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EP3 A guide to the EP3 CTR

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42,953
Stolen from a post made by Gonzo back in the day


This FAQ post has been made to cover some of the most common questions asked by new (and old) members!

The FAQ’s are listed here in no particular order.

If your question does not appear in the list below there are a number of things you can do to find the answer:
1) Use the SEARCH button at the top of the forum
2) Check out the specific section dedicated to your question (eg. Petrol, Tyres and Oil)
3) If all else fails and you can’t find an answer, post your question in the specific section


If there is a FAQ that you believe should be included in this list, or you believe there is a better answer to an FAQ already listed please PM the information to a Moderator who will update this list.

Thanks to all those people who have contributed.

Enjoy!

The Admin and Moderators.



FAQ’s…


What does CTR stand for?

Civic Type R


What does JDM stand for?

Japanese Domestic Market


I have heard about a JDM CTR. What is this?

This is the Japanese Domestic Market Civic Type R. This is not available in the UK unless you import one. The JDM is different from the UK CTR in a lot of ways. If you do a search on JDM Type R or similar you will find loads of information. See JDM specs lower down.


What is an EP3 and What is a EK9, DC2, and DC5?

FN2 = New Civic Type R
EP3 = Old Civic Type R
EK9 = older model Civic Type R
DC2 = old model Integra Type R (available in the UK)
DC5 = New Integra Type R (Import Only)


I posted something but it has dissapeared!!!

If you posted something about an exhaust in the General Civic section then it has more than likely been moved by one of the admin staff to the correct section (in this example to the exhaust section).


I have just bought a new Civic Type R (CTR), and was wondering about breaking in.

This is a topic of much debate and there are numerous different opinions. Our advice is to follow manufacturers guidelines and read the manual - it states to not use full throttle acceleration for the first 600 miles. It does not state to avoid using VTEC and it does not state to keep under a certain RPM during that period. My own personal feelings are that it's much better to warm the car up and then use the entire rev range during the break in period, bearing in mind that you are also bedding in the brakes, tyres and suspension components as well as the engine. One other thing to note is that it's commonly observed that cars that have been run in conservatively use less oil over the course of their lifetime, and cars that have been thrashed off the forecourt tend to use more.


What happens when I hit the rev limiter ?

There is an electronic fuel cut. The limiter is there to stop the engine getting damaged when going up through the gears. Bouncing off the limiter now and again won’t harm the engine, but it is best avoided in the long term and certainly best avoided for prolonged periods - e.g driving down the road in 2nd gear continually bouncing off the limiter. Make sure you change just before the limiter for best progress.


When first starting my CTR, my engine idles at around 2000rpm, is this normal?

Yes. The CTR has a high idle speed when the engine is cold.


My car does not engage VTEC properly or it engages it late.

The CTR is very dependent on oil, and if this is low the engine will sometimes exhibit strange characteristics. Frequent oil checks are STRONGLY advised.


What do people mean when they refer to VTEC'ing?

It refers to driving the CTR with engine revs between 5850 and 8250rpm. This is the 'power band' of the CTR and where the engine runs on the high profile cam.


How does i-VTEC work??

VTEC (which stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is an electronic and mechanical system in some Honda engines that allows the engine to effectively have multiple camshafts. As the engine moves into different rpm ranges, the engine's computer can activate alternate lobes on the camshaft and change the cam's timing. In this way, the engine gets the best features of low-speed and high-speed camshafts in the same engine


My car is hard to put in second gear when it is cold.

This is a known issue and an answer can be found in the faults and fixes section.


What are the service intervals?

12500 miles or 12 months whichever comes first


How much is my ***** mile service?

Best directed at your local dealer, then ask 2 not so local to get the average price - labour rates vary by region


Can I get an extended guarantee and what does it cover?

Yes, speak to a dealer


Can a towbar be fitted to the CTR?

