Rep Power: 285

I have an 02 EX manual that I bought brand new. I never really wanted to do a ton of stuff to it, but after driving it more and more, I missed the HP I was used to. My last car was an 96 SHO (220hp stock for those who don't know SHO's). So needless to say I wanted to get more power to this thing. What I've found is that parts I keep buying aren't making me happy at all. One of the first things I did soon after I bought the car was to put a "strut tower brace" in the engine? I believe it's called that. Anyway, I put one in, and noticed a difference when turning the car at high speeds. I was happy. Next I decided to rip out the entire intake system basically. I had a cone K&N intake from my SHO that I kept, so I figured I would try to mod it in some way to fit it in. I was blown away at the difference it made when I tore everything out. The sound was something I loved immediately. It finally sounded like it had power at least. But I figured I might as well look around on the net and see what I could find for parts. I ended up buying a CAI off ebay for like 50 bucks or something. Bomz I think was the name, but all I really cared about was the pipe. I was going to use my K&N cone on the end of it. It was all good, but I had to rip off my Strut brace. It got in the way of the CAI coming off the engine. So I took it off reluctantly. Just recently I popped the hood for an oil change and noticed all the screws and hardware of the CAI are all rusted to He77!! I haven't even had it on that long and it looks terrible. I'm about ready to rip everything back out and start over. It just frustrates me to no end. I noticed that everyone seems to be using AEM, or Injen intakes. I really don't like the idea of paying like 200 bucks for an intake pipe, but maybe that's what I have to do. Also I need to find something that would work for a strut tower brace again, WITH the CAI at the same time. If I have to spend that kind of money to get stuff to LAST and FIT right, then I guess I have to do it. I also saw ceramic headers on Ebay for like 80 bucks. I'd love to get them, but I'm afraid that I'm just asking for problems again down the road. Any suggestions from people would be great.

I'm a big car buff to say the least. I have a working knowledge of cars and upgrades, but this is my first import. Seems like everyone and their mom makes parts for honda, and I am just coming to the reality that not all of them are good. I could go on about other parts I've had problems with, but I'll spare you. Let's just say I've dropped enough money on disappointing things for a while.

HELP THE STRESSED OUT MAN.

I want my power to be greater. Obviously I will have to be realistic on my gains. I know I won't see 220HP without basically rebuilding everything. Hit me up with info if you can. This is my first post. I appreciate it.

 
Rep Power: 0

yeah with our cars there is so much **** out there that you have to be careful. when it comes to parts you get what you pay for. im sure there are plenty of people selling AEM,Injen (if your lucky K&N) intake systems in the For Sale Forum.
you could look in there as a starting point.
This way you wont have to pay full price.

 
Rep Power: 336

you most likely bought a generic strut bar. What you want is the neuspeed strut bar for 7thgencivics or the DC strut bar, but the neuspeed is a MUCH better design than the DC.

As for power, screw getting intake and header for the civic. Get a cat-back exhaust and then a turbo kit. SF, Maxrev, and Turbo Discounters all make kits for the 7thgen. Most people will tell you to go with the SF kit, as its well designed and has shown great gains on stock internals. SF also has AWESOME customer service and are willing to help you out with any questions. check out the F/I forums on the site for more info.

If you want to go the N/A route, check out DH-Racing's intake manifold and big bore throttle body combo, as well as their PnP Head service. Infact, check out all the DH stuff as well as any other company stuff, except for the KMS Intake Manifold and most GUDE products and services. The KMS IM was crap, as well as anything GUDE has made for the 7thgen.

Just use the search feature on the site for a lot of your questions, as it will provide you with more than enough answers. It'll also save you lots of grief from posting noobish questions that will most likely get you flamed like no other.

Happy Modding.
(be happy i've typed this all out..most of the time i just tell noobs to "go away.")
imp:

 
Rep Power: 0

^^^lol...yeah...its true ive seen it

 
Rep Power: 285

well thanks for no flames on this one. But maybe I'll get it for asking this. Does the turbo kill any remaining warranty that I would have on the car? I'm guessing the answer is going to be a big YES.

 
Rep Power: 336

yup. no doubt. cataylst is making over 300 whp on stock internals. He only replaced his clutch cuz it gave out at like 200 something ft. lbs. torque.

 
Rep Power: 318

YUP! also kiss your CARB legal butt goodbye
and if you own an LX kiss your cat goodbye too!

 
Rep Power: 336

not everyone cares about C.A.R.B

 
Rep Power: 285

it's an EX coupe. Anyway, where I live I have to deal with "Echeck" which is an emissions testing every other year. It's basically what a lot of people have to deal with in Cali so I hear. They test your levels that your exhaust is releasing into the air etc. So it probably would be pointless for me. I wouldn't be able to pass the testing, and therefore wouldn't be able to get my plates.

someone said they were getting 300hp at the wheels off a turbo? Without doing anything to the stock engine? Seems like that is wayyy too much power on a stock engine. Seems like that is just asking for problems. I'm surprised that you can get gains like that on a stock engine. I undstand you'd have to get a new clutch. I had to upgrade my clutch in my SHO for more power as well. But I wasn't pushing 300 hp out of a 4banger honda stock engine.

Seems like the Tranny would be a weak spot too. Anyone had problems running turbos blowing things, breaking things, etc? I'd love to hear experiences. My EX is a daily driver. I wouldn't be able to deal with something going dead one day and not being able to get to work or something the next cause something went bad on me.