Beginners list for engine performance

[dc_uk]

Hi All

I want to start improving the performance on my car without spending a sh*t load of cash.

The first thing I've done is put a new K&N induction kit on which I think has boosted the power by a good 4-5bhp.

Now I am a complete novice when it comes to this stuff so I'd be interested to know what you guys would change/add next.

May be we could start a beginners list for engine performance.

Cheers

DC

[99civic03]

How much do you have to spend?? The more detail you give us the more we can help you out.

[mattyoung33]

First do the normal I/H/E (intake, header, exhaust) then start the other stuff... it will get your car to "breathe" better. Plus it will add some HP... yeah how much do you have to spend right now?

[SuprAutoCivic]

I'm in the same boat except i don't have any engine things except for a fluidyne radiator and an optima battery (i'm having overheating and electrical problems). I have about a grand to spend though.

[dc_uk]

I wish I could say how much I have to spend, but I don't know. I kinda wanted to do a bit here a bit there. You know £150 for a performance chip (do they work?) or a new exhaust etc.

I don't show my car or race it, I just want to have a really good performing car. I imagine to start I need: A performance chip, new exhaust and maybe new cams first.

[mattyoung33]

I/H/E...

Intake- short ram intake or cold air intake, cold air more $money$ but gives more HP... AEM or Injen are big Companies for intakes, i have an injen cold-air intake in the mail now.

Header- Popular brand is like DC sports

Exhaust- Cat-back is better then just rear mufflers cuz its a whole system instead of just a muffler(more HP)... many many kinds of exhaust brands. I have a thermal cat-back exhaust on my car.

Intake, header, and exhaust is what most ppl do to their cars performance first... then they add things like pulley kits, camshafts, etc.

[PoisonFangs]

like they said you are going to want to start out with your basic I/H/E setup and then move on to bigger better things. You can but you dont have to jump into getting cams and chips right away. for an all around performing car you are going to need basic engine add ons, then suspension and that should get the ball rolling. and after you do those things you will become familiar with more about your car and parts for it and what they do, then you dont have to be a novice any more.

good luck with your car,
Jason

[dc_uk]

Thanks guys.

I always get excited when I check out some of the mods that other people have done to their civics.

Just wondering is there like a novice book to improving your car?

Cheers

DC

[chris26969]

In my mind there is 3 different routes to making your car faster .

CHEAP:
Average bolt ons , Intake/Header/Exaust. Cams , spark plugs ,spark plug wires.


MEDIUM
Buying a turbo and assorting the kit yourself . Internal engine work.


HIGH
Drop a new engine in . GSR is a common engine that puts out some good numbers. OR drop in a higher end turbo full kit for your stock EX engine , you will get some decent numbers there too.

[dc_uk]

Thanks for the breakdown chris.

Just another question.

Here in the UK the 3dr HB Civic I have is called an LSi (1.5 16V injection, no ABS, no air-con) but in the states you seem to have many other models like Si, EX, DX.

I was just wondering how I can find out what my car would be called in the USA just so I can compare the add-ons I want to get on my car with other peoples with the same model.

Cheers

DC

[chris26969]

um im guessing a VX ,but how much HP does it have?

[dc_uk]

Umm....pass... no idea, sorry. How can I find out as it isn't on the log book.