So, I have a 1997 Civic hatchback with 1.4 petrol engine. It has 90 horse power. Uphill, especially in high altitutes it loses power, I can barely get uphill with normal speed, I mostly have to use 2nd or 3rd gear. People pass me by, I dont blame them : )

I know that this engine has low power and torque out of the factory, but could any other mechanical malfunctions be affecting this loss of power more than expected ?

Could the brakes be binding, O2 sensor malfunction (wrong air/fuel mixture), I have put new spark plugs in (NGK), new spark plug leads (Bosch), new engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter.

Lets say theoretically, If I put a 1.5 VTEC engine inside (engine swap), it has 115 HP, then it should go uphill easier ?

I have an option to buy a 1.5 engine for 600 EUR but its not economical on this car. I wouldnt get back the money I put in if I sold the car.

The more rational way is to sell this car the way it is, and buy a factory stock 1.5 Civic, or buy another car altogether. I think I would like to buy a Lexus (maybe IS200, or IS250).

Then there is also the Civic 1.6 VTI model, that was the fastest one in Europe, but also the 1.8 exists, but I think those were mostly for Africa, thats what Wikipedia says : )

Thank you for any suggestions on which parts on my car I should check to be sure that something isnt slowing down the car uphill unnecesarily.

Also, this loss is mostly with two people onboard, and I have alot of things in the trunk.

I will try to go on a test drive with just me onboard, and without the stuff in the trunk : )

 

If the brakes were binding, you would smell/hear them.

Can't tell you if something is wrong with your engine without knowing I guess exactly how much weight you have in the car and how steep the hill is. In general, you should be able to maintain speed while going uphill.

A 1.5 engine would not have a noticeable power increase.

 

I have put out some things from the trunk, now the car is lighter and it seems to go uphill easier. I keep it in 3rd gear and it can keep up, atleast it doesnt slow down, it slowly accelerates. So im happy with that.