newbie on the scene

[japsez]

i just got a 96 civic ex coupe a few weeks ago and i'm looking for more power. i don't really want to be the fastest car out there but i want to be able to keep up. i'm thinking about doing a swap for an LS engine along with other basic mods like exhaust, intake and suspension. any other suggestions?

[GZusREVolution]

Don't swap engines unless you want to be the fastest.
What about header, full exhaust, iridium plugs, and Nology wires for a humble beginning.

[japsez]

guys i run with have LS swaps at least. my tuned stocky won't do it for me. slowest car [besides me] has an LS swap with intake, exhaust, 4-1 headers [which is only good for high end power], and it's a hatch. let's use him as the standard for what i'm keeping up with. so what should i go with?

[GZusREVolution]

Check out www.deltacam.com and you can order a reground cam from them for $65! Possibly the Delta 262 grind cam, cam gear (you'll need that to adjust the timing once you get a custom camshaft). A set of power pulleys. 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, w/ an AEM intake. I just bought my Civic and am contemplating my goals for it as well. I am trying to stay away from the swap. You should be able to get more hp (dollar for dollar) building what you have than a LS, b16, or VTEC swap would afford you.

[B16EJ1]

Originally Posted by GZusREVolution

You should be able to get more hp (dollar for dollar) building what you have than a LS, b16, or VTEC swap would afford you.

I have to disagree. I've seen LS swaps go for 1500 at any junkyard. Bolt-ons alone will run you 1000. Throw a cam, clutch, and mill the head to bump compression and an LS swapped Civic will still kill you. I've seen Z6's with all bolt-ons dyno at best, 123whp. Then add a zex cam and you'll see a 5-7 hp gain. Yes, you're probably laying better numbers to the wheels but lets not forget about a wonderful thing called trq, not to mention the fact that I am reffering to a stock LS motor. I am not at all bashing the single cam just because I have a swap. I admire D series tuners as much as a B series. Just MO.

[GZusREVolution]

Depending on what end result your looking for that's true. And if your going to spend at least $2000...what's another $800-1000 as long as your getting what you want!!