If you liked the Osaka JDM CRX we looked at yesterday then you will love this EF9 they also took to the Hellaflush Japan show. This Civic is the perfect example of how well a light tuning can work. Looking at it you could be forgiven for thinking it was very close to stock but as you start to take it all in you begin to notice all sorts of little details that work together in creating a very unique…

…and subtly modified car.

The guys at Osaka JDM have perfected the fusing of two styles, peppering their JDM rides with little touches that have been borrowed and at times adapted from the US Honda community, helping make their cars stand out from the norm.

The polished B16A that powers this car boast a few more performance upgrades than the ZC unit that we saw in the CRX. Breathing improvements have helped liberate a little bit more power, parts like the bigger diameter throttle…

…a stainless steel 5Zigen exhaust manifold, and the race-spec…

…5Zigen N1 exhaust system. An N1 ECU, the same unit that was run on the EF9 race cars back in the day, helps get the most out of these modifications as well as bumping the rpm red line. This makes the shorter DA Integra YS1 transmission unit a joy to flick through while the Cusco single plate clutch and LSD juggle the slightly increased power the engine now develops.

Close up of the rear Password JDM tow hook.

Looks are given an “import” feel thanks to the countless US-spec parts the car runs, starting off up front with the headlights and corner lights, front bumper and front fenders…

…and ending at the rear with USDM taillights. The Osaka JDM carbon fiber adjustable roof spoiler and hatch spoiler add just about the right visual impact without going over the top. Fixed Ganador mirrors are a nice race-touch but just like on the CRX it’s the wheels that make the car.

Wheel choice and fitment are both crucial aspects of any build and they really nailed it on the Civic by fitting their very own Loop 5, 3-piece original wheels that Work Wheels builds for them. While sizes are the same as the ones we saw on the CRX with 8.5Jx15″ up front and slightly wider 9Jx15″ for the rear, the color isn’t. This is one of the three regular colors available and it combines a polished lip with a gold center. Toyo DRB tires were chosen for their high levels of grip both in the dry and wet and are fitted in 185/55 size up front and 195/50 at the rear.

Stance is everything and thanks to Osaka JDM adjustable suspension, the top part of the Toyos sink inside the fenders at both ends. Adjustable top rear arms allow to vary camber when needed.

The stickered body part is something I noticed a lot at the Hellaflush Japan meet. It can be pretty cool when done as tastefully as on this B-pillar.

Little details help add a little personal touch to the 80’s interior…

…things like the Password JDM shift knob, a modern day Alpine DVD player with LCD screen…

…and a dealer-option Momo steering wheel along with a factory Mitsubishi Recaro seat.

Combining forces with the N1 ECU is the R-Spec VTEC controller which allows the driver to select the B16A’s VTEC crossover point, an important thing when running shorter gears and aftermarket engine management.

Needless to say I will need to drop over on the guys at Osaka JDM next time I’m down in Kansai. I’m sure they have a lot to show us!

Osaka JDM

Work Wheels

Hellaflush Japan coverage on Speedhunters

-Dino Dalle Carbonare