performance tips please

[blkciv98EXwithopes]

i recently bought a civic coupe and i would like to know more about tuning. I know what air intakes, headers, and exaust are but what else is neccessary to create an excellent performing car?
I am looking at buying new rims and tires from wheelmax that are 19 lbs.
Is this too heavy?
What brands of performance parts are reliable?
Should i not worry about my back rim being a bit bent and the camber from the 2 in. drop already on the car?
What minor adjustments can i make to better improve the car's stock 127hp motor? (the gas pedal is a bit stiff at first then it jumps)
I am open to learning anything about how the car or motor works and how to shift or match rpms like a pro.

[superbluecivicsi]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?

[Jas_M]

Originally Posted by blkciv98EXwithopes

...but what else is neccessary to create an excellent performing car?

Four words: engine swap or turbo.

[Ace$nyper]

Originally Posted by Jas_M

Four words: engine swap or turbo.

dont forget things like brakes coilovers tires =)
but swap better base motor is better then maxing out a motor that makes same power as mild tuned better motor.

[BullShifter]

If you have no idea buy a book before you do anything. This will save you lots of money down the road because you will have some what of an idea or plan. search amazon for Honda Civic, Honda performance, etc. there's lots of them out there.

For the throttle sticking you may have carbon build up around the butterfly. Remove intake hose, hold throttle wide open, scrub with tooth brush using a Throttle body cleaner from any parts store, wipe clean with rag.

[b18ls]

19lbs is heavy for a race wheel. I would go with Rota wheels. They come in many styles and are easy on the pockets. Keep in mind, 15's with a 55 profile tire are going to be best for a good launch. They don't look the best though. I would go with a set of 16's. Light weight, and looks good.

As for your engine, I agree with doing a engine swap. Until you can afford it, you can do other things to improve performance. An upgraded suspension along with sway and strut bars will help.

[Dr.Gonzo]

I think wheels should be one of your last mods since lighter ones are quite expensive.
Suspension will help alot.
An engine swap would be you next best bet. What do you want to do however.

1.If you want to go turbo you might want an LS engine lower compression.

2. Good N/A motors would be the B16 you get out of the Civic SI

3.B18C1 out of a GSR or B18C5 out of a Integra TypeR

4. H22 out of last gen Preludes.

I've known people who've used all of these setups with good results. Hondas are light cars with good weight/power ratios hence that's why there's not a lot of need for huge torque numbers. Torque is nice but with such a light car and great flowing heads from the factory it's not really needed.
Best thing for you to do would be research on what exactly you want to do with your car and what kind of performance you want out of your car.

[blkciv98EXwithopes]

what would give me the most low end power?
Im looking for decreasing the lag in third gear.
What could I do for now that would allow the engine to perform more fluidly?

[GScivic7]

if you want to swap don't spend money on your current motor, just save it. Any of those swaps will kill that lag in third gear. If it were my choice I'd get the B18B and boost it. You will see some really nice torque numbers.

[blkciv98EXwithopes]

I would much rather turbo the engine I already have. Is the 98 civic EX coupe a D16Y8 vtec engine type?

[GScivic7]

Yup it's VTEC

[blkciv98EXwithopes]

Sweet, so should I save all I can to get a $3,500 Edelbrock turbo kit?
Would you recommend any suspension upgrades?
How about internals, is that necessary for the Edelbrock performer X turbo kit?

[97CivicX]

no internals needed unless you up the boost. suspension isnt needed with more power but recomended. if you have some bad traction issues with the added power, then its time to start looking into suspension and support

[blkciv98EXwithopes]

How much would you estimate this turbo kit would increase my hp with the 127 hp it has right now?

[97CivicX]

without upgrading internals you can safely drive at 200hp. <rough figures> 10psi on a stock d16 will give you around 200hp</rough figures>