How to start out modding my car? (92 Manual DX Hatch)

[jccreszMC]

Hello! I thought I might gather opinions on how I might start my modding journey for my car.
[Car Post Link]
It's a little beat up but in very good shape (other than the dents in the side when I was a spiteful little 7-year old kid towards my dad, who has given me the car)

It has nearly 221,000 miles on it and a broken relay (which I have a replacement to but am waiting for my dad to come home from working over-the-road).

As far as I know, everything is bone-stock except for a NASCAR-grade fuel pump @45 psi if I remember correctly, and a cold air intake placed in front of the passenger's front wheel. The clutch is old and probably needs to be replaced sometime soon. Considering I'll be learning manual driving on it, that clutch may be in order VERY soon.

What I'd like to ask is, what should I do to start my modding journey? I already plan to put in a 4-2-1 DC header set and clean up the engine bay as well as get new seats and redo the interior.

What I would like to do with the car is for a daily car that can be taken to have fun at the strip.

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

How much money you got to spend?

 

[lethal6]

Kind vague with your question. That is why you aren't getting any answers. I would recommend browsing through the build sections and get an idea for the route you want to go, set a budget, and then start modding. None of us can tell you what to do to your car style wise, but I will tell you that if you have a d-series in there you aren't going to get anything out of it power wise without spending a bunch of money. There is no cheap and easy fix. Basic bolt ons (header, exhaust, cold air intake, etc) aren't worth it and will just net you some extra sound (unless that is all you are looking for). They were built for gas mileage and it takes time and money to squeeze extra HP out of them. Swapping in a bigger motor, boosting, fully building the internal, or N2O are all you have for options for extra power that is worth the money spent.

First and foremost, get the car up to 100% safety (brakes, suspension, etc) and get the maintenance all done before dumping money into cosmetic and bolt on nonsense. Nothing better than putting a bunch of money into a car that runs poorly or ends up crapping out after you get all the superficial stuff done and have no money left to keep the car on the road.

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

I'm loving the NASCAR grade fuel pump.

I'm loving the NASCAR grade fuel pump.

I'm not quite sure I understand this one...

As for goals for the car, I'm just trying to fix it up while giving it a boost.

Its engine is a old D15-B7. I don't expect massive power or noise from it (It makes plenty already).

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

We need to know how much you can spend as well.

 

[jccreszMC]

I don't have a job but when I do get one I guess my average income will be about $300 a month

 

[HeX]

I have no idea what a "NASCAR grade fuel pump" can possibly be on a Civic but a performance style fuel pump on a stock engine is useless and likely robbing you of fuel economy and doing nothing performance wise, just as that cold air intake is doing nothing. Aside from Lethal6's comments, all I want to add is that you need to focus on learning how to properly drive a manual car first before considering modifying your engine. Mastering manual driving will takes many years and a minimum of 2 years to have a respectable level of control and skill. At $300 income a month, you're best off saving money in that 2-ish year interim while making your current engine reliable.

Lets also make it clear that bolt-ons like cold air intake, header, exhaust, etc. are not "mods". So add to your knowledge base by getting very familiar with our search function and researching plenty. Driving stick and performance upgrades are not as easy as the average ricer fool thinks it is. Learn, research, ask, save, then do things right and once. Otherwise, you will waste alot of money in errant trial and error methods. Good luck.

 

[jccreszMC]

I have no idea what a "NASCAR grade fuel pump" can possibly be on a Civic but a performance style fuel pump on a stock engine is useless and likely robbing you of fuel economy and doing nothing performance wise, just as that cold air intake is doing nothing. Aside from Lethal6's comments, all I want to add is that you need to focus on learning how to properly drive a manual car first before considering modifying your engine. Mastering manual driving will takes many years and a minimum of 2 years to have a respectable level of control and skill. At $300 income a month, you're best off saving money in that 2-ish year interim while making your current engine reliable.

Lets also make it clear that bolt-ons like cold air intake, header, exhaust, etc. are not "mods". So add to your knowledge base by getting very familiar with our search function and researching plenty. Driving stick and performance upgrades are not as easy as the average ricer fool thinks it is. Learn, research, ask, save, then do things right and once. Otherwise, you will waste alot of money in errant trial and error methods. Good luck.

I understand this. I used to be a ricer fool but when I introduced myself to the DSM community (My dream car is a '99 GSX Eclipse) they steered me in the right direction. The reason that there's a "performance" fuel pump is because my dad has tuned the car to a point where the stock pump couldn't take it, and the engine would sputter out. The good news is, its MPG is about 45 highway /37 town.

 

[HeX]

I understand this. I used to be a ricer fool but when I introduced myself to the DSM community (My dream car is a '99 GSX Eclipse) they steered me in the right direction. The reason that there's a "performance" fuel pump is because my dad has tuned the car to a point where the stock pump couldn't take it, and the engine would sputter out. The good news is, its MPG is about 45 highway /37 town.

Ah. useful info always paints a clearer picture. Try not to forget those type of details. Otherwise, all we think is that someone installed a needless part with no proper tuning or thought, as is unfortunately common with Civics.

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

What's "tuned" about it? A stock pump can push enough fuel even for a full bolt on engine. If he simply replaced it because it was dying I could understand that.

 

[Slow_car-dre]

LOL

Just a tip. Come back when you actually want some help with your car.


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