K-Swap Civic Finally Hits the Track! - Gridlife Spring Kickoff

We kicked off 2020 by K-swapping the EK Civic, and this was the ultimate goal: Street Class Time Attack with Gridlife. Follow Ben through the highs and lows of trying to compete in time attack.
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[@signdeals4972]

9:20 “It friggin rips. Like, it’s really fast” ~real race car driver. Uh, I would have that quote scrawled across my hood. Heck, I’d have it carved into my headstone! Nice work!!!

[@sleepyfaryna]

I won’t lie growing up I was such a Civic hater, until I got my first and fell in love. They are such a joy to drive even bone stock

[@762x69]

Seriously. I grew up hating everything Honda Civic until I got an 8th Gen Si. While I did sell it, it was also the only car to give me seller's remorse.

[@initialdluvr]

Amen. I used to have Ben's Civic but bone stock. My engine made about 100hp. It was slow but it was the most fun car I have owned hands down.

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

I could toss my 91 civic through corners my buddy wouldn't take in his EX or Si. They're an absolute blast to drive.

[@migek]

Exactly. Fuckin exactly lol..

[@stetsongray5355]

I felt the same way until I rode in my friends civic, then I suddenly got it

[@RodrinBird]

Tom: Honestly the car feels pretty much how I’d expect it to feel.. Ben: Ok, so I just need bigger balls.. 😆😆 Glad it was just the exhaust and nothing else on the suspension got screwed..

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I was surprised by how he destroyed the exhaust. Hmmm

[@drose8502]

Maybe it is not tighten properly 😂😂😂

[@WarriorsPhoto]

d rose 🌹 What a name?

[@FinDleer]

who is the guy? tom mcgormic?

[@rickylazare8773]

@@FinDleer I think it's O'Gormon or something like that. I think I recognized his name from the Honda TCR racing team.

[@sixldoesstuff5566]

Non-car guys: that civic surely can’t be fast, it’s so small and slow and has almost no aero Ben Thorn: *haha K-Swap go **_nyoooommmmmm_*

[@JapaneseSoomi]

No one: The Civic: has a trumpet in the exhaust

[@Miguelmedina22]

@@JapaneseSoomi it's not a 350z lol😂

[@j_mars_cars]

@@eb8838 I'm sorry but I'm sure your logic is flawed. You won't feel any airflow in a coupe/hatch with just front windows open. It's a strange effect but the air can barely get in. It's probably not even slowing him

[@MikeJones-on9vm]

Yes the k series is no joke

[@PR1NCETD0T]

The fact Tom did a 1:41 with a passenger means he could’ve easily have beaten the FWD 1:40.2 time.

[@Talynen]

Not to mention that was before they stuck the better tires on it!

[@owenzdangzalan]

Yup, and shaving off some more lbs on hidden areas.

[@jponz85]

Ok but that HR is heavier, probably has an okay driver too. I'd love to see same pro driver drive then both

[@PR1NCETD0T]

Jonathan Pontel i said he could’ve beaten the FWD best time of 1:40, the Z is RWD lol. Even then, i love Z’s, i own one but unless that Z is maybe 350 to the wheels, that civic is definitely much faster.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Oh yeah. Probably a 1:36

[@MrCrowley925]

At 8:03 no one has driven his car like that ever the look on his face says it all lol 😂

[@davonmulder5272]

He looks so terrified😂 Just pure holy shit!

[@nottobay6768]

So like Takumi?

[@nehok]

How to get any car to go quick at gridlife: install TomO

[@zudin9522]

exhaust come off me : weight reduction

[@AXELAGONY]

I was like, dang, 20 mins video. It’ll probably take a while to watch. Breezed through it in one go. Your no bs with no extra frills approach is really immersive and doesn’t take anything away from the experience. Great job guys.

[@brandongao3675]

9:57 I like how "Tom's Approval" is listed as a modification

[@SturdivantRacing126]

More seat time should be the first thing. You can tell that he's just getting started, which is fine, but also because he was talking about setting a record as his immediate goal. That's what 'new' people do. That's ok. After you get some seat-time, you want a consistent laptimes experience. That way when you make an change, you can feel it and capture any data. Just getting started. Have fun! Epic car and a great platform to start.

[@KeseanCornish]

I wouldn't say he's "new". Just a new car.

