Civic to Integra perf? Why Not?

Fox · 04-22-2003

Hey Guys

My Dad is looking at the Civc Si, (Canadian, so EX US) and was not that impressed with it compared to our mint 93 Integra RS. There's only a 13 horse difference (127 vs 140) and our Integra is an AUTO, whereas he drove a 5 spd Civic, but it really didn't seem to pull as well or as easily. You'd think that with VTEC those 127 horses would be delivered in a more useful way than our non-VTEC 140.

He also drove an Acura EL (with the Civc 127) in another city with a drive uphill and it was definitely not as good as the Integra.

I'd also think VTEC could make up for a 100cc difference and deliver at least the same power as the non-VTEC 140 horse 1.8 we have.

Is there some sort of big restriction in the Civic's setup that explains why it's so sucked for power?

Basically, what would be the cheapest way to get the new Civic up to old base Integra performance in the 140-145 horse range?

If it isn't that feasible he may forget performance and by a Matrix for the big trunk! HELP!

Fox

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ZMan2k2 · 04-22-2003

First, the V-TEC in the new D-series engine isn't really V-TEC. The power gains that it gives are minimal at best. Second, the cat converter on these cars is very close to the exhaust ports, and is very restrictive. Third, the car is very well tuned for minimal emissions (ULEV rating) and when you are trying to squeeze more out of it, it just doesn't give you much to play with.

From reading alot of posts on this site, the best way to add power is with a custom turbo setup. But that means some serious $$$. If you're looking for performance out of the box, and you have already considered it, look at the Matrix, or even the Pontiac Vibe. It's the same as the Matrix, just a little cheaper.

Renamazazo · 04-22-2003

Keep in mind that 127 HP is 127 HP with or without vtec... SO a 127 HP car will feel like a 127 HP car... if you turbo'd a car and it was only putting out 127 HP it would feel the same as a non turbo car (basically...) because it would still only have 127 HP...

So, the V-Tec isn't going to make up for the 13 HP difference because there is a 13 HP difference. Am I making sense? The integra will be more powerfull then the EX cause it has more HP... that's the bottom line. As far as getting a civic to 140 HP... you'd have to spend a lot of money for those extra 13 HP... it would make more sense to go all out as mentioned above and just turbo it but that's more then you'd probably want to spend.

-Mark

Fox · 04-22-2003

Thanks for the replies. I was just thinking with VTEC the output should be less peaky and maybe come on earlier.

How far do you think something like cold air/throttle body would go?

robbclark1 · 04-22-2003

I agree with Zman. You won't squeeze much out of the D series engine. and I really suggest a Pontiac Vibe. It is a toyota engine, but an american label so it is cheaper than the japanese version. You should be able to squeeze more out of that engine as it has a 1.8l engine rated a 130hp. I think it is the same engine in the corolla. Parts for those cars will be forthcoming tho.

From the people here, upgrading to a CAI and boring your TB won't do that much. to increase air flow you will have to get a CAI, bore you TB, port and polish, new head gasket, and a full exhaust system with high flow cat to get some power. Ask Spider or Black99vtec for more info on internal workings. That might give you a great amount of air flow and some HP but you might lose some torque.

Slainte · 04-22-2003

Get a canadian Si-R... test drive it and tell me you don't like it... unless your're looking for an automatic?

sadboy916 · 04-22-2003

unless its in a nsx VTEC IS WEAK.

i still dont know why people blow it up i think b/c its catchy.

R3DL1N3 · 04-22-2003

umm s2000, prelude, integra type r....and youre saying its weak?

Spider883 · 04-22-2003

second time today i was referenced in a post.. cool.. and if u need any info on port/polish or bored TB just pm me

sadboy916 · 04-22-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by R3DL1N3
umm s2000, prelude, integra type r....and youre saying its weak?

the prelude and integra type r are weak. as for the s2k i think its a major girl car just a fast one. (thats just my opinion i know it has good handles to but i dont like the styling)

$26,233 for a mid to high 15 sec car just b/c it has a red "type r" sticker NO THANKS

look at a z28 camaro base price on those is $21,615 and a firebird formula is only $23,870 msrp

yea the honda's and acura's look cool but thats about it. the reason i bought my civic is for a nice daily driver not for any kind of performance

Spider883 · 04-22-2003

i had a 98' Z28 6speed and it broke about once everyother week.. so in the end u are paying more.... and my friend has a ITR w/ i/h/e and it runs a low 13 so stock a mid to low 14.. a 01 up civic with a excellent drive can pull off a high 15 in a stocker

Voiceofid · 04-22-2003

i think the older tegs have more torque too

sadboy916 · 04-22-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Spider883
i had a 98' Z28 6speed and it broke about once everyother week.. so in the end u are paying more.... and my friend has a ITR w/ i/h/e and it runs a low 13 so stock a mid to low 14.. a 01 up civic with a excellent drive can pull off a high 15 in a stocker

are you trying to say a type r is better than a z28????

anyways your z28 must have been a lemon my family always has bought camaros or firebirds for decades and they have been very good to us.

Spider883 · 04-22-2003

yes an itr is better then a Z28 in everything except straight line performance

sadboy916 · 04-22-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Spider883
yes an itr is better then a Z28 in everything except straight line performance

thats your opinion i dont agree with it but whatever