Hey,
I have a STD 91 Civic Hatchback and I've been improving the looks for the past 6 months, now I'd really like to work on the performance. I'm certainly not an expert on auto mechanics, and I need your advice. Since it's a STD and not a DX (although I've taken almost everything from the DX), I'm pretty sure it only has around 70hp!! It's pitiful! I have a very low income, so I need to know the things that will add the most amount of power compared to the cost. If there's anything I can do to the stock air filter or exhaust or anything else to help, please let me know. I was thinking that a whole new engine would probably be the cheapest way to get the biggest gain in horsepower. Problem is I'd have to save more money first and it would have to be pretty simple to put in because if my friend and I can't handle it, I can't afford to pay a lot for labor. Please help me out if you can!

 

don't bother with the std engine! although you can convert it to a MPFI (multi point fuel injection) which is probably the best alternative since you are low in funds.
parts you will need:

88-91 Si ECU or 88-89 teg ECU
88-91 Si injector resistor box or 88-89 teg
88-91 complete Si intake manifold
88-91 Si distributor

i have a 90 crx Si intake manifold for 90 usd plus shipping but its missing the tps, one injector, and some other little things.

i also have an 89 civic Si ECU if u want

let me know...

 

Why dont u get a Cold Air Induction System and exhaust first. Thats like what everyone usually does to there car. You'll probably get like an extra 5 - 10 hp. If not just drop a SOHC engine. Its pretty cheap compared to DOHC. it can take u up to 106-125 hp on a SOHC

 

well, the basic performance mods are intake, headers and exhaust. the average cold air intake is around $150-250. and exhausts range in prices. those are the things i'd recommend first.

 

definately wait for a SOHC engine swap, if u think about it to get 120+ hp from an STD will be loads of money. The SOHC go for a reasonable price, just think about it, it should make sense, GOOD LUCK D16Y8 or at least a D16A6 if funds are real low


[Modified by stock2theboneCRX, 12:34 AM 4/25/2002]

 

I would forgo doing i/h/e until you get rid of the stock engine. A good intake costs $150-$200. A good exhaust costs about $350-$500. And a good header costs around $300. Also keep in mind that the header and exhaust mods will require an under-body cat. This will run an extra $150-$200. This cat relocation will also be illegal in many places if you keep the stock engine (but a swap actually REQUIRES cat relocation). And after spending $950-$1200 on all this stuff, you will probably not even have 90HP! Just get rid of the STD motor and get an SI motor. And lose the four speed! With so many people doing swaps these days, they are practically giving SI motors and transmissions away. You can probably quite easily find a complete SI changeover for less than $500! And after doing this, you will have WAY more power than you could ever get from an STD motor with just bolt-ons.

As for the difficulty of this swap, it is not too bad. Anyone with half a brain can do it. If you have never done such a thing before, just take your time and learn from the experience. Everyone who does swaps has done a first swap at one point in time. If you take the time to do this yourself, you will come out with more knowledge in addition to a MUCH quicker car.

 

If anyone can find an Si motor and transmission for less than $500 please let me know! Oh and how much power would that add? I might be able to put in the engine with help, but is it a direct bolt-on? And what's involved in changing it to a 5-speed? If I could get a good deal on an intake now, would it work with the new engine? And does anyone know if there's anything I can do to the stock parts like the air filter or exhaust? Thanks for the help!


[Modified by OldSchoolHatch, 3:06 AM 4/26/2002]

 

I believe the Si had 108hp, right? Should I bother with one that's got over 100k miles on it? How much would it cost to have someone else put in the engine or the trans in case I couldn't handle it? And please tell me what's involved in putting in a new transmission and everything I'd need for that or the engine swap.


[Modified by OldSchoolHatch, 1:21 AM 4/27/2002]

 

Can anyone help? By the way, I think the transmission would be too hard for me to put in, and I probably can't afford the labor. How much of a difference would it make anyway, would it be almost as fast with the STD 4-speed trans?

 

If I were you I would figure out exactly what I can spend. I would probably consider the MPFI Swap. It is not too expensive and is something you might could tackle yourself. Plus doing this swap now helps you if you ever want to do a full blown motor swap. The 5 speed conversion may be a little more difficult. The only 5 speed that will bolt right up to what you have is an HF. It has the same gearing as the STD 4 speed plus the 5th gear. If you do the MPFI swap you could then pick up a cheap intake off of ebay for about $40. By the way I don't think I would pay $90 for part of an intake. If you have any questions feel free to IM me.

 

gut your interrior. free and you notice a difference right away. you gain 3mph on 1st and 2nd gear w/ stock 4 speed

 

Thanks again wronghand, for the help. I think I'm just goin to do that for now, and maybe eventually an engine swap.