I am a beginner at doing this but have the time, energy and patience to do so. I wanted to know where I can get a book or manual to learn about my car and all its parts under the hood. I heard haynes or Chilton are good. Any of those recommended over the other? Also, what tools would I need or is it all in those books? How many hours of work would it take on average for a beginner? Also, is there a more powerful engine I could put in there?

 

i prefer chiltons myself but hanes is ok. as for a bigger motor well thats up to you and how much money ya want to spend. you can put anything in any car its just a cost isue. but most any motor fom that particular generation civic will fit(dont know what size ya got now) as for time a beginer should not be in a hurry take your time and always work in a systematic order so when you go to put the motor back in whatever motor that maybe you have a system to put it back together. or work backwards as i like to call it. time 2 or 3 days or evenings i should say someone skilled could make a day of it. hope that helps good luck