Project Civic EF Racecar: Part 1 – Introduction

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A somewhat common issue with B18 and larger swaps into older 4th generation Civics is not having sufficient under hood clearance to be able to close the hood all the way.  As of now, the hood pins are the sole securing measure for the hood.  I'm going to look into a “JDM SiR” Civic replica hood of some sort which has a convex center section as opposed to the concave center of the OE hood.  Also the headlights will be deleted for weight savings and over all simplicity.  If the car eventually sees night endurance race duty, LED lighting will be implemented.
Don’t let the bland and black Integra GSR valve cover fool ya, EF Racecar is Japanese domestic market Type R powered.  The cool red Type R valve cover was replaced by the previous owner for the cheaper GSR cover for the purpose of the breather setup that required AN fittings to be welded to the back side.  Despite the Type R valve cover is more aesthetically pleasing, hacking one up for the breather configuration would’ve been a heartbreaker.
Project EF Racecar came equipped with a AEM cold air intake which is most likely the system I would've chosen.  Despite the radiator hoses being new, they'll most likely be replaced with a performance equivalent of silicone construction.  The HPS hoses on Project 370Z have held up great under track use, so I'll inquire with them about an application for my engine swapped Civic.  The stock exhaust manifold is of a tubular 4 to 1 design and made decent power, but an aftermarket header may be swapped in to help contribute to a wider power band.  Also, the battery will be relocated to the inside of the cabin and replaced with a dry cell unit.
The PWR radiator seems of adequate size and condition as well as the B&M oil cooler core.  I'll be constructing shrouding within the bumper leading to the heat exchangers to maximize efficiency.  I may also look into a oil cooler core and lines from Earl's or CSF to replace the B&M setup for better cooling since both the cores from Earl's and CSF have a more effective fin design. 
The FatHead Fabrication cage is a good starting point and has quality welds.  The doors will be gutted and windows removed as to build more extensive door bars for better driver protection that protrude outward into the door skins.  Rear hatch glass, despite being in great condition, will also be removed for a lighter weight, Lexan style alternative.

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