Need advice on Integra LS upgrades

[Shastaniel]

Hey all,

Soon I'll be getting a '99 Integra LS, and this will be my first "real" car (read: no more old woman sedans). I don't have a huge knowledge of cars or preformance upgrades, so I was looking for a little advice on what I should get in order to make my car a lot better. I'm not looking to make it a super racing machine, but just something more ballsier than what it comes stock (140 HP). I've got about $1,000 saved up that can go into it specifically, but since I also have a college tuition to pay for I can't really afford to save more money up for a turbo kit (at least until next year).

With that money in mind, what are the best and most efficient add-ons I can get that will add more muscle to my unit? I just want a clean, sexy and quick machine so I can get some respect from my friends with juiced up Eclipses and Talons instead of the usual laughing cause' of my P.O.S Escort that is about to crap the bed. I'd appreciate any help from more knowing people than I, espcially Integra veterens.

Thanks in advance.





P.S. -- Even if your ideas cost more than the money I listed, still feel free to to list them as I can at least plan for the future money I bring in.

[loesch8102]

Sounds like your on the right track so far. People all have different opinions on what people should do to their cars. A lot of people just throw on digusting mufflers and think their car is faster. If I were you, I would just read through the posts here. Many of the people that post here about integras know more about honda motors than I could ever dream of knowing. Your question is exactly why tuning imports is so fun. You do whatever you want with it, and the outcome is always your own creation. Here is a list of, (if you were me), mods. Remember though, I'm no expert. This list is just from what I've learned so far. Hopefully others will agree or disagree with me so you get a good idea of what is cool or not.

Suspension Overhaul
H&R Race springs -- about $165
KYB Adjustable shocks -- about $350

Engine stuff
Unorthodox Ultra SS pulley set -- about $340
Short Ram Intake -- about $110
DC Sports headers -- about $300

Labor:
$1,000,000

TOTAL: $1,001,265

P.S. If you don't get the Unorthodox pulleys and go with AEM Tru-Power pulleys, that should bring you closer to a grand.

[PWMAN]

This is all my opinion, so no offense loesch8102. I wouldn't do anything but engine mods to that. Integras handle very well from the factory. Better than an eclipse, I can say that much. So, first mod is definitely intake. A short ram is the best bang for the buck. A cold air intake gives you about 2 extra HP for about 100 bucks - not worth it. An AEM short ram should be about 100 bucks. So next, you need exhaust. Get a Header, high flow cat(very important, stock cat sucks), and a good cat-back exhaust system. That should run you like 600 for decent stuff. Then you should get a short throw shifter, maybe another 100. And last of all you should either do the pulleys, or cam gears - you choose. I would go cam gears cuz then you can adjust your timing.

[Shastaniel]

Hmmm thanks guys so far for the responses. If you can't tell, I'm just looking for engine and preformance upgrades and not some decaled up, wannabe racer. I'd like to be fast, not look fast (although I must admit I'll end up getting a new spoiler and muffler just cause I can't resist.... but I'll keep the wing low and the muffler pretty quiet). Keep the comments coming

[redmanjd]

cam gears
light flywheel
cams
full exhaust
intake manifold

[PWMAN]

Originally posted by redmanjd
cam gears
light flywheel
cams
full exhaust
intake manifold

If you want to do a light weight flywheel, do the clutch at the same time. Also, if you do intake mainfold, do an upgrade throttle body at the same time too.

[loesch8102]

PWMAN:
Wouldn't he be looking at some serious cash for that clutch upgrade?

P.S. Don't worry, no offense taken. I've seen on dyno charts that unless you have a lot of bolt ons, it seems that you can actually loose out by getting a cat-back. Especially when it comes to torque.

[PWMAN]

I was just saying, if he's going to do a lightweight flywheel then also do clutch while you have the engine apart from the tranny. Yes it is serious cash, be he said he's looking for future mods too.
If your only mod is a cat-back, then yes it will probably hurt a little. You need air to get in (intake) to be able to be expelled out. And also, if you get too big of pipe there is not enough backpressure in the exhaust.

[MUGEN B18b1]

I started off the same way you did and came a long way. The first thing i did to my LS was lowered it with some shocks and coilovers, i can't stand to see a teg at stock height. Then i added a short ram and manifold upgrade for the intake. Throttle body, full exhaust setup, and an ecu. Right there you should get some respect for your LS. Also, if you wanted to go for that simple look you should conisder the full type r kit. All this will run you a little over $1k but it's worth it. By the time i did this to my LS i was spanking SI's. Then, if you really get hooked like i did, you can start looking at the aftermarket internals for your motor. Good Luck

[PWMAN]

IMO 3G tegs can only be lowered an inch before it looks stupid. 2G's can be lowered 1.5 inches. The tires in the wheel wells thing is just plain gay.
So MUGEN B18B1-what kinda numbers are you puttin out? any 1/4 times? I like LS tegs beefed up, VTEC is for pussies. LOL

[MUGEN B18b1]

I hit 11.9 once on the 1/4 mile but i usually do 12.2. I've had it all motor for a year now and planning to put in a turbocharger by the end of this summer. The new e.t.'s should be interesting. I just love the reaction i get when people find out it's a non-vtec. They usually mistake it for a GSR cause the "Special Edition" and "DOHC VTEC" emblems look similar from far.

[loesch8102]

Damn Mugen! What all do you have in that Integra of yours?

[KrNxRaCer00]

Originally posted by loesch8102
Damn Mugen! What all do you have in that Integra of yours?

his answer: "a lot of time, money, swearing, kicking, cigarettes an sweat."

[PWMAN]

Originally posted by KrNxRaCer00


his answer: "a lot of time, money, swearing, kicking, cigarettes an sweat."

Good answer

[MUGEN B18b1]

He's right...lol...2 years of frustrating crap but it was all worth it in the end.