I have a 2004 EX. I've read up and almost everyone says to swap in a K20. I've put a lot of thought into this and I decided that I'm not looking to have a huge amount of HP, I'd like to add HP to the existing engine but I'm not concerned about having over 200 or anything like that. I just want a good looking, good sounding, faster than average Civic. I've decided I wanna go the NA route. Could anyone suggest some parts? Also, is there any preferred order to upgrade the engine in?

 

Honestly, you're probably not going to want to hear this, but your D17 is terrible for making power. Even if you go forced induction you're going to have a difficult time making power.

Since you're in KY, I'd say you could safely swap in an older d16y8 or a d16z6, both of which respond a little better to mods. I'm not sure how much effort you're willing to put into it, but the general idea with N/A motors is raise the compression and put a big cam in. With bolt-ons, you're looking at very little power over stock, but if you put higher compression pistons in it and build the head, you should be sitting at a somewhat decent power level. Of course, you'll want it dyno tuned with either of those.

 

I'll look into the pistons. I've looked around for engines to swap in, but you'd be surprised at how very few there are available here. Modding isn't a very common thing here and most imports are in just terrible condition and I really wouldn't trust taking parts from them. My car already has a ton of miles on it and I just wanna get some experience before I go all out on my next car, which will most likely be an Si. Aside from a complete swap, any other advice?

 

Ehh, you can try bolt-ons, but like I said, it's not going to make much power on a d17.

Have you checked Lexington's craigslist? I mean, I know it's a bit of a drive, but there's usually honda parts/engines for sale here.

But if you're looking for familiarity with honda engines first and performance second, an intake, header, and exhaust wouldn't be a bad idea; you're not looking at much of a power gain, though.

 

N/A D17A2 is never going to be fast

 

I'm really not looking to make it incredibly fast. I just want to get familiar with it all before I start anything big. Yes, I'm an oddball...I realize this.

 

look into buying a cam, intake, exhaust. also if manual get lightweight flywheel and a stage 1 clutch kit.

 

should be good for the purpose you want

 

Do everything that Mitch and Reaper mentioned and that will be a good start for you. No matter what you do to a D17 (N/A wise anyway) you wont get a ton of power which is what your looking for so really its a good base for you to get your hands dirty in and get the basics of Honda motors. BTW, just in case no one welcomed you on here, welcome to HCF

 

Add a wing, like 36 decals (make sure one's a NOS sticker) and a body kit. Should be good for around 215 whp

but seriously, what they said. but the direction I would go (after the I/H/E) is to upgrade the suspension, make you car handle like a go kart. Having power is great, but Civics do love to go around corners

Just food for thought.