‘Give a person a physique equipment, and he’ll look cool for a day. Give him a sheet of uncooked carbon fibre, and he’ll look cool for a lifetime.’
Masato Nitta lives by this philosophy, and he’s constructed a one-piece carbon entrance cowl for his EK9 Honda Civic Kind R to show it. In fact, whereas this historic Japanese proverb makes use of man within the context of humanity; everybody can stay by this philosophy.
On my most up-to-date journey south to the Kansai area of Japan, I deliberate to go and take a look at the native Civic scene in Nara, particularly a tuning store referred to as Actual Firm. Sadly, the day earlier than the shoot, a crew of highway staff descended on the road exterior the store, limiting entry, so we’ll must strive once more one other time.
Not eager to return dwelling with simply one characteristic, I started messaging my native contacts, asking if anybody knew of a attention-grabbing automotive that I may shoot immediately. My good pal Park-san got here to the rescue. He works at Tommykaira, owns two Civics, and is aware of nearly each modified Honda within the Kansai area price understanding.
After just a few “Sorry, I can’t make it” messages from numerous homeowners, Masato-san contacted me to say he would courageous the blizzard and drive throughout the mountains from Nara to Mie prefecture and my location close to Suzuka Circuit. I used to be already frozen by this time, and the lengthy drive dwelling was not wanting enjoyable in any respect, so I warmed up in my rental automotive with the heater on full and waited for Masato-san to reach.
I’ve shot just a few Civics over time, from Pandem-kitted vehicles to hatch-converted sedans, however nothing beats a Kanjo Racer-spec EF, EG or EK sporting a very good livery.
Actual Firm didn’t construct Masato-san’s Civic, however they’re good pals. Nara is only a stone’s throw from Osaka and the legendary Kanjo Loop, the place for many years Civics have raced fiercely on the freeway, outgunning and outsmarting the police alongside the way in which. However we’ll get into the wealthy historical past of that subculture one other time – for now, let’s take a look at Masato-san’s construct…
The livery is, in fact, impressed by Scuderia AlphaTauri F1, who switched to utilizing Honda engines in 2018 (as Toro Rosso) regardless of being an Italian crew. Honda, as an engine provider, is synonymous with F1, so having an F1-themed exterior may be very cool.
The social gathering piece, nevertheless, is the genius carbon fibre entrance finish. Moderately than change the fenders, bonnet and bumper with off-the-shelf components, Masato-san went down the DIY route and made a one-piece carbon entrance cowl in his dwelling storage.
First, Masato-san prepped the floor, sealing up the panel gaps earlier than laying down fibreglass to make a mould. That mould was then used to create the one carbon fibre piece. It doesn’t have to hinge; it’s mild sufficient for Masato-san to simply elevate off and place subsequent to the automotive. I’m certain that will drive any regular particular person mad, however when a ‘race automotive is life,’ it in all probability by no means will get outdated.
Below the carbon cowl is the EK9’s authentic 1.6L DOHC VTEC B16B, now sitting on stiffer Cusco engine mounts and benefiting from a J’s Racing Tsuchinoko Chamber consumption and a ROM-tuned ECU.
The inside is pure Civic road fighter spec, a six-point roll cage performing as chassis reinforcer and each ounce of pointless weight eliminated. Which means no air-con, no cup holders, and undoubtedly no audio system.
The again finish has been strengthened with a tube body beneath the ground pan, all welded up by Masato-san. A tow rope hangs proudly on show, not as an admission of an inevitable breakdown however as a present of readiness to clear the freeway in case of any mishaps. It says, ‘If something ever occurs, I’m ready to flee the police even when my motor is blown.’ Reside by the code, break down by the code.
BuddyClub P1 Racing wheels characteristic in any respect 4 corners, wrapped in Dunlop Direzza V01 ZIII 190/600R15 semi-slicks particularly manufactured for Japan’s Zeta equipment automotive one-make race sequence.
Improved stopping energy comes from a set of NSX entrance brake callipers. Honda components are much more LEGO-like than Subaru components, it appears.
I want I had extra time with Masato-san and his Civic, however I needed to depart him at 10:00pm with a four-hour drive dwelling forward of me. Possibly someday I’ll get to drive a rad little Honda like this round a circuit or the Kanjo Loop itself, however I used to be fairly glad to be driving dwelling in a toasty rental automotive on this ice-cold event.
Toby Thyer
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