I've had this car for 6 years. It has 16s, but otherwise is totally stock with 100k miles, and I think I'm going to hang on to it for a while. I've been lurking this forum the past couple weeks trying to figure out how I can make the car more fun to drive without creating something obnoxious that draws lots of attention. Here's what I'm considering, I'd love any feedback.

-H&R OE Sport Springs/KYB AGX shocks
- CAI: will I get the same results from an AE knockoff? or would I notice significant improvement just replacing the stock air filter with a K&N or short ram?
- DC ceramic headers: will this give me a few more hp?...and get rid of that buzzing I hear at 3100 rpm (it's not the heat shield)?
- Rear sway bar: ITR or Comptech? (I don't have the space or skills to install this myself, if that makes a difference).

So... would these mods make my excited to drive my car again?

 

the springs and shocks will definitely change the way the car feels, especially in cornering, that combo isn't a super big improvement but it'll definitely make the car more fun to drive. The CAI will make the car sound different, you might feel a difference in power but it's not that noticable. The rattling that you here at those RPM's is probably the B-pipe in the stock Exhaust manifold, at least that's what I think it is. Getting a DC ceramic header will most likely get rid of that rattle and refine your powerband (not by much). The Rear sway bar makes the car handle extremely well. Get the Comptech one, unless of course you can pick up a JDM ITR swaybar (23mm). In regards to the swaybar installation, it's actually easier then installing any of the other parts, except for the intake.

 

You could also get a JDM ITR cat back to use with the header. I have one and love it. Its mandrel bent 2.25 all the way back and it bolts right up, quite yet gets it done when you get on it.

You may want to look for Skunk 2 coilovers with AGX shocks to really get the car handling well. Then see how you like it and then may be put on the sway bar. My civic has a Progress 24 mm rear bar and its VERY tail happy. Unless you really NEED a big rear bar I'd tune it with the springs.

My GSR turns in pretty well for a 4 door with skunk2 coilovers and rides nice and quiet with stock sways. Its a little firm but you could also get the civic rates and be fine. I will probably end up doing a USDM ITR rear bar just for ***** and giggles but unless you are seriously racing just try the springs and shocks first..

As far as motor mods other than the exuast. I got an Ebay intake for $29 bucks shipped its a cai, the filter is huge and it works prety damn well. If you have the stock ECU (P72) you can bump the timing up a little and run premium for alittle edge on throttle response. The header like DC is a given

 

I think with a simple I/H/E you will enjoy your car again. A low key exhaust like the RS*R exmag won't draw too much attention. If you really want some fun go to http://www.jacksonracing.com, I suggest the supercharger over a turbo because the SC require less maintenance while still significantly increasing HP and TQ.

 

well, I'd suggest getting some headwork done, like cams and opening up the valve seats to the edge of the valves. Getting ITR or Skunk2 stage 1 cams, some mild headwork, and a little tuning would get you some more power and since nobody can see it, they'll think your car is basically stock. Good luck

 

first off i think you got yourself the right model (4 door)
id drop it, i have my 4 door dropped.
i have an aem converted to a short ram.
dc sports header.
i have a 2 1/2 custom back exhaust with an ls exhaust, i dont like the sounds of these glass packed exhausts.

do that and youll feel alot better towards you car.

 

id go with the comptec sway bar. i want one for my DB8. the header will solve that problem. for exhaust i have a mugen rear section that is great and for the right price i would consider selling it but keep in mind it is no longer available or in production for a 4dr integra and are pretty rare. all those mods u r talking about will make u enjoy tour car much more. email me if u want some pics of my white 94

 

Thanks for all the feedback! Seems like there's no consensus on what's the best thing to do... What is the first suspension mod you would make? What is the first I/H/E mod you would make?

Also, if were to get new headers, would I immediately have to replace the rest of the exhaust to fit the 2.5" collector? ... and this may be a stupid question, but can I buy an ITR exhaust from the dealership? Or do I have to find a used one? thanks!

 

To start off, I'd recommend you go with the rear swaybar upgrade and a cold air intake. But man, I'm tellin you, go with some cams and maybe a vafc or other tuning device and you'll hang with or womp on guys with the i/h/e Heck, I have ITR cams now with an AEM CAI and a custom 2.25" exhaust in my db8 and I can hang with or beat gsr guys with all the basic bolt-on mods, i/h/hi-flow cat or test pipe/e.

As for suspension, the rear swaybar upgrade is great as a beginning mod. Then light (300-350 lb/in front, 250-300 lb/in back) springs and adjustable shocks, and definitely tires. The car will be a blast to drive then.

 

jdm front