Intro
The Honda Civic Si stands as one of the most influential sport compact cars in automotive history. Since its 1984 debut, the Si (Sport Injection) variant has represented the perfect balance of everyday practicality and affordable performance, earning cult status among enthusiasts worldwide.
Within JDM culture, the Civic Si embodies the accessible performance philosophy that defines Japanese sports cars. While technically an American-market model, it shares its engineering DNA with Japan’s legendary Type R variants. The ninth-generation (2012-2015) Si continued this tradition, featuring Honda’s renowned high-revving naturally aspirated engines and precision handling that made it a gateway to JDM modification culture.
This particular 2014 Civic Si build exemplifies the model’s potential when enhanced with thoughtfully selected modifications. Rather than pursuing extreme power figures, this build honors the Si’s balanced character with complementary upgrades that enhance its strengths. From subtle exterior refinements to carefully selected performance modifications, this example showcases how the ninth-generation Si serves as an ideal platform for enthusiasts seeking to create a personalized driving experience that remains true to Honda’s engineering philosophy.
Builder Profile
Growing up in a small town outside Osaka before moving to Southern California at 19, Kenta Nakamura developed his automotive passion working at his uncle’s repair shop. Now 27, he balances his day job as a mechanical engineer for an aerospace company with his true passion—building performance-oriented Hondas with clean aesthetics.
Kenta’s tuning philosophy centers around functional modifications that enhance the driving experience without sacrificing reliability. “The Si platform deserves respect,” he explains. “I’m not chasing dyno numbers—I’m after that perfect balance between daily drivability and weekend track performance.”
A regular at SoCal Honda meets and AutoCon events, Nakamura has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and tasteful modifications. His Civic Si represents three years of patient, methodical building, with each part carefully selected and installed by his own hands.
Why We Love It
The 2014 Civic Si stands as Honda’s refined rebellion against automotive mediocrity. While the mainstream ninth-generation Civic drew criticism for cost-cutting, the Si variant upholds Honda’s soul-stirring ethos with its K24Z7 powerplant – a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter that delivers 205 horsepower at a satisfying 7,000 RPM redline. It’s the mechanical crescendo Honda perfected during decades of VTEC development.
The helical limited-slip differential transforms this front-wheel-drive platform into something spiritually transcendent on mountain passes, exhibiting minimal torque steer while maintaining that signature Honda precision through successive apexes. It’s a direct descendant of the Type R philosophy, albeit in more accessible form.
What truly distinguishes the 2014 model is its recalibrated damping rates and spring coefficients – corrections to the ninth generation’s initially soft dynamics. The revised suspension geometry delivers a harmony between compliance and cornering stability that recalls the DC2 Integra’s balanced composure.
The 6-speed manual transmission remains one of the finest mechanical interfaces in motoring – short-throw, rifle-bolt precise, with perfectly spaced ratios that keep the engine perpetually in its power band. This is the gearbox that continues to make believers out of dual-clutch devotees.
In the ever-homogenizing landscape of turbocharged contemporaries, this naturally-aspirated Si preserves Honda’s engineering ethos – lightweight, high-revving, and responsive. It’s the penultimate expression of Honda’s atmospheric engine philosophy before the forced-induction revolution claimed even the Si badge.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- Hondata FlashPro engine management system
- Skunk2 MegaPower RR 76mm exhaust system
- K-Tuned cold air intake system
- AEM short ram intake
- Skunk2 Alpha Series header
- ACT HD clutch kit with streetlite flywheel
- Hybrid Racing shifter assembly
- GReddy front-mount intercooler (for supercharged setups)
- Jackson Racing supercharger kit
- Vibrant Performance oil catch can
- Mishimoto aluminum radiator
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Tein Flex Z coilovers
- Progress Technology rear anti-roll bar
- Whiteline front strut tower bar
- Cusco rear strut tower bar
- Spoon rigid collars
- Hardrace front camber arms
- StopTech Sport slotted rotors
- Project Mu HC+ brake pads
- Goodridge stainless steel brake lines
- ASR subframe brace
WHEELS & TIRES
- Volk Racing TE37 SL (18×9.5 +38)
- Enkei RPF1 (18×8.5 +35)
- Work Emotion CR Kiwami (18×9.0 +32)
- Rays Gram Lights 57DR (18×9.5 +38)
- Advan RSII (18×8.5 +35)
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (235/40R18)
- Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08R (235/40R18)
- Falken Azenis RT660 (235/40R18)
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Mugen-style front lip
- HFP side skirts
- J’s Racing Type-S carbon fiber GT wing
- APR GTC-200 adjustable rear wing
- Seibon carbon fiber hood
- Spoon Sports carbon fiber mirrors
- Spoon Sports carbon fiber rear diffuser
- Buddy Club rear diffuser
- AeroCatch hood pins
- JDM yellow fog lights
- Depo LED headlights
INTERIOR
- Bride Zeta III seats
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel
- Works Bell quick release hub
- Cusco 6-point roll cage
- AEM digital gauge display
- AutoMeter boost gauge
- Checkered floor mats
- NRG carbon fiber shift knob
- JDM Honda Access aluminum pedal covers
- Honda Access illuminated door sills
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- AEM wideband AFR gauge
- Innovate Motorsports SCG-1 boost controller
- Pioneer NEX series head unit
- Alpine PDX amplifier
- JL Audio W6 subwoofers
- Alpine Type-R component speakers
- Viper remote start system
- GoPro Hero mount for track days
- Defi Advance gauges
- Kenwood DMX series touchscreen
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The modifications on this 2014 Honda Civic Si coalesce into a harmonious package that prioritizes balanced performance for both daily driving and weekend track sessions. Rather than chasing extreme power figures, this build focuses on enhancing the car’s inherent strengths while addressing factory limitations.
