,
During baseline testing, we managed to click off a 2:21.56 lap time before the head gasket let go. 
When we returned to Button Willow, we would yield an improvement of over ten seconds off that time with a new lap time of 2:11.04. Honestly, we were expecting more and believe that there’s still a few seconds to easily be shaved. Our original testing had been conducted on a beautiful open test day with temperatures in the low 70’s. Whereas our second test day was conducted on a brutal 95 degree day with HDPE traffic making a clean lap hard to come by.
A significant improvement in lateral grip was evident in the data logs. The data logs showed peak G forces at 1-1.25 Gs on right turns whereas recorded peak forces during baseline testing were all well under 1 G. Amazing what some well thought out mods can do when paired with a consistent set of tires like the NItto NT01s.
It's often said that project cars are never really finished. I can't recall ever having one of my buddies say, “I'm done, this car is perfect the way it is.” In fact, till this day, I still find myself ocassionally wrenching on the B12 Sentra I've owned for over 27 years. Having owned Project Honda Civic EJ since she was 16, Annie Sam has poured thousands of hours into bringing it to where it is today.. I've put in my fair share of hours over the last decade and a half as well… And the project is still not “done!” In this case though, its owners are. It's time for both Annie and I to move on to other things like our first child and maybe that Lotus we've always wanted.
Don't fret though, we've left Project Civic EJ in the good hands of Joe Lu whose supported the project over the years through photography as well as busted knuckles. With Joe being a Honda purist, we look forward to seeing the future modifications he has in store.
As always, stay tuned.
