I am trying to increase my Honda Civic EX to about 160WHP so it has more of a kick. I'm not looking to go Turbo. This is a daily driver.

I do want to learn how to maintain my transmission and engine so it lasts a lot longer. I just had the transmission rebuilt.

I'm curious on what I can do to help my engine last longer. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Not possible without sinking massive amounts of money into the motor if you're not interested in going turbo...unless you're interested in supercharging, but even then the cost isn't worth it...

Believe me, I've got mini-me swapped EX with an Auto trans for traffic.
You're not gonna be able to reliably put that much HP thru that auto trans unless the shop that rebuilt it put some serious hardware into it.
Honda Manual transmissions are a helluva lot tougher though...

Just enjoy the convenience of not having to shift a lot in traffic, and when you're really serious about making some power, either get an Integra or an Si, or buy a B-Series motor and toss it in there, and then build that.

And don't argue about bolt-ons for D-series.
I've seen plenty of threads about the "gains" for bolt-ons, and they're minimal at best.
Intake-Header-Exhaust even with a decent tune and no internal work on a D-series might get you 135-140 at BEST
They're eco-motors, not power-houses, especially without a turbo.
Sorry dude, but for now as I said, enjoy the convenience and the gas mileage
^^;

Now then as for making the engine and transmission last longer, THAT we can help ya with here.
Trans: change the fluid out once every two years or 30k miles whichever comes first is a good rule of thumb for normal driving, aka, not hauling or towing things, driving in extreme heat/cold/dust/heavy traffic/etc. For more severe service, change it once a a year or every 15k whichever comes first. Use Honda trans fluid or synthetic blend equivalent (honestly you can use full syn trans fluid, but if you're not racing the thing like a fool, it's probably unnecessary). DO NOT flush Honda transmissions, they have a drain plug! Drain the fluid, clean off the magnetic plug, replace the fluid amount drained out, drive the vehicle about 50 miles, then change it out again, and repeat once more for a clean transmission ^^

Engine: unless you're using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, as old as your Honda is, follow the old rule of thumb and change it every 3k miles.
Use an approved oil.
Most importantly, use a high-quality oil filter (I prefer WIX)
DO NOT USE FRAM, they suck (I'm probably gonna get flamed for that bit, but w/e)
If using a syn blend or full syn oil, change it at your discretion based on normal or severe service standards like the trans fluid (except MUCH sooner than 30k miles of course XD; )
Good rule of thumb for me: 5k miles for syn blend oil for normal driving, and 7k miles for full syn for normal driving. 4k miles for syn blend and 5k miles for full syn oil for severe driving (or based on your engine's oil consumption which again is affected by your engine's age and past care history)

Honda engines are EASY to take care of if you just keep up with the basics.
Honda made them tough as hell compared to many other engine makes of similar age, but they're NOT invincible.
Keep your Honda fed and watered (oil and gasoline lol ) and just like any pet, it'll give ya a long and happy life ^^
Hope this info helps!!

 

160hp on an auto and no turbo? Not happening.

 

lol i love people thinking anything is possible with stock D series

yeah go for it put nos on it and it will make some 150WHP and than blow up

 

Not happening.

Don't try to put any more power through either. Want to burn up your newly re-built transmission? Put more power through it.

Follow the correct service schedule (normal or severe) outlined by Honda for your car. This can be found in the owner's manual, or any decent shop manual (even Haynes).

There isn't any voodoo or special fluids or additives or parts that will make it last longer. Just proper maintenance.