Hey guys, my name is Tom.

I'm from Madison, WI and i am about to purchase my first car, and as a college bound student who's parents are demanding of a car for more funcionality than comfort or speed, i am not exactly going to be getting the greatest car.

But, i did find a 1999 Honda Civic DX Coupe, it's a two-door and of course a manual, and the body is in perfect shape. But, as it is a DX, it won't have many power functions (other than windows and locks, ha!), and by that, i mean engine power, or anything more fun to drive. I have read up on engines a bit and looked at the most common modifications that people put into their cars (not nessisarly having to do with speed), and i do have a few questions.

First off, i have to ask this question... Why a short shifter? Is it simply for convience or looks, or is it so you can shift easier with having to move a big *** shifter and possibly mess up the shift?

Mugen, Skunk, OEM, CTR, JDM, MOB, Spoon, Koni, etc.. All these companies are new to me (though i have heard a lot about Mugen Racing and such, so i at least know a bit about that). I'm not very knowledgable about anything engine wise, especially parts of the engine, hell, i just recently learned how a manual transmission works in switching gears and what the importance of a Flywheel does. So i'm basically a complete n00b to mechanics.

Anyways, for the car, i was wondering what you would recommend to me for starting mods..

So anyone, a little help?

 

Bump.

 

A short shifter helps shift gears quick. For a DX, that isn't a primary concern since it only has 106hp at the crank.

Save your money for school, don't modify that engine for performance.

If you just want it to look nice, invest in a nice set of rims and lower your car. It will give it a more aggressive look, especially since your getting a coupe rather than sedan.

Good luck

 

short shifters decrease the distance between gears thus making faster shifts.

most people start with i/h/e (intake, header, exhaust) for their first mods. along with rims and lowering.

JDM isn't really a company it's more a style

 

Ah, thanks guys.

I'm glad i at least guessed right on the short shifter.

And just so you know, i'm going to Madison Area Techincal College, for Graphic Design, and the classes are cheaper there sence it's a two-year school. the tag for my 15 credits was about $1,540. So yea, it's not as bad as you think. But yes, i do intend to invest in my schooling.

As far as lowering goes, how would someone change out their suspention without the need for a car lift? Now, keep in mind this is a n00b talking...but if i used a jack for it, doing each one by one, wouldn't that throw off the car and hurt the new suspention?

And yes, Rims always make it looks nice. And speaking of Rims, i need to ask another n00b question, i see that a lot of Rims have large gaps, which indeed look very cool, but i see a large metal circular piece, which i can only assume from a n00b's perspective is what holds the tire in place, and if that is what it is, wouldn't it be bad if it got chipped up and water got on that on account that rust could occur on the piece that holds on the tire?

I'm not exactly sitting on a moutain of gold, if i was, i'd be owning an Integra GS-R. But i don't want my tire-holding-thing to rust, becuase that would be horrible.

If i'm spewing nonsence, i would appriciate it if someone would shed light on the situation.

And thanks so much for the insight thus far guys, triple thumbs up to you all.

PS: This is my last post allowed for the day. Sorry guy, damn n00b laws, heh heh.

 

All i have to say is that I wish all people new to modding a honda were as honest as you. Theres nothing worse than someone who knows nothing talking like they do. Id say the most tasteful first mod is lowering the car...Ive never really taken a liking to a civic with an intake and exhaust thats at stock ride height with steelies...btw contrary to popular belief oem wheel covers look a thousand times cleaner than flat black steelies. So my vote for a first mod is lower it with nice wheels....in that order....fender gap is your enemy. Oh and as far as a short shifter...i was banging out gears with a stock shifter just as fast I am with a short shifter, I just find a short shifter to be more convenient when driving.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by andoxviii &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A short shifter helps shift gears quick. For a DX, that isn't a primary concern since it only has 106hp at the crank.

Save your money for school, don't modify that engine for performance.

If you just want it to look nice, invest in a nice set of rims and lower your car. It will give it a more aggressive look, especially since your getting a coupe rather than sedan.

Good luck</TD></TR></TABLE>

Save it for school, your car's already a prime target for thieves, putting flashy stuff on it will just up the ante.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sprinter86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ah, thanks guys.

I'm glad i at least guessed right on the short shifter.

And just so you know, i'm going to Madison Area Techincal College, for Graphic Design, and the classes are cheaper there sence it's a two-year school. the tag for my 15 credits was about $1,540. So yea, it's not as bad as you think. But yes, i do intend to invest in my schooling.

As far as lowering goes, how would someone change out their suspention without the need for a car lift? Now, keep in mind this is a n00b talking...but if i used a jack for it, doing each one by one, wouldn't that throw off the car and hurt the new suspention?

And yes, Rims always make it looks nice. And speaking of Rims, i need to ask another n00b question, i see that a lot of Rims have large gaps, which indeed look very cool, but i see a large metal circular piece, which i can only assume from a n00b's perspective is what holds the tire in place, and if that is what it is, wouldn't it be bad if it got chipped up and water got on that on account that rust could occur on the piece that holds on the tire?

