The EF or 4th Generation 'Grand' Civic was launched in September 1987 for the
japanese domestic market. The EF9 Civic SiR however did not feature in the starting
line-up in that launch. The launch introduced four key engines, a 1.3l SOHC carb,
a 1.5l SOHC dual-carb,
a 1.6l SOHC PGM-Fi and the famous ZC 130ps DOHC PGM-Fi. The top model
in 1987 was thus the EF3 Civic Si carrying that ZC 130ps DOHC PGM-Fi
engine with a 5MT. This model was famous in its own way, with a unique feature lovingly
called the 'power bulge' by enthusiasts. This is a little hump on the left side of the
front bonnet whose presence signifies it houses the ZC engine. With a 0-100kph time in
the low 8-seconds range, the car was quite widely recognised by performance enthusiasts.
Still the general concensus was that it was a "nice preppy little car" but true
respect as a serious performance car was still not coming its way.
In those times, the Civic runs with a 4 years life cycle, with the mid-cycle MMC
coming in almost spot in the middle of the life cycle. And so the EF Grand Civic received
its mid-life MMC in September 1989. And that year then signifies the arrival of a great
legend, the EF9 Civic SiR. This car is the one that finally brings respect and I would
say even 'fear' amongst enthusiasts because the SiR badge signifies the use of the
mighty B16A 160ps DOHC VTEC engine. While the EF9 was not the first Honda to use a
VTEC engine, it was the first Honda to wear the SiR badge and this badge has since gone
on to become a greatly respected and loved badge amongst Honda enthusiasts even today.
There were 2 versions of the EF9, the Civic SiR and the Civic SiR-2. The Civic
SiR is actually the 'bare hones' version. Besides the 160ps B16A mated to a 5MT (auto
versions are not available), the SiR features a 'manual' air-cond, front and rear disc
brakes, front and rear double wishbone suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars and
semi-bucket front seats and optionally a viscous coupling LSD. The EF9 SiR-2 adds
sunroof, ABS, power windows, powered side mirrors and various other such features.
The true greatness of the EF9 SiR is of course that it introduces the world to a Civic
with an 8,100rpm redline and a level of performance that puts many 'performance cars' of
that era to shame. The SiR badge is to continue into history as a badge that adorns
Hondas with a serious level of performance and enthusiast appeal. Even in today's world
of Type-Rs and Type-S's, the SiR badge still holds a great degree of reverence and respect
from long time hard-core Honda enthusiasts.
The specifications below are taken from the Honda Motor Co. Ltd (Japan) website for
previous models and so are the 'official' specifications.
Model Code : E-EF9 Civic SiR |
Engine | B16A |
Configuration | 16V PGM-Fi DOHC VTEC |
Displacement | 1595 c.c. |
CR | 10.2 |
Max Power | 160ps (118kW) at 7,600rpm |
Max Torque | 15.5kgm (152 Nm) at 7,000rpm |
RedLine | 8,100rpm |
Transmission | 5MT only (with option viscous coupling
LSD) |
Gear Ratios | 3.166, 2.052, 1.416, 1.103, 0.87, R=3.000 |
Final Drive | 4.266 |
Kerb Weight | 990 kg |
Dimensions (LXWXH) | 3,995 X 1,680 X 1,335 (mm) |
Wheel Base | 2,500 mm |
Track | F=1,440mm R=1,445mm |
Ground Clearance | 150mm |
Wheel Size | 195/60 R 14 85H |
Suspension | (F) Double Wishbone (R) Double Wishbone |
Brakes | (F) Ventilated disc (R) Solid Disc |
Anti-roll Bar | Front and Rear |
The car which I am featuring in this article is an original JDM EF9 Civic SiR-2,
imported as a used unit directly from Japan. It is a rare vehicle indeed as most
so called 'EF9s' in Malaysia are actually 'lower' models, usually the 1.5l or even 1.3l
versions converted to SiR 'status'.
As rare this EF9 is, a completely stock EF9 is even rarer and so the car here has
been modified by its owner, Tan, over his years of ownership. While the engine is still
more or less the original B16A that comes with the car, it has a 'Type-R' intake manifold
and the usual complement of bolt-on mods. The gearbox too is no longer the original
S1 unit but the YS1 from the post MMC (1991) DA6/DA8
Integra XSi/RSi, featuring gear ratios similar to the later EG Civic SiRs, a 4.400 final
drive and in this case, has also been fitted with an original 'Type-R' Helical LSD.
More than any other Civic, the EF9 Civic SiR featured here will bring the message
clearly across what hard-core Honda enthusiasts have always meant when they say
'The Civic DNA'. Bear in mind that this car was launched way back at
the end of 1989, more
than a decade and a half ago. That such a level of technology and performance was available
way back then, at such an affordable car clearly shows why it is said that the Civic has
always featured the most current and desirable technologies and why there are so many
Honda and especially Civic fans in the world today. The sad thing is that Honda has lost
its way in recent times and many of these hard-core fans have actually left, some even
for competing makes. It is hoped that the message that I have been getting for the
new 8th Generation Civic will be realized in tomorrow's launch and that I shall finally
see the return of the true Civic back to its former glory.
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E-EF9 Honda Civic
EF9 Civic SiR Feature Car Gallery
For each photo, clicking on it will load a SVGA version
Four views of the car
Drivers Cabin
The Driver's View of the Dash
The instrument panel featuring the 8,100 redline tach
Electronic Air-cond (non Climate Control)
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