Adding to the list of doohickeys plastered onto the Civic..
Before I return back to Penang to see the old-timer, I opted to get some boy-racer things onto the car to satisfy the modifying itch (until said itch starts to bleed the same way a coolant pipe pops off).
Samco hoses
Replacing the original tried-and-true coolant pipes is a set of definitely-fake Samco cooling hoses. Now, my understanding of these off-brand hoses is that they are serviceable, with some people having tested several of them to see which are good – which some are actually on par with Samco official ones.
These? Definitely not said off-brand items.
Intake resonators & horn
I am also going to have the other pieces of the intake resonator installed. They will rob even more power and throttle response, but I dare play the full-stock game until I get sick of it and find a Mugen twinloop. Attached too are the EG6 SiR-II genuine horns.
Front lip & foglights
Those aftermarket foglights I complained about in a previous entry; they use a storage compartment for the light switch, which is pointless when I already have a factory foglight switch. I’m asking to have the wiring done to be rewired onto the original switch.
Included was also changing the front lip for.. another front lip. Akin to plastic surgery now, the new lip is a OEM-style piece.
Trunk dampers and Japanese ETC
I had bought rear trunk dampers from Shopee – a part that almost never is available for sale through normal means; I assume knowing a stockist is needed to source these dampers as I don’t know where to find them.
I assume these would fit, but my workshop is adament that it does not fit. It was worth a try..
Installing up is also a Honda Access Japanese Electronic Toll Collection unit from a newer Honda car. Prior to initial purchase, there was no guarantee if the unit was working but provided in sale was necessary wiring and the speaker. Since I’m yet to be in the country and my workshop has not mentioned it working or not, it should be. More when I update afterwards.
Below is a basic photo of the new front lip – it doesn’t mount over the “chin” of the front bumper now and is more subtle, which I like. If you want one, I bought this from momokvtec on Shopee Malaysia.
Exhaust resonator
Last but not least was installing the “bullet” – local term for resonator, I believe. I was indoctrinated by a post mentioning about the raspy tin-can sound that comes out of B-series systems that do not have a resonator. The creator said to install a 14.5-inch resonator but I forgot the premise and rounded it to 15.
The weld job is.. serviceable? I was frankly quite taken aback at seeing how non-smooth the weld is but if it works it works..
Keys
Adding to the “I want to make this car OEM and putting unnecessary money into doing so”, this pair of original keys will also be duplicated for use. The existing pair according to a diffent locksmith told me that the key is bent (it is) and it would be too much of a risk for him to try.
Assuming my workshop should have a lead for another locksmith who is willing to assist with duplicating.
In case you want to know the bill for this job and the previous of replacing the brake master cylinder, this is the bill quoted:
Duplicate keys – RM10
15″ resonator – RM350
Modify exhaust to clear short shifer – RM100
Fit front lip – RM50
Brake master pump – RM450
Brake fluid (DOT4) – RM40
Premix coolant – RM105
Labor – RM300
Total – RM1405
I will update on the other things I asked to have done, like the ETC unit, driver-side window trim, squeaking clutch pedal and more since they weren’t included on the list. Just hoping? Of course, anything else that you would like to know, feel free to ask!
~Efini
Read more: Fuel for Thought: Importing parts from Japan
