Norberto Marquez 2000 Honda Civic HX
This is a 6th generation, 2000 Honda Civic HX. Growing up around the tuner car scene in the 90s and 2000s, Marquez found himself surrounded by modified cars and eventually was left with a choice to pick a favorite and a dream car. He chose the simple yet sweet Honda Civic. This car doesn’t have much of a complex history, as it was owned by a mechanic before Marquez. Thirteen years ago, he purchased this car in decent condition, but it was far from perfect. With his own sweat, blood, and tears, Marquez has spent countless hours and dollars getting this sick Civic to where it is today. Marquez noted that he’d never worked with a photographer before and was faced with much criticism and love from many parties for driving a modified Civic. It’s a complicated market, and it’s almost impossible to find a Civic in good condition. However, Marquez worked very hard and has brought forward a minimal rust, authentic, and era-appropriate build for us to enjoy in the mid-2020s and beyond.
For a build focused on authenticity and originality, it has had an Integra GSR swap of unknown power, assisted by a P72 ECU. This DOHC 5-speed manual inline-4 is turbocharged and nitrous-fed. It is upgraded with more stopping power from a Civic Si brake swap and lowered on Tein coilovers with spherical bushings and other billet suspension parts. It has lots of carbon fiber components, including an original release Seibon Carbon hood and trunk lid. It also has a carbon fiber headlight intake and carbon fiber gauge cluster components. It sports an OEM+ feel with Si accessories and a ghost radio. There is plenty of driver and car communication with a Glow Shift oil pressure gauge and an electronic AEM air-fuel ratio meter. The engine bay has some upgrades as well, including an AEM fuel rail, HPS Performance intake, and an MPC Motorsport strut brace. It also has some help from Cusco Racing equipment.
The visuals and safety of this car have had significant upgrades as well. The interior has been fitted with an NRG Innovations quick release and steering wheel. The front passenger and driver seats have red Bride harness belts and just behind them is an internal roll cage. The shoes on this 6th gen are Rota 5-spoke wheels in white with Rota center caps. It’s painted in red and has some privacy thanks to the 20% tint on the rear windshield. The rear bumper has improved airflow thanks to the Golden Eagle bumper cutouts.
This car has seen some impressive travels such as attending Import Face Off, visiting Dragway 42 and Fatmans, and enjoying some night drives in Mexico. Marquez is excited to continue improving this car, whether it be performance or aesthetics. It’s an ongoing project, and he has entertained thoughts of a K series swap in the future!
