Civic Type R

The EK9 Civic Type R

The EK9 was the first Civic to carry the Type R badge. Honda put it on sale in Japan on 22 August 1997 and built it at Suzuka until 2000, as a three-door hatchback only. It drives the front wheels through a close-ratio five-speed manual and a torque-sensitive helical limited-slip differential, on double wishbones at both ends. The engine is the B16B, a 1,595 cc naturally aspirated DOHC VTEC four with 185 PS at 8,200 rpm and 160 Nm at 7,500 rpm, or 116 PS a litre.

The body is about 35 per cent stiffer in torsion than an ordinary Civic's, with performance rods and extra reinforcement around the tailgate opening, yet the car weighs from 1,040 kg. Recaro seats, a small Momo wheel, a titanium gear knob and Championship White paint came as standard. The facelift of September 1998 gave it the new Civic front, and the Type R x of December 1999 added CD audio and keyless entry.

What EK9 owners upgrade

Brakes lead the list: calipers and pads from the brakes range are what EK9 owners buy most, ahead of electronics such as rev limiters. Next comes breathing: headers, high-flow catalytic converters and full systems from the exhaust range, timing belts for the engine and lightened flywheels for the drivetrain.

Inside, seat rails for bucket seats and steering boss kits from the interior range are regular orders, and roof parts and rear wings come from the exterior range. Spoon, Bee R, HKS, Toda, J's Racing and Cusco are among the names EK9 owners choose.

Genuine parts

The B16B's camshafts are driven by a belt, so a dated record of belt changes is worth more than a mileage claim. Rust starts in the arches, on the underside and under the boot carpet. Blue smoke at start-up or under load, and an engine that uses oil, mean the top end needs attention. Every gear should be tested on a long drive.

Belts, seals and body parts for the EK9 are in our genuine Honda parts catalogue.

Wheels

The EK9 came on 15x6 +50 wheels with 195/55R15 tyres, on five studs (5x114.3) with M12 x 1.5 nuts, where other EK Civics have four. The full list is under wheels that fit the EK9.