95 civic dx

[balactm]

well. since i've got a new car, it's probably time i start this "project" thread. I'm using the word "project" loosely because the title of the "project" would be more adequately put as "the least ricey, more tasteful mods that will attract the least amount of thieves and cops as possible project." that in mind. I have a few ideas floating around, but would also like some input from you all. here's what i have in mind.

I like the idea of doing some exterior mods to separate it slightly from other civics:
1. lowering springs (preferably around 2") - will i need new shocks for this?
2. amber corner lights. or clear corner lights. vote?
3. potentially some red/clear taillights. look em up on ebay. they're pretty cool and provides a little change. also, if you look in the pictures, they differ in that the top half of the taillights would be clear instead of the clear/yellow they already are.

I know that i want to replace the gauge cluster with one that has a tach. the ex's and the si's (i think) have the tach and it's apparently a bolt on.

as far as performance mods:
??????
I kind of want an intake - but this would be more for fuel economy reasons.
And i don't think i want an exhaust unless it's a 2" tip, because i don't want to attract thieves. - here the idea is stock looking but with better airflow to help fuel economy.
any suggestions on other performance mods other than a mini me swap?

oh. and does anyone have two honda badges? mine are missing. and i like the stock look. (i know this is probably the riciest thing i could ask)

reminder: I AM CHEAP so keep that in mind when suggesting stuff. Also, I'm not into the fart cannons.

I'm also contemplating plate ideas. here's what i have so far:
BEETR (BEATR was already taken)


here are some pics to get some ideas.



[/b]

[Goodspeed]

Also, I'm not into the fart cannons.

I'd like to go on record as being the one to suggest this to Taylor:



GL with whatever you decide to do. If it were mine I'd keep it bone, dead stock for the thieves/cops reason, but the aftermarket is too huge and tempting for that car.

[balactm]

found some H&R springs.

positive - they are cheap, come in 3 different drop levels, namebrand, good rep
negative- anyone? is there a negative to these springs?

[Mike]

1. springs. h&r are good quality. your stock shocks will handle them, but you may want to upgrade to something a little sportier down the line. i think you can pick up a set of kyb agx for $350ish new? you'd be really happy with those.

2. amber corners.

3. leave the stock tails if you go amber. get red/clear if you get clear corners. edit: but don't get clear corners unless you're trying to bring '98 back.

4. start off by removing the stock resonator. my car didn't have one, but i know of two old accords that did. it should be a tube coming off the airbox that goes in to a big plastic canister. will give you a slightly better throttle response, maybe 1/2 an hp, and will give you a nice tone.

5. exhaust. don't bother with a full one since you said you're cheap. pick up a magnaflow oval, get it tacked on there, call it a day.

6. no more performance mods. you'd be wasting money trying to polish a serious turd.

7. honda badges are like $10/ea from majestic: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/">http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/</a><!-- m -->

[.RJ]

you'd be wasting money trying to polish a serious turd.

+1

Its a beater, you bought it for cheap transport, just leave well enough alone.

[JustinG]

I would recommend a front plate be on your agenda. I dunno if it was cause of my car, but the troopers on 81 and the cops in the area are nazis for a front plate.

[DavidM]

He's got it in the windshield which AFAK is ok.

[.RJ]

He's got it in the windshield which AFAK is ok.

Nope.

[Mike]

He's got it in the windshield which AFAK is ok.

ok for severing heads. if it's not on the front of the car there had better be a damn good reason (to a cop).

[ViPER1313]

I would really recommend against the springs - putting lowing springs on old ass OEM struts usually makes the car pogo around. The KYB/Eibachs on my Talon blow (although it is still better than having a blow strut that sounded like a gunshot whenever I hit a bump.)

[DavidM]

I stand corrected.

[balactm]

I would recommend a front plate be on your agenda. I dunno if it was cause of my car, but the troopers on 81 and the cops in the area are nazis for a front plate.

sorry those are old pics. I mounted it the day after i took those.

Mike - already removed the resonator. Didn't do much, but if you listen closely you can hear it. Wasn't planning on a full exhaust. so i might just get a cheap muffler that doesn't have a 4 in opening.

I would really recommend against the springs - putting lowing springs on old ass OEM struts usually makes the car pogo around. The KYB/Eibachs on my Talon blow (although it is still better than having a blow strut that sounded like a gunshot whenever I hit a bump.)

I think after reading the reviews on the springs i'm looking at, they apparently do pretty well with the stock shocks. plus, it's not like i'm spending 400 on springs. they're like 160. my only other question there would be height. They come in oem (drops like 1.4"), sport (1.5-2"), and race (up to 2.75"). I was thinking the sport that way i can still get some rims if i ever decide not to be a cheap ass and they won't rub. or do i just go all the way and get the most ridonkulous springs and eff up my undercarriage when going over a speed hump...

[JustinG]

SLAM DAT BIZNITCH YO

You could just save yourself alotta money and just cut the springs

[balactm]

SLAM DAT BIZNITCH YO

You could just save yourself alotta money and just cut the springs

i know. but doesn't that eff up the camber and all that?

[JustinG]

no of course not....thats just silly

[Mike]

SLAM DAT BIZNITCH YO

You could just save yourself alotta money and just cut the springs

i know. but doesn't that eff up the camber and all that?

camber will be equally effed on cut springs or lowering springs. lowering springs usually are a higher spring rate to keep you from bottoming out everywhere you go.

[D_Eclipse9916]

LOL just LOL

Can I come and smack you taylor?

[Maengelito]

"the least ricey, more tasteful mods that will attract the least amount of thieves and cops as possible project."

just stop right there. no springs, no tail lights, leave it as it is.

[ViPER1313]

Seriously, either do what Maeng said or throw a ZEX dry kit on it.

Ricer approach: lowering springs + louder exhaust & intake + clear corners = uglier than stock Civic with +2hp and a choppy ride because the struts are crap. Total price for fail = ~$400

Zex Approach = +35 or 55hp for the same price. And you get to keep it for the next car. And the car doesn't ride like crap / bottom out going into Texico, Squire Hill, Parking Deck and any other 2in road obstacle.

Stock approach = cheaper than Zex approach, better than ricer approach.

[CaptainHenreh]

I need two, and make it big ones. And I need them by tonight...