Editor’s Note:
This build story is based on a YouTube video by TURBOTRISTAN. We’re thrilled to see our T7 coilovers featured in this impressive K24 swap. Be sure to follow his channel for more update.
For many car enthusiasts, the magic of transformation lies in taking something old, tired, and nearly forgotten — and turning it into something fresh, powerful, and road-worthy. That’s exactly what TurboTristan set out to do with his rough 1995 Honda Civic EG4, and the result is nothing short of inspiring.
Starting Point: A Smokey Nugget
The project began with a clapped-out EG Civic, powered by a wheezing D16Y1 VTEC engine. The goal? Replace it with a naturally aspirated K24A swap while retaining comfort features like air conditioning, improving overall reliability, and giving the car a completely new look.
The donor car for the swap was itself a mixed bag — filled with high-end parts like Buddy Club wheels and Hardrace suspension, but marred by poor craftsmanship, cheap eBay components, and messy wiring. Tristan’s mission was clear: salvage the good and eliminate the bad.
The K-Swap Build Process
The first step involved completely stripping the engine bay, removing the D-series engine and old wiring, and prepping the chassis for a new heart. After smoothing out fender wells and deleting unnecessary brackets, the bay was resprayed in a vibrant Rally Red, matching Honda’s FL5 Type R.
The K24A engine was prepped with a reliable CL9 transmission, Exedy clutch, and OEM CL7 RBC intake manifold for solid NA performance. A custom wrinkle red valve cover completed the clean, OEM+ engine bay aesthetic.
For mounts, Hardrace rubber-isolated brackets were chosen due to shortages from other brands. To solve tight-space problems in the bay, components like a T7 Design AC kit with swivel fittings and a custom thermostat housing were installed. Every detail, from fuel lines to cooling fans, was considered and adjusted for a better fit and finish.
Suspension & Performance Upgrades
To ensure the car handled as good as it looked, MaXpeedingRods T7 Coilovers were installed. Tristan praised the coilovers as stiff yet comfortable, noting that they feel dyno-tested and more refined than older budget options. He also plans to install adjustable control arms from MaXpeedingRods to complete the suspension setup.
The exhaust system was also upgraded, with a modified Skunk2 3-inch cat-back, featuring a new V-band connection and improved hanger placement for better fitment.
Nearing the Finish Line
With the engine running, AC blowing cold, and suspension dialed in, Tristan considers the car about 85% complete. Final touches include AC charging, installing control arms, and dyno tuning (targeting 140–150 kW NA).
While he’s better known for turbo builds, Tristan admits this naturally aspirated project has been rewarding — and far easier than previous ED Civic swaps.