[@JapaneseSoomi]

@@KeseanCornish but i would say he's "new"

[@JapaneseSoomi]

@@KeseanCornish Lol because even some PROs make Amateur mistakes

[@XBLTacmaster]

ya he made a lot of progress for his first event in that thing. looking forward to more events

[@JS04]

5:35, definitely not new.

[@AutomotiveAnatomy]

Gears and gasoline took another level once Honda was introduced 👏

[@oldsklteg]

Facts 👏

[@christiandevos9280]

Whenvtecwascool, vtec is still cool buddy😉. The sound of a nice classic b series type r is one of a kind. One of a kind!

[@oldsklteg]

@@christiandevos9280 thats true. There's nothing like a B18c or K20-R. Sadly those are no longer produced hence.. whenvtecwascool

[@francoisg3500]

The Civic looks great with all the mods!

[@wickedgames8768]

You can't even see any of the mods

[@George-rp5wo]

Wicked Games Mr, it wasn't meant to be taken literally.

[@MeorHariz]

Wicked Games Mr Pretty sure it’s meant in a way like “The car looks like it’s performing and drive well with those mods”

[@ryosuketakahashi1749]

No shit Sherlock

[@willmoua1]

Bouncy means your springrate/damper is too stiff..you want to soften it so the rebound can rebound up fast enough to absorb the next hit. Also- I'm sure the squirrelly nature is due to the roll center correction kit you have on there.

[@dragkid185]

Yeah he has no extension on his rear shocks either, I noticed it right away when he took it off the trailer, it just fell off it. Could be because the damping is way too stiff. I like to go full soft and then full stiff and then find a happy middle ground when it comes to adjustable suspension.

[@Talynen]

Yeah but that's how lots of people run their FWD cars (hence Tomo saying it's normal). I tried running even springrates front and rear on an earlier Civic (same suspension design) and every time I hit a bump it would throw the rear into the sky. Turns out for these Hondas the car is at its most cohesive with the rear springs about 55% of the stiffness of the fronts. If he already has springs that are too stiff, softening the rebound damping won't help. Bump damping, yes, but I can't remember what his shocks are adjustable for. We also don't have shock dynos to show how independent his adjustment knobs are.

[@dublocivic3656]

@@Talynen With the roll center correction setup typically the rear spring rate is 50% of the front, so still similar to what you are saying. A rebound adjustment may help as well on two-ways. I dont have any jacking around the corners on mine with the 100f/50r setup fwiw.

[@Talynen]

​@@dublocivic3656 Yeah that spring rate makes sense. 55% is more for D-series cars. The extra 100 lbs from a K swap makes 50% arguably better for a high-speed car. I'm not sure if Ben's consistently getting near 120 on these courses or not, but if he is I would want 50% springs over 55%. However, I guess I don't understand what part of the roll center correction kit changes the behavior to require different spring rates? It's not anything I've looked into before.

[@dublocivic3656]

FlyHy the rcc kit acts like more spring as it brings the geometry back in line. So you want to do like a 1200/600lb setup or similar.

[@axelode45]

17:07 That Nissan looks like low car from Donut Media

[@ksam572]

Doesn’t but not as nice

[@computersupport8360]

Ha! Thought same thing. That was at least when they did the first plasti dip with dated product and then watered it down on top of that, LOL. After the respray with the right stuff, low car is look'n pretty legit ;b

[@TerminusVox]

Excellent sponsored video! Use of the sponsor's product(s) was logical and well explained. Cinematography was excellent (as usual). I hope a whole lot more sponsors will back your video. I know you guys go to some effort to make high-quality videos and match sponsors to projects and the result is informative highly watchable content. Good job!

[@Love2Cruise]

Last year my exhaust came off the hangers during HPDE. Ran to Home Depot and bought some metal picture hanging wires for a “temporary” fix, thinking to replace those 15 years-old ones with new ones. Fast forward to today. After watching this video I finally ordered new hangers. Thanks for the reminder!

[@touringteg]

My ITR has a melted bumper where the muffler came off and was against the bumper.

[@UrbanWrench]

I still like to believe that Ben is going to have another Road Trip, with the FD RX-7. Cause he did the same with the civic, I think so,?! Easter egg, probably.!

[@MichelChristensen]

And here we are, with the first instalment of the FD roadtrip released today.

