Where to start modding

[ikou]

Hey,

I just got a 2000 Honda Civic Si, and would like to modify it a little bit. I'd like to put a body kit, lowering springs, rims, and a new hood on the exterior, and really don't know what would be best to do to the engine. I've been looking at abunch of sites (racerwheel.com and a couple of others) and have seen that there are alot of options for engine mods. Which ones are the best to start out with? I'd like to spend under $8,000, but get some decent stuff.

Peace

Lance

[Ace$nyper]

well Lance I like to start with suspeion stuff like nice wheels and tires good springs and shocks then do bolt ons. With a b16a i don't think you'll need to swap were you planning one?
I dont really like kits or anything just stock looking with assloads of handling and power.
I would say get a nice catback a good header *ITR header is good* and intake unless you plan on turboing or swaping/
So how much you looking to make power wise how wild do you wanta turn and how crazy you wanta look are up to you. We at AF can show you how to get there!

[ikou]

this may sound like a stupid question, but what are "bolt ons"? and what's a "b16a"? i'd really like to make this car look sweet, and handle sweet. i was looking at enkei rims. are 18" rims better than 17" rims? if so then why? i really would like to add a body kit though. i'm looking to get a good amount of power. is a turbo worth the money? i know i'm asking alot of questions, but i figure that you've got to start somewhere! thanks alot

Lance

[Ace$nyper]

np buddy! A b16a is what motor you have in your 00 SI. Its a great motor for tuning turbo will get you power with lots of work boosted b16s can do 300hp.
bolt ons are well just that somthing you bolt on like a Header or a new exhaust. cheap easy gains for power.
As for what to make the car look better browse sites for body kits lips etc and get what you like. to make the car handle very well a good set up will run around 800 Tein basic kit or Skunk2 coilovers and Koni yellows. Best thing is alos get some good rims and tires. I think 16s are best for proformance 17s are ok though.
Dont worry about asking alot thats why were here!

[PoisonFangs]

Since you dont know too much info, and dont take that the wrong way we all start somewhere. Let me offer you this little peice of advice. "You get what you pay for" and dont forget it. Take your time and get to know all the parts and products you can. as well as many contacts. And the best mod you can do to your car is to know just about everthing about it.

[mycivic]

Always suspension first.

Then I would probably go with the rims...16"s would be good, a little bit of looks and performance.

Your engine would do just fine, no need for swap. B16's have enough power for that size of engine. Then you could go naturally aspirated or forced induction.

All those could be under your $8000 budget.

[PoisonFangs]

Suspension is a great way to go. Also if you do go FI (forced induction) such as turbo, supercharger or nitrous oxide. then its also a good idea to get either a new trans or rebuild the one you have. I Have a trans that is in need of a rebuild cause i did not follow my own advice.

[ikou]

hey,

to give you guys an update, i've been doing alot of reading, and decided that i'm going to put a GReddy turbo kit on my car. Is it worth it to put an intercooler on with it? What other parts should i put on with the turbo to get good results? I decided to go with a Tein basic kit, for suspension, and am getting ready to order it. I also figured out what bodykit i'm going to put on. thanks again for all your help.

Lance

[PoisonFangs]

There you go Lance. Just make sure you know the limitations of the turbo and the engine and get to know everything about them so you can get the most out of the two. and yes it is worth the intercooler. Also Greddy makes a great computer monitor system for their turbo setups. My friend had one on his car. its a great way to find out all of what is going on in the engine, and to fine tune everything, you might want to check into that.

Jason

[ikou]

i've changed my mind a bit. i've decided that i'm going to concentrate more on the engine first, and slowly change the looks over time. I was looking here: http://www.modacar.com/products/Honda/Civic/MODAPP/
and when i saw honda power package # 4 (if you look at the page you'll understand) i started wondering if having good cam shafts and gears make a difference.

poison fangs: are there any other good electronic monitoring systems out?

when i add the turbo, would it make the performance of the car betthe if i added a fuel rail, new fuel injectors, and other fuel related parts, or would it just be a waste of money.

what other things should i add?

thanks,

Lance

[PoisonFangs]

Modacar is a great site, I have ordered a few things from them. The greddy controller i was talking about was the Greddy Profec E-01 Boost control unit, incase you were wondering. AEM makes a computer control/monitoring system you can find it on modacar, Just go under civic/crx and click on computer/ecu. Also click on Electronic controllers for all of the goodies.

[ikou]

posion fang: i checked the greddy website and only saw one electronic boost controller, so i sort of figured that was the one you were talking about : ) Do you gain any real advantage from using a boost controller or an engine management system?

[PoisonFangs]

yeah, You can with the boost controllers you can change from 6psi to 15 with the push of a button. and much more stuff. And with the engine managemnt you can change your fuel curves, change how much the injectors are putting out and alot of stuff. so yes they benifit you and Apex'i has a claim of about 10-20 hp with their V-afc vtec controllers. those allow you to change when vtec ingages and some fuel options as well.

Jason

[ricerboy8627]

Well to me it sounds like you have good ideas but I dont know that you are ready to go FI. There is a lot to know about tuning with a turbo and how turbos work. I would do a lot of reading like read around on AF and there are really good threads that explain well. If I can find the links I will post them sorry if I sound rude but you should do some studying about your car like what poisonfangs said know what your car can handle. Good luck. One thing is you picked probably the easiest car to mod. IMO.

[PoisonFangs]

Yeah i have said it before but i will say it agian. The best mod you can have for your car is knowing all you can about it and its components.