So You Want To Modify An EM2 Civic?

[@sptauto]

If you want to make power on a D17, this is the route to go. Ideally, you'd frankenstein a few different D-series engines together. D17A1 block, D17A2 or D16Y8 head, D16Y8 intake manifold, D16Y8 cams, D16Y8 rocker assembly. Then you'd have proper 3-lobe VTEC and lower compression pistons, which is better for turbo applications. That should be good for 160whp NA with a tune, and 200whp with a turbo. If you'd like to do a naturally aspirated high compression build, then grab yourself some 12.5:1 GX pistons, and strengthened conrods. Don't forget your ARP head studs, and a quality gasket. Fully built, I've seen as high as 490whp on a D17A2 non-frankenstein build. I'm doing this exact project on my EM2.

[@the_mysterious_gamer1657]

What is the difference between the A1 and A2 block?

[@sptauto]

@@the_mysterious_gamer1657 The compression of the pistons, which is lower on the A1. That's ideal for a turbo build. The rest is the same, apart from the head.

[@the_mysterious_gamer1657]

@@sptauto Alright thanks, was just wondering about that since I was wondering if I should just swap a K20 or entertain a D17 build when I buy another EM2. Miss the one I had but she had her issues like rusty pinch welds and being a value package car. Next one I get I want an EX

[@sptauto]

@@the_mysterious_gamer1657 Building a D17 is certainly cheaper and more cost-conscious. K-swaps are okay, but they're rather expensive to do properly. About $5500 USD, with the engine alone being $1500-$2000. You'd want to avoid the cheaper eco variants, such as the K20A3. Those have the weaker conrods and 2-lobe VTEC, which are major limitations. You'd need to frankenstein that engine as well, but with a K20A2. At that point it wouldn't be cost effective though, which is why I recommend starting with a better base engine for swaps.

[@jaidenjordan146]

Never seen a d17 mated to anything d16 related nothing matches up at all how are you doing this

[@HawkEM2]

Finally, someone who acknowledged the EM2!

[@TKRTSRTEEJAY1293]

Check out my build

[@HawkEM2]

@@TKRTSRTEEJAY1293 That's nice! I dunno if I wanna go for EM2 or RSX as first anymore

[@TKRTSRTEEJAY1293]

@@HawkEM2 thanks for watching! Either is a solid option 💯

[@HawkEM2]

@@TKRTSRTEEJAY1293 I'll probably go RSX as a first car then, my dad used to have an EM2 so I think I'll try the RSX next

[@sptauto]

@@HawkEM2 DC5's are obese. They weigh 2840 lbs, which is the same as a Civic sedan of the same generation. Meanwhile, EM2's are only 2405 lbs. With a little DIY'ing, EM2's can make the same power with less weight. It's a superior base platform.

[@Nightfall-TCG]

I’m about to start dumping money into my em2. Bought it a few years back and it’s time to pull the trigger & have it ready to be my new daily come summer time. Hope you’re gonna continue making videos on your build, I’m subbed up now so I’ll be here for the ride🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@anthonymanz9355]

Kswap it

[@Nightfall-TCG]

@@anthonymanz9355 I just put a brand new jdm d17 into it last year. So I’m thinking I build the motor as best as it can handle & then throw a maxspeedingrods turbo kit on there. It’ll make around 3-330hp which would be a GINORMOUS upgrade from what it is rn. If it blows it blows, than I’ll go k.

[@Icarus.2]

@@Nightfall-TCGWell did it blow up? Im debating to build my d series or go ahead and k swap

[@Sl1deways]

I would of never thought of the 8th gen SI wing, that thing looks crazy good on the EM2. I might end up doing that over the stock wing

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Ya just something a little different

[@Trozikr]

@@carvedfromlife8949 Yea that spoiler is amazing, can you link it ? Cant find it anywhere in my country ( sry im from EU, its prbly dont have ATEST for EU and cant put it on my car )

[@carvedfromlife8949]

@@Trozikr www.ebay.com/itm/370835197519?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=BzZFRDhxSuK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=avm6eesgrwy&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@Trozikr]

@@carvedfromlife8949 thx alot, as said before its for US only, cant buy it :/ then prbly buy different one 😭😭

[@carvedfromlife8949]

@@Trozikr they won't let u order from the US??

