Hi! Old guy newbie here
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Hi! Old guy newbie here
Newbie from Chicago area, but old GM guy. Had a couple of Vettes awhile back. With middle-age crisis right around the corner I been thinking real hard about getting something to replace my '98 Malibou. It's gotta go. Been thinking about a Civic EX coupe with a manual. Also a Tiburon GT, Sentra SE-R SpecV, a nice Integra GS-R (if I can find one) or possibly an RSX. Like the '03-'05 EXs but am worried about lack of HP (not to mention torque). But really, just looking for something fun to drive that gets decent mileage. I would say if the Civic EX had about 155to 165HP, in that light of a car it would be a no brainer. Sounds like getting it up to that, however, will take a lot more than bolt ons.
Your thoughts aprreciated. Have a good one.
Commish
Your thoughts aprreciated. Have a good one.
Commish
Welcome to the board. First off, Good decision landing your eye on Honda products!
You've prettymuch already figured it out. The D17 engines in our 7thg gens aren't very good for modding and don't want to give up much more hp/tq without major re-working.
If it turns out that the low HP isn't somthing you can deal with, then you certainly should look into the RSX or new Civic Si. The new Si's are somewhat uncommon right now, but are rated at nearly 200hp. The standard RSX (k20a3 engine) is somewhere around 160 and feels like it has much more low end grunt than the Civic D17 (my brother has a std. RSX, so I have driven both).
Honestly, the standard RSX is not a bad package and used ones can be had for good prices. It reminds me a lot of my own car. (it should, they are nearly the same) What you'll notice on the RSX is a tighter/stiffer suspension package (even on the standard) and a much more responsive gas pedal, especially at low speed. Other than that, they seem very similar to me.
A little insight on the low power of the 7th gen engine... I cruise on the highway at 80 almost all the time. It runs effortlessly at this speed, even with a/c on full blast. The engine is not struggling at all to carry you through daily life. Entering the expressway & merging is typically no problem either. The car is not underpowered in any way to hinder it's regular driving functionality.. it just has very little "FUN" power left over in it for driving in a spirited manner. If you want the FUN, you probably will need to look at another model, like the RSX or Si.
Cheers! Hope you find the Honda that fits your needs!
You've prettymuch already figured it out. The D17 engines in our 7thg gens aren't very good for modding and don't want to give up much more hp/tq without major re-working.
If it turns out that the low HP isn't somthing you can deal with, then you certainly should look into the RSX or new Civic Si. The new Si's are somewhat uncommon right now, but are rated at nearly 200hp. The standard RSX (k20a3 engine) is somewhere around 160 and feels like it has much more low end grunt than the Civic D17 (my brother has a std. RSX, so I have driven both).
Honestly, the standard RSX is not a bad package and used ones can be had for good prices. It reminds me a lot of my own car. (it should, they are nearly the same) What you'll notice on the RSX is a tighter/stiffer suspension package (even on the standard) and a much more responsive gas pedal, especially at low speed. Other than that, they seem very similar to me.
A little insight on the low power of the 7th gen engine... I cruise on the highway at 80 almost all the time. It runs effortlessly at this speed, even with a/c on full blast. The engine is not struggling at all to carry you through daily life. Entering the expressway & merging is typically no problem either. The car is not underpowered in any way to hinder it's regular driving functionality.. it just has very little "FUN" power left over in it for driving in a spirited manner. If you want the FUN, you probably will need to look at another model, like the RSX or Si.
Cheers! Hope you find the Honda that fits your needs!
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Thanks for your thoughts. Big help. To be honest, the reason I was steering clear of the Si and Type S RSX was the premium gas issue. Though I really like the look of the Civic better, I think I'm going to go with your advice--and my instincts--and start looking a lot closer at the160-hp standard RSX. (By the way, I think the 2005s and 2006s look noticeable better than the earlier models.) In addition to the added power it sounds like the suspension is going to make this a much more "fun drive." Let me ask you this, and then I'll quit bugging you. If you had a std. RSX how would you mod it if you didn't want to screw up the basic characterisitics of the engine to much (hard starting, not as good mileage, etc.)? I'm thinking CAI, catback and maybe a headershould add another 15-20hp. Sounds like you believe the suspension is okay as is. Anything else you can think of?
