This identification guide has been written for the first Type R Honda Civic, the EK9, and includes information for the Motor Sports Edition and Type RX. The Type R represents a significant Japanese 90s era classic, which once held the record for having the highest output for a naturally aspirated motor (per litre of engine capacity). Despite its relatively low production numbers and lack of availability in certain markets from new, the Civic Type R EK9 has a huge global following, and imports to new markets such as the U.S and Australia are increasingly common.
EK9 Type R’s demand far higher prices than the standard Civic, and given that the Type R is based on the standard EK4 chassis (albeit with structural modifications), it is important to understand the variety of factors that need to be checked to confirm the originality of a car. This guide provides an outline of the main factors which should be looked for, including external features, interior features, paint colours/codes, mechanical features and the important chassis and engine number codes.
Number produced:
Pre-facelift cars: Approximately 7,007 built (cars have chassis prefix EK9-100).
Facelift cars: Approximately 4,009 built (cars have chassis prefix EK9-110).
Facelift Rx cars: Approximately 5,225 built (cars have chassis prefix EK9-120).
The above figures include 200 Motor Sport Edition / N1 cars.
TOTAL: 16,241.
Period of Manufacture:
August 1997 - 2000
Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of online sources and enthusiast input. You should not rely on this guide to make any purchasing decision and we make no representation that all information is accurate. You should always seek independent professional advice when looking to purchase a unique car. If you have additional information, photographs or corrections you believe need to be made to this page, please contact us by clicking the button at the top of this page, or comment below.
The Civic Type R EK9 had the following exterior features, which make a good starting point for the identification of a genuine car:
The Civic Type R EK9 had the following interior features, with differences noted where relevant for the pre-facelift and facelift cars, the Rx model and the Motor Sport Edition:
4 paint colours were available on the Civic EK9 Type R, as outlined below. The original colour for the car should be confirmed on a small white square sticker in the driver or passenger door jamb (below the lock latch in the B pillar – see images).
Colours and codes:
An example of each has been provided in the images. Championship White is by far the most common colour for the EK9, with fewer cars available in Yellow, Silver and Black.
The chassis number on a Honda Civic Type R EK9 will appear on the blue VIN plate (riveted to the bonnet slam panel), with a matching number stamped into the centre of the bulkhead / firewall. These locations are described in further detail in the attached images.
The prefix at the top of the chassis plate will confirm whether the car is a standard Type R or a Type Rx:
E-Ek9 = Pre-facelift Civic Type R
GF-EK9 = Facelift Civic Type R
Chassis numbers are located at the base of the chassis plate (Above “Type R”), and will include the EK9 prefix, followed by a 7 digit chassis number. The 7 digit chassis number may begin with 100, 110 or 120, depending on the year of the vehicle. This number confirms whether or not it is a pre-facelift, post-facelift or Rx model car in terms of its production date, as outlined below. Note, “XXXX” represents the chassis number unique to that particular car:
Chassis prefix EK9-100XXXX = (Pre-facelift model (August 1997 – August 1998).
Chassis prefix EK9-110XXXX = (Facelift Model, MY99) (August 1998 – August 1999).
Chassis prefix EK9-120XXXX = (Facelift Rx Model, August 1999 – August 2000).
The unique chassis number should be very similar to the engine number (see next section of this guide). Forum discussion suggests that the last two digits of the engine and chassis numbers generally do not match, but may match on some cars. Comparing the engine and chassis numbers will at least give you some level of accuracy when trying to confirm if the car is a matching numbers car / has its original engine.
Engine Number:
The EK9 Type R uses the B16B engine, which can be identified in several ways, including by the engine prefix number stamping. The engine prefix “B16B” is stamped on the front of the engine (left hand side as you face it), on a small flat area that sticks out, just to the left of the lower corner of the exhaust heat shield. See images for a better description of this location.
Generally, the engine number which follows the prefix will be very similar to the chassis number. There has been much discussion about this, with some claiming that the engine number should match the chassis number. However, evidence in the EK9 register (see ek9.org) suggests that a genuine EK9 will not necessarily have a matching engine and chassis number, and that the last two digits of the number are usually (but not always) different.
Gearbox Number:
The original gearbox in an EK9 Civic Type R should have the prefix code S4C followed by a 7 digit individual number. This is printed on a barcode sticker on the front of the gearbox casing, as shown in the images.
EK9’s also had an LSD. Therefore, “LSD” should be printed in thick black text on the gearbox casing. If it’s not there, it may be likely that it has worn off over time. See images for a better description of the location and typeface.
The Civic Type R EK9 had the following mechanical features which should be present on an original car:
The following sources, among input from many enthusiasts, have contributed to the creation of this page. If you have any further information you believe can be added, please let us know by contacting us or commenting below.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic_Type_R
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic_(sixth_generation)
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