JP.

Alright, so i have a 97 civic dx hatch, and im wanting to get into cars as a hobby (guess it has to do something with getting older as a teenager (last year of high school this comin up year). I want to have my car go from stock to bad ***,i know not to make a ricer or anything like that dumb stuff, i just have questions that i would like to be answered.


1. Anything i should know about making this into a hobby?

2. What rim size should i look into? (wanting black rims)

3. Engine upgrades, What's legit but not over-doing it?

4. Online stores for OEM parts?

Probably more questions to come over time.

AphexMatt

Welcome to H-T! (despite the fact you have been here for a year) First off you have a good platform to begin with there is so much you can do with your hatch just look around these forums you will see how popular they are. Check out the the build threads and other appearance sections for inspiration.
1. For this to be a hobby you need Money and Time.
2. Rim size is a personal decision based on your tastes but in MY OPINION the higher you go above 16" the worse it looks.
3. This question is too open state some goals ( power / expen$e / racing / etc.) and you will get a dozen different options on how to achieve them.
4. www.hondaautomotiveparts.com there are others like it that are just as good too, I ordered from one based in Texas which might be better for you on shipping but I'm sure there are even more closer.

Good luck!

skodi

i see that you have been on here since a least 08.. best idea for you is to buy a low mileage hatch and take it slow; research every component before you buy it. do it all the Right way and youll end up with a car youll actually be really proud of in a couple of years

JP.

I've had my hatch for a year now and i am deciding to start working on it. My hatch had 40k miles on it when I first got it.

JP.

Thanks for your time and consideration! About the engine, what do you prefer?

JP.

Another question, is there a book or anything I can read up on to catch me up to par so i can be able to know what i can do?

iiPancho

Honda engine swaps by aaron bonk is a good one.
And my favorite is civic duty by alan paradise.

I would go with 15 inch rims.

MilanoCpe

before u buy rims or anything like that, make sure you get SECURITY for yoru car. especially an alarm, CLUTCHLOCK, and w/e u feel like gettnig.

skodi

AGREED! ..forgot that

98civdx

well first things first get a very good, alarm, i reccomend a basic 2 way pager.
next lower it, and get 15-16 inch rims,
whats your budget like?? have you thought about putting a ls or something in it?

JP.

what are some good alam systems. I haven't really a budget yet until i get a job.

98civdx

bascily anything by dei,

read this.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/audio-security-video-27/car-alarm-guide-how-pick-out-security-system-meet-your-needs-open-2518715/

ALLxMOTOR EG

40k is good.

tw1tch

Compustar makes great alarms

Wheels I would get 16s. Tires are a bit more $ but they look way better. Don't get sucked into the JDM hype. People buy JDM parts at 10x their usdm price just to be JDM yo. Not worth it and retarded. Most importantly, buy something for yourself. Don't build a car to impress people that you don't even know on a message board. If you do that, you'll find yourself broke as **** and still not satisfied. Good luck!

hushypushy

My suggestion: spend a lot of time looking here. Other forums like NWP 4 life dot com (LOL that it's censored if you put it as a single word) have similar sections as well. Check those out and see what looks good. The more you see, the more context you have, and you can make an informed choice about what wheel type and size to get.

As for an engine swap...pick up anything with DOHC VTEC. That's one of the main reasons I'm personally into Hondas--30MPG and screaming DOHC fury from 5500-8000+? Hell yes!

iiPancho

I got a clifford two way paging system.
Viper I heard was good.

Id Lower it.
Wheels and tires
Diff shift ****
etc

All peoples priorities are different.
After I did my basics I really spent most time on my interior.
Added a ex guage cluster to get a tach.
MOMO steering wheel.
Subwoofer
**** and boot
Si seats

After that I got a carbon fiber duckbill got some fogs and a lip.
I didnt really worry about body work because it was pretty good.

Just take your time and dont rush things.
use quality parts and if you need ask for help from someone.

JP.

Thanks. I'll look into those DOHC's.

JP.

how much did the clifford cost?

starion88esir

If you like Clifford, you like Viper. They're both made by DEI. Viper will have a feature or two more in thier comparable models since they're thier token brand, but otherwise the same.

Price is going to vary on the options you get, and honestly I'll never stop at an out of the box set up. Add Piazo sirens, tilt sensor, glass mic etc etc. But that's personal choice.

hushypushy

Read this thread for security tips and ideas.

JP.

Thanks guys!

DC5_lov3r

i recommend you pick up this body kit



swap a h22 into it and you'll be being k20s all day and night.

iiPancho

You recomend it because you have it?

JP.

hahaha

iliv2xlr8

Welcome!

This forum is your new best friend. Start with the FAQ's that are Sticky at the top of the forum. Read and learn as much as possible. Spend your money wisely. Install quality products the RIGHT way.

Read my Sig for great alarm info......

Enjoy!!