370% More Power: K20-Powered 1979 Honda Civic
This 1979 Honda Civic was the subject of a now six year old build in which it was transformed from a clean but tepid 70k mile automatic donor into the 260 HP, K20A powered screamer shown here. Built in Florida and the subject of much chatter around the time it was being put together, itΆs somehow found its way Europe where it is offered with whatΆs said to be only a few hundred kilometers use since completion. Find it here on Auto Scout 24 in Bleiswijk, Netherlands for 15,900 euros (~$19,445 today).
Photos all appear to be from a previous Super Street magazine feature and 71 page-long build thread, and seeing as thereΆs no word on how, when or why it was exported itΆd be nice to see some snaps of it in front of a canal or windmill.
Build quality seems to have been extremely good with little regard to expense, and itΆs almost certain that the asking price is less than what the previous owner spent on parts and fabrication alone. Check out those big intake trumpets hiding behind the grille.
A theme of tasteful restraint continues inside, where a virtually stock-looking interior is given away only by an aftermarket shift knob and leather upholstery with OEM stiching on factory seat frames. Even a standard, Civic RS steering wheel is used, and though fuzzy as photographed we imagine a tachometer may have been relocated to behind one of the factory placed, center dash auxiliary gauge bezels.
A sub-firewall and partially hidden plumbing allow for a sanitary engine bay but wonΆt make wrenching any easier. Power comes from a Honda K20A2 twin cam pulled from an Acura RSX Type-S, though thanks to upgraded internals, valvetrain, large bore individual throttle bodies and a standalone, programmable ECU, power is now quoted as a believable 260 HP—likely north of 8k RPM. The RSX also donated its 6-speed gearbox, and hopefully it retains that carΆs wonderfully slick and precise shift feel as adapted here.
Wilwood discs and calipers should offer adequate stop to match the nearly 400% power increase over stock, while suspension runs custom built coilovers. 195/34-15 Toyo Proxes are mounted to 7” wide, zero offset banana spokes, and though probably a touch low for ideal functionality thereΆs nothing else weΆd change besides dialing in a bit more ride height. HereΆs a before shot of the donor.
WeΆve followed this car for years now and are interested to see it offered half way around the world, particularly as Civics are associated more with retired school teachers in Europe than a young enthusiast following like here in the US. We bet it ends up back home—either Stateside or in Japan–sooner than later.
