Hey guys, so I'm pretty new to this forum. I just picked up in my opinion a super clean 1999 civic sedan 5 speed. Only has 121k on and the interior was super mint. So this is gonna be my daily for awhile but I have some big plans for the car. I want to do everything right with quality parts though and I want to start from the ground up. Any ideas on where to start? Maybe just basic maintenance, replacement parts I should look at? Its bone stock at the moment. I was thinking getting a bushing set, new plugs and wires, and changing all fluids. I'd love to hear anyone input and I basically want to make this a build thread as I'll post updated pictures at the progress, thanks in advance!

 

Not a bad looking ride. Is it an LX or EX?

For starters, check the fluids and belts. If they need replacing, do so now. Depending on your mechanical skills, you can save a lot of money by working on the car yourself.

 

it's a Ex, the previous owner just did a oil change with receipt and I still need to check the other fluids
So my mechanical knowledge is decent, like I know in theory how things work and so on but on application my skills are lacking but that's half the reason I bought it was to learn and do everything myself, thanks for your input!

 

Depending on what you plan to do to the car eventually, I would keep it stock and in good running condition. That will save you money and time from buying stuff you won't/can't use later on. That motor is easy to work on and parts are readily available. Whatever you do, don't cheap out. Buy good quality parts the first time (even though it may cost more than cheaper quality parts). As for tools, get tools that are durable. Nothing wrong with having too much tools when you need them.

 

Yeah for the most part it will be stock for a bit, but I definitely want to stiffen up the chassis and get some good coilovers, upgrade the rear drums to disc, some good wheels and tires. Eventually I'll go with a swap, still debating on which one to do but I know there's plenty of swap threads on here but most likely I'll just go with a B swap cause although K's are cool they are pretty damn expensive for not that much greater performance IMO

 

if you want some good coilovers, I would go with Progress CS-II's. They are fixed damper but you can choose the rating of the springs. Don't mess with that Function/From, Yonaka or Skunk2 crap.

If that motor is healthy, just rebuild it and go turbo. It's easier said than done but that's' more ideal. Way more power than a B or K series swap.

 

Thanks for the info man I appreciate it, I was thinking of going with BC Racing coils, I've heard nothing but good things, but I will check out the progress as well! And as tempting as it is to go turbo I really don't have much experience in that area and maybe I'm just being picky but I just hate the sound of dingle cams lol

 

I thought an EX came with rear disks. Does it have a VTEC engine?

 

nah it has drums in the back unfortunately, and it has the d16y8 which does have vtec

 

Super nice!!! I LOVE the ej/ek sedans!!! (Ever since I bought mine) LMAO. What are you going to do with that motor when you b/k swap it? I've been hunting a y8 head swap for my y7 for a decent price for a long time.

 

Thank bro! And I'm not to sure, but its gonna be awhile before I swap the motor prolly not until at least summer, gonna get everything else pretty much done first.

 

Nice car. Timing belt kit first. With those miles, chances are the PO decided to sell it rather than have that done. Unless you have evidence that it was done, of course. Have fun with it.