Project USP Limited Civic

[Martian]

Been dreaming of this project for a few years now. I'm turning my EK into a purpose built RWD drag car. Its being built to the USP Limited street rules. It will be a Honda K series engine, Powerglide trans, Ford 9" on ladder bars w/ a mini tub.

Today I went to Cecils shop (CA Race cars) which ironically is now located in Tobi's old space on Marshall St. I stripped out 90% of the interior, got the floors prepped for the cage plates. Cecil cut a nice hole Where the trunk used to be. Currently waiting on my wheels to show up at AAI speed, then the real fun will begin. For now, here is a nice shot of the large hole.




messed up the photo links, here is the album http://photobucket.com/rwdcivic

[john]

Very cool Josh. What are your plans for the motor?

[M@]

I remember us talking about this. Good to see you're getting started on it... best of luck. Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[Martian]

Eventuall I want a sleeved K24, with the dual Vtec head. But initially it will just get a stock K24. I should be able to knock 500hp out of one, and that will be good enough to start until finances allow for more.

[Martian]

Update.
The car is now stripped of all the suspension and steering parts. Rear wheel inner wells have been cut out. The interior of the rear floor now consists of only the structural portions. Once Cecil gets the new framework fabricated the old structure will be cut out as well. Its strange to be able to look from one wheel well through the car to the other side. We decided that we are going to transplant a foxbody front suspension into the car. This will solve the steering rack/transmission issue as well as give me larger brakes up front. I've got some new (to me) wheels for the slicks. I have pic's, I'll post them in the noonish hour tomorrow.

[Martian]

Sorry, camera phone pics.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/1013111929.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/1013111930.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/1013111930a.jpg


And here is the newest pile of stuff from the car
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/1013111930b.jpg

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0902110928.jpg
The rear wheels.

Ended up buying an 87 tbird for the front end. Not much progress otherwise has been made though :(

[boostedEG]

i want to see those slicks mocked up under the car! how tall are they?

[Martian]

Those are 28 x 10.5

[Pang]

You get that diff ready for me yet? :D

[Martian]

Sorry Pang, ended up having to gut one of my bathrooms last week and haven't gotten it out of the car yet.

[theblackpearl]

RWD FTW

[Martian]

Requested pics
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/1123111652.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/1123111652a.jpg

[hoaiss2000]

sounds like it's going to be an awesome build.

[gtolio]

Nice Nova.

[Martian]

Nice Nova.Thats Cecil's. Low 8 car right now. He's getting ready to swap his blower for a turbo :)

[Martian]

New flexplate thanks to Brent @PFI(btspeed.com), used to be in Kyles K series rail dragster
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0106121226.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0106121225.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0106121226a.jpg

And my Honda K engine to chevy trans adapter plate.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0106121227.jpg

[boostedEG]

sexy

[bntmoore]

I'm gonna be watching this closely! Why not just stuff an ls1 in there?

[Martian]

too easy and not as much fun. The whole point is to put a honda motor on virtually the same platform as the domestic guys in the class.

[gtolio]

Why not just stuff an ls1 in there?

This guy.... :D

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0128121512a.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0128121512.jpg
Little more progress

[JAKE]

sweeet! Excited to see it with the back half finished. What kind of material are you going to use for the tubs?

[Curtis]

That rocker bar wont be in the way of the driveshaft?

[Martian]

Sheetmetal tubs. Curtis, the driveshaft will go over the bar.

[JAKE]

Sheetmetal tubs.

lol figured as much.... I meant aluminum/steel/unobtanium....?

I'd assume your typical 16/18 ga steel?

[Martian]

Yes sir. I though you were asking metal, glass, or carbon fiber. This as budget a build as one can be when converting a drivetrain.

[Curtis]

Oh ok. I didnt notice it bent towards the ground. Pretty sweet!

[Deceptakhan]

Wow badass build man! Pretty darn cool what you are doing here, best of luck to you! Also, you should go with unobtainium tubs. Just sayin

[Martian]

27x9 M&H slicks showed up today. side note, fuck FedEx. They threw my tires in a snow bank next to my house, left a note and split.

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0217120934.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0217120932.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0209121428.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0217120935.jpg

[JAKE]

Progress! Nice! Any luck with moving parts to fund the trans and stuff?

[Martian]

Thanks, Afraid not. Carl did volunteer his help, but I need to research the ebay fees and such. See how much I'd loose there.

[JAKE]

Word man, they arent too bad if I remember correctly. Only a couple percent, i think....?

