I was interested in adding something in that would allow me to lower my 95 Civic EX. I have heard some comments from people with airbags (or air-suspension) but none of those I have talked to have dealt with any kind of coilovers or lowering springs. I was wondering if there is one option that is clearly above the others and if not what are the major advantages and disadvantages to each? Thanks for your time.

-Mike

 

Here's one I suppose...
I've been seeing STAGE # (from like 1 - 3, or something) in reference to ecu's and other things, but I have no idea what it supposed to mean...anyone shed some light? Thanx...

 

Stage is the dealer's way of selling a pre-packaged group of something. It's also the way for morons who have no brains but plenty of cash to join in the fun of modding their cars. They don't care what style intake they have, don't care what trim their turbo is, they just want a faster car with simple mono-syllable words to describe it to their friends. :fawk:

Never mind the fact that different dealers/vendors have different stage definitions. You might get a "Stage 1" from So-and-so Racing which includes just an air filter. I might have bought a "Stage 1" from Whoever Racing which includes my block being bored & resleeved plus aftermarket rods & pistons, individual throttlebodies, custom 4-2-1 header, and a 300 shot of nitrous oxide. But hey, Stage 1 vs. Stage 1 should be a fair race, right?

Long story short, stages don't mean shit. Take the time to learn what you're REALLY bolting onto your car.

 

how does a rear sway bar install on a 5th gen civic suspension?

edit - i figured it out. i would like to know why honda bastardized the 5th gen by removing the holes from the LCA.

 

I'm deciding whether to just get a K&N air filter (cheap, very slight improvement in pwr & economy) or get an AEM Short Ram. This is for my '04 Civic EX MT sedan. One thing I haven't seen is whether a short ram helps or hurts fuel economy. Power looks like it might go up by 5-6 hp in the high end and torque looks improved by 5-6 lb-ft at the bottom and at the high end (not the middle though) on the Civic. This is coming from the AEM site on a test of an AT 7G Civic EX. I'm liking those gains, but the fuel economy is the question since I drive a good 60-80 miles a day depending what I'm doing. So far, I'm generally doing 35-36 mpg in my car, and I am not always light on the accelerator either!

Also important for the commute, in terms of noise is the SRS not really noticeable, somewhat noticable, or loud?

Lastly, some say that with a CAI or short ram you will lose low end torque, but gain high end hp. But the AEM site contradicts that, with torque gains up to 3000rpm, then a slight loss between 3250 and 3750, then more gains above 4000. Any opinions or experience on that part?

 

what bad things can happen to the paint as a result of spilling a bit of gasoline on your car?

 

Well if you let it sit on the paint, it'll eventually eat through the clearcoat and then the paint. Not a pretty sight.

 

15's are very ideal for autocross, with that much turning and body roll, you want smaller wheels to handle it without rubbing, go with 15's if you want to take up autocrossing, and make sure they're light :thumbup: And don't skimp on the tires, the stickier, the better, but it's also the stickier the more expensive.

Edit: Whoops :doh:

 

I just recently got a 00 civic ex (D16Y8 engine) and want to do a swap. This falls under the simple stupid questions because I dont know what engine would make a good swap. I have a 92 teg GS with the b16 in it and I see the power difference between the two and I want the civic to be able to keep up. Thanks in advance