First car, first Honda

[Armando C.]

im a young one, 17, and ive had my honda for about a year. but footballs almost over and ill be able to start working and dedicate my time to my car. ive done small things to it so far, muffler (i didnt like the obknoxious cat on the stock engine, nor did i want to remove power), sound system, 14 in rattled enkies (they were crap when i bought them) stickers , ac components, tow hook, shocka nd a few minor things. i need to replace the alternator first off, and eventually the tranny (not a major concern for me right now) but i want to get somethings done and need some suggestions

im sort of a noob in the honda scene, i understand and know some things but not too much

her she is btw

My dad is a honda specialist, soinstallation is not a ocnern for me, i just need to get the parts prices.

THINGS I WANT TO GET DONe

-PAINT AND WHEELS (i was thinking an all black gloss paint job with some gunmetal konig retracks, but what else might look nice (and affordable))

-SUSPENSION!!!! I have no knowledge of suspension! ipretty much need a rundown of what to get for a complete drop (not slammed, just a nice clean drop) coilover or springs? LCA? Camber kit? do i need it? will it help? why or why not? shock? I would prefer a stiffer ride than stock too.

-POWER/ENGINE PERFORMANCE. i, of course, want some more power to my 97 horsepower civic. what can i do to help, ecu? headers? intake? turbo on a stock d series? or should i save for a swap? i want ac so an H series is out of the question and i dont have the money for a K. B or a mini me D series? should i boost the d seriies if i do? i was considering a b16-b18 with an LSD tranny. again, this is the last of my concers, just curious to what i should do later on.


those are the three things i primarily want to get done, but any other usggestions would help, even little tihngs like detachable steering wheel, lugz, short shifter, shift knobs, clusters, etc.

thanks

 

[Kali Hissle]

Looks nice,you can have the d series built and it beas powerful or more than the b16 but everyone has their own opinion.you can go b16 and build on that like internals and a turbo but its up to you you can get power on either more depends on how much you want.all black with those wheels you said would looks nice.as for lowering get coilovers with some skunk 2 shocks you can adjust the height any time.as for interier the steering wheel get the nrg setup you can buy a kit with the wheel.its so much you can do like some good headers and fancy seats just man you can have this hatch lookin clean & fast you gotta search on Ebay and other sites to see what interest you and your style.me and others could tell you lots of stuff all day but its all up to you you can do alotta things,but were here to help and give ideas and for me im lookung forward to see the future,of this hatch

 

[CO671]

Hey man, welcome. I'm 17 years old as well so don't feel young and alone, had my car for a year by the end of this month. You're really lucky you started with a hatch, and have automotive mechanic ties in your family, two things I wish I had.

For wheels, Konig Retracks are really nice actually even though they're replicas.Don't go larger than 16"
You're lucky you got Enkei's! they're worth more than konig's afaik as Enkei's are more on the genuine side and Konig's are more on the knockoff side. Polish them or re-paint them!
If you plan on lowering, don't cheap it out, it's been debated over dozens of threads and the verdict is Koni/GC.


For power, if you can, a stock B-swap with a turbo can run you 300hp before you rebuilding the block. Getting the engine is another story, as piecing together the turbo components alone would cost you ~$1000,-~$2000 and at that you can run up to 200hp before you have to install new connecting rods and pistons.

The d-series engine on stock internals is nothing more than an eco-engine. There's basically no power in it stock, don't fall for cams/gear, cold air intake, upgraded exhaust etc;. It just won't go anywhere at all performance wise unless you include forced induction

For interior modifications, you can do a CRV Cluster or LX/EX Civic cluster that will offer you a tachometer and they both drop in easily. Or do modifications to install an S2000, Integra, or 7th generation Civic (i have the links to those tutorials if you're interested) [got the liinks to these as well]
I did an Integra dual-bend shifter into my Civic along with my PWJDM 530gram weighted shift knob (very heavy)
Still trying to find the time to install an integra maplight but can't get my headboard off (maplight is the toggle light between the sunvisors and above the rear view mirror).[got the link to this too]

 

[AlaskaB16]

Looks like you're on the right track!

WELCOME!

 

[mc360]

I know you said your 17 but how much money do you have or can you get to throw at this thing? If you want fully adjustable suspension I would go for some function and form type 2 coilovers, you can set your height and stiffness to your liking, I paid $960 for mine. Next I would buy a turbo, screw a swap I'm making 166hp 149tq on my d16y5 which is better than a b16a2 and I paid 2800 for my turbo setup, your looking at 2500-3000$ for a b16a2 swap with less power than I have now

 

[Honda4ever]

Nice car so far!