1998 Honda Civic EK - North By Northwest

After carrying over his monster turbo engine and tranny, Barbu transferred over his Silk Road Section coilovers. Eight position adjustable inverted monotube type shock absorbers with separate adjustments for height and preload, as well as pillowball upper mounts, these coil-overs weren't going anywhere but on to this hatchback. Up front rests a Mugen upper tower bar, and helping the car rotate is a Suspension Techniques sway bar set. Simple and effective, proving that Honda Civics don't really require all that much work to truly perform. The braking system, however, had to be upgraded, since two discs and two drums don't really keep up with 573 wheel hp. Keeping away from the costs associated with big brake kits, Barbu assembled his own upgraded braking system using Integra GS-R hubs, Integra Type-R front calipers, 11-inch Honda Prelude rotors re-drilled to fit the 4x100 bolt pattern, and a rear 1999 Civic SI disc brake conversion. Covering those brakes are 16x7 Rays Engineering United Arrows S-05 Eurostar wheels covered in 205/40/16 Falken Azenis RT-615 tires.

Going into this EK knowing full well that he was going to attempt the NHRA drag ranks, Barbu kept the rulebook close at hand when it came to the interior. A six-point rollbar was welded in by Wayde Segawa of Intec racing, and the cockpit consists of Sparco Sprint seats with 3-inch five-point harnesses. Autometer gauges and APEXi tuning tools remain the only other interior modifications, that is if you don't count the painstakingly custom wired 1999 Civic Si power windows and door locks. There is no huge stereo system, no TV's, and no neons. That's not what this car is about. The exterior modifications only consist of a carbon-fiber lip, hood, side mirrors, and a Type-R style spoiler. No big body kit, no multi-layered paint, and no chrome. Remember, this Civic is only about going fast, and it doesn't need any distractions to make it stray from its central mission.

Streamlined and purpose built, this Civic hatchback remains as the proof of one man's determination to assemble the car that he really wanted. Luckily supported by the soon to be Mrs. Barbu, Stefan Barbu had been seeking speed and power. With some elbow grease and a big turbocharger, this Seattle area native has reached his goal 573 times over. If only we were all so dedicated to our causes. The world would be a better place, and if not, at least it would be a whole lot faster.

Behind the Build
Name: Stefan Barbu
Age: 29
Hometown: Auburn, Washington
Occupation: Aircraft Technician
Hobbies: Hmm... cars.
Build Time: About 1 year
Feedback: stefan525@yahoo.com

By Joey Leh

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