Improving my car's performance

[squee]

I don't know a damn thing about cars other than how to put gas in it, change the oil, rotate the tires, basic stuff like that. I know a little about the theory of how they run.

I own a '98 Civic EX and while I don't want to rice it out I am interested in any option that will make it more efficient and reliable. The only suggested I've heard so far has been to get hotter spark plugs--more fuel burnt = more fuel efficiency.

I would like to get larger tires so the car would handle and brake better, although I understand this will cut down on mileage somewhat. I don't like the pizza cutters I've got now, and I think 17" tires will fit, so if someone can direct me for a good all-weather tire I'd appreciate it.

And any other suggestions you might have will of course be welcomed...

[Escape Artist]

Use this: :p

http://www.thehypertribe.net/rice-x.jpg

[TotalAnarchy]

Thats a good photo.

But with the civic, I could, given the right parts, turn that into a ten second car. True, it would cost you several times the cost of the car, but fuck, you would be fast.

Almost as fast as the 390kW 6.0l reworked V8 that I am working on buying. Because my current car is only a 300kW 5.7l, and can only do 13 and a bit over the quarter.

[Goatboy]

I lowered my last car and it improved both handling and milage (1.4 / 1.3).

[Mr. Snrub]

Sparkies good, mebbe a higher flow inlet or exhaust, but probably the easiest way for one of those ricers would be a new computer chip.

Note to billyman: Would you be so kind as to find out for me how much a reconditioned Chevy 454 LS6 V8 out of an old Chevelle would set me back over there in the States?

[Billyman]

Originally posted by Mr. Snrub


Note to billyman: Would you be so kind as to find out for me how much a reconditioned Chevy 454 LS6 V8 out of an old Chevelle would set me back over there in the States?

With no mods., totally stock, about $1,200 US. You can probably find em' a little cheaper, but that's about what we get for them at the shop.

[edit]

Oh, and are you bastards to good for my Q&A now? heh.

[Mr. Snrub]

Originally posted by Billyman


With no mods., totally stock, about $1,200 US. You can probably find em' a little cheaper, but that's about what we get for them at the shop.

[edit]

Oh, and are you bastards to good for my Q&A now? heh.

1200 US? Sweet jesus fuck, I have been wasting my time. This IS an LS6 we are talking about? 550hp although factory rated at like 390?

[Billyman]

Originally posted by Mr. Snrub


1200 US? Sweet jesus fuck, I have been wasting my time. This IS an LS6 we are talking about? 550hp although factory rated at like 390?


That is correct.

[Mr. Snrub]

Originally posted by Billyman



That is correct.

Sweet doodie. Now I want one. I should really pay off the car loan first though....

[squee]

Here's what I'm looking at right now:

Better sparkplugs. Larger wheels (I can fit 17s) for better handling. Lower it to reduce drag. Better exhaust. I dunno about computer chips because none of the above will underpower the car. We'll see.

Heard something about some kind of pulley system that takes strain off the engine. Have to investigate that.

It already has a sweet stereo and an XM radio. I'm going to add a navigation system and then it will be THE roadtrip car. Which is pretty much what I'm looking for.

I wonder if they make heads-up displays for cars. . .then I could have a digital speedometer and tach and put the navigation system where the guage cluster is right now. That'd be tight :D

[Escape Artist]

Oh, so you basically wanna rice it out? :p

One: Underpulley system
Two: Cat-back exhaust with free flowing muffler
Three: New chip, but you'll be using premium gas with it more than likely

Might wanna change the cam to a slightly more aggressive one as well, but I'm not knowledgeable when it comes to Civics.

[Mr. Snrub]

Disconnecting the aircon is also good for a few hp

If you can sacrifice it.

[rage]

Ok squee, you want better performace for your civic? here is what you do:

Better speed:
SMALLER TIRES! dont get 17" just for traction, there are better thigns you can do, I'll ge to that in a moment. (though 17" is better than 18" tires...ugh...)
Lighter Rims, not LARGER ones.
Cold Air Intake - go AEM over Iceman...
Headers
Catback Exhaust (go for performance over sound - get a silencer too if the one you get is very loud)
New intake manifold
New Camshafts and Adjustable Cam Gearsh
Turbo if you
Those are some things to start w/ there

For better handling, you want to get the following:
new and better suspension
lower the car, not for looks, but for handling
strut bars
sway bars
Tires aren't necessarily going to do that much for you. In fact, go w/ a smaller tire size than 17", get yourself some sm

Paint jobs:
DONT GO TO MAACO! :)


Here is a really good honda forum:
www.honda-tech.com

check it out if you are still interested in fixing up your car some. And go for speed over looks or sound. Nothing like getting up next to a camaro (a v6 unless you have really poured some money into your car, then go for a v8) and stomping the shit out of it in what looks like a bone stock 4cyclinder.

And truthfully, if you buy a used honda, and mod it to where it beats a V8 Camaro, you will have spent less money, than if you were to buy a V8 camaro.