Saving an EF From the Crusher to Build Nolan's Track Car Civic

Saving an EF From the Crusher to Build Nolan's Track Car Civic
By Aaron Gaghagen

Fourth gen Civics are becoming increasingly rare. So, when Brian spotted this EF hatchback headed to be crushed at a local yard, he had so save it. He saw the potential. Brian's timing was perfect because our friend Nolan had just reached out looking for a Civic to make a track car. Brian said yes and parts started to accumulate. Oh, you may recognize Nolan Sykes from the YouTube super channel known simply as Dount. Despite driving a Mustang, Nolan has been bit by the Honda bug after working on a K20 swapped Civic for the Donut channel. If you haven't seen their series on their $500 EG Civic, where the F have you been? Go watch it and see if you can spot us helping out on the swap. This time things are different because we're going auto to manual, cable to hydro and D series to B series over just a few days.

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Nothing but Hondas. That’s exactly what you’ll find at VTEC Academy. Because Soichiro Honda’s passion for motorsports and his company’s ability to express that in the machines they produce make a whole lot of sense. VTEC Academy is a place for Honda fans who feel the same way and who seek the most accurate technical information and commentary to continue that very legacy and make whatever Honda it is that they drive just a little bit better. And more fun.

DISCLAIMER:

VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk. It's on you, dog.

[Donut]

Thanks again to Brian, Brian, Scot, Carter and everyone else who helped out with the build! The Hasport team is such a passionate group of individuals, so many good vibes at the shop. Crazy how so much work can be cut down to just 40 minutes, we put in a ton of work in such a short time. I can't wait to rip this thing, hoping to have it fully track worthy by mid march!
-Nolan

[Watts]

I saw the cleanest stock EF the other day driven by an old guy at COSTCO. It honestly looked like it drove out of a showroom. I asked to buy it from him and he chuckled back - get in line.

[djfrankie]

I know it goes without saying but this must be said: Brian is, and has been, such an invaluable contributor to the Honda community for decades. All of us owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you Brian!

[maroonsr]

no friggin way!!! back in 2001 my buddy had a b16 swapped ef sedan and Brian helped with the exact same We cranked it and Brian saw the distributor move! it was 180 degrees out!!!

[peanutbutterpadre]

It’s wild to see the doughnut team making progress on their own cars

[jnl]

Don’t ever stop making these videos. I B-swapped a CRX and an EG almost 20 years ago in high school, got into other hobbies and forgot all about Hondas until recently. I’ve caught the bug again and now can’t wait to get into another 1988-2000 civic, swap it, and hit the track! Thank you for sharing these videos. Brings me back to the good old days.

[grominwithrob]

I’m jealous of the clean cars in California. I live up in Michigan so there is no such thing as a clean 7+ yr old car. Not to mention if you have to work on anything, every thing fights you due to rust and corrosion. Nolan is such a cool dude. You know he will love and appreciate this cool build! I would have the guys sign car somewhere!!!!

[vandenbroekeengineering]

Love these episodes. VA is such an underrated channel

[panokio]

I am so happy that a lot of the guys at donut see why people like Hondas. It seemed that they didn’t like them but they knew their fans do. So they made a series with that eg hatch and fell in love with Honda

[Lostmm.]

This is a great one, love the VA-donut combo. Hope to see more like these coming.

[jonathanwessman]

I miss my old 90 dx hatch "Scooty puff jr." Had a sagging front spring, couldn't find myself an OE replacement for it. I got a set of Progress coil overs, turned into the most enjoyable 90 hp go-cart ever. Its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

[haywire]

Love hondas for budget track builds. I put together my first track civic delsol si with a b20v and si transmission 2 years ago. I love how easy these cars are to work on and how reliable and tough they can be. Its has been a great learning car. Never drove on a track until I got my delsol put together specifically for just going on the track. Sure am glad there is a huge honda community that is there to support a lot of swaps and builds.

[stephenmoore]

I've been watching Donut since pretty much when they started the channel and it's awesome to see how Nolan has gone from "ugh, I like V8s" to now he owns and is building a civic.
And Brian, at the beginning you made a little comment about people hate hearing you say "this is VTEC academy and you're about to be schooled". Well, let me tell you, I like it. Hearing Nolan say the line was something special. These colab videos are fire

[GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Someone’s trash another’s treasure. Glad you saved this from the crusher! I was all about this until the fender rolling.

[ZCFHUAfhnvjf]

I love this channel. I think the only reason it doesn't have more views is simply because people don't know it exists. Some of the most unique and raw custom honda content.

[Assertiveman]

What's crazy is Honda OEM parts last the longest compared to any other manufacturers their oil pumps/ water pumps I've seen go to 500k witch it pretty dang good their engines just last rebuild after rebuild

[theirishconservative]

I cut my teeth on efs back in the 90s and ive loved them and always will. Even though the eg and ek chassis has more love . The ef will always have my heart . Im currently working on a ef sedan that will be getting a tsx swap

[truckermatt]

I was doing B swaps in EF's 20 years ago. Thanks for making me feel old. Great video!

[The_Impulse]

That’s my second favorite EF chassis. I finished the full restoration on my 91 a few years ago. Hopefully in a few years I will finally restore the 89 crx si I’ve had for the last 23 years and still drive when it’s nice out.

[drive]

I think the condition of this engine is pretty realistic. As someone who often builds with a budget, getting a known good local used motor, you're gonna have to deal with some stuff like this. As long as it's got good compression and isn't knocking then it's worth a shot I think.