With the necessary parts in hand, it was less than a couple of months before Hong, along with critical help from seven shops and suppliers and several loyal friends, built something both exciting and, to the best of our knowledge, one of a kind: a Type-R'd Civic coupe.
While Honda does market a Civic Type-R in Japan, it comes only in hatchback form. Practical as they may be, hatchbacks generally can't match the rigidity of coupes due to the gaping hole they have out back. There's also an issue of style here, with the smooth lines of the Civic coupe being easier on most eyes than the somewhat stubby shape of the three-door.
So what's it like to drive this machine? To answer that question, we blasted it through the local back roads to sample its one-of-a-kind dynamics and power.
This Civic positively shrieks. At idle, it already burbles loudly, but, as the revs climb from moderate to high to insane, the sound increases in intensity and pitch. Once your ears adjust to the assault, you begin to notice other things. Like all of the cars that were near you a few moments ago are nowhere to be found. So yes, the Type-R engine works as advertised-and then some.
It's not just the power this engine generates that's impressive, it's the way the revs climb as if you're free revving the engine-almost like it doesn't realize it's hauling around nearly 2,600 pounds of automobile. Contributing to this feeling is the remarkably instantaneous throttle response. Thank the Type-R's feather-light flywheel for that.
The powerplant is no torque monster, but it's eminently driveable, thanks to Honda's sophisticated i-VTEC system, which makes the most of the available torque. Also, the gearing is nearly perfect, and the shifting is perfect. The throws are Miata short, the gates are clearly defined and the feel of the engagement is as positive as it gets.
Besides all of this straight-line prowess, the car possesses excellent manners in the twisties. The steering is precise, the grip is abundant and it has a very nimble and light feel. If you push hard enough, it will understeer, but this is easily corrected by easing up on the go-pedal. The ride quality felt compliant for a car with such serious intent and the Brembos halted repeatedly without breaking a sweat.
If anything needs addressing, it's the steering. With all of that power being routed through the front wheels, it's not shocking that torque steer is an issue. Unfortunately, this problem is exacerbated by a power steering pump that provides way too much assist at higher speeds.
Nevertheless, when you step outside and look at the tastefully enhanced exterior, with its immaculate white paint, striking twin-spoke wheels and iconic red emblems, you have to be impressed. The look is just enough to let you know something special is going on here, without any need to scream about it. After all, the engine does plenty of screaming as it is.
Now that's our type of car.
Bolts & Washers
Jun Hong's 2002 Civic EX
Propulsion
Hong's Civic Type-R clone is built around a stock 2.0-liter JDM Type-R powerplant. The K20A breathes a little easier, thanks to the addition if a cold-air-intake and a 2.5-inch diameter custom exhaust. The K20A's torque is multiplied by a six-speed JDM Integra Type-R transmission, making sure the engine's power is always on-tap.
Rims & Rubber
Aspiring to JDM throughout, the EX rolls on Type-R five lugs wrapped up in 225/45ZR-17 Nitto Gen Tires, helping keep the car firmly-planted to the pavement.
Stance
TEIN Super Street coilovers do their part to make sure the tires stay in contact with the asphalt at all times, while DC5 anti-sway bars, sized 22mm up front and 32mm out back help keep the car neutral.
Resistance
Brembo four-piston calipers squeeze down on JDM DC5 Type-R rotors up front, while JDM Brembos do their part out back to help Hong scrub any unwanted velocity.
Fashion
Clean, smooth and simple: just as it should be.