I'm not exactly sitting on a moutain of gold, if i was, i'd be owning an Integra GS-R. But i don't want my tire-holding-thing to rust, becuase that would be horrible.

If i'm spewing nonsence, i would appriciate it if someone would shed light on the situation.

And thanks so much for the insight thus far guys, triple thumbs up to you all.

PS: This is my last post allowed for the day. Sorry guy, damn n00b laws, heh heh.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can do a car's suspension fine on jack stands.

If you're dream car is an Integra GSR you have a long way to go.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94c1v1cex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">short shifters decrease the distance between gears thus making faster shifts.

most people start with i/h/e (intake, header, exhaust) for their first mods. along with rims and lowering.

JDM isn't really a company it's more a style</TD></TR></TABLE>

JDM isn't really a company???

JDM ISN'T a company NOR style in any way, shape, or form.

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market..."isn't really a company" -- ??

@ OP: Throw some half-way decent 15 or 16" rims on it, get some lowering springs, maybe a short throw shifter and an air intake, and call it a day.

The exhaust will attract cops (which will already be attracted b/c it's a civic) and on ur stock DX a header is a waste of money.

 

i know that jdm is japanese domestic market... what i meant was people don't say "hey i'm gonna go to JDM and buy me some new foglights"

 

i bought a short shifter then flip flop'd on if i wanted to put it in then i did and even with a crap engine in the car it was more fun haha. and honestly after doing tons of mods next time i by a car first thing i'm doing is lowering it, so i suggest lowering your car first. it looks good and if you get a decent set up it will handle nicely. but if your saving fors school this may be hard, dont by **** either. you may be able to find some nice used stuff on here.

 

Yeah, as everyone is saying I would go with suspension first. Its easy to do yourself. Just make sure you have a good set of metric tools, some jack stands, and a good jack (to make things easier). I would first of all invest in a helms manual for your car. These manuals tell you step by step how to take off/replace/fix problems with your car. So you don't have to be a master-mechanic to know how to replace an engine. You just follow the steps. Heres a link for a manual for a 96-00 civic: http://www.helminc.com/helm/pr...569WB
As far as suspension goes you have some choices: Lowering springs, coilovers, shocks. The best would of course be all three. The worst would be coilovers on your stock shocks. Decent lowering springs on your stock shocks isn't terrible, but its not that great. If you are on a budget, this is the way to go. If you really want some good performance out of your suspension, go with some aftermarket shocks such as Koni's and some springs and coilovers.
Once you get your suspension done up, your car will be a lot more fun to drive. Nothing like a car that handles well. After that you can add some nice rims (look into Rota's if you are on a budget), maybe do an intake, nice quiet exhaust. There are plenty of options..just a matter of how far you want to go and how much you want to spend.

Hope this helped.


edit, since you are a complete noob, heres some pictures :

Here is a koni strut/shock:


Here are some lowering springs:


Here are some coilovers:

See those two silver pieces near the middle/bottom of the shock on the left. Those are coilovers. Basically they are adjustments for your ride height. You can move them up or down to make your car higher or lower.

Here are some Rota rims:
http://images.google.com/imgre...a%3DG
Rotas look decent, are generally accepted as decent wheels, and are fairly cheap. I got my set of rotas with tires new for 700 bucks.

 

(Yes! 24 hours past! 5 more posts for the day! )

Well, the coilovers look pretty cool with the adjustable height. I thought they just came lowered, but that's cool. And how much does lowering suspention usually cost? I knows Rims can get expensive, but as far as the suspention, i am curious.

Anyways, thanks for the help so far guys, all of you have been a great help. I really appriciate some of the comments you guys gave about me.

I'm going to look at my Civic today, so i hope for only the best!


PS: I had no idea what JDM was, so uh, my bad for calling it a company.




Modified by Sprinter86 at 12:32 PM 8/2/2007

 

OK--here's another $.02

Short shifter--mostly for feel. It's nice to have your shifter move in tight, short strokes. The stocker can feel like a broomstick in a barrel. You'd want a short shifter for the same reasons people rave about the shifter on a Miata. Sure, it'll save a nanosecond of motion, but overall, it's just a more pleasing shifter feel.

Suspension. A stock spring is tall. A lowering spring is sorter and a bit more-to-way more stiff. The shorter height of the spring lowers the car.

When you lower the car with a stiffer spring, it puts big stress on the stock shocks. The stockers will blow out pretty quickly when dampening a stiffer, lower spring. Thus, the need for stronger shocks.

Coilover sleeves (from the ebay ones to the Ground Control ones [which are awesome]) are designed to go over a shock and offer adjustable height.

A full coilover is a spring/shock unit that has adjustable height and usual adjustable dampening.

As for bolt-ons on your stock motor: As stated above--you'll end up dropping A big chuck of change to add maybe 10-15hp to your car. So your 106hp car has 116-121hp--big deal. You'll still be slow. Save your money for something that matters.

