Yesterday marked the exciting arrival of our latest project car: a 1992 Honda Civic Si. While the fifth generation Civic, known as the EG chassis, might not have initially caused the same frenzy as some of its contemporaries from Nissan and Volkswagen back in the early ’90s, this particular generation has since surged in popularity, becoming a beloved icon in the compact car scene. For enthusiasts and tuners alike, the 1992 Civic Si represents a golden era of Honda engineering.
Our decision to acquire a 1992 Civic Si wasn’t driven by bandwagon appeal, but by the inherent qualities that make this car truly special. Foremost, the EG Civic platform is remarkably lightweight. The base CX hatchback tips the scales at a mere 2094 pounds, while Honda officially listed the curb weight of our more feature-rich Si model at a still-svelte 2326 pounds. This light weight is fundamental to the 1992 Civic Si‘s agility and responsiveness.
Furthermore, the 1992 Civic Si and its EG brethren are renowned for their engine swap versatility. The engine bay readily accommodates Honda’s potent twin-cam B-series and even the larger H-series engines. This capability to combine a lightweight chassis with a powerful engine forms a core principle in our automotive philosophy – a recipe for driving exhilaration. The potential for performance upgrades is a major draw for 1992 Civic Si enthusiasts.
Despite its compact classification, the 1992 Civic Si offers surprisingly generous interior space. The front cabin comfortably accommodates two adults, and the fold-down rear seats expand the cargo area, enhancing its practicality. Adding to its appeal, the 1992 Civic Si, like many Hondas of its era, has proven to be remarkably durable and age gracefully, maintaining its appeal through the years.
Given its initial understated reception, we believe now is the perfect time to fully appreciate the 1992 Civic Si. While the 1992-1995 Civic range offered various trim levels, our focus was squarely on the Si model, exclusively available as a hatchback. (The EG Civic generation also included a four-door sedan from 1992-1995, and a coupe variant joined the lineup in 1993).
The 1992 Civic Si distinguished itself with the most powerful engine in the lineup at the time: a 125-horsepower VTEC powerplant. Beyond just engine performance, the Si package included desirable upgrades such as four-wheel disc brakes, front and rear anti-roll bars for enhanced handling, a power moonroof, and an upgraded interior trim. While not all of these features directly translate to outright speed, they collectively create a more refined and enjoyable daily driving experience. Our intentions extend beyond daily driving, as we are also keen to explore the 1992 Civic Si‘s potential in SCCA Street Touring autocross competition. The regulations necessitate starting with a genuine Si model for this class, further solidifying our choice.
Finding a 1992 Civic Si in good condition can present a challenge, but our persistence paid off. We located our example through honda-tech.com, a prominent online forum for Honda aficionados. The initial asking price was $3000, but the seller had already accepted an offer of $2800, contingent on the buyer securing funds within a month. We countered with immediate availability, stating we could finalize the purchase within 24 hours, and secured the deal.
While some might perceive $2800 as a significant sum for a car of this age, several compelling factors justified the price. The 1992 Civic Si appeared to be meticulously maintained, boasting a clean interior and engine bay, relatively new tires, and no apparent mechanical issues. Notably, the air conditioning system had recently undergone a complete $1200 overhaul. The odometer indicated 159,000 miles, but we were informed that the engine had been replaced at some point, with the current engine having approximately 100,000 miles – a point often considered just broken-in for a Honda engine.
The seller’s demeanor and transparency further instilled confidence in our purchase. He was wearing an Evolution Driving School shirt and meticulously pointed out every minor imperfection, suggesting a genuine and knowledgeable owner.
However, the 1992 Civic Si wasn’t without its minor flaws. The paint exhibited fading consistent with its age, resulting in a somewhat multi-toned red finish. There were some minor dings and dents, and the front bumper showed some wear and tear. The steering wheel showed its age, and one of the rear hatch struts was missing. Additionally, a piece of windshield trim was absent.
Despite these cosmetic imperfections, the 1992 Civic Si felt structurally sound, with no signs of rust or prior accident damage. On the road, it drove smoothly and comfortably.
The previous owner had implemented a few tasteful modifications. Seats, floor mats, and Acura hubcaps from a wrecked Integra had been installed, along with a K&N air filter and JDM-style amber corner lights. These subtle enhancements added to the 1992 Civic Si‘s character without detracting from its original charm.
To assess its weight, we took the 1992 Civic Si to the local dump. With a full tank of fuel, it weighed in at 2340 pounds, confirming its lightweight nature and slightly exceeding Honda’s official figure, likely due to the modifications and full tank of gas. This confirmed the 1992 Civic Si‘s reputation as a lightweight and nimble platform, perfect for our project car aspirations.
Our journey with the 1992 Civic Si has just begun, and we are excited to document every step of its transformation. Stay tuned for future updates as we delve deeper into this iconic hatchback and unlock its full potential.
