After the engine conversion was completed, the Civic actually rolled around quite unsuspectingly with stock exterior and stock blackout wheels until Cesar was able to source all the parts to completely redo the outside. Before that could be done, it was decided that the suspension needed as much attention as the rest of the car had received. After all, the stance of any Honda speaks volumes for the overall finished product. A set of Zeal B2 fully adjustable coilovers keeps the Civic and the K20A oil pan mere inches off the ground. If you ever have the opportunity to see this car in person, you'll realize that one of its most recognizable features is that it's practically pancaked to the floor. Most would think that it wasn't possible or even remotely intelligent to drive it at that height but Cesar doesn't give it a second thought. Spoon front and rear tower and lower tie bars find their way onto the car for added support of the chassis. To complete the look of the suspension, Cesar decided to mount a mint set of 16x7 Spoon SW388 wheels. The flat black wheels give the car a sense of subtle seriousness and also allow the Spoon Twin-Block brake calipers to stand out even more.
With the motor in place and the suspension complete, Cesar finally decided to install all the exterior pieces that he had been piecing together meticulously since he first started this project. The Vogue Silver Metallic exterior is highlighted with an ensemble of JDM EK4 parts including, but not limited to, front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, thin side-moldings, JDM EK9 CTR headlights and front grille. The only two things that give anyone any indication of this Civic's original roots are the Canadian-spec SiR badges that adorn the front and rear of the vehicle. The Spoon theme is carried over from the wheels and brakes as the front lip and carbon hood are both original Spoon pieces. Other subtle touches, such as the unpainted door handles and license plate garnish, really set the exterior off and match the moldings of the JDM EK4 pieces.
The interior of this Canadian-bred Civic boasts an extremely rare set of yellow (yes yellow) Integra Type-R Recaro seats. These eye-popping seats and the green Takata harnesses draped over them really give this EJ coupe a unique contrast that somehow makes the entire car flow nicely. Any true car builder knows that you always need a little bit of contrast to get the attention of onlookers. A JDM CL1 Accord Euro-R steering wheel and assorted EK9 CTR pieces add to the ever-growing list of rarities that exist within the cockpit of the Civic.
Once all the aesthetics were taken care of, the Civic returned to Redzone Performance to get dialed in and tuned. Powered by a Hondata K-Pro and Toda valvetrain, the K-powered Civic was able to make 247 whp and 160 lb-ft of torque. Cesar is satisfied with the numbers but will definitely continue to explore new opportunities that will get him more power in the future. "I don't feel I have everything I want for this car, but there is definitely more to come," says Cesar.
Bolts & Washers
Cesar ruiz's 1996 civic si (canadian model)
Propulsion
A K20A motor sits in place of the stock model courtesy of Hasport EKK1 mounts. TWM 2000 Series 52mm individual throttle bodies with carbon-fiber air horns replace the bulky stock manifold and help the head breathe. Valvetrain upgrades include: Toda Racing N2 Spec camshafts, Toda Racing single-coil valve springs and Supertech titanium retainers. Exhaust gases are driven through an R Crew header and exit through an A'PEXi muffler and custom Redzone Performance piping. A Walbro 255lph fuel pump drives fuel to a Canton Mecca fuel filter and Magna Fuel FPR before it reaches the 440cc saturated fuel injectors. A Hondata K-Pro is the brains of this operation.