What cna be done to make a d16y7 or d16y8 perform

[GZusREVolution]

I just bought a 97 Civic EX 5 spd. coupe. I haven't checked the block to see exactly what type engine is in it ( heard it was a d16y7 or y8 or z7 or z8 (anybody know?)).
What can you do to build a d16 or are you better off swapping a b16 or something else if your going to spend a chunk of change building an engine?

[SilverY2KCivic]

If you have an EX, then it's a Y8 D16 motor.

As for building it up, of course. Is it better to swap, not nessacerily. It'll probably be cheaper for you to build up your D-series since it's already there in your car. But it depends on your plans and goals for your car. What would you like to do with it, and what kind of driving do you plan to do? I'm sure everyone and their mom will be in here soon with the B16/18 bandwagon, but answer the questions above first, and we can figure out the cheaper and easier/better solution for you.

[whiteracer]

Intake
Header
Cat Back Exhaust

new camshaft or get the stock one reground
Light weight pulleys
adjustable cam sprocket

in that order....I'm going with what matt said above, building up my y8 rather than the swapping trend. Getting those six things above might take awhile depending on $$$, so be patient and go with those first.

[GZusREVolution]

Thank you for the response
Performance based daily driver.
My wife will be behind the wheel most of the time so I'm not looking to go to the strip with it.
Regardless, I would still like to get everything realistically possible out of the engine and drivetrain. As opposed to creating a Jonny Blaze wannabe, dimestore, every corner havin, tall a$$ spoiler, 15 hp reflective tint gain, more stickers than brain cells, rice burnin posermobile.
I've projected a spendable budget at $2500 within the next ten months. And the CAI, header and catback have to come out of that. I'm going for a tight, subtle looking, performance based daily driver thats fun to drive.
Two ext. mods I considered are a clear lens makeover (possible altezzas) and 19" rims (will they even fit??)
Keep the comments coming...I can take destructive criticism

[nemesls_2000]

If you are interested in building up your SOHC D16Y8, then I suggest browsing www.gude.com, where you will find different heads and camshafts

[whiteracer]

well you asked for it: Don't go with Altezza's. Especially after you were commenting on not having a huge spoiler. It's like contradicting yourself. And 19's are gonna slow you down a lot. But then again, your not taking it to the track.

[GZusREVolution]

I'm just razzin Dave...as far as tall spoilers and rice burners are concerned. My 94 Accord has a high boy, some decals, etc...17" custom Budnik Spyders, and I wouldn't really consider it fast. I heard you can't do a helluva lot to make Accords fast (2.2). I just want this one (Civic) to not attract quite as much attention. And I hoping the d16y8 is fairly easy to find parts for.

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by nemesls_2000

If you are interested in building up your SOHC D16Y8, then I suggest browsing www.gude.com, where you will find different heads and camshafts

Forget Gude, esp the heads from what I hear. Check out www.deltacam.com and you can order a reground cam from them for $65!!! Not the $200+ Gude charges for griding your STOCK cam. Get the Delta 262 grind cam, cam gear, and then get a good header, exhaust and intake systems. I wouldn't worry about the pulleys so much. Maybe a slight port and polish of the head an manifolds if it's within budget. I/H/E should run you no more than $1000 if you go with the A'PEXi World Sport exhaust (pretty quiet, and not at all annoying), A'PEXi GT spec header, and then like AEM intake. So you'll have $1500 still left for goodies. Minus $65 from that $1500 for the Delta cam, then minus whatever a port and polish will cost, oh and minus about $120 for a cam gear too as you'll need that to adjust the timing once you get a custom camshaft.

[mattyoung33]

kid wants to put altezzas and 19" inch rims on a civic... this guy knows nothing

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by mattyoung33

kid wants to put altezzas and 19" inch rims on a civic... this guy knows nothing

I misread that part. If you get "19's then you can kiss pretty much all of your performance gains out the window as the wheels will suck up all the extra power you've created. They are heavy as hell, they are big, and just not what you want to do if you want to get performance gains from your motor. Also they will cost at least $2500 in themselves and expect to pay $1000 for tires each time you need to replace them. Get some good lightweight "15 or "16 at the biggest, wheels.

[GZusREVolution]

Who makes a good import rim (light,etc.)

[GZusREVolution]

Young matt , don't be so harsh dude. It doesn't hurt sometimes to stray away from the pack once in a while and do your own thing. I think 19" would LOOK hot...although I agree they would slow you down. I really don't like stock taillights on many cars. Granted they (altez) are a little played out. Watcha gonna do

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by GZusREVolution

Who makes a good import rim (light,etc.)

Rota, Mugen, Racing Hart has a few, Velox has some, Spoon, Enkei has some as well, so does 5Zigen. Also Konig.

[mjshort18]

yeah, i too do not understand why no one here likes altezzas, just because a lot of people are buying them doesn't mean they don't still look good. i like them much more than stock...unless you have the red and clear taillights.

[mattyoung33]

Originally Posted by mjshort18

yeah, i too do not understand why no one here likes altezzas, just because a lot of people are buying them doesn't mean they don't still look good. i like them much more than stock...unless you have the red and clear taillights.

no altezzas look cheap and ricey...