Where do I start with my HB? - HondaClub.com

AmbsHB · 02-17-2007, 04:01 PM

Hey, I'm new as you can see. I've had my 97 Civic Hatchback for a couple months now and the more other Honda owners come up to me about buying it the more it grows on me haha.

I really want to start customizing it but I have no idea where to start. I'd really want to do the smaller, more afforbable things to it first. I deffinately want to make it fast...so what are some affordable things I could update under the hood to get some more HP. I've looked at all sorts of air intakes..but I don't want to pay crap--and ultimately get crap.

It's got a salvaged title..paints bad..needs a new strut. Rides rough all around...seriously. So, new shocks...? 76,000 miles. Clean interior. I love my baby but she needs to be....modified. Affordably.

(I know I want a body kit or even just bumper lips, rims, etc all the general exterior stuff...) but what im lost at is the mechanical aspect. Guess automechanics didn't do a whole lot for me.

I do want a Vtec head on it....but im sure thats to come later than sooner.

Any suggestions of where I can get started?

**TJ213** · 02-17-2007, 05:56 PM

If you are having problems with your suspension thats where I'd start, new stuts, maybe coilovers and have it sit an inch or so lower, you get a better ride, better handling, and a slightly modified look that will look even better when you get a bodykit, or new rims.

NiceTeggy · 02-18-2007, 02:39 AM

I would start at the suspension aswell. Next to that is a nice tune up. While you're at it you may opt for a good set of performance spark plugs ( NGK iridium, or denso iridium, my personal favorite) and a set of good spark plug-wires, along with a less restictive filter ( doesnt have to be a cold air or short ram, just one that fits in your stock air-box, for starters).
With the tune up, it should feel rather stronger. from then on, its up to how much do you have to spend. My advice is......dont get carried away investing in a not-so-good-engine and save some dough and go LS ( B18A/B found in integras)....later on you might want to even go ls vtec. Thats a whole other ball game after that. But what you definetely don't want to do is to spend money on something more than once( egine mods etc.

02-17-2007, 04:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
AmbsHB Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1	Where do I start with my HB? Hey, I'm new as you can see. I've had my 97 Civic Hatchback for a couple months now and the more other Honda owners come up to me about buying it the more it grows on me haha. I really want to start customizing it but I have no idea where to start. I'd really want to do the smaller, more afforbable things to it first. I deffinately want to make it fast...so what are some affordable things I could update under the hood to get some more HP. I've looked at all sorts of air intakes..but I don't want to pay crap--and ultimately get crap. It's got a salvaged title..paints bad..needs a new strut. Rides rough all around...seriously. So, new shocks...? 76,000 miles. Clean interior. I love my baby but she needs to be....modified. Affordably. (I know I want a body kit or even just bumper lips, rims, etc all the general exterior stuff...) but what im lost at is the mechanical aspect. Guess automechanics didn't do a whole lot for me. I do want a Vtec head on it....but im sure thats to come later than sooner. Any suggestions of where I can get started?

02-17-2007, 05:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
TJ213 I've earned a Custom Title Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States Posts: 1,635	If you are having problems with your suspension thats where I'd start, new stuts, maybe coilovers and have it sit an inch or so lower, you get a better ride, better handling, and a slightly modified look that will look even better when you get a bodykit, or new rims. __________________ Comma Club Member #1

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02-18-2007, 02:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
NiceTeggy Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bronx, New York United States Posts: 71	I would start at the suspension aswell. Next to that is a nice tune up. While you're at it you may opt for a good set of performance spark plugs ( NGK iridium, or denso iridium, my personal favorite) and a set of good spark plug-wires, along with a less restictive filter ( doesnt have to be a cold air or short ram, just one that fits in your stock air-box, for starters). With the tune up, it should feel rather stronger. from then on, its up to how much do you have to spend. My advice is......dont get carried away investing in a not-so-good-engine and save some dough and go LS ( B18A/B found in integras)....later on you might want to even go ls vtec. Thats a whole other ball game after that. But what you definetely don't want to do is to spend money on something more than once( egine mods etc.