9 replies to this topic

[kacivic]

Ok, so had my EW4 G3 for about 2 weeks now, and I think I've about gotten the brake issues resolved. Should just be a minor adjustment on the brake booster rod, then w/ my Brembo rotors and EBC green stuff pads & integra rear disk setup, I should be able to stop reliably.

So, now it's time to give her a little more "pick-up". It looks like my main options are to try and yank a D16/tranny/axles/etc. out of the local junkyard and retire my 210k ew4, or just mod this. That debate I'll be having with my wife... but anyway, I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, but have just a few (i think) pretty basic questions to start off...

Header options: What i've found so far are a Pacesetter header and a Chikara (hedman) header. Both of these are a 4-2-1 design and should bolt up directly to my existing exhaust setup w/ no major modification. Both are also right around $150 (really cheap for Honda headers, in my experience). So then my question is, are there any other options available, and what would be my best bet.

Intake options: Does anyone make a custom fit cold air style kit for this car? I haven't been able to find anything yet, but it looks like it shouldn't be hard to make my own. I'm kind of leaning towards relocating my battery to the trunk anyway, so I think I should have plenty of room to make my piping fit.

Suspension options: I've followed most of the links for parts listed in the How-to section, but it seems that most of the sites listed are manufacturer's websites and they don't actually sell the parts on those sites. I'm looking for a pretty simple rear setup that will lower the car about 1" and give a slightly stiffer ride. Are there any specific setups that you guys recommend?

I don't know much about front torsion bars and their stiffness/lowering capacity/etc. but I will do a search on that specifically before I ask any specific questions there.

Also looking for strut tower braces and sway bar options.

Sorry for making this such a long post, but it seems that there is not much of an aftermarket easily accessable for these cars. I've got a 1988 Jackson Racing catalogue and wish I could just order parts directly out of that. I'm gonna call them probably within the week and see if they still make any of those parts...

Anyway, thanks in advance for your paitence/help

[Madkore]

1. Get the Chikara Header. Pacesetter sucks. I dealt with PS in the 70s when they were based in Los Angeles. We used to call them Pacemaker because every time we saw how they did things, our hearts would stop.

2. You can mod a CAI to fit, or build your own out of plastic tubing from the hardware store. Many RPR members have made their own. HKS used to make one. Some people have just looked for the one that was the closest to ours, and then modded it to fit. Do you have a carbed or fuel injected car? If carbed, then look for the devac FAQ. If FI, then there is a world of stuff you could do.

3. Simple = Cut down Integra or Civic Wagon Rear Springs. Mugen did it.

I don't like progressive rear springs (Jackson) because the front is not progressive (torsion bars). Lightspeed used to make straight rate rear springs for our cars. I had them before I went adjustable. You can also go for the Monkey Tek Adjustable Rear Coilovers so you can adjust the height of the rear. Takumi is taking orders right now.

The front torsion bars are already adjustable, but you may want to respline them to lower the car another inch. You can order stiffer torsion bars (24 mm or 27 mm) from Upgrade Motoring. Ask for Glenn and he will take care of you.

Tokico Illuminas are great adjustable shocks. Konis are super expensive, but great for racing. KYB's aren't bad.

4. Mr D sells Cusco Strut Tower Braces at Heel and Toe Automotive.
Also check NOPI and Summit Racing. I think JC Whitney was having a sale on Integra Strut Braces, which will fit on our cars.

Also, RPR Classifieds and eBay are your friends.

Good luck, and let us know what other questions/issues you have.

Madkore

[Madkore]

Just checked your sig, and saw you have a fuel injected Si.

That means you could do any or all of this:

Engine Mods:

1985 CRX Si Fuel Injected Engine
P&P Cylinder Head
Ported Intake Manifold
Big Cam (Gude Bullfrog)
HD Valve Springs
RC Ported Throttle Body
OPM 4 to 1 Header
Oversize Lucas Fuel Injectors
ARP Rod Bolts
Balanced Rotating Assembly
MSD Ignition
MSD Coil
HKS CAI with K&N Filter
HKS Cat-Back Exhaust System
Hi Flow Catalytic
Integra ECU
Recurved Distributer

Speed is Money.
How Fast do you want to go?

And there are several RPR member in Texas.

Edited by Madkore, 16 August 2006 - 03:16 PM.

[RFL85CRXSI]

If your really looking for one hell of a fun ride, go with a custom turbo set up. The EW series engines react very well to boost (that is a safe amount)

[zakats]

go with the D16a1 Cyl head and make a hydra out of it, wont break the bank and is a good mod from what I hear. Why not save a lil bit and start building a B swap?

[kacivic]

i've only got a few months left of school before i graduate w/ a mech. engr. degree, so i expect that money won't be much of a problem in the near future...

my uncle had an '86 si for several years (where i got the old JR catalogue) and he did the cam/lightened flywheel etc and my aunt said that the car was unbearable (for her). i'd like to keep this a street friendly car, and since i only paid $500 for it, i'm reluctant to drop too much money into it too soon.

i'd really like to piece together a turbo kit since i've never done turbo, but at the same time i'm thinking i'd rather just save my money for the B swap. i honestly think that if i was getting 125-150 hp at the wheels it would be more than i really need.

ALSO... i was at work yesterday and this guy came in. turns out he was one of the owners of my civic from early in its life and gave me a little of it's history. even tho the engine has 210k on it, apparently he had the cylinders bored & put new rings in, as well as having the injectors professionally cleaned, etc. it certainly runs really well considering the mileage and the fact that the guy i bought it from neglected it for 5 years.

So, i think i'm gonna do a compression test and then start looking into the turbo setup... which brings 2 more questions.

1) any suggestions for a performance rebuild of a transmission and
2) any suggestions on turbo manifolds for the EW, or will it have to be custom?

[zakats]

custom exh manifold unless you want to use the dx/hf manifold which is popular only you'll need a custom adapter plate made for the turbo flange. if you dont have verrry good comperssion numbers u might wanna reconsider that turbo. since you're in between ideas in what you want to do, I'd reccomend instead start piecing together a B swap since more than likely you;re going to want one before too long anyway. might as well not waste more time than needed. besides B series is more hp and more reliable especially since when you get into whatever new job you get(unless you're currently doing an internship ur gona stick with) your free time might be a bit diff than u expect in the beginning...... just a thought
-zak

[Madkore]

any suggestions for a performance rebuild of a transmission

Transmission Overhaul Kit for 5-Speed First Generation CRX, Civic.  Includes bearings, seals and all five synchronizer baulk rings.

Honda Transmission Kit Item Number 40200 $189.00

Get a quality rebuild kit like this one from Rivergate:

http://www.rivergate...erformance.html

Includes the brass synchronizer baulk rings. Try pricing just these brass synchronizer baulk rings.

Look for a good LSD. If you can find one, the Mugen LSD is great. Not cheap, but a great LSD.
Do a search for discussions on other types of LSDs for our cars.
A lot of people do not like the Phantom Grip LSD, but some people have had no problems with them.

There really isn't much more you can do to the trans unless you spend mega bucks for things like a 4.93 Final Drive or special gears.

[kacivic]

thanks madkore. when i said "performance rebuild" i really didn't mean that i wanted anything particularly custom, just some kind of rebuild kit that would allow the transmission to stand up to higher power without falling apart

[Forcefed Si]

if you are interested in turboing it i think that you should do it and then if it burns down or you dont like it do a swap. it isnt that hard and i love my turbo setup it makes them into a fun little car