Thanks for your thoughts. Big help. To be honest, the reason I was steering clear of the Si and Type S RSX was the premium gas issue. Though I really like the look of the Civic better, I think I'm going to go with your advice--and my instincts--and start looking a lot closer at the160-hp standard RSX. (By the way, I think the 2005s and 2006s look noticeable better than the earlier models.) In addition to the added power it sounds like the suspension is going to make this a much more "fun drive." Let me ask you this, and then I'll quit bugging you. If you had a std. RSX how would you mod it if you didn't want to screw up the basic characterisitics of the engine to much (hard starting, not as good mileage, etc.)? I'm thinking CAI, catback and maybe a headershould add another 15-20hp. Sounds like you believe the suspension is okay as is. Anything else you can think of?
Me personally I would leave the engine as is if you don't want it to be quick. I would do the basic bolt-ons. the K-series engines respond good to bolt-ons, so that should give it some peep. Me personaly I would do the suspension, that is what Honda is known for the suspension. just to give you a heads up, suspension is a lot if you do it right. You might even want to look at K-pro (and ecu upgrade) after you do your basic bolt-ons.
you can check out clubrsx.com if you want a RSX forum.
you can check out clubrsx.com if you want a RSX forum.
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Thanks for the advice. Like I said, I'm an old GM guy so this is all new to me. I'm definitely buying something this summer. Just want to know that I have some options down the road. I'll definitely check into the suspension mods.
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Rep Power: 0 I wouldn't worry too much about the premium gas. If you do the math, as I have owned 2 3000GT's, the extra money spent on premium gas calculates out to the equivalent of driving a regular gas vehicle that gets 2 mpg less. It's very insignificant and you will acquire an appreciation for hitting the premium button at the tank. I currently own an 02 EX and a 95 3000GT TT VR4. I drive about 40,000 miles a year, and don't mind the difference in fuel costs, buy something you enjoy driving. The power in the EX isn't actually that bad, I love driving mine. It's entirely stock and you can wind out the gears and still pull 30 mpg.
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Originally Posted by Commissioner
AO3:
Thanks for your thoughts. Big help. To be honest, the reason I was steering clear of the Si and Type S RSX was the premium gas issue. Though I really like the look of the Civic better, I think I'm going to go with your advice--and my instincts--and start looking a lot closer at the160-hp standard RSX. (By the way, I think the 2005s and 2006s look noticeable better than the earlier models.) In addition to the added power it sounds like the suspension is going to make this a much more "fun drive." Let me ask you this, and then I'll quit bugging you. If you had a std. RSX how would you mod it if you didn't want to screw up the basic characterisitics of the engine to much (hard starting, not as good mileage, etc.)? I'm thinking CAI, catback and maybe a headershould add another 15-20hp. Sounds like you believe the suspension is okay as is. Anything else you can think of?
Thanks for your thoughts. Big help. To be honest, the reason I was steering clear of the Si and Type S RSX was the premium gas issue. Though I really like the look of the Civic better, I think I'm going to go with your advice--and my instincts--and start looking a lot closer at the160-hp standard RSX. (By the way, I think the 2005s and 2006s look noticeable better than the earlier models.) In addition to the added power it sounds like the suspension is going to make this a much more "fun drive." Let me ask you this, and then I'll quit bugging you. If you had a std. RSX how would you mod it if you didn't want to screw up the basic characterisitics of the engine to much (hard starting, not as good mileage, etc.)? I'm thinking CAI, catback and maybe a headershould add another 15-20hp. Sounds like you believe the suspension is okay as is. Anything else you can think of?
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