Engine activity is optimized and closely monitored by an ECU reprogrammed by Autolink Motorsports in Temple City, Calif.
Other additions include a C&R radiator with new upper and lower hoses, a Spoon Sports thermostat and Prothane engine mounts. Power is laid to the ground by an Integra Type R transmission paired with an ACT six-puck clutch assembly.Inside, the interior is stripped completely of carpeting and sound deadening material. New seats from an--you guessed it--Integra Type R replace the O.E. front buckets. A Mugen steering wheel, Mugen pedals and a Mugen shift knob facilitate driver input. A JDM SiR gauge cluster and climate controls replace the original factory equipment, and an Electromotive air-fuel meter with pretty colored LEDs resides where the factory radio used to be.
For track days, an MSD three-step launch controller sits just to the left of the shifter assembly, and a four-point chrome-moly roll bar, bent and installed by Mark's Fab Shop in Alta Loma, Calif., is in place should the unthinkable happen.
To date, Rich Trujillo has posted a best quarter-mile run of 13.18 seconds at 102.6 mph. This occurred at Pomona Raceway on M&H slicks. He's also taken a few more awards at the shows, including two more best finish awards and a first place in the Honda Class at the Import Showoff, proving a car without crazy vents, scoops, wings, iridescent paint, video consoles, 19-inch wheels or 3 lbs of vinyl graphics can be appealing to the show crowd. Despite the positive reaction he's received on the show circuit, Trujillo believes it's time to have some real fun with the Civic. His future plans include trying some TCR and SCCA road course events, and possibly executing a B18 engine swap for competition drag racing. Whatever happens, Trujillo deserves respect for putting out such an understated, yet universally appealing, example of a modified Civic. He's performed a public service by giving us a car--a Civic--we can all appreciate.