NO!! The CTR has a zero towing limit - The suspension has been known to collapse when fitted with a tow bar because it cannot take the weight being loaded onto it. If you fit one your warranty is null and void on your suspension and considering that's one of the CTR's weak points in terms of warranty claims I wouldn't risk it.


What Is The Difference Between a 30th Anniversary to a standard CTR?

The 30th anniversary is a more exclusive CTR in that only a 100 was built for each of the colours, Red, silver and Black. This was only available in the preface lift CTR’s. The difference between the cars differ from:

*Red Carpets and recaro seats
*Air Con as standard
*Rear tinted windows
*Rear 30AE badge
*Momo steering Wheel
*Car being more exclusive


I have heard something to do with 'pre facelift' and 'facelift' model CTR. What are the differences?

The facelift model was introduced in 2004. There are roughly 1500 changes, however the main ones are:

Lighter flywheel.
Additional sound deadening.
Different front and rear light clusters.
Different front bumper.
Red door inserts and red inserts on the seats.

Also a late run of Premier model CTR's became available on top of the facelift spec the following were included:

Black and red Recaro seats
Momo steering wheel
Red carpet
Tinted windows
Type R embossed brake calipers

What are the differences between the a JDM and a UK CTR.

The differences between the JDM and the Euro CTR are quite significant
though it has to be said.

I'll confirm certain bits that the UK doesn't get as standard with a *

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- For driver's seat & SRS air bag system for submarine seat
- The EBD (the electronic control braking effort distribution system)
- ABS (4 wheel anti lock brake system)
- LED high mount stop lamp
- Bumper beam & door beam
- The front 3 point type overload limiters you attach, the pre- tensioner -
the ELR seat belt
- Rear 3 point type ELR/ALR (child seat fixed mechanism) seat belt
- ISO FIX corresponding child seat fixed private bar (rear left and right
seat)

COMFORT EQUIPMENT
- EPS (electromotive power steering) + VGR (variable steering gear ratio)
- Tinted Windows (low Ultraviolet)

INTERIOR
- Recaro Corporation make bucket seat (front) *
- Leather 3 spoke steering wheel by MOMO *
- Aluminium shift knob (instrument panel shift)
- Aluminium pitch centre panel
- TYPE R console emblem
- Red floor mat & door lining *
- Foot rest (driver's seat side)
- Cup holder (front / rear)
- 6: 4 divided yes falling down type rear seats

EXTERIOR
- Aero forum bumper (front / rear)
- Large-sized tail gate spoiler
- Body same colour side sill garnish
- TYPE R private HONDA emblem (front / rear)
- TYPE R emblem (front / rear) / decare (side)
- U.K. Emblem (rear) *
- Red engine head cover
- Mist mechanism attaching intermittent front wiper
- Body same colour electromotive remote control door mirror
- Micro antenna

TIRE/WHEELS
- High grip tire (205/45r17 84w)
- Private aluminium wheel (17×7JJ)

OPTIONAL COMFORT PACK (sold with 99% of JDM cars)
- Air Conditioning (Manual)
- Power windows
- Power door lock (tail gate gearing)
- Radio wave type key less entry system (welcome lamp functional attaching)
- Map lamp
- Rear shelf
- HID headlight (high / low beam) *
- Privacy glass (rear quarter / tail gate) *
- Washer attaching intermittent rear wiper

OTHER:
Travelling-related mechanism
- Private hard setting suspension
- Torque response type helical LSD *
- Front large diameter ventilated disk brake
- Rear disk brake
- Strut tower bar (front / rear)
- Thicker Anti-Roll Bars.

ENGINE:
K20A Specification *
Peak Power Output (kW [ PS ] /rpm) - 158 [ 215 ] /8,000 *
Peak Torque Output (N m [ kg m ] /rpm) - 202 [ 20.6 ] /7,000 *

The JDM engine has an uprated engine containing JDM springs, valves, pistons
etc plus it does indeed have a smaller cat.
Different gear ratios and mapping in the Japanese car, along with a
different intake and exhaust manifolds as well.

