The Shinkansen is the infamous high-speed bullet train of Japan. The most famous images of the Shinkansen are usually taken as the train rips past the base of Mt. Fuji, along the line connecting Tokyo and Nagoya. With average speeds above 150 mph, and top record speeds north of 250 mph, this form of public transportation demands major respect. But this lightning-quick railway system isn't the only super-fast mode of transportation to come out of Japan. Kevin "Ming" Wai's 1998 Civic hatchback can also lay claim to a little bit of Japanese go-fast engineering. Fast enough to deliver a 12.79 timeslip in the quarter-mile, while still hosting a show-quality list of amenities that make commuting a pleasure. All-motor power, a carefully assembled JDM interior and exterior, and a clean sense of style combine to make this one of the best all-around cars for show and street.
Wai started off with his project the way most car guys do, by finding a neglected beater to love and call his own. Unsatisfied with the soft stock suspension feel, a set of JIC Magic FLT-A2 coilovers were installed at all four corners. The higher spring rates transmit increased force to the EK chassis, so a set of Mugen tower bars and Spoon Sports tie bars were installed front and rear. Comptech anti-sway bars were thrown in front and rear to both accent the new spring rates and tune the behavior of the car. Wai also understood that engine power doesn't mean a thing if you can't get it to the ground effectively. To resolve that end, a set of SSR rear lower control arms reduce unsprung weight and help keep the horses hitting the pavement. Also helping to keep the power down is the Falken Azenis Sport street tire, a very sticky compound that is popular among street class autocrossers, wrapped around beautiful forged 15x6.5-in Mugen MF10 Mirror Face rims courtesy of the guys at jspek.com. The great combination for speed exists here: a lightweight body, good power, and the ability to make it all work effectively. Effective enough to run 12.79 at 105.22 mph in the quarter mile.
With the suspension dialed in, Wai turned to Prodrag Racing to help him get more power under the hood. A 2001 B18C motor out of an Integra GS-R was swapped in, proving there is no replacement for displacement. Wai then sourced TODA Racing engine pieces from AKH Trading, the official North American distributor of TODA parts. A set of TODA Racing Spec C camshafts were installed, with 250 (@ 11.0mm)-295 (@ 12.5mm)-250 (@ 11.0mm) duration for both intake and exhaust, along with the required TODA dual valve spring kit. A set of TODA adjustable cam gears, TODA timing belt, Supertech valves, and Supertech retainers finish up the cam work. Beefing up the internals for expected high-stress work are 13:1 CP pistons hung on Crower rods. Intake work is handled by an Iceman cold air intake system. Exhaust work is handled by a JDM-spec Type-R 4-to-1 header and a Spoon Sports exhaust B-pipe. Engine reliability for all of these parts is handled by a Mugen oil pan, thermostat, and thermostat switch.
For some people, having a fast car is enough, regardless of whether or not said car has carpeting, air conditioning, or windows. Wai wanted the whole package, his own version of the Civic Type-R made unavailable in the United States. A set of genuine JDM red Type-R Recaro seats with Takata harnesses were sourced for the front, along with a set of Integra Type-R rear seats. The interior surfaces also received the full Type-R treatment, becoming covered in Civic Type-R door panels, red carpet, and floor mats. The complete driver experience of interaction has also been changed, receiving a Civic Type-R gauge cluster, steering wheel, and a Spoon Sports shift knob.