So's next step is to retune the engine to get the most out of the turbo. But his next big thrust will be, surprisingly, the Civic's in-car entertainment.
He says he's never seen a well-done, exciting system in an EG hatch.
"Most people just throw a box back there," he gripes. So wants to go balls-out with an elaborate but subtle setup, using color-matched fiberglass work, video-the whole enchilada. We're dreaming of the results already.
Bolts & Washers Eric So's 1992 Civic DX
Propulsion
Go: So aimed for a hearty bump in power when he built his turbocharged GS-R motor to replace the original equipment 1.5-liter offering. Using a stock B18C1 bottom end, So runs ITR cams, Ferrea valves, Crower springs and retainers, and Toda cam gears up top. To lower compression for forced induction, So sandwiched a 3mm gasket in between block and head, taking the extra step to secure the top end with ARP studs. On the intake side, a Skunk2 manifold directs the charge into each port, while on the exhaust side gases exit through an Inline Pro turbo manifold to the turbine side of a T3/T4 Precision turbo-rigged with a TiAL wastegate-and out the downpipe to a 5Zigen exhaust.
IP polished custom plumbing, equipped with a GReddy Type S blow-off valve, guides air to and from the Precision intercooler. Fuel demands of the turbo are met with a Walbro 255-lph pump, RC Engineering 550cc injectors, Inline Pro fuel pressure regulator and rail, and Russell stainless hoses and fuel filter. A Hondata S200-chipped P28 ECU provides the mapping. A Fluidyne radiator and chromed WR reservoir provide coolant, while polished Hasport mounts keep the B18 from rockin' the engine bay. Power goes to the gearbox through a Clutch Masters lightened flywheel and Stage 4 clutch and reaches ground via GS-R driveshafts.
Stance
The EG6 chassis is stiffened with a Cusco front strut tower bar and floats on Tein Super Street Integra-spec coil-overs, which So opted for due to their greater spring rates.
Resistance
Brembo Gran Turismo four-piston front calipers with GT pads bite on cross-drilled 12.9-inch rotors to slow the front wheels, and swapped O.E. GS-R calipers and rotors do the same for the rears. So also carried over the brake booster, master cylinder, and parking brake cables from the GS-R, and outfitted each wheel well with Goodridge stainless brake lines.
Rims & Rubber
The hatch rolls on 17-inch Advan Racing wheels shod in Dunlop SP Sport FM901 rubber, sized 205/45R-17.
Fashion
Outside: So's buddy Chad Alvis in Virginia Beach sprayed the body in DuPont Chromomax pewter, and afterward So pulled the motor and color-matched the engine compartment. He also shaved the antenna and keyholes and then installed JDM self-folding mirrors, a C-West front spoiler and side steps, a Buddy Club 2 rear spoiler, and a VIS carbon-fiber hood, rear duckbill wing and deck lid. Underhood, So dressed up the motor with a chrome valve cover and Spoon reservoir covers.
Inside: An Integra Type R dash replaces the factory original, but in order for the doors to close properly the door panels needed reupholstering to accommodate the new console. The cabin has been further modded with JDM ITR Recaro front buckets, rear bench seat, and center console, Takata harnesses, a MOMO Fighter steering wheel, a Skunk2 shift knob and JDM Civic floor mats.
I.C.E.: So watches flicks in his hatch on the monitor of an Alpine CVA-1005 Mobile Multimedia Station fed by a DVA-5210 DVD player. Pioneer speakers provide sound.