ok, my car is a simple lowly DX, and i have different plans on what to do to it.

1. engine swap (not for a long time due to $ constraints)

2. homemade turbo ( already got a used DSM intercooler to start this project, but if i do something wrong and really screw up my engine, im totally screwed, due to not enough $ to fix the car)

3. go with the usual I/H/E method, and just make the car look nice, but have no real power, keep it as my daily driver (i still have payments on it too) and buy an older civic as a project car, i want a 92-95 hatch, someone was actually gonna sell me their 93 Si hatch for $3500 (mostly stock, newer wheels, lowering springs, exhaust), but i didnt have the $$. if i did kill a project car, i wouldnt care, because i can still get around with my daily driver.

currently i haven't done too much to my car, intake, muffler, new radio with new speakers, tach, 'ricey' wing, and other little things, i dont try to make the car out for more than what it is, i like it lots, and mostly everyone else does too.

i had someone at a 'shop' tell me my car wasnt worth doing anything too, and i should sell it for something better, but i like this car, so that's outta the question.

what do you guys thing?

(please only post helpful advice, not tell me my car sucks and that's it)

 

Don't waste your money on bolt-ons that won't do squat. You could spend up to $1k on Bolt-ons that may add a few ponies in the high end or you could save that $1k for a turbo that'll add 30+ ponies and actually be worth it. I wouldn't suggest peicing together a DIY turbo if you aren't experienced or are close with people that are. But if you know what your doing I say go with that option. I wouldn't save for a swap only cause by then you may want a new car. But if you see yourself making enough in the next 6 months to a year, then I say save up for the swap and don't touch your car till then

 

for the past year I have been doing body modifications and suspension modifications. the car is finally getting to a stopping point at both and then I'm gonna save for some hp.

I haven't decided which way to go yet but the reason I've been putting it off is like you money is not coming out the ass right now. it would take me an entire year to save up $2000, but by this time next year when I graduate it will take like 2-3 months.

I just hate having such a slow car for the time being, but boy she looks purdy.

 

Have you ever thought about autoX prepping your car? I mean just going full blown suspension? Our cars cost to much to make em perform in the straight line and handeling the twisties is what our cars do best so why not?

 

due to car payments, ill have the car another 3 years before it's all mine. im currently unemployed, so money is a hard thing, unemployment doesnt pay too much.

 

autoX is a nifty idea, that's like off-road kinda right? (sorry for my stupidity, i know things, just not names of things to identify)

i used to have a jeep CJ-7 (old wrangler), and didnt do any true off-roading, but what i did was pretty fun.

 

no, you're thinking about rally cross. Auto cross is racing in (usually) parking lots around a course made of cones.

 

honestly if you want some straight line power increases juice it... youd be surprised how much differance a little 50 shot will do, and it is relatively cheap..... $500 for 50 horse... think about it..

BTW.. autox is great if that is what you want.. if i were you i would decide on exactly what kind of performance you seek... are you looking for a high MPH highway turning curves performance, or are you loking for mustang killing stop light drag race performance...

 

i like the 'off the line' kinda power, i was driving around with sum friends last nite, and one of them just got a used neon, and we raced around a bit, i was surprised, it was a little quicker than i thought

 

here is exactly what you do.. invest in a GOOD tune up.. top to bottom test everything fuel and ignition related.. then get the NOS 5122 kit.. and you will love it.. it will be the best $500 you will EVER spend.. forget about turbo go bottle then when if you ever swap you can just move the kit to the new motor without buying a single new part..:thumbup: