jaydubs914

Yo!
So I just bought a bone stock 98 EX Coupe. I'm the 2nd owner, previous owner bought it off a honda lot with 273 miles haha. Has d16y8.
I'm newer to building a project car. What steps should I take first?
Im looking for tips on brands and whatnot with:
- Lowering springs
- Control arms
- Sway bars
- Air filter
- Exhaust
- Short Shifter
- ECU swaps etc etc.

Also, what does "chipped" ecu mean?

I'd like to improve my VTEC capabilities and just base HP capabilities. Looking just for all around tips and pointers to get this going. It will be my Daily Driver and my Project so

B_Swapped93

yah that's not happening with a d16y8

swap the engine out for a DOHC one B,K H those are the most common or turbo your existing Y8.

mikekh10a

iTrader: (2)

maintenance and then alarm imo

EJ8mike

This.

doctorake

Read all the FAQs in this forum before you decide to do anything.

Jimster480

If you are new I wouldn't just jump into a swap and rape a car that is bone stock. You could get a Tsudo SP2 (they sound pretty good) get 2.5" piping for it. E3 Spark plugs, new fuel filter, New NGK spark plug wires (if they need replacing), you could do a heat shielding intake manifold gasket, and a CAI w/ a bypass filter (so you dont hydrolock the motor in puddles). Drop it a bit on some Tien S-tech and keep it tasteful. You cant chip the ECU that you have and you have no reason to go OBD1 unless you are doing some major modifications. For a header it depends on your budget...

angrysmileyface

Maintanence, alarm, and smile because you own a honda. Why upgrade it until you are sure what direction you will head with it. Also realize, modding or changing things can cost a substantial amount of money. Speed/Performance = Money.

CivicInUse22

Suspension:
- Kyb gr-2 or tokico blue shocks + tein s techs
- Skunk2 camber kits (if you want)
- Function7 or bwr rear LCAs
- ASR or bwr or function7 Subframe brace
- Breaks rear tie bar
- Cheap front and rear strut bars (ebays cause they dont make a huge difference just holds the integrity of the body place together)
- Rear sway bar
- Rear disc conversion

Engine:
- AEM SRI
- 4-1 Headers
- buddy club, yonaka, ws2 exhaust system
- Keep it simple (Don't swap unless you have a good amount of knowledge to do so, otherwise you may f it all up/or pay someone to do it).

Exterior:
- Mugen front & rear lip rep
- window rain guards + sunroof guard
- 16" rota slipstreams? (my fave rims)

Interior:
- Seats
- Racing seats - recaros, sparco, bride
- OEM - Gsr, del sol, si
- Nrg quick release + hub + wood grain wheel
- type r mats?
- better speakers all around - pioneer kenwood etc..
- Subs - 2 12", 1 15", 2 10"

That's all I got. IMO that is what I would want on my car though quite expensive this would be. My .02 cents no need to flame please.

B_Swapped93

^For the cost off all that "stuff" he could have saved a fair bit for his swap....and actually be closer.

frost_white_ej1

x2 i couldn't say it any better my self

to op:
determined a route, set a goal, come up with a budget then let us know we'll be more than willing to help when the right determination and question are ask.


Posted from Honda-tech.com App for Android

street93eg

Just don't go to autozone and load up on rice for your car.

X3 for the alarm as well.

jaydubs914

Well one of the first things I want to do is make VTEC hit harder. I had a d15z6 mini me in my last 97 ex, but I bought it that way and really didnt know what i had, all i knew was that VTEC ripped in it. What can I do to make VTEC have more power and engage a bit sooner?

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm learning!

B_Swapped93

get a DOHC VTEC engine.....vtec in a SOHC won't "hit hard"

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

VTEC "hitting harder" doesn't gain you any performance. Ridiculous that this would be criteria.

civicexkid1

iTrader: (1)

leave it stock there arent a lot of stock civics in good condition around( if yours is in good condition) or sell it if you want more power get a gsr b/c if you were to swap dont swap unless you get a b18 or bigger no point in a b16 youll be very sad at the money you wasted for it. if you can live with the power the d16 gives you then just get a intake and exhaust if you want sound and then lower it and get rims but dont cheap out on parts do it right or dont do it if you dont have the money then save for it youll be happier in the long run