Just bought a civic - what are some beginner mods?
 

I just got a used 2006 Civic EX and I would like to get into some small customizations. I am somehwat of a DIY'er, but I have never really done much with cars, so I thought this would be a good place to start. The car is in essentially new condition with only 31k mileage and under Honda's certified used warranty, so I don't want to get into anything that might void that warranty. The 1.8L I4 is great as far as gas mileage, but a little lacking on power. I was reading the posts on turbochargers and superchargers, but I think that is a bit complicated and probably pretty expensive. Are there any upgrades or smaller-scale mods that I can implement to improve the engine's horspower or performance? How would that affect the gas mileage?

Also, could anyone recommend any good info resources for someone just starting out?

RE: Just bought a civic - what are some beginner mods?
 

if your worried about the warrenty i'de suggest getting some of the HFP parts from a dealer,

they are going to be expensive but im sure you wont void the warrenty if you have them install it

RE: Just bought a civic - what are some beginner mods?
 

intake, header, exhaust are the most common "Bolt on" modifications. If you get good quality I/H/E you might be looking at 10-15 hp, some nice sound, added throttle response, and maybe a slight increase in MPG

susepnsion mods make hte car alot more fun to drive. Strut bars are the simplest and make taking corners easier, lowering springs are common as well. A mild set of loweing springs are some Tein S-Techs or H-Techs, both can be used with stock shocks as well. They lower the car 1"-2" and apparently make it really fun to drive.

Turbochargers are your best bang for your buck, but the buck is $1500+ ;)

RE: Just bought a civic - what are some beginner mods?
 

I'm not sure about replacing the header, but adding a cat-back exhaust shouldn't void your warranty, so long as you don't mess with the cat. An intake that is correctly installed will not void the warranty; however, if you incorreclty install an intake (which you basically have to try to do) and something is damaged directly because of your intake, the warranty will not cover it. Also, with the suspension, I don't think the warranty will cover it if, say, a shock goes out or something if you have lowering springs.

For more info on intakes, try here: https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_335102/tm.htm
And more info on exhausts can be found here: https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_425424/tm.htm

RE: Just bought a civic - what are some beginner mods?
 

ya the best thing to do really is to contact honda and see what you can add. i know when i bought my 07 sierra i put a k & n intake on it and the dealer said that the powertrain was no longer covered and i said fu(k you pussy!