I am a mechanically retarded noob and need some help on where I can go or what i can do to learn.
Here I go:
I have a 1999 Honda Civic Si that was stock to the nuts and bolts with a new B16A and currently have 31000 miles on the engine (dont know how many is on the car) and so far all I have done to it is a K&N Cold air intake, lowering springs(dont know which brand though cause I took it to a shop), 17" rims and thin tires(currently on deployment and not near my car or else I would list the brand) and tint.

If I could just get peoples opinions on what I could do to help me learn more about repair and puttin on performance parts as well as what they are and what they do.

I really want to put more ponies on my car if possible make it faster, dont know how much I can do with a B16 without doing an engine swap. But I would like to start with the basics such as brakes/suspension/little engine work so on and so forth. Im not good at learning using books I have to do hands on but if there are any manuals or guides that could at least lead me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate anyone and everyone's advice.

I am more than happy to answer any questions pertaining to what else is on my car, its been 7 months since I've seen her but I can do the best I can.

Lastly, I am more than appreciative on any and every piece of advice. I dont have any hobbies and I love cars but dont know a whole lot and would like to make car work a hobby for me.

my personal e-mail is homeruninalaska@yahoo.com if you would like to send me something through that means. THANKS AGAIN!!!

Sincerely,
A Mechanically Retarded Noob

 

Get yourself a copy of the Haynes, Chilton, Bentley, and Factory service manuals for your chassis. They are the most valuable tool in any DIYer's toolbox, period. Start browsing the forums, and reading what other people are doing. Read the problems people are having, and how they fix them. Read through all of the stickies and FAQs and learn what's being said there - it's sticky for a reason.

You can get plenty of power out of a stock bottom end B16A2 with the right money, time, and research. Sure, you can get more power out of a swapped motor, but you also have to know how much power you want and how much is too much based on the chassis, your driving experience, and what you plan on doing with the car.

Off topic, which branch? I was Army.

 

Also, post photos of your car. I am thinking about getting 17s, but wanna see how they look on an EM1. I've always stuck with 15s

And yes, get a manual. I don't know anything about cars at all, but I bought a haynes, and changed my timing belt myself. more than 10k miles and she still runs like a champ. (I have an EM1 too)

 

gracias! That was gonna be my first step as soon as Im back home. I have been doing a lot of reading/research for what I want and what i want to do later down the road after gaining more experience.

I am in the Navy

 

Ah, well I'll resist the urge to make any coffee jokes

If you're curious and want to do some reading (I know you Navy boys have plenty of extra time on your hands ) you can easily get a copy of the FSM for your computer. 5 minutes on Google.

 

Its all good i know how it is joking about different branches.

what is the FSM? hopefully not a stupid question but honestly never heard of it.
And yes I do have quite a bit of on the weekends.

 

FSM = Factory Service Manual. It has full descriptions on how to pull apart, fix, and put back together EVERYTHING in your car. The only downside is that it's lacking in pictures, that's why you want the Haynes, Chilton, and Bentley manuals as a subsidy.

It also has every torque spec for every nut and bolt, as well as full wiring diagrams for every electrical component in your car.

 

sweet