ep3 to ek9?


jamie_vtec

b16a2
Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
144
As above. Anyone gone from an ep3 to an ek9? and enjoyed it more or not? Thinking of making this move myself and trying to find out the pros and cons from it..
 
I did also, EK9 is a much better chassis and i always felt like the back end on the EP3 was a bit twitchy even with a FRSU and JDM RARB where as the EK9 is more stable and in every handling aspect is better.

As for power I can't comment because my EK9 is boosted and I've never experience a B16B.
 
I feel the same way about the handling on the ep3. Iv had ek4s and loved them so I guess I'd love the ek9 a lot more. Better handling and power. Plus I'll be looking for one with a b18 in it if possible. I had a supercharged ep3 witch was loads of fun but now I'm in a standard one it's boring me to death lol!
 
The ek9 is a superior car to the ep3. It is a bit more raw to drive but that gives it that undeniable feeling of a well balanced car that you get from it. I have no doubt you will prefer it.
The 9 is a bit slower in the higher gears. That's the only thing.
 
You do notice that lower down the revs a standard ep3 will pick up faster than a standard 9 but as said above for driving the 9 is much more and fun

Seating position, handling and general driving its 9 all the way
 
Are EP3s that slow low down?
After having a shot of a ek9 i was not impressed with the b16b. Absolutly gutless.
A b16b is not a gutless engine by any means. It does however have next to no torque so that does give the illusion the car is slow.
I would never swap my ek9 out for an ep3 not even a jdm one. Personal preference really I guess.
 
After having an EK9 and then an EP3 the EK9 is definitely alot more raw and better chassis as a whole. I had a stroked EK9 so it was fairly quick however my modded EP3 is quicker in a straight line but the EK9 would win hands down in the corners. I'd imagine an EK9 with a K20 with be the best combo.
 
I did EP3 to EK9. Best thing I've done. The handling is far superior on the 9 and would out corner an ep3 all day long, more of a go kart mind! But that's a plus in my eyes!
Yes the B16 is a smaller engine with less torque, but the ek9 is lighter and puts the power down better.
An the B series personally I prefer over a k series, but like Modler said its personal preference.
 
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Are people talking about a jdm ep3 when they are talking about the ep3 compared to the 9? As I could only imagine the jdm ep3 is a far superior car to the English model due to the better suspension and more bhp
 
EP3 +

Little rust issues, Less delicate with our climate
3k will get you a half decent example as opposed to 5-6k for an EK9
Generally cheaper/more accessible parts
6spd gearbox
More power
More refinement for the daily drive
Less 'Boy racer' image? (I know this can affect potential buyers/owners)

EK9 +

Looks (IMO)
Rarity
LSD fitted from factory
Double wishbone suspension F+R
Hydraulic PAS
Lightweight
Driving position
Seats/Interior
B16B Nature/High RPM buzz

This all in my honest opinion, Good example for good example I'd always have an EK9 over an EP3, However a B18C is the ideal package, especially if your going from a K20.

I am thinking of getting an early EP3 for track due to the points I've mentioned, Predominantly because of price/power out of the box.
 
as the chap above says, compare the JDM EP3 to the JDM EK9, don't mix and match UK spec with JDM, as its like comparing an EP3 to a civic VTI. I have owned and driven both, the JDM EP3 is all round better, more power low down, more power higher up too. Furthermore the JDM K20a engine revs much like the B16b to the B16a2, higher, more aggressive and buckets more torque. The 6 speed LSD JDM gearbox is VERY close ratio, not to mention the differential being a lot more controllable than the S4C found in the EK9, it seems to respond to throttle input and vary its severity in accordance, very very nicely matched to the very different stiffer anti roll bar on the rear, making it very neutral to drive. I find the standard brakes on the JDM EP3 to be a lot more responsive than standard EK9 brakes, most likely due to the disc and pad size being The only thing I would say about the EK9 is the driving position feels better when going fast, as said earlier, much like a go kart, but to be honest if being driven say on the motorway, the JDM EP3's recaro seating position is still very nice and you don't feel like everything is bigger than you on the road. Don't get me wrong, the EK9 will always be the original and probably coolest civic type r (definitely better than a UK spec EP3 in every way), but in terms of daily use and the occasional B-lane blast, then the JDM EP3 is (in my opinion) the better all round chassis and drivetrain.
 
Cheers for the feed back . Iv just sold my ep3. I did have a jrsc ep3 then sold it and bought a house. Then went back to a standard ep3 and Iv got bored really fast!! So My thinking behind the change is Iv always wanted to own an ek9. it's much cheaper for b series parts. They seem to handle much better than the ep3 ( according to every review Iv saw and what Iv saw in here ) the power might be an issue but now that I have a house a doubt I'll have the cash to build another 300+ Bhp car lol! So b18 ek9 or possibly a k20 would do just fine. Kinda wana stick to b series tho as i do love how raw they are.
 
Putting a k20 into an ek9 is more expensive than picking up a b18c4 and turbocharging it, instant 350hp.....
 
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