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Follow Tony’s K24-swapped EK Civic build journey through ups, downs, and rebuilds. From the first walkaround to setbacks at first start, see how passion fuels this race car project.

Building a race car is never a straight road—it’s a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and unexpected setbacks. Tony’s latest project, a K24-swapped EK Civic, is the perfect example of how determination and passion keep a build alive, no matter what comes along.

Part 1 – The Beginning of the K-Series Journey

The series kicks off at Real Pro Auto, the home of Honda builds. Tony introduces us to his EK Civic, which previously ran a B-series setup but is now getting upgraded to a K24. With the engine stripped, the steering rack replaced, and the bay prepped for paint, the goal was clear: build a reliable, high-revving race machine. The excitement grew as parts like cams and intake setups began arriving, laying the foundation for what would be a serious track car.

Part 2 – Fresh from the Panel Shop

In the second episode, Tony revealed the new look—a bold mustard “Spoon” yellow, inspired by iconic Honda racing heritage. The car also got widened arches, a black cage, and fresh interior prep. Alongside cosmetic updates, mechanical plans took shape: new sway bars, strut bars, pedals, brakes, and engine bay respray. The engine itself received performance upgrades including an RBC manifold, 50-degree VTC gear, and a high-compression setup aimed at hitting 150–160 wheel kW on the dyno.

Part 3 – First Start, First Flames

With the motor assembled and mounted, the excitement built toward the first startup. But things didn’t go as planned. During cranking, a fire broke out in the intake filter, cutting the moment short. Though the damage was minor, it was a harsh reminder that builds of this nature are full of trial and error. Still, spirits stayed high, with new wheels, wiring, and final touches bringing the Civic closer to race readiness.

Part 4 – Setback with the Bearings

Just when it seemed like the project was on track, disaster struck. The engine had to come back out after bearings showed wear caused by an oil flow issue from a double-stacked adapter mistake. While the crank survived, the failure was a blow to morale.

“If you fail, it means you’ve tried—and it means you’ve learned a lesson.”

Yet, as Tony pointed out, failure is part of the process:

What’s Next for the Civic?

Despite the setbacks, the spirit of the build is alive and stronger than ever. With lessons learned and the K24 prepped for a second chance, the Civic is shaping up to be a street-style race car built to take on track challenges head-on.

Tony’s journey shows what car guys everywhere know—a project car is more than metal and parts, it’s heart, time, and persistence. And this Civic’s story is only just getting started.