[@danthecarguy5494]

I'm a big muscle car and you guys are the ones that literally made me start looking into miatas and old civics for budge build/daily.

[@vb7037]

Do it, I went from a 335i to a Miata and I fucking love it.

[@bbelvito]

i am looking at building a k24 miata

[@ryosuketakahashi1749]

You are a muscle car? Nice

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Yeah except this Civic is $30k deep in mods. That’s not budget...

[@danthecarguy5494]

@@JacesOwnWorld no kidding they could have done it for much cheaper but he wanted everything done right the first time.

[@DocumentaryHub]

That look on your face when Tom was driving was priceless!

[@kingsmustrise]

Super informative video!!! Was hoping you'd make your time by the end, never heard of a exhaust wrapping around a control arm

[@BMWROYAL]

9:57 love how one of the modifications was “toms apporval” lol

[@sixldoesstuff5566]

No one: The Civic: *_has a trumpet in the exhaust_*

[@JapaneseSoomi]

Non-car guys: that civic surely can’t be fast, it’s so small and slow and has almost no aero Ben Thorn: haha K-Swap go nyoooommmmmm

[@Miguelmedina22]

Its not a vq lol😂

[@patrickibarra2191]

kowalski analysis vq is garbage, it gets shit on by v6 Mustangs m8

[@JunsMiniGarage]

The sound these Honda engines make is pure music to the ears. I wish Honda still makes these high reving NA VTEC engines.

[@thielepr]

Ben face when Tomo was driving is priceless

[@setra23]

You NEED to sort your seating position out. You're stretching your arms way too much when turning. Getting your torso closer to the wheel will mean you have more control over the steering.

[@82zkartracer]

Yeah, Either wheel needs to come out more or seat needs to be less reclined. Legs look okay and i would be worried about being to cramped up if you slid the whole seat forward.

[@Spookeyo]

Was going to comment this, you can see how much of a better position Tom was in, probably helped because he's taller.

[@sammylam1649]

hi u guys seem like experts so i hope u dont mind me asking for some advice. i have a jdm dc5r and this is my first car with bucket seats. my normal seating position is very similar to ben's. however, when i try to make a sharp turn, i find that the side bolsters on my seat are blocking my tricep area from moving backwards and i feel that im not fully in control. u can see this in ben's right arm in 3:54. do u guys think the problem might be the way i turn the steering wheel or is it the seats?

[@5PYZ3R]

yeah but he also needs harnesses. He's bouncing around so much. I struggle in my d-series. It takes a lot of energy and you make sacrifices to stay in your seat.

[@82zkartracer]

@@5PYZ3R he needs a proper racing seat not a harness.

[@RomualdPineda]

That is just pure. The sound is straight from the heavens. I love this build.

[@cpds25]

Glad to see this car being used to it’s full potential with all those new/swapped parts. Keep up the great Track content!

[@maxymillion7480]

I think you need a proper seat too now for track work. By the way you were sitting in some shots you could tell you weren't being supported by what is essentially a street seat.

[@touringteg]

Yep I just did a lapping day on Recaro DC2/CTR seats and he really needs a bucket. Otherwise they are wonderful seats.

[@owenzdangzalan]

You'll hit the mark soon, I know you will. Trust in yourself and your machine. Civic lover here from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@spencersgarage]

So glad to watch this video! I’ll be taking my 1991 Civic to the track for the first time here soon and it was so great to see you having fun!

[@joseramirez-hh2sw]

You guys are hands down my favorite channel on KZbin. Thanks Ben.

[@Beezy_Builds]

Y'all have me soooo stoked to start my EG build k24 just seems like the way to go

[@VS666]

i recall doubling the power in my first FWD car and had the same reaction. i was fucking terrified of that thing sometimes! i went from a 255 to a 225 as well and it helped with the car darting across the road. going from a 200 to a 340 tread helped a lot too. ah man, i really miss that car now haha =(

[@AT-fi9dj]

You and your whole team should be really proud of themselves!!!!! You guys did so much work and you pushed it to the limit on the track!

[@juniorvazquez9000]

Wow, just seen your series and I love it. Thank you for putting this out there.

