2003 Honda Civic SI

From 2002 to 2005 Honda seemed to believe that their capitalization on the hot hatch trend was nearing its peak. For 2006, they decided to introduce what was arguably the greatest Civic SI in history. But what does this mean for loyal 02-05 SI owners, and particularly, for Jovito La Victoria, who bought the SI here on the pages of Modified brand spankin’ new back in 2003? That is where the aftermarket swoops in to save the day, but unlike so many poor examples that you may see roaming the streets on a daily basis, Jovi has transformed the EP3 Civic into something that many newer Civic owners can easily appreciate.

When he first arrived on the car show scene towards the early part of this decade, Jovi noticed that many of the cars on display were done either in poor taste or in a completely over the top fashion. But the trend of hot hatches at the time was almost undeniable and certainly appealing to many, including Jovi. Despite outcries from many Civic owners and fans about the “improvements” made to the EP3, Jovi went against the masses and set out to prove that the venerable EP3 could in fact live up to the SI name.

Starting with basic modifications such as an intake and exhaust back in the day, Jovi began to amass knowledge and experience about the EP3 that led him on an eventual path to glory. But it wasn’t always pretty, as Jovi explained, as the car has gone through three major revisions all based around a specific theme. With the first theme centered on a USDM Type R, the Civic was already becoming easier on the eyes, but it wasn’t quite suited to the vision for the car that Jovi had in mind. The second phase was centered around a Buddy Club Racing Spec Aero Kit, which was more in line with the desired visuals but still wasn’t perfect.

The third and current theme is loosely based on the concept of panda styling reminiscent of the AE86 with a bit of Mugen flavor thrown in for good measure. With a visual style that finally suited him well, Jovi then began to add the go to backup the show, starting with a full Greddy turbo kit. The Greddy kit also includes a pre-programmed E-manage, 440cc injectors, and a full intercooler kit for what is essentially the complete package for the K-series motor. Erring on the side of caution, Jovi also added a B&M oil cooler kit and filter relocator, along with a Carbing oil catch can to complete the system. An HKS Ti exhaust helps expel spent exhaust gases while an Airnix filter cleans up on the intake side.

With the car making ample power (approximately 275 whp) Jovi then went to work on the suspension. And while he is still not fully satisfied with the way the car handles, especially when compared to his other car (EVO VIII) Jovi stresses that it is still a work in progress. TEIN Flex coilovers keep the car planted in the corners as a set of Progress sway bars help with body roll. Chassis stiffening comes in the form of a Cusco rear STB along with a complimentary side pillar bar. A Carbing 6-pt underbrace transverses the undercarriage and tightens things up down below while a Robear custom trunk brace adds stiffness to the rear of the car. Nitto Neogen rubber wraps around a set of gorgeous gold Volk GT-N’s while Brembo and AEM provide more than ample stopping power for this Civic.

Although the exterior visuals are what initially catch your eye with this EP3, the interior details are what really set it apart. A full set of Greddy gauges take their place along the A-pillar while a Greddy turbo timer and Profec-B Spec II deal with boost. Bright red Bride low max seats and Takata harnesses keep with the busy JDM theme while custom Bride floor carpeting and headliner are also integrated. Kreative custom rear seats keep those backseat drivers from speaking up while a full ICE setup from the likes of Pioneer, Lightning Audio, Eclipse, and Kicker keep them entertained as well.