Build feature
Boosted D16Z6 Civic EP2
Our first in-house build. A 2005 Honda Civic EP2 with a fully built, boosted D16Z6, built when Sakura was still on the conservatory floor. This is how it came together.
The story
From a spun bearing to a boosted Civic
01
Where it started
A mate's spun bearing
A mate bought this Civic and spun a bottom end bearing, so it ended up with us. We'd been watching boosted Civics all over social media and had been wanting one, so the timing was right.
Sakura was still being run from the conservatory floor back then. This was our first proper engine build.
02
The rebuild
Pistons, rods and a ground crank
With the bottom end gone, everything had to be rebuilt: pistons, rods, crank and bearings. We honed the cylinders and had the crank ground down by 0.5. Not ideal at all.
But D16Z6 cranks are scarce, so we thought: why not just give it a shot? It went back together with Vitara pistons, SpeedFactory rods and ACL bearings.
03
The map
GR Performance on the rollers
GR Performance mapped it. They don't usually map this type of ECU, but they gave it a shot for us, and it helped in every way. It made 359bhp at 32psi, with the printout to prove it.
There were a couple of hiccups on the rolling road, like a boost pipe popping off, but we got there.
04
On the road
Sent everywhere
Then it hit the road and got driven everywhere. We blew the original turbo, so it was upgraded to a GTX3076R.
After two years we sold the car, and now we're looking to build even more Civics.
In our words
We thought, why not just give it a shot.Sakura Streets
Built when Sakura was still on the conservatory floor.Sakura Streets
Single cam for the win.Sakura Streets
Under the skin
What's in it
Tap a marker to see what each part is and why we chose it.
Fitted after the original turbo blew. Sits on a custom AH Fab manifold with a Turbosmart 44mm wastegate and a Tial blow-off valve.
A large front-mount intercooler with alloy boost pipes.
Helps the turbo breathe.
Fully adjustable, with EP3 front brakes and braided lines.
Brand new Rota Grids on NS2R tyres.
Full spec
The mod list
Everything that went into the Civic as it was when we sold it. Mapped on V-Power.
- EngineD16Z6 single cam (from a Honda Del Sol)
- PistonsVitara
- RodsSpeedFactory
- BearingsACL
- Block guardYes
- Head studsARP
- Valve springsBrian Crower
- Oil pumpACL race
- IgnitionCOP kit
- TurboGTX3076R
- ManifoldCustom AH Fab
- Blow-off valveTial
- WastegateTurbosmart 44mm
- Exhaust3 inch TIG-welded stainless turbo-back
- IntercoolerLarge front-mount, alloy boost pipes
- Headlight scoopHelps the turbo breathe
- Fuel pumpWalbro 255
- InjectorsCP Fuel and Race 1000cc (OBD1)
- Fuel linesBraided, AN fittings
- Fuel pressure regulatorGenuine Sard
- ECUP28 with ECU Tamer (boost by gear)
- Boost controlHondata 4-port solenoid
- MAP sensor4-bar
- Tune359bhp at 32psi, mapped on V-Power by GR Performance
- GearboxClose-ratio
- ClutchCompetition Clutch Stage 4 (hydro D-series)
- CoiloversMeisterR, fully adjustable
- Front brakesEP3
- Brake linesBraided
- BracingRear subframe brace, tie bar, LCA and rear strut bar
- SubframesDirect-fit EP
- WheelsRota Grid (4 brand new)
- Also availableEP3 Type R wheels in white
- TyresNS2R
- BodyFull Type R kit
- WidebandAEM X-Series
- GaugesDEPO boost, oil pressure and coolant temp
- SteeringDeep dish wheel, Sparco quick-release hub
- Head unitEonon 7 inch QLED with CarPlay
- SeatBB5 slim bucket (driver)
- TrimMugen gear knob and pedal covers
- InteriorFully stripped from the front seats back, checkered floor mats
Gallery
The Civic
The write-up
........
14 October 2026 · Sakura Streets
Parts taken off our project builds are sometimes sold on eBay, along with used and spare bits.
