If you love fast cars and cool movies, you’ve probably heard of the Honda Civic EJ1 from The Fast and the Furious. Fans call it “EJ1 Fat and Furious.” It’s one of the most famous Civics ever shown in a movie. Many car lovers dream of rebuilding a car just like it.
But here’s the big question: How much money does it take to rebuild the EJ1 Fat and Furious? This blog will break it down in simple steps. We’ll go over all the parts and costs to help you understand how much you might need to make this dream car a reality.
What is the EJ1 Fat and Furious?
The EJ1 is a model of the 1992 to 1995 Honda Civic Coupe EX. It’s a two-door car with a sporty look. In the movie, it had a shiny green body kit, neon lights, and a loud engine. People love this car because it’s stylish, small, and fun to drive.
It’s also a favorite for car projects because you can change almost everything on it. There are many parts to upgrade, and it’s not too hard to work on.
Step 1: Buying the Car
Before you rebuild it, you need to buy a Honda EJ1. Since it’s an old car, prices can vary a lot.
- If it’s broken and rusty, it may cost $500 to $1,000
- If it’s running but needs work, it may cost $1,500 to $3,000
- If it’s in good condition, it may cost $3,500 to $6,000
- A rare or clean one can cost $6,500 or more
Most people start with a car that costs about $2,500. It runs but still needs upgrades.
Step 2: Engine Swap or Rebuild
The stock engine is called the D16Z6. It’s okay, but not super fast. If you want the car to be powerful like in the movie, you’ll need to rebuild or swap the engine.
- Rebuilding the stock engine costs about $1,200 to $2,000
- Swapping to a B16 engine costs about $2,500 to $3,500
- Swapping to a B18 engine costs about $3,000 to $4,000
- Swapping to a K20 engine costs about $5,000 to $8,000
Most fans choose the B18 because it’s strong and not too expensive. Let’s say you choose a B18 engine swap for $3,500.
Step 3: Transmission and Clutch
To handle more power, you’ll need a better transmission and clutch.
- A used or new transmission costs $500 to $1,000
- A performance clutch kit costs $300 to $600
- A short shifter costs $100 to $200
- Labor for this job can cost $800 to $1,000
If you pay a shop, expect to spend around $2,000 for this step.
Step 4: Suspension and Brakes
To make the car drive better and stop safely, you’ll need to upgrade the suspension and brakes.
- Coilovers (for lowering and handling) cost $600 to $1,200
- New brakes (rotors, pads, calipers) cost $500 to $900
- Brake lines and fluid cost $100
- Control arms and bushings cost $300 to $600
This step can cost between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on the parts you choose.
Step 5: Wheels and Tires
The movie car had shiny wheels and strong tires. You’ll need both.
- A set of rims costs $600 to $1,200
- Tires cost $400 to $800
- Mounting and balancing costs about $100 to $150
In total, expect to spend $1,200 to $2,000 here.
Step 6: Body Kit and Paint
To make your EJ1 look like the one in the movie, you’ll need a body kit and a paint job.
- A full body kit costs $500 to $1,500
- A rear spoiler costs $100 to $300
- A carbon fiber hood costs $400 to $600
- A professional paint job in bright green costs $1,500 to $4,000
- Custom decals cost $200 to $500
- Lights (underglow, headlights, taillights) cost $300 to $600
Altogether, this could cost $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the quality you want.
Step 7: Interior Upgrades
Don’t forget the inside of the car. It needs to be cool and comfortable.
- Racing seats cost $500 to $1,000
- A sport steering wheel costs $100 to $300
- Seat belts or harnesses cost $100 to $300
- Gauges and dials cost $200 to $500
- Shift knob and racing pedals cost $50 to $150
- A sound system costs $300 to $800 (if you want one)
Interior upgrades can cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
Step 8: Exhaust and Intake
Your car needs to breathe better to go faster. That means adding a new intake and exhaust system.
- A cold air intake costs $100 to $300
- A full exhaust system costs $400 to $1,000
- A performance muffler costs $100 to $300
This part should cost around $700 to $1,500.
Step 9: ECU Tuning
Now that you’ve changed the engine and parts, you need the car’s brain to understand it. That’s the ECU, and it needs tuning.
- A performance chip or tuner costs $300 to $700
- Dyno tuning (testing and adjusting) costs $400 to $800
Altogether, this may cost you $800 to $1,500.
Step 10: Labor
If you can do the work yourself, you’ll save a lot of money. But if you go to a shop, labor can cost a lot.
Shops charge $75 to $150 an hour. A full build might take 80 to 150 hours.
So labor might cost between $6,000 and $12,000. Many people try to do some of the work themselves to save money.
Final Cost Estimate
Here’s a simple list of all the costs:
- Buying the car: $2,500
- Engine swap (B18): $3,500
- Transmission and clutch: $2,000
- Suspension and brakes: $2,000
- Wheels and tires: $1,500
- Body kit and paint: $4,000
- Interior: $1,500
- Exhaust and intake: $1,000
- ECU tuning: $1,000
- Labor: $6,000
Total estimated cost: $25,000
It can be more or less depending on what parts you choose and how much work you do yourself.
Can It Be Done for Less?
Yes, it can be done cheaper. If you:
- Buy used parts
- Do most of the work yourself
- Skip some upgrades
You could build a nice EJ1 for around $15,000 to $20,000. But if you want a full movie-style car, $25,000 to $30,000 is more realistic.
Is It Worth It?
That depends on you. If you love the EJ1 and enjoy working on cars, it’s worth it. You’ll learn new skills, meet car fans, and have something cool to show off.
But if you just want a fast car, it might be easier to buy a newer one. Building a car takes time, patience, and money. It’s not for everyone, but for some, it’s the best part.
Tips to Save Money
- Join Honda Civic car groups online
- Look for deals on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp
- Check eBay and forums for used parts
- Learn how to do simple jobs like changing brakes or installing seats
- Trade parts with other builders
- Watch videos and read guides before paying for help
Conclusion
Rebuilding the EJ1 Fat and Furious is a fun but big project. You’ll need around $25,000 to do it right. But you can start small and build as you go. You don’t have to finish in one month. Take your time, learn along the way, and enjoy the process.
If you’ve ever dreamed of racing your own green Civic like in the movie, now you know what it takes. With the right plan and some hard work, you can build the car of your dreams.
