Mid-Range Power

I have a 1998 Honda Civic EX. I'm looking to increase my midrange power (ie: ~3,000RPM-5,000RPM). I have already built my own AEM style intake, which helps, but what else can I add to my car to increase that area of the band? Headers, exhaust, cam, v-afc... All this stuff seems designed to pull more power out of the high end, near redline. Since I don't race, and just want to be able to pass people in traffic, and get on the highway with ease, what do you recomend I do?

..hrm, mid range power used to pass people? Hrm.. Add those things you mentioned, and downshift. :D

Hehe.. no really, the simple bolt-ons will increase overall power. Like the breathing systems. The air-intake will suck in more air, yes, but, if you don't straighten out, open, and lighten up the header, the air you pull in will have no where to go. Also.. open up your cat, downpipe, and muffler. Dispite the common "lawn mower" sound, there is a *reason*, why it's open and sounds that way. ;)


Anyway.. go on with the bolt ons. You'll see the power increase. I wouldn't worry too much about internal engine mods unless you find out that the "passing power" you desire taps a hidden urge to push your car to the limit. ;)

Jackson Racing Super Charger

Hahaha.. Jackson's Supercharger? Hehe.. if he's got that type of money for "passing power" I would sure like to be in his place. ;)

ahhh.....JRSC's arent that much. A bit cheaper than a turbo kit. :D

I think Im gonna go with a JRSC, just want something a bit more reliable and more lower end power than a turb.

my .02$

3gs isnt that much is that what you just said? (scratching head)

Heheheh..

I would probably just do my breathing system (CAI, header, straight-through cat, cat-back/downpipe to muffler). Then maybe my suspension.

Though.. I have been looking into the advantages of the B18B (Integra LS?) swap over the B16 swap.. (I don't have the cash flow for the B18C. Oh well.. I've been reading a book about the frank CRV (B20Z) block with a VTec head.. supposed to stomp the B18C swap.. Oh well.. this should probably find it's own thread.

Yea, the b18b1 is a pretty badass engine for not being vtec. Plus, you can pick them up dirt cheap -- less than $500. I don't know if I would go through the trouble of doing a swap though. With the bolt-ons you are talking about you should be able to net any where from 5-20hp. I personally wouldnt waste money on a highflow cat if you are not going to go FI. Your stock cat will handle any NA bolt-ons you will put on.

Start I/H/E and go from there...

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks to everyone for the info. I'm sorry it took me so long to respond, I've been out of town. I am going to proceed with the Headers and Exhaust for now. Thanks again.

Originally posted by SleeperTeg
Jackson Racing Super Charger
i second that, its better than any other bolt on in power. I dont see a reason on spending 500 on exhaust and another 300 on header and see very little power. go with a swap or slap a SC on it.

...but without the proper prereq's (ie - headers, exhaust, fuel) you wont see the full potential of your forced induction.

Hahaha.. and the circle begins again...

Oh yes it has....

Which came first? The SC or the headers?

Originally posted by luti
I have a 1998 Honda Civic EX. I'm looking to increase my midrange power (ie: ~3,000RPM-5,000RPM). I have already built my own AEM style intake, which helps, but what else can I add to my car to increase that area of the band? Headers, exhaust, cam, v-afc... All this stuff seems designed to pull more power out of the high end, near redline. Since I don't race, and just want to be able to pass people in traffic, and get on the highway with ease, what do you recomend I do?

Get an Exhaust. I got a lot of mid range power from my Greddy Power Extreme. Check out Greddy Exhaust's they are soo quiet and add some good horses.