T_ypEr

Just so everyone know, I'm new to tuning and am learning more.

So I've been thinking about tuning my car a bit in the future. Nothing major, just light tuning like intake, head gasket swap, header swap, MAYBE a head swap or something like that, not messing with piston rods, piston types, valves, ECU tuning, etc. I have a 2000 Civic EX coupe 5-speed stick with 140,000 miles on it and it's a little champ. Like I said before, just light tuning, something to give a little more kick. Before anyone flames me, I have done research. I've looked at Y8 and Y7 differences, Z6 benefits, bolt on upgrades, compression ratios, etc. So I know the myths that short-ram intake doesn't do much, exhaust won't help much (just make me louder), and NA on a SOHC D series is hard tuning and won't get me in the upper echelon of power. I'm actually interested a little more in increasing that appalling number they call "torque" (109 ft-lbs.).

What I'm looking for is some sage and fatherly advice, NOT a flaming. I've done the research (and I plan to do a bunch more) and I've looked at what I can do with a low budget ($1500) and I was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction of what I can start out with as a beginning modder. What would be good beginner mods that can get me started out on my tuning journey?

Dc4LsTeG

iTrader: (7)

Turbo..save up more $

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

If you're not boosting and you're not swapping then save your money. And what you're talking about are just bolt-ons. I wouldn't qualify them as "tuning" because they make little to no power.

T_ypEr

Like I said, I'm not trying to make 160whp, I just want a LITTLE bit more kick and strong running engine. I thought that bolt-ons would be a good place to start since they're easy to install.

BTW grumblemarc, I have read your links in your signature and found them very useful and informative. Thank you.

BTW, I have heard that an AEM cold air intake gives a little more mid-power. Is it true or is it just marketing and advertising BS?

Kohen

Honestly, if I were you, I'd save myself the $1500 and not just dump it into my car. But hey, if you got money to blow go for it! At $1500 you might as well save for a B16 swap. Or that may even be enough for a B16 swap in your area.

JustDoingMe

So you want some power but not too much?
That's kinda pointless, but I'd say drop in a b18b. I'v seen them around the NE for as low as 400$.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

So you're not trying to make 160hp but you only want a little more?

Sorry to tell you but if you rule out a swap, you rule out boost and you rule out an N/A build there's really nothing you can do to get more power. If you have a Z6 or Y8 already you can't even do a mini-me. Even if you were to get it tuned you wouldn't feel a thing plus it's really not cost effective.

Kohen

But OP, if you're really interesting in dumping $1500 to make an extra 10 horsies we'll be more than willing to help you out. We're just trying to help you be cost effective.

hannslebo

What I would do - What everyone is saying, which is boost/swap.

Anyways, your budget is 1500 bucks, buying quality parts, like Header/Intake/Etc. 1500 bucks will not get you that far. Quality intake = 150-200 dollars - Quality header = 300 dollars - Quality exhaust kit = 600 bucks. & throw in a quality clutch or camshaft = 300 bucks *** All this is without installation.

Just with that you're already at $1350-1400 at least.

You could have exhaust custom made for about 250 bucks + muffler + cat = AT LEAST 450 bucks. In the end just with I/H/E and a clutch/camshaft you're looking at at least 1200 dollars. At least. And like I said, this is with quality parts.

You could go with all knock off parts and get away with 4-500 dollars or so...but they will be whack parts.

T_ypEr

I've always heard that higher compression means higher octane fuel, but how high of a compression would I need to go to switch to the next octane up from 87? I've heard that any compression 12:1 and up requires 93/94 octane.

Also, are there any general tuning guidelines I should be aware about?

deving916

iTrader: (2)

there's no replacement for displacement

either boost or swap would help you.

MySickSi

I vote b18b , their cheap, will give you more power then boltons, its a strong platform to start on with other performance upgrades and just as reliable stock as any other honda engine with basic matienance

MySickSi

Plus if you do.it youself youll have atleast a few hundred bucks left for you pocket