i need power!

For now i'm running a '98 civic with nothing under the hood but the stock engine. What's the first mod that i'll really get my money's worth? I heard a cold air intake isn't a bad start, but i dont want to spend a couple hundred. Any ideas?

Yea, a cold air intake is definately a good first step. But if you want something that is going to make a significant difference, you're going to have to spend at least a couple hundred.
Making cars quick isn't cheap. :)

ok, then what's the best way to do that? I mean spend a couple hundred and make a big difference?

There is only so much you can do to increase your performance without spending money. Off the top of my head, you can advance your timing, cut out the catalytic converter, and do some weight reduction. Of course none of this is legal, since your car will fail emissions and fail a safety inspection of you do any of the above.

A couple of months ago I remember seeing an article in an import mag (I forget which one) where they completely trashed a Nissan Altima or Maxima to make it go faster. They cut off a lot of the frame and removed everything to make it very light and I believe it was over a full second faster than the stock version. It was pretty mangled though, so I recommend spending money for performance gains.

Ok, i'm planning to stay legal if that suprises anyone. Basic engine mods that i get my money's worth. I don't know much about the engine and what to take out or where to add stuff. I leave that up to someone else until i learn the specifics. What kind of air intake is the best to start with here? Any increase in power is a good one. Someone give me ideas!

oh my god.. lindy is it really you...????? my eyes decieve me..
where the heck have you been.. why haven't you called.. and why haven't you moved..
anyway whiteracer.. mods cost money.. bottom line.. there is no cheap way.. especially under 100 unless you wanna go homemade..
goodluck.. and start with the cai

ok, anyone got any ideas of which brand or where to buy it around pasadena? or a link to a website and which one i should get?

modacar (http://www.modacar.com)
lightning (http://www.lightningmotorsports.com)
aem (http://www.aempower.com)
autocarparts (http://www.autocarparts.com)

Originally posted by THE4TH
oh my god.. lindy is it really you...????? my eyes decieve me..
where the heck have you been.. why haven't you called.. and why haven't you moved..
anyway whiteracer.. mods cost money.. bottom line.. there is no cheap way.. especially under 100 unless you wanna go homemade..
goodluck.. and start with the cai

He could pull his A/C and P/S that helps a little bit but I do advise against body kits and under light kits.

any reasons you or anyone opposes to either one of those two?

A body kit isn't a worthwhile investment unless you want to enter it into a show.

1. They usually cost $700-1000, paint and install are about another $500-1000 depending on whether you want it moulded or not

2. If your car is already very low, you'll scrape that kit on everything and it will eventually crack or break somewhere.

3. With a Honda, somebody nearby probably already has that same kit, unless you got yours straight from Japan.

Underbody lights are illegal to use on the streets, so its another one of those show items. Not to mention the whole ricey reputation they got after Fast and Furious.

Sorry I just get upset when a bunch of people put on kits and underlights because it makes us real Honda Tuners looks bad. Then we end being called Ricers when our cars are hella clean and nice looking. It just makes me upset sorry.