[@98Kentuckian]

This is what I want my EK to look like but the difference between me and Ben is that I don't have 30 grand to spend on it 😂

[@randygonzalez9425]

You can do it but dont pay labor 😂

[@98Kentuckian]

Randy Gonzalez not a chance that I ever would 😂 I'd cringe at the thought of the bill for that

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I would never put $30k into a Civic

[@sammylam1649]

Jace’s Own World you need to put 30k into any car if you even want a half decent lap time. if you're not chasing lap times then sure you could do a cheaper build

[@98Kentuckian]

Sammy Lam you could do a K-swap EK for wayyy cheaper than this if you did all the labor yourself and shopped around for deals. Just a stock k20 from a junkyard and then scavenge all the rest of what you need, probably could get it under 5 grand if you took your time with it.

[@dotnilo]

Ben, I would recommend getting a driver coach instead of chasing upgrades. It’s the best possible investment you can make when you start racing. I did the same thing from the get go and I still reap the benefits. Also, I remember transitioning from a Spec Miata to a well-set up Honda Civic. It was so weird at first. I couldn’t believe that a FWD car could be so loose. Once you master it though, they’re such a blast to drive and super capable.

[@awaara24]

I loved your positive attitude and general optimism throughout this day man, its inspiring to say the least.

[@DriftyBits]

Just wanted to comment and say thank you. Your Series on this Civic and Gridlife has been inspiring and makes me want to get out even more. Great driving.

[@LazerLord10]

Can I k-swap my Fit? lol, that would definitely be fun.

[@speedracerzero]

I think spoon sports did one? I could've sworn i saw it on my feed a couple days back

[@LazerLord10]

@@speedracerzero Spoon does ring a bell.

[@speedracerzero]

@@LazerLord10 I didn't watch the entire video, but I don't think the guy was affiliated with spoon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn7Lh2uKbtWYhbM

[@speedracerzero]

@@LazerLord10 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rouWZZmsobykatE

[@brian_jake]

Nothing is impossible brother!!!

[@PaganiGaming]

Could not have been more excited for this video!!

[@immortal_morty1347]

Go ask james to do an up to speed on his dad lmao

[@o-tuathail]

it is the chosen one, he keeps going “day __ of asking donut to do up to speed on James’ dad”

[@o-tuathail]

The Kid FRESCO lol

[@hogibunz834]

You have no idea how much I love your content!! Please keep putting out banging videos!

[@VoskCoin]

Your videos are truly setting the bar for track content, great job

[@kylehollens9655]

8:00 look of terror

[@brandongao3675]

It always feels way faster in the passenger's seat

[@kylehollens9655]

@@brandongao3675 I'd be the same way. I don't do well in the passenger seat.

[@masonherrick04]

Front-wheel drive: Lots of input. Rotate. Throttle. Profit.

[@DiZZoLabs]

Thank you Ben for allowing me to live my high school dream in 2020. She's beautiful. I've followed this car from the beginning and I'm psyched to see it on the track!

[@matteosardelli9502]

Honestly that's what we've all been waiting for after the build😍

[@e3k701]

15:47 Deja vu, I've been in this place before

[@quatro2732]

youtube is slow posting the notification. good thing i check my subscription tab

[@colinfiggins3372]

Holy fudge, that thing is quiiiiick. I love it, I freaking love it, great job Ben!

[@huktuned]

So humble , big respect , perfect content , pleasure to watch

[@HAMlLTON]

I don’t know how much experience you have in fwd but when the back steps out give a little(not a lot) throttle. It’ll straighten right up.

[@joseacuna3239]

Aerodynamics, do a small front splitter, cover the most part of the undercarriage

[@theodoredeverell3894]

Street class may not permit aero?

[@KeseanCornish]

God I love this!! Glad to see this thing back on track!

[@F9000LIi]

The cinematography is just unbelievable!

[@wisemanstar]

Wow that engine sounds heavenly 🤩 Btw what's the name of music track @20:19? 🙂

[@arjunmanohar8115]

My thoughts exactly

[@hackerman2k]

Luna Wave - Crystalized

[@wisemanstar]

@@hackerman2k Thank you 🙂👌🏾

[@Dwifdude]

@@hackerman2k My hero

[@nathan2234ify]

Here before the notification, hello early birds.

[@bloodethirteen]

Always hyped every time the new episode goes live! Awesome content guys!

[@pedroratatouilleferraz8922]

Sweet vid!! Congrats on the project and on your great attempt on learning the all new setup! Beautiful EK!! Got me missing my old EK4!

