If I told you to expect engine-swapped Hondas at SEMA this yr, you may not bat a watch.
I’d be surprised if there have been more Hondas on display rocking their original motors than engine-swapped examples. K20, K24, B18, and B16 engines are in all places as of late as if there’s a secret team at Honda keeping the production lines alive.
And that’s before we even get to the subject of Honda swaps in other makes. Whether it’s FWD, RWD, AWD, naturally aspirated, or turbocharged, there’s sure to be someone who’s accomplished some type of conversion. There’s even a man on the market designing a ‘K36′ inline-six engine. Pure madness.
It’s hard to face out with a Honda construct as of late, but Ryan Basseri and the team at Rywire Motorsport Electronics are doing just that with not one, but two outrageous Civics headed for the 2024 SEMA Show in November.
First, let’s take a take a look at Ryan’s Milano Red EK Civic hatchback, which remains to be within the early stages of its construct.
So, how did this project come about? “I’ve all the time wanted to construct an EK for myself, so this was an incredible approach to kill two birds with one stone – easy brand recognition and development [of electric drive systems],” Ryan says.
This isn’t Rywire’s first foray into electronic systems or electric cars. The corporate has built a fame for its expertise in automotive electrical work; leaf through its product catalogue, and also you’ll find a whole bunch of applications.
With a lot variety (think wiring kits to power distribution modules), it’s no surprise that Ryan and his team are all the time advancing their expertise.
Enter their most ambitious project yet: an S2000 retrofitted with a Tesla motor and Chevrolet battery. Ryan explains: “The S2000 was a bare chassis given to me by a buddy. I used to be going to construct a Civic first, however the S2000 was the trail of least resistance.”
“I desired to learn the way EV systems work, and the S2000 was a good alternative given the motor selection and fitment,” Ryan recalls, clearly having learnt a thing or two from the project and eventually applying that knowledge to a Civic.
While the EK sports timeless modifications, the S2000 looks like something from the long run, tucked away in Rywire’s headquarters.
“The goal for the S2000 was to have it scream ‘electric!” says Ryan. And Rywire nailed it with radical custom bodywork. But that’s not the aim for the hatchback. The 16-inch Desmond RegaMaster EVO wheels, wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tyres, add a incredible touch.
Those with a keen eye might need spotted the 5×114.3 hub conversion accommodating the five-stud wheels. Behind them, a Spoon Sports front big brake kit and bespoke KW Motorsport coilovers throughout.
At this stage of the construct, the suspension components have had their initial fitting, the setup featuring PCI control arms and linkages and S1Built rear trailing arms for AWD.
Yes, you read that right – AWD. You’re the muse of a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive EK Civic.
I’ll share more specifics once we feature the whole construct, but expect roughly 600hp from the twin motors, with an 85kWh battery good for about 400 miles of range, and a 0-60mph time I can’t quite comprehend.
The engine bay is fascinating, even in its semi-complete state. There’s something so alien about an unlimited electric motor residing where you’d expect to see a recognisable B-series engine.
Funnily enough, though, probably the most interesting details are those that could be recognised. The splash of purple from the KW top mounts is one thing, however the beefy CSF Race radiator is something else entirely.
You discover CSF cooling solutions in lots of big-power builds, nonetheless, these products almost seem mistaken in an EV. Remember, though, electric motors and batteries generate a lot of warmth.
As with the coilovers, brakes, and chassis components, Ryan has sourced parts from the highest of the aftermarket world to create this wild Civic. I’m excited to share the construct progress, especially given the revolutionary approach being taken.
With classic touches from US and JDM EK Civics, paired with cutting-edge parts for the EV swap, this construct is a labour of affection for Ryan.
As earlier mentioned, this isn’t the one Civic the RyWire team is preparing for SEMA. Honda enthusiasts, watch this space…
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world
Photography by Darrien Craven
Instagram: _crvn_
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
