I'm planning on getting a 5th or 6th generation civic. I was wondering what is the difference between LX, DX, EX, SI, SE. Also do all of them have drums for the rear brakes?
I'm planning to get one so later I can swap a B16 in. Which year and model would be best for that?

Keep in mind that I'm talking about the Canadian version.

 

get a 92-95 ej1... as for the drums situation.. some comes with rear disc..... or u can do ur own conversion...

 

I really don't want to bother with the conversion. Sorry I'm new to civics what is the EJ1 chassis?

 

ej1's are 92-95 civic coupes....

 

My 95 ex w/abs has rear disc. It comes stock..

 

my gfs doesnt have abs and has rear drums. hers is a 94 ex.

OP were doing a rear disc brake conversion and its really not costly.

btw we just picked up the ej1 last week and we both love it

 

I am canadian too and have a 98 Si.

Generally, the rankings from better features to worse is: SiR, Si, SE, EX, LX, DX, CX (the hatches were "economy cars" and had the least features). Features include stuff like ABS, A/C, power steering, trim, moonroof, sway bars, alloy wheels, power locks and windows, passenger airbags, etc.

For the canadian 6th gens:

SiR = U.S. Si (b16 - 160hp, 118 ft/lbs)
Si = U.S. EX coupe (d16y8 - 127hp, 111 ft/lbs)
EX = U.S. LX sedan (d16y7 - 106hp, 103 ft/lbs)
LX = U.S. DX sedan (d16y7, worse features than EX)
DX = U.S. DX coupe (d16y7)
SE = 1999-2000 canadian model (d16y7 and I'm guessing better trim/features than other models)

Now for hatches, our DX and CX are the same as the american versions and both have d16y7's.

Now there were also a lot of changes between 1996-1998 and 1999-2000 (mainly for the Si and the SiR and SE were introduced). The Si (maybe all other models too, but I am not sure) got a new front end (bumper, hood, head lights, grill, fenders) and some other visual changes (different spoiler, shinier paint, tail lights, etc).

Only the SiR (American Si) has rear disc brakes. The fronts are the same as the canadian Si.

IMHO the Si is the best for swapping in a B16. It already has all the features the SiR has, except no rear disc brakes (i am doing the conversion which cost me 200$ and is a simple bolt off/bolt on job..its really worth doing). The SiR has a few more toys like sway bars, but a lot of people replace those anyways with aftermarket stuff.

As for the other models..more work is involved in getting them up to par with an SiR. I wouldn't bother with sedans, leaving the coupes (Si, DX) and hatches (DX, CX). You would need to research exactly what the differences are between the lower trims and higher trims as there are many subtle differences that could possibly prove to be a pain and not worth the effort.

And if I was you, i would swap for something bigger than a B16. Otherwise just buy the SiR and it'll be cheaper than swapping (unless you want a B16 hatch). Also, you wouldnt have to worry about upgrading anything as it has the top of the line everything.

 

my 95 ex coupe came with rear disc stock...

 

i don't know much about 5th gens, but here's a link to Wiki that can give u a bit of background info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_C...fth_generation)

i believe only some EX's and above trims (not sure if we have SiR's in Canada) had rear disc brakes, but once again, conversions are easy!

there is no question about it that the 5th gen hatches would be the quickest out of your options for swapping. they are the lightest and so would be fastest. however, there are other things to consider (comfort, age, difficulty, clearances, etc). u have to decide what u want out of this car first, and then pick. different models are better for different things (looks, track/auto-x, dd, drag)

 

that's a 5th gen, not a 6th gen

 

yeah, just a general response to the thread..

 

That's nice. Does that one have rear disc and abs?

I tried looking for trim models but US and Canadian version are different.

I'm just one a trim that has 4 wheel disc and power windows. I just hate manual windows. Sunroof would be a plus also, but I think they only come on the SI and SIR models.

Also how hard is the rear disc conversion? Do you take parts from the integra or does the 5th or 6th gen civic have those parts?

 

what lip kit is that?

 

Well, for 6th gens (remember i am talking about canadian models), like i said, only the SiR has all disc brakes. But disc brakes is not a big deal cuz u can do the conversion (easy). The Sir and Si have power windows and moonroof. The DX can come with a moonroof, but no power windows i don't think.

I donno about 5th gens..my uncle has an Si and it has a moonroof if i remember correctly, but no power windows..it does have 4 discs though.

As for brake conversion, it is really easy. Generally people get integra or 99-00 Si brakes cuz they are bigger. U need the trailing arms with brakes attached, the brake lines, the e-brake cable, the proportioning valve, and in most cases the master cylinder and the brake booster from the car u take the parts off of (the last 2 are not always necessary depending on the trim and if it has abs). Sounds like a lot, but it really isn't. It's basically a bolt off/bolt on job.

Here's all you need to know: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/%5Bfaq%5D-complete-rear-disc-brake-conversion-how-w-parts-pictures-56k-haha-641639/

Now careful because like my above post shows, our models are different from the usdm models..for example our Si manual transmission has ABS brakes and i don't think their EX coupe MT does..it is safest to just swap all parts i listed from the donor car onto yours..

 

the DX comes with a moonroof? Isn't it the lowest model?

Yeah I guess I just get any good condition EX or SI and swap what I want next summer. I'm planning to drive this car for the winter and work on it the summer when I drive my other car.

edit: Anyone body know about the SE model?

 

i believe it is still an option for the DX coupe..not 100% sure though..

and ya, rear conversions should only take about 4 hours

 

Try to stick with the Canadian SI or SiR. They are pretty much "loaded" and better than the other models.

 

agreed