Looking good though man, glad to see it moving along! Soon we'll have to change your chat arrival announcement to "martian has wheelied his RWD Civic into chat" lol

[Martian]

That would be awesome

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120922.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120923.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120923a.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120923b.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120924.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120926.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0224120928.jpg

[JAKE]

NICE! What rear end are you planning to use?

[Martian]

Was going to go with a 9, but Cecil has a complete 12 bolt w/spool. So I'm gonna use that since it'll be cheaper.

[JAKE]

Right on man. That should be able to handle the power adequately as well. I doubt it'll have nearly the torque of a BB V8 to warrant a massively strong rear end anyway. Good shit man.

MOAR PICS!!

[Martian]

Here is MOAR pics :)
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0307120908.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0307120907.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0307120906a.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0307120906.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0307120908a.jpg

[JAKE]

Awesome! Are you guys going to be doing a custom tunnel and all that for the trans? Are you planning on sticking the stock dash back in or fabbing a sheetmetal one up? Sorry for the 100 questions, just excitedto see the outcome!

[Martian]

I love the questions mang. Yes on the custom tunnel. Class rules say stock dash.

[boostedEG]

love this build. keep the pics coming

[Martian]

Thanks man, will do.

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121036.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121033.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121033a.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121034.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121034a.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121035.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0316121035a.jpg

Cage is done, sheet metal time.

[JAKE]

Excellent!!

Do the rules state you have to retain interior door panels and such?

[Martian]

Yes sir. I have to maintain a full interior. Which is deceiving, because it is only required from the door jam pillar forward.

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0330121048.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0330121047.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0330121041.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0330121039a.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0330121039.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0330121050.jpg

[john]

Nice work. Wish I was there to see the beast run...

[gtolio]

Nuts seeing that big ass diff on a Civic. :yes::thumbup:

[Martian]

John, we'll hopefully have some good video of it up. But, it'll make a good excuse for you to come home for a visit.

Nuts seeing that big ass diff on a Civic. :yes::thumbup:
Pics don't do it justice. Wait till you see it in person. :)

[JAKE]

Thats awesome! Diggin what youre doing with it. Cant wait to see it up and running

[Martian]

neither can I

[cybergreencivic]

What is your projected completion on this Josh? Or do you have a date in mind.

[Martian]

wanted it done for may 6th IFO race. We'll see.

[M@]

Better start kicking some major ass on it! Hope you make it to the race, but man... that's a lot of work in a little amount of time. Good luck.

[Martian]

Gotta sweet deal on a built th400 yesterday. Car is officially a 3 speed now. Still need a converter though.

[boostedEG]

how high of a stall are you gonna run?

[Martian]

4500 would be ideal, but what ever I can get cheap that ends up close to that will work for now.

[Wesley]

keep those tail lights. this would be a great car to make a little ricey just to throw people off. i mean who would even TRY to talk shit about a rwd civic? i'd like to meet that guy.

[Martian]

don't worry tezzas are stayin put.

[john]

i mean who would even TRY to talk shit about a rwd civic? i'd like to meet that guy.

Why me of course.

[Martian]

you don't count John

[M@]

John is all that is man.

[john]

you don't count John

I'm taking my GI Joe and going home.

[HONDA GHANDI]

Gotta sweet deal on a built th400 yesterday. Car is officially a 3 speed now. Still need a converter though.

Who do you have in mind for a converter for it josh? Selling your glide setup by chance? I've gotten some headway on mine, with a running motor so I am now looking for a way to sell the power to the tranny.

[Martian]

Never actually bought a glide, it had just been the plan until this th400 deal came along. There are a couple guys I'm going to look into for the converter. The trans shop on mississippi and sheridan was recomended, and Brent suggests the guy who built his for the pro car. Have you seen my billet flywheel Tobi? If you're looking for flywheels I suggest the J series. Same crank hub pattern but larger flywheel.

[HONDA GHANDI]

If its larger, does the starter ring still align? My plan was to use an SFI billet manual trans flywheel, unbolt the disc surface and bolt on some sort of spaced adapter. I'm just worried about the alignment. If you have something already designed and has been proven I'd much rather buy something similar.

[Martian]

Mine came off the old pro logger rail car. You are more than welcome to have a look at it.

[HONDA GHANDI]

Was that flywheel setup made for an adapter plate of the same thickness of ours?

[Martian]

Yes it was

[HONDA GHANDI]

It's obviously billet, I wonder if the guy who made it still has the file.

[Martian]

Clutch masters made as I'm told. Kyle says its one of 2 made.

