The Best of 2018- Project EP3 Civic Si: Why the Suspension Sucks and How to Fix It!
For the Holidays, we take a look back at some of our most popular stores and videos of this year!
Since us MotoIQ nerds have a heightened perception of what is “an acceptable” level of handling in a car, we realize that we bit off quite a bit to chew with (arguably) Honda’s worst handling Civic- the EP3 generation. What have we done to correct it and did it work? Watch to find out, with MotoIQ’s chassis engineer, Mike Kojima, and test driver, Karla Pestotnik!
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21 comments
Would DC5 Type R control arms be beneficial in reducing bump steer and the other issues plaguing this car?
No they would not.
What alignment would you recommend?
It’s in the video and here in the articles. https://motoiq.com/category/projects/honda/civic-si-ep3/
I have been following your build with my own little blue EP3. I just most of all the geometry correcting suspension parts that you did and my car is transformed! Thanks for doing this project I keep checking back on this site every day for more EP3 updates!
Here is my build below. I have converted to K-Pro and E85 fuel along with some other things.
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/everyday-driver-honda-ep3-civic-si/140042/page1/
I swapped my motor and have a 6-speed LSD transmission! I beat you, Mike!
Thought that this project looked interesting. Unfortunately several of the important parts are no longer available, like the steering box slider or the Fortune Auto coil overs. do you have any suggestions for replacing these parts?
The slider is available, we just got another one for another project. Feals is a good alternative for the coilovers and I belive KW makes some too.
Hi Mike, wow loved your EP3 project and all of these great videos! I am a proud EP3 owner, 2004 model I bought brand new and have maintained ever since. It may not be the zippiest race car, but it’s been very reliable and durable. 153K right now. Any advice for purchasing off-the-shelf suspension parts online and having a shop do the work? Northern VA. I was able to replace the VTEC solenoid, the brakes and rotors by myself, but I’m an amateur who would love to have a garage and learn more.
I would read these articles and you can order the parts from the suppliers listed in them!
https://motoiq.com/category/projects/honda/civic-si-ep3/
QUESTION for special? Whiteline bushings? PLEASE advise. Re: EP3 suspension project. I have read the material numerous times and referenced suppliers list. Referencing the 30:41 youtube video, advancing to 12:02 time, what are the “bushing part numbers” for 12:06 (2 items) , and 12:08 (4 items) ?
Yikes, holding up the project.
Can’t find those bushings at Whiteline?
Mike Kojima and team, we ALL worship your support to help EP3 enthusiasts !
I’m doing most of this build. Super Excited ! “After 8 years, “Much needed NEW life for my EP3.”
Extremely Grateful David D
The picture at 12:08 (4pc) is the incorrect picture. 12:08 is showing the rear lateral arm bushing shown being installed on this page https://motoiq.com/project-ep3-civic-si-suspension-upgrades-with-whiteline/5/
What you want for the front control arm are these 2 parts
https://whitelineperformance.com/products/w53412-bushing-kit
https://whitelineperformance.com/products/kca424-bushing-kit
what type of front strut support bar you have installed in the EP3. it looks better than what’s out there.
i looked everywhere and cant find one that fits the EP3 that well and is as hefty.
Please read the article!
Whiteline no longer has sway bars for EM3 Do you know of a shop in SF bay area that you might recommend?
They are special order or failing that, try The Progress Group.
We need more of this project, please Mike!!!
Would coilovers that have a spring rate separate from ride height affect ride quality ?
Somewhat as ride eight is not dependent on preload. Not as much as you would think.
Thank you for replying. I’ve been looking at the ep3 and seeing if it’s possible to make it better than golden age civics or integra but become disheartened from its front suspension and it’s weight. Although I love how my ep3 looks, the shifter placement, etc, I’ve been rethinking the project and going for a ek9
would these suspension ideas translate over to a 2nd Gen (or any gen) Honda Fit?
thanks,
rick