the first mod???

my friends 93 civic is ready to be modded....what should he go for first?? its all completely stock...rims, exhaust?? whats your opinion?

You/your friend have to choose your own path when it comes to this kind of thing. I can tell you what I did personally though. My first mod was a front upper strut bar. Why the strut bar you ask? It was quick and very easy to install, perfect for someone who knew no more about cars than how to turn them on and drive em'.

After that though, I started looking into the suspension and modding that up. My reason being, whether I decide to swap engines or keep the same engine, it doesn't matter because the suspension won't change. If you/your friend do swap however, now there could be issues with headers, exhaust, intake fitting. So there you have it, my blueprint: suspension, power, looks last.

Like I said though, it is your path to choose based on what exactly you want out of your car.

Get some wheels.
They look nice and enhance your handling. http://www.theunholytrinity.org/cracks_smileys/otn/wink/thumb.gif

It depends on whether your friend wants to go with performance or looks first. Performance wise, does he want to eventually want to an engine swap or go with super/turbo charger? If that's not the case, then maybe he wants to just build up with i/h/e.
In terms of looks, I'd suggest simple things like red/clear taillights, painted side moldings, skirts, rear license plate area, mirrors etc, angel eye headlights, and maybe front and back lips or aftermarket bumpers.

Originally posted by xivera
Get some wheels.
They look nice and enhance your handling. http://www.theunholytrinity.org/cracks_smileys/otn/wink/thumb.gif

True...kill two birds with one stone.


You bird murderer!!

I forgot to add that suspension should be towards the top of his list (springs, shocks, camber kits, strut bars, etc). And like xivera said, rims are cool too. :cool:

suspension suspension suspension...he won't regret getting a nice set of springs and struts!

i say get a cam, its the best bang for buck w/o going for FI/NOS

hmm, thats a new one. I dont usually see/hear people suggest that. I guess because it involves a little more work than bolting on an exhaust. Good input though kane. When it comes to the new cam though, do you need to re-tune the engine on a dyno or something? (new ignition/spark timing?)

A cam isn't bad, but I wouldn't do that as my first mod for a number of reasons:

1.) A cam on a SOHC engine is not going to have the same effect it does on a DOHC.

2.) This is not just a buy-it-and-you're-done kinda thing. In addition to the cam, you'll probably want new valve springs and retainers, and a cam gear. It starts to add up.

3.) You won't be able to realize the full potential of the cam until you open up the intake and exhaust. This is mainly I/H/E, but could lead to a p&p'ed head.

If he's keeping his engine, I'd do an intake first. AEM CAI is nice. If he's swapping, I'd do suspension first.

my friend wants some white rims for his ride, whats a good size for his 93 civic Ex for a smooth ride?

a drop...


It enhances handling and looks at the same time

Or an intake...it's phat too....i love the sound of an intake

:)

A "smooth ride" is all about the size of the tire and the suspension. He has a stock suspension, so that can be removed from the picture. Now. A tire with...oh say a 35 series sidewall will "feel" the potholes and imperfections in the road more than a tire with a 55 series sidewall will. I wouldn't go bigger than a 17" wheel. Use a 40 series tire for that. He should be fine.

nice 17s and a 3 in drop

Paste a Type R sticker on your car!

I'd say the rims and suspension idea is the best. Doing performance ALWAYS adds up to an engine swap and such. If you want just a phat ride, go with the drop and rims jus dont ferget them cambers. Invest in an exhaust while ur at it, its always sumthing good to have and u can always customize it to another engine and trust me....looks ALOT better then that dinky piece of $#!7 that sticks outta ur tail with/out body kit.

How much money does he have to spend on his first mod???

theres no real limit as to how much u want to spend....money can always be used in good ways...if you got a hookup then its the greatest....if your jackin parts....boo to you!....but if your going with MSRP standards...rims/suspension/cambers/exhaust should total a good $1500 or more...just depends on wut kinda stuff u want for your hot ride