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Hi All,

My soon to be wife has a 2003 EX. It's a 4-door automatic, but I always loved Civics myself. She just clicked 100,000 miles and I changed the spark plugs and air filter. After reading this great DIY (Forgotten Mods), I'm eager to really clean some stuff - including the throttle and so on. Then I started thinking... could I get a decent intake (since I'd have to remove the air housing anyway), and maybe a header for no more than $200ish? I'm not looking for anything insane on this - it's still her daily driver - but just something to bring back some of the response.

Also, somewhat related, I was going to do the zip-tie throttle cable thing and noticed that even with 100k on the engine, the throttle still opens all the way when totally floored. Would it still be wise to throw in a zip-tie or would that risk too much tension on the throttle cable?

Thanks for any input!

 
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you could get a short intake for under 200, but your not looking at much in the way of performance, it will be alot louder which your wife may not like,

a header will not accomplish anything, unless you do the entire/complete exhaust

 
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An intake will bring back some of the throttle response. I noticed that when I installed my cold air intake. I would say it did increase torque slightly. Not going to get a decent header for under $200.

 
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I know you're looking at engine performance, but grab the neuspeed front upper strut bar. You can prolly find one for $100 used. Best bang for your buck mod, IMO.

I didn't notice the difference when I first installed it, but when I took it off, the difference was apparent.

 
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Thanks guys! Sadly, it sort of sounds like the "upgrades" would be in vain. Although the CAI sounds promising in terms of response! I was looking through several posts and the intake seemed to be a consensus along with what you guys mentioned. I guess aside from making the engine look cleaner, might be a waste, (rather put the money towards an air compressor ). As for the header, i kind of figured that until i saw the HP header thread. I think i was secretly hoping an intake and just header would throw maybe 10hp but sounds like a pipe dream.

So the strut bar...that's interesting. Might see what the going rate is. I think i'm going to troll through some more threads and make a solid "To Do" list that I can do myself on the cheap - such as the maintenance like the oxygen sensors and go from there. Until then, I think I'm going to give the zip-tie-cable thing a go

EDIT Just a thought. My Explorer ran like crap a year ago and I pulled a code for a misfire. Change the plugs, (biggest money pit ever on the Triton V8), and nothing. Changed to Accel engine coils and the damn thing moved like it was on jet fuel. Civic OEM ones looked fine when i did the plugs, but any gains there?

 
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Plugs are lot going to change anything as far as hp is concerned but if they are worn it will help it run better. If you do replace them use NGK or Denso Laser, NO BOSCH!

 
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Thanks GolNat! I went with the NGK Iridium and this morning was the first drive for my gf. She didn't really notice anything. Sort of bummed out, but honestly, the plugs I pulled looked really good at 100k so how can i be disappointed?

I'm a Ford dude. Family thing, you know? Always liked Hondas - mainly the Civics. Getting under the hood the past year or so, I wish I had photos to compare how her 2003 EX has "aged" against my newer Explorer - which will apparently only run if it lights up the dash like a Christmas tree. Kind of cool to get a "wow" factor, but I think regular maintenance, unlike the Explorer, shouldn't count as a freakin' upgrade!
Civic 1 Explorer 0

 
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1 question.... has the timing belt ever been changed ??

Certainly something to consider.

 
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for 200 a nice thing to do to make it quicker would be a cold air intake itl add hp and always a quick way to add hp quick,also a header is also a quick way you can find a nice used header on craigslist if you dont wanna spend to much on one

 
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Timing Belt? Didn't even think of that. I just took a gander at the two DIYs... That might be a bit over my head. Wonder what a dealer would charge for that...?

 
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A broken belt will damage these engines,

I put together everything OEM online for a little over $200.

Our dealer wanted $650 total and would have only done minimal, I had seals & tensioner done along with other items.

 
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that should be your number one priority and ASAP

now you know what to put that $200 buck towards

 
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Yes it will.

I wouldn't take a chance if you are not sure if its been done. If you can verify that it has been done, also verify which parts have been changed. I assumed when purchasing my 01 that the timing belt tensioner was done since the service was done at a dealer from the previous owner. I think I assumed wrong since the tensioner broke on me before the next scheduled timing belt change.

I agree, the mods can wait.

 
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Sounds like a timing belt is definitely on the wish list! I think i need to reread those two DIYs and see if it's something I can handle. More than any "upgrades", this baby needs to be her daily driver.

Thanks for the advice!

 
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Timing belt isn't hard. Just intimidating and time consuming.

 
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Don't bother with the intake, they don't give any performance gains unless you add more mods to the engine which will then only increase it by maybe 10% power. Also you won't be able to find a header for under 200$. If you're looking to increase power, the best way to go would be to get a stage 1 camshaft, and you can get those for around 280$ which isn't that much over your budget for the performance.

 
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Sure you weren't referring to my forthcoming marriage?

Ironically, some posts mentioned doing the stage 1 cam while doing the timing belt. Could be in the works. I'd really prefer to do the TB myself for a number of reasons, but I might call a few dealers this week with our taxes on the way just to play it on the safe side. If they're outrageous, it's got to be a DIY.

 
Rep Power: 209

a botched timing belt job can severely damage your engine,

if you have any doubts in your mind that you can not complete the job properly i would suggest taking it to a dealer,

same thing applies to a camshaft replacement

 
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if you going to do a timing belt replacement, please do check the head gasket for leaks, there's two easy tests for them. (the job is almost the same).

+1 on the suspension mods, these cars like and deliver more on that field.
The other mod is the rear sway bar, such as installing a RSX rear sway bar, that you could get from a junk yard.