Here's my recent purchase. The few things I've done... tach cluster swap (used my correct speedo), Tinted the windows, added wheels/tires, put in a new radiator, replaced the valve cover seal and did a tune up. Also had the ISB replaced. I got a set of Tien springs for $60 off of craigs and will be putting those on soon.







Cleaned things up with WD40.. works good!


Nice speakers :69:

 

New exhaust is on. I got rid of the mani-cat monstrosity and put on a cheapie Ebay header, Magnaflow Cat for a Civic EX, bolt on exhaust kit, and a flowmaster 60 series muffler. I'll post pics of the muffler later.. forgot to get that.

The header and kit fit great. I used an extension for the downstream o2 sensor. I got everything bolted up and couldn't get a good seal on the midpipe to the muffler. So I drove to my local shop and had them unbolt the cat back 2.25" (which is too big and noisy) and fab up a new 2" midpipe.. better quality and fitting for a stock d16.

I lost a bunch of weight with the factory system and according to scan gauge II my mpgs are averaging much better. The sounds is great too. No bumble bee or drone effects.

 

Wasn't it easy to do this exhaust swap? You will be amazed how over-complicated people make it seem.

 

Looks to be in fairly good shape

Would be nice to see a y8 intake manifold and airbox in there. Only suggesting because you got rid of the monstrosity of an exhaust system and the y7 intake mani fits in the same category lol.

 

Man that hatch looks great! Seems as if they (96 00 civic hatch) are hard to come by in that condition (stock). I never ever see any stock hatchbacks where I am. They are all rice buckets!!

 

Yes.. this caveman did it. Research pays off.

Thanks, yes I'm open to suggestions on this. My goal is to make it more efficient. I like seeing good mpg's. I will look into the y8 intake.

 

Agreed.. I found this stock one and jumped on it. Plus the fact it's rust free is a bonus around here.

 

BTW, how much did you pay for the HB

 

Would look perfect lowered a few inches

 

2600

That is the next project, tackle the suspension and get it to handle.

 

2600 is a pretty decent price, this hatch seems to be in above par condition compared to other hatchbacks i've seen..any interior shots?

 

Then Teins on stock shocks is surely not the best option.

 

I'll post some when I add the console/armrest it's missing.

I've got a set KYB AGX shocks on the way to pair with the Teins. I'm trying to stay in budget.. I know there are better options, but I'm hoping these will work well.

 

I would love to see this car stay in semi stockish style..as in no aftermarket lips or dumped and tucked... a nice 1.5"drop and some bigger oem sway bars and some other stuff would be awesome... I just LOVE stockish looking hatches..

 

Suspension time.

KYB AGX shocks and Tein springs install


Ready for action


2 of my favorite tools. 18v Dewalt 1/2 impact. And 1/2 breaker socket wrench. Rented Spring compressors.



Cut the end off the old front bumpstops


Front and rears installed



Before


After




The ride is great. I have the front shocks on their stiffest setting 1-4, being 4 and the rears at 5 from 1-8. I didn't want a slammed look, just a lower stance with better handling. I think the Green Tein spring rates are a bit of the soft side.. so if/when I do this over, I'll look at some higher spring rates and set the shocks softer. Otherwise it's a great improvement.

 

car looks great with the splash guards on. I'm a fan.

 

Looks really good so far. What are the dimensions of the wheels and tires?

 

Tony, I love the car! I have a very similar project, a 1999 Civic Hatchback DX, black, 5-speed, with power steering and A/C. I'm also upgrading for gas mileage, and I also just recently changed the ISB as well as a f*ckton of other things that the PO ghetto-rigged and outright lied about.

What is you current gas mileage? I am intrigued about the exhaust upgrade you did netting you higher MPG, as my current exhaust is 2" from the car back...but they welded it shoddily and therefore my civic sounds like an old farm truck if I give it more than 10% throttle, lol.

What other plans do you have for attaining better gas mileage? I am researching swapping the ECU and the head for a D15B 3 stage VTEC, but that is after I finish fixing some of the more pressing problems...like the heated springs. FFS.

 

Thanks, 15x7 on 205/50's. No rubbing

Thanks. According to my ScangageII I'm averaging 33mpg. And that is mostly city driving... so I'm getting upwards of 40 on the hwy! I'm stoked about that. Yes the header, new cat and 2" exhaust helped, I believe. For one, I lost a good amount of weight. So its a lot lighter and more efficient.

I haven't looked into anything else beside a manifold swap and I'm not sold on that yet... maybe in conjunction with the vtec head it might help? Keep me updated and post a link if/when you do that.

I'm going to finish up the suspension by adding sway bars and maybe some rear disc stoppers, then onto the interior. It's running good so I'm not screwing with the engine yet. lol

 

I'm pretty sure my springs have settled... I will take new pics.

Here are some more updates.

Cipher Racing seats and Planted seat brackets. Very happy with this stuff. All bolt in.






I will take better final pics, but they fit great..

 

Whiteline 22mm sway bar
First I built wheel cribs since I needed to install the bar under weight of the car.


I later put in a couple of cross braces for extra support.


This is a great kit..works well.

 

Coming along great, Have you noticed a difference with that swaybar installed when it comes to daily driving? I've been considering a little work in that area on my own hatch but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

great build!, looks solid

 

Yes, good oversteer until you hit the highway... it can become twitchy... I plan on doing a front swaybar to neutralize the oversteer.

 

WOW guys, great read...i've recently bought and decided to tune up my Honda Civic 150i 1997 model. Thanks for the info and ideas..ill stay in touch