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Here is my dilemma... I had my heart set on an RSX-S, but alas, my insurance would strangle me. So i decided to purchase an EX. I didn't wan't the Si because, like most of us, I thought it looked like a toy or a mini-mini-van. Plus i didn't want to pay 19,000 for a Civic. Well, I went shopping on Saturday, and we had discussions about what i wanted and "surprise!", as is becoming a problem for Honda, they cannot sell the Si's. They gave me a selling price of 15,400 (not exact) for a 2003 EX, and 16,500 for a 2002 Si. After seeing them both and sitting in them both (did not test drive yet) i was convinced that i should go for the Si for the enhanced performance (160 hp RSX engine and 4-wheel discs sold me) and forget about the hatch look. The interior in the Si is awesome too (three spoke steering wheel), IMO.

1. What is your opinion on my situation, EX or Si?
2. What is the code for the Si engine?
3. Where is a good site for info on the Si (something comparable to this site)? Why is ClubSi.com so cheezy?
4. What will i end up with when i'm done the basic mods? I-H-E? I'm thinking somewhere around 180 hp?

Basically, i want to be comfortable pulling up to most imports and feel comfortable that i can at least make a good showing. Any first-hand info on the Si would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help,
Slainte

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I assumed this should go in G.A.R., if it should be somewhere else, sorry to the mods...

 
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1. Si has much better aftermarket support. The EX of course just looks better.
2. K20A3
3. Umm, dunno.
4. Who knows! The engine is not like the K20A2 I know.

 
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IMO:

1. The EX is good for looks cuz the Si is UGLY (IMO). But if you're going for performance, go with the Si. You'll get a much better response to I-H-E and the ECU upgrade.

2. K20A3

3. lol, beats me, i dunno.

4. Probably around there, maybe 150 w.h.p. (i'm just taking a guess, no flaming!)

 
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The new si is the nastiest thing I have ever seen and I wouldn't be caught dead driving one. Go with the 03 EX man.

 
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get the o3 ex and with the extra money buy yourself a set of rims and drop it. i'd rather that than a 02 si. 160 HP?? weee, its still slow. not like theres even a 1 sec difference. if you truly want performance the civic is not for you unless you have much much money. 03 ex

 
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03' civic

 
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Ephatch.com?

 
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I'd rather have the si because of the motor, interior, and its potential. However, they aren't selling well so it will be a bish to get rid of down the road. Plus, if they are already having to use discounts to move them, how much money you think you are going to loose in the first year of ownership. A whole hay of a lot.

If you plan on keeping the car for like 5 yrs or so, I'd go for it.

As far as everyone saying the si is fugly, the only opinion that matters is YOURs.

 
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'03 ex. just drop another motor in there and you're set

 
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Si all the way
i'd trade mine EX for those seats and engine without a second thought
will have a better resale value too

 
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Si all the way
i'd trade mine EX for those seats and engine without a second thought
will have a better resale value too

 
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SI all the way. its not he best looking car but after i drove a black one it looked much better.

 
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Go for the SI

 
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I like them both so buy what you like best, plus see if you can't get the price down more on the Si, a dealer here in the Tampa area had 2 Si's for $14,999.

 
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Thanks for all your input guys, it will all be considered. I will be keeping the car for a long time most likely, not too worried about reselling. Don't have money for heavy mods like swap or turbo. Final decision will probably come after the test drive this Sat. Thanks to Hawk for that site.

SpeedRacer, where in PG? i work in Laurel, live in AA.