[JAKE]

Would that make any GM torque converter bolt up then, in theory?

[Martian]

any 3 bolt yes

[HONDA GHANDI]

So I got a lead on a place that might be able to make my converter with brackets to bolt straight to a stock flywheel. No adapter needed. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Martian]

Small update, not much visable progress. Car will not be done for vegas unfortunately.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0416121818.jpg
My TH400 w/transbrake
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0416121819.jpg
Mockup with a empty glide case. Upper bell tab hit the coolant passage on the head so it wouldn't sit down on the block.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0420120949a.jpg
Engine bolted up to the th400. Had to shave the top of the bell just a bit.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0420120949.jpg
All bolted together

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0423121804.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0423121803.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0514121642.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0514121641a.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0514121641.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0514121638.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0514121637.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0427121143a.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0427121143.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0427121142.jpg

[Martian]

Small update
Picked up a CRV engine this week for $450. Only needs a torque converter and injectors now. Still a lot of fab work left to go though, and with a work injury it'll be a bit slow going.

[JAKE]

What happened man? Still stoked to see it completed.

[Martian]

empty keg fell out of a trailer hit my head and hand

[JAKE]

at least it was empty, right? lol

[Martian]

Oh yeah, would've been much worse if it had anything in it.

[M@]

Small update
Picked up a CRV engine this week for $450. Only needs a torque converter and injectors now. Still a lot of fab work left to go though, and with a work injury it'll be a bit slow going.
I know that feel. I blew out my knee wakeboarding on Saturday, on crutches now, and can't do shit to my car. :/

Hope you get better soon buddy.

[Martian]

same to you M@

[monicle]

looking pretty good. Let me know when youre ready to get rid of those interior door panels heh. I can trade them out for light grey ones.

[Martian]

I'll think on it brother. Need to sell the D series stuff guys, if you know anyone send them my way.

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0618121510.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0618121509a.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0618121509.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0525120924.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0525120923a.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0525120923.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/0618121510a.jpg

[M@]

I think I'm going to upgrade you to a Polaroid camera for your birthday.

[gtolio]

I think I'm going to upgrade you to a Polaroid camera for your birthday.

This. An awesome build, but I wish I could see it.

[monicle]

Is hood clearance the only reason the engine tucked so far back in the engine bay?

[Martian]

Sorry for the phone pics guys. I'll take the digital with me friday.
As for the engine placement, weight distribution and steering rack clearance are the reasons. I was willing to cut the hood if we had to.

[Martian]

Better pics time


http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/DSC00682.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/DSC00681.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/DSC00680.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/DSC00679.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/DSC00678.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/DSC00683.jpg

[gtolio]

Much better. Very nice. Mounting the motor longitudinally vs. transversely leaves a ton of room in the bay, but what's that TH400 look like on the other side of the firewall? Is there gonna be a pretty big hump?

[Martian]

once the tunnel is done I'll take more pics. But it will be enough that pedals will be slightly relocated

[JAKE]

That's much better Josh! What's the hoop in the engine bay for, support purposes? And it the OC going to be mounted flat like that or is it just laying there at the moment?

Definitely super excited to see this thing finished. You guys are doing an excellent job here. Kudos well deserved!

[Martian]

Thanks Jake. The bar is the forward motor mount, and will also suspend the turbo. The IC is just laying there, debating turning it into an A/W intercooler. Not sure yet though.

[Wesley]

this takes balls of steel lol. now you may have mentioned this but i wasnt too sure is this for drag purposes or road racing? im pretty sure drag but who knows!

[Martian]

drag

[monicle]

Where did this go? Whats the word mang?!

[Martian]

Very slow going, but still in progress. Cecil has been slacking on finishing my chassis because of race season. Now that racing is done it should pick back up again.

[TunedD16]

Cant wait to see the progress of this thing Josh! This is going to be a hell of a car!

[Martian]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/2012-10-22_14-58-27_520.jpg
Dean enjoying dad's race car :)
Seats and tunnel are in
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/2012-10-22_14-57-34_983.jpg

[JAKE]

Lol nice!! How old is he? I can almost hear him making motor noises haha

[Martian]

He turned 2 on the 8th, and he loves anything with an engine.

[JAKE]

That is awesome man, super awesome!

[Martian]

Thanks man, I'm very proud of him.

