2006 Honda Civic - the 8th Generation

The Eighth Generation seems to be growing in numbers - maybe it's just me paying more attention to these new Hondas.

The ride looks fairly impressive, with the 1.8 and 2.0 i-Vtec engines. On its own, the car looks fairly aggressive, but with a customized Mugen Kit and some exhaust and cosmetic mods, looks like we're ready to take this car into mod-zone.

One thing I couldn't quite figure out was Singapore distributor Kah's decision to bring in the 1.6l version. Was it to compete with the Sylphy's and Lancer's out there? Couldn't really be, cos the 1.6 Civvie is almost 20 grand more expensive. With a reduced stroke from the 1.8l powerplant, the car at best seems underpowered.

Of course, the 10 grand reduction from the existing 1.8 model could entice fresh Civic buyers wanting to live the VTec experience.

When funds permit, I'm looking at trying out the 2.0iVtec and live the Honda dream again. Potential mods to consider include -

Stage 1
K&N Cone air filter, Denso Iridium spark plugs, Pivot volt stabilizer with grounding cables, air intake enhancements, E68, Capsule

Stage 2
Hotbits custom headers, Supersprint catback system

Stage 3
HKS F-Con Z, Apexi VAFCII, Apexi NA turbo timer
18 inch prodrive rims with Potenza rubbers,
Coilovers and struct bars/tie bars
Mugen bodykit, internal gauges for vacuum, water temp and air-fuel ratio


Should make this a mean ride. If you've any suggestions, let me know!

Squeezing Out Every Last Ounce from Your Honda VTEC

I sold away my Honda's APEX'i SAFC last week. It's one of the few electronics that I had salvaged before handing her to her new owner.

I used to own a 7th Generation Honda Civic - the ES version. The experts called it a disappointment after the huge success of the EK Type R's and the 160 bhp SiR's. In any case, that was a different time and during the 4 years I had my ride I tried to squeeze every ounce of performance from it that I could afford.

From my first trips to Paya Ubi, then to Woodlands and even Johor Bahru, every new addition to the car was about making it mine, making it unique, and most of all, one of the fastest auto trans ES8's around.

In Tune Up Your Japanese Ride, I talk about how I started with simple spark plug changes and air filter upgrades, to replacing the extractors, the cat converter, and then the backbox. Also then worked on the throttle body and the electronics to produce more hp and torque at the wheels.