'97 Civic EX Questions

[Frogmofo]

Just recently I paid off my '97 EX. I'm pretty new to the customizing my car scheme and I have been viewing these forums and others for the past few weeks and have learned a few things. I'm wondering what steps I should take to improve performance. I don't have the budget for an engine swap, but exhaust and CAI are in my range. My 3rd gear has been scratching ever since I bought it, so I might bring it into a transmission shop pretty soon and get the synchro fixed. I was told that might cost around $70-80, is that true? Any help on a noob wanting to improve the performance of his vehicle would be much appreciated.

BTW, the engine is a D16Y8.

[GScivic7]

getting that synchro replaced is going to cost more than $70-80. The actual parts may cost that much, I have no clue what how much they go for. But you can plan on spending a good $50-60 an hour for the work. If exhaust and CAI are within your range, go for it. I would suggest a Thermal R&D, Apex World Sport or RS*R exhaust. And a AEM CAI. Good Luck with everything.

[mjshort18]

if you don't want to spend that much money, you could go to ebay and find the same stuff for alot cheaper. thats were i got my intake and exhaust and spent a total of like 170.

[asterox]

hi i think we're in the same boat financially except ill be working with a dx.. here are some things i've been thinking about

1. 65 bucks for a repair manual
2. night class on basic car maintainance...
3. get a d16 engine
4. rebuild d16 to learn
5. swap engine
6. save up for a b16
7. swap engine
8. replace bolt-ons and other components

[chimchim]

Originally Posted by Frogmofo

Just recently I paid off my '97 EX. I'm pretty new to the customizing my car scheme and I have been viewing these forums and others for the past few weeks and have learned a few things. I'm wondering what steps I should take to improve performance. I don't have the budget for an engine swap, but exhaust and CAI are in my range. My 3rd gear has been scratching ever since I bought it, so I might bring it into a transmission shop pretty soon and get the synchro fixed. I was told that might cost around $70-80, is that true? Any help on a noob wanting to improve the performance of his vehicle would be much appreciated.

BTW, the engine is a D16Y8.

I also have a 97 EX with a stock D16Y8, and was in your position about a year ago (without the synchro problem). Here's what I came up with for myself:

- Turbo kit that's reliable and CARB legal will be about $3000+ and a lot of work. Nice to get the +45hp, but not worth the price for me now.
- B16 swap... my preferred method, but lots of work and expense (you need B16 tranny too) and lots of headache making sure it's legal. Easily $3000+
- NOS. Forget it. Cheap power, and kill your engine quickly.
- N/A tune: cheaper route. But:

There's not much to be done with a D16Y8. I stuck a AEM V1 CAI and it helps a teeny bit... like 3-5 hp+ at best at the 4.5krpm hump and high end. But I never rev high cuz I don't race.

Did you know that the stock 97 EX header is already a factory 4-2-1? It's just that the inner diameter is like 1 3/4" - 2" or something. A nice DC Sports 4-2-1 would be nice, but not give a whole lot unless you rev high.

Full cat back GReddy SP or Apexi WS are mild performance improvements yet still quiet and still carb legal.

This full I/H/E setup runs like $800-$1000... for like +10 hp... mostly at the top. Not much, IMHO. I'd rather save for the swap. But since the swap takes some much effort, I'd rather save for a new car.

Doesn't sound like you're racing, so by "performance" I think you mean all kinds of things. Here's the best bang for the buck for improving another kind of performance:

- Rims and tires (do this first)
- rear sway bar (do this a close second)

I went with the mild upgrade of:
1999 Civic Si 15" alloy rims with sticky 195/55's (I shoulda got 205/50's, but I guess I get MPG).
1999 Civic Si 13mm rear sway bar

Or you can go more extreme with:
16" rotas or something with appropriate tire
ST or DC or whatever 19-22mm rear sway + subchassis reinforcement
If you get a thick 19-22mm rear sway, then you'll probably need to upgrade your front sway and suspension.
Stiffer shocks and struts.

Not much to do with a D16 besides swap... but suspension can make your car fun to drive around.

I heard that new cams can be pretty good for < $200. But I dunno what that does to stuff besides performance like carb or mpg.

[supapoopa]

I'd start out with the suspension. Atleast you will be enjoying your car in the turns.

IMO, basic bolt-ons will leave you disapointed for the amount of money spent.