Plans for gf's 98 Ex, input welcome
 

So I'm bored and goin over my plans for my gf's 98 Ex, tell me what you think and what you would change.

Engine-4-2-1 headers, 2.25 cat-back chambered exhaust (already have intake and free flow cat) Maybe advance dist. timing ahead 2 degrees as I heard that helps a little. ODBII-I conversion with P28 ECU.

Cosmetics-OEM or OEM alike front and rear lip spoilers, OEM Si spoiler, tint the friggin windows, 16 or 17in Rims (which ever one we can afford lol)

Suspension-here is where I'm still lost. Been reading alot about using OEM Strut and sway bars off a Si or ITR, I would like to do that but for a lil more, is the performance of an aftermarket version better? I know to def. get a beaks kit for a rear lower tie bar. I also wanna look into gettin a chassis brace (X-brace), mild lowering springs with shocks n strut.

That's pretty much it I guess, she doesn't street race or autocross but she does like to spank some ricer ass once in a while on the streets so I look more torque gains and handling matters. After that I suppose it's just maintnence and upkeep until I decided whether or not I want to invest in a FI kit for her car. All input welcome, I guess if there are flamers I can't avoid them, just be gentle lol. Thanks.

hehehehehe, her car is an auto.
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Oh yeah, and seeing as how whe won't be making tons of power, I'm just gonna replace her rear drums with Brembo units and powerstop shoes. She already has Powerstop cross-drilled front with AEM pads.

I also need to replace her rear defroster strips and maybe her engine mounts.

well, i'd only get one header since it's an inline 4.

Nice car. Your engine modifications definitely sound right on target. Since she's got an automatic, You might also consider an AEM (or other brand) adjustable cam gear. The EX engine has only one cam. Advancing the cam timing by 2 degrees (using the new cam gear), will shift the power curve toward the left. In other words you'll get a little more off the line punch, which could come in handy! The trade off, of course, is that you'll lose a little bit of hp over 6000 r/min. Of course, if your priority is maximum highway passing ability, then don't bother with the cam gear.

I have a 2000 Civic EX with OEM 15 inch Si wheels, OEM body kit, OEM Si mesh grille and H emblem, OEM Si 13 mm rear sway bar, along with an OEM Si leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the Si's chrome exhaust tip. All 100% genuine OEM Honda! The engine, intake, and exhaust are 100% stock, and I plan to keep it that way (as you can tell, I'm not a street racer). But I sure do enjoy watching other cars.

Maintenance is also very important, like you said. I follow my schedule to the dot, using nothing but genuine OEM Honda parts.

Good luck on your girlfriend's Civic. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Keep us posted as your project unfolds!

turbo.. that's it. :)

full tiens and some wheels, all that crap isnt ganna make much diff, specially for ur girl, at least make it handle nice.

A turbo isn't going to make much diff?? :thinking:

she wants to spank some ricers? then she better get a new car.. cause the NEW ricer movement is strong with some really badass cars.. i saw a riced out srt the other day and thought to myself.. damn that really sucks.. nice ass car turned to shit (looks wise) but still pretty quick) i dont say that to be confrontational.. just letting you know that all that money will yield nothing more than a slow honda.. with it being auto.. it may even be slower than when you started.. once again.. no offense..

well technically, if it's a 4-2-1 which is 2 pieces, wouldn't that make it headers?:D

None taken and yes, you're right, the big three or at least like 2 outta 3 are making big moves in the compact scene. But most of the drivers in her town own beat-up honda's with APC windshield banners lol. And the ones that have the nice cars usually don't know how to drive. We once raced some morons in a 94+LS in her dinky 91 Dx with home depot intake and 2in custom exhaust and took them really bad off the line. And besides, with her driving an auto, I don't have to worry bout her mishiftin.