1st time civic owner! Hello!
12-16-2010
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1st time civic owner! Hello!
Hello
Last week I purchased a 2004 Honda civic dx, 4 door, automatic sedan with 64,000miles on the odometer. Came with new tires and brakes! Reason I bought this is because I wanted a good reliable commuter car with great gas mileage and reliable. I wanted to keep the miles off my FUN car and gas prices they way they are now are killing me. I was spending about $100 a week in gas and the civic has cut that down so much so it’s almost paying for itself. Plus $500 for full coverage insurance for the year is good too.
Well I have worked on my ex-girlfriends Honda Odyssey and did a timing belt, plugs and tie rod ends. Her v6 had 159,000 on the odometer and it ran perfect. I was so impressed that I bought a civic because of it.
Well the type of guy I am I can’t leave anything alone so here is a list of stuff I have done and planning on doing soon.
Done!!!!
**WeatherTech Floor Liners (tan) Nice!!!!!
** Kenwood KDC-X994 Head unit
**Plugs and air filter
** Remote car starter (yay)
** Silverstar Ultra 9006 headlight bulbs (much brighter)
** Leather cover for the horrible feeling stock steering wheel.
Need to do!
*** KYB GR2 kit (shocks and struts!) Stock ones are done for! Most likely will replace tie rod ends and ball joints since everything will be apart and it’s easy to do and cheap $$$. Might look at a slightly larger rear sway if the KYB don’t correct the massive amount of oversteer but I really think its from the rear shocks being gone!!!!
***System, I have about $3000 into the system in my “fun” car and only can take the stock speakers so long. Going cheaper with Polk MM’s up front (no rears) and a Rockford Fosgate P3 10” sub in a ported/sealed (not sure which one yet) box. All powered by a Kicker 550.3 amp (3channel amp 85w rms frt, 420watts rms sub)
Head unit will be the Kenwood excelon X994 that’s already installed.
***Nice black/tan saddleblanket frt seat covers ($160.00)
*** Eventually get better tires than the POS no name brand that the dealer put on. Going with Yokohama AVID 185/70-14 rocking black steelies with covers.
As for my Toy/ Fun car! I have a 2008 Subaru STI (35,000miles) Stage 2 tune with full 3” turboback exhaust and AEM CAI. It is pushing close to 350bhp and 360ftlb torque. That’s at the crank. Next year I’m planning on a turbo upgrade to a Blouch Dominator 2.5 xtr ball bearing stock mount turbo. With supporting mod and I plan on running a 50/50 meth/water kit I should be pushing around 400-450whp. Really depends on the dyno but my goal is around 400 wheel hp or about 500hp at the crank.
Let me just say driving the civic everyday gives me much more appreciation toward my STI.
So lastly, is their anything I have to watch out for with my civic?
Last week I purchased a 2004 Honda civic dx, 4 door, automatic sedan with 64,000miles on the odometer. Came with new tires and brakes! Reason I bought this is because I wanted a good reliable commuter car with great gas mileage and reliable. I wanted to keep the miles off my FUN car and gas prices they way they are now are killing me. I was spending about $100 a week in gas and the civic has cut that down so much so it’s almost paying for itself. Plus $500 for full coverage insurance for the year is good too.
Well I have worked on my ex-girlfriends Honda Odyssey and did a timing belt, plugs and tie rod ends. Her v6 had 159,000 on the odometer and it ran perfect. I was so impressed that I bought a civic because of it.
Well the type of guy I am I can’t leave anything alone so here is a list of stuff I have done and planning on doing soon.
Done!!!!
**WeatherTech Floor Liners (tan) Nice!!!!!
** Kenwood KDC-X994 Head unit
**Plugs and air filter
** Remote car starter (yay)
** Silverstar Ultra 9006 headlight bulbs (much brighter)
** Leather cover for the horrible feeling stock steering wheel.
Need to do!