[Martian]

Finally a real update with visual progress, tunnel nearly done.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/photobucket-37437-1354575441174.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/photobucket-19109-1354575440306.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/photobucket-39859-1354575438628.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/photobucket-27268-1354575435235.jpg


And I still have to buy it, but the fuel cell is thanks to Max of PFC and his dad.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/photobucket-23081-1354575432657.jpg

[JeremyF]

I know how much work building something outside the box is. The hundreds, if not thousands, of hours are worth it in the end... Props on the build man, stay motivated and see it thru! Looking forward to reading about progress and your results.

[john]

Man I wish I had the patience, garage space and drive to build something like this. Way to keep plugging away, Josh.

[Martian]

Thanks guys

[Martian]

messed up the photo links, here is the album http://photobucket.com/rwdcivic

[JAKE]

Any new progress Josh?

[Martian]

The tunnel is welded up. I'm going down tomorrow for pics and to see if he is done with the chassis. He should be, but we'll see.

[JAKE]

Excellent man, good deal! Cant wait to see!

[JstAnotherCivic]

That is one hell of a project! Excited to see the final turnout. Roughly what all left is there to do?

[Martian]

Without seeing the car the last couple weeks, here is off the top of my head.

Chassis wise:
Front trailing arms
Attach steering rack and fab linkage
finish weld remaining sheetmetal
Obtain front calipers and fab all brake lines

Engine wise:
Wiring
install k20a oil pump
get idler pulley from Curtis and install
fab both manifolds
buy and install injectors

driveline:
still need a driveshaft

wrap up:
set ride height
corner balance
set pinion angle
dyno and tune
test and tune
race

[Martian]

and here is the immediate wish list.

ARP head studs
pistons and rods
another HE351cw for compound charging

[Martian]

Pictures time
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-01-48_118_zps2a78c81d.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-02-30_585_zps79c80553.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-02-59_320_zps0c420236.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-03-45_414_zps2671b033.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-04-16_660_zps58e802fa.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-05-08_430_zps75ae47b5.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_16-06-13_846_zpsbfc0c83e.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_17-50-35_16_zps5d2cf00c.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_17-51-39_56_zps59509bad.jpg
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD Civic/2013-02-04_17-56-54_837_zps5bfe4893.jpg

While it is still not done, its closer. Ladder bars are in, axels should be back this week and it will be a roller. Still needs to finish weld a good deal of the sheetmetal and blend it. Rack needs to be mounted, front trailing arms are still not welded. Mocked up the radiator and fuel cell. I wanted the rad to be on the passenger side, but it doesn't really work there with the fuel cell. So it will likely be how you see it now. Rules are allowing me to use my Corbeau now, so I test fit it and it looks good. It is so damn close!!!!!!

[JAKE]

That is awesom man, bet youre chomping at the bit!

[Martian]

you know it

[Martian]

Small update, Window net is in and,
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD%20Civic/2013-02-22_16-09-20_256_zps586b3129.jpg
Axles came back from Moser this week, so the rear end can go back together.
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD%20Civic/2013-02-25_12-52-31_556_zps6447f7a5.jpg
Pro stick thanks to Doug Paddock and Justin Kill
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn201/Martian197/RWD%20Civic/2013-02-25_12-52-19_40_zpse6d42ba6.jpg
Cecil templating a trunk firewall. I am talking him out of that though because I don't need it, and its money I don't want to spend.
Thats about it this time.

[Wesley]

man this thing is actually coming along!

[mx-6er]

man this thing is actually coming along!

If only everyone actually followed through with what they said they were going to do.

[Martian]

Cecil dropped a hell of a bomb on me today. He says i owe him 3k more than his original quote. Help me sell the rest of my D parts and the green quad guys. I need your help.

[Wesley]

shouldnt he of freakin told you it was going to be 3k more????? he should of told you that before he proceeded with the work. no offense but that seems un professional

[Martian]

That wasn't the only bomb, he's moving to N. Dakota next month. So now I've got to come up with this new money faster than shit or my car goes into storage at his mom's property somewhere near C.Springs. I am now running the risk of never getting my car.

[Martian]

With the assistance of a friendly Arvada PD officer, a deal has been struck and I'll have the car in my possession at 5pm tonight. Could use a couple hands getting it loaded on the trailer if anyone is available. hit me up on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Martian197

[gtolio]

Geez. That went south fast.

[Martian]

eh, it was building up faster than my car had been.

[Wesley]

what a fucked up world were a man threatens to take away your entire build and hard work because his plans changed and he was un professional. im glad everything turned out better then it was looking.

[Martian]

Its all part of life, I've moved on. I've got a lot of very skilled and willing friends in the build now. It should progress quick once we start again.