I've Been Secretly Building This for Years

TL;DR

Nolan reveals a 2-year secret build: a 1988 Honda Civic EF track car swapped with a B18C1 engine for weekend racing.

Key Points

• 1.The car is a 1988 Honda Civic DX EF hatch kept secret for 2 years. Originally a base-model automatic with a 1.5L D15 making ~90hp, Nolan bought it as a personal project to avoid job-like pressure from documenting it publicly.
• 2.The engine swap is a B18C1 'poor man's Type R' setup. The Integra GSR block, head, intake, and transmission were installed at Hasport over 3–4 days; estimated output is around 175hp, though it has never been dynoed.
• 3.A Quaife MFA limited-slip differential transforms front-wheel-drive traction. Unlike an open diff that spins the unloaded inside tire, the LSD equalizes load across both fronts, allowing faster corner exits without wheelspin.
• 4.Wheels are Enkei RPF1s in a staggered 225/205 'Osaka setup.' Chosen for being lightweight, durable, and affordable — function over aesthetics, consistent with the build's philosophy.
• 5.Suspension is fully refreshed with Progress coilovers, a rear Progress sway bar, and Tru-Hart adjustable arms. No front sway bar promotes rear stiffness and off-throttle oversteer; significant front camber was needed to clear the wide tires under rolled fenders.
• 6.The final build step was installing lightweight Osaka JDM fiberglass fenders. Roughly one-third the weight of stock steel fenders, they allow less camber for better tire contact while saving weight — completing a car Nolan calls 'pretty close to done.'