Ok, so I have the new 2001 honda civic ex, 5-speed. On the new models they are SOHC, will it be in my best interest to replace these cams with higher performance ones to gain a horse or two, what about the camshafts??? Also, what is the final purpose of a lighter flywheel, Are headers worth the cash??? I'm looking at 4-1 from DC sports, but the real question I have to ask is do I lose torque in the lower band, or am I going to lose it in the higher band. If I do this do you think that a new exhaust will be a must??? With a high flow cat, and etc.??? How many horses, I've already picked up 12hp with the new aem cai, will any of this get me above 160hp???

 

Hello and welcome

I am sorry to say but you probably only got about 2 horses from the intake.

Cams and Camshafts are the same thing. I don't know if anyone makes any for the new civics yet. Hell, I am still looking for ones on the 96-00 EX's.

[edit] Oh and SOHC (single overhead cam) only one cam. [/edit]

You should look into a full exhaust. A 4-1 header is for high rpm performance while a 4-2-1 header is better for street. Don't bother with a high flow cat, they aren't worth it (IMO).

In all honesty with an exhaust added (full exhaut) you will probably be getting about 115 WHP or 133 horses at the flywheel.


[Modified by Spade, 9:09 AM 1/30/2002]

 

Hey thanks for the response, ummm as far as the intake goes I had it dynoed, and I didn't believe it my self but the guy showed me the papers, at 6800 rpms, I pushed out around 141.63 HP, at I think like 123ft/lbs. of torque. Or something like that. I figure that if the intake is that solid that the headers might create more hp, from possibly a better vacuum. Also, How do you install a cam, and if they are adjustable, then how do you know what the best fraction is for your car???

 

I would really like to see you're dyno sheet - can you please post it or email me a copy and I'll post it. I find it VERY HARD to believe you got 12whp

"fraction" WTF, cams are adjusted with cam gears (one per cam) and you can advance or retard the cam timing (which changes when the valves open & close) in order to figure out the best cam gear setting you must dyno each time you change the cam geat setting (by 1 or 2 degree(s) each time


[Modified by 2000-4DRGSR, 9:35 AM 1/30/2002]

 

I'll send it via email, but the thing is with the intake, I have modified it. I put an extention on it connected to a mini intercooler, sort of a radiator tube, it is located in the lower right hand corner of the hood, under the battery, by doing doing this I have cooled the air by about 30 degrees. I'll send you a pick as soon as possible, but I only have access to a computer about once a week, so look for them next week. What is your email address??? Oh if you are wondering how, or why I did that to my intake, well I work with a bunch of engineers/car enthusiasts, mostly older mustangs and etc, but when they found out I was supping up my civic, they went nuts and even designed a turbo system for me, now all I need is the money, but the cooler air definetly kicks in at about 3000 rpm, and builds, I've hung with tons of Si's, so that alone tells me it works, but 12hp is a suprise... Remember Email address!!!

 

Since you have a SOHC 1.6, I'd recommend aiming for adding power up high. If you add several mods, that all take away power from one area, and give it in another, but they all take fom different spots, and add in different spots, then you've shot yourself in the foot.

Made up example of what would never really happen, but theoretically could:
Mod1. You lose 4hp at 2500, lose 5hp at 4500, but gain 9 at 6500.
Mod2. You lose 3hp at 2000, gain 6hp at 4500, but lose 3 at 6500.
Mod3. you gain 4hp at 2000, lose 2hp at 4500, lose 5 at 6500.

You've just spent money to ultimately: lose 3hp at 2000, lose 1 at 4500, gain 1 at 6500.

On paper with each mod you did "gained" a total of "19 hp." But going by usable hp, you've just slowed your car down. Make sense?

What I'd do is pick where you want your power band to be. If you plan on racing, then go with higher RPM. That's your best friend with a Honda.
You may lose 15 hp down low, but if you gain 20hp up top all in the same spot, and you can keep your car in that "sweet spot" when racing, THEN you've built a faster car.

 

The kick you feel/see on the dyno at 3000 is the VTEC-E kicking on.

Don't start with me, all 2001+ Civic EX's and HX's have VTEC-E only the HX has a lean burn ecu.