I/h/e???

noob help please. i have a 2003 civic LX (4dr). am thinking of putting the basic bolt-ons (I/H/E) to increase power and maybe fuel efficiency if applicable. i wanted to ask which (I/H/E) ones i should put. (for intake, CAI? short ram?)...(headers, 4-2-1? 4-1?)...(exhuast alone? full cat back exhaust?) and stuff like that. i dont have plans to do it soon. maybe in the next couple of months. get the most out of my car first coz its a fairly new car (10,000 miles). if you could specify your opinions on what brand and kinds i should get. how much would it probably cost? and with these basic bolt-ons, will i pass emission tests? do i have to worry about emissions? i would greatly appreciate your help. :smile:

for intake, it shouldn't really matter. theres barely a noticeable difference between the two. for the headers i'd say go 4-1 if you can find them. and go full cat-back.

I wouldn't waste the money trying to mod a 03 LX, not bagging on your ride, I'd just enjoy it for now. Let the options open up for a year or so, and then have another look. A few reasons are, mods may interfer with your warranty on some levels, there aren't many mods yet, and the LX isn't really a "sports" car, or even a good candidate to make into one with the present power plant.

i know the engine doesnt really have the potential compared to other honda engine. yes, i could wait a couple of months/years for the options to open up. i just first want to get the most out of my engine for now. i know its not wise to build up that kind of engine. BUT, when i do get the most out of the car...is it wise to change the engine with better/stronger honda/acura engines? will it fit? and all other technica queations regarding the topic.

Well, the performance engine for that generation are pricey right now, up in the $4500-7000 range, so you may want to wait to get into a project like that.

thats too pricey. but say for now...AFTER i get the most out of my present engine life...or as the years/miles pass by, for this present engine i have...what I/H/E should i go with? will i pass emissions?

Intake look to AEM, Header, hmmm.... DC, exhaust, I'd say start at the cat and go custom,buy a good axle back and have a muffler shop mandrel bend you some 2.25"-2.5" pipe and fit it all up.

Intake look to AEM, Header, hmmm.... DC, exhaust, I'd say start at the cat and go custom,buy a good axle back and have a muffler shop mandrel bend you some 2.25"-2.5" pipe and fit it all up.


what do you mean axle back? can you explain a bit more?

with what you said? will i worry about emissions?

sorry bout all the questions...i really am a noob when it comes to this. i just want to try these first and when i learn more...probably get the performance engine for the generation i have and do the real tuning. i still have a lot to learn.

what do you mean axle back? can you explain a bit more?

with what you said? will i worry about emissions?

sorry bout all the questions...i really am a noob when it comes to this. i just want to try these first and when i learn more...probably get the performance engine for the generation i have and do the real tuning. i still have a lot to learn.

and that folks is why we read the Peformance FAQ :iceslolan

I have a suggestion. If you want brand names I/H/E you will be spending around 700 bucks...as far as power you wont really notice a big difference, you get around 7-9 whp, that is around 12 hp at the crank...(rough estimate)
Why dont you enjoy your current engine, your warranty and then think big....
You can transplant a b16 engine, I have a b16a2 engine and theyre awesome, rated at 160 hp and 8000 rpm.

I have a suggestion. If you want brand names I/H/E you will be spending around 700 bucks...as far as power you wont really notice a big difference, you get around 7-9 whp, that is around 12 hp at the crank...(rough estimate)
Why dont you enjoy your current engine, your warranty and then think big....
You can transplant a b16 engine, I have a b16a2 engine and theyre awesome, rated at 160 hp and 8000 rpm.


it does make a lot of sense. il just do an engine swap when the life of my current engine served its purpose. last question, WHEN i do the swap...will the b16 fit the '03 model? if am not mistaken, what i know is that the b16 comes from an older generation...will it fit the 7th generation civics? thanks a lot for all your feedbacks. :biggrin:

With the right amount of cheedar, I could put a detroit desiel in there, but it's better (and more legal) to stay with in your cars generation. In time the K20's will drop a little more in price, and the swaps will be more documented and supported. Be patient.