I second the EX/Si cluster idea. It's nice having a tach, and it's super-easy to swap out. Also, instead of cheap racing seats, you might want to look into Del Sol seats. They can be found at a junkyard and usually range between $150-$300. They're lighter than stock, sit a little lower in the car, have much better lateral support and aren't as flashy as racing seats.

Del Sol seats are :rockon:
My friend found a pair sitting outside a garage, paid $50 for them, got them re-upholstered. Excellent seats.

Suspension components or tools.

I'd especially recommend the tools if you plan to do the swap yourself. Get a set of good screwdrivers, metric wrenches, metric sockets, and maybe a dremel. I recommend Craftsman tools not only because they are good quality for the money, but they also have a free replacement guarantee if you break a tool (not likely).

Suspension components are also an extremely good idea. You can get a set of sway bars for under $250, and most people say sway bars are more of an improvement in handling than shock & springs. Tower strut bars or lower tie bars are also good investments. Just make sure you get decent/good quality (none of that e-bay stuff). Like quikstep said, suspension components stay the same even if you swap, so they are always a good idea.

Bushings are also a good idea. If you get really concerned with handling, buy the Energy Suspension Hyper-flex bushings kit. They tighten up the entire suspension and make it feel like a new car. The hyper-flex kit includes shifter bushings, which I would recommend buying separately if you don't want the full bushings kit. If you are going to install these bushings yourself, be prepared because they are a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A$$.

Unless the motor you swap in uses different motor mounts, the Energy Suspension motor mount inserts are also a great, cheap mod.

thanks guys, i think im gonna get a b&m short throw shifter, which includes bushings, some glo gauges, some new cheapo pedals cuz mine are really really worn, and i might try to find a used autometer tach or just go hit up a junkyard and see wut i can find. if you have any other suggestions, feel free to add

thanks

o and my father has plenty of tools so im good in that category.

but you're gonna move out eventually (i hope) and tools are ****ing expensive.

tru

If you wanna be cheap just to get your own stuff you don't need a complete set. For the 5th gen Civics all you really need is a 10mm, 12mm (if I remember right) and a 1/2" for the sockets and wrenches to do most things. Make sure the set you get has a 10mm, the socket set I got from my bro (he took an automotive repair class them dropped out and gave em to me) only went as small as 11mm. Although, a complete set is nice so that you don't have to go buy a socket or wrench when you find out you need one (I don't mind too much cause AutoZone is two blocks from my house). Here's a nice writeup / list for someone starting their toolbox: http://www.overboost.com/story.asp?id=436

i was wondering what are dremels used for, i believe i saw one in a diy writeup. it looked like it had a small circle blade on it. can u put different stuff on it. why would i need one anyway. thanks

ps. i think im gonna go buy a small craftsman tool set when i get the money, ill make sure it has everything needed tho

anyone???