*** KYB GR2 kit (shocks and struts!) Stock ones are done for! Most likely will replace tie rod ends and ball joints since everything will be apart and it’s easy to do and cheap $$$. Might look at a slightly larger rear sway if the KYB don’t correct the massive amount of oversteer but I really think its from the rear shocks being gone!!!!
***System, I have about $3000 into the system in my “fun” car and only can take the stock speakers so long. Going cheaper with Polk MM’s up front (no rears) and a Rockford Fosgate P3 10” sub in a ported/sealed (not sure which one yet) box. All powered by a Kicker 550.3 amp (3channel amp 85w rms frt, 420watts rms sub)
Head unit will be the Kenwood excelon X994 that’s already installed.
***Nice black/tan saddleblanket frt seat covers ($160.00)
*** Eventually get better tires than the POS no name brand that the dealer put on. Going with Yokohama AVID 185/70-14 rocking black steelies with covers.
As for my Toy/ Fun car! I have a 2008 Subaru STI (35,000miles) Stage 2 tune with full 3” turboback exhaust and AEM CAI. It is pushing close to 350bhp and 360ftlb torque. That’s at the crank. Next year I’m planning on a turbo upgrade to a Blouch Dominator 2.5 xtr ball bearing stock mount turbo. With supporting mod and I plan on running a 50/50 meth/water kit I should be pushing around 400-450whp. Really depends on the dyno but my goal is around 400 wheel hp or about 500hp at the crank.
Let me just say driving the civic everyday gives me much more appreciation toward my STI.
So lastly, is their anything I have to watch out for with my civic?
12-16-2010
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Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
Welcome to the site, its great to have such a knowledgeable person join!
If your interested in a bit of a handling improvement Tokico HP struts are only slightly more expensive than the KYB GR2s and are a big upgrade to handling. Energy suspension LCA bushings are also an inexpensive and great upgrade. The worst mechanical issue with 7thgen civics is the automatic transmissions, the LCA bushings and motor mount bushings fail quickly, but you can repair those for $30.
Consider starting a build thread for your STi, just like every car forum we're all obsessed with pictures here lol!
If your interested in a bit of a handling improvement Tokico HP struts are only slightly more expensive than the KYB GR2s and are a big upgrade to handling. Energy suspension LCA bushings are also an inexpensive and great upgrade. The worst mechanical issue with 7thgen civics is the automatic transmissions, the LCA bushings and motor mount bushings fail quickly, but you can repair those for $30.
Consider starting a build thread for your STi, just like every car forum we're all obsessed with pictures here lol!
12-16-2010
#3
Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
Yep, pictures!!!
welcome to the forums though, Sounds like you know what you're doing, but this forum is here to support and criticize (if need be)
If any questions, post away!
And enjoy your stay
PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES !!!!!!!!!!!!
welcome to the forums though, Sounds like you know what you're doing, but this forum is here to support and criticize (if need be)
If any questions, post away!
And enjoy your stay
PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES !!!!!!!!!!!!
12-16-2010
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12-17-2010
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Rep Power: 174 Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
Welcome, and u seem to know a lot, so go
Easy on losers like me who at just starting to learn all this car stuff but hey im working a minimum wage job, and I'm 19, the best I can do is a civic, u make it sound terrible compared to ur Sti, don't make me feel bad lol
Easy on losers like me who at just starting to learn all this car stuff
but hey im working a minimum wage job, and I'm 19, the best I can do is a civic, u make it sound terrible compared to ur Sti, don't make me feel bad lol
12-17-2010
#7
Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
PS. Some side notes
Good find on a 60k 7th gen
And for sounds system, how much better are the polk MM series compared to the db series? they are about triple the price lol.
and smart idea with only fronts/no rears
I suggest a sealed 12" because the civic is capable of handling the 12", and sealed sounds really nice inside the vic.
Good find on a 60k 7th gen
And for sounds system, how much better are the polk MM series compared to the db series? they are about triple the price lol.
and smart idea with only fronts/no rears
I suggest a sealed 12" because the civic is capable of handling the 12", and sealed sounds really nice inside the vic.
12-17-2010
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PS. Some side notes
Good find on a 60k 7th gen
And for sounds system, how much better are the polk MM series compared to the db series? they are about triple the price lol.
and smart idea with only fronts/no rears
I suggest a sealed 12" because the civic is capable of handling the 12", and sealed sounds really nice inside the vic.
Good find on a 60k 7th gen
And for sounds system, how much better are the polk MM series compared to the db series? they are about triple the price lol.
and smart idea with only fronts/no rears
I suggest a sealed 12" because the civic is capable of handling the 12", and sealed sounds really nice inside the vic.
Need to do suspension 1st. Thanks to the person that recommended the Tokico HP struts. I never heard of them but they seem really good. Is $425.00 shipped a good price of all 4 or is there anyplace thats cheaper.
I'm still amazed on how cheap parts are for this car. **** the cheapest good brake pads for my STI were $90 (stoptech). Then again it comes with 4 piston Brembo's and 13" rotors stock.
12-17-2010
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The civic is not terrible it's just (in stock form) a regular car. The STI is an amazing car and almost 3 times the HP and handles like its on rails and has all wheel drive.
When I drove my STI all week I was used to it and didnt apriciate it as much for what it is. Now everytime I hop into it, it's like the 1st time.
It's like your dating a really hot chick but you dont think she that hot because your with her all the time. Then she dumps you and you see her a few months later and realize how hot she was and what a good ride you were missing. LOL!
12-17-2010
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I suggested the Tokicos
Mine were $375 shipped from a company on Ebay, if you search around for a bit I'm sure you'll be able to find the same price. The company was from Texas, but I can't find the exact name in my email or paypal records..
Mine were $375 shipped from a company on Ebay, if you search around for a bit I'm sure you'll be able to find the same price. The company was from Texas, but I can't find the exact name in my email or paypal records..
12-17-2010
#11
Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
Hahahaha, what a good analogy
But I dont know how you can justify spending 500+ on just a pair of speakers,
But i guess that's your choice and money lol
I am already amazingly happy with my db6501's
And I have a JL 12w3v2 in my trunk sealed, and my friends say they can hear my coming down the street 3 blocks away lol....
Doubt it, but it sounds solid inside the vic
I'd get a 12w3v3 in a sealed in your vic, you'll love it, not too over the top, but not under either
But I dont know how you can justify spending 500+ on just a pair of speakers,
But i guess that's your choice and money lol
I am already amazingly happy with my db6501's
And I have a JL 12w3v2 in my trunk sealed, and my friends say they can hear my coming down the street 3 blocks away lol....
Doubt it, but it sounds solid inside the vic
I'd get a 12w3v3 in a sealed in your vic, you'll love it, not too over the top, but not under either
12-17-2010
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Rep Power: 338 Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
The civic is not terrible it's just (in stock form) a regular car. The STI is an amazing car and almost 3 times the HP and handles like its on rails and has all wheel drive.
When I drove my STI all week I was used to it and didnt apriciate it as much for what it is. Now everytime I hop into it, it's like the 1st time.
It's like your dating a really hot chick but you dont think she that hot because your with her all the time. Then she dumps you and you see her a few months later and realize how hot she was and what a good ride you were missing. LOL!
When I drove my STI all week I was used to it and didnt apriciate it as much for what it is. Now everytime I hop into it, it's like the 1st time.
It's like your dating a really hot chick but you dont think she that hot because your with her all the time. Then she dumps you and you see her a few months later and realize how hot she was and what a good ride you were missing. LOL!
I drove my 01 miata last month after 9 months apart... the suspension of a miata is amazing... even with the flat spots for 9 months in the garage...
should be driving it next week again!
12-17-2010
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Hahahaha, what a good analogy
But I dont know how you can justify spending 500+ on just a pair of speakers,
But i guess that's your choice and money lol
I am already amazingly happy with my db6501's
And I have a JL 12w3v2 in my trunk sealed, and my friends say they can hear my coming down the street 3 blocks away lol....
Doubt it, but it sounds solid inside the vic
I'd get a 12w3v3 in a sealed in your vic, you'll love it, not too over the top, but not under either
But I dont know how you can justify spending 500+ on just a pair of speakers,
But i guess that's your choice and money lol
I am already amazingly happy with my db6501's
And I have a JL 12w3v2 in my trunk sealed, and my friends say they can hear my coming down the street 3 blocks away lol....
Doubt it, but it sounds solid inside the vic
I'd get a 12w3v3 in a sealed in your vic, you'll love it, not too over the top, but not under either
Have a 10w3v3 sealed in my STI with my polk SR powered by an Alpine PDX-150.4 (150watts rms x4) the rear channels are bridge to run the JL and the front channels run the SR's (no rears). Anyone who knows anything about high end audio and sound stage will never run rear speakers. It will destroy your soundstage.
As for the Jl W3 i honestly like the SQ allot but i'm dissapointed in output. Only because my last car I was running a 10w7 in a ported monster box with a JL 500/1 amp. That thing was increadable SQ and pounded.
For my civic i didnt want to spend that much $$ on a sub in my research i've read some awsome things about RF stage 3 (P3) subs. So i'm going with one of those. I can get it cheaper than the W3 too! I really should have never sold that JL 10W7. Best sub I have ever heard peroid! And I have owned and installed allot of them.
For pics I will try to take some of the civic soon and try to dig up some of the STI next week. I have a youtube video of my exhaust reving on my STI that i will post too but i'm at work and that sight is blocked now.
12-19-2010
#14
Re: 1st time civic owner! Hello!
Have a 10w3v3 sealed in my STI with my polk SR powered by an Alpine PDX-150.4 (150watts rms x4) the rear channels are bridge to run the JL and the front channels run the SR's (no rears). Anyone who knows anything about high end audio and sound stage will never run rear speakers. It will destroy your soundstage.
As for the Jl W3 i honestly like the SQ allot but i'm dissapointed in output. Only because my last car I was running a 10w7 in a ported monster box with a JL 500/1 amp. That thing was increadable SQ and pounded.
For my civic i didnt want to spend that much $$ on a sub in my research i've read some awsome things about RF stage 3 (P3) subs. So i'm going with one of those. I can get it cheaper than the W3 too! I really should have never sold that JL 10W7. Best sub I have ever heard peroid! And I have owned and installed allot of them.
For pics I will try to take some of the civic soon and try to dig up some of the STI next week. I have a youtube video of my exhaust reving on my STI that i will post too but i'm at work and that sight is blocked now.
As for the Jl W3 i honestly like the SQ allot but i'm dissapointed in output. Only because my last car I was running a 10w7 in a ported monster box with a JL 500/1 amp. That thing was increadable SQ and pounded.
For my civic i didnt want to spend that much $$ on a sub in my research i've read some awsome things about RF stage 3 (P3) subs. So i'm going with one of those. I can get it cheaper than the W3 too! I really should have never sold that JL 10W7. Best sub I have ever heard peroid! And I have owned and installed allot of them.
For pics I will try to take some of the civic soon and try to dig up some of the STI next week. I have a youtube video of my exhaust reving on my STI that i will post too but i'm at work and that sight is blocked now.
And obviously the W3 is a HUGE downgrade from a W7, if you've ever had a W7 you can never go back
And if you had a JL 1000/1 for the W7....-drool-...ehh, sorry, it would sound amazing. I have a bunch of car audio fanatic friends. One of them has a Infiniti G37 with JL 1000/1 and 12W7, made me jizz almost
And I know what you're talking about with the rear speakers, even though I dont have a big as budget as most people, I have Polk db6051's in the front, Sealed JL W3v2 in the trunk, and no rear speakers
But i've been debating to drill some holes in my rear deck panel to install 1" tweeters. I think it would complete my setup for now.
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