Rep Power: 0

Ok so I am brand new to this forum and new to the Honda community, and am wondering if it is a good idea to get a 96 Civic Hatch. I love the look of the hatches, and want to try to get to about 250-300 whp as a daily driver. I'm looking at a 96 hatch (DX) with 160000 miles on it (manual). I would plan to rebuild the engine, do fuel and cooling, pistons and other internals, and get a cheap ebay turbo. Probably also looking into Hondata so I could even tune it. I guess my question is are there any major problems I should be weary of? Other than the rear quarter panels rusting. Paint is in meh condition at best, but it is already on coilovers so i dont have to pay for anything there. Do any of you have any good stories with the 96 DX hatch? What is a resonable budget for that amount of power? I don't know what I don't know at this point. Current high school student as im sure you can tell. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 229

...so you want to drop $2000+ on mods, but want risk it all by buying a random turbo that might wobble, explode, and send metal shards into the intake? Lol

I'd recommend a lower end OEM turbo from a 1990s Nissan, either new old stock, or rebuilt, if you dont want to spend on a modern turbo.

Also engine management isnt an option.

.....

As for if the car you're looking at is good.... well it was when it was new, but who knows what kind of people have been neglecting it, or servicing it.

If you dont know what to look for, have it inspected at a mechanic shop before you buy it.

 
Rep Power: 211

B20 block with Vtec head already built engine/cars can be found for the price of that car your looking at plus the cost of a rebuild w/turbo. Plus a B20 Vtec has more torque available from dead stop..no turbo lag.