1988 HONDA CIVIC EF2 RACE CAR

KEY FACTS

• An exciting Honda Civic EF2, which has been built to club racer specification over the last 18 months and driven in the Castle Combe Hot Hatch Challenge Series.
• While it left the factory with 1.5-litre inline-four, it is now powered by the forged B18C Integra Type R engine, producing 212bhp, coupled to a five-speed low-ratio manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.
• One of only two known Civics of this era racing in the UK.
• Despite its rarity, using OEM Honda parts means that the next owner can maintain and race the car with ease. Aftermarket and upgraded parts are also widely available given the significant Honda enthusiast community.
• The car is overhauled after every race, and the engine has just been rebuilt.
• Originally registered overseas, the DVLA record indicates it was imported to the UK and re-registered in 1996.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• It is finished in black paintwork with racing decals and Team Dynamics Motorsport wheels; black at the front and white at the rear.
• It weighs just 860kg thanks to a stripped-out interior, which features Cobra bucket seats with TRS harnesses, a three-spoke Sparco steering wheel, a bespoke custom roll cage by Must Weld Motorsport, a fire extinguisher, oil temp and pressure gauges, Wilwood bias valve, lightweight demister, race battery, and Prodrive carbon-fibre mounted racing switchgear controls. ACW Motorsport windows and skinned panels also help keep the weight down.
• The impressive Integra Type R import engine shares the same block as the 1600 that came in this era of vehicle, allowing it to enter more race series. The engine benefits from being freshly rebuilt with high-compression Wiseco forged pistons, Eagle forged rods, Uprated cams, skunk2 valves with double valves springs, ACL bearings, a ported and polished head, and ARP Bolts.
• The engine breathes with a 70mm throttle body, Skunk2 inlet manifold and Tegiwa exhaust manifold while being managed by a Hondata S300 module mapped by MEK Motorsport. A baffled and winged sump keeps the fluids in place while a tailored fuel system with Bosch pumps keep the engine fuelled.
• Transmission upgrades include an S80 gearbox with limited slip differential, lower 3rd and 5th gears, M Factory 4.9:1 Final Drive, RPC lightweight flywheel, RPC stage 1 clutch and a poly-bushed gear linkage.
• The car has a vastly upgraded handling package including custom BC Racing Suspension, VTi rear disc conversion, Hardrace camber arms, toe arms and trailing arm bushes. There are also Ultra Racing anti-roll bars, a poly-bushed and seam-welded subframe, larger front brakes and tailored Hel brake lines.
• It will be accompanied by a raft of spare parts, including wheels, tyres, brake pads, gaskets and a fuel tank.
• The car’s best lap time around Castle Combe is 1:15.3 and is easily capable of more with the new engine, with recent results as follows:

Castle Combe Hot Hatch Series results:

• 31/08/2020 - Qualifying 1: 11th place/36 - Race 1: 8th place/36 (4th in class)
• 31/08/2020 - Qualifying 2: 14th place/36 - Race 2: 7th place/29 (2nd in class)
• 05/04/2021 - Qualifying: 5th place/27 - Race: 10th place/28 (2nd in class)
• 04/07/2021 - Qualifying: 8th place/35 - Race: 4th place/30 (1st in class)
• The freshly rebuilt engine has only done running in, mapping, two half test days, and one race day since its rebuild.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• Its resprayed black paintwork has a few scratches, scuffs and stone chips, entirely commensurate with racing use. Pictures can be shown without livery upon request.
• Some light marks can be seen on the carbon-fibre racing dashboard, but all of the electrics work as they should.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car is overhauled and the fluids are changed after each race.
• The engine was rebuilt in May 2021 with new forged internals, while the gearbox was given its low-ratio gear set with any worn parts replaced.
• Due to being built in the last 18 months, 90% of upgraded parts are new and the car also benefits from recent factory parts such as a windscreen, fuel tank, all wheel bearings, cam belt, thermostat, water pump, discs and pads, inner and outer steering rack ends and ball joints.

SUMMARY

This Honda Civic EF2 was imported as a road car and converted to a club racer over the last 18 months to a high standard using top quality parts and workmanship, since going on to compete in the Castle Combe Hot Hatch Challenge Series. Fresh from a recent engine rebuild and a 2nd in class result – missing a podium by one corner on the last lap – it would make a solid choice for anyone seeking a competitive yet accessible racer for various series and championships.

The seller mentions that there are many other pictures of the car during the build process available upon request as well as on-board footage of the car racing at Castle Combe.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.