Rep Power: 0

Hey guys just bought this ride for one heck of a deal it's got 166k miles and I need your help! this'll be my first actual fixer upper and I need any and all suggestions of Performance upgrades [primary concern] and Cosmetic updo's [besides the obvious XD] thanks!!!

Everything is stock, it's a 1989 Civic LX 5-speed manual

Looking for major performance upgrades [racing quality, etc.]

All contributions greatly appreciated

 
Rep Power: 256

engine swap!

 
Rep Power: 246

I say that you clean up the ride as much as you can. [ie] get rid of as much rust or any defects it has first before you start throwing parts into it. after doing that i say either start on the exterior/interior/engine. Since you said you said you wanted something race quality then i say start researching your performance outlook for that car and work on that first. then do the rest as you go. dunno just my .02

 
Rep Power: 388

Not exactly the ideal car to start to race prep.... how far do you want to go with it? ..aka how much money are you willing to throw at it?

 
Rep Power: 217

Oh common, 89 Vic into a Racing Quality, that car look as dead as it is. Save ur money and atleast try buying 95+ vics to make it look decent racing type. Keep this one stock!

 
Rep Power: 276

Ahhhhh haven't you ever seen the 24 hours of LEMONS triz LOL!

http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/

racing at it's finest

 
Rep Power: 254

-___- no matter what year civic it is it doesnt matter, an ugly looking civic can perform as well as a nice looking civic. cmon give this poor man some hope! i say just do a b16 swap and some mild suspension work. then get some paint and some dubs and call it! lol. (dont literally get dubs on your civic plz)

 
Rep Power: 0

My brother had an 89' hatch that looked ugly as hell! but with the si engine stuck in it, it was fun to drive. except the hood fell off. If it fun for you to drive it, Do what you feel is needed bro.

 
Rep Power: 0

Awesome, thanks guys, big help!
And yeah... It isn't much, but it's a first!
It'll have to do for now.
I think minor cosmetics can wait. We're replacing a lot of the panels with new ones, so painting and such must be put off for a while.

I'm really trying to focus on Engine mods right now, I mean it has 92 bhp.
That's just not enough, you know?

 
Rep Power: 0

Well if your looking for power, I would do a motor swap, then just some simple stuff like CAI, Exhaust, Possibly a chip.

 
Rep Power: 0

get a 89 hatch SI if your going to "fix up" that year.