So after much chagrin & worrying, my '90 JDM D15b is finally in and running...well...like a grocery getter should. (Installed on a '92 Civic LX after the head went south & warped apparently...long story.)

Suppose what I want to know, even with it being an automagic, is what I can possibly do now to at least give it some oom-pah-pah. I've read that the standard intake/heads/exhaust usually don't do much good on D15's like mine, and it usually takes more heavy work than anything to get them up to par. But considering it's JDM spec, and abnormally low mileage (24k on it at purchase!), it's just itching for some new upgrades, so what would you recommend? I've thought about switching to MT, if it helps.

I've also looked into VTEC swaps, but there wasn't a lot of info available on what I'd need to get that set up, aside from the harness & ECU...any help there is also appreciated.

 

Oh, it helps, believe me. If you run a DX transmission you'll also pick up a nice mileage increase. Go for an Si tranny and you'll get better performance and probably about the same mileage you're getting now.

You'll need a vtec head as well, and perferably the much better flowing intake and exhaust manifold that go with it. I really hate the idea of pulling the head of a good running low mileage engine though, they never seem to be quite the same after.