96 DX project

[motoxpress]

I just bought a 96 DX 4dr and I am looking to build a little scca rally-type car out of it. It looks as though I really need to swap the motor to get any serious hp out of it w/o nitris(not interested). So, what is a good motor to look at? Does the Intergra gsr motor go into a civic without major modification? At first, I am going to focus on the handling aspects of the car but, I eventually will do the motor.

Also, is there any body kits that would allow be to bump the fenders out a bit? I would love to see some picts if anyone has any.

Thanks

MX

 

[Linguistics]

toss in a b16, its got good power, and weighs less, and relatively cheaper, so youll have money left over for the mad suspension work youre gonna need

 

[Linguistics]

wait...did you say rally? be ready to toss money into repairs

 

[Team 4R]

wont a motor swap put you in an open class where you compete against supercharged vettes and mustangs......? that's what i remember reading about the rules............. if that's the case you're much better off staying without the swap. on that same subject, most suspension work will move you into tougher categories........ you need to keep an eye on the rules before you modify.

 

[motoxpress]

I did say 'rally-type' not neccesarily rally racing. Just closed course for now.

So, what does a B16 run and where is a good source for them?

Thanks

MX

 

[caddy]

If you're doing just auto-x, then your d series with a spoon final drive and some minor work will do great but be ready to pour lots into your suspension.

 

[motoxpress]

Originally posted by Team 4R
wont a motor swap put you in an open class where you compete against supercharged vettes and mustangs......? that's what i remember reading about the rules............. if that's the case you're much better off staying without the swap. on that same subject, a lot of suspension work will move you into tougher categories........ you need to keep an eye on the rules before you modify.

You may be right. I am still looking into how the Civic will fit into the scca scene. I am just experimenting with the different scca events to see which one I enjoy the most. Road rally and club rally both look like fun but, I am going to try the closed course as well.

I have been doing the Motocross thing for awhile and I now want to try car racing.

MX

 

[motoxpress]

So, does the spoon drive give me ratio flexibility?

MX

 

[99ExCoupe]

too many damn n00bs wanting to make a race car!

 

[motoxpress]

Thanks for your contribution

mx

 

[civic hatch]

best advice i could give is start working on suspension and then go and race, work on handling you car then add the power, when i started going to solo2 events i just used my stock car no suspension mods, nothing and i go my ass handed to me every time. then i learned how to handle my car a little better. upgraded my suspension and worked on handling my car some more, now i still have my d16 engine but my suspension is pretty nice (nothing special) but now i walk on some higher power cars because i know how to use the power i have to it full advantage.

good luck

 

[motoxpress]

Thanks Hatch.

The handling dept. is where I planned to focus first anyway. I need to put some 15" wheels and tires on and look at some struts. What elements of suspension will help with body roll?

MX

 

[caddy]

anti sway bars, stiffer shocks, and urethane bushings will all help.

 

[thakrnriceboi]

good luck i dont think i've ever seen a rally civic. just get ready to dump crap loads of money into it.

 

[WiggerMan]

a way to get the fenders wider is to just "roll" them... take a baseball bat and put it on the tire and roll it under you have the spacing you need... And UTAH SUCKS

 

[spooooooek]

Originally posted by Team 4R
wont a motor swap put you in an open class where you compete against supercharged vettes and mustangs......? that's what i remember reading about the rules............. if that's the case you're much better off staying without the swap. on that same subject, most suspension work will move you into tougher categories........ you need to keep an eye on the rules before you modify.

hes right

 

[Kamikaze]

If you're going to be doing solo2 seriously, then you'll want to get a light set of stock-size wheels and tires, since the smaller wheel diameter will give you more torque. Suspension setup is more important though.

fyi There's a rally civic hb here in Denver... think it's a 96.

 

[99ExCoupe]

Originally posted by Kamikaze
If you're going to be doing solo2 seriously, then you'll want to get a light set of stock-size wheels and tires, since the smaller wheel diameter will give you more torque. Suspension setup is more important though.

fyi There's a rally civic hb here in Denver... think it's a 96.

Kamikaze is correct about suspention and wheels. To add to his post...SoloII and roadracing is ALL about driving more than anything at all. If you can find someway to take hight performance driving DO IT. It will give you no end of help. Me and my dad are taking it and I am really looking forward to step from SoloII to Road Racing!

Also don't touch the internals on your motor. Get I/H/E, 14/15 inch wheels, ajustable coilovers (Tanabe, Tokiko, Tein, or JIC), rear sway bar, strut bars, and take everything out your car, and you should be pretty set for a car!

 

[Kamikaze]

btw - if you're going to go for a rally setup, you've got much more flexibility regarding car setup. If I remember correctly, the SCCA rally classes are essentially:

Production
Production + turbo
Modified
Modified + turbo
Open

More details are available at http://www.scca.org/amateur/performance_rally/index.html

 

[civic hatch]

i would start with the solo2 set up that way you can learn the ins and out of your car first that way if yo still decide to go on to rally you ll know how to fix all the broken parts your gonna have