Suspension mods--when done right--will transform a boring car into a car that is a blast to drive. Save up for quality components, because the cheap ones can end up being worse than stock.

Do your research. The more you know, the fewer headaches you'll have.

 

Well, i am now the official owner of a 1999 Honda Civic DX Coupe.

I will look into suspention and such, which so far, all the information given to me so far has been top notch!

There is half of me who wants to leave the exterior bone stock, but make the interior and mechanics amazing. But the other half of me wants to mod a little of both.

I figure a little of both will be the best choice, and that being said, what do you think would make the interior of the car look nice? I think that racing bucket seats would be a bit much (and by a bit, i mean really much) for a nearly stock car and a very expensive to buy and put in. I have heard recommendations for simple things like a nice sound system (decent player, like Sony or really nice like Alpine) and a short shifter with a fancy shifting **** / cap. You know, things that are usually put in cars to spruce them up.

And the rims were also mentioned. So that would be an expensive, but a very cool thing to add. But rims are external, i'm looking into internal.

What do you guys think?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gamby &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Do your research. The more you know, the fewer headaches you'll have.</TD></TR></TABLE>

x2


Just keep reading and browsing HT. You'll find cheap modifications and see what options are available and how much you are looking to pay for each separate thing. After enough time of browsing you'll see what you are looking at and go from there if you want to tackle it yourself or with a friend.

 

Thanks for the imput, 94hatchling, it helps to have people give some good words of confidence to people new at this sorta thing.

And as for the DX Coupe, it has a sunken in shifting boot. And the shifter is really tall. I'm sure someone has seen this before, so any solutions to mod this to a "normal" shift box?

Thanks guys.

 

Since Civics are popular with thieves perhaps an alarm/security system for the perdy thing's you're gonna put on it?

 

Yea, an alarm system seems like a good start.

Plus my parents would probably pay for it, hah!

When i was searching for cars, a lot of nice modded ones had Viper Alarm Systems in them. I assume that is a good brand.

Any others you recommend before i go researching?

 

Bump.

 

Welcome to the Honda world, where every $100 you spend ends up causing you $50 in unexpected costs. When you drop that car with coilovers or springs and shocks/struts you are going to need a camber adjustment kit so you don't eat up your tires. I suggest a spoon kit via eBay. After you either pay someone or bust it out in a weekend, you're going to need an alignment so that you don't eat up your tires. I have eibach lowering springs and kyb agx shocks/struts. I like the adjustability and the ride is a good height. I learned this lesson the hard way: Research and take your time modding so that you don't get surprised. Somebody plz correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the best mod you can do for that car is swap the transmission out for one from an Ex. They are geared a little more for acceleration than gas mileage. I hope that I was able to help.

 

Sounds like you need some VERY general automotive knowledge. A quick search came up with this site
http://www.icarumba.com/icarum...t.asp
which has a lot of general info

By the way the metal thing you see through your wheels are your brakes.

 

As for the alarms, any DEI brand is a worthwhile and quality choice. (Viper is a DEI alarm). Just remember, regardless of what alarm, it is only as good as the install. An alarm zip-tied directly under the dash that is EASILY spotted won't do you much good.

go here... there is GREAT information about security. From alarm installs, to rerouting hood latch release cable, to kill switches. Whatever suits your fancy...
http://causeforalarm.thecarthi....html

For any future questions, that are simple or not, feel free to shoot me a PM and i'll be happy to help out.

 

First off, my thanks to "ct96ek". The site you gave me is a great help!

And thanks 94hatchling, you've been a great help this entire thread. If there was a "Friend" option on this forum, you'd be on my list, heh. And yes, security is something i want to invest in, and this site looks great.

(I did note the constant battle between this guy and the Admin for Team-Integra.net, and man, what a douche. I'd hate to have that guy as my Admin, he gives a bad name for Integra owners as well as human beings)

Thanks for the help so far, i'll look into DEI Alarms, and anyone i know who could do an install. Worse case scenario is i just go to Best Buy for the install, but i'd like to leave that as my last resort.

 

Alright, here's a new one..

What do you guys think for Sound systems?

I need a deck and speakers. Any recommended brands are appriciated.

 

as for sound, it depends on what your willing to spend i guess. personally i would go with a removeable deck for security perposes, and as far as speakers get either 3way's or some 2ways with tweeters (eclipse, alpine, and polk audio just to name a few). for subs and such i perfer all alpine, they sound great and arent too expensive psh i got my type-R from my buddy for 50 bucks and it was definately a 50 bucks well spent.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sprinter86 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
And as for the DX Coupe, it has a sunken in shifting boot. And the shifter is really tall. I'm sure someone has seen this before, so any solutions to mod this to a "normal" shift box?

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Go on ebay and buy a $60 B&M short shifter. Great piece, shortens shifter/shift throws, easy install that you can absolutely do yourself.