Juan E. Sierra Ortiz Discusses His 1992 Honda Civic 3 Door Hatchback with JDM H23a VTEC Motor Swap

Aug 14, 2013

Juan Ortiz didn't take any short cuts while building this Honda Civic; he even tucked the wires.

Recently, while at a car show, I was stopped in my tracks the moment i saw Juan E. Sierra Ortiz's 1992 Honda Civic 3 door hatchback. I have to say, I am normally not interested in this type of build, but Juan's Civic really stood out. It wasn't the JDM H23a VTEC motor swap or that almost every stock part seemed to have been swapped with either carbon fiber or chrome that stopped me. Juan's 1992 Honda Civic was over 20 years old and had to be one of the cleanest cars I've seen at a show. As I got closer, I could see the engine bay was just as immaculate. In addition to the engine swap, I noticed a complete MSD ignition set up, ceramic headers, K&N air intake and the wire tuck. Juan Ortiz didn't take any short cuts while building this custom Civic.

Juan E. Sierra Ortiz is proud of his 1992 Honda Civic 3 Door Hatchback and K&N air intake system.

Growing up, Juan Ortiz always wanted to make his parents proud, and building a car was the best way to prove his passion for the automotive scene. Juan explained that his car might not be the latest or greatest, but it's his, and he built it. He mentioned that if he didn't know how to do something, he would research it until he was confident he could do it. "Ever since I was young, I have been into racing and car shows," Juan told me. "My father's workmanship and passion for cars has always inspired me to be the best at whatever I do."

Juan is an Army Instructor in the U.S. Army and uses his Honda Civic as his daily driver. His Civic has traveled to numerous training bases around the U.S. and several car shows along the way. "It makes me feel good to drive the car on a daily basis and I know the car will get me to wherever I need to go," Juan explained. "And if it does break down, I know I can fix it since I built it all myself".

Very clean customized Honda Civic with JDM H23a VTEC engine.

When asked what he would consider his specialty while building this ride, Juan told me that because he has done almost all of his own work, every aspect could be considered his specialty. "If I don't know it," Juan stated. "I will learn to do it!"

This soldier has invested many hours wrenching on this custom ride and its tidiness and cleanliness demonstrated a dedication and attention to detail that is likely carried over from his training in the Army.

Ortiz's Honda Civic is not just a show car, it's a daily driver.

I asked Juan why he chose K&N for his performance air intake. "K&N has always been among my top choices for performance and looks." he said. "It's proven to me it's top performance and quality." The K&N air intake system for many Honda Civic models between 1992 and 1995 is K&N 63-1017. "I've used K&N air filters in my other pride and joy," Juan continued. "A 1991 Mazda mini pickup standard cab short bed with a 383 small block Chevy mated with a 350 Turbo transmissions and 9" Ford rear end. K&N proved to work awesome with my 750 Holley four barrel carburetor."

It is clear to see that Juan is pursuing his passion within the automotive scene. His performance modified 1992 Honda Civic 3 door hatchback is not a full-time show car, it's his daily driver. What more can one ask for than to drive your pride and joy everyday.

Juan E. Sierra Ortiz's 1992 Honda Civic 3 Door Hatchback		You'll find carbon fiber and chrome all over this Honda Civic		Ortiz's Honda Civic also has a complete MSD ignition set up and ceramic headers.

Ortiz's Modified Honda Civic had JDM H23a VTEC motor swap

Ortiz's Modified 1992 Honda Civic had
JDM H23a VTEC motor swap

This 1992 Honda Civic is equipped with
K&N air intake 63-1017

Related K&N News Articles about Honda Civic models: Highly Modified JDM Honda Civic Hatchback Track Car is a Daily Driver for Owner Shawn Nichols; 2012 & 2013 Honda Civic Gains Horsepower with K&N Air Intake System; 2012 Honda Civic Si 2.4L Gains Horsepower and Torque with K&N Typhoon Air Intake System; 2012 Honda Civic SI with 2.4L Engine Owners Only Need to Buy One Air Filter for Vehicle's Life; Full list of K&N Honda Civic Hatchback Air Intakes; Full list of K&N Honda Civic Hatchback Air Filters

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