Honda Civic Street Track Build

Suspension and Brakes

Truth be told, I picked up the car nearly as is. The previous owners had done all the hard work, and it’s chockful of aftermarket goodies. The 2006 Honda Civic is one of the only few mass market cars in that era to have fully independent suspension all round. In a front wheel drive car, it changes handling and ride dramatically. The difference in ride and handling is head and shoulders above other cars with a torsion beam rear, and the gulf widens even more when modified.

Find out more about suspension and brakes at Bridgestone.

Tyres

The best thing about quick front wheel drive cars is that they are quite forgiving and easy to drive quick. This holds exceptionally true for the Honda Civic. I could chuck it around at corners at ballistic speeds and it’ll be stuck to the tarmac, or understeering gently as it approaches its limits. In tight turns, the aftermarket LSD locks up and scrambles the car out of corners.

Explore the Bridgestone Potenza tyre range.

I had used the RE003s at the track, and was really surprised it actually held up well. While outright grip doesn’t compare to its big brother the RE-71R, the RE003s set a respectable lap time. The Civic outpacing more expensive, powerful cars is always a satisfying feeling, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the RE003s.

Engine and Drivetrain

One of the best things about Hondas are how so many OEM parts are interchangeable. Not only does it make modifying cheap and accessible, Honda OEM parts are known to be bulletproof. The original 2L K20Z2 was geared towards fuel economy more than high revving, screaming VTEC power. So the previous owner managed to shoe horn the K24A, a 2.4L engine found in the Honda Accord Euro into the engine bay. A 50 degree intake Variable Timing Cam from the Type R engine was added, along with the bigger Type R plenum and throttle body.