Hello,
Last week I purchased a 1996 4-door Civic DX. It's in great shape and I already love it. It's actually my first 'real' car. I've been driving an '88 toyota pickup for the last 10 years.
I would like to modify this car to make it look a little more sporty, but I don't even know where to begin. Maybe headlights and taillights? Also, the wheels are 13's with no caps at all.
I need advice/suggestions to spruce this car up. Specifically, what to get and where to get it.

Thanks to anyone who replys with tips and links!
Preston

 

It depends on what your goals are. First I'd like to say: don't be like everyone else and get all crazy with it. Your first mod does not have to be taillights/headlights. Why be like everyone else?

Do you want to have a fast car (a relative term) or a 'show' car?

Welcome to HAN! :wavey:

 

Dude.. go with healights and tailights first...the make a BIG imrpovement on the look of your car. I have a 92 Civic SI HB and a 95 Mustang LX, that was the first think I ripped off of both cars. It made them look like way newer and shit. Just don't go with these gay ass altezzas unless you decide to paint them. I have them things on my Civic and they look like euro trash dude. Going to paint them with some translucent paint here in the next week or so. Will post pics too.

 

Thanks. I don't know how much I'll modify the engine (at first), mostly just cosmetic changes. I want it to look better, you know? I'll probably tint the windows and put in a CD player. Just one thing at a time, but I'd like to start off right by getting some good, specific advice.

 

Personally i am a big fan of the JDM headlights on the EK (1996 -2000 civics) they dont change the look too much but i like em. also you might want to think about a different grille (unless you are thinking body kit) the stock DX honda grille is kinda lame looking.(IMO) as an owner of a fairly nice lookin body kit i look back all the time and think about how it might have looked better if i had stuck with the stock bumpers and added SI or JDM lips to the bottom. another thing to think about may be lowering the car. (dependant on wether you want to make it a fast car or a show car) you can lower the car with some relatively nice springs from eibach for around 280 to 300 bucks and keep your stock shocks (again IMO) they are a fairly nice ride and lower the car just a little - about 1.8 or so inches and with this you dont REQUIRE a camber kit (the tires will wear a little more on the inside edge and its better to do it right but not required. JDM mirrors are much much nicer than the stock usdm version

just keep in mind that jdm car parts are very pricey (their immitation counterparts are relatively inexpensive but of course for purists they will be considered crap)



oh and dont buy anything from APC because APC sucks

 

for my opinion please see the section in yellow...

 

:wiggle:
Welcome to HAN. Always good to see another 6th gen on the board. I would say DIY the headlamps, red/ clear the rear tails, drop the car and get some rims. There a lot of good looking 4 dr Civics out there.

 

4doors

Do the suspension first!!!!!!

 

zeroseven (or anyone),
what would I do if I wanted to 'do the suspension'?
also, what are some accessories that i can add rather quickly to get a new look? lights, wipers, new emblems? where can i order this kind of stuff? i'm really new at this. i've only had the car 7 days!
thanks...
preston

 

just to let you know, you will have tons of people on this forum that dont like the stickers and clear taillights and blue headlights and all of that stuff. this board is actually a pretty technical board compared to others. people like to see big hp and tq numbers and those sort of things. you can start by getting a lip kit, its just a small lip that fits onto the bottom of your bumpers. talk to westcoaststyle for the best prices on parts though. he is a good guy and will hook you up with fast service. for a beginning on the suspension you can go with some kyb agx's for struts and spring of your choice, h&r, eibach, a couple good brands. then shortly after or at the same time get a camber kit. this will move the top of your tire out inorder to keep your tire from wearing so badly.