I really want to get a Honda civic that would allow me to customize and tune the most. What Honda civic models would be the best for Cosmetics/Engine mods to the maximum. Such as horsepower and cosmetic mods. Help me get started, please.

Thanks,
Tim.

 

I say get which one you like the most. I would go with a 99-00 Civic si, but those are hard to find clean and stock. They are out there, just gotta keep looking.

 

I would go with a 2009 si sedan. Update front end, nice ***.
K-series respond very well to mods. Higer rev than the new si at 8000rpm.
Has newer safety and anti thief features.
But it's hard to find, just gotta be patience.

 

Most customizable has to be the 1992-1995 hatch,then coupe.Aftermarket support is ridiculous.

 

I recommend the 09 civic sedan FA1/FA5.

 

Speaking of 09. Is the 09 coupe also better?

 

I agree. but at the same time I agree with the other people saying to just go with what you enjoy, that's really why we are all in this I guess sport you could call it. I personally own an 8th generation Civic coupe with the r18, the small motor. But it is also very fun in it's own little world. I have always, I mean always, loved the mid-90s hatchback Civics for the body style, The B18 is also a motor that you will never be disappointed with. But if you want to go to the max yes I would get an 09-10-11 SI sedan, I say sedan because the aftermarket went insane over the four door and kind of left the 2 door behind.

 

The only 4 door model that looks best is the Mugen Si. Otherwise I dunno why but the coupe's just look nicer to me, more sporty. The non-Mugen 4 doors really look no different than a standard non-Si sedan.

 

I stand by the eg/ej ('92-'95s) being the most customizable civic ever,followed by maybe the ek,(generation following eg). But if it was up to me I'd drop the D series power plant that USDM was plagued with (sorry all you D series heads) and swap in a ls motor. It's a 1.8l DOHC that came stock in our USDM Integras. That would be basically the cheapest yet most viable swap.You could either stay all motor and eventually slap a vtec head on it,or boost it,they're great motors for turbo. Sourcing one of these motors will be relatively easy,your local pick and pull/scrapyard etc. Your next step up would be getting a swap from one of the many JDM motor depots. HM motors online seems to be very reputable,"JDM Engine Depot",Tiger motorsports? Amongst others.
This step up as far as performance and cost wise would be the b16a. A lot of people will tell you to just go b18c,which is not a bad idea..but I believe as far as cost wise it's goes in this order LS then b16,then b18c, gsr or type R,with the prices differing between the two.Then you have your H/F series,and ultimately the K series. K series is the top of the line for all motor 4 cylinder power. Closely followed by the H.Since you seem like you want to mod your car/motor and not just throw in a stock swap,any of the above motors I've listed are good starting points. Even the D series,but if you want any real power you will definitely have to go turbo (sohc).