What do you think [PICS]? What should I do next? Is there any hope?

[lowrightor]

I've got an automatic (bleh) 2000 Black Civic EX Coupe. I'm kinda down (not really) because my car is auto and slow. If you had my car, what would you do next?

I was thinking DC Sports 4-2-1 headers and Greddy Evo cat-back to complete the i/h/e thing but is that just a waste on my slow-ass automatic? All comments/suggestions wanted (unless it's about my stereo...jk).

As a reference...here are some pics and my list of mods...

Exterior:
Exterior #1
Exterior #2
Exterior #3
Exterior #4

Stereo:
Stereo #1
Stereo #2
Stereo #3

aesthetic:
Red and black wheelskin
Red emblems
Tinted glass

engine:
AEM cold air intake

stereo:
Nakamichi 45z Head Unit
Infinity Kappa Perfect 6 1/2 inch components
Two Infinity Kappa Perfect 10 inch subs
Three Ample Audio A 226X amps

wheels/tires/suspension:
White 16" Tecnomagnesio Sport wheels
Pirelli P7000 Super Sport tires
Eibach Pro-Kit springs
Koni Yellow adjustable shocks
DC Sports upper strut bar

[Swonder67]

Sup bro, you live in Needham, right? I tihnk I've seen your car because I live in Newton. Then again, maybe not. Anyway... I tihnk an exhaust just for looks and some sound, but headers would be a waste, especially if you are dissapointed in automatic. Other than that, your car looks clean.

[lowrightor]

Well....if it was a civic with white wheels...it was probably mine. Not a lot of those around here. Over the past summer I needed to drive into Newton every day but I've been at college since then if that helps.

Explain to me why headers would be a waste. You could save me some $ for sure.

Any other suggestions?

[Swonder67]

well, headers would be a waste for you, because you seem to despise your automatic alot. And no one will see your headers (like they would see your exhaust). headers is more of a performance mod, where as an exhaust is more of a performance/looks/sound mod. but since hate the autoness of your car, it would be kinda pointless to do, know what I mean? The Greddy Evo is a nice exhaust. I'd get it if I actually had money. but for now, I'll stick with my tenzo exhaust.

[lowrightor]

Although I hate my auto, I hate it because it's slow. If headers and exhaust would help it be a little quicker, that would be ideal. The sound and looks is just a bonus.

[90CRXZCSi]

I dont think headers would be too much of a waste, just IMO. As for the exhaust it's really only sound, it doesnt do much for horsepower, but u can do whatever u want man.

[clatescivicr]

Why not swap an Auto Prelude motor in Just a suggestion. I Must say it does look nice.

[Swonder67]

Originally posted by lowrightor
Although I hate my auto, I hate it because it's slow. If headers and exhaust would help it be a little quicker, that would be ideal. The sound and looks is just a bonus.

Well, I'll tell you, the way I think is, If I can't make my car REALLY fast, I don't want to waste money making it a little faster than it is now. I used to spent alot of money on my car, but recently I realized that my car will never be fast (I don't have money for a swap or Forced induction) so I don't want to waste money on my car anymore... But thats just me. Headers don't make such a huge difference though. you might feel alittle better acceleration.

[lowrightor]

I think it looks nice too. Clean look is key. I tried to learn from everyone on PH's mistakes and avoid the wings, altezzas, stickers, etc. The stereo was just its seperate entity.

What would be the price/performance difference between getting an auto prelude engine...and getting a manual with another engine. Don't the weight of prelude engines screw up the steering?

Swonder67 - I kinda agree. I've definitely accepted my car will never be fast. But a quick, nice handling, nice looking, nice sounding daily driver is my goal.

[GhettoLegs]

Originally posted by 90CRXZCSi
I dont think headers would be too much of a waste, just IMO. As for the exhaust it's really only sound, it doesnt do much for horsepower, but u can do whatever u want man.

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As I was alwayz taught... the exhaust will add horsepower (A cat-back system, mind you... not a universal muffler) and would actually be pretty much necessary if you get headers. It's the last step to help your car breathe better.

[lowrightor]

As I was alwayz taught... the exhaust will add horsepower (A cat-back system, mind you... not a universal muffler) and would actually be pretty much necessary if you get headers. It's the last step to help your car breathe better. [/b]

Haha. Yeah. Thanks for fielding that one. I got an intake and I'm just saving up my money so I can get the headers and the exhaust at the same time.

By "nothing" maybe he means it doesn't do enough to spend $459 on it? I want to finish the whole i/h/e thing but I don't know if it's worth it to me.

What other suggestions to people have? Doesn't have to be performance oriented.

[OGRED]

how much did you pay for that system..mines almost exactly the same except i have 2 rockford amps one 800x2 and 800x4 and 2 12's its nice that no one can really see em huh. anyways i think your ish looks tight

[sparq]

Well you got an auto...

What about a B16a auto, B18c auto or hell an H22a auto swap? Saves you the money and hassle from going from auto-2-manual and you still got the power

[evil_elmo]

i/h/e will always help performance so if you don't want to swap then thats the best mod you can do for now

oh your car looks nice

[delsolguy]

Originally posted by evil_elmo
i/h/e will always help performance so if you don't want to swap then thats the best mod you can do for now

I agree. From what I hear, an I/H/E equipped auto Civic will be about as fast as a well driven manual Civic.



I love the stereo man. Looks great. Really clean install and I like how you can hide it...except shouldn't those panels be switched around? On the last pic it looks like the light carpet panel is where the dark carpet is, and vice versa. How do you like the Nak deck?