The combination of intake, header, and exhaust modifications work in concert to improve throttle response and midrange torque without sacrificing reliability. Meanwhile, the coilover suspension and sway bar upgrades maintain the Si’s playful handling characteristics while reducing body roll and improving corner entry stability.
This build philosophy exemplifies a street-focused approach with circuit capabilities – allowing the owner to enjoy spirited canyon drives and occasional track days without compromising daily drivability. The aesthetic modifications complement the performance upgrades without overwhelming the car’s identity, creating a cohesive package that respects Honda’s original engineering while pushing the platform to a more engaging level of performance.
The result is a purposeful evolution of the Si that remains faithful to Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” ethos while delivering a more visceral driving experience across various conditions.
FAQ
How reliable is the 2014 Honda Civic Si?
The 2014 Civic Si is generally very reliable, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The K24Z7 engine is known for its durability, though owners should follow the recommended maintenance schedule and use high-quality oil. Timing chain systems in these engines typically last the lifetime of the vehicle without replacement.
What is the tuning potential of the 2014 Civic Si?
The 2014 Si responds well to modifications, with potential gains of 20-30hp from basic bolt-ons like intake, exhaust, and a tune. More extensive modifications including headers and camshafts can push power into the 230-250hp range. With forced induction (supercharger or turbo kits), the platform can safely support 300-350hp with appropriate supporting modifications.
What are the common issues with the 2014 Civic Si?
Common issues include third gear synchro wear (particularly under hard shifting), clutch master cylinder failure around 60,000-80,000 miles, and occasional oil consumption in high-mileage examples. Some owners report premature rear brake wear and door lock actuator failures. The factory clutch may slip when additional power is added through modifications.
What are the best modifications for the 2014 Civic Si?
The most effective modifications include a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust system, Flashpro tuning device, rear motor mount, and short shifter. For handling improvements, upgraded sway bars, performance coilovers, and sticky summer tires deliver significant improvements without compromising daily drivability.
Is the 2014 Civic Si expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs are relatively low compared to other performance vehicles. Routine services like oil changes are straightforward and parts are widely available. The Si requires premium fuel, which increases running costs slightly. Insurance rates tend to be moderate for a sport compact, though they vary based on driver history and location.
Conclusion
The 2014 Honda Civic Si stands as a demonstration of Honda’s commitment to delivering affordable performance that doesn’t compromise on daily usability. While newer models have arrived with more technology and power, this ninth-generation Si represents a sweet spot in the model’s evolution—offering modern amenities and safety features while retaining the analog driving experience that enthusiasts cherish.
What makes the 2014 Si especially relevant today is its increasing rarity as a naturally-aspirated, high-revving sport compact with a slick manual transmission. As the automotive landscape shifts toward turbocharged engines and automatic transmissions, this Si preserves driving fundamentals that connect directly to Honda’s JDM heritage.
For enthusiasts embedded in JDM culture, the 2014 Si continues the lineage of VTEC-powered performance that dates back to legendary models like the EK9 Type R and DC2 Integra. Its K24 engine responds exceptionally well to modifications, making it a favorite in the tuning community where Honda’s reputation for building overengineered platforms with tremendous potential continues to thrive. As these naturally-aspirated Hondas become increasingly scarce, the 2014 Si’s position as an affordable entry point into authentic JDM culture only grows stronger with time.