The Honda Civic has long been a favorite in the tuning and enthusiast community, and the sixth-generation EK Civic, especially the facelifted models from 1999–2000, holds a special place. If you’re looking to restore or upgrade your car, understanding the specific Honda Tech EK Civic facelift parts is essential.
These parts are not just about aesthetics — they reflect genuine structural and functional differences from earlier models. This guide provides a detailed look into the facelift parts, their fitment, sourcing, and compatibility to help enthusiasts make informed decisions.
Understanding the Facelift vs Pre-Facelift Models
The EK Civic underwent a significant facelift in 1999, which continued through 2000. This update was more than just a visual refresh. Honda revised various components, both exterior and interior, to bring a more modern look and feel. The most noticeable changes occurred in:
- The front bumper, which included larger side vents and fog lamp sections.
- Headlight assemblies that transitioned to clear lenses with a sleeker design.
- The grille, redesigned with finer mesh or horizontal bars depending on trim level.
- Bonnet (hood) curvature was slightly reshaped to fit new lighting.
- Tail light assemblies that switched from amber to clear indicator lenses.
From a structural standpoint, many parts on facelifted EK Civics do not interchange directly with pre-facelift models (1996–1998) without modification. This is a critical consideration when hunting for used or aftermarket parts.
Exterior Facelift Components Explained
The facelift primarily impacted the front and rear exterior styling. Here’s a breakdown of the key Honda Tech EK Civic facelift parts that define this updated look:
Front End Parts:
Facelifted Civics received a redesigned bumper with wider lower openings for improved airflow and fog light installation. The bumper cover also aligns differently with the revised headlights and grille.
- Bumper shell – Larger vent design, subtle reshaping.
- Grille – Specific to 1999–2000; often includes mesh or thin horizontal slats.
- Headlights – Clear lens with integrated corner lights and sleek trim.
- Bonnet/Hood – Slight curvature change to fit headlights; non-interchangeable with pre-facelift.
- Fenders – Mount points for headlights changed, making old fenders incompatible.
Rear End Changes:
The rear bumper retained a similar shape but saw minor tweaks for alignment with the newer taillight design. Taillights featured:
- Clear turn signal sections instead of amber.
- Updated housing design for better aesthetics and visibility.
This change is more than cosmetic — the bulb housings and wiring are also slightly different, so conversions require adapters or new loom sections.
Interior Trim and Differences in Facelift Models
The inside of the facelifted EK Civic also received upgrades. One of the more visible changes was in the center console and HVAC system.
- Older models used sliding lever controls for the A/C and heater; facelift models switched to rotary dials, improving both look and ease of use.
- The audio console in facelift models was reshaped to accept larger head units.
- Updated floor mats and clips designed for new anchor points.
- Slight updates in trim plastics and color tone, often a deeper black or grey rather than the earlier beige or brown hues.
Lighting and Electrical Parts Specific to the Facelift
Lighting changes were crucial in the facelifted EK. If you’re working on a project using Honda Tech EK Civic facelift parts, be sure to note the differences in wiring harnesses and bulb connectors.
For example:
- Fog lights use a unique wiring system that doesn’t exist in pre-facelift models unless retrofitted.
- Headlight and taillight connectors are not fully plug-and-play with earlier years.
- Side markers and mirror indicators (in some trims) also have updated designs and wiring.
Mechanical Compatibility and Chassis Overview
When it comes to engine bay and suspension, most parts between 1996–2000 Civics are interchangeable regardless of facelift. The mechanical platform remained largely unchanged. You can swap:
- Suspension arms and struts
- Brake assemblies
- Engines and transmissions
- Radiators and cooling fans
However, mounting brackets and minor trims (especially around the bumper supports and radiator core support) may differ. Be cautious when swapping a pre-facelift front end onto a facelift chassis and vice versa.
Table: EK Civic Facelift Part Compatibility
| Component | Facelift (1999–2000) | Pre-Facelift (1996–1998) | Interchangeable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front bumper | Redesigned with vents | Smaller vents | ❌ No |
| Headlights | Clear lens | Amber indicators | ❌ No |
| Grille | Mesh or thin bars | Bulkier plastic design | ❌ No |
| Hood/Bonnet | Sloped edge | Flatter contour | ❌ No |
| Fenders | Different mounts | Earlier style | ❌ No |
| Tail lights | Clear indicators | Amber indicators | ❌ No |
| Suspension | Same geometry | Same geometry | ✅ Yes |
| Engine mounts | Same | Same | ✅ Yes |
Where to Source Honda Tech EK Civic Facelift Parts
If you’re building or restoring a 1999–2000 Civic, you can source facelift parts from several key channels:
- Honda-Tech forums – A valuable place for used OEM parts, knowledge, and swap discussions.
- EDM Rare Parts – Specializes in Euro and JDM-specific facelift parts like grills, headlights, and lip kits.
- PakWheels (Pakistan) – An excellent local marketplace for genuine Honda parts, both new and used.
- Fiberworx & aftermarket dealers – Offer fiberglass and carbon-fiber lips, bumpers, and custom panels made for facelift dimensions.
Aftermarket Options for EK Facelift Projects
The aftermarket community is vibrant when it comes to Honda Tech EK Civic facelift parts. Many tuners use the facelift as a base for:
- JDM front-end conversions
- Custom lips and bumpers designed for the wider vent openings
- Carbon fiber hoods compatible with the updated bonnet slope
- Lighting upgrades including projector retrofits and LED tail lights
You’ll find kits specifically molded to fit the 1999–2000 shell, which won’t work on older Civics without modification.
Common Mistakes and Tips
A few things to remember when buying or swapping parts:
- Don’t assume a 1999 front end will bolt onto a 1996 chassis. You’ll need the matching fenders, bumper support, and sometimes even the radiator support.
- Check part numbers carefully — especially for lights, fenders, and bumper trim.
- For interior swaps, verify that the dashboard mounting points match the new HVAC or radio trim pieces.
Final Thoughts
Restoring or customizing a 1999–2000 EK Civic is a rewarding journey, especially when you’re armed with the right information. The Honda Tech EK Civic facelift parts scene is full of opportunities, whether you’re chasing an OEM look or going for a modified build. From the clear-lens lights to the vented bumper and redesigned trim, the facelift model represents the best of the sixth-generation Civic — and it’s worth getting the right parts to do it justice.
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