You should scroll down and read my parts lists before commenting. I have, relatively inexpensive parts on my Civic. I've been thinking of dumping the APC for an AEM cai, and losing the Ractive 4-2-1 Header for a DC Sports. The engine is D-series D16y7, so typically, it's not that fast, or quick off the line. I've topped out around 120mph, and that's with my 14" American Racing rims; the 17" Enkei add more weight, and only let me top out around 112-113mph. Do the $200 and $300 parts really make that much of a difference? If I replace the intake, headers, and get a brand name exhaust, will it really be worth my time and effort, would I be just wasting my money, or did I already waste it with the cheap parts? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Wow, thats some rice buddy!! You need to put all your stock lights back in to start with, then start saving up to do a swap. I have 2 honda's and i have a d in one and a b in the other and my opinion is to not waste the time with the d series and swap in a B16 or B18. When it comes to parts I firmly believe in the saying "you get what you pay for".

 

Well, that's probably not how I would have phrased it, but he's right. Nothing wrong w/a D-series engine, but if you're looking for raw power swap in a GSR or something. But if you like the "show car" look, then don't worry about it. It's all about what you want to do with your car, not what someone else says will be good.

 

I don't think you are going to see a big difference with the AEM & DC. They are going to be better but not anything to go crazy over. (Maybe 2-5 whp)

I would look into a shorter gear tranny(ex or sohc si) or go with some internals and a different head if you want to stay the all motor route.

Or sell your stuff and put together a junkyard turbo or something.
Good Luck

 

There is something to be said for the quality of the more expensive items like the AEM and DCSports. These companys spend mucho money on R&D and dyno testing to bring you the products they offer. AEM doesn't just make a shiny tube with a filter on the end of it to replace the rubber intake arm.
However, as with any bolt-on mod, you won't see the true benefit of these items unless you either race the car, or do internal modifications as well. In fact power will actually be lost in normal, everyday driving, because most of the power bolt-on mods produce (on an internally stock motor) occur in the upper end of the rev range.

 

Let me revise your mods for what I'd do with your car.

Before:

After:

99 Civic DX
Custom turbo Set-up replacing header and intake
Ground Control Coil-Overs or Custom-Rate Eibach ERs springs on your APC sleeves
KYB/AGX struts or better, Koni Yellows if you have the extra cash
15'' 12lb. wheels of choice
Custom 2.25" Exhaust Pipe
Ractive Muffler
APC Green Turn Signals Front & Back
APC Green Reverse Lights
APC Simulated H.I.D. Headlights

I'm not even going there about the lights of your choice, because it's not my place to tell you what to do cosmetically.

You'd waste your money IMO buying an AEM intake, DC header, and cat-back exhaust with your current set-up. The minimal gains wouldn't be worth the money.

You'd be halfway to a turbo kit with the money spent on the AEM, Dc hader, and $400.00 exhaust system.

 

I don't want to sound like someone who has been on H-T for barely a month, but I am. What does this guy mean by "rice"? It doesn't sound too good.....

Thanks for all the advice. Turbo seems to be the most common response from my friends. I'll take it into consideration. Anybody else got any or anymore ideas, don't be too shy to give your opinions.

 

B18C5-EH2, and fellow Atlantan, you know a good, and honest shop for high perfomance parts in Atlanta. I don't want to get ripped off by Godfather Customs.

 

He works at one.


[Modified by Milano_EH3, 3:21 PM 2/26/2003]

 

Oops!!!!!! No offense but there prices are a little bit expensive, and their installation prices are the reason I taught myself how to work on my Honda. But no offense man, honest, hope you get a discount. Which one do you work at?? The one in Decatur is right around the corner from my house.

 

LOL...no, no he doesn't work at Godfather's. His shop is Acura/Honda Specialists, correct Tom? Not to be confused with Honda/Acura Specialists in Cumming.

BTW, Godfather's is definitely not the place to go unless you just want all APC stuff. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find good prices on new items here in the Atlanta area (maybe I am just looking in the wrong places). Pretty much everything I have on my car I have found online, in places like eBay, ThePartsTrader, PasswordJDM, JayDM.


[Modified by Milano_EH3, 3:32 PM 2/26/2003]

 

lmao nice

 

Call me at my shop:

(770)603-9197

I'll tell you where to find the good stuff at good prices, and no unfortunately it won't always be here at my shop, but I'm honest about it.

A swap would be nice too - what's your budget?

 

My budget now, after my fender bender is around $1000 to spend, maybe $2000 if I decide to stick it to Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. I'll definitely give you a call when I get all my $$ together. Where's the shop located?

 

Jonesboro. But, like Tom said, just give him a call first.

 

I wouldnt spend the extra buck on aem and dc, only like 2-3 whp gain from 700 bucks plus.
save up and get a swap or turbo set up and be Happy..
h22a will make your civic alive

 

DC sports is total garbage. I had their two piece ceramic coated 4-2-1 header and it didn't make a goddamn bit of difference over the stock manifold. This probably wouldn't hold true to your DX, but on my '93 Si, it's golden.

You have stuff on your car that I wouldn't have, but I don't have to drive your car, so I won't comment.

As for price difference, I'm not sure $ = HP all the time. I spent $742 on the turbo on my car. I make more HP than a $1500 Greddy kit. I'd have to say that the best way to get the most HP from your dollar is to educate yourself. Learn what works and what doesn't. Learn who's laying down the law and who's smoking crack. Then make your own decisions. Of my 1100- something posts, I think a total of three have been questions. I'm not saying I know everything; nobody does, but I know how to research products and filter out the bullshit.

 

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Jon Black