Added Lightness: A B20-Powered Civic For Rallycross

I’m pre-empting your enthusiasm for this Honda Civic EG from my recent Galway Carbon visit, as I write this before that feature is actually published.

This will either mean that you’re excited to read about it, or it’s a feature that nobody asked for. Regardless, I’m going to share this, because I think it’s a car worth sharing – even if it doesn’t fit the traditional Honda mould. By that, I mean this isn’t some sort of kanjo racer or street car; it’s a competition-spec rallycross car, which in itself is pretty interesting.

The Civic belongs to Brian Grealish, one of the co-founders of Galway Carbon, and he primarily uses the car in Class 3B Modified (modified 2WD vehicles up to 2,150cc) of the Irish Rallycross Championship.

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Since moving from the 1,600 to the 2,000 class, Brian has not had the opportunity to do a full season for various reason. During my visit to the Galway premises, the car was up on stands as Brian was working on designing a new dry sump tank cover for the car.

Brian was a little bit bashful about having me photograph the Honda, as it was still wearing some scars from the previous season’s action. But in my opinion, this is the best time to photograph a race car.

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Considering the nature of Brian’s business, it’s not surprising to see that there’s a lot of carbon fibre in play here. Naturally, there’s the weight-saving benefits – the car is 830kg (1,830lb) – but also the carbon’s ability to take an impact without falling to pieces. This is due to the particular system of fabric and resin which Galway developed in 2013 specifically for rallycross applications.

As rallycross is (unofficially, anyway) a contact form of motorsport, this was a sensible decision. However, the first time Brian arrived into his Clubman class in a full carbon car, it might have put a bit of a target on his back. All good natured, of course.

The blemishes shown above are the only reminders of two significant impacts that the car has had, both of which did more damage to the metalwork behind the carbon than the carbon itself.

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At the literal heart of things is a Honda B-series engine comprising of a B20Z1 block and a B16A DOHC VTEC cylinder head. The extra capacity from the 2.0L block provides a significant bump in torque over the original 1.6L, something which is much appreciated during heats. The engine is managed by a Link ECU, and was tuned by AP Performance, a neighbour of Galway Carbon.

Brian did supply some in-car footage from last season, so you can appreciate the car that little bit better. I do apologise to Brian for choosing the footage where he finished second, rather than winning, but it’s a more compelling view.

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The car runs on Reiger suspension with remote reservoirs and adjustment, along with Revolution wheels and 304mm AP Racing Pro 5000R 4-piston front brakes. There’s a Quaife sequential gearbox with a Kaaz limited-slip differential as well.

What struck me was the use of slicks on a rallycross car. Brian explained that their compound makes them incredibly versatile on tarmac and loose surfaces, and even in the wet they can still perform, although standing water is their downfall.

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The driver’s door, although covered in carbon, is still steel as per regulations. The flocked carbon dashboard weighs just 800gm (under 2lb), and all the glass has been replaced by moulded Lexan, including the windscreen which further reduces weight.

As mentioned previously, Brian was in the process of designing an intricate cover for the dry sump tank at the rear of the car. Of course, a simple box design would satisfy regulations, but where’s the fun in that? This will be pretty neat when it’s completed.

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I won’t drag this spotlight out any longer than necessary, but I will include more photographs in the gallery below.

Now to gamble on whether you want to see more of that Fiesta…

Paddy McGrath
Instagram: pmcgphotos
Twitter: pmcgphotos
paddy@speedhunters.com

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1

This Honda is pretty sick. I've never seen a rallycross Honda before.
would also like too see more of that fiesta too...

2

Here in the US, "rallycross" is basically Autocross on dirt. (Think single car on a closed, timed course.) So that video was NOT what I was expecting! Who is the sanctioning body for this sport? It looks neat, and I'd like to learn more.

3

Here in the US the "rallycross" you are talking about is known by the full name of SCCA RallyCross. SCCA has to put their name in front of it because the term Rallycross means the same thing here as it does in Europe. There have been attempts many years ago to have Rallycross in the US but it didn't take because there were no racing facilities that had the means to accommodate it nor wanted to spend the money making adjustments. Club racing was basically just Road Racing and Time trials with a hint of Stage Rally in the 90's era SCCA.

So what you are describing as rallycross in the us is actually registered tm name by SCCA name SCCA RallyCross. The SCCA in the front tells you what type of sport it is.

4

We need something like this in the US that is accessible to average enthusiasts. Rallycross as you described is what I'm used to as well. It's so much fun but I would like to see an expansion on that.

5

The top class is FIA World RX at this moment, perhaps that can point you in the right direction. Here in Europe lots of countries have their own federation running a series (for example, KNAF (the Netherlands), Motorsport UK etc).

6

Full carbon anything is always brilliant to see, so yes...we will have the fiesta now please and thanks.

7

I want to see more of the Fiesta. All P McG content is worthy.

8
thathellastockusdm3rdgenyaris@instagram

Hondas are cool.

9

I have unwrapped my EG rally Project so thanks for all the great detail shots. Is the dry sump because of some oiling issues? Is there an EG rally kit or is it all custom? One day I may make it to the New England Forest Rally. Why did I start a turbo build. OH, Clio Williams compared To an EG. Sorry my three projects at once...........tooo many directions. And I had to pass on a BMW 2002 project that came up the other day. NO I could have done a 2002 rally car

10

Bring on the Festy.

11

Glad to see the ol B series still being put to good use

12

I love that your bringing more Hondas into the speedhunters realm. More please!

13

That is a very impressive weight considering he's running a rather heavy roll cage!

14

Whats this intake pipe? b20 need 3.5" !!

15

Whats this intake pipe? B20 need 3.5" !
The thick radiator is rubbish, much better efficiency the oem CRV radiator!

16

The Civic is a great all round platform
You can use for street, track, drag, and even rallying!
Who knew?

17

We need more rally Civic builds!
Those could be the next best rally build!

18

makes at nine hours works and makes 5000S-7000Sfor one month just htt working on the computer for a few hours.why not check here…...http://www.6payday.com

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