Modified Customer Cars: David’s Honda Civic Type R EK9

Author: Sophie Cloud

Created On: Tuesday 12 June 18 Updated On: Sunday 26 May 24

Did someone say, 'fully forged engine'? Yes, they did... check out David's highly modified Honda Civic Type R EK9.

We're super thrilled to have David and his car on cover with us. Not only is the car a legend in the performance world, it's also undergone an impressive transformation over the 6 years David's owned it. This transformation, which involved a list of modifications, really sets it aside from the rest!

Let's give you an overview of what we mean by that...

Modifications on David's Honda Civic Type R EK9

David's modified Honda Civic Type R - EK9 is a 1997 model. It's currently running between 350-400bhp and has had extensive modification work - particularly under the bonnet!

Fully Forged b18c4 Engine with TD05 turbo
Safety Devices Half Cafe (rear)
2 x Bride Zeta III Red Bucket Seats
Black Takata 3-point harnesses
Nardi Red stitched suede steering wheel
Carbon Fibre bonnet and front wings
Work Wheels Meister S1 2 piece, Matte Gunmetal with Polished lip
Meister R coilover
4 Pot WillWood midlite front brakes

Engine Specification

CP pistons 81.5mm
Manley Rods H-Beam
Kingrace Bearings Crank and Rod Bearings
Arpbolts Main, head studs and flywheel
Brian Crower Valve Springs and Retainers (steel), Stage 2 camshafts (turbo) which adjustable cam gears
Skunk2 Pro Series intake with 70mm Pro throttle body
Injector Dynamics 1000cc
Advanced Clutch Technology Prolite Flywheel
Action Clutch Stage 4 cerametallic kit
Walbro High pressure fuel pump
Gates Racing Timing Belt
Racetech Manifold
td05 Turbo
Hondata S300 ECU
AEM Oil Pressure and Wideband Gauge
Turbosmart BOV

Q&A with David

"The reason behind why I decided to turbo the car was, 5 years ago, my best friend passed away. The week before he did, I said to him that I wanted to turbo it. I kept that promise! The car was built in his memory - I did it for both of us!"

Why did you buy your Honda Civic Type R EK9?

"It was always the car I drove in video games as child. As a result, I always wanted to actually own one - so now I do."

What’s been your favourite car to drive, and why?

"Camaro SS, without a doubt. There was something about it, maybe the fact that you know they aren't supposed to be too good on corners so when you got to one that feeling of being on "the edge" was enthralling."

Would you take your car on a track?

"Sadly, I've not had the opportunity to get it to a track yet but hopefully soon I will. Of course, the Nurburgring is the ultimate goal."

What would be your dream car?

"Lexus LFA."

What’s your favourite type of motorsport, and why?

"Formula 1. I love the way it pushes the boundaries of Motorsport innovation. The engineering in every aspect of the cars is fascinating."

What have you learnt about modifying a car?

"If you are doing it, do it once and do it properly. Don't try and cut corners and save money. In the end, it's an expensive hobby. In my opinion, it's best not to set a budget. When it's done properly you can enjoy it! You can take comfort in knowing the work has been done not only well, but safely too."

What advice would you give to someone who wants to modify a car for the first time?

"Do your research! I can't stress this enough! You've got to be willing to learn and listen to advice from others. You must also be willing to test and question the status quo where applicable. At the end of the day, it's your car, there's nothing wrong with making it an extension of you and your personality."

How has your experience with Safely Insured been?

"Overall, very good, very positive. I've never had any issues with any of the modifications and they continue to provide a respectable price for me."

We would like to say thanks to David for taking the time to talk with us about his Honda Civic Type R EK9 and his passion for all things car related - a true car enthusiast!

Insurance for a Modified Honda Civic Type R

A Honda Civic Type R is a performance version of the standard Honda Civic. Not only does it contain more power, it's appearance is also slightly different.

As such, standard car insurance providers may not cover this type of car. You may want to research a modified car insurance policy, or a performance car insurance policy. If you've added modifications to the car too, just like David, you'll want to enquire about a modified car insurance policy.

At Safely Insured, we're a specialist insurer that believes car enthusiasts take great care of their cars. As such, we offer great cover within our Modified Car Insurance policy. Not only do we do 'Agreed Valuations', we can also offer 'like-for-like modifications cover' too.

For more information, just visit the Modified Car Insurance webpage on the Safely Insured website.

*views expressed within the Q&A section are those of David, a customer of Safely Insured.