New to Tuning, but definately want to start

[Wthorp]

So yeah, I am pretty new to Honda's. I used to own a Mustang before it was crashed, so yeah ... anyways.

I have an '03 Honda Civic LX, 2D Coupe. I believe everything is stock, I haven't done a through look into the car, but I DO know it needs some work. Its rather on the slow side taking off, and definitely needs work on the handling side as well. Any suggestions or perhaps someone else has one

 

[codyllee]

are you talking particularly about the mechanics or the tuning aspect? (ecu)

 

[Wthorp]

Well in reality I just want that added power behind the wheel. And which side would be the cheapest??

I have a few friends that might be helping me with the ECU side of things but I really want to check out a few other options as well. Also which side would be more expensive, still running a budget here.

 

[Inertial]

Budget sucks =[ wish we all had bottomless pockets!!!

suspension is pretty easy and readily available for civics. Power to wheels for ur year, hrms... idk we slapped a turbo on my cousins 03civic for a lil less then 1.6k after ported and polished and rebuilt interior after all was said and done we spent close to 5k and only pushed 260whp. a lil less im exagerating but it was at 9psi since he doesnt race at all. IT was fun to do wrench work at leaast!

 

[codyllee]

well they go together. Once you start adding so much performance you need to adjust your ignition and fuel maps, etc for your ecu to compensate for the advances via ecu reprogramming.... go visit the build forum for more info on the mechanics

 

[Wthorp]

Well yeah I have been reading them over, I always hated the mechanics side. I don't mind getting dirty, just a LOT of information to retain.

Now does it matter that my Car has a V-Tech in it? I dunno what kind it is or anything, the dealer who sold me it didn't know much more than I do now.

 

[codyllee]

Trust me, tuning has WAY more information to retain, plus it determines how well or shitty your car is going to run. You need to post in the build section, this is not the place to ask mechanical questions. But in a SOHC engine, VTEC is not as noticable as in DOHC engines. You have alot to learn, search man

 

[Inertial]

Yea welcome to my world of yesteryears. when i turned 17 i had my 1st civic, and im 21 now. So thru trial and error and alot of things going wrong, i learned alot. still learning ins and outs of the motor. i can rebuild a 68 camaro motor but not a civic yet LOL

 

[Wthorp]

Yeah the same here. I can rebuild a 2004 Mustang but not a civic. I am sure some things are the same, but eh yeah I will look around of course.

Now I do have a few questions about ECU mapping. I never did so with my Ford, and didn't really understand it. Is there a guide or certain manual about it?

 

[codyllee]

This will help you out alot

http://forum.pgmfi.org/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=12477

 

[Wthorp]

Thanx alot, I will read through carefully