[@tonyzase]

If you freeze at 17:49 The exhaust flange seems to have unbolted. Is putting loctite on these bolts a good idea?

[@mimitsunekitkat]

Certainly sounded like the exhaust flange was unbolted.

[@dorianvrbancic7976]

I thing u should instal 4point racing harneses... u move to much while driving

[@lageregal]

Great to watch, that Civic is a beast.

[@dylanschannel6275]

Holy crap, that’s fast 🔥🔥my favorite build

[@slothgarage4846]

Scary having someone drive your car faster than you eh 😂

[@KB-tuningLTD]

There’s no point making it faster yet, learn to drive her on her limit an it’ll already be quicker, smoothly does it, 👌🏼👌🏼

[@VTECAcademy]

Great stuff! Tomo is a driving machine.

[@colelje]

Stay safe out there Ben! All the best!

[@shrishrevankar3469]

Toe in the rear

[@Skitter302]

That is a good suggestion.

[@vencisw]

Thanks for another great video. I have a similar setup on a DC5 which is probably more manic so I understand how it’s not confidence inspiring. I just try and drive around it like yourself. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks again!

[@nnns415]

I could feel the excitement as laps progressed. Nice.

[@38tech]

I have always thought civics were garbage, but then i drove a well setup street car and man....blown away. Cant wait to see the progress! Keep it up!

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

Great series. Looking forward to seeing the car develop over time as you also develop as a driver.

[@RIVIMAX]

Awesome I’ve been waiting for this video a long time

[@nickb1848]

Thanks to you Ben I just sold my Toyota 86 and bought a 1999 ek civic with 107,000km completely stock and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned!

[@Itr-tv7kt]

that was crazy track day event.. thanks for sharing

[@kursed_aegis]

THAT was an awesome video and the sound of the civic screaming down the track was really cool very exciting to watch

[@whoisthis4130]

I love that you're racing an ek. I just got myself a 1999 ek 3 weeks ago and your videos helped me with my purchase. I was thinking a CRX because I had one when I was younger. I want to do a k swap but I might go with the cheaper b swap first. Love the car man

[@bikesloth]

Great job Ben! Only a matter of time.

[@mzondi1970]

Been watching the updates since the beginning when you bought it and drove to Canada glad to see it's coming along can't wait to see what it can do

[@r0bb3rse]

Wow to get all that feedback from other drivers and the ridealong. Really good ways to improve.

[@annon-ski7985]

Works and sounds great.

[@Stu.motive]

Inspired so much by you I went out and got my own civic, it’s a 2004 EP2 sport (d16) needs a bit of work but once I’m done it will hopefully see the track as well as be an amazing daily! Loving this series the civic is shaping up to be a track destroyer!

[@johnteahan2333]

Outstanding result from first day out, great work and great channel 👍

[@darothc]

So simple, so clean!!!

[@deadsaylordesigns8871]

I watched the civic build (nice job btw) and watched a few of your grid life videos in the process. I've drag raced for 20 plus year never thought about racing like this. You've motivated me I'm gonna put this extra GSR motor in this hatchback I got sitting here and I'm gonna go give this a try with NASA AZ..

[@noway_josue28]

7:55 Bro was pushing the Civic on a whole other level! You're car is a great build! Keep it up! 💯

[@tadasstaniulis9658]

Sick episode as always! Loving the civic!

[@heinrichr]

Always great to watch your videos

[@isahacks]

what an awesome video!! glad to see you grew a bigger set!!!

[@philroman2144]

Another awesome video guys! Keep it up! Congrats on the weight loss Ben!

[@SnowyPe]

Im with you all the way.. Well Done

[@143CAR]

It's great to see someone who isn't afraid to ask for help when needed; not just show off their driving skill. Driver mods for the win! Great video showing the process.

[@MillennialMidwest]

Great video, I really got into the lap times.

[@ajthealchemist]

These videos are always so relaxing

[@byronspencer539]

That was awesome. Good job.

[@86_Noodles]

Loving this kind of content can't wait for more

[@user-hn1bq3sy9b]

Completely forgot this channel existed, happy you keep on with the Honda! Back to being a fan.

[@bighomieJ5X]

Much respect, u was out there smashing .💯👍🏾

[@cody12345249]

Fiiiinally I've been waiting for this!