[@SilvaManVids]

You should install headlights with a black housing, makes it look more modern!

[@ngfl05]

What is the wheel/tire size. Looks great.

[@Fazionlove]

What size wheels and tires my man ?? Really good look congrats to you !!

[@naldandujar8960]

i’m glad i found your channel i love how your em2 looks i hope you make more videos like this as i’m starting to buy and look for parts for my em2 and this is so helpful to get ideas

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Hey thanx I appreciate it, enjoy the process building your car.

[@apollo1305]

Tip for em2/es2/rsx guys If you want actually good handling, keep your ride height close to stock. The location of the steering rack makes the car really finicky when its low to the ground. Focus on widening your track width to be flush, more tire, rear antisway bar, and stiffening the springs. Dont lower it i repeat dont lower it if you want handling

[@Nile6o2]

I actually like the stance of the car stock it's high in the end and low in the front like a drag car haha

[@Triggernlfrl]

Did you outline the wheels propely because i never heard of problems? Want to lower the hight to improve looks/handeling.

[@Nightfall-TCG]

Idk if you check old comments so I’ll ask again here just incase. But I’m your video installing the short shifter box I noticed you didn’t install the shifter plate underneath. On every other install I’ve seen, they always use it, but the installs I’ve seen were never on an em2, yours is the first one I’ve seen. I was literally on Amazon about to purchase the shifter along with the plate before coming across your video.

[@teshuvahemmet3036]

Thanks for the information 👍

[@AimingTowardsBetter-o5z]

Diy tail lights are complex but you have customizability.

[@buhrrito]

I’m getting back into a Honda. This one specifically. 200k miles. I’ve owned EG, EM1, DC5, ED. I’m looking to do something big this time. Great video.

[@nathanmathews815]

100% agree on those tail lights, i love them so much but the websites i order them on dont accept my "transaction type" just using a debit card lmfao or they seem to sketchy for me to even put my card info into.

[@blackrose-sy8kv]

I have a 03 civic coupe without v tec but I love it ❤ good vid and def subbed

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Hell ya thanks

[@isaacc8365]

What are your wheel tire specs? Looks clean

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Rota 16" can't remember the offset, tires are 205 50 16 I think.

[@isaacc8365]

@@carvedfromlife8949 thanks

[@its_batess]

I am in the UK and have the 1.7 coupe vetc can't find any exhaust system or intake for this car

[@JosephFernandeztech]

Another upgrade you can consider is K Swapping your EM2. I did. It is costly, but if you are doing it for the love and not the dollar value, it is definitely worth it. You will never get your money back for K swapping an EM2.

[@JamieJames11]

What all do I have to do to the chassis to k swap?!? Helppp

[@prolee3064]

Where can I find a Parts list to k swap my em2

[@JosephFernandeztech]

Insane shaft half shaft and cv axles for 01-03 civic si, hasport motor mounts (kit differs depending on transmission used). 02-04 RSX type s engine harness, Honda Kpro, RSX base subframe, ktuned jumper harness. I might be missing some stuff, but that's the meat and potatoes of it. Also have $$$$ on hand. As long as you have that, it's an obtainable swap.

[@ape1609]

Very nice video. You think I'm screwed with my automatic em2 or you think I could still mod the engine to about 160hp or should I just manual swap

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Think ur best chance for the money is to k swap it, but none the less fix it up as is and just have a nice car to cruise. D17 isn't a bad engine they just didn't make much for it when it came to mods.

[@ape1609]

@@carvedfromlife8949 I have allot of nice body mods rn really love the look of it

[@BenjiMcvi]

Think I can put that spoiler on an 04 civic lx coupe?

