I have a Civic 98 EX, with a AEM V2, DC Headers, MSD Ignition, and a GReddy Evo exhaust. I don't feel a HUGE difference in performance, there is some, but not big enough to satisfy me. What are some things I can do to up the torque most importantly and the horsepower without forced induction. I've heard about getting the engine ported and polished, and changing the camshafts, and the pulleys, but don't really understand how these affect the overall performance in detail. If anyone has any other suggestions, please post them here along with some detail about how they work, or if they have info on how the above mentioned options work that be great. Thanks.
Naturally Aspirated Performance
- Thread starter bamboo
- Start date
First off you need something other than an Ex. If you want to stay with a single cam it is almost a must to have forced induction because you are not going to feel much more power with the things you said you are going to put in your ride 
try the edelbrock performer x intake manifold and match up a ported throttle body to it. then go for the crower cam, they're great cams and not as expensive as other brands. If you get the cam though, you'll also have to get new springs and retainers though. should up you a couple horses and also help your mid to high range power.
i know you said no FI, but what about a swap? do u not want FI on your current engine, or not at all? i have heard good things about boosted D16y8's. you could also swap in a B16 or B18 and have alot more power. granted, this prolly costs more than building up what you have now, but you will definately notice the power difference in a B18.
just throwing out some suggestions...not tryin to open up the whole build a D series vs. swap a B series again. maybe some more info on what your long term goals/reasons are would help us/me out on some suggestions for you.
just throwing out some suggestions...not tryin to open up the whole build a D series vs. swap a B series again. maybe some more info on what your long term goals/reasons are would help us/me out on some suggestions for you.
If youre going to stay NA and you dont think the stuff you have now is giving you enough power, I think youve got to swap. Buy yourself a B18C, but dont put it in your car yet. Buy a new valvetrain (cams, springs, retainers, valves), maybe type R pistons if you get the C1, an intake manifold, new throttle body, and maybe some new fuel stuff. Then youll have a kickin NA engine!
werd, if you want more power chuck the SOHC...
go with JCV's idea. Get a B18C, and pretty much rebuild it with any upgradable high-performance parts you can.. get new intake manifold, and don't buy cheap parts. most of the time you get what you pay for. it's worth saving.. and power costs cash