Also, the JDM car has a different wiring loom , so many electrical bits,
like the HID lights, won't just 'plug in' to a UK CTR.

The JDM is also group 20 insurance in the UK.

What oil should I be using in my CTR ?

If the cars brand new then you should be putting in 10-40 semi synthetic up to the first service. After the first service it depends on what your dealer puts in but ideally it should be changed to 5-40 fully synthetic. See the Oil section!


How often should I top up my oil ?

The manual says you should check your oil every time you fill up. There are two holes in the dip stick these represent the max and min levels of oil. There is roughly 1 ltr of oil between the two marks and the oil should always be kept topped up. This also aids in better Vtec when the oil is at its max.


What petrol should I use ?

Either Unleaded or Super Unleaded can be used in the CTR most people use Super UL.


How many miles should I be getting from a tank ?

This really does depend on your driving style. When running in you will be getting less to a tank than a CTR that has done about 5000 miles. On average a CTR doing part motorway and part town driving should expect to see between 290 – 330 miles. The personal record so far is 440 miles, worst as low as 150 miles!


Checking Tyres

Air Pressure
•Tyres can be easily damaged if the correct air pressure is not maintained they lose pressure over time which causes irregular tread wear and shortens tyre life.
•Fuel consumption and steering control can also be affected if the tyres are under-inflated or over-inflated.
•The easiest way to check tyre inflation is to inspect them regularly.
If the tyres squeal when you go around corners at normal speeds you may have low pressure in one or more of your tyres.
•Remember to check your spare tyre regularly.
Always check and adjust tyre pressures only when the tyres are cold.
•Tyre pressures for your vehicle can be found in the manufacturers manual or try looking for a plate around the driver or passenger door aperture.

It is advisable to rotate your tyres at least every 8000 miles as varying loads and different driving styles will in most cases wear down one tyre quicker than the others, you can check your car manual for advice on tyre rotation or take a look at our simple diagrams for guidance always consult a professional if you are still unsure.


I want to modify my car; How will this affect the warranty?

A: Like any mods you do to your car it all comes down to the dealer. Some dealers will kick up a fuss and others will not. However whatever modification you do, it can only affect that specific part of the warrenty ie if you have an after market exhaust fitted and the window does not shut they (the dealers) can't complain!


The paint finish between the bumpers and the bodywork looks different; What shall I do?

There are known paint issues on the CTR, please look in the Faults and Fixes section.


I have recently installed ICE and/or had the battery disconnected and the auto up/down power window feature does not work any more (facelift model only).

You need to reset the system. To do this turn on the engine, press and hold the switch to the down position and wait for the window to fully open. When it is fully open wait another couple of seconds and then release. The system should be reset now.


My brakes are rusty. Is this bad??? What can I do to get rid of this???

All bare metal rusts without a form of protection over it, obvious to say, break disc's do not have paint or lacquer etc on them because it will drastically reduce their efficiency! Just take the car out for a drive and use the brakes a lot! This should remove the rust. Until the rust is removed you will hear a strange kind of grinding noise.


What size speakers fit???

16.5" speakers fit front and rear. Depending on the size of the speakers cage you may require spacers for the front (Vectra/Astra Spacers)


What speeds can be achieved in a standard ctr in each gear?

1st 35mph
2nd 55mph
3rd 76mph
4th 101mph
5th 126mph
 
this post is great. i have just viewed a ctr 55reg premier edition, are the common faults for the ep3 the same for the premier, or is there other different faults for the premier edition? the car i viewed is going for £6995 but i think i could get it down a bit, the only thing is i could see quite alot of swirls in the paint and there are quite a few stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper i guess i'd need a specialist for the chips but is there a cheaper solution to the swirls in the paint? any help would be much appreciated thanks.
 
Yes the faults are the same. Swirls can be fixed by a decent detail or polish.
 
wow this is amazing.. so this is pretty much it to look for when buying one :) didnt think it would be much haha
 
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