[@retronaut6752]

I was thinking about the EM1 SI spoiler as well but I think it would have looked better if the paint matched instead of the carbon fiber but also the RSX spoiler looks pretty neat never even thought about that especially the spoiler you chose definitely thinking out of the box! Also, wondering what type of suspension are you running on your EM2?

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Ya you might be right, might have looked better painted. I did like that wing tho, but I definitely liked the 8th spoiler better after I put it on. I just had some Truhart lowering springs with the stock struts.

[@spencerrobinson9663]

Trying to find a set of flared fenders to replace stock ones. Having trouble please help lol

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Idk, ive never came across any thing like that for this model. Id imagine they have universal ones you can order and a shop could probably fit them on nice.

[@spencerrobinson9663]

@carvedfromlife8949 yeah , I figure that's the way I'll have 2 go. Thanks.

[@0atz]

Did anyone find the tail lights?

[@lsty2487]

Bro nice video. Do u have a links for the shifter and coli packs so I can buy them for mine please bro

[@ziurelvargas1541]

Question where did you get those side skirts

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Just off ebay, thinks it's a generic company selling them so they don't have a specific name.

[@xoxoangel777]

can you please tell me where you got your front lip ?? ( if that’s what it’s called lol.) i’m new to this typa stuff but I’m trying to upgrade my em2 😆

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Found it on eBay, it's a generic lip I don't think it has a specific name from what I remember

[@nathansilva4819]

I got an 8th gen spoiler. The centre attachment of it where the brake light feeds through doesn’t fit properly. How’d you get yours to work?

[@carvedfromlife8949]

? I can't really picture ur issue ur having. I just drilled a hole for the center hole and wiring lined it up the best I could.

[@UGKsta]

Okay on a real note is it same for the es1?

[@vLpooh]

Another great mod , to get rid of the oem steering wheel big and bulky I personally went with an s2000 looks 10 times better , nice video

[@IvanNava]

I just slapped a UEL header and made it sound like a Subie lol

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Where'd u find that? Don't have the car anymore but do u have a link? Just wanna check them out

[@UGKsta]

Wow what about the es1

[@anthonymanz9355]

I blew the d17 in my em2 I swapped in a budget friendly k2a3 from a civic si and rsx subframe. To me this is a big fix getting rid of the lame D 17 and it opens up a whole new world of engine modifications. Good video!!!!

[@carvedfromlife8949]

thats honestly the perfect base engine for the em2 since they are even lighter than the ep3, would have been sick if they offered si coupe versions of that when they came out.

[@sptauto]

The D17 isn't lame, and they can make power easily. The only limitation is the mechanical knowledge of the builder. The K20A3 is a baby-VTEC (2-lobe) eco model, with smaller connecting rods. A D17 is good for 160whp NA, all day. Which is the same power as a K20A3 at the crank.

[@ape1609]

Just spend 260$ for those taillights today. Mines blue also so seeing that picture really made me pull the trigger

[@Smoke.Official]

Which lights are they where can I get them

[@LDBBG]

where did you get them?

[@joshuawetzbarger6130]

I have two of the em2

[@Haloabove18]

I have an es1

[@VigilanTEE-17]

I have a 2001 em2. It’s my first car and I’ve had it for 2 years now and I’m still learning to like it. I love Hondas just not that one😂

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Lol

[@texasashleyhouston3710]

Tengo un EM2 2005 pensé venderlo para comprar un cupe 2008 no sabia que el Em2 era especial lo hace especial la historia del EM1 .

[@xviiiv]

Any EM2 Groups that are active?

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Ya check out Reddit, the have a group think its called 7th gen civics

[@dannyperaza3518]

Where did u get the side skirts

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Found them on ebay

[@dannyperaza3518]

@@carvedfromlife8949do you have the link?

[@ape1609]

@@dannyperaza3518 hfp side skirts 04 civic

[@andres7677]

Unfortunately theirs not many mods to this I’ve had one it’s okay. Best thing you can do is turbo it

[@Trozikr]

Never do it on EM2, u will trash that engine :D better is to do swap for K series.

[@ElDiabl0187]

I like