hey i just got a 92 civic hatchback and im trying to add parts. whats the difference between front upper, lower and rear upper, lower strut bars. i also wanna swap my engine, whats a good engine i can get thats not too expensive(about 1400 max) i dont know a ton about cars so if you can tell me anything that can help id appreciate it. thanks

 

There's not exactly one thing I can tell you that can help besides that you need to read and figure it out for yourself. If you want to learn, you really have to put the work into it yourself as well.

You'll absorb a lot more, get flamed less, not be so prone to feel pressured into what others like and be able to focus on what you think really matters.

As for general terms, a quick Google search (or Google Image Search) can help you learn a lot.

Oh, and before you start pouring money into pretty stuff and go quick items, look into some security to help keep your car from being stolen or broken into, make sure you have good insurance in case it happens anyway and repair all the broken stuff first. Modified cars with a bunch of broken parts just end up looking janky!

Good luck with your car.

 

you can definately get a full ls swap for that much, possibly a b16 if you piece it together and know how to talk to people. look into security and get it running right before you try making it quicker

 

Placement.

Front strut bar / Front strut tower bar. This is the one you see in the engine bay that goes from one tower to the other.

Rear strut bar / Rear strut tower bar. The one you see in the trunk/hatch that goes from one tower to the other.

There are no lower strut bars. They don't attach to the struts.

Front tie bar. Where your front LCAs attach to front subframe.

Rear tie bar. Where your rear LCAs attach to the rear subframe.

I never had tie bars, but I have a friend who is into suspension who had them and he says he never felt a difference. He said there are times where it could potentially make a difference though.

I have a feeling you're going to only do this because it's something to add to the car and/or looks pretty. PLEASE research first.
Since you don't know much about cars, you might want to put that engine swap on hold.

Labor is usually pretty pricey when it comes to car repair and modification. If that price for labor is high enough, you could very easily be looking for a different, cheaper swap. Plus you'll feel a lot better about your build if you have something personal to do with the work done on it.

 

i already got a good security system. i have family who work on cars for a living and could swap my engine for me. where would i go or what website would i look into to get a good engine?

 

I bought an engine locally and got to test drive it in the original car before I purchased it. I would rather not buy an engine from an online business, but I also prefer a USDM engine just in case (no parts confusion and no worries about emissions so much).

 

If your family works on cars, maybe you should ask them for advice?

Cheap options to consider are the JDM D15B VTEC, D16Z6, B16A, B18B or B20Z.

 

i did, they dont know much about aftermarket honda parts.

 

in that price range, b16 swap hands down. ive bought/sold a handful of them for around $1200.

edit: there was a gsr swap on here for 1250 last weekend. keep your eyes open, youll find a good deal.