caps.. or you can get Honda ones - just need to find out which models fit. I think DC2-R will fit, CRV will fit (but look crap)..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

3. Whether or not it's worth putting a Stage 1 OR a Stage 2 turbo? - Considering all the other extra's that will need to be upgraded as a result?

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I tend to agree that a nice Clean EM1 should stay N/A but then again i can appreciate the maddness of a B16 witha turbo kit.. Put it this way an EK1 (non-VEC) witha GReddy LPT kit would chop a modded EK4 etc.

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Originally Posted by jks24

what else you got planned?

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not alot.. cos i dont work, so i dont get alot of money. LOL! for now. thats all the mods im gonna do.
the car use to be vuts em1 turbo feature car and yeah..bought it off him. LOL! he is my cousins and i didnt get any freebies off him =="

no wonder it looks familiar.. haha. where u get the rear lip from?

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Originally Posted by kimang

not alot.. cos i dont work, so i dont get alot of money

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first mod - get a job.. modifying cars is very frustrating with no coin !!

i ono where he got he rear lip from. but i can ask.

yeah..need a job. but im ok with the car for now. gf+car= shitload of money. =[

Hey Guys, I'm looking at modifying my steering wheel and was wondering which steering wheels will work with the air bag? I've been told an EK9 will do this but I haven't seen a write up of any sort? Does anyone know whether this is possible?.. or any other alternatives with write-ups.

thanks!

^ EK9 is straight swap in.. and apparently so is the s2000 AP1 steering wheel. And so is the EP3R steering wheel apprently ...

But EK9 is 100% bolt on working.Not sure about the other 2

I guess your referring to a staggered offset wheel..Theres plenty of them available, maybe you can remove the rear wing thats my opinion though :) other then that your cars clean !

Hey. Just wondering whether the airbag will work? I know that the steering wheel will bolt on bit have no idea about airbags. I don't want to die in a car accident.

^yes ek9 steering wheel wif airbag will work.. its all plug and play..

Hey champ. Not to question your knowledge but how sure are you of this? Have you done this yourself? So an EK9 wheel in an EM1? It's just that I have friends telling me that the airbag module is different on audm and won't work. Like it'll fit but airbag won't work? I just don't know what to believe and I guess I want to know before I invest into the steering wheel.

Cheers thanks for your replies so far.

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

Hey champ. Not to question your knowledge but how sure are you of this? Have you done this yourself? So an EK9 wheel in an EM1? It's just that I have friends telling me that the airbag module is different on audm and won't work. Like it'll fit but airbag won't work? I just don't know what to believe and I guess I want to know before I invest into the steering wheel.

Cheers thanks for your replies so far.

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Ek9 steering wheel is straight bolt on to your EM1, many ppl on here have done it before:thumbsup:

The only thing that was different was the little conecter for the horn, easy to wire up though

wat abt a s2k cluster conversion for the em1? how much are ek9 steering wheels going for?

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Originally Posted by kimang

wat abt a s2k cluster conversion for the em1? how much are ek9 steering wheels going for?

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not sure about the s2k cluster conversion, im guessing it would be difficult and very expensive though. Why not just go ek9 cluster?

EK9 Steering wheels from what I see are going from about 350-500 depending on the condition etc etc. They seem to be rare atm though

Oh wow, Thanks heaps! Is there a write up somewhere? I can't seem to find instructions on how to change the steering wheel.

Also, I have an EK9 cluster and it's definitely plug and play, I did it myself - looks mad!

doesnt it look weird with the ctr badging on it?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VTIREM1

Oh wow, Thanks heaps! Is there a write up somewhere? I can't seem to find instructions on how to change the steering wheel.

Also, I have an EK9 cluster and it's definitely plug and play, I did it myself - looks mad!

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Pretty easy disconnect battery
remove airbag
remove steering wheel make sure wheels are straight before you start
fit ek9 wheel them mount the ek9 airbag plug in airbag cord and connect horn wire
you will need a special piece to remove the screws to take out the airbag. Can try a flat head driver first tho if u don't have the special piece to fit the screws
can be done with the flat head driver just make sure you don't strip it

One suggestion that really comes to mind is upgrading the front seats
(bollocks to the rear passengers!).

The stock EM1 seats are absolutely pathetic. I'm sure you will all agree with me. They have so little lateral support, especially for an EM1. They are the worst feature of the stock car IMHO.

When I'm able to, I might invest in some reasonably priced sport seats. I recommend that evey EM1 owner does so as well.

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Originally Posted by Mikecivic78

One suggestion that really comes to mind is upgrading the front seats
(bollocks to the rear passengers!).

The stock EM1 seats are absolutely pathetic. I'm sure you will all agree with me. They have so little lateral support, especially for an EM1. They are the worst feature of the stock car IMHO.

When I'm able to, I might invest in some reasonably priced sport seats. I recommend that evey EM1 owner does so as well.

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Yes they are terrible should of at least used the same seats as an ek4.
Anyway I upgraded to recaros :)

lol, they're better than oem ej8 seats by a long shot, best mod would be ek4 front seats for the money, such a good stock seat :)

Yeah, I'm picking up a set of I think it's the DC2R bucket seats this week. Should be good.

Okay, Just a quick update, I have decided not to go with the turbo. However I've bought SR3 Recaro's and I now have an EK9 CTR Steering Wheel.

Just wondering, I want new rims, was looking at the Rota Slipstreams, but have no idea what colour I should buy? I like bright rims ie. silver or polished grey but I'm finding it hard to decide because I can't find many pictures.

Opinions?

white rims, 15/16" grippy street radials, nice wheel lock nuts, clean up calipers to make wheels stand out even more :)

clean bro. :D

Should start a project build thread for this, with alot of pictures :)

i was gonna go with rota slipstreams, but the cos they are fake copy of spoon. i kinda backed off. but i reckon the car looks sick with stockies n slammed IMO, but cos i live in adelaide the cops always have an eye for me, so im going for the dead stock like a rock look.. but look around and be paitence.. there will be something grab ur attention...

I've been told that my brake pads and brake discs are on their way out. Just wondering what all your suggestions would be in replacing both the discs and brake pads. I've been advised to go DBA slotted rota's with EBC Greenstuff brake pads. Thoughts?

Also, does anyone know the stock brake disc sizes? (front and rear) I have no idea... =S

I shall be posting up pictures soon. I have since changed tyres to Potenza's RE002, Whiteline rear sway bar with subframe brace and lowered it even further with N+ buddy club coilovers.

Sorry to revive this thread, just thought I would ask for opinions =)

like u said go with DBA and EBC as they are pretty cheap and does the job.

if ur car is nothing crazy this should be fine.

Alright, Sorry to revive this thread but I'm actually looking at getting a set of Rota Slipstreams in Silver. Can someone advise me if I go to 16", what is the offset's I can have without the use of a camber kit (keeping in mind of my lowered suspension at the moment)? Would definitely appreciate the help. I was thinking 16x7 +40 offset?

that should be fine. Also depends on the what size tires yoru going to run. I had 16x7 +40 when i had my track rs and i was running 205/45/r16 tires and they were just fine