In the engine bay, he decided to get even more JDM by making sure all the details weren't added in haste, from the Earl's fittings and brake lines to the custom work, and of course, the motor itself. Built by Ryan, the B18C5 features JUN Type III camshafts, a three-angle valve job, Toda racing valvesprings, and SuperTech retainers. Nothing was left to chance, as Ryan decided to modify everything he could possibly get his hands on. For example, the head modifications include a Mugen high-compression head gasket, SuperTech bronze valve guides, and Golden Eagle head studs. All of which ensure his engine stays stout even under the most heated of pressures. Naturally, one of his major concerns with building a swapped motor was the ECU/fuel management. Ryan fixed it by switching from OBD-11 to an OBD-1 Hondata-converted P28 ECU, making sure all things fuel were good to flow. "The biggest problem was actually trying to figure out the mounting locations for components when I was redoing the engine bay," said Ryan. "I solved the problem by visualizing everything long and hard. I also had to order a lot more Earl's fittings to route lines in different directions."
However, Ryan's project doesn't end there. "I always liked the looks of the Civic. I already knew I wanted one, especially the EK," explained Ryan. "I had parts purchased for the car before I even had the car. I had a vision of what I wanted to do with it, but of course the vision changed as time went on. It will always continue to change." We can only hope his vision for other modifications doesn't steer too much away from what he already has in front of him. To make a Civic this unique amid the seemingly millions of tuned Civics in the country takes a special person. Thankfully, Ryan is modest enough to know the support around him made it possible. "I would really like to thank my parents for the support with a hobby like this," he said. "I'd also like to thank my friends who helped me since I performed almost all of the work myself, from assembling the engine, to installing it, to working on the tranny, suspension, and electronics." All of which is rare in a tuning world where dropping cars off at shops is all too common.
1999 Honda Civic
Behind The Build:Head to the message boards at www.importtuner.com to chat about this feature vehicle
Name: Ryan Der
Age: 24
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Engineer
Hobbies: Road Racing, Wrenching, Driving, Traveling, Photography, And Fishing
Build time: Six Years
Feedback: Ryan.Der@gmail.com
Quote: "I built my car as a hobby, which then became an addiction"
Output: 186 whp @ 8,500 rpm
Engine: Acura Integra Type R B18C5 motor; Jun Type III 12mm intake, 11.5mm exhaust lifts; B&R breather plug; All-Star breather powdercoated magnesium blue; Spoon magnetic drain plugs (oil pan and transmission); three-angle valve job; Supertech black nitride high-comp valves, titanium retainers, bronze valve guides, valve seals; Toda Racing valvesprings, Sport Injection Kit individual throttle bodies, adjustable cam gears; Fujitsubo RM01 cat-back exhaust; Hytech custom small tube headers; Hondata heatshield; Golden Eagle head studs; Blox vacuum manifold; Datum1 VTEC solenoid cover, map sensor, anodized blue cam steal; Visteon C&R DC2 full-core radiator; Billion DC2 radiator hoses; Spal radiator deversion panels; ARC low-temperature thermostat, 1.3 radiator cap; stainless steel radiator overflow tank; GReddy sandwich plate for sensors; Buddy Club water temperature sensor adapter; Racetemp stripes; titanium hose clamps; Hondata ECU; Ultra MDI coil pack system; NGK spark plugs, spark plug wires; RC Engineering 440cc fuel injectors; Aeromotive A1000-6 fuel regulator, fuel filter; Walbro fuel pump; Toda Racing fuel rail; Earl's stainless steel braided oil lines
Drivetrain: Acura Integra Type R transmission; C's shift lever; Exedy clutch; GM Synchromesh transmission fluid