I just bought a '96 Civic EX coupe, and am wanting to do some mods.
I plan on keeping it somewhat understated (read: inexpensive) as I am a 17 year old kid with college in not too long, and not all that much free time between work and school.
I'd just like to do a little customizing, you know, make it MY car. And a little faster.

 

well the making it your car is up to you... if we give you ideas then it wouldn't exactly be what YOU WANT. as far as the faster but inexpensive it really doesn't exist just get some basic bolt-on mods but don't expect anything drastic.

 

I basically have no knowledge when it comes to car mods, though I am trying to learn. I just wanna know some that give a good bang for the buck

 

well the problem is that the real power adders don't come cheap. you can allways throw on a header, exaust system, CAI (cold air intake), and even a pully kit. just don't expect a whole lot out of it.

 

well think about it.. college isnt cheap, so do you really need to mods, or do you need money for college!

 

thats why you have parents h:

AEM short ram - $90
apexi world sport exhaust - $400
dc sports header - ~$300

then if you want to lower the car you can grab a set of kyb AGX's and they would go for anywhere between 250-300 and then a set of coilovers, ground controls are around 250-300. quality parts arent cheap, you get what you pay for.

 

I've been told the first thing I should get is a cold air intake- true? and which one?

And what is the performance/price benfit of the products you mentioned?
Just curious as I am new to all this and have no clue what I am doing.

 

I don't think my car would look all that great lowered- would it?

(any looks related suggestions are appreciated as well.)

 

Go exactly with what Joe told you. AEM short ram. Or, You can spend a little more and get a J's Racing Carbon Fiber Intake aka "whale's penis" Great intake, and nice power gains. As stated above:

Short Ram Intake
Apex'i WS exhaust
DC Header

EDIT: Your car will look MUCH better slammed. Believe me, drop that with a 2" drop all the way around, and it will be a world of difference!

 

Is it possible to get links to sites that carry these, at